Every year I make the same resolutions, lose weight, get in shape, run a marathon, pay off debt and graduate from college. This year I lost weight and gained it back, got in shape and ran two 5K's, now I'm out of breath walking up stairs. I finally graduated from College (Thanks for coming Dane, even thought I didn't get to see you) LOL Paid off (with the help of my parents who I'm paying back) all my debt. So, I thought I should make the lose weight goal, get in shape and run a real marathon my goals. BO-RING! I know, so instead of focusing on me, I think I'll make New Years Resolutions for others.
MTV - To make music videos or find REAL stars to make reality TV shows about. It was funny with the Osborne's and we laughed at the first couple of Real Worlds, but seriously. You hit a low with Celebrity Fit club and Dr. Drew Celeb rehab. Lets go back to, oh I don't know, music television. Crazy, I know.
Paris Hilton - Retire. We get it your family has money and you are a hoochie. No one wants to be your BFF except crazy girls.
Stephanie Meyers - write something that doesn't make girls sound whiny and boys sound like dark, obsessive, prone to violence adolescents. I'm still a little bitter.
Brittany Spears - Get it together girl. Millions of dollars and lots of fame and you are still crazy. Life is not drama, you are. Take your meds.
Fox TV - you have two good shows, the Simpsons and House. Everything else is NBC re-runs, whats up with that!
BYU Football team, can we get a good o-line next year! PLEASE! Help your quarterback.
Happy New Years Everyone!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Sometimes I can cook too...
My father is an excellent cook. I am a believer that cooking is not hard, however excellent cooking is a gift. I have not been blessed with that talent. However I do make a few things well and I did it by trial and error. So, I'll share one of my famous recipes with you, please keep in mind that I make these dishes by sight and so while I am saying a certain amount of ingredients you may have to add or reduce based on how it looks and the consistency you like.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
This recipe I made up based on an Tyler's ultimate mashed potatoes and Spencer's Garlic Smashed potato recipes that I mixed together. This dish serves either 7 Tongans or 20 palangi's LOL.
Ingredients:
5lb bag of Golden potatoes - wash them.
3tbs of olive oil
2 twigs of fresh rosemary
3 whole minced garlic cloves
2 cups of half & half milk (you can use regular milk, but its not as tasty)
1 cup of salted butter
2-packages of cream cheese softened
Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
This recipe I made up based on an Tyler's ultimate mashed potatoes and Spencer's Garlic Smashed potato recipes that I mixed together. This dish serves either 7 Tongans or 20 palangi's LOL.
Ingredients:
5lb bag of Golden potatoes - wash them.
3tbs of olive oil
2 twigs of fresh rosemary
3 whole minced garlic cloves
2 cups of half & half milk (you can use regular milk, but its not as tasty)
1 cup of salted butter
2-packages of cream cheese softened
wash and then boil (1) Five pound bag of unpeeled potatoes until fully cooked. While the potatoes are boiling, in a separate pan place the chopped cloves of garlic and rosemary twigs and saute them in olive oil until lightly brown. In another pot place the half and half milk and a stick of butter and place over medium heat until the milk begins to simmer then immediately remove from heat. Once the potatoes are done boiling remove them from heat and drain the water. begin to smash the potatoes together either in a kitchen aid or with a tool of some sort, combine the potatoes with soften cream cheese. Slowly add the garlic and rosemary with the olive oil into the potatoes while stirring. Then add the milk and butter until you reach the consistency of the potatoes that you like remember you can always add more, but you can't remove it if its too runny. I like mine a little lumpy, but that's just me. Add salt and pepper to taste.
That's it! Make it and your family will LOVE it!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
What doesn't kill us will only make us stronger...I don't buy it.
It is with a heavy heart that I report that the mighty BYU cougars...lost, that's the good news. The bad news, it was to to... the *cough* *gagging sound* Utes. What is up with THAT! I would like the Ute fans to remember that I did not rub anything in last year, or the year before.
Some people ask why I am such a cougar fan. The only response is that I was raised this way, the right way. In all seriousness, I am glad that we still have something to cheer or get excited about. College sports is a great diversion when the outlook for the economy and job losses can seem so down.
A friend of mine, who is a cougar, and I were talking and she doesn't see the point of college football. I was a bit speechless, but here is my response. Competitive sports are traditional in every culture. It is a way of binding a society together. It helps to identify a hero and a villain. Us versus them. People can get aggression out in a way which will help them to move beyond cultural differences and break barriers, sometimes without the violence associated. We can see this in Jesse Owens during the Olympics, Jackie Robinson and baseball, Tiger Woods and the PGA. Societies that aren't necessarily ready to accept change socially can accept it through athletics. Then eventually they will ask themselves, I cheer for them in sports, why can't I cheer for them outside of the sport.
Which is why I still like Max Hall. We still had a great season and I'm still a cougar.
Some people ask why I am such a cougar fan. The only response is that I was raised this way, the right way. In all seriousness, I am glad that we still have something to cheer or get excited about. College sports is a great diversion when the outlook for the economy and job losses can seem so down.
A friend of mine, who is a cougar, and I were talking and she doesn't see the point of college football. I was a bit speechless, but here is my response. Competitive sports are traditional in every culture. It is a way of binding a society together. It helps to identify a hero and a villain. Us versus them. People can get aggression out in a way which will help them to move beyond cultural differences and break barriers, sometimes without the violence associated. We can see this in Jesse Owens during the Olympics, Jackie Robinson and baseball, Tiger Woods and the PGA. Societies that aren't necessarily ready to accept change socially can accept it through athletics. Then eventually they will ask themselves, I cheer for them in sports, why can't I cheer for them outside of the sport.
Which is why I still like Max Hall. We still had a great season and I'm still a cougar.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
I don't have TiVo but I love TV
It seems that everyone has TiVo or DVR these days. I WISH I had either of them. However, I do not. Instead, I watch many of my shows on Sunday on my laptop. I love it!
Television viewing used to be either you snooze you lose. However, now people can make their TV fit their schedule. I don't know if this is dangerous idea or not. I'll give you an example.
My cousin Larry Moeaki (shout out whoo! hoo!) and I lived in my family's home in Provo when I first got back from my LDS mission. He was addicted to two shows at the time, The Practice and The Sopranos. I was not allowed to talk or even think about coming home during those two shows. WHY, you ask because he had formed "The Practice" club. To which he was the only member. On Sunday's I had to either go home to Salt Lake or stay at a friends house. If I did not, for the rest of the week Larry would not talk to me. So, to get around this rule, I petitioned to join the practice club. I wrote a formal letter and all. I was accepted only after a series of what can only be describes as hazing. We did bond and I know I am his second favorite roommate EVER, after his wife.
If I had owned a TiVo we may not have been able to have those hazing/bonding experiences.
I watch the following shows on the poor mans TiVo the Internet full episodes: Greys Anatomy, Ugly Betty & HOUSE.
P.S. Shout out to Jacqueline Crowther (who is not black) my Grey's Anatomy buddy and facebook complicated relationship friend. ;)
Television viewing used to be either you snooze you lose. However, now people can make their TV fit their schedule. I don't know if this is dangerous idea or not. I'll give you an example.
My cousin Larry Moeaki (shout out whoo! hoo!) and I lived in my family's home in Provo when I first got back from my LDS mission. He was addicted to two shows at the time, The Practice and The Sopranos. I was not allowed to talk or even think about coming home during those two shows. WHY, you ask because he had formed "The Practice" club. To which he was the only member. On Sunday's I had to either go home to Salt Lake or stay at a friends house. If I did not, for the rest of the week Larry would not talk to me. So, to get around this rule, I petitioned to join the practice club. I wrote a formal letter and all. I was accepted only after a series of what can only be describes as hazing. We did bond and I know I am his second favorite roommate EVER, after his wife.
If I had owned a TiVo we may not have been able to have those hazing/bonding experiences.
I watch the following shows on the poor mans TiVo the Internet full episodes: Greys Anatomy, Ugly Betty & HOUSE.
P.S. Shout out to Jacqueline Crowther (who is not black) my Grey's Anatomy buddy and facebook complicated relationship friend. ;)
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Bad Boys vs. Good Guys
I was having a conversation with a cousin of mine this weekend. She was telling me that she is in love with this guy. He is always drunk, he's a gang banger and basically a "bad boy." She told me that she has always been attracted to "bad boys." While I was trying to tell her about her options and that she can do better, I found myself having dejavu. I have had this conversation with other friends and cousins about "bad boys." Why do women like them?
I have no idea. I think it might have to do with the idea of taming them or rebelling. I've always been attracted to good guys. I like the idea that I won't go through an emotional roller coaster. Maybe girls that like bad boys like drama. While we were having this conversation she told me about three other cousins who like bad boys. I guess I'll be having dejavu again.
P.S. I promised my cousin Larry Moeaki he would get a shout out in my blog. He's a good guy, sometimes. ;)
I have no idea. I think it might have to do with the idea of taming them or rebelling. I've always been attracted to good guys. I like the idea that I won't go through an emotional roller coaster. Maybe girls that like bad boys like drama. While we were having this conversation she told me about three other cousins who like bad boys. I guess I'll be having dejavu again.
P.S. I promised my cousin Larry Moeaki he would get a shout out in my blog. He's a good guy, sometimes. ;)
Monday, November 3, 2008
Am I :D or :( ... emoticons...why I can't type without them. ;)
It all began with simple ha! ha! ha!'s at the end of my sentences. Then I started writing lol. Later it was WTH-k. (I try not to swear even in text form, although I am not perfect). Now, I don't know how to type without them or worse...emoticons.
I just get nervous and question myself, will they know I'm kidding if I don't write LM@O or ;). A friend of mine who holds degrees in English and French Literature chastised me a while back after I sent her a sarcastic email with a "LOL" & :D at the end of the sentence. She commented that I had become "one of them." By "them" she meant the masses who do not know how to express themselves properly through punctuation and diction.
My main form of communication between clients is through email. I usually only speak with them when I am actually in negotiations, even then usually I type to clarify. However, I find that many of them use emoticons in business language. It makes me uncomfortable, however I feel as if I HAVE to return the LOL or ROFLM@O.
It must be indicative of the sarcastic nature of our society that we really can't just say what we mean. Our humor can be so biting and our punctuation so lackadaisical that we can not decipher what the other person means or is trying to say without them adding a :o) or a >:). I enjoy a good joke, but where does that leave our language if we can not properly punctuate. How will we understand one another? Is the English language doomed or am I just going to have to make up new ways of expressing myself. :-P.
I just get nervous and question myself, will they know I'm kidding if I don't write LM@O or ;). A friend of mine who holds degrees in English and French Literature chastised me a while back after I sent her a sarcastic email with a "LOL" & :D at the end of the sentence. She commented that I had become "one of them." By "them" she meant the masses who do not know how to express themselves properly through punctuation and diction.
My main form of communication between clients is through email. I usually only speak with them when I am actually in negotiations, even then usually I type to clarify. However, I find that many of them use emoticons in business language. It makes me uncomfortable, however I feel as if I HAVE to return the LOL or ROFLM@O.
It must be indicative of the sarcastic nature of our society that we really can't just say what we mean. Our humor can be so biting and our punctuation so lackadaisical that we can not decipher what the other person means or is trying to say without them adding a :o) or a >:). I enjoy a good joke, but where does that leave our language if we can not properly punctuate. How will we understand one another? Is the English language doomed or am I just going to have to make up new ways of expressing myself. :-P.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Man Hands...yeah that's me ;)
So, in a previous post I discussed that a physical feature I like about myself are my hands. What I failed to tell you, is that my hands are pretty big. My friend and work and I laugh about our hands and if you've ever seen the Jerry Seinfeld episode, we call them our "Man hands."
I wear a size 9 in ring. YEAH! I know. Crazy. I can't buy any of the nice feminine gloves because one size does NOT fit ALL!
I conjure up images of "So, I Married an Axe Murderer" and say "Hand move now" and laugh. One of my mahu (gay male feminine) cousins tried to make me feel better, he said "They are not Man Hands, they are elegant and graceful, like Queen Salote." That's why I love my mahu cousins.
I really don't mind that they're big, its funny how some things make you sensitive and others you just brush your shoulder. Now, if they made fun of my old red-framed glasses it would be ON! ;)
I wear a size 9 in ring. YEAH! I know. Crazy. I can't buy any of the nice feminine gloves because one size does NOT fit ALL!
I conjure up images of "So, I Married an Axe Murderer" and say "Hand move now" and laugh. One of my mahu (gay male feminine) cousins tried to make me feel better, he said "They are not Man Hands, they are elegant and graceful, like Queen Salote." That's why I love my mahu cousins.
I really don't mind that they're big, its funny how some things make you sensitive and others you just brush your shoulder. Now, if they made fun of my old red-framed glasses it would be ON! ;)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Confessions of a Social Network Addict
Hello, my name is Hola and I am a social network addict. It started out as just something fun and casual. I thought, hey all my friends are doing it. It began with a casual profile on myspace. Then my cousins all told me they were on bebo. Then all my classmates and siblings were on facebook. Next thing I knew, I was writing on other peoples walls. I couldn't even go a whole day without checking on my phone. While I was in line at the grocery store, I would check on other peoples walls. When sitting in doctors appointments I would be facebook stalking. Then people began poking me. At first, I thought it was strange and then I started to like it. *sobbing* I couldn't stop.
I told myself, I could handle it. I mean, I wasn't hurting anyone. All of the games were free. However, I started comparing myself to others. Are we "best friends," are we "soul mates." Who did I need to cut out because our pet peeves are "same difference" or worse..."miles apart." I began avoiding my friends because I know that they would wonder why I did not accept their flowers. *screams* I can only save so much rain forest a day.
SO, I lost my phone. (I don't want to hear it) It has forced me to re-evaluate my life. I have had to take a hard long look at how many of my 192 really close friends can I keep in touch. How many pieces of flair really mean something to me. One day at a time. One day at a time.
I told myself, I could handle it. I mean, I wasn't hurting anyone. All of the games were free. However, I started comparing myself to others. Are we "best friends," are we "soul mates." Who did I need to cut out because our pet peeves are "same difference" or worse..."miles apart." I began avoiding my friends because I know that they would wonder why I did not accept their flowers. *screams* I can only save so much rain forest a day.
SO, I lost my phone. (I don't want to hear it) It has forced me to re-evaluate my life. I have had to take a hard long look at how many of my 192 really close friends can I keep in touch. How many pieces of flair really mean something to me. One day at a time. One day at a time.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Am I being too picky????
I have an Uncle, well I have many actually. But, this one particular Uncle, every time I see him tells me to tell my mother to stop being so picky. He is referring to my marital status. He thinks I should just get married. As if I can just pick a husband up at the local McDonald's. Well, he actually may not be too far off.
This past weekend, I had to open the store as usual. However, I also had to make the bank deposit from the night before. The store opens at 8:30am and the bank opens at 9:00 am. We always try to have two people in the store. I told my cousin I didn't think it would be that busy this morning because of the LDS General Conference, later definitely, but only between sessions. So, I told her I would drop off the deposit and I needed to weigh in at weight watchers. I said, it would take me about 30 minutes and I would buy her some McDonald's. She agreed and so I ran my errands. When I pulled into the McDonald's parking lot, the line to the drive in was waaay to long. I thought for sure the line inside would be shorter, plus I try not to idle my car, for the environment and my wallet...ha. Next time I'm going to let the car idle and cause a hole in the ozone. Here is what happened.
So, I parked the car and went inside. I was standing in a huge crowd and trying to get to the line. A small hispanic man with a strong accent, told me I could go ahead of him. I smiled and said thank you. Then we proceeded to have the following conversation.
Him: Where is your husband?
Me: huh?
Him: Boyfriend?
Me: (When will I learn to lie) *Awkward smile*. No.
Him: Do you want a boyfriend?
Me: (the lady in front of me kept making the guy repeat back her order, he hardly spoke English and the line was taking FOREVER, I wanted to kill them) Not really.
Him: Are you sure?
Me: Yeah, I'm good.
Him: So, am I. (He started to laugh, ick)
Me: ( I Quickly turn to the cashier and give her my order and money and feel sick to my stomach and move to the side to wait for my food. As I am waiting a kid comes up to the man and says, "Dad is the food done yet?")
Don't ever be picking up girls at McDonald's while your KIDS are waiting for their food. Am I being too picky...I don't think so. Sheesh!
This past weekend, I had to open the store as usual. However, I also had to make the bank deposit from the night before. The store opens at 8:30am and the bank opens at 9:00 am. We always try to have two people in the store. I told my cousin I didn't think it would be that busy this morning because of the LDS General Conference, later definitely, but only between sessions. So, I told her I would drop off the deposit and I needed to weigh in at weight watchers. I said, it would take me about 30 minutes and I would buy her some McDonald's. She agreed and so I ran my errands. When I pulled into the McDonald's parking lot, the line to the drive in was waaay to long. I thought for sure the line inside would be shorter, plus I try not to idle my car, for the environment and my wallet...ha. Next time I'm going to let the car idle and cause a hole in the ozone. Here is what happened.
So, I parked the car and went inside. I was standing in a huge crowd and trying to get to the line. A small hispanic man with a strong accent, told me I could go ahead of him. I smiled and said thank you. Then we proceeded to have the following conversation.
Him: Where is your husband?
Me: huh?
Him: Boyfriend?
Me: (When will I learn to lie) *Awkward smile*. No.
Him: Do you want a boyfriend?
Me: (the lady in front of me kept making the guy repeat back her order, he hardly spoke English and the line was taking FOREVER, I wanted to kill them) Not really.
Him: Are you sure?
Me: Yeah, I'm good.
Him: So, am I. (He started to laugh, ick)
Me: ( I Quickly turn to the cashier and give her my order and money and feel sick to my stomach and move to the side to wait for my food. As I am waiting a kid comes up to the man and says, "Dad is the food done yet?")
Don't ever be picking up girls at McDonald's while your KIDS are waiting for their food. Am I being too picky...I don't think so. Sheesh!
Monday, September 29, 2008
10 Signs You're too OLD for the SINGLES WARD.
I attend a singles LDS Ward. For those who do not belong to the LDS Faith, many of these wards are to "help" single LDS people go to church with people who have a similar outlook on life and have shared experiences. It can be a good thing, however it is mainly for people in their 20's and there is a time when people may "hint" that maybe you should go to the "regular" family wards. These are all hypothetical, however they may hit close to home for some. The characters and situations are all fictional. ( just needed to add my Law & Order clause in case some of you seek royalties or compensation for public humiliation.) ;)
1. The Bishop starts asking members to pray specifically for you to find "a special spirit" during the monthly fast.
2. Other ward members start referring to you as "wise" and "more mature" when trying to set you up with THEIR single parent.
3. When you go to a church dance you request the DJ to play your favorite song, he smiles at you and says, "I love the oldies too."
4. The newly appointed counselor in the bishopric says in his first address to the ward, that he is happy to see some familiar faces. Especially yours because you used to teach him in PRIMARY!
5. You mention to your family home evening group that you went to the Cheers bar when you were in Boston, they all look at you with blank stares and judge you for going to a bar.
6. The year that you graduated from High School is the year that many of them were born.
7. The bishop gives you a calling as Ward Historian, because all of the ward members think that history started with you.
8. You attend a new singles ward with your sister/brother and the bishop tells them that its so nice to have their "MOTHER/FATHER" attend church with them.
9. You find yourself telling other ward members that you remembered going to the ward with their parents. Good times.
10. You make some movie suggestions to the ward activity committee and they turn you down because they don't watch TCM they watch TMZ.
Remember this is fictional, I am not that old...I think. ;)
1. The Bishop starts asking members to pray specifically for you to find "a special spirit" during the monthly fast.
2. Other ward members start referring to you as "wise" and "more mature" when trying to set you up with THEIR single parent.
3. When you go to a church dance you request the DJ to play your favorite song, he smiles at you and says, "I love the oldies too."
4. The newly appointed counselor in the bishopric says in his first address to the ward, that he is happy to see some familiar faces. Especially yours because you used to teach him in PRIMARY!
5. You mention to your family home evening group that you went to the Cheers bar when you were in Boston, they all look at you with blank stares and judge you for going to a bar.
6. The year that you graduated from High School is the year that many of them were born.
7. The bishop gives you a calling as Ward Historian, because all of the ward members think that history started with you.
8. You attend a new singles ward with your sister/brother and the bishop tells them that its so nice to have their "MOTHER/FATHER" attend church with them.
9. You find yourself telling other ward members that you remembered going to the ward with their parents. Good times.
10. You make some movie suggestions to the ward activity committee and they turn you down because they don't watch TCM they watch TMZ.
Remember this is fictional, I am not that old...I think. ;)
Monday, September 22, 2008
Why I have the greatest roommates in the WHOLE WORLD!
I have the GREATEST ROOMIES in the WORLD! Here are some reasons.
1. My Roommates share a room and bathroom, I get my own room and bathroom. (Jealous, I know)
2. I get along with my roommates "boyfriend" as I like to call him. He is quite the handsome guy, but really not my type. He's so "patriarchal."
3. I'm so comfortable with my roomies, I feel like we've known each other my whole life.
4. My roommates charge me the perfect rent rate. It is very affordable.
5. My only hang up is my roommates family. They are not always my favorite people. Especially the ones that call from Hawaii. You are 4 hours behind. We're already in BED!
That's about all. I hope you all are enjoying your roomies as well. Remember its not the destination, its the journey! That's how you find happiness. ;)
1. My Roommates share a room and bathroom, I get my own room and bathroom. (Jealous, I know)
2. I get along with my roommates "boyfriend" as I like to call him. He is quite the handsome guy, but really not my type. He's so "patriarchal."
3. I'm so comfortable with my roomies, I feel like we've known each other my whole life.
4. My roommates charge me the perfect rent rate. It is very affordable.
5. My only hang up is my roommates family. They are not always my favorite people. Especially the ones that call from Hawaii. You are 4 hours behind. We're already in BED!
That's about all. I hope you all are enjoying your roomies as well. Remember its not the destination, its the journey! That's how you find happiness. ;)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Hawaiian Hut...or Hawaiian Nut
Recently, I began helping out at my uncle and father's store. It has been very entertaining to say the least. (I'm still at the hotel)
So much drama and craziness. If there were bilingual reality shows on Polynesians, it should be Tony's Hawaiian Hut. It would have to be a USA television series, because characters are all welcome.
If you come to the store, it is not like Wal-Mart or Kmart where you know where everything is. When you come into the store one day, it will be completely changed and remodeled the next day. The store has been remodeled and dry walled more times than I can remember. I laugh at this because the last time we re-painted our house was when it was almost burned down due to my mother leaving a candle lit on the staircase(Maybe another blog, I'll think about it). Before that, it was painted when we moved in...1996. Yeah, I know.
It is like watching an episode of Who's the Boss at times. Everyone has an opinion on everything and Tongan's are aggressive on the football/rugby field, not so much with each other. My father, the least of all. My mother on the other hand is a tiger. Do not mess with her.
My aunt is the fashion consultant for all the clothing and merchandising. She is very serious about it and does a great job. Her daughter and my cousins help out with the store. They are hilarious and we laugh more than we work sometimes. If you're on the west side you should come and visit us at Tony's Hawaiian Hut...or Nut sometimes I forget.
So much drama and craziness. If there were bilingual reality shows on Polynesians, it should be Tony's Hawaiian Hut. It would have to be a USA television series, because characters are all welcome.
If you come to the store, it is not like Wal-Mart or Kmart where you know where everything is. When you come into the store one day, it will be completely changed and remodeled the next day. The store has been remodeled and dry walled more times than I can remember. I laugh at this because the last time we re-painted our house was when it was almost burned down due to my mother leaving a candle lit on the staircase(Maybe another blog, I'll think about it). Before that, it was painted when we moved in...1996. Yeah, I know.
It is like watching an episode of Who's the Boss at times. Everyone has an opinion on everything and Tongan's are aggressive on the football/rugby field, not so much with each other. My father, the least of all. My mother on the other hand is a tiger. Do not mess with her.
My aunt is the fashion consultant for all the clothing and merchandising. She is very serious about it and does a great job. Her daughter and my cousins help out with the store. They are hilarious and we laugh more than we work sometimes. If you're on the west side you should come and visit us at Tony's Hawaiian Hut...or Nut sometimes I forget.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
My Write In Campaign
I think that conservatives deserve a conservative President to protect them from the liberalisation of the world. We all know that Vice Presidents have only two jobs. To inquire on the health of the President and to go to dinner with foreign heads of State. So, all this discussion on Vice Presidential candidate is irrelevant. Therefore I am starting a write in campaign for President.
Neo-cons deserve a President Reagan, who cares about foreign war experience. He was govenor of a large State and lead the U.S. Olympics in Salt Lake als, he speaks French. So, he can understand when President Sarkozy is talking about us behind our backs. We know that's what all foreign tongues do is talk about how they hate American.
Why waste your vote on someone who in the past has supported immigration reform, which included allowing illegal immigrations a pathway to citizenship.
Eagle Scouts were made for Presidency. I am encouraging all my conservative friends to vote for change and write in Mitt Willard Romney for 44th President of the United States.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
I love technology...always and forever
One of my all time favorite movies has to be Napoleon Dynamite. It still makes me laugh every time I watch it. I know that you are not all fans, for that I am truly sorry, for you. In the movie, Kip sings a song to his "soul mate" LaFawnduh whom he met online. "I love technology...always and forever." The song makes me crack up.
The reason I thought of this song is that a while back I went to a salon in Provo and I was speaking to the lady that was working on me. I had gone to her a couple of times, she was getting married and was excited to move out of her singles Stake. She told me that her Stake President had asked the members of the ward to go on a "technology fast." This did not mean that they became Amish or anything, but that they spend time doing other things instead of going to the movies or watching TV or surfing the Internet. They could do this by speaking to their roommates, reading books, taking walks, etc. They could do things that their job required and could read the paper for news and things. I thought at the time. "I'm glad I'm not in your Stake." However, lately I've been thinking about doing a self-imposed "fast." I think sometimes, I am so bombarded with technology that I forget to connect with people that I care about personally. I text message them all the time. I write on their facebook, myspace or bebo walls. Its easier and I can do it on my own time table. I can devote as little or as much time as I want to this conversation.
I just was thinking that sometimes having easy accessibility to talk to a person makes us take conversation for granted. All day long, I am on email, messaging, text and online. Having discussions with my family seems obsolete at times, because I read their wall, blog and other family discussions. Maybe this will make me appreciate how disconnected we sometimes are when we think we're "linked." Just a thought. Until then, Peace out Napoleon.
The reason I thought of this song is that a while back I went to a salon in Provo and I was speaking to the lady that was working on me. I had gone to her a couple of times, she was getting married and was excited to move out of her singles Stake. She told me that her Stake President had asked the members of the ward to go on a "technology fast." This did not mean that they became Amish or anything, but that they spend time doing other things instead of going to the movies or watching TV or surfing the Internet. They could do this by speaking to their roommates, reading books, taking walks, etc. They could do things that their job required and could read the paper for news and things. I thought at the time. "I'm glad I'm not in your Stake." However, lately I've been thinking about doing a self-imposed "fast." I think sometimes, I am so bombarded with technology that I forget to connect with people that I care about personally. I text message them all the time. I write on their facebook, myspace or bebo walls. Its easier and I can do it on my own time table. I can devote as little or as much time as I want to this conversation.
I just was thinking that sometimes having easy accessibility to talk to a person makes us take conversation for granted. All day long, I am on email, messaging, text and online. Having discussions with my family seems obsolete at times, because I read their wall, blog and other family discussions. Maybe this will make me appreciate how disconnected we sometimes are when we think we're "linked." Just a thought. Until then, Peace out Napoleon.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Keeping Up Appearances...
I work in a sales environment and therefore I have to dress very conservatively so that I do not distract from the product that I sell. I wear suits and nylons every day at work. It can be a pain, but unfortunately people do care about what I look like. I enjoy my job and so I must conform, even though I would prefer to wear sweats. Which brings me to my topic today of how much do we judge other's appearance and make assumptions?
Both of my parents attended Brigham Young University in Provo and Hawaii. My mother earned a masters degree in library science and is very well read. She received her degrees in a language that is not her native tongue. To this day she is very self-conscientious of her accent and her English diction is better than most Americans who are raised with English as their first and only language. It annoys me when I go to places with her and as soon as people see her and hear an accent they automatically assume they can not understand her. I will illustrate a point by using a personal experience with an Aunt of mine.
My Aunt was coming to Salt Lake City to visit and attend a conference. I work in a downtown hotel and therefore I invited her to stay at my hotel instead of where the conference was being held. My aunt has a Ph.D. She is fluent in English and Tongan. She was checking into the hotel and speaking to her brother who lives in Salt Lake in Tongan. Whether they didn't notice that they were at the counter or what happened prior to coming to the counter, I don't know. The front desk agent began to speak loudly...and slowly.
"DO YOU HAVE A RES-ER-VA-TION?" To which they replied with an odd look at her,
"Yes." they gave her their confirmation number and credit card. They must have begun speaking in Tongan again. Because from what I heard, she began to motion in large sweeping hand movements. "YOU NEED TO SIGN." They signed and started laughing. My friend who supervised the front desk came and spoke to her afterwards and apologized to me. She told me that my aunt spoke perfect English, with a slight British accent (most Tongans in Tonga have British or New Zealanders as teachers and it is mandatory to speak only English in schools). I suppose the agent only saw and heard what she wanted to hear. I was horrified, my Aunt just laughed when I apologized, she said it was no big deal.
My favorite line in the movie Selena, is when she is discussing with her father what growing up in America is like versus Mexico. Her father tells her "Just because I speak with an accent doesn't mean I think with an accent." I try to avoid making judgements on people based on appearance, however I am human. What about you?
Both of my parents attended Brigham Young University in Provo and Hawaii. My mother earned a masters degree in library science and is very well read. She received her degrees in a language that is not her native tongue. To this day she is very self-conscientious of her accent and her English diction is better than most Americans who are raised with English as their first and only language. It annoys me when I go to places with her and as soon as people see her and hear an accent they automatically assume they can not understand her. I will illustrate a point by using a personal experience with an Aunt of mine.
My Aunt was coming to Salt Lake City to visit and attend a conference. I work in a downtown hotel and therefore I invited her to stay at my hotel instead of where the conference was being held. My aunt has a Ph.D. She is fluent in English and Tongan. She was checking into the hotel and speaking to her brother who lives in Salt Lake in Tongan. Whether they didn't notice that they were at the counter or what happened prior to coming to the counter, I don't know. The front desk agent began to speak loudly...and slowly.
"DO YOU HAVE A RES-ER-VA-TION?" To which they replied with an odd look at her,
"Yes." they gave her their confirmation number and credit card. They must have begun speaking in Tongan again. Because from what I heard, she began to motion in large sweeping hand movements. "YOU NEED TO SIGN." They signed and started laughing. My friend who supervised the front desk came and spoke to her afterwards and apologized to me. She told me that my aunt spoke perfect English, with a slight British accent (most Tongans in Tonga have British or New Zealanders as teachers and it is mandatory to speak only English in schools). I suppose the agent only saw and heard what she wanted to hear. I was horrified, my Aunt just laughed when I apologized, she said it was no big deal.
My favorite line in the movie Selena, is when she is discussing with her father what growing up in America is like versus Mexico. Her father tells her "Just because I speak with an accent doesn't mean I think with an accent." I try to avoid making judgements on people based on appearance, however I am human. What about you?
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Travel Should Take You Places...
I'm BAAAAACK! I just got back from a very fun mini vacation in New York City with one of my dearest friends who is more like a sister to me than just a friend. We saw Mary Poppins, ate great food hung out with my cousin who lives in Boston and a friend I haven't seen in years. It was all great. However, as you know, my blog is not a travel log of my exploits. I mean, it would only be so interesting if it was just a travel log. So, as usual, here are some things I've learned since coming back.
1. You need to ask the street vendors if their food is fresh BEFORE you purchase it.
We found this out when on our first day we bought our beloved roasted coconut. Yeah, not so good if its not fresh. So we asked the next time and were much happier.
2. Cab Drivers do not know addresses....
When we were trying to find the Mesa Grill, which was Bobby Flay's restaurant, we gave the cab driver the address and he dropped us off at 102st Street we needed to be between 15th and 16th Street. Yeah, we never depended on them to get us to our destination before we mapquested and looked at a map. It saved us a couple of times.
3. Everyone loves F.A.O. Schwartz....
Everyone is a kid at heart. People from all over the world assemble in New York City, which is one of the reasons I love it. However, when they are at F.A.O. Schwartz we are all childlike it doesn't matter what our religion is or where we are from, we all can't wait to see the child's face when we give them our present and are excited to play with their toys. Its all about the kids right? P.S. I loved the BIG PIANO from BIG. Soooo, fun! ;)
4. Cell phones can be the bane of our love life and the cell phone dealers our mortal enemies...
A cousin stayed with us a few days, her cell phone had a problem, it wouldn't charge. She was waiting for a VERY important call. It came, however her phone was DEAD. We went to a dealer to get it fixed. Some 18 year old kid who told us to go to another dealer and refused to help. DORK! I think they shouldn't let kids under 21 in ANY customer service capacity.
5. Traveling with only one check in bag, is TOUGH!
Even though my friend and I were only gone for five days, we are ladies and must prepare for any event. Limiting our luggage to under 50 lbs and only with ONE checked bag is torture for us. We had to think twice before all of our purchases and used the bathroom scale to weigh before we left for the airport. We packed and strategized in a manner that would make those who prepare to hike K2 (I say K2 because we only strategized seriously the morning we left, so not Mount Everest) proud. Her bag came in at 49 lbs. Yay! Mine, they didn't weigh because it looks so small. However, although I believe mine was heavier. hehehe! Take that Major Airline Carrier!
6. Coming home is LOVELY!
I love to travel and visit friends and places, but coming home to family and friends is always the best. Except when you're room is a mess from packing the morning of because you were preparing for a work talent show. Yeah, that will have to wait for another blog.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Facts about food you may not know...
1. Chinese cabbage is not the same as regular cabbage...
Yes. I learned this today, which is what inspired my blog. I should not have listened to my mother, who also substituted green beans for regular beans when making chili once. Yes, you read it correctly, this is why we only let my father cook. He is a fantastic cook. Which is why I am looking for a man who can cook as well.
2. Hawaiian Haystacks...are not Hawaiian..
I know this may be a shock to some of you, its true. The first time I had Hawaiian Haystacks was when my uncle's wife prepared them, she is Caucasian. I had them again, when I went on my LDS Mission to Sacramento. One of the church members invited us over, she wanted to make me some food from home. So, she made us Hawaiian Haystacks. She was very sweet and said, "does this remind you of home?" I said, "kind of ,I grew up in Utah and some of my family lives in Hawaii, so I love chicken and pineapple." I didn't know what to say. So, she made me admit it by asking this question. "Doesn't your Mom, make you this all the time?" So, I had to tell her the truth, "My Mom doesn't cook. My Dad does and this is only the second time, I've had this. Its not really 'Hawaiian' it just has pineapple and chow mien noodles. But, I love it." Awkward.
3. Churros are not Mexican...
I went to Cabo San Lucas and thought that they would have these, yeah no. Only at Costco and Sam's Club or at State fairs. Fo' Reals.
4. Not all Latin Food is Mexican...
I know, I had a companion from Puerto Rico. She barely spoke any English. She loved cheese whiz and hated Mexican food. We had another member who made tacos for us to help her feel at home. Same thing, not Puerto Rican.
5. Mongolian BBQ is not Mongolian...
I had a companion from Mongolia who barely spoke any English. She was great. She loved to cook Mongolian food, it was very good. Very meat and potatoes, not many vegetables. Another member decided to take us to Mongolian BBQ and she said "Sister, this not Mongolian, I cook Mongolian, this Chinese." It is still good, I don't care where you're from.
6. Spam is delicious...
Yes, you read it right. Fry me up some spam and rice and I am a happy girl. I love Spam Musubi. However, as it says on the label, it is a meat product. Which means it is not from a Spanimal. There are no Paniolo's (Hawaiian Cowboys) roping up spam. I don't care, its still my favorite breakfast, spam, eggs & rice. Yummy.
So, if you ever travel to Latin American, don't expect to eat Burritos or have fresh Pico de Gallo everywhere. If you go to Hawaii, get a spam breakfast, but not with peanut butter cups (50 First Dates).
Yes. I learned this today, which is what inspired my blog. I should not have listened to my mother, who also substituted green beans for regular beans when making chili once. Yes, you read it correctly, this is why we only let my father cook. He is a fantastic cook. Which is why I am looking for a man who can cook as well.
2. Hawaiian Haystacks...are not Hawaiian..
I know this may be a shock to some of you, its true. The first time I had Hawaiian Haystacks was when my uncle's wife prepared them, she is Caucasian. I had them again, when I went on my LDS Mission to Sacramento. One of the church members invited us over, she wanted to make me some food from home. So, she made us Hawaiian Haystacks. She was very sweet and said, "does this remind you of home?" I said, "kind of ,I grew up in Utah and some of my family lives in Hawaii, so I love chicken and pineapple." I didn't know what to say. So, she made me admit it by asking this question. "Doesn't your Mom, make you this all the time?" So, I had to tell her the truth, "My Mom doesn't cook. My Dad does and this is only the second time, I've had this. Its not really 'Hawaiian' it just has pineapple and chow mien noodles. But, I love it." Awkward.
3. Churros are not Mexican...
I went to Cabo San Lucas and thought that they would have these, yeah no. Only at Costco and Sam's Club or at State fairs. Fo' Reals.
4. Not all Latin Food is Mexican...
I know, I had a companion from Puerto Rico. She barely spoke any English. She loved cheese whiz and hated Mexican food. We had another member who made tacos for us to help her feel at home. Same thing, not Puerto Rican.
5. Mongolian BBQ is not Mongolian...
I had a companion from Mongolia who barely spoke any English. She was great. She loved to cook Mongolian food, it was very good. Very meat and potatoes, not many vegetables. Another member decided to take us to Mongolian BBQ and she said "Sister, this not Mongolian, I cook Mongolian, this Chinese." It is still good, I don't care where you're from.
6. Spam is delicious...
Yes, you read it right. Fry me up some spam and rice and I am a happy girl. I love Spam Musubi. However, as it says on the label, it is a meat product. Which means it is not from a Spanimal. There are no Paniolo's (Hawaiian Cowboys) roping up spam. I don't care, its still my favorite breakfast, spam, eggs & rice. Yummy.
So, if you ever travel to Latin American, don't expect to eat Burritos or have fresh Pico de Gallo everywhere. If you go to Hawaii, get a spam breakfast, but not with peanut butter cups (50 First Dates).
Monday, August 11, 2008
Diets and Exercise...why?
I am on weight watchers, I don't enjoy not eating my favorite foods. But, the idea of being heavy and uncomfortable with myself is worse than the cravings. So, I've been running and dieting. The hardest part of the diet is not the food denial, its the exercise.
I hate to exercise, I know hate is a strong word...I REALLY STRONGLY DISLIKE exercise. I think its because as a girl, you do everything in your power to make sure nothing jiggles and moves. We're all tucked-in, pulled-up, stretched-out and moved-around. Just so nothing moves when you walk. When you start to exercise, it all falls-out , scrunches together, goes together and droops. I don't know why people say you meet cute people at the gym. I have yet to see anyone at the gym that I have thought, "ooh, that mismatched outfit wearing, heavily breathing, sweat under their armpits, ugly shoes person, yes! I gotta get me some of that." Nobody looks like they are happy to be at the gym. I used to go with a friend, but we never talked, we focused on simply getting through our exercise and could barely catch our breath. Everyone is very serious and looking continuously at the clock. We all are timing ourselves to make sure we get our 30 min cardio and 30 min strength training. Once that sixty minutes is up, we are GONE! At least I am. Then I stop at Jake's and reward myself. Remind me again, why am I exercising? ;D
I hate to exercise, I know hate is a strong word...I REALLY STRONGLY DISLIKE exercise. I think its because as a girl, you do everything in your power to make sure nothing jiggles and moves. We're all tucked-in, pulled-up, stretched-out and moved-around. Just so nothing moves when you walk. When you start to exercise, it all falls-out , scrunches together, goes together and droops. I don't know why people say you meet cute people at the gym. I have yet to see anyone at the gym that I have thought, "ooh, that mismatched outfit wearing, heavily breathing, sweat under their armpits, ugly shoes person, yes! I gotta get me some of that." Nobody looks like they are happy to be at the gym. I used to go with a friend, but we never talked, we focused on simply getting through our exercise and could barely catch our breath. Everyone is very serious and looking continuously at the clock. We all are timing ourselves to make sure we get our 30 min cardio and 30 min strength training. Once that sixty minutes is up, we are GONE! At least I am. Then I stop at Jake's and reward myself. Remind me again, why am I exercising? ;D
Sunday, August 3, 2008
America...What a country.
So growing up as a child of immigrants is quite an interesting adventure. Let alone, growing up looking different in Utah. I have been thinking about this since last month. While I have known I was different since I was a child, last month I was with a client at the Jerry Seinfeld concert and the client turned around and looked at the Abravanel Hall crowd and said, "Wow, that's scary," and then laughed. I looked around at the beautiful hall and didn't notice anything odd, so I asked, "what's scary?" He looked at me as if I should know and said, "everyone is white in here, there is no color." He is a Caucasian man and so, it just struck me as odd. He asked me if I had grown up in Utah, I said yes. He said that is probably why I don't notice how odd it is to have a crowd of almost no diversity except the clients which we had brought with us. He was from Houston and before that, New Orleans. I love Utah, don't get me wrong, I am glad my parents raised me here, but like every region in the United States, we have our quirks. It is never more obvious, except when you are a child. So, here are some fun stories about growing up and being different.
Growing up, both of my parents worked very hard. My mother earned citizenship when she was 30 through my father, my father was already a resident alien when they married. We have had different aunts and uncles stay with us throughout the years. It has been a blessing for us to get to know our relatives and grow up with them. It is not uncommon among immigrant families to have multiple families living in one house. In fact in much of the world, multi-generational housing is not only common, it is expected. Both my parents are the oldest child. My mother of 11 siblings and my father of nine. So, one Halloween, a relative of my mother's was staying with us. She was older and so she stayed home to pass out the candy while the rest of us ran around the neighborhood. When we came back home, we knocked on our front door and said, "trick or treat." She opened up the door and was holding our piggy bank. Ready to give us our pennies as a treat. Somehow, in the middle of the trick or treating frenzy she had run out of candy, instead of simply saying no candy, she began passing out apples, pencils (I don't guarantee they were all new) and had started passing out our piggy bank money when we came home. We just laughed, the neighbors probably thought we were nuts, what's new.
My family used to have frequent gatherings when we were growing up which required a pig roasted. My uncles and father would go to a farmer and purchase a pig, then butcher it and prepare it on a spit. It would often take the entire day to roast the pig in an open pit. The neighbors would drive by and gawk at my father and uncles turning something over an open fire. We would call the fire department before hand and let them know. Why? because people see smoke and call 911, its a crazy thing. ;)
One day my older brother, who was in elemetary, got into a fight with one of the neighborhood kids, he was sent home and my mother was very upset and asked him why did he get into a fight. He said, "So and so, said that he lost his dog and that our family killed it and ate it because he saw us cooking it outside." My mother looked horrified and my Dad asked him if he had hit him good. Crazy Tongans.
My older brother and sister in High School, met a Tongan boy who was, as we describe them, Fresh off the Boat (F.O.B.). He was having a difficult time with his older sister that he was living with. My parents adopted him (in the Tongan way, no actual documents) and we refer to him as our brother to this day. One day my older brother was speaking to my younger brother and telling him a knock knock joke. It went like this.
OB: Knock, knock.
YB: Who's there?
OB: Little Old Lady
YB: Little Old Lady, who?
OB: I didn't know you could yodel.
Geeky I know, they were in High School and elementary, what do you expect. They started laughing so hard all three brothers.
my adopted brother laughed so hard and asked my older brother to tell the joke to him. So the conversation went as follows:
OB: Knock, knock
AB: Knock knock who
OB: No you're supposed to say who's there?
AB: ah, okay okay, do it again.
OB: Knock, knock
AB: Who's there (he smiled)
OB: Little old lady
AB: Who's there? (still smiling)
OB: No you're supposed to say little old lady who?
AB: Oh, oh, go again. sorry
OB: Little old lady
AB: Little.. old.. lady.. who?
OB: I didn't know you could yodel?
To which my adopted brother began an uproarious laughter. My brothers laughed shaking their heads.
My adopted brother then turned to my little brother and began the following conversation:
AB: Knock, knock.
YB: who's there?
AB: kran-ma
YB: (puzzled look on his face) grandma who?
AB: I didn't know you can yodels?
To which he began to laugh just as hard.
OB: You can't say grandma, you have to say "little old lady"
AB: grandma, little old lady, what's the different.
Some jokes, you just can't translate.
Growing up, both of my parents worked very hard. My mother earned citizenship when she was 30 through my father, my father was already a resident alien when they married. We have had different aunts and uncles stay with us throughout the years. It has been a blessing for us to get to know our relatives and grow up with them. It is not uncommon among immigrant families to have multiple families living in one house. In fact in much of the world, multi-generational housing is not only common, it is expected. Both my parents are the oldest child. My mother of 11 siblings and my father of nine. So, one Halloween, a relative of my mother's was staying with us. She was older and so she stayed home to pass out the candy while the rest of us ran around the neighborhood. When we came back home, we knocked on our front door and said, "trick or treat." She opened up the door and was holding our piggy bank. Ready to give us our pennies as a treat. Somehow, in the middle of the trick or treating frenzy she had run out of candy, instead of simply saying no candy, she began passing out apples, pencils (I don't guarantee they were all new) and had started passing out our piggy bank money when we came home. We just laughed, the neighbors probably thought we were nuts, what's new.
My family used to have frequent gatherings when we were growing up which required a pig roasted. My uncles and father would go to a farmer and purchase a pig, then butcher it and prepare it on a spit. It would often take the entire day to roast the pig in an open pit. The neighbors would drive by and gawk at my father and uncles turning something over an open fire. We would call the fire department before hand and let them know. Why? because people see smoke and call 911, its a crazy thing. ;)
One day my older brother, who was in elemetary, got into a fight with one of the neighborhood kids, he was sent home and my mother was very upset and asked him why did he get into a fight. He said, "So and so, said that he lost his dog and that our family killed it and ate it because he saw us cooking it outside." My mother looked horrified and my Dad asked him if he had hit him good. Crazy Tongans.
My older brother and sister in High School, met a Tongan boy who was, as we describe them, Fresh off the Boat (F.O.B.). He was having a difficult time with his older sister that he was living with. My parents adopted him (in the Tongan way, no actual documents) and we refer to him as our brother to this day. One day my older brother was speaking to my younger brother and telling him a knock knock joke. It went like this.
OB: Knock, knock.
YB: Who's there?
OB: Little Old Lady
YB: Little Old Lady, who?
OB: I didn't know you could yodel.
Geeky I know, they were in High School and elementary, what do you expect. They started laughing so hard all three brothers.
my adopted brother laughed so hard and asked my older brother to tell the joke to him. So the conversation went as follows:
OB: Knock, knock
AB: Knock knock who
OB: No you're supposed to say who's there?
AB: ah, okay okay, do it again.
OB: Knock, knock
AB: Who's there (he smiled)
OB: Little old lady
AB: Who's there? (still smiling)
OB: No you're supposed to say little old lady who?
AB: Oh, oh, go again. sorry
OB: Little old lady
AB: Little.. old.. lady.. who?
OB: I didn't know you could yodel?
To which my adopted brother began an uproarious laughter. My brothers laughed shaking their heads.
My adopted brother then turned to my little brother and began the following conversation:
AB: Knock, knock.
YB: who's there?
AB: kran-ma
YB: (puzzled look on his face) grandma who?
AB: I didn't know you can yodels?
To which he began to laugh just as hard.
OB: You can't say grandma, you have to say "little old lady"
AB: grandma, little old lady, what's the different.
Some jokes, you just can't translate.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Working Mothers and Stay at Home Mothers is there a choice?
Before you start thinking that this post is going to be some bash on working women or stay at home mothers, it isn't. Its just a single girls opinion of what the feminist movement and some LDS views of the role of women. I am not an expert on the feminist movement or on motherhood and its trials and tribulations. Which is why I think it is easy for me to make a statement. I have a view which favors neither, but has empathy for both. I thought about this because I recently have had this discussion with several friends. Some of which are stay-at-home mothers and others are working a traditional 9-5 job with children in daycare.
First, feminism. In the 19th and early 20th Century, the LDS church was quite revolutionary in its view of women and their roles in comparison with the rest of the U.S. LDS women were early suffragists and some of the first to vote and even hold political office. Many Early feminists such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony even worked with LDS women to further the movement across the country. LDS women attended and received professional degrees at a higher rate than the rest of the women in the country at this same time, some LDS women even becoming doctors. Women felt confident in their roles within the LDS community as wives and as feminists.
However, the term feminist has become synonymous with "bra-burnings" and "man-haters" due to conservative talk shows and other misinformed people. I believe that there are certain aspects of feminism which have allowed women to become whole. By "whole" I mean, discover for themselves what they can become due to choice and not societal expectations or limitations of what they can become.
An example of what the feminist movement has done for women can be found in my first story, my mother. My mother is a great role-model for my sisters and I. She received her advanced degree in a country not her own and a language which she struggled to read and write in. Her lowest college grade was a B+. I'm not going to say what my lowest grade was, but it was lower than a B+. That's all you need to know. Her younger sisters followed in her footsteps earning master's degrees in traditional and non-traditional areas for women such as; Teaching, Nursing, Accounting and Computer Science. This was in the 1970's and 1980's.
My mother and my father together determined that she should work and support our family. He worked as well, but in Real Estate and had a more flexible schedule. So my father did the carpooling and had dinner ready at home. There are times when she struggled with that decision, but through prayer and example they raised great kids, especially their middle daughter. ;) My mother and her sisters have all encouraged their daughters to gain and education and join the job force as they did. She sometimes envied women who could stay home full time with their children and felt guilty for working.
Many of my friends also have similar histories with their mothers. I remember as a freshman and Sophomore at BYU, some of my friends and I discussed our future after graduation. Most of us agreed that while we all wanted to become mothers, we also wanted to work. This had just become an expectation of ourselves because we believed that since our mothers had balanced work and home, so could we.
Fast forward about 10 years and my friends are now divided. Some are stay-at-home mothers and love their role, but feel guilty for not being able to juggle it all. Others have learned to balance home office jobs or traditional office 9-5 jobs with family life or at least they are trying. The feminist movement did not solve this dilemma nor did it create this problem. It allowed women the choice to choose what they want. Reasoning that it created this problem is like saying that because a teacher taught a concept and then gave the students a quiz on the subject, the teacher set-up the students for failure. The teacher should have just not taught anything new, simply allowed them to regurgitate old information, so that they could just continue in their bliss.
I love the movie Mona Lisa Smiles because I feel that the writer perfectly summed up the dilemma of women with families. In the end the brilliant character played by Julia Stiles is accepted into Yale Law School. She declines the invitation, because she wants to support her husband. Julia Roberts character laments about her wasting her talents as a housewife and Stiles character responds by saying,
"You stand in class and tell us to look beyond the image, but you don't. To you a housewife is someone who sold her soul for a center hall colonial. She has no depth, no intellect, no interests. You're the one who said I could do anything I wanted. This is what I want. "
The essence of what my mother who had a career and women who decided to work inside the home achieved, is that it allowed THEM to make decision as to what worked best for their family. Society should not dictate what role you must occupy within it. You and your husband determine that. Or if you don't have a spouse, you have the option to not be forced to occupy a "traditional" career that is "acceptable." You can become whatever you want. Fulfilling the measure of your creation, isn't that what the gospel is about, to have a fullness of joy. So, while I don't embrace all of the aspects of the National Organization for Women (NOW). I celebrate the barriers it has removed for women and allowed them the opportunity to make a choice for their families and themselves. What am I going to be when I grow up? Whatever I want.
First, feminism. In the 19th and early 20th Century, the LDS church was quite revolutionary in its view of women and their roles in comparison with the rest of the U.S. LDS women were early suffragists and some of the first to vote and even hold political office. Many Early feminists such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony even worked with LDS women to further the movement across the country. LDS women attended and received professional degrees at a higher rate than the rest of the women in the country at this same time, some LDS women even becoming doctors. Women felt confident in their roles within the LDS community as wives and as feminists.
However, the term feminist has become synonymous with "bra-burnings" and "man-haters" due to conservative talk shows and other misinformed people. I believe that there are certain aspects of feminism which have allowed women to become whole. By "whole" I mean, discover for themselves what they can become due to choice and not societal expectations or limitations of what they can become.
An example of what the feminist movement has done for women can be found in my first story, my mother. My mother is a great role-model for my sisters and I. She received her advanced degree in a country not her own and a language which she struggled to read and write in. Her lowest college grade was a B+. I'm not going to say what my lowest grade was, but it was lower than a B+. That's all you need to know. Her younger sisters followed in her footsteps earning master's degrees in traditional and non-traditional areas for women such as; Teaching, Nursing, Accounting and Computer Science. This was in the 1970's and 1980's.
My mother and my father together determined that she should work and support our family. He worked as well, but in Real Estate and had a more flexible schedule. So my father did the carpooling and had dinner ready at home. There are times when she struggled with that decision, but through prayer and example they raised great kids, especially their middle daughter. ;) My mother and her sisters have all encouraged their daughters to gain and education and join the job force as they did. She sometimes envied women who could stay home full time with their children and felt guilty for working.
Many of my friends also have similar histories with their mothers. I remember as a freshman and Sophomore at BYU, some of my friends and I discussed our future after graduation. Most of us agreed that while we all wanted to become mothers, we also wanted to work. This had just become an expectation of ourselves because we believed that since our mothers had balanced work and home, so could we.
Fast forward about 10 years and my friends are now divided. Some are stay-at-home mothers and love their role, but feel guilty for not being able to juggle it all. Others have learned to balance home office jobs or traditional office 9-5 jobs with family life or at least they are trying. The feminist movement did not solve this dilemma nor did it create this problem. It allowed women the choice to choose what they want. Reasoning that it created this problem is like saying that because a teacher taught a concept and then gave the students a quiz on the subject, the teacher set-up the students for failure. The teacher should have just not taught anything new, simply allowed them to regurgitate old information, so that they could just continue in their bliss.
I love the movie Mona Lisa Smiles because I feel that the writer perfectly summed up the dilemma of women with families. In the end the brilliant character played by Julia Stiles is accepted into Yale Law School. She declines the invitation, because she wants to support her husband. Julia Roberts character laments about her wasting her talents as a housewife and Stiles character responds by saying,
"You stand in class and tell us to look beyond the image, but you don't. To you a housewife is someone who sold her soul for a center hall colonial. She has no depth, no intellect, no interests. You're the one who said I could do anything I wanted. This is what I want. "
The essence of what my mother who had a career and women who decided to work inside the home achieved, is that it allowed THEM to make decision as to what worked best for their family. Society should not dictate what role you must occupy within it. You and your husband determine that. Or if you don't have a spouse, you have the option to not be forced to occupy a "traditional" career that is "acceptable." You can become whatever you want. Fulfilling the measure of your creation, isn't that what the gospel is about, to have a fullness of joy. So, while I don't embrace all of the aspects of the National Organization for Women (NOW). I celebrate the barriers it has removed for women and allowed them the opportunity to make a choice for their families and themselves. What am I going to be when I grow up? Whatever I want.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
My Secrets
So, I titled the beginning to titillate you into reading further. Trust me, while I am all about transparency in government, I'm not about to publicly declare anything personal that can come back to bite me in the boo-tay. Ok-ay! So, these are things you may already know about me and things you can learn. They aren't a "secret" as much as information that I don't share because they don't come up in conversation all the time.
My comfort food is McDonald's regular cheeseburger, no pickles & no onions. When I get really stressed that is what I eat. It reminds me of my late grandpa Nomani. My parents were very poor when I was growing up. We NEVER ate out, okay never is a strong word, rarely would be more appropriate. My grandpa took me the few times I ever remember eating out, we went to Hardee's and he ordered me a cheeseburger and small fries and an orange drink. I can't remember if it was a "happy meal" but I just remember I thought it was THE best thing ever. I think my little sister Mounu was with me, but I can't remember. So, now if you see me eating a McD's cheeseburger, I'm either really stressed or I have no money for anything else. ;D
I sleep on my stomach. I know, why would you ever want to know that information. Like I said, it doesn't ever come up in conversation and its just an FYI. So, FYI, I sleep on my stomach, with one leg slightly bent. You're welcome.
I think my best physical features are my hands. I am also lazy at times and so, I rarely ever paint my nails. Also, I HATE when the nail polish chips off and I have a fear of acrylic nails. I have heard horror stories about the damage that acrylic nails do to your nail beds and your cuticles. So, I will never get acrylic nails. So, my nails look like crap until I fix them. Drama you never thought you knew about me.
When I put gas in my car, the amount has to end in either a 0 or 5. Its my OCD. I have very few OCD tendencies, unlike my cousins and siblings. My car is one of my OCD tendencies. Not necessarily the cleanliness, but the maintenance. I have a fear of being stranded. I have AAA, a cell phone, tons of relatives, I can change a tire (I hate doing it, especially out at night in the dark) and have read all the owners manuals of the cars I have owned. I can jump my car using cables. I used to have a battery starter in my car where I could plug it into the cigarette lighter and start it. I loaned it to someone and never got it back. Probably a relative. Go ahead, write it in the comments that you still have it. I'll wait for you to respond then track you down like the thief that you are. ;P
I think that's enough secrets for now. You may feel really close to me now and feel like we went to girls camp or something together. We didn't. I didn't go to girls camp. Unless you count Oakcrest as a "girls camp" then I went once. Also, we had a yw camp out once, but we stayed at a really really nice cabin in Parley's that was nicer than my home. So, I don't count that either. No latrines for me thank you. What do you expect from a 4-H drop-out. Oh, yeah that's another secret I forgot to mention. I'll talk about that some other time, or you can ask.
My comfort food is McDonald's regular cheeseburger, no pickles & no onions. When I get really stressed that is what I eat. It reminds me of my late grandpa Nomani. My parents were very poor when I was growing up. We NEVER ate out, okay never is a strong word, rarely would be more appropriate. My grandpa took me the few times I ever remember eating out, we went to Hardee's and he ordered me a cheeseburger and small fries and an orange drink. I can't remember if it was a "happy meal" but I just remember I thought it was THE best thing ever. I think my little sister Mounu was with me, but I can't remember. So, now if you see me eating a McD's cheeseburger, I'm either really stressed or I have no money for anything else. ;D
I sleep on my stomach. I know, why would you ever want to know that information. Like I said, it doesn't ever come up in conversation and its just an FYI. So, FYI, I sleep on my stomach, with one leg slightly bent. You're welcome.
I think my best physical features are my hands. I am also lazy at times and so, I rarely ever paint my nails. Also, I HATE when the nail polish chips off and I have a fear of acrylic nails. I have heard horror stories about the damage that acrylic nails do to your nail beds and your cuticles. So, I will never get acrylic nails. So, my nails look like crap until I fix them. Drama you never thought you knew about me.
When I put gas in my car, the amount has to end in either a 0 or 5. Its my OCD. I have very few OCD tendencies, unlike my cousins and siblings. My car is one of my OCD tendencies. Not necessarily the cleanliness, but the maintenance. I have a fear of being stranded. I have AAA, a cell phone, tons of relatives, I can change a tire (I hate doing it, especially out at night in the dark) and have read all the owners manuals of the cars I have owned. I can jump my car using cables. I used to have a battery starter in my car where I could plug it into the cigarette lighter and start it. I loaned it to someone and never got it back. Probably a relative. Go ahead, write it in the comments that you still have it. I'll wait for you to respond then track you down like the thief that you are. ;P
I think that's enough secrets for now. You may feel really close to me now and feel like we went to girls camp or something together. We didn't. I didn't go to girls camp. Unless you count Oakcrest as a "girls camp" then I went once. Also, we had a yw camp out once, but we stayed at a really really nice cabin in Parley's that was nicer than my home. So, I don't count that either. No latrines for me thank you. What do you expect from a 4-H drop-out. Oh, yeah that's another secret I forgot to mention. I'll talk about that some other time, or you can ask.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Why am I still single???
This weekend I went to Las Vegas for a friends birthday. I had a great time and I am a believer in the motto , "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" so to protect the innocent, I will not mention anything. I did not go to Vegas to find romance or anything. It was coming home that romance tried to find me. I hid from it like a fat kid hides from its gym teacher.
Let me create the scenario for you. I had returned back to the hotel at 3:30 AM. My brother, who is an insomniac called me and I returned his call. We spoke on the phone until 4:30. I woke up at 5:15 AM to catch the 6:20 flight. The hotel was only 8 mins away, so no big deal. I sat next to a very interesting guy. We spoke the entire hour and a half flight. Needless to say, I was exhausted by the time I got to the Salt Lake Airport. I sat down at the curb and waited for my aunt to come and pick me up.
As I was sitting there, a friendly security guard walked by and proceeded to make small talk with me. I thought he was just being friendly and so I chatted back. Then he proceeded to ask me if I am:
1. Single. Answer. Yes. I didn't really think anything at this point. My mind was a bit slow from the exhaustion.
2. Age. Answer. I don't think that age is anything to be ashamed of, I answered 31. To which he began to crudely remark that I should have "popped out 5-6 kids from there" pointing to my abdomen area. I was tired and didn't want to move. So, I just sat there shocked.
3. Gay. Answer. I should have said yes, but I was too shocked from the last question, so I answered honestly No.
4. Dated only polynesian guys. Answer. I get this question all the time, I automatically answered no. But, I was tired.
5. Dated only white men. Answer. I hear that exhaustion is used in torture to make people reveal truths that they normally would have lied about. It must work because, I said no.
6. Dated good looking black men. Answer. He was black so I almost laughed, but I was too tired. I replied that if he had a good personality, like any guy I would consider it. He then stepped right in front of me and said "I'll wait for you to ask me for my phone number."
I responded by picking up my phone pretending I was going to ask him for his phone number then, loudly asked my aunt if she was going to pick me up...SOON!
These are the kind of guys that ask me out. That is WHY I am still single.
Let me create the scenario for you. I had returned back to the hotel at 3:30 AM. My brother, who is an insomniac called me and I returned his call. We spoke on the phone until 4:30. I woke up at 5:15 AM to catch the 6:20 flight. The hotel was only 8 mins away, so no big deal. I sat next to a very interesting guy. We spoke the entire hour and a half flight. Needless to say, I was exhausted by the time I got to the Salt Lake Airport. I sat down at the curb and waited for my aunt to come and pick me up.
As I was sitting there, a friendly security guard walked by and proceeded to make small talk with me. I thought he was just being friendly and so I chatted back. Then he proceeded to ask me if I am:
1. Single. Answer. Yes. I didn't really think anything at this point. My mind was a bit slow from the exhaustion.
2. Age. Answer. I don't think that age is anything to be ashamed of, I answered 31. To which he began to crudely remark that I should have "popped out 5-6 kids from there" pointing to my abdomen area. I was tired and didn't want to move. So, I just sat there shocked.
3. Gay. Answer. I should have said yes, but I was too shocked from the last question, so I answered honestly No.
4. Dated only polynesian guys. Answer. I get this question all the time, I automatically answered no. But, I was tired.
5. Dated only white men. Answer. I hear that exhaustion is used in torture to make people reveal truths that they normally would have lied about. It must work because, I said no.
6. Dated good looking black men. Answer. He was black so I almost laughed, but I was too tired. I replied that if he had a good personality, like any guy I would consider it. He then stepped right in front of me and said "I'll wait for you to ask me for my phone number."
I responded by picking up my phone pretending I was going to ask him for his phone number then, loudly asked my aunt if she was going to pick me up...SOON!
These are the kind of guys that ask me out. That is WHY I am still single.
Monday, July 7, 2008
You Travel and You Learn...really!
I just returned from vacation in Anaheim. So, much fun! I had never gone vacationing with these ladies. We had a great time. But I learned a few things...
- Surfers are the same everywhere...YES! Just don't speak to them, it ruins the fantasy.
- Koreans make excellent sushi -They have the #1 sushi restaurant in Newport, according to them
- In and Out Burgers are STILL my favorite...unfortunately.Mapquest is sometimes a suggestion...not a guarantee.
- The Volcano at the rainforest cafe is a challenge that I could not conquer!
- Going with a Disneyworld castmember to Disneyland is asking for trouble...love ya Jac!
- There are alot of Elks, and they also belong to AARP and they love hot tubs *shivers*
- Just because Mapquest says Take I-405/I-605 it doesn't really mean it. It wants you to pick one...the right one.
- California drivers STILL don't know how to use turn signals...don't get cocky Utah drivers, at least they know how to merge.
- Like in Utah 65 MPH is a minimum not a limit.
That's about all. I had tons of fun and can't wait to go back again to Magic Mountain and Disneyland.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Is that passion fruit in your pocket, or are you just happy to read me?
So, I am a single gal, I think I mentioned that in my last post (I make it sound as if I have so many). Therefore, I must work for a living. I enjoy what I do for a living. I work in Sales and get to speak to different kinds of people all day long. I work with people who want to get rich quick and cure cancer with their potions. I work with people who want to save the world through dentistry, genealogy, religion and even romance novelists, believe it! You name it there is an organization for it. These people are all very sincere about their associations and their agendas. I've learned that you can have a passion for almost anything. I would like to find the association for procrastinators, but I just haven't had the time, maybe later. The point is that you need to find your passion. Is it your family? Is it your job? Is it a hobby that you have? I'm still trying to find mine. Definitely, my family and friends are part of my passion. Traveling is a hobby, but I wouldn't say a passion. Many times, I just want to sit in a quiet room and read. Is that a passion, maybe.
My mother is a librarian, she has a masters degree in library science. She doesn't understand why I enjoy my job. I told her that I don't think I would enjoy her job. She said, that she helps people learn and she learns with them. She gets to discover something new every day. I love libraries. I've always loved them, now I know why she does. So, the next time you wonder why someone is happy, maybe they're doing something they enjoy. Bloom where you are planted is a philosophy I subscribe to, some people bloom because they love where they are planted. I'm glad we all have different ideas and philosophies. If we were all conservative or liberal how exciting would that debate be for us to watch? How would we grow?
My mother is a librarian, she has a masters degree in library science. She doesn't understand why I enjoy my job. I told her that I don't think I would enjoy her job. She said, that she helps people learn and she learns with them. She gets to discover something new every day. I love libraries. I've always loved them, now I know why she does. So, the next time you wonder why someone is happy, maybe they're doing something they enjoy. Bloom where you are planted is a philosophy I subscribe to, some people bloom because they love where they are planted. I'm glad we all have different ideas and philosophies. If we were all conservative or liberal how exciting would that debate be for us to watch? How would we grow?
Monday, June 30, 2008
In the Beginning
So, I'm new to the blogging world. WELCOME! to my spot. For those of you who have no idea what this or I, am about, its all pretty random. I enjoy quite a few things. I'm a single gal with goals and they include marriage, family and all that good stuff. However, I don't have time to wait around for someone or something to make me happy. So, I find joy in doing things, which include hanging out with my family and friends, traveling, reading and having fun with life. At the same time I try and remain balanced and that includes spirituality. So, this spot is going to be a place to express my opinions and ideas. Why? I have no idea. Its pretty egotistical to me to think that what I say and what I want to express is even interesting to you. I mean I am not an expert on anything. I think it makes it more interesting and more dangerous. I'll try and post pictures and explain what they mean. I may even figure out how to post links, but that might take a bit of time. But Welcome anyway and leave me a message if you'd like. I'll try and update it as often as I can.
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