Personalized License Plates

15 Saturday Jan 2011

Posted by in random, thoughts, Uncategorized

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I think you can go one of two ways when you see personalized license plates: 1) think the person is silly for spending money on a personalized license plate (to put it lightly) and ignore the content of said license plate, or 2) try to figure out what the heck they’re trying to show off about. Personally, I go the latter route. My mom and I used to decipher license plates all the time when I was little, and it’s a tradition I started with Jeff. I usually admire the persons creativity for fitting a phrase or quote or personification of the individual within seven characters.

Sometimes, sometimes, I’m stumped. At this point I blame the driver for spending money on trying to say something that people can’t decipher, but before I throw my hands up in the air and give up (don’t worry, I’m really good at steering with my knee), there’s one more clue I look for: the license plate frame. And most of the time, most of the time, I’m not disappointed. It seems people who personalize license plates have so much passion for whatever they’re trying to tell us they like, that the license plate frame ALSO conveys this passion. For example, one license plate went along the lines of Halo Fan (not that straightforward…but I forget what it said exactly). I commented to Jeff how amazing I was for figuring it out, then said, “they must be big Angels fans.” At this point I was proud of knowing enough pop culture and sports trivia to know that Halo Fan’s are from the Angel’s baseball team. Then Jeff mentioned that maybe they were fans of the game. Drats! How will I ever know now what they really meant? *Ding* License plate frame read: LA Angels of Anaheim.

All I can say is…thank you dear Drivers for your dedication.

Reflections

12 Wednesday Jan 2011

Posted by in book review, books, Haiti, life, thoughts

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I wasn’t planning on writing anything on my blog about the one year anniversary of the Haiti earthquake–I figure today is the one day when everyone else will be talking about it, and I don’t think there’s much I can add that I haven’t already shared with readers prior to today, and what every news broadcast is already doing. But I came across a blog entry of a good friend, so I wanted to share some of that with you guys. I’m only sharing a part here, but I recommend reading the whole thing. Here’s the excerpt that got me:

“First, I ask you to take a moment of silence with the rest of the world at 4:53 eastern (2153 GMT) to remember the approximate quarter of million people who died in the disaster. But please go further than that. One moment of silent prayer or reflection is not enough for a disaster this large. It demands several moments.

So please also take a moment when you walk into your house. Remember those Haitians (about 1 million) still without a house.
Take a moment when you turn on your tap and water instantly appears. Remember those Haitians who must carry their water miles to and from clean water sources.
When you flush your toilet, remember those who are still using pit toilets, or having to flush only once a day to conserve water.
As you prepare to come back to school, or go to work, imagine your life totally upended. Family members no longer here, plans scrapped. That is reality for millions of Haitians.”


This is something that was really difficult to deal with when I first returned from my trip, and something I know is constantly on mine and Abby’s mind. How can we not feel guilty about everything we have, when people around the world have so little? How is this fair?
I’m not five years old anymore, so I don’t need my mom to tell me that life isn’t fair…I know it isn’t…but I don’t know why is has to be SO unfair (ok, maybe I’m still five). I think about how much water we use just to shower or wash our hands…and people in Africa don’t even have enough water to drink. It’s crazy, right? (or is it just me…?)
I came across an interesting passage in a book I just finished, called The Blue Sweater, by Jacqueline Novogratz. Novogratz is talking about celebrating the wrap up of a big project in Rwanda, and standing in line at a local store with two bottles of champagne. While in line it hit her that these two bottles cost more than most Rwandans made in a whole year–she was embarrassed when it came time for the Rwandan store clerk to ring her up. In the end, her companion convinced her to buy them: ” ‘I know it doesn’t make a lot of sense on one level. We’re working with the really poor, and you and I couldn’t be more privileged in relative terms. But don’t pretend to be someone you aren’t. If you were at home, you’d celebrate with champagne. If you want to remain happy and alive in this work, you need to reconcile this part of who you are and understand the inconsistencies with the work you do and how it all fits into your whole way of being.’ ” (page 115).
The whole “don’t pretend to be someone you’re not” is pretty intense, and true. We have been born into privilege, maybe not rich-trust-fund kind of privilege, but we have abundant resources nonetheless. We can’t deny that, and we shouldn’t. As Novogratz puts it: “The challenge wasn’t whether to buy a couple of bottles of champagne; it was instead not to take our privilege for granted and to use it in a way that served the world and our highest purpose” (116, emphasis added).
So today, take a minute to reflect. How can you use your privileges to serve the highest purpose?

Music Corner: Latin Wedding Music

12 Wednesday Jan 2011

Posted by in entertainment, music, video

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A true Latin wedding will have most, if not all, of these mandatory songs…
An oldie but goodie: Oye mi Amor, by Mana:
Throw in a little salsa…Elvis Crespo, Suavemente:
I don’t know if Carlos Vives is necessarily a classic for weddings, but I think it should be…
Last but not least, Matador by Los Fabulosos Cadillacs:
Yes, we are stuck in the 80s/early 90s. And quite proudly :)
You’d also have to throw in some Pepe Aguilar, Pedro Fernandez, Vicente Fernandez, but I couldn’t make up my mind. Other suggestions?

Charity of the Month: FEED Projects

10 Monday Jan 2011

Posted by in charity, Charity of the Month

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I recently started to discover the usefulness of Twitter. Criticize what you may about it, but if you use it correctly, it’s actually a great resource for news and updates on things you’re interested in. And it’s how I came across this month’s Charity of the Month: FEED Projects.
Basically, you buy a bag, and the proceeds of that purchase go towards providing free meals to children in schools, usually through the UN World Food Program.
One of the most useful items is the FEED 100 bag: for $30, you provide 100 schools meals to children in Rwanda. There is also the FEED 1 bag, for $60 you feed one child for a whole year. As FEED points out, this school meal is the ONLY meal that these children get. All day. We may get hungry and grumpy if we don’t have our morning snack, but imagine going hungry all day…or several days. $60 means you are allowing a child the satisfaction of going home without being hungry, for a whole year.
The FEED shop also features Kenyan scarves and bracelets,
FEED t-shirts, and pouches that can be used as clutches, make up bags, etc. The pouches go for $25 and provide food and job skill training for 10 women.
It would be a sin not to put a plug in for the FEED 3 Guatemala bag, which, personally, is the coolest one…Sadly, these and others are only sold in certain stores, so check the FEED Store for details.
And if you want to support children close to home, you can purchase the FEED USA bag. The cool thing about this bag is that you get to choose which school food improvement program you want to fund!
“I can’t afford to buy a bag right now.” Well you’re in luck. There are so many ways to support an organization, that doesn’t involve spending money. Mainly, help spread the word. Share what FEED is doing with your friends and family, and ask them to spread the word as well.
On a side note, please let me know if you have an organization that is near and dear to your heart, that you think would be a good feature for this blog in 2011 :)

The Mandatory New Year’s Post

07 Friday Jan 2011

Posted by in life, new year, updates

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And so another year has flown by. I spent most of 2010 thinking it was barely getting started…before I realized it, 2011 was knocking on my door. 2010…what can I say? You’ve challenged me quite a bit. I’m not going to lie and say it was all roses…I think it was by far one of the most trying years I’ve had to date, but it also had some amazing accomplishments.
I had my first job in the legal world, which presented a whole set of challenges in and of itself, but it was a learning experience if ever there was one. But it gave me the opportunity to meet some amazing people, who hopefully will be a part of my life for years to come.
Julian graduated from UCI!
We introduced two new members to the Armstrong family, which we couldn’t be happier about. They definitely make things way cuter! It’s still a little weird how you can watch a baby just be a baby for hours…and not get bored. Creepy, right?
Abby and I went to Haiti…and I think all you readers know the lasting impact that has had on me. And on you, since you all have to put up with constant blogs, twitters, and countless Facebook links and updates.
Julian and Erika finally got hitched, and what a way to get things done! Two weeks of booze, friendship, love, booze, Vegas, nuptials…did I mention booze? :) And let’s not forget the Stewarts, another wedding worth celebrating!
Jeff and I celebrated our first year of marriage…and four years of being together. What can I say, I’m a lucky girl. < 3
Camping trip to Yosemite!
We celebrated my aunt’s 50th year of life in style!
I realized my little cousins aren’t so little anymore. I also realized they’re all becoming amazing and caring individuals, and that gives me all sorts of warm and fuzzies.
The economy…..well…let’s not get started there…let’s just say that losing my job is giving me the opportunity to figure out what I want to do with my life.
Worked on my first housebuild with Corazon…hopefully many more to come this year.
As for 2011….hopefully I figure out what I want to do with my career, I’m looking forward to a second trip to Haiti with Abby and my cousin, Adriana (which I’m REALLY excited about), and if all goes well…maybe starting to expand our own little Armstrong family. Fingers crossed.
Happy New Year to all of you, and may 2011 bring happiness and blessings galore! A huge thank you to everyone who follows this blog about everything and nothing. A special thank you to those who have stood by me and supported me in all my efforts: I’m sure my constant need for favors and participation get old after a while, but I hope you all see the good in everything I try to make you participate in :)

Amen!

31 Friday Dec 2010

Posted by in life, thankful, thoughts, tutoring

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“Dear Jesus….please bless…..bless the food we’re about to eat. Thank you for today…and thank you for Alex being here today.”

Last year I started to tutor the two older children of an amazing family, I’ll call them the D Family. Part of my tutoring involves having dinner with the family, and the kids take turns on who will say grace before we dig in. Those simple lines always make me so happy, and make me feel very blessed to get time to spend with the D family. I know we’re all thankful for various things in our life, but isn’t it crazy to think that someone is thankful to have YOU in their life? Coming from kids under the age of 10, mostly without prompting, I think it’s pretty awesome. I will admit that one of my favorite graces was last night, when the 3 year-old (or is he four? hmmm) started saying grace, then had to stop because he said he was going to cough, so dad offered to finish saying grace. I never heard a cough, but I thought that was very thoughtful of him!

If any member of the D family cheats during grace and opens their eyes, they’ll catch a giant smile come across my face as the words “and we’re thankful for Alex being here today” are muttered. Every time.

To the D family, you know who you are: thank you for letting me into your home, thank you for the countless meals, and for all the advice and support each of you have given me over the past year. I am truly thankful to have you all in my life.

Heels.

16 Thursday Dec 2010

Posted by in life, thoughts

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I wore my high heels yesterday. Doesn’t sound like anything too crazy, I know. Thing is, I hadn’t worn them in a while, even before I was let go from my job I had started wearing flats a lot. I forgot the feeling I get when I walk in heels: it’s almost exhilarating. I can sense a difference in the way people look at me, like they take me more seriously. Maybe my reaction yesterday is due in part to the fact that I’ve been unemployed for over a month, so I haven’t been dressing professionally for anything, I’ve been spending a lot of time in very casual and comfortable clothing. I’m usually not a fan of heels because they’re a pain to wear, but yesterday, I even wore them to the grocery store. And it felt nice.

Daniel Skrocki: writer extraordinaire

15 Wednesday Dec 2010

Posted by in art, artists, poetry

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Some of my favorite pieces from a dear friend of mine, and a hugely talented human being.
~~~~
I refuse to be
a casualty
of excuse
no matter
how
rational
no matter
how valid
no matter
how tangible
~~~~

I do not want to
be tolerated
I want to be
adored

I want to feel
special
and be special
to you
~~~~
I love her
and am ruined by her
a slave to her
every whim

a puppet
a ranting lunatic
[a precious decoy]
(I didn’t get the ending, I’ll post it later)
~~~~
Sin
is an opinion
it is not charity
it is obligation
and not a
duty
but a privilege
~~~~
It’s impossible
to emphasize enough
my love
for you
and it is
this
impossibility
and the polish
of its
sheen
that leans
my torque
towards a
surrender
that
is
dangerous
and futile
within
the framework
of its
[very] own
seething
~~~~
All published with permission from Mr. Daniel K. Skrocki

The Big Picture

12 Sunday Dec 2010

Posted by in life, thankful, thoughts

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Yesterday I was being silly. It’s actually embarrassing to admit that I was upset over shoes. Yep, shoes. I think it was a combination of feeling emotional over the last couple of days about what I’m doing with my life, financial instability, and being really hungry, but still…I shouldn’t have let myself get so upset about shoes.

This morning, I’m sitting on our futon, facing our recently decorated Christmas tree, wrapped up in my favorite blanket, about to enjoy a few pages from the book I’m currently reading. I have a roof over my head, I’m warm, I could eat if I wasn’t too lazy to get out of my currently comfortable position, I’m loved, I’m alive and I’m well. So what do I have to complain about? It’s so easy to get carried away about the little things, and forget about the bigger picture.

The Economy Sucks.

08 Wednesday Dec 2010

Posted by in economy, life, opinion, thoughts, work

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I bet you had no idea! Ha. I think the current state of the economy is something this is affecting everyone in this country, no matter how rich or poor you were when it first started. In the least, I’m sure everyone at least knows someone who has been. Our little home has definitely felt the effects in a very personal way, and although it sucks, we just have to keep the hope that it will get better in time.
What is really scary is seeing all the business that are closing around town. On our way to Jeff’s parents house, there is one shopping center that is completely empty except for the liquor store–because we all still need to drink away our sorrows, no matter how poor we are! But I’ve seen shopping centers like that everywhere…one shop closes down, then the next, then the next. Before you know it, there are tumbleweeds blowing across the parking lot. Cue Family Guy scene:
Cleveland: The only guy making any money is the guy that sells tumbleweeds.
Old guy: Y’all laughed at me! heh haw hah! Y’all laughed at me! (flashes money to beautiful woman) What do you think of this?
Beautiful woman: That makes you attractive!
Ok, enough of that.
So recently Jeff and I found out that our favorite Mexican restaurant, Fresca’s, closed down. I am really bummed that we can’t go there for lunch anymore, but I’m confident we can find mexican food somewhere else (one of the many great things about Southern California). What really bummed me out was thinking about the cashier who recognized us every time we came in, and the cooks who never seemed upset when I asked for extra limes or sour cream (although I still have my theory that that’s because I speak Spanish…but now we’ll never know). I can’t help but wonder what they’re doing now, how are they feeding their families, where they able to find something else?
According to a random website I found, 1.5 million businesses have closed, and California particularly has seen some of the greatest losses with 174,000 places closing.
In lieu of this, I’m sure we all know a business that was near and dear to our hearts that is no longer. What’s your favorite business that has closed? Do you think they’ll come back in a few years? For completely selfish reasons, I hope Fresca’s is up and running again soon…
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