are so intriuiging. I have recently been speaking to a travel agent to plan a business trip for my boss. They are so interesting, nice, and friendly. I imagine they have to be since they are dealing with a lot of unruly people BUT what an interesting and fun job. Book travel plans...make people happy...give them the best vacation of their lives. People are already excited to travel so they call you excited and energetic and ready to take on whatever, as long as its in their price range. In another life, I would be a travel agent and book people on exotic vacations and research different countries and do quite a bit of travelling myself. If I were to pull a Tula Portocopolis and meet a handsome English professor while spinning around in my little travel office and get married and be in love...well, so be it.
Aint imagination fun?
Thursday, May 31, 2007
I Deleted a Post...
because I had an Oprah moment and I forgave. Kindness is a beautiful thing. Spread the love.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Anger is a Funny Thing
Sometimes, anger is a funny thing. See below post where Asiankp really vents spleen. Sometimes anger drives us to say things we don't mean...sometimes it leads us to say things that really need to be said and have been bottled up way too long. The question is: do the things that have been bottled up and come out really serve the purpose they were meant to serve or do you just end up feeling empty and sad and that there is reason that things stay bottled up in the first place? Like I said, anger is a funny thing.
Monday, May 28, 2007
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE my friends
Happy Memorial Day to all! this weekend has been the busiest of my life so I take this memorial day as a chance to relax and catch up on reading and of course, blogging. The weekend began with a wedding of a dear friend...can I just say...that as much as I dreading this wedding...I acually LOVED it. The main reason, you ask? My friends from college. They are simply the nicest, loving, geniune, supportive, non-judgmental, fun, caring, intelligent, witty, did I mention fun people in the whole wide world. I miss them SO much and hanging out with them seriously makes me consider kidnapping them all and taking them to a deserted island where we all live in a happy commune. (hint: i have not been watching LOST lately). Its so sad when friends move away and after 4 years of all living within 2 feet from eachother, we now all live about 400 miles from each other. I hate it.
Back to the wedding...it was beautiful. Molly, you dont ever read this, but you looked beautiful. The reception was held at a place that I like to describe as a old-new warehouse. It had wooden floors and looked like an old warehouse but recreated to give you a old French loft feel...is there such a feel as an old French loft?? You tell me.
Anyway, some fun things i noticed...1.) my friends new boyfriend is uber PDA which can be very distracting esp. during Mass 2.) You can wear non-matching shoes and nobody will notice 3.) Dancing in the rain is fun but VERY cold 4.) Women over 40 should not wear leather pants and leopard print shirts. 5.) I love traditions, esp. old Lithuanian ones 6.) Cigarettes can kill you but they sure make drinking fun 6.) cranberry and vodka =delicious hangover 7.) driving 5 hours back to Chicago after a night of merriment is rough on the body.
The list will grow......
Back to the wedding...it was beautiful. Molly, you dont ever read this, but you looked beautiful. The reception was held at a place that I like to describe as a old-new warehouse. It had wooden floors and looked like an old warehouse but recreated to give you a old French loft feel...is there such a feel as an old French loft?? You tell me.
Anyway, some fun things i noticed...1.) my friends new boyfriend is uber PDA which can be very distracting esp. during Mass 2.) You can wear non-matching shoes and nobody will notice 3.) Dancing in the rain is fun but VERY cold 4.) Women over 40 should not wear leather pants and leopard print shirts. 5.) I love traditions, esp. old Lithuanian ones 6.) Cigarettes can kill you but they sure make drinking fun 6.) cranberry and vodka =delicious hangover 7.) driving 5 hours back to Chicago after a night of merriment is rough on the body.
The list will grow......
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
WTF?
This article ran yesterday in the Houston Chronicle. Mr. Harrison explores an interesting trend in Hollywood where white actors are used to portray black characters. Leave it to Brangelina to spark this recent discussion. In an upcoming film, A Mighty Heart, Angelina Jolie portrays slain journalist Daniel Pearl's widow, Mariane. Minor detail: Mariane is black. We all Jolie is an avid adopter of ethnic children but that in no way makes her African-American. I suppose when your partner is producing the film, color is no issue. In that respect, I agree with Mr. Harrison. It's a little weird. For those of you who know me, it would be like creating my life story and starring...Jessica Simpson. Even writing that creeps me out.
But on to the article. First, he attacks Honey, which holds a soft spot in my heart. Terrible movie, but still, it is special to me. He says the casting of Jessica Alba is a perfect example of "blind" casting...is the audience to supposed to believe that a girl of Mexican/Danish/French descent is black?? He goes on further to say, "Alba's parents are played by black actors, but since race isn't mentioned, we aren't sure whether we're supposed to assume the light-skinned Lonette McKee, who plays the mother, is white." Here's the thing. Alba is clearly predominatly Mexican. I'd argue she looks more Hispanic than white. Her father is clearly African American in the film, but the mother appears to be a mix of Hispanic and African descent. Therefore, it makes sense for the daughter to look the way she does. She has a Hispanic coloring but she has obviously grown up in the "hood" so she adapts to the lifestyle with her dress and speech. I feel the filmmakers took extra pains to re-create this mixed race family to further emphasize the internal struggle of the main character. It is never even remotely hinted that you are supposed to believe that Jessica Alba is African-American. That would be insulting the viewers intelligence although this writer was obviously fooled. The kicker lies in the last sentence: "Now if only Phifer's character had been given a Korean name the movie could be hailed for really breaking new ground." All that from a lame dance movie...
But on to the article. First, he attacks Honey, which holds a soft spot in my heart. Terrible movie, but still, it is special to me. He says the casting of Jessica Alba is a perfect example of "blind" casting...is the audience to supposed to believe that a girl of Mexican/Danish/French descent is black?? He goes on further to say, "Alba's parents are played by black actors, but since race isn't mentioned, we aren't sure whether we're supposed to assume the light-skinned Lonette McKee, who plays the mother, is white." Here's the thing. Alba is clearly predominatly Mexican. I'd argue she looks more Hispanic than white. Her father is clearly African American in the film, but the mother appears to be a mix of Hispanic and African descent. Therefore, it makes sense for the daughter to look the way she does. She has a Hispanic coloring but she has obviously grown up in the "hood" so she adapts to the lifestyle with her dress and speech. I feel the filmmakers took extra pains to re-create this mixed race family to further emphasize the internal struggle of the main character. It is never even remotely hinted that you are supposed to believe that Jessica Alba is African-American. That would be insulting the viewers intelligence although this writer was obviously fooled. The kicker lies in the last sentence: "Now if only Phifer's character had been given a Korean name the movie could be hailed for really breaking new ground." All that from a lame dance movie...
Bruised and Battered But Triumphant
So this weekend, I went rock climbing. Not your piddly-climb on some boulders but actual rock climbing with a harness and all the fixings. It was in one word: AMAZING. It was a treat to be out in the wilderness, climbing with my favorite cousins, and getting bruised and battered along the way.
Special note: mad props to my cousin mags who far surpassed her own expectations in our climbing adventure. did you ever know that you're my hero?
Special note: mad props to my cousin mags who far surpassed her own expectations in our climbing adventure. did you ever know that you're my hero?
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Weekends
In other news, the weekend is fast approaching. I love the weekends. 2 days of sleeping in and relaxation. With wedding season upon me, I look forward to the event-less weekends like sweaty people look forward to a shower. This weekend, I will be embarking with my favorite cousins on a trip to Devil's Lake to go rock climbing...now, this is a long awaited adventure for me. My cousin has been a rock climbing obssesive man for the last 3 years or so...I have always thought it looked fun but dont like the way my ass looks in a harness. Just kidding. I'm not that self-conscious...or maybe I am...that's a topic for a different time.
Anyway, I'm going this weekend. Just me. Cousins. Good weather. Drinks. Rocks. This is why I live for weekends.
Anyway, I'm going this weekend. Just me. Cousins. Good weather. Drinks. Rocks. This is why I live for weekends.
Ignoramus
Today I got schooled in the art of PR. Now, don't get me wrong. I've been schooled in many things many times. It's called learning with a kick in the ass. It is one of those things that makes you a better person and a better professional but, at the same time, makes you feel like a giant ignoramus. Case in point, I am working on my very first press release. Now the process of a press release is very involved. You must tell a story in simple terms. You may not use marketing language, except in a quote. You have to draw them in. A headline is important, not as important but still important. Do not use words like "unprecendented" or "top quality" or "ground breaking" unless your annoucement falls under those maxims but more than likely, it doesnt. The list goes on and on. So, I wrote a draft that I submitted. Now, this was a first draft for my bosses but more like the 100th draft for me. They looked, they saw, they destroyed. Granted, it wasnt terrible, they said, it just wasnt good. I recieved a copy with so many edits and scratch marks, it looked like cat took a pencil and went to town. Schooled. Sometimes it sucks. I'm still waiting for that feeling that lets me know I'm learning...
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Words, Words, Words...
pastiche \pas-TEESH; pahs-\, noun:
1. A work of art that imitates the style of some previous work.
2. A musical, literary, or artistic composition consisting of selections from various works.
3. A hodgepodge; an incongruous combination of different styles and ingredients.
This was today's word of the day. Pastiche. I love it because it sounds like a parasite. Some small, East-African parasite that is commonly found in pineapple trees or something like that. It means the exact opposite of how it sounds. Such a fascinating concept. It could also be some Shakespearian insult, like, "Thou art a cowardly pastiche," or "die a thousand deaths you ignorant, despicable pastiche."
Either way, have fun with this...
1. A work of art that imitates the style of some previous work.
2. A musical, literary, or artistic composition consisting of selections from various works.
3. A hodgepodge; an incongruous combination of different styles and ingredients.
This was today's word of the day. Pastiche. I love it because it sounds like a parasite. Some small, East-African parasite that is commonly found in pineapple trees or something like that. It means the exact opposite of how it sounds. Such a fascinating concept. It could also be some Shakespearian insult, like, "Thou art a cowardly pastiche," or "die a thousand deaths you ignorant, despicable pastiche."
Either way, have fun with this...
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Monday, May 07, 2007
What The Hell??!
Sometimes, I just have the need to scream out those 3 little words. It's surprising how good they can make you feel. It's almost as fun as screaming out, "I sure as hell am CHIP...CHIP!!!" However, since no one but myself and Crystal Oaklee find that funny, those other 3 words will have to suffice. There was no immediate need to scream them today but I found myself uttering the words the moment I woke up. Could it be because I overslept? Could it be the thunderous pounding outside my window due to construction down the street? Either way, a very quiet but direct, "What the hell?!?" escaped from my mouth. 10 minutes later, sloppily dressed and in the car, I uttered them again. Could it be the ridiculous drivers in Chicago? Especially the one who tried to merge right into my side...a more emphatic and slightly murderous, "What the hell?!?" again found its way into the atmosphere. Now I sit at my desk, I've been waiting for the last 15 minutes to have a meeting with my bosses before our status call in 30 minutes because I will have to update the status report and make about 50 changes which I won't have time for. I feel an exhausted, defeated "What the hell?!" rising in my throat and it's not even noon.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Like sands through the hourglass...
So are the days of our lives. What? What exactly does this mean? Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives. We are grains of sand, shifting mindlessly back and forth due to an unknown force that tilts us this way and that. Hmm...maybe those daytime TV writers were on to something...there is a first time for everything.
For some reason, I've been thinking alot about the days of my life...how they pass by so quickly and at the end of the day, I wonder what I did all day. When I look back on my life, will my days be muddled into weeks and then years? Will I only be able to look back on the good weeks or the good years without giving any real thought or feeling into the days? I hope not. Too much of our life is spent thinking about the weeks and years, we don't spend enough time contemplating the days...the 24 hours to do something good or make a difference. Harold Hill once said, "You pile up enough tomorrows, and you'll find you're left with nothing but a lot of empty yesterdays." History is filled with men and women expounding upon "seize the day" mantras, so perhaps we should pay attention and try for once to focus on the today. What can you do for your fellow man TODAY?
For some reason, I've been thinking alot about the days of my life...how they pass by so quickly and at the end of the day, I wonder what I did all day. When I look back on my life, will my days be muddled into weeks and then years? Will I only be able to look back on the good weeks or the good years without giving any real thought or feeling into the days? I hope not. Too much of our life is spent thinking about the weeks and years, we don't spend enough time contemplating the days...the 24 hours to do something good or make a difference. Harold Hill once said, "You pile up enough tomorrows, and you'll find you're left with nothing but a lot of empty yesterdays." History is filled with men and women expounding upon "seize the day" mantras, so perhaps we should pay attention and try for once to focus on the today. What can you do for your fellow man TODAY?
Monday, April 30, 2007
Overdue
Sorry Mags...this is WAY overdue.
**************
The cold water felt good on Jerome's face. He let it linger on his face and felt that each falling drop symbolized his life falling to pieces. He aimlessly reached for a towel. He grabbed air. "Dammit." The dispenser was empty. "Like my life," he muttered. He wiped his hands on his pants and headed for the exit. As he reached for the handle, the door opened in his face. A large, bearded man with sunglasses and a cape brushed past him. "Perdon, senor." The man wore a red derby and a large ring with an unusual symbol. Jerome moved to the side to let the man pass and tried to get a better look at the ring. It had a large circle with divided into three parts. The man noticed Jerome's staring and quickly covered the ring.
**************
The cold water felt good on Jerome's face. He let it linger on his face and felt that each falling drop symbolized his life falling to pieces. He aimlessly reached for a towel. He grabbed air. "Dammit." The dispenser was empty. "Like my life," he muttered. He wiped his hands on his pants and headed for the exit. As he reached for the handle, the door opened in his face. A large, bearded man with sunglasses and a cape brushed past him. "Perdon, senor." The man wore a red derby and a large ring with an unusual symbol. Jerome moved to the side to let the man pass and tried to get a better look at the ring. It had a large circle with divided into three parts. The man noticed Jerome's staring and quickly covered the ring.
Monday, April 23, 2007
The Funniest Thing about Working with all Men is...
Falling into the toilet more than once because you forget that the seat is up.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Break? What Break?
Even though my previous post speaks of my divorce from the blogging world, my dear friend and cousin has urged me to "get back on the horse."
As sit and reflect with a bowl full of Jello, I am reminded that in the adult world, there are no breaks. In elementary school, you get R&R days. In high school, you get spring break or "teachers need a mental health day" break. In college, I was lucky enough to recieve the longest Christmas break ever. But now, in the adult, working world...there are no breaks. How could I be so childish as to indulge in the childish fantasy of a break?
So, I am "back on the horse," and I pose this challenge to cousin Maggie. I will start a story on my blog...you must add on. We must devote one or two sentences to the story at the end of each post. Now, that's entertainment.
********************
Jermaine anxiously tugged at his collar. Brock had over starched it again. He made a mental note to exchange some harsh words with the man. Jermaine took a deep breath. He would not fail today. He would make the contact and deliver the message. The only thing that stood in his way was 5'3" petite blonde. He took another deep breath and started forward...
As sit and reflect with a bowl full of Jello, I am reminded that in the adult world, there are no breaks. In elementary school, you get R&R days. In high school, you get spring break or "teachers need a mental health day" break. In college, I was lucky enough to recieve the longest Christmas break ever. But now, in the adult, working world...there are no breaks. How could I be so childish as to indulge in the childish fantasy of a break?
So, I am "back on the horse," and I pose this challenge to cousin Maggie. I will start a story on my blog...you must add on. We must devote one or two sentences to the story at the end of each post. Now, that's entertainment.
********************
Jermaine anxiously tugged at his collar. Brock had over starched it again. He made a mental note to exchange some harsh words with the man. Jermaine took a deep breath. He would not fail today. He would make the contact and deliver the message. The only thing that stood in his way was 5'3" petite blonde. He took another deep breath and started forward...
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Time to Take a Break
Since delving into the world wide interweb, I have been fascinated with this blogging world. I voraciously read other blogs and find that it has become my number one source of entertainment. I desperately wanted to join the ranks of bloggers nationwide. Desperate being the key word here. As I read other blogs, I am amazed at how witty and well put together they are. I know that these people are naturally gifted because they have day jobs so its not like they sit around all day and just blog, blog, blog. Unfortunately, in my desperate attempt to join the eblogger world, I have found myself stifled in creativity. My blogs are trite and seem forced. They lack the candor, wit, and that key ingredient, entertainment that my peers pour out so effortlessly. So, I am going to take a break. Perhaps I jumped in too quickly without a clear blog vision. Every good book has a direction or a purpose, unless you are Dan Brown, then you lack both. Asiankp is going to take a hiatus and get back in touch her inner creative chakra. She is going to find a blogging purpose in order to stand in the ranks of these other world class bloggers committed to writing, wit, and entertainment. Don't cry for me, World Wide Web.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
MOLLY
My brother has the most fabulous dog and her name is Molly. They say man's best friend is his dog and I'm inclined to believe that they are right. Whoever they are...probably those folks at Hallmark who made ridiculous statements in order to sell monogramed overpriced pieces of paper.
I took a trip home this past weekend to unwind, which really means be lazy, but it makes me feel better to say that I'm "going home to unwind" so that I don't feel guilty for lying around and doing nothing. They say thats what you do when you go home...you relax. They. Those folks at Hallmark again.
Back to point, the weather was absolutely fabulous so it was impossible for me to be completely slothful. I decided to indulge in a little East Coast fantasy and take the dog into the yard of my 3 story colonial with a picket fence to play some catch. Let me just say that the next 20 minutes were absolute bliss. I would throw the ball, she (Molly) would take off at ridiculous speed tearing up the grass as she ran, fetch the ball and bring it back to me, tail wagging. Her excitment made me excited. I jumped around with the ball...she followed me. I gave her delicate pats on the head...she begged for more. It was beautiful. The weather, the dog, the mood. I cannot wait to go home again.
It better be raining.
I took a trip home this past weekend to unwind, which really means be lazy, but it makes me feel better to say that I'm "going home to unwind" so that I don't feel guilty for lying around and doing nothing. They say thats what you do when you go home...you relax. They. Those folks at Hallmark again.
Back to point, the weather was absolutely fabulous so it was impossible for me to be completely slothful. I decided to indulge in a little East Coast fantasy and take the dog into the yard of my 3 story colonial with a picket fence to play some catch. Let me just say that the next 20 minutes were absolute bliss. I would throw the ball, she (Molly) would take off at ridiculous speed tearing up the grass as she ran, fetch the ball and bring it back to me, tail wagging. Her excitment made me excited. I jumped around with the ball...she followed me. I gave her delicate pats on the head...she begged for more. It was beautiful. The weather, the dog, the mood. I cannot wait to go home again.
It better be raining.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Lack thereof
For once I can honestly say that my lack of blogging is due to my new and busy job. Previously, the incessant blogging was due to lack of job but now my lack of blogging is due to job...funny how that works. I am the new Captain Obvious.
My days are now filled with research on satellite-based broadband solutions, voIP, VSAT, and trying how to figure out how to pack more bandwidth for your buck. Its thrilling, really.
But on to something else, there are a flock of seagulls outside the office. Normally, I would not be shocked to see seagulls because we live in a dirty city and seagulls tend to flock to the filth but in the middle of a office complex, therein lie the seagulls. I'm afraid thats all that my pathetic little mind has to offer today.
My days are now filled with research on satellite-based broadband solutions, voIP, VSAT, and trying how to figure out how to pack more bandwidth for your buck. Its thrilling, really.
But on to something else, there are a flock of seagulls outside the office. Normally, I would not be shocked to see seagulls because we live in a dirty city and seagulls tend to flock to the filth but in the middle of a office complex, therein lie the seagulls. I'm afraid thats all that my pathetic little mind has to offer today.
Monday, March 12, 2007
The City That Never Sleeps
Asiankp is currently writing from the Big Apple. She decided she needed a vacation after a long 3...days on the job. Actually the trip was planned early on...yes, sometimes Asiankp does plan.
The thing about NYC is that it really never ever sleeps and neither do the people who visit. The last couple nights have lasted well into the wee hours of the morning and they involved some rather irregular tasting cider and a ridiculously brutal card game called Mao. Games named after communist dictators are never a good sign.
This trip has had several ups and downs. One of the downs, I still have not bought a pretzel from a street vendor. One of the ups would have to be seeing a preview of the new Broadway production "Curtains" starring David Hyde Pierce of "Frasier" fame. Note to all theater-philes...go see "Curtains."
Asiankp needs some shut eye but she will continue to inform you of her NY anecdotes after she has had some time to process them...and buy a pretzel. Keep your fingers crossed!
The thing about NYC is that it really never ever sleeps and neither do the people who visit. The last couple nights have lasted well into the wee hours of the morning and they involved some rather irregular tasting cider and a ridiculously brutal card game called Mao. Games named after communist dictators are never a good sign.
This trip has had several ups and downs. One of the downs, I still have not bought a pretzel from a street vendor. One of the ups would have to be seeing a preview of the new Broadway production "Curtains" starring David Hyde Pierce of "Frasier" fame. Note to all theater-philes...go see "Curtains."
Asiankp needs some shut eye but she will continue to inform you of her NY anecdotes after she has had some time to process them...and buy a pretzel. Keep your fingers crossed!
Monday, March 05, 2007
Big Conflagration
Dr. Dictionary,
Today there was a big conflagration. We all danced and sang songs. Some boys got in a fight on the playground. I demanded an entreaty and decided to act sagacious by making them both eat mud and grass. Then the teacher surreptitiously yelled and screamed and made a humongous noise. She said it was time to go so we gracefully galumphed back into class.
Confused in California
Today there was a big conflagration. We all danced and sang songs. Some boys got in a fight on the playground. I demanded an entreaty and decided to act sagacious by making them both eat mud and grass. Then the teacher surreptitiously yelled and screamed and made a humongous noise. She said it was time to go so we gracefully galumphed back into class.
Confused in California
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
