No. "Yes."

NEW blog

2009-08-12T11:56:00.009-05:00

ihavetheworld.tumblr.com

Dear Cape Town,

2009-07-20T02:01:00.004-05:00

I’m back in Austin, for a hiatus. I stayed in Cape Town for 3 months… it feels like a dream, a truly wonderful dream. So I might go back to dreaming for another year… we’ll see what happens. …

I love to travel because it allows you to reinvent yourself, in essence, to be your true self. And nobody you encounter along your journey questions your authenticity, since they are meeting you as you are for the first time. They imagine you’ve always been this way. And you have, you’re only now getting to show this specific part of yourself because the world is allowing you to. On the other hand, most people who have known you have difficulty believing that there are more layers to peel away. It’s a shame really because unless you allow yourself to grow, to transform, to vibrate and shine, you become a reflection—an image of how others see you.

I guess this is what people say when they mean they are traveling to find themselves. After realizing you can choose who you are, you consequently ask yourself, well who do I want to be? And then you become it… if you’re smart. I’d like to think most people who travel are smart because they’ve at least gotten so far.

It’s not surprising then that I love the people I meet when I travel. They are adventurers and explorers and geniuses and they are getting more interesting by the second. They let the wind blow and the sun rise. They are firecrackers. They are superhuman because they believe it. Time is no longer an enemy, and moments seem less fleeting because it’s all worth it. They realize time isn’t money, time is travel, and the only days wasted are those which suffered the fate of being born during pre-enlightenment, or those which suffer the fate of being born during a bad economy.

I like to pretend that I have money; it works quite well. I’ve learned to deceive myself and others. After all, I did convince my father at four months old to move across the world. And so now I continue to convince myself to take myself around the world, and I continue to try to convince other people too.

My mom and sister made their way to Cape Town, South Africa for a whole 6.5 days. I told them this really wasn’t enough, but something is better than nothing. The week they visited me was also my last week in Cape Town and it made me realize all the things I will miss until I come back again….

The way the sun shines through the forest, to let you see the trees…
The people who won’t let you get anything for free…
The creativity that happens, not because someone tried to create it, but because it just happens…
The sunsets and sunrises that can’t be captured in photographs, but you try anyways because they are just so beautiful the thought of keeping them to yourself seems selfish…
Getting to share the city with people you really want to share it with…
Climbing mountains and realizing that you can climb mountains…
Feeling excited, because you’re scared, but because you’re also excited…
The best damn pizza, milkshakes and veggie burgers you could ask for!
The fact that even the poorest kids have a soccer ball…
The mystic..
Astronomers and their crazy constellation computer programs, tryin to challenge my libraness….and forgiving them because they showed me the amazing view from Lion’s head…
Finding snow again after not seeing it for about 12 years…
The ability to take roadtrips every weekend in a different direction to somewhere new…
Working at Cow, the Cows and asking Steyn to play his music all the time heh…
Walking through a jungle of monkeys….
The farm in kommetijie…
The cliff at cape point matthias and I discovered, with a view better than the top..
Of course all the amazing people I met, who know who they are..
Being the first American or first Indian people had ever met…
and much much much more...

Till we meet again!

love me some travel contests

2009-07-14T17:57:00.003-05:00

http://vantastic.worldnomads.com/

http://www.cinemark.com/promotions/funnypeople/

http://www.cinemark.com/promotions/julieandjulia/default.asp

Are we in Africa yet?

2009-06-04T18:30:00.002-05:00

My landlord was a lunatic, so I left.. that’s the short story, and now I’m residing in a hostel on long street .. I’ve been here for almost three weeks now… this has to be a record. And if it’s not I will be beating my own imaginary record in a few more weeks.

Tonight, I was sitting in my hostel lounge room, laying against the cozy powder puff sheeted couches, gritting my teeth and keeping warm by reading- proud of myself since I usually keep warm by getting online and holding my portable internet modem against me when a hostelmate/local South African walked up and said, “You know what you look like? A Kardashian!”

My immediate reaction was to say “OH NO” as I’ve unconsciously paired looks with personality. I’m also trying to stop drinking milkshakes at Royale and Pickwicks so calling me a Kardashian isn’t exactly what I’m trying to hear right now.

To this, the hostelenemy replied, “Oh you must not be Arab or Indian so that was offensive, are you?”
“I am Indian.”
“Oh sorry.”

So then he leaves, and he doesn’t believe I’m not a Kardashian. I’m reading first of all, but anyways he comes back and offers me a cupcake.
Anyone who knows me knows, if I could be a piece of food I would be a cupcake. Yellow with vanilla frosting and it’s not a metaphor for Indian on the inside, white on the outside.. it’s just a matter of taste.
I couldn’t accept this precious gift, as then I would be underhandedly admitting he was speaking the truth.
So I pass- and I win the war…

I come back to my bedroom to share this semi-exciting bit of hostel gossip with my one of my dormmates when I snap back into reality and realize I’m still surrounded by 30 Korean and Japanese backpackers who don’t speak much English. Apparently this hostel has 5 stars online in those countries. I’d call Laura- my ex-roommate/American partner in crime, but she’s in Jo’burg. It’s times like these I really miss home, and miss South Africa even more. I can’t write anymore as a German is coming to pick me up… perhaps HE will take me to South Africa….. a hot hot land where nobody knows who the Kardashians are.

Coming to Cape Town

2009-04-20T14:36:00.001-05:00

4/17/09

So I’m here in cape town and it is 1 am… traveling has a way of making you contemplate your entire universe all over again. I arrived here exactly one week ago. I’m not sure what I expected… I had a feeling I would love this city, but at the same time I was heading for the first time on my own to a place I had never been before, and one that you don’t exactly hear is the safest place to bet on. Aside from the words ‘hectic’, ‘shame’ and ‘oh is it’, I’m constantly hearing the world ‘brave’… people telling me I’m so brave for coming here. Honestly, I never thought of it that way and I’m still not convinced. How am I brave? I’m experiencing a place where the rich and the poor coexist, perhaps not peacefully but more because they have to. The poor live in townships where they never experienced another life and are barely surviving in a literal sense. The rich are survivors themselves… things we take for granted in America… not having electric fences and barred doors and windows. Not worrying about beggars attacking you if you don’t pay them, or smashing through your car window at a stoplight to grab your purse, simply walking down the street without considering that you might get mugged, or being able to walk around after dark alone as female without fear that you might get raped. I bought my first can of pepper spray I might add! I’m not trying to be melodramatic and there are a few things you worry about in any city; also most of the people I have met have not actually been the victims of crimes such as these… but they are aware of it and do have to think about it--- something that has become second nature to them. And I’m brave for coming here? On basically a working vacation?

The only way you could possibly call me brave is if you look at my bank account. My mom updated me an hour ago… perhaps the reason why I can’t sleep anymore and am currently writing this…. To let me know that my current checking account amount resides at $142.40. I bought a load of photography equipment before coming here, the cost of which was deducted from my account today… along with my rent & deposit, never a fun feeling. I am getting paid here though… working as an intern for an agency called Cow Africa, a funky little creative boutique advertising shop. And I have to say I LOVE IT. I’ve spent the first week writing copy, brainstorming, and punking people all over town candid camera style, which has given me a scenic tour of the city. The people I work with are awesome as well… they end work early on Fridays to laugh, drink milkshakes and eat fries (chips  ) together. I feel as if I know them already.. it is kind of strange.

Strange in a good way, not at all in the sense I mean it when I say it’s quite strange that I have no money and am living in another country. The current rate of exchange is $1,000 rand = $100. And it seems no matter where you are the world, landlords suck. I found a beautiful room in a house, within walking distance of work that even has a backyard & hammock, albeit with an electric fence, which also includes a landlady doubling as a roommate. She’s a 39 yr old female having a full-on midlife crisis. The first day I checked out the place I moved in, as she has an obvious charm along with the house. We ate dinner that night and she and I talked happily and freely. The next day we got in a tustle over rent --- I’m paying $4,000 rand for a month---- which means I’m getting ripped off. But like I said, the house is cool, and so are the roommates--- 3 more actually, mostly other foreign interns getting ripped off as well .
Following this tustle we drank wine and talked again for hours where I realized that she has gotten screwed over quite a bit in her life. Dated a guy longterm whom she opened a business with, who did not include her as an owner in the business… then she was in legal battle with him for a few years, was pregnant with his baby and had a miscarriage… and then found out a few years later from her sister, that she slept with him. And not that I even need to add more to this story, but her sister’s wedding is in two weeks and she doesn’t have a date. So I don’t blame her for getting irritated and equally annoying at the drop of a dime… okay I do, sometimes “you are as miserable as you want to be.”- wise words from a coworker. I do give her credit though, South Africans have to be tough and she’s one of the tougher ones.

But that doesn’t quite help me now does it. I’m considering what I’m going to do after this month. Depending on how the internship goes or other interviews, I could stay here. I interviewed in Dubai before I arrived which means I could end up back there as well… which financially would be amazing--- but in many other ways would be quite tragic. I could also head to Australia, my parents seem to be a fan of this idea, maybe so they can visit, and my uncle has sent me some local currency hoping to jumpstart my journey to the outback where my cousin currently resides. And it all sounds lovely right? Being a struggling creative is not fun… is it too late for med school? I’m not gonna lie though, there is a certain beauty in not knowing the future, you truly begin to live day to day. And despite the fact that I’ve felt uncertain for quite a long while now, I’d still take feeling uncertain while traveling over the opposite any day.

Especially in Cape Town. This city is breathtakingly gorgeous. The beach, the mountains, the sunsets, the lights, the sky, the vibe, the music, the mish-mash of culture and architecture—it all works so well together. The first day I arrived I got a scenic view of the entire city bowl at night along side Table Mountain and a sky who’s sun had set but still held rich purples oranges and reds- making me feel as if I landed on another planet, a beautiful one. I also headed to a local bar/music venue called Rafikis, where the lead singer of a famous African band named Freshly Ground, was special guesting along side a few Brooklyn musicians. Everyone in the bar was dancing and grooving and I was surprised, in the best way possible, at how laidback the vibe was…as a national celebrity could be jamming so effortlessly and easily with the locals.

Music is not all that keeps people on their feet. The crime perhaps gives everyone a little jolt in their step, but the locals are in love with their own city as much as the foreigners and are experiencing as much as they can until perhaps they won’t be able to anymore. Zuma is about to be elected president in a few days. The current candidate of the ANC party- the same party Nelson Mandela belonged to, but there is no other similarity.

I have learned quite a bit here in my first week from some of the amazing people I have met, about race relations, language, politics, poverty, and the capacity of complete strangers to be completely accommodating half way around the world. I’ve laughed more this week than probably in past 6 months and I have 10 new facebook friends !…that’s more friends than days I’ve been here, which only validates my point.

Tomorrow morning I’m awaking bright and early to hike Table Mountain with a couchsurfer I haven’t met yet. Probably a pretty good start to the second week of my first month in Cape Town. And at this very moment, I’m having a hard time imagining this is real. I’ve gotten carried away typing on my old familiar laptop… only to finally look up and realize that it is in fact the middle of the night, in a new country, where I now know some people….and I’m okay... I think.

Final Round Final Video

2009-03-28T12:52:00.002-05:00

So i made it to the top ten in one of the most amazing contests ever created! This is my final video about Austin, TX. If you could pass on the link if you like it, i'd appreciate it! A few posts down is the video that got me into the top ten.

It's been a whirlwind few weeks, so I haven't posted recently, but I'm leaving to intern for a month in Cape Town on Wednesday so I'll definitely have something interesting to share soon!

The World Through My Eyes

2009-03-07T14:42:00.008-06:00

I've posted some pictures from my adventures around the world. Most photographs were taken with a Sony Cybershot DSC-W90, which takes excellent outdoor daytime shots! Some were taken with a Sony HDR-SR1 Hard Disk Drive Camera, and a few test shots with a Canon Xti SLR. Here's a link to my picasa gallery where you can view and download.

A Stranger In Her Own City

2009-03-03T03:59:00.005-06:00

This is the story of a brave, fiercely independent 13-year old girl in Yemen. It is a documentary directed by Khadija Al-Salami. This is part 1 of 3 and I think everyone should watch it. I wonder if it is inherent to have a strong conscious when I see young children as the girl in this story, who seems able to seek honesty quite openly despite the society she is growing up in. I've always been interested in the depth of influence a country has on a person as they are growing up and what part of their personality would be there regardless of their nationality.

35 Things To Do Before You Turn 35

2009-03-01T16:52:00.011-06:00

Why 35?... Because I think you should do the entire list all over again after you turn 35! Try everything once, and then twice!

1. Take a bike tour or a road trip through a country. Think of the joys of taking a roadtrip through your native country and now multiple this by 20! Getting lost, driving on the wrong side of the road, asking fun 20-somethings for directions-- that's what the open road is all about.

2. Ride on the back of a motorcycle through Delhi. Or through any major metropolitan city with a driver that is young, handsome and trying to impress you with his speed.

3. Experience Holi in India. Holi, for those of you who don't know, is an Indian excuse to celebrate color and have a huge national water fight. If you've ever seen the Sony Bravia commercials, it's like that but it's real!

4. Follow the World Cup. You might think you love your team, but if you can make it to a final match, you'll learn what love really means! The next one will be in Cape Town, South Africa.

5. Go to Guatemala and inhale the breathtaking beauty of Panajachel.

6. Ride something besides a car and a bike, like an elephant or a camel for instance. Believe me it's the best way to travel!

7. Visit the Greek Isles. Not once, but twice and preferably spend a summer there working as a bartender so you can island hop. Watch The Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants before you go. If you're a guy watch it too.

8. Attend the Olympics. There's no event that brings the world together more than this one, and if there's anything we could use more of, it's peace.

9. Brazil. Reason enough, but even better go at the beginning of the year to Rio de Janeiro, the world's biggest party. Beads, beaches, beauty, booty... it's all there!

10. Do an Italian cross-country food tour. Compare the pizza and gelato in every city. As a matter of fact, compare it multiple times a day.

11. All we need is love. So in July, make your way to Germany for The Love Parade, where the entire city of Berlin shares their love of electronic music and love too.

12. Experience one of the holiest cities in the world, Jerusalem, before you may not get a chance to. Perhaps you don't practice Christianity, Judaism or Islam, but it's quite difficult not to be phased by history that dates back to 4th millennium BCE.

13. Plan a trip to the Galápagos Isalnds to see tortoises, really really cool tortoises.

14. Climb a mountain. Ironically enough Forbes has written an article about the 10 best mountains to climb, and it is titled, "The Best Mountains to Climb Before You Die." I guess do this one right before you turn 35. :)

15. Visit the Taj Mahal in India. Walk to the back and sit down on the cool marble while overlooking the serene waters; I guarantee you, if you need to find peace you can find it here.

16. Couchsurf. I've said it once, i'll say it twice and a thousand more times... this is hands down one of the best ways to get the local experience while traveling.

17. Go to London if you're American to experience what it feels like for someone else to love your accent, the one you didn't know you had. If you're from any other country come to America.

18. Embark on a journey to The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt and try to fathom how they could have possible built these structure in 2600 B.C. By the way, this is the only "old" wonder of the world still standing.

19, Attend an event at the Sydney Opera House in Australia because it's one of the coolest buildings in the world.

20. Another cool show? Broadway, if there's anything you're going to do in New York, get some good seats to a Broadway show. I personally recommend Avenue Q.

21. Date someone who's from another country so you have a free place to stay in another country. :)

22. Zip line through the Costa Rican rainforest. What better way to see a jungle than from a bird's point of view.

23. Wing suit flying is the new skydiving. Be one of the first humans to fly! If you'd prefer regular old skydiving, then do it in New Zealand, the country that invented it.

24. Take a trip around the Hawaiian Islands. Imagine living here and maybe live here for awhile. While you're at it, learn how to surf.

25. Go to Bali and get your fortune read. Why? Read Eat, Pray, Love.

26. Teach English abroad. Or if you can manage to get another job, do that! I recommend Thailand because it's in the heart of Southeast Asia, a good jumping off point to visit nearby countries, is called "The Land of Smiles", has beautiful weather and beaches, is home to gorgeous Buddhist temples and has amazing food.

27. Visit North Korea. If you can! Apparently they do let some U.S. visitors come in, but only to a restricted area. But who cares, you can still say you went to North Korea and how many people can say that? Or better yet, harvest giant rabbits, and then you might get to really see the country.

28. Drink vodka in Russia, while watching the ballet and admiring the Willy Wonkaesque architecture of The Cathedral of St.Basil.

29. Volunteer abroad in Santiago, Chile because it's one of the few places I've found where you don't have to pay to volunteer, however if you have the wealth, by all means volunteer everywhere! You can embrace the nightlife, learn a little Spanish and roadtrip to nearby South American hot spots.

30. Head to Buenos Aires, Argentina from Chile so that you can learn how to really dance. I mean realllllllly dance.

31. Preferably, become a dj and tour the world while making music. If not possible, I would say head to Ibiza when you have a bit of money, stay there for a month, beach bumm, dance all night for many nights in a row and experience pure ecstasy.

32. Travel with your friends and find out which friends are worth keeping around, then go with those friends to Australia, rent a house.... and live there together for a summer, and do everything they mention in this contest.

33. If you're sad because you don't have culture, or because you want another one or some more, then head to Istanbul, Turkey.

34. Explore the underwater world in one of the best snorkeling spots... We were all fishies at one point and we should know where we came from.

35. Take a trip to Iceland because it's called Iceland for goodness sake and because you can kayak, sled, skidoo ride, view the Northern Lights and experience one of the world's most electrifying new year's eve celebrations in Reykjavík.

STA WORLD TRAVELER INTERNSHIP 2009 , WATCH MY VIDEO !!!

2009-02-25T13:15:00.006-06:00

Hi everyone... this is my entry for a travel guide contest (not for the contest in the blog below this... a different one!)
If you like it, pass the link around please, facebook status it, blog it, post it, twitter it, email it, anything! :)

Show it to your bro's/sis's, cousins, grannies, lovers, anyone!
I have 7 days left to spread it around! Thanks everybody!! peace love and travel!

APPLY TO THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD

2009-02-16T00:42:00.007-06:00

check out the best job in the world here
Run Down:
$150,000 salary
Work 12 hours a month for 6 months
Get rent-free three bedroom villa
Blog
Take pictures
Scuba dive
Snorkel
Sail
Explore Islands
Live in Australia

NAACP Awards

2009-02-12T21:02:00.008-06:00

I've noticed that I myself, and maybe this applies to other people as well, need to be repeatedly reminded of what is truly important and perhaps what is a better way to navigate through life. It doesn't matter how many books you've read, how many favorite quotes you've memorized, how old you are or how many wise people you surround yourself with--- it's easy to continually forget. It's easy to get carried away, especially in this country, to be bigger, faster, richer, smarter. It's also easy to carry on the aforementioned road, since it seems like most people try to take that route and if there's anything I've learned growing up with Indian parents in an American world, it's always more comfortable to be part of a majority. Recently, there has been a shift in our national consciousness and of course I think Obama is a huge part of it, but I really hope it lasts.
I don't believe it's negative for people to want to be bigger, faster, richer and smarter--- but I'm referring to the application of it. Bigger? Why and in what way? Faster, why? Life's short enough, shouldn't we be trying to live everyday completely instead of trying to rush waiting for the next great thing to happen to us. Which has been harder than ever for me to remember. Richer? Only if we are richer together. And smarter? I think we should always be continually trying to learn and remember what the best way is to apply our knowledge.

Tonight I watched the NAACP Awards and they awarded Russell Simmons with the Vanguard Award. Of course I know who he is.. I know he's a business mogul and genius as is a lot of his family, but I wasn't aware of how much else he does. He was awarded due to his personal efforts to help increase understanding of racial and social issues. He involved in The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, he exposes poverty-stricken youth to the arts through Rush Philanthropic, and he's a Goodwill Ambassador and Peta activist among other activities. You don't have to agree with his beliefs to recognize what he selflessly does for others and he's definitely someone to look up to----- it's motivating to know that you can do what you love and do what you should (and feel you need to) without replacing one with the other.
Sometimes I can't wait to head to design school and pursue my personal agenda, and other times I wonder if it's really that important to spend the time and the money when I could be involved in other organizations that promote causes I believe in. Yet perhaps it's important to pursue your passions and use them to support a positive global consciousness.

There's something else I noticed when I watched this award show as opposed to more mainstream Hollywood Award shows. People seem truly and completely proud of each other, and it goes without saying that most of it is because people identify with others from their own race and their own struggle; Although, I also noticed it is also because many of these people feel that they have something to prove on many different levels because they are minorities, as do I, so they are continually trying to progress forward in a positive direction.

Now that I've shared my own philosophies! And yeah I have the time to think about my personal philosophies right now--- and I think many people do too, but here's some they shared during the program which I liked...

Will Smith, quoted Confucius while accepting an award for Seven Pounds, there are two kinds of people "those who think they can, and those who think they can't, and both are right."

Russell Simmons while accepting the Vanguard Award, "Art allows people to come out of the struggle."

And the presentation by Def Poetry Jam members to Russell Simmons was awesome-- if it makes it to youtube I'll post it here.

T-Mobile AD Dance

2009-02-10T20:20:00.001-06:00

I hope they do this in Grand Central!

CHASING HAPPINESS

2009-02-06T17:57:00.005-06:00

© AP Photo/David Maung

Full story here

Courtesy of Forbes: the world's happiest places. I'm skeptical of this list which mainly is made up of northern European nations in the top 10, and also including some poor and pretty dangerous countries like Mexico and Guatemala. And Canada... paleaaaaaz... I've lived there and I'm not sure anyone would choose Canada over California.

Nevertheless here are the top 10 cities:

Denmark
Happiness level: 8.2
Happy fact: Denmark boats a happy workforce. The unemployment rate in December 2007 was only 2.7%. Some 75% of the labor force are members of a trade union.

Switzerland
Happiness level: 8.1
Happy fact: The Swiss are efficient and punctual, comparatively wealthy and face hardly any unemployment. Their streets, air and tap water are squeaky clean. Chocolate is a national obsession. But Weiner saw no joy in their faces, and reasoned that perhaps it's better to live in this middle range than to constantly swing between great highs and terrible lows. Swiss happiness, he writes, is "more than mere contentment but less than full-on joy."

Austria
Citizens' happiness level: 8.0
Happy fact: Nearly 80% of Austria's total energy consumption comes from renewable sources like hydropower, as well as wind, solar and biomass power plants. Vienna is also home to one of the world's great operas--the Vienna State Opera, and there's always the Sachertorte, a delectable chocolate confection. Truly, the hills are alive with the sound of music.

Iceland
Happiness level: 7.8
Happy fact: Because the country is dark and cold, Weiner was initially skeptical about Iceland's ranking as the fourth-happiest nation in the world (after Denmark, Switzerland and Austria). But the nation is a family--geneticists have actually found that all citizens are related. Certain phrases in the Icelandic language, Weiner writes, are even more telling. When people greet each other, the phrase they use roughly translates to "come happy," and when people part, they utter the equivalent of "go happy." The country is a favorite stamping ground of artists and cultivates a creative spirit. Indeed, the government supports writers with generous subsidies.

Finland
Happiness level: 7.7
Happy fact: Finland is the freest nation in the world when it comes to civil liberties, freedom of the press, low corruption levels and high levels of political rights, according to its World Audit Democracy profile. And over 75% of citizens' health care costs are funded by public entities. Traffic ticket fines are based on your ability to pay. One 27-year-old Finnish Internet entrepreneur, pulled over in his BMW doing 43 miles an hour in a 25-mph zone, was slapped with a $71,400 fine. A 26-year-old grad student paid $82 for a similar offense. He was happier.

Australia
Happiness level: 7.7
Happy fact: In 2006, a pair of economists ranked Australia second, after Iceland, in a new kind of happiness ranking. Using the U.N. Human Development Index, which measures life expectancy, education and GDP, the researchers found that Australians were happier than citizens of other nations even though they tended to work long hours and enjoyed less job security.

Sweden
Happiness level: 7.7
Happy fact: Sweden is known for its myriad state-sponsored, comprehensive services, including tax-funded child care, paid parental leave, ceilings on health care costs, tax-funded education up to and including college, retirement pensions and tax-funded dental care for citizens until they turn 20.

Canada
Happiness level: 7.6
Happy fact: In 2006, a group of social psychologists at England's University of Leicester created a map of the world's happiest nations based on compiled data from more than 100 studies that surveyed 80,000 people. According to their ranking, Canada's score was largely due to its citizens' health, wealth and access to education.

Guatemala
Happiness level: 7.6
Happy fact: The old mantra must be true: Money can't buy happiness. While Guatemala's GDP per capita may be paltry compared with, say, Denmark's ($37,000), the Central American nation is topping the happiness charts right along with its economically better-off counterparts.

Luxembourg
Happiness level: 7.6
Happy fact: Luxembourg's economy is stable and high-performing, boasting low inflation and low unemployment. In 2006, the nation possessed the highest GDP per capita in the world. Though the country is small, its citizens are fiercely proud of their heritage and retain folk traditions that are vestiges of its rural past.

Ireland
Happiness level: 7.6
Happy fact: Whoever said sunnier places were happier has never been to Ireland. Even though some parts of Ireland see 275 days of rain per year, temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even in the winter. And in 2005, Ireland topped a quality-of-life index compiled by The Economist based on nine criteria that ranged from health to gender equality to political freedom.

Mexico
Happiness level: 7.6
Happy fact: The most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world, Mexico is a land of natural beauty and scientific import. It contains 200,000 species, or 10% to 12% of the world's biodiversity

Norway
Happiness level: 7.6
Happy fact: Norway is rife with natural resources, including petroleum, hydropower, fish, forests and minerals. One reason the standard of living is so high is that those resources are vast compared with the size of the population. From 2001 to 2006, the Scandinavian nation also topped the U.N. Human Development Index, which is based on literacy rate, education level and per-capita income.

Dentist BOy makes it to TV!

2009-02-05T02:36:00.002-06:00

UPDATE:
So after about a million hits this boy made his way on to E's The Daily 10. I think that is pretty amazing and speaks volumes about how easy it is to get your 15 minutes of fame nowadays thanks to youtube. I've noticed that youtube sensations are making their way to on to talk shows on a regular basis. Ellen and Tyra brought in some lovelies recently:

I want to go to his dentist

2009-02-04T00:41:00.000-06:00

25 things

2009-02-02T01:47:00.004-06:00

So this 25 things note has been goin around facebook, so I gotta fill it out or I'm sure something bad will happen to me and I can't afford to have one of my limbs fall off, I might need to sell them soon for money...

1. Like Linda, I too saw a naked old man in a studio art class, ironically enough when I was an architectural design major and this man was 80 and I have to say he had a better body than most guys I know... sorry.

2. I finally started writing the book I've always wanted to write, and I know somewhat what I want it to be about, but I guess the interesting thing is that it could be about something entirely different when I finish.

3. I was born in India, then moved to a few different places in Canada, then moved to a few different places in Michigan, then moved to Austin, Texas, then moved to NYC for 6 months and now I'm back in Austin--- about to go somewhere else hopefully!

4. I believe in destiny, but I also believe you have to do your half for the world to do its. Like in Lost, you have to do your part and the island will do its.

5. Lost is my favorite show ever. Well that's a lie, I really loved Boy Meets World, Salute Your Shorts, Fraggle Rock, Eureka's Castle, Saved By The Bell, The Wonder Years, Clarissa Explains It All, TGIF, and SNICK- I watched a lot of t.v. when I was little I guess you could say, but all I remember is playing outside. Anyhow since I've been back to Austin I've watched all 4 seasons of Lost to catch up.

6. When I moved to Austin in middle school, I ditched the popular girl I was becoming best friends with to befriend the new quirky girl. Later this quirky girl's parents told her she couldn't hang out with me cause I was Indian... betch!

7. I once told a boy my name was Eskima and I was Alaskan, and he completely believed me.

8. I have an odd skin disease which looks like a slightly dark line that wraps around one side of my stomach. It developed two years ago, and the doctor said there's no way to cure it and it stops spreading after two years... I guess I should come up with a cooler story.

9. Many things happened in 5th grade... I became best friends with one girl who was my enemy. I had the coolest pumas on the block. My best friend was trying to get a guy and asked him if he would date her if she got the same shoes as me. Everyone played pogs at recess and during break my dad went out and bought me a huge case and some slammers, when I came back to school, nobody was playing anymore. My bff gave me a bff ring and I lost it in the cafeteria, many years later after I moved she found it.

10. I never wanted to play soccer but my sister and parents convinced me to when I was little, I've played since then with an olympic development coach, select teams, and my high school which finally ruined it for me. I miss it so much and is possibly one of the reasons why I love the rest of the world so much cause they are smart of to realize what the best sport ever is.

11. I want to be an entrepreneur- I know exactly how... I just need the money! But if I had all the money I could possibly want, the first thing I'd do is definitely travel... everywhere. When I travel everything seems perfect.

12. I'm never happy with doing what I'm supposed to do. I'm not sure I'll ever do things on an appropriate life schedule. My biggest fear is being normal. I think people don't believe me when I want to go somewhere or do something out of the ordinary, like work in another country... I make sure I never prove them right.

13. I stole candy when I was a kid from grocery stores all the time. I have the biggest sweet tooth I know. I know where you can get the best gelato in the entire world--- just ask me! I could possibly just work in an ice cream shop or bakery or chocolateria and I'd prolly be satisfied.

14. I constantly analyze the past and have a basic plan for the future, mostly because I like things to be very efficient. Wasted time drives me crazy.... which is why I've been going crazy for a few months now. I'm trying more than ever to live in the present.

15. A year ago, in 5 weeks straight, I traveled to Madrid, Ibiza and Barcelona, Spain, Ostea, Rome, Cinque Terre, and Milan Italy, Santorini, Mykonos and Athens Greece, and Berlin, Germany... on a budget of about $3500 including airfare, mostly staying with local people I never met before, backpacking with two girls, one of whom I never met untill the day we left. It was possibly the best summer of my life.

16. Instead of asking WWJD, I often ask What Would A Guy Do? I hate women who belittle themselves, and the men who belittle them too, so I try to take on the world the way a man does. However, I do believe in chivalry.

17. When I was a kid I almost drowned in the ocean off the coast of Florida and on another occasion I almost chocked to death on a grape. When I told my parents they laughed.

18. I'm convinced I have a guardian angel. In retrospect there's so many things that could have gone horribly wrong that never did.

19. I love food, but I can't cook anything. I learned how to boil spaghetti when I was a senior in college, I didn't even attempt it before then.

20. The first time I tried beef was a white castle hamburger. I hated eating Indian food every day, and my mom brought home a burger and told me I had to eat one or the other. I cried and took a bite of the burger. After gagging I sat at the table for hours. I would sit at the table all day if I had to to get out of eating. I've never had beef since that day. I'm not sure what Harold and Kumar are talking about. My little sister is facebook friends with Kumar.

21. My parents say I was the happiest baby.

22. At this time last year I was doing the exact same thing, thinking the exact same thing, but never believing that I'd be in the same position a year later.

23. I feel happiest when I'm with the people I care about, if I could live with all my friends in one big frat house that'd be amazing- on the other hand I can leave people if I need to without a second thought, which is why I can live in another country.... I know the people that are important in my life will always be there when I get back.

24. When Obama won, I started crossing the street into oncoming traffic. My sister yelled, "watch out!" and I was like "It's okay Obama won!" then I decided to go into Manhattan after celebrating in Brooklyn and my sister was like you're going alone and isn't it goin to take you forever, and I was like "It's okay Obama won!" I made it into Manhattan in 15 minutes from the C train in Brooklyn, probably the fastest I ever have.

25. Blue is my favorite color and

26. I prefer even numbers.

your turn!!....................

Rockero Loco

2009-02-02T01:37:00.002-06:00

In case you missed the American Idol audition in Puerto Rico, the highlight of the show is Joel Contreras.

Courtesy of neonlimelight: "TRUE LOVE! Normally we reserve our true love title to our favorite voice of the night but this guy and his bad voice totally deserves it. Joel came in as the human iPod aka guy-pod. So clever! He and his wicked emo hair sounded a hot mess, but it didn’t matter. When that gimmick failed, he pulled out a lion hand puppet. Simon wanted to know the purpose of the puppet. Joel brighten our lives as he lifted the puppet up and began singing “Circle of Life.” We need to marry him. He got four no’s and celebrated by putting on a Superman suit and jumping into the pool. Epic!"

I concur. I have to add that this guy really needs to be hired by an ad agency as a creative!! Or better yet, Joel, call me, lets start our own agency.

2009-01-27T03:39:00.000-06:00

So I'm back from my whirlwind 7 months of art direction in NYC and I miss it and everyone terribly!! But it's freezing there, and well it's 70 degrees here and I'm eatin' chips and queso.

This relaxing time is ending soon though.. I'm getting restless! I want to go travel, I want to finish this photoj class, I want to get started on some web ideas, I want to go work for Oprah (seriously). I have a list with no end, and I gotta start checking things off.

I'll get started on that, in the meanwhile here's some visual eye candy.
I am across this artist on ffffound.com, effing amazing. The artist is 26 year old Archan Nair from India. I get inspired by people close to me in age who are so successful in pursuing their passions. More at archann.net.

Sunglasses or Badassglasses?

2008-03-29T17:55:00.001-05:00

Okay so I probably noticed this before and I'm sure people know this already, but ever notice how sunglasses make you an automatic badass? As long as the sunglasses aren't lame of course. But WHY is it I ask? There's the tip the frame, look over the top of the sunglasses badassness, The automatic intrigue badassness. The nobody knows who you are so you can do whatever the hell you want badassness. The make your own sunglasses kanye style badassness. The super huge- covering most of my face-sunglass badassness. The I can see if you're looking at me, but you can't tell if I'm looking at you badassness. The "I wear my sunglasses at night" badassness. The I could be famous that's why I'm wearing sunglasses badassness. The I live in hot, sunny weather badassness. The I could be a biker badassness. The my sunglasses are more expensive than your entire outfit badassness. And of course I'm wearing aviators, raybans, oaklies with a special case badassness. All the while, regular glasses=the opposite. Just a thought.

Eating My Words

2008-03-28T01:28:00.001-05:00

If it was possible to eat words, I probably would-- because I like to eat. AND I've been trying to go to Hey Cupcake forever now, so I really need to get on that. Anyways that isn't the point of this post.. the point is I was gravitating away from NYC, and as fate would have it, I'm bout to take a bite out of The Big Apple (fully intended)... and I'm SO EXCITEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!!!

My facebook horoscope says "Your glass is way more than half-full so stop worrying about the part that's empty" and it's true. I'm a very lucky unlucky person. I've been bored to death the last few months, going crazy, but then again I'm lucky that I even have the chance to do nothing for awhile. (I'm not exactly doin nothing, but not really something). Anyhow this past few months is going to make this summer all the more magnificent. Nyc in the summertime-- I love love love it... it makes me love life. I love anywhere in the summertime really, but Austin that is...its too effin hot. But aside from the weather, I'm also excited to meet some people. I do love people, especially new ones... there's just something about a new introduction that causes my endorphins to flow. I don't need to work out, just engage myself in some intriguing conversations and late night parties with fun new people. (And thankfully fbook allows me to keep in touch with this ppl from all over the world). I'm also excited to finally get my hands dirty- art direc. style. Everyone has heard the saying, in order to be truly happy and healthy, you must do what you love for a living. I recently read an article that stated we must not mistake this adage as simply doing what makes you happy. I can imagine myself owning a beachouse/cafe along the coast somewhere, relaxing day in and day out, but I wouldn't be helping myself or anyone else for that matter. In order for someone to truly fulfill their potential (and potential happiness), the wise man says you must identify your niche, your skill, your gift to the world, and commit fully. I do also believe your gift can change as your life runs its course. Sometimes I can imagine myself having a number of other careers, but what I've always been is a creative, an artist. Sometimes you wonder how people 'got into that' career... but in the end it seems you get into something because it's already who you are. I didn't try to like art, or force myself to create it.... I just am that way. I also get random weird ideas in the middle of the night that I have to jot down on post-its which are strewn about my house. It's one of the causes of my insomnia which I'd really rather not have, but somehow life brought me into the tiny little world of art direction in advertising--- a thing I have to explain to my family and friends all the time because nobody knows what the hell I am talking about. I don't know that I would choose this world, if I had a choice... but it seems to be a pretty good deal. I get to think for a living, and design, and I get to experience all sorts of other worlds in my quest for new innovative ideas about other cultures and products and companies. So.. it's gonna be one good summer...hopefully it turns into a few good years... at least =D

Outta My Mind

2008-03-18T00:15:00.001-05:00

A few or more thoughts I must get out so I can think about something else:

- My favorite accent is the British accent because they emphasize the 't' and say things like lovely, eh, across the way, and bloody. I miss London and it's melting pot of accents.

- It's Chi-town, not Shy-town, but it looks better the latter way. I have recently discovered Chicago for some reason because everyone has been raving after visiting. All I remember is going to a family friend's house when I was little and used to live in Michigan. We watched the ultimate game: The Bulls vs. The Pistons and the Bulls won of course. I also remember snow and almost getting in an accident on the highway so I think I consciously decided to forget about the city.

- In case this whole art direction thing doesn't work out I am considering becoming a yoga teacher even though I think I'm too restless to do it. Why? Because it'll maybe calm me too, I'm indian which automatically legitimizes me, and my mom wants free lessons in Hawaii. I also previously mentioned massage therapy. I watched Forbes top 20 heiresses and one of them opened up a retreat in Italy as a venture. That sounds like a good idea: pick an exotic location (not Italy... maybe Italy... they have gelato and real cheese) and open up a spa-massage therapy-yoga extravaganza.

- I recently discovered the word foodie, and I like it, and I like being a foodie. I actually dream about food sometimes.. weird? perhaps. But if I had to describe my perfect heaven, it'd definitely have yellow cake with chocolate frosting and... don't get me started.

- I thought of a name for my candy and flower store: Chocolate Roses. By the way, making a list of things you want to do is a bit of a catharsis. You can hold on to your hopes without holding them all inside. Another one I must add-- getting going on my discovery of photography and start my camera collection.

- In 10 questions for The Dalai Lama or maybe it was in Eat, Pray, Love: it states that in deep meditation they discovered heaven and hell, and there is no difference between the two, except one is up which makes it better, and one is down.... i like this idea.

- I have been cursed with a break when I don't need one. A semester long break with no money or motivation to make use of this time because I'm waiting. I've discovered that it is easier for me to get things done when I'm busy and not when I'm free. Things I want to do in my spare time for fun and to relax are my hobbies; they aren't activities I want to get into when I'm bored and have nothing else to do. It is my fault though. I previously hoped for a miraculous 5 months off so I could travel the world before I started working. I forgot to hope for money though too.

- It bothers me that some people are more worried about what their life seems like than what it is actually like: making as many acquaintances as possible instead of friends, dating someone they don't care for so they don't have to be seen as single or so they can fool themselves, taking a picture of every single moment so that you aren't getting a chance to actually live or enjoy any of those moments (don't get me wrong, i love photography but people are abusing it and I blame facebook for this)...

- Sometimes I hate facebook, sometimes I love it. (Sometimes I hate blogs too) The former for the reason that sometimes I would like to be anonymous. I don't always want people to know what's going on in my life or what I'm doing or who I'm friends with- I like to be a mystery. Sometimes I don't want to know what's going on in other people's lives either-- It affects you in the way a movie or a television show does. Sometimes you compare yourself to characters, actors, celebrities and automatically assume the grass is greener.. or you're just sick of hearing about stuff on the effin' wall . I learned a valuable lesson in interpersonal communications at UT... don't ever expect your life to be anything like a movie scene because it is reality exaggerated. Anyhow, I love facebook for all the same reasons. When you get to share your life with people and become more involved in theirs, you feel as if you are keeping touch... somehow doing your part. Not to mention, I don't have to remember anyone's birthday. (Side note: I have begun to have thoughts with the beginning 'Anu is ___________.' I think facebook is contributing to multiple personality disorder.. a conversation between myself and my facebook self.)

- I'm allergic to popularity. Cases in point: I moved to Texas in middle school and I was becoming friends with a 'popular girl' and then I randomly, harshly ditched her when the not-so popular new-girl moved in town.. this was again in middle school. I somehow can't wear anything too trendy- I've never owned birkenstocks, ugs, scrunchy boots, or worn socks to my knees with tennis shoes. Not that I haven't wanted to, something just stops me. I've found myself drawn to many different types of people, one of the reasons being I don't like to be a part of just one thing.. I don't want to be too preppy or too emo or too punk or too nerdy because I'm not. I mainly brought this up because now when I am deciding where to live fairly soon in the future, my mind keeps coming back to Austin which I wouldn't have imagined a few years ago. I'm shying away from NY because it just feels like what everyone does because they feel like they're supposed to. It doesn't feel new or exciting or intriguing. It's especially weird because I do like NY and it is a place I've only visited.. and I am getting cabin fever staying in Austin--- but Austin feels like it is mine. It is not so huge, it is not completely undiscovered, it is weird, it is still unexplored, it is comfortable, but not so much so. I've basically been voting for the underdog my entire life-- but a cool underdog none-the-less. Anyhow we'll see what happens... I just want my life to special is all =D

my thoughts are turning into stories...so this is where I stop.

Smart Girls Like Me

2008-03-17T15:57:00.000-05:00

So I just finished reading this book and Diane Vadino manages to annoy me in the same beautiful way my own mind does. The main character pulls apart every situation, noting the intricacies of human behavior and thought. It isn't that the subject matter for the entire book is that great, its the scattered thoughts and moments throughout the book that grab your attention. She explains what you're thinking and feeling in a way you've never managed to realize and highlights some interesting human truths. And the main character's relationship with her best friend captures the type of understated understanding that everyone wishes they had with someone else. Here are some teasers:

"Usually I like calender-appropriate shifts in weather: a cold front on Labor Day, snow on Christmas, lilies of the valley blooming on Easter."

"She is coming apart, the way I was with him, but in a different way. I know this verbal spew, this inability to keep anything to yourself, this innocence of barriers. But as much as she seems to be disintegrating, she also seems to be reassembling herself in an entirely new form. Watching someone change is an unsettling thing, especially when you see them at a distance, a distance that allows for a sweeping vantage: They make you wonder how they did it, who told them it was okay to do so, who you could become if you only had the guts."

"However disorienting it is to fail at something, to do poorly at something, it is equally liberating: For so long I have wanted to succeed at this, but now, it is difficult to muster the energy to guess what it is that someone else wants."

"The person I want belongs to a time and a place that I can no longer access, and that is the person who will keep haunting me, who is a ghost to me. The person standing ten feet away from me is no one I know, no one I love, and no one I want."

"I feel out of season, timeless, rootless, not in a good way, not in the sense that I am immortal, but aimless, like a planet whose sun has dimmed, and the gravitational force that once held me in orbit has abandoned me to drift through space."

"I do not have to stay here. I don't have a boyfriend. I don't have a job. I don't have anything. I can do whatever the fuck I want."

I must complain about the ending though. Because I am doing nothing of 'resume' importance lately and thus doing things like reading many many books, I have discovered that a good ending is hard to come by. I really don't agree with the idea that bad endings make better endings. However realistic, however tragic, I don't care, I want a damn good ending, that is why I am reading; especially because I can't travel. And traveling always works itself out, so a book better too.

Why I Voted for Obama and Why I Think You Should Too

2008-03-06T17:04:00.001-06:00

This election is getting a little bloody. Inevitably it seems, Hilary and Barack are headed to the convention giving McCain plenty of time to rally his troops. As well it gives the democratic/independent voters a chance to further take sides and less time to swing back the other way for the national election. Following the mess that is Bush it seems the Democrats weren't going to take any chances and gave birth two strong candidates. In the end, I voted for Barack in the primary here in Texas. I am thoroughly disappointed in the 51-48 majority Clinton has won in the popular vote...especially since the rural areas here gave her that lead. As for winning Ohio; that damn state is also one of the reasons Bush became president so they are basically a thorn in our country's side.

If in the end Hilary wins the Democratic nomination I will vote for her and I will be proud to have her as president, and the fact that she is a woman will only add to that. However, I feel strongly that Barack is the right candidate. The two of them agree on many issues and policy from the economy to immigration reform, however they do have differences:

1. Foreign Relations- When discussing whether they would meet with Cuba, Barack stated that it is important for U.S. diplomacy for our country to meet with our friends as well as our enemies. He mentioned that because of the general current global attitude towards our country that we need to be more proactive than we would usually be, the opposite viewpoint of Clinton who said we would only meet given preconditions and actions on behalf of Cuba. I agree with Barack that we have a delicate position in the world view as of present and that we have to get rid of this superiority complex, be less aggressive and more proactive. He also quoted JFK in saying "We should never negotiate out of fear, but we should never fear to negotiate."

2. Barack's ability to unite the country- Given the fact that there is an intense opposite towards Hilary within the Republican party and within a small portion of the Democratic party, I am doubtful of how easily she will be able to successfully unite the public and the House and Senate to pass needed legislation and make real change. It won't be easy for either of them, but I feel that Barack has the ability to bring together Democrats, Republicans and Independents. Hilary keeps bringing up her experience but it really doesn't matter in this case. They both have some experience, and I agree with Barack's decision to be against the war when it wasn't popular while Hilary backed the war. I also feel that her experience won't help her ability to make literal changes for a number of other reasons. It is also refreshing that he is less like a politician and relatively 'new'. The same way when you approach a problem creatively to create an advertisement or brand or idea or campaign, sometimes the best ideas come from those on the outside... the people who see the situation for what it is and see what the best changes are and would be. They are also the ones who believe they can do it and tend to do it because they are not stuck in the mindset of how things are and should be (see #6). It is the same eagerness, willingness, creativity and ability children have that adults try to hold on to.

3. Who is voting for whom- Clinton's base of support rests in senior citizens, older women and people who reside in rural areas while Barack's rests in urban blacks and the younger generation. The younger generation is my generation and I feel that we don't want a leader who will rally the Democratic party together, but one that will rally the country together-- my opinion of course. I must add that Oprah backs Obama and I personally believe she is right about a lot of things. :)

4. The fact that Barack is black, or rather that he is not white- We can't mask our eyes to the fact that Barack is black and Hilary is a woman and these two characteristics definitely play a part in why some people are voting. Although I am a woman I feel that it is of greater importance for us to have a minority as president than it is for us to have a woman. I definitely would not vote for Barack for this reason alone but given his competency it does shift my choice. As people, this would help change the view that we are a country of white superiority which is not only held by people with in this country, but also by other countries. It is also representative of the melting pot our country actually is and moving away from a land led by rich white men. Secondly, there are many urban minorities growing up in unfortunate circumstances feeling like they have no way out and no hope. Of course, Barack can not solve all their problems, but undoubtedly he would motivate a lot of people who see a leader like themselves at the national level and also approved by the nation.

5. His eloquence- I strongly believe that we need a leader who is able to speak in a way that motivates people. Continually people are attacking this characteristic Barack owns saying he is only about words. He has not become president yet, but in the only way he can prove change as he is campaigning he has (which is my next point). The power of words is important...Martin Luther King had it, Gandhi had it, JFK had it.... and it is something we will forever remember about all of them. We need someone who knows how to talk to the government, the country and to other countries and I don't believe that Clinton has as much charisma or power as Barack does. (She is intelligent of course and a good speaker as well but it is not the same).

6. Campaign money- Barack is running for president, of course special interests and lobbyists want to place their needs in his hands with the promise of money. He has not accepted any of it. This in itself ends a vicious cycle that causes government interests to be completely separate from those of the people. This is a huge problem in the state of Texas as well. You get money to get things done, but then you can't get things done because you promised certain people who gave you money you wouldn't or that you would do something else.... a reason Hilary wasn't able to carry out a plan of universal healthcare once before.

7. His name-- come on... don't you just love chanting Barack Obama!!!!! Barack Obama!!! Barack Obama for president!!!!!!!

- end note: Hilary doesn't have a cool campaign poster designed by a famous graffiti artist-

Make your wildest dreams come true! I don't buy it either... I kind of buy it.

2008-03-03T00:15:00.000-06:00

I came across this magic website called 43things.com when googling what steps must be taken to make a move to Barcelona. People can make lists of the things they want to do, and then you are linked to all the other people who want to do the same thing, and you check off things as you do them. I've heard of this idea before where if you write something down it is more likely to happen. That's a buncha kookiness you say, but it makes some sense when you think about it. There has been all this hocus pocus surrounding the book 'The Secret' which Oprah has featured on her show a few times now. I refuseeeeeeeeeee to read it (for now at least), although the new book shes advertising 'A New Earth' looks better. Anyways, along with 43things.com I believe that the book is correct in saying that if we think positive thoughts and write down what we want to do that it can happen, however the book starts making up words for our thoughts and the universe they go into and the negative energy that can bounce back and all that jazz (i know all of this from the show btw, and i'm watching oprah btw because i'm waiting to get a job:). Well, frankly you can't make up truths and proclaim them to be truths! Well I guess you can. People do it all the time(ex: bush), but in this case I don't believe in making our dreams somewhat of an organized religion, where if you don't do a certain thing they won't come true, and if you do they will. I do understand what the book is implying though; there is comfort in making our dreams and wishes exist and if you write something down it is there forever. If it simply stays in your mind then nobody knows and it won't hurt if you don't do it, but if you write it down, then you have to! For your own ego's sake at least. If you don't care enough about it, then it won't happen and your ego won't be hurt anyhow. Also, I think if you write goals down you automatically begin to think about how to accomplish them with time. At the very least, a list can help remind you of what you really want for yourself when you get carried away from time to time. SO...here is my list... to be continued continously...

1. Work as an art director
2. Live in Barcelona, Australia, London (technically I've done this last one, but it was only for a month).
3. Design jewelry... I'd like to design other things as well, but this is something I think I'd be down right good at. (I think you're allowed to be a little cocky when making a list)
4. Sell a piece of art, as in a painting or drawing etc. I be that would be an amazing feeling knowing that someone else saw in your work what you felt and was willing to pay money to own your creation.
5. Write a book... not sure about what yet, maybe traveling, maybe anything.
6. Travel..everywhere. First and foremost though I want to go to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Northern Europe, Turkey, Morocco, South Africa, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Thailand.
7. Learn massage therapy. My mom always tells me I have nice hands. In the 5th grade they also told me I should play the cello because of my hands (of course I refused, I wasn't going to be the nerdy girl playing the cello).
8. Get back abs of steel....and work out on a regular basis because I realized I'm definitely happier after a friendly game of soccer or late night dance workout.
9. Bartend/own a bar... not because I'm an alcoholic, but because this is a handy skill if you want to travel/work in other countries, and I'm a social person and I love nightlife- the music, the dancing, the atmosphere...everything.
10. Which leads me to... learning how to dj/play violin/play piano. Once upon a time I knew how to play the piano, the trumpet and the guitar, but I forgot them all and I never really took it far enough, so here's to hoping I remember what I learn for any of these.
11. Learn how to cook. For the longest time I have held this off. I can make a mean sandwich (which is an art), some interesting pasta, and amazing mixes of different cereals, but that is about it. I vowed to my mother that I will marry someone who can cook because I refuse to do it everyday. Anyhow it has started to interest me as of recently because I realized I am out of college and need to eat real food once again and I won't be married any time soon.
12. A few places in the U.S. I've yet to visit...Miami, Las Vegas, L.A. and Hawaii
13. I want to open up a shop. I have an idea for an art store that I can't share because then you will steal it, it is so great. (I know this because Saskia agrees and she is an architectural design graduate and I value her opinion:). In fact, it is so great that it may be done somewhere. But I'd also open up a clothing store; I think I'd be a good buyer and would love to design some stuff. I would also consider a dulceria, kind of like the movie chocolat, but in a city and definitely with cupcakes and other fine goods. I have a sweet tooth that is big enough to be worth mentioning. New idea...perhaps a sweetery/flower shop. What else could you need besides yummies and flowers?
14. Do things with my friends besides eating out, seeing movies, and going downtown. I saw this on someone's list when I stumbled upon the website and I feel that I need to add it too. I've heard novelty is the best thing for relationships and it's amazing how much you don't know about your own friends if all you do is spend time doing these three things. Although I am a huge fan of all three..there's more to life.
15. Speaking of which... in conjunction with traveling I would like to constantly embark on new adventures, like tree repelling in Costa Rica, or white water rafting in New Zealand.
16. A personal goal- being happy in the moment (This is the hardest for me to do at this point as I am simply spending each day waiting to hear news of work. I also think about traveling too much if that isn't already clear. However, being anxious all the time I'm sure doesn't lead to any sort of happiness).

I'm sure there are other things, but these are what I want for my life some time between the near future and the next 10 years or later. :)

I'll update if any wishes come true woHooo

I will chase waterfalls damnit

2008-02-26T22:26:00.000-06:00

It's so true that it can't make good t.v.; Bitsie Tulloch of Quarterlife was on The View today (I must interrupt myself here to say that this is the first time I've watched the show and it is truly annoying- The View that is) and she talked about how 20-somethings feel the need to have a definitive sense of self, but don't necessarily and that we are making decisions now that affect the rest of our lives from jobs to relationships and it's no wonder that we're so effin stressed out. really though, looking for a job is not fun in the least, and i also know when i get one that i'll be paid probably around 32k in nyc working my ass of and i'm not sure that even sounds appealing to a jobless homeless person. but i'm doing it because it is what i want to do so that i'd ironically enough not be a starving artist. i'm sure all of us who just graduated wonder if we just want what we want to get it, and that it might not be as great when we get there. then again, we don't really have a choice, when we simply put, just want to make it. on the other hand, it could be the best thing to ever happen. i'm taking a vow now that if i'm not happy (and if obama doesn't become president) or even if i am happy that i'm going to move to spain with amalia...to do something different at least. anyhow my rant is the same type of annoying dialogue that is part of the show... whiny sometimes, but at others it's just fun to watch. if you grew up with my so-called life, then you'll dig this. no old-school jared leto, but other lovelies.

Here is part one to get you started:

i have a confession to make. i watch american idol and not only do i watch it, but i love it. today paula told david archuleta she wants to squeeze him and hang him from her rearview mirror. this is one of the reasons i watch. i'm also a fan of danny noriega cause we'd be friends even though he has better hair than me, ramiele malubay cause she's just cool (she also has better hair than me), and alexandrea lushington cause you can just tell she's a badass. she reminds me of lisa left eye lopez from tlc. speaking of which i miss tlc. remember when they had a reality show to find a new third member? me neither, so here's a tribute to them. i prolly just made your day by posting this song (if you're cool enough to like tlc that is):

she will forever be cool

2008-02-16T17:58:00.000-06:00

janet jackson's feedback

a few wise words

2008-02-14T00:13:00.000-06:00

so i have discovered that mrs. eleanor roosevelt was born on the same day as I, and I have come to be rather fond of this first lady/diplomat/humanitarian/my birth sister through her words:

"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people."
"The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences."
"Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one."
"I believe that anyone can conquer fear by doing the things he fears to do, provided he keeps doing them untill he gets a record of successful experience behind him."
"Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product."
"Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do and damned if you don't."
"You must do the thing you think you cannot do."
"Never allow a person to tell you no who doesn't have the power to say yes."
"I could not, at any age, be content to take my place by the fireside and simply look on. Life was meant to be lived. Curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life."
"It is better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness."
"When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?"

I have also discovered that descriptions of my astrological sign seem to be pretty dead on. Astrology should be a major...maybe it is some where, but its relevance is quite real. Even more ironic is that the description of my Chinese sign(rat) and my Zodiac sign (libra) are almost the same. wwwwweirdddddddddddddd, but true.

impossible is nothing

2008-02-11T01:08:00.000-06:00

i'm in love with this, and a lot of the campaigns attached to the newest adidas tag.

well dont you know

2008-02-06T03:20:00.000-06:00

i read "its suprising how i can be so damn idealistic for being such a pessimist", and i concur... speaking about myself that is. i'm not sure that i will ever truly be depressed (except maybe when i'm 95 and dying..i might plan to die before i get that old). anyhow, but i will somehow always be able to talk myself out of any unhappy situation...despite the fact that i probably got myself in that unhappy situation in the first place. i've also realized that i say what's on my mind a lot-- which includes all sorts of negativity about where i am in my life right now (trying to get a job), and i can do that because in the end i know that something will work out because it always does BUT i think i make other people depressed so i must stop it. it would be cooler if everyone was an idealistic pessimist but i guess it doesn't work that way.
so today i have decided that getting a job in the ad industry is maybe a good idea after all. after months and months of mind torture..going from i love this to i hate this on a weekly basis, and wanting to free my creative soul, i have finally realized that perhaps thanks to advertising i could actually make a living thinking and designing and wearing whatver the hell i want (with in reason) and working in coolass office buildings with super interesting people-- so i needa stop complaining. you can only be a musician for so long before you don't know what to do with yourself and it's embarassing to get a normal job (unless of course you're the beatles, but you're not (i'm not)), you can only work in fashion if you like dealing with egomaniacs or are filthy rich and have connections, you can only work in photography if you happen to be the top tier making more than 30k a year- and you can do this on the side any way for fun, and you probably can't work as an artist--unless you're picasso, or that little girl who copied picasso in third grade. so there it is.. that basically leaves designer.. for some place like ikea..which is definitely something to keep in mind for the future =D

2008-01-19T01:44:00.000-06:00

"the clarity of passion"- atonement

about the only thing the movie is good for

my american barcelona

2008-01-15T23:46:00.000-06:00

i'm back and i think i could have san francisco's babies. and that is saying a lot considering that i'm not sure if i ever want to have babies.
so now i spend however long it takes to get back there.

here's some copy from an adidas ad at cutwater agency that i dug:

"impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. impossible is not a fact. it's an opinion. impossible is not a declaration. it's a dare. impossible is potential. impossible is temporary.

impossible is nothing."

in other news i have ended my other blog... it was like i was having an affair with words. i can't be two people anymore! the other one is hidden in the xanga forest.

BREATH

2007-11-23T00:41:00.001-06:00

so i'm sitting here waiting for the wind to blow. one way. any way. someway! it's three weeks before portfolio 3 review, and i'm listening to the Garden State soundtrack as I prepare for brainstorming for my campaigns (this usually lasts an hour- the preparation that is). i'm also thinking about how i could be living anywhere in about 2 months...that's pretty crazy. OR i could also be living nowhere. ha ha.
i'm secretly dreaming that i become a rockstar or randomly sell a piece of art and make a bunch of money so i can travel for a few months and then maybe work and then travel some more. What's making this all worse really is that I'm reading Eat Pray Love. And well, i've been to Italy, and I've been to India...so I'm thinking I need to go to Indonesia now and Australia, China, New Zealand and Fiji and Brazil and Argentina and Costa Rica... for starters. Then Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, and Northern Europe.
I'm somewhere in there i'll be making amazing ads to make money for all this.. call me an optimist. or a procrastinating pessimist.

natural selection

2007-11-02T20:32:00.001-05:00

some of my fellow classmates have entered the chipotle "30 seconds of fame" video contest. the ad with the most youtube views wins..so watch it and spread the word! i wouldn't tell you to if it wasn't awesome..check it out-->

of course he's a government major

2007-10-31T22:22:00.000-05:00

So this freshy from London made an iphone ad and posted it on youtube to a song by CSS, and then some Apple execs saw it, and flew him to Cali to produce it. And of course, he's a government major. Anyhow it's all about the song, which is cool-- check it out-->

In other news, I got a hug from a man in a very nice suit and a very scary mask as I walked into work today. Only a bit later did I find out it was the S in GSD&M. It was very scary, but did in fact make my day =D.

everyone loves bunnies

2007-10-18T01:03:00.000-05:00

love love love love these commercials for Sony Bravia, except that an artist from L.A. (http://kozyndan.livejournal.com) has a veryyy similar idea they may have 'borrowed'. lame. but very cool work--wherever it came from.

my life...soon. hopefully

2007-10-16T02:24:00.001-05:00

courtesy of leann amann: btw look out for our upcoming spoof of my first video post...when we get a freakin chance to breath.

more on youtube that i can't embed.

dummy

2007-10-14T23:56:00.001-05:00

so in doing research for my next campaign on popular mechanics magazine...i found some creative inspiration in the following super smart people. if they can come up with a make-anything machine, mind-controlled prosthetics and a water-purifer at age 18 then i sure as hell better be able to make an ad about it.

2007-10-14T20:28:00.000-05:00

new blogspot...an ode to my creative side

so this is my official kick-off post. except switch the roles. it's hard to be a woman in creative!