Day 364: And... so on...

A few weeks ago, I asked my sister, "What do you think 'day 365' should be? I'm not sure what to do..." She simply answered, "Don't think about it... it'll come to you..." Well, I haven't thought about it ever since but it seems like I still don't have a clue what "day 365" is going to be like and it's tomorrow! I thought about "day 365" on day 3, 33, 133, 233, and so on... My point is that I've thought about this day since the first day and, now, it's tomorrow, and, honestly, I'm not sure what it's going to be like or if it's going to be as big as I thought it was going to be. It's kind of like your wedding day... You think about it for so long and when the day finally comes, you don't know how to react... and, it just comes and goes... and... that's it... Well, I'm just hoping tomorrow will be a big day... I hope tomorrow will be a different day... I hope tomorrow is what I've thought it to be all this time. All I can do is have tomorrow come and go and make the best of it... All I can do is enjoy tomorrow like it's the last day of a 365 day blog... because it is! Tomorrow, I will make a toast to my accomplishment and that one toast will start the many toasts to come in my life, on my wedding day, my birthday, my baby's birthday, and so on... Life goes on... and so on... So... enjoy it... all of it... and... so on...

Don't think about it... it'll come to you...

Tip of the Day: There are so many things to look forward to in life. Enjoy looking forward to anything, everything, and... so on...

Day 363: Hide n' Seek

Sometimes, it's nice to hide... I think that might be what I'll be looking forward to in a couple of days... I will be back... but, I just need to be away for a while. I have been on display for the past 363 days and, honestly, I'd like to go away for a while...

I hope all of you have enjoyed getting to know me personally. I have enjoyed introducing myself and, at times, getting too personal with all of you and I'd just like to say that I have learned far more about myself than you have. I have been public about my thoughts, feelings, values, and everything my life has possibly consisted of in the last 363 days and, now (in two days), I'd like for you to act as though you can't find me for a while... I'd like to feel like I'm hiding in that one great spot we used to think was so great as a child... Just walk right past me and act like I'm not there... just for a little while... I'll come out when I'm ready so we can start a whole new game of hide n' seek... I promise...

Tip of the Day: If you need balance in your life, don't be afraid to take some time off to weigh it all out.

Day 362: Beautiful Morning...

I have had a very long day... I woke up this morning, with a slight hangover from the Chardonnay last night, and to the song, "It's a beautiful morning..." My sister thought it would be funny to wake me up to that type of annoyance. So, I got out of bed and started my day because it was "a beautiful morning!" Today, the plan was to get my makeup done and go out to a location, with Armen, for a couple's photo shoot. It is for an upcoming photography show at the gallery in February so I thought it would be fun to participate and spend the day glamorously. Well, it was glamorous... I got my makeup done by a professional artist, wore a sparkly dress, put some heels on, and had Armen wear his suit... We went to a couple of different museums and had fun spending time with each other while the photographer snapped away. As we stood there trying not to laugh at each other, people walked by and glanced at us, making me feel a bit exposed, but, it wasn't that bad... it was a different experience. We might have a few decent shots from the few hundred frames but I will let you guys see some more as soon as I get my hands on them. Today was a very long day... but... it was definitely artistically productive, enjoyable, and a "beautiful morning..."

Tip of the Day: Despite the hangovers and annoyance, enjoy your beautiful mornings and experience something different.

Day 361: Thank you again...

I was surprised as to how many random people showed up tonight... I would like to thank everyone, random or expected, that showed up. Thank you for the interest and support. The openings would not be exciting without you guys... the ones who get up, get dressed, and show up. Thank you again...

Tip of the Day: Show interest and support when you can... It is appreciated.

Day 360: Wish Me Luck!

I am finally finished patching and painting... Now, I need a bath because I have dust all over from sanding... Yes, we've been sanding... Armen saw what I had done to the walls yesterday... and, well, let's just say we've been sanding (A LOT!), re-patching, and re-painting... I have to be honest, though, the walls look great and we're almost ready for tomorrow night's opening reception. Every time there's an opening of a new show, I spend most of the previous night there trying to get everything ready for the next day. I start out with a long "To Do" list and by the end of the night, I have a new "To Do" list for the next day. There is so much preparing and planning that goes into any event. Then, comes the day of, and you still have to prepare to be a good host. With all the time and effort put into an event, it's extremely nice to see it all come together and end on the right note at the end of the night... and, I'm sure I'll be back tomorrow to let you know what a great night it was... Wish me luck!

Tip of the Day: When you try your best planning something, be optimistic about its outcome. Worrying about the things that are out of your control are a waste of energy and brainpower.

Today, I read somewhere: "Sometimes, I worry that, one day, I might forget what I'm worrying about."

Day 359: Just As We Are...

My sister received the whole Sex & the City DVD disc set for Christmas... And, ever since, she's been watching a few episodes each night before bed... and, I have to admit, I've been joining her for the past few days...

If you have watched at least one episode of Sex & the City, you know that Carrie Bradshaw, the main character, is a writer and the episodes usually start out with her asking herself a question about life, love, relationships, etc. Well, besides the fun outfits and extremely entertaining conversations between four friends, I enjoy how each story plays out and how Carrie explains situations as the writer/narrator. With all this said, I have probably watched 16 episodes in the last few days and I am, almost, Sex & the City'd out... Don't get me wrong, I love the whole independent, fashionable, single woman outlook on life, but, I am sure that life is easier, most of the time, when there is a man around. Like today, I had to move a whole bookshelf by myself to the center of the room to patch and paint the walls. Then, as I patched and painted the walls, I realized that I had forgotten the sanding part in between, but I know that Armen would not have let me paint without sanding those walls enough to leave a thin layer of dust on ourselves. So, yes, I moved the bookshelf and patched and painted the walls, but, there was no sanding.... I didn't even have any sandpaper to work with after I had realized I needed to do it at all... So, tonight, I realize that not only are men necessary, but each and every one of us is a necessity. We all play a part in patching, sanding, painting, and, living life, here on Earth, just as we are...

Tip of the Day: Remember that you play an important role in the the city you're in, no matter the independence, fashion, and relationship status.

Getting to know Christina...

Here is the link to Christina Song's personal blog. Her show is this Friday at the gallery and here is a little help in getting to know Christina... Christina Song Illustrations

Day 358: One day at a time...

They say, "Take it one day at a time..." and, some say, "Well... how else would we be able to take it... right?"

I think these 365 days would be the best definition of taking it "one day at time..." As I read through the past 365 days, I notice myself growing and changing "one day at a time." I don't think I write like I used to in the beginning. I mean, you can tell it is the same person but I notice so much change in the writing style and wording. I think every person should use this "one day at a time" idea and take it further, somehow, in their life. There are so many ways of putting it into action like, keeping a diary, sketchbook, taking a photo each day, writing one thought down, measuring yourself (not obsessively), etc. Just one small action in your day, every day, and you'll witness yourself growing into the person you are today, "one day at a time." Then, you will know exactly how to live "one day at a time" without having to do it...

Tip of the Day: Just try it out... live and witness "one day at a time..."

"If you wait for tomorrow, tomorrow comes. If you don't wait for tomorrow, tomorrow comes." ~Senegalese Proverb

Day 357: My Own Evolution

There are some days when I am so into life... all its moments, meanings, events, people, experiences, feelings, and... the realizations...

Right now, we're back home... in my bedroom... The guys are in the living room watching television as usual, and I can hear my mom in the garage talking to herself as usual. I wonder if I'll start doing that someday... I probably will...

The realizations... I realize something everyday... Today, I realize that someday I will talk to myself... just like my mom... because that is the way life evolves and becomes... We all grow to become what we have been apart of for so long. There is no way around it... that's the circle of life.

I will talk to myself... and I will do many other things that I have been apart of... Today, I realize that everything in life evolves and becomes what it is born to be... We can't change the way the world is supposed to be, no matter what we do and say... Somehow, despite all of our efforts and ideas, everything just falls into its own place and it becomes...

My evolution will lead me to talking to myself one day... and, as soon as I whisper that first word to myself, I will smile and nod because that will be one of the most important moments of my own evolution...

Tip of the Day: One day you'll realize that life has passed you by... In the meantime, be aware and apart of your own evolution.

Day 356: Take Care of Yourself

Why is it that the older we get, the more fear we have?

Armen thinks it's because we have more to lose... I think it's because... I'm not sure really... I think it may be because we know how things function technically... or... childhood naivety is gone... the feeling of safety is gone... we are the only ones who can look after our own selves... if we fall, we are the ones who will fall... there won't be anyone to help when you're falling, so you have to watch out for yourself... you have to be careful...

I remember not being afraid of roller coasters as a child... They were so exciting. I remember thinking that the grown ups would take care of us if anything happened... They would never put us in danger... So I trusted everyone that was taking care of me... and, now, I'm not being taken care of anymore. I have to take care of myself... and someone else...

The thought of fear comes to mind because I spent the day putting away Christmas ornament boxes in the storage. My dad was putting the boxes up and in order to reach the top shelf of the storage in the garage, he had to stand on a ladder. I watched as he put the boxes up on the shelf trying to organize them neatly, and I realized that he was avoiding stepping up on the highest step. He was on his tip toes but stood on the second to last step. When he couldn't reach anymore, he looked down, hesitated, and, slowly, stepped up onto the highest step, but I could feel his tension... he was nervous...

Then, I decided to go up to the neighbor's tree house. I had always admired their tree house and ever since they had moved out, I had been wanting to go up there, and, today, I finally did. As I put one foot up higher than the other on the ladder, I felt the ladder move around a bit. I slowly made my way up there, sat on the edge as I looked out at the sky, and realized that I was more than 20 feet up off the ground... and I was alone... I had to take care of myself... I had to watch out for myself... I had to be careful...

Tip of the Day: Try to enjoy all of life's experiences without too much fear, but remember to be careful and watch out for yourself.

Modest Fly Children's Art Classes!

Day 355: I had a dream...

10 days away now and... I'm not sure what to say...

I'd like to tell you that "I had a dream... that I could fly from the highest tree, I had a dream... I'm ready now... I'm ready now... I'm ready to fly from the highest tree... I had a dream..."

Well, actually, I had a dream... I had a dream that I would see Venice, Italy on my honeymoon... start my own children's art school someday... fall in love more than once... marry my best friend... I had a dream... and now... I'm ready...

Tip of the Day: There will come a day when you'll realize that you will get everything you asked for... and it won't be a dream...

Day 354: Just Smile

Sometimes I go back to it... It's easy for me to go back... much easier than to move forward. Sometimes, I think I want to go back, but it's not good for me. I have come this far... why would I turn around... The funny thing is, I would turn around... just to see a smile, hear a laugh, or feel a touch... I would turn back and I know it's not good for me, like an addiction... But, it's not an addiction... It would be an addiction if I'm weak... and... I'm not weak. I've come this far and I'm not turning back... I will glance back every now and then because I love to see how far I've travelled... If you see me glancing back sometimes, just smile and let me move forward because God knows, if you say a word, my feet will sink into the ground and I'll need help getting out again... Please... just smile...

Tip of the Day: You're the only one that knows what is good for you... So, take charge of yourself.

Day 353: I am here and now...

I am finally home... I sit here at the dining room table with a big Eeyore mug full of tea on my left and a box of chocolates to my right. Everyone has turned in early today so the house is dark and quiet...

It's been just another day full of tasks, driving, smiles, and hellos... but, there is something different about this day... Today, I feel proud... I'm proud of myself for getting through this day... I'm proud of myself for getting through this year... but, I don't feel proud because I'm at day 353... I feel proud because I am here, now... Finally, I am here... I've been wanting to be here for a long time and, today, I feel like I've accomplished that part of me... Today, I feel proud that I am here and now... because... I am finally home...

Tip of the Day: We don't tend to feel proud of ourselves very often... Take the time to be proud of your own accomplishments, whatever it may be.

Day 352: Happiness and Love...

I had a nice brunch today... Besides the fruit cup and slice of cheesecake, the best part was spending time with momma. We sat together at a small table, by a window facing the street, munching on our food, while we talked about the most important day of my life...

As I sit here at the dining room table with everyone around me trying to make a wedding guest list, I don't take this moment for granted. I acknowledge this moment and the moments I had today at brunch. When the wedding is over, when I move out, when the baby comes, when life happens and we all move on, I'll remember that I acknowledged this moment... a moment of happiness and love...

Tip of the Day: Acknowledge your moments of happiness and love.

Christina Song's Paper Idylls

Personalize an ecard

Day 351: Never Give Up

There are only 15 days left until the end... It's been 350 days, everyday, and, now, it's almost over... Looking back now, I remember thinking that it would take so long to reach the end, but, it hasn't been as long as I thought it would be. There were days when I wanted to share, days when I would rather go to sleep, days when I wanted to throw my laptop across the room, and days when I thought this was worth it... Honestly, now, on day 351, I know that it was worth it... It was worth every second, every moment, every comment, and every word...

Today is day 351 because I didn't give up... Today, someone said to me, "Don't ever give up on anything... Do what you have to, even if no one is paying attention. Do it! Don't ever give up!"

Tip of the Day: No matter how far you think you are from your goal... Never give up.

"If you're going through hell, keep going." ~Winston Churchill

Day 350: Beef Stroganoff

A couple of years ago, I bought my mom and my mother-in-law recipe cards. They were supposed to fill them out and have them ready for me when I got married. Well, I'm a few months from the wedding and I have just a few recipes from them that I'd like to share with you.

We were invited to a relative's house for dinner the other night... and, just so you know, Armen has a tendency to tell people when there is something wrong with their cooking. I think this is a personality trait because he comes from a family of rich foods. His grandfather was a chef and his mom... well, being the sweet woman that she is, she also thinks she's the best cook in the world. Honestly, she is a very good cook, but I don't tell her that...

So, because he comes from a family that cooks food I can't pronounce, he feels that it's okay to talk about what's wrong with other people's cooking.

We sat down for dinner and the lady of the house brought out Beef Stroganoff, which is one of Armen's favorites. I watched as a couple of people spooned some out of the dish and, right then, I poked Armen, who was sitting to my left. I whispered, "Not one word..." He nodded and said, "I have no idea what you're talking about..." as I answered, "Yes, you do... not a word..." Well, to help you understand my situation, the dish of Beef Stroganoff was not cooked properly... Usually, its consistency is supposed to be thick and creamy, but this dish was a bit watery and discolored. So, I gave him the eye and hoped he wouldn't say anything. My mother-in-law, sitting to my right, heard what I had said to him and whispered, "He's right... why don't you admit my son is right..." I couldn't help but laugh quietly, still hoping there wouldn't be any comments. A few minutes went by and I kept busy eating and making conversation. Just as I thought he had forgotten, Armen picked up his empty plate and said, "Can you please give me some beef and potatoes... please..."

Today, I decided to cook some Beef Stroganoff myself and have everyone come home to a hot dinner. I thought it would be good practice in case I have any guests like Armen in the future...

Here is the recipe to Anahid's famous Beef Stroganoff if you'd like to try it out:

Ingredients: serves 4-5 people

Boneless Beef Fillets (1 or 2 depending on size)

Onions (3)

Flour (1 tbsp)

Milk (1 cup)

Lemon (1)

Salt & Pepper

Crema Mexicana (1 1/2 cups)

Piknik Shoestring Potatoes/Homemade Mini French Fries

Cut beef fillets into thin strips, rinse in water, then, soak in water. Rinse out beef, empty into pot, and put to boil (low heat) with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Rinse 3 onions, and chop them to bits. Fry onions in a pan, add flour and lemon (no seeds), and mix together until consistency thickens. Mix onions in with cooked meat and stir on high heat. Add salt and pepper, slowly adding Crema Mexicana and milk until desired amount. Keep stirring until desired consistency and hot enough for serving. When done, pour mix into a serving plate and add Piknik or homemade french fries on top to serve. Enjoy!

Tip of the Day: Learn how to cook a couple of dishes you could enjoy and share.

Day 349: A Complete Puzzle

Life is a series of events... We go through life moving on... There is no where else to go but forward... no matter what happens...

So... we move on... but, sometimes, we pause... and find ourselves so far from where we used to be that it, somehow, feels like it never happened... or it could have been a dream...

The best part of going through what is called Life is realizing how and why such events take place. There comes certain days when you think about what these things meant in your life and what their significances were. It might seem like a bunch of coincidences but, in actuality, it all comes together to make a perfect, complete puzzle.

Tip of the Day: Life might look like a bunch of little, confusing pieces to you now, but, when you're patient and you slowly work it out, it will reveal itself... Just be patient and take your time... The process of putting it together is what counts...

Day 348: Her Mom's Hand...

I was at the store today and a lady walked up to me and said, "Ok, go with me on this one..." as she pushed her little girl toward me and said, "Here, would you like to take her home with you?" I looked down at the little girl with long, straight, red hair, and blue eyes as she looked up at me terrified. I said, "Oh my gosh... she is cute... maybe she'd like to come with us..." Right then, she hid behind her mom and cried, "Mommmmmy... nooo.. mommmy please..." I watched her as she sneaked in behind her mom as I said, "No, but I think it'll be better if she goes home with mommy, right?" The mom smiled and said "Thank you, that's how we have to scare her sometimes." I nodded, smiled, and waved goodbye to the little girl as she looked at me with terrified eyes and a pouty mouth while she held her mom's hand.

Tip of the Day: Be ready to help out in case a stranger asks you for a favor.

Day 347: There's Always More to Learn

Besides being the world's best dad, my dad is the world's cheapest man...

I don't remember him not complaining about money... but... there are many things I don't know about him...

Even though he is the cheapest man in the world, he does visit Starbucks every morning before going to work. He used to get a mocha latte, but, recently, he downgraded to plain coffee because he thinks spending $90 a month for himself is too much. Yesterday, we took a ride to work together and he pulled into the Albertons/Starbucks parking lot. I joined him inside as he walked in and walked up to the cash register without saying a word. He smiled at the lady at the counter as she looked over at me. Then, he said, "This is my youngest daughter." She smiled, and said, "Oh, hello, it's very nice to meet you." I was surprised at her reaction and smiled as I gave her my order. I walked over to the magazine stand as my dad paid for the coffee. I watched as he, then, walked over to the customer service counter, turned in some scratchers from a previous day, and walked over to the scratcher machine to buy some new ones. It seemed that this was his routine and everyone else knew, besides me. I grabbed my coffee and we walked out together as I thought about how much I don't know about him...

Tip of the Day: You can never know too much about someone... there's always more to learn.

Day 346: Boy or Girl...

Sometimes people ask me what I want... a boy or a girl...

I normally answer, "It doesn't matter for me... Armen wants a boy... but, I don't care... boy or girl..." In reality, I'd want to have a couple of both. I'd like two boys and two girls so that they all get to have brothers and sisters. I just hesitate when it comes to planning that in actuality because we might end up with 16 girls... which is what I tell Armen to scare him when he talks about having sons. I usually don't think about it at all... I figure, let me first tie the knot, then, we can think about babies arriving.

But... I did think about it today... It was the moment when my sister and I couldn't stop laughing at something... we laughed until we cried... and I realized that every girl should have that feeling with their sister. Every girl should have that moment in their life... that moment when no one else in the world would know what you two are laughing so hard at...

Well, to be honest, just to give you guys a little chuckle, we were laughing at a certain physical deformity I have... my pinky toe was not sitting right in my shoe, and with the reputation my pinky toes have, we just stared at it and laughed until I took my shoes off. It was a moment to remember and I hope that I grow to witness such a moment with my children one day... boy or girl...

Tip of the Day: Siblings are a big part of life... notice those certain moments and make sure to remember them. If you don't have any siblings, there are other moments with others... just notice them.

Day 345: Retired...

I have been around retired people for the past 24 hours... they are so retired... they make me feel like I'm retired...

I walked into a cafe this morning and every single elderly, retired head looked up and stared at me as if I was too young to be there. I just acted as though I belonged and walked in...

Being around older people makes me feel calm and gathered. I have spent the day without the usual daily extras in my life.. the phone calls, text messages, etc. I haven't payed any attention to the time of day or had to think about any other responsibilities. For one day, today, I was retired...

Tip of the Day: Give yourself a break once in a while... Even if it means surrounding yourself with the retired.

Day 344: Home Sweet Home

It's a strange feeling to be out of your comfort zone... and, home is where you feel most comfortable because they do say "home is where the heart is." No matter where we are in the world, in a chateau in France or a hotel room in Arizona, after a certain amount of time, we'd like to feel home... not just to be home, but to feel home... There is no other place that feels as nice, clean, and as comfortable. I think that even a homeless man, after a long time, adapts to his cardboard box and wouldn't prefer another...

Tip of the Day: Never take the feeling of "home" for granted...

Christina Song's Paper Idylls

Modest Fly Art Gallery will be showing Christina Song's "Paper Idylls" from January 28th, 2011 through February 19th, 2011. The opening reception will be held on January 28th from 7-10pm. Here is a bit about the artist:

Illustrator, Christina Song, graduated from Art Center College of Design, and creates work primarily consisting of cut paper, mixed media, three-dimensional elements, found paper, drawings, and paintings. She continually finds a lot of inspiration and beauty in nature's beautiful sceneries and enjoys executing work in a way that is raw, visceral, and thoughtful. Song finds it essential and knows the excitement of being lost in the beauty of what she loves to do. One thing that stops the flow of her artwork is when she suddenly becomes more attentive to what the outside world expects to see. She likes to block out that thought, connect to the kid within herself, and be liberated in the one thing she loves doing the most.

Day 343: Safe Again...

I have always love the smell of fresh crayons... It reminds me of the first day of school and childhood... the innocent scent of childhood. That scent makes me feel safe... the safe I used to feel when I was a child... when nothing could hurt me...

When I was eight, I attended my first art class... it was exciting but I was so nervous. Ever since, I have always wanted to teach my own art classes. I have thought about how nice it would be to have my own students and to give away what I have learned all these years. Now... I have a chance... I have an opportunity to become what I have always thought of becoming. The opportunity is knocking...

I have an opportunity to smell fresh crayons again... and feel safe again...

Tip of the Day: Notice an opportunity...

“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” Charles R. Swindoll

Day 342: By My Side...

Today, I realized that I have 6 months left until I move out... We were having coffee time with the women in the family and the wedding was the only thing on everybody's mind. That's when I realized there's 6 months left until my life turns around completely and changes. I don't think it has hit me yet... the actuality of moving out of my parent's house has not reached its core, but I am confident about anything, with Armen by my side...

My dad was in the garage, standing on our 6 foot ladder, looking for something from storage... He took a few boxes down, called my name out a couple of times because he was getting irritated of all my items in storage... Then, he said, "When are you gonna go? It'll be nice... you'll take all this stuff with you... Who has this much stuff? You bought everything you saw!" I looked up at him, started laughing, and said, "Really dad? You're terrible! That's a terrible thing to say! You don't mean that!" We both laughed as I thought about where I was going to fit all this stuff?

I'm sure I'll find somewhere to put all this stuff, with Armen by my side...

Tip of the Day: No matter what big changes you go through in life, know that there is always someone by your side. You are not alone...

Day 341: Desk Calendars

Ok, so besides being naive... I was laughed at today for being dumb... I think...

I have a few desk calendars left and so I thought that, since I have one displayed at the gallery, I should have a sample for people to see, in case I'm not at the gallery. A couple of days ago, I put one out in the postcard holder outside and on it, I wrote: Eerren's 2011 desk calendar $10 Please call 818-331-4780 to purchase yours. Well, it being "Tujunga," and free for people to take, today, I wrote the same thing on the third one and put it out again. Now, for the past year, I've been replacing a light bulb outside the gallery that keeps disappearing, so, I had a slight feeling that they would definitely take the calendar. Honestly, I don't mind it that much... I think it's better for someone to steal my artwork and use my calendar than for someone to want one and not be able to get their hands on it. So, for now, I've replaced the third one, which means that 2 people have already gotten their hands on them. To the two people that took them: I hope you're enjoying your desk calendar enough to come back and purchase one next year.

I have been laughed at today for being naive and dumb about such an obvious situation but I am who I am... so... I just laugh along with them...

Tip of the Day: If you're honest about something and people try to take advantage of that, then, just try to think of their actions in a more positive light.

Day 340: You Are So Naive...

I realized that some people don't read everyday... Some of you guys catch up later in the week and if you do that, you can always go back and comment on previous posts to be apart of the game.

I am a bit naive at times... my mom gets mad at me, sometimes, for being too naive. We were supposed to go to this man's house, my mom and I, who sells fabric at home. I am looking for a type of bookbinding fabric, (which might have something to do with the handmade gift I promised...) and the fabric I need is really expensive. So, she told me about this man and we decided to drop by his house yesterday. I took a piece of the fabric with me so that I could show him exactly what I needed. After a couple of minutes of looking around in his pile of fabrics, I said, "Well, just find out if you can find it... If you can, that would be great!... I already know where to get it from but... it's $15 a yard..." Then as I said that I imagined hitting myself in the mouth and couldn't help but look over to my mom.... I looked at her and remembered my days as a child when I'd do something wrong at a guest's house and her eyes would bulge out and I'd feel scared about what was going to happen when we left. I couldn't help but smile when I looked over at her and she looked like there could've been smoke coming out of her ears... Then, I just stopped talking... which is something I should've done before I let the guy know that, in case he found the material, he could charge me $10 a yard and I'd buy it... So... as we left the house, I closed my ears with my hands as she talked under her breath and said a few bad words... "You are so naive... you are so naive... it's ridiculous! Why would you tell him how much it is??? You're here, at a man's house, who has fabric to sell to you, with bargain prices... and you're telling him how expensive it is??? What is wrong with you? You're so naive!!!" Right then, all I could say was, "Okay... mom... stop... I know..."

Tip of the Day: Being naive is personally good because it makes you honest. But, if you have naivety tendencies and are making some kind of a deal or bargaining, try to think about every single word that is going to come out of your mouth before it does... or... just don't talk.

Day 339: I am who I am...

I've been looking back at my life in the past year... the last 339 days of my life are recorded in cyberspace and here is day 3:

Honesty or Modesty?

"I made it to Day 3!

Hopefully, I'll make it to Day 300 in 297 days. This is exciting for me. I hope you guys enjoy reading this stuff as much as I enjoy writing it.
So... I wanted to change a few things around starting today. I think I am going to keep some things to myself. The first two day posts have been unfiltered and total honesty. That is what I enjoy and hope to do for the next 297 days, but, maybe, filtering some of it will be better for all of us. I will be changing some things around, so if you guys are reading these posts, some feedback would be great. Let me know what you think and what you enjoy reading about most, so that I can push myself in that direction.
But for now... honesty is what is on my mind. I'm used to spitting out whatever comes to mind and that gets me in trouble or in awkward situations, most of the time, but, sometimes, I can't help it. It just happens naturally for me. It's the way I function.
The world around us, today, is not honest. It's mostly a gathering of people who like to be honest with themselves and the world, but, in reality, can't because of certain consequences and situations they try to avoid.
I mentioned in yesterday's post that I was rejected in a certain situation and that happened because I was being totally honest. I was 90% sure that I would be rejected if I brought the subject up, but I still went on and said it. At the time, I thought, "What the hell...I'm just gonna do it." Then, afterwards, I thought, "Shit, I shouldn't have said that." Then, after a long while, I'm thinking, "I'm glad I was honest, I would've wondered about it if I hadn't asked." So, I guess honesty is something that we have to think about often here on Earth, being human and interacting with each other. We make an honest decision everyday, unconsciously. Our upbringing, morals, and family are what give us the limits to our honesty. But, always remember that:

"Everyone of us lives his life just once; if we are honest, to live once is enough" by Greta Garbo"

Well, not only have 297 days passed... but, 336 have passed... and, honestly, (of course I'm being honest) 336 days ago, I would've told you to always be honest... but, today, on day 339, I feel that the most important thing in life is to be honest with yourself first. I have grown 336 days older and 336 days wiser and, these days, I try to be honest with myself first, before I express myself otherwise. Today, I, honestly, would like to share that I am aware: I feel, I hurt, I cry, I can't, I can, I pray, I eat, I try, I fail, I succeed, I don't, I won't, I do, I shouldn't, I care, I forget, I forgive, I think, I may, I need, I desire, I want, I get, I lose, I lost, I win, I won, I love, I like, I wake, I smile, I laugh, and, most importantly, I live because I am... I am who I am because I am awake and aware... It took me 336 days to realize and a few minutes to share with you...

Tip of the Day: Be awake and aware of who you are... It's the only true way to be honest with yourself.

Day 338: Pay It Forward 2011... I Promise

I have reposted a Facebook status that reads: Pay it forward 2011: I promise something handmade to the FIRST 5 people who leave a comment here. However, to be eligible, you must repost this status, offering something handmade to 5 other people. The rules are that it must be handmade by you and it must be sent to your 5 people sometime in 2011. Ready, set, GO... Well, I've only received 1 comment so far... I don't think anybody wants to think about sending 5 other people handmade things. But...

I thought this was a great idea in giving this year... especially something handmade. So, what I'm going to do is try another version of it here... and, here is my idea:

I promise to send you something handmade, by me, to the person that leaves a comment on this post and every post for the next 27 days, until the end. Leave any comment you'd like, but it has to be everyday, and you have to leave your first name at the bottom of your comment if it is anonymous. By the end of the 365 days, I will get in touch with you and I will send you something handmade... something special... I promise...

Thank you guys for supporting me. :) If you're a bit confused, you don't have to send out gifts to anyone. Just leave a comment. That's all you have to do. :) I mentioned the first part to tell you where I got this idea from. So... please leave a comment and don't worry about sending anybody a handmade anything. Thank you and now... let the games begin.

Tip of the Day: Participate in contests, volunteering, games, or any extracurricular activities sometimes. Even if it seems like you'll be wasting your time, you will, definitely, learn something from it.

Day 337: Give it Time

Life works out in ways we can never imagine... We go through situations and experiences and then, one day, we're here... exactly where we belong...

Sometimes, things seem like they don't make sense at the moment or you don't seem to understand why you need to experience certain things. We don't know why we meet certain people... why we feel certain things... and why we're here... Life can be misunderstood in so many different ways... we can be misunderstood in so many different ways... and... we can misunderstand in so many different ways... So, give life more time... give others more time... and give yourself more time... time will tell...

Tip of the Day: If you, somehow, feel stuck or lost, give it all time until that one day... Life will give you some answers.

Day 336: To See a Man Cry

Today, I saw a man cry...
I probably haven't mentioned our dog, Sable... She's a German Shepherd-Rottweiler mix and is about 11 years old. Well, the reason why I'm mentioning her now is because she had a uterus infection recently and we had to take her to the hospital after a few days of diarrhea and vomiting. On New Year's Eve, the doctor told us that she needs surgery and that if, in any case, her abdomen is also infected, he is going to have to put her to sleep. He gave us our options and said that because she's already 11 years old, we can also just put her to sleep before the surgery so that she doesn't have to deal with medications and recovery. Well, the family got together and went over to meet with the doctor and make a decision. After hearing all the possibilities and risks, we decided to go ahead with the surgery. That evening, we received a call from the doctor telling us that everything went as planned and that she is doing okay... but she did have to stay at the hospital for a few days.

This morning, we went to pick her up from the hospital... Armen walked over to the counter and said, "Hi, we're here to pick up Sable..." and the nurse answered, "Okay, great sir... go ahead and have a seat and we'll bring her out in a couple of minutes." We sat down as people walked in and out with their pets. I watched one man walk over to the counter as he spoke a few words with the nurse, then turned around and walked out... but... with tears running down his cheeks... It was an indescribable feeling to see a man cry...

Tip of the Day: When life hands you the unexpected, keep your eyes open... you might experience something indescribable.

Day 335: The Scent of a Person

Coconut... that's what I smell like most of the time... To those who know me personally, coconut defines my smell...

Every one of us has our own scent... the scent of our hair, skin, neck...

The scent of a person can drive those in love crazy... it can bring back memories and moments... it can turn heads at times, and even play a role in grief...

My dad has been out of town for a while now... we missed him at new year's eve and we miss him now. He'll be back soon, but the family feels his absence...

I was leaving the house for a few minutes today... I put on the first jacket I found. As I put it around me and tried to zip it up, I smelled him... It was my dad's jacket... I noticed the scent and grabbed the collar as I pulled it up to my nose to take in a deep breath. I smiled and turned to my mom and said, "This is dad's... it smells just like him..." She answered, "I know... that's why I was wearing it yesterday..."

Tip of the Day: Notice the scent of certain people in your life. It's apart of what makes special moments special...

"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other." Karl (age 5)

Day 334: A New Beginning...

The first day of the year... the first day of a new decade... the first day of a new month... the first day of a new beginning...

Today is a new day... Leave everything that doesn't matter behind... Let everything that has given you stress and pain go... because this is a new day and you have a chance at a new beginning. You have control over how this year will turn out for you. Just give yourself a few moments to think about what you'd like to bring into the new year with you. Once you think you have all the common denominators that made you smile last year, don't leave them behind. With health on your side, you're capable of anything and everything... so, take a moment and figure out how much you'd like to be capable of this year. This day is a new beginning...

Tip of the Day: Anything can be as big as you make it out to be... make this year a big one!

Day 333: I wish you health...

Happy New Year!

I'd like to apologize for the late posts... I have been preoccupied with family and I'm sure most of you have also...

New year's eve is special because we all get to experience the moment the year passes... When we get to the last few moments of the year, right then, we realize how fast life passes us by...

As the clock hit 12 o'clock, everyone began to kiss and hug and I looked around and noticed how New Year's eve happens... We usually surround ourselves with close family and friends and try to enjoy the last few moments of that year and, as we ring in the new year, we begin with hugs and kisses with best wishes for each other. As everyone hugged and kissed each other, I stood there and I realized how weird, nice, and great that moment was... it was priceless...

Even though I spent my New Year's celebration with family and loved ones, I've been thinking about what we wish each other every year...

As we spend that moment surrounded with hugs and kisses, there are families and individuals out there that are in hospitals, in waiting rooms, at work, as a firefighter, an EMT, a police officer, or on the cold, dirty streets. This year, I not only wish all of you the very best in the year to come, I wish all of you the most important thing in life, that we tend to take for granted... I wish you health... everything in life means nothing without good health... I wish health for all the ones in the hospitals, patience for the ones in waiting rooms, strength for the firefighter, will for the EMT, courage for the police officer, and a warm blanket for the one on the streets.... But... for you, the one who seems like they have everything, I wish you health...

Tip of the Day: Always take care of yourself, mind and body...