Welcome to Kristel's Korner

My OC Fair Experience: CAKES

2010-08-13T23:35:00.000-07:00

When I saw these, I just had to take pictures! The creative mind is an amazing thing to behold. I've had my share of cake-decorating experience, but these creations just take the cake (pun intended *grin*)! So here they are....ta-da!!!

A wacky music-themed cake

Fit for a Sweet 16 party, perhaps?

Simple, yet elegant

And the beat goes on...Yeah!

Recreating the turntable

A treasure trove

It's a picnic

Hilarious Smart-a$$ Answers

2010-08-13T23:04:00.000-07:00

A flight attendant was stationed at the departure gate to check tickets. As a man approached, she extended her hand for the ticket and he opened his trench coat and flashed her. Without missing a beat, she said, 'Sir, I need to see your ticket, not your stub.’

A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store, but couldn't find one big enough for her family. She asked a stock boy, "Do these turkeys get any bigger?" The stock boy replied, "No ma'am, they're dead."

The cop got out of his car and the kid who was stopped for speeding rolled down his window. "I've been waiting for you all day," the cop said. The kid replied, "Yeah, well I got here as fast as I could." When the cop finally stopped laughing, he sent the kid on his way without a ticket.

My OC Fair Experience

2010-08-04T19:58:00.000-07:00

The last time I've been to the fair (the LA County Fair, that is) was more than 10 years ago. So this recent trip to the Orange County Fair was almost like a new experience to me. Boy, was it a feast! A feast to the eyes, the nose and, of course, the stomach! After all, where else can you find Deep-Fried Snickers? I have to confess that I haven't tried it...tempting though. Maybe on my next trip, I'll brave one. :)

Now, as I was saying, the OC Fair is all about the senses. Your ears will get overwhelmed with the sounds from people talking to each other (sometimes shouting), booming announcements from vendors advertising their wares, and screams from children and adults on the thrilling rides. Well, you get the idea...

And, oh, the smells! When we entered through the gates, the smell of animals immediately hit us. It wasn't entirely unpleasant, just....distinctive. Needless to say, we didn't venture to that part of the Fair.

What was really fascinating about the Fair was the countless booths and exhibits. The visual display of artwork, crafts, woodwork and various products is so amazing! One day wouldn't be enough to really explore each and every one of them.

Sad to say, I was too busy enjoying the various culinary delights at the Fair that I completely forgot to take a picture of them. I did have sweet potato fries, blooming onion and lemonade. And how could I forget the ice cream? Yum! In the heat, I had quite a time licking the ice cream before it melted in my hand! :)

Stay tuned for more OC Fair delights!

Tarot: Do you believe in it?

2010-07-26T14:11:00.000-07:00

Have you read your horoscope lately? I haven't, but I used to read them regularly. They are fascinating, though not necessarily entirely true. You can choose to believe them, if you want. Like everything else in my life, I take them with a grain of salt. They are guidelines to what could happen, but, in the end, you are the master of your fate and all that.

Today I received a free Tarot reading by email. Apparently, based on my birth date, my Life Symbol card is the Tarot Trump. Now, I don't know anything about Tarot cards except they represent something in your life. But I do like the way they put it...that this is my Personality Motivator Card.

So here it is...

Like your Astrological Sign, you have a Tarot Trump (Major Arcana) card that is assigned to you for life according to your birth date. This life card describes who you are to the outside world, your tendencies, personality type, potential, challenges, motivations, expectations, or how others may see you. We refer to it as your Personality Motivator Card (PMC).

(Upright)

You are a person of strong conviction, persuasion, determination, and great courage, and you may thrive on, or be confronted with an inordinate amount of challenges or tests of character. You've been there and done that, and you understand that setbacks, suffering, or loss can either make you or break you, and you aren't going to let anything hold you down or cause you to give up. Having more responsibility, dignity, willpower, or obligations than many, you are an example of inspiration or perseverance, and you may have little tolerance for those who don't take responsibility for their lives, blame bad luck, make excuses, or have a victim mentality. Remember that compassion, especially when you think you're the only one going through difficulties, will be the greatest show of strength.

(Reversed)

Jealousy, bad luck, shame, blame, insecurity, or a victim mentality could reflect an inability to accept responsibility for your own choices or decisions. When things don't go your way, you may resort to threats, violence, retaliation, revenge, or strong-armed tactics of manipulation in order to get your point across or get even. Being too controlling, getting in other people's faces, talking over others, or going "off" on them, only pushes them away or demonstrates a lack of self-control or willpower. Playing to the crowd not only turns the situation into a circus, but can cause others to question your self-respect. It only takes one act of true courage to inspire transformation of character.

Vegas Trip

2010-07-26T11:20:00.000-07:00

Vegas...the city that never sleeps.

I just recently got back from a trip to Vegas. Too bad it wasn't for leisure this time. The weather was scorching hot, so I mostly stayed indoors and took these pictures from the car.

The new City Center

Caesar's Palace

It's THE Hotel

Statue of Liberty...in suburban Vegas

The big 3: Trump Tower, Encore, Wynn

New York, New York - Las Vegas

Room with a view

A view of Encore from my grimy window :)

Common Courtesy

2010-07-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

Common courtesy is an almost extinct concept nowadays. You hardly see it anymore. At least, that's my opinion and experience. Will it ever be revived? I doubt it. Especially with the explosion of social networking sites online, courtesy (and discretion, I might add) has become so foreign. Well, I just thought I'd share what I felt on the matter...

Now here are some quotes I gathered about common courtesy.

"Life is not so short but there is always time for courtesy." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Don't flatter yourself that friendship authorizes you to say disagreeable things to your intimates. The nearer you come into relation with a person, the more necessary do tact and courtesy become." - Oliver Wendell Holmes

"I place a high moral value on the way people behave. I find it repellent to have a lot, and to behave with anything other than courtesy in the old sense of the word - politeness of the heart, a gentleness of the spirit." - Fran Lebowitz

"No one is more insufferable than he who lacks basic courtesy." -Unknown

"When restraint and courtesy are added to strength, the latter becomes irresistible." - Mohandas Gandhi

"There will always be someone else with a different view than you. I appreciate them and would never say that they are wrong. I hope that they would give me that courtesy also." - Melissa Etheridge

A Friend of the Truest Kind

2010-07-03T19:53:00.000-07:00

I've been rummaging through my stuff lately (a very belated Spring cleaning :) )...and found this little book that a very dear friend gave to me a few years back. The Treasure of a Friend by John C. Maxwell is brimming with heartwarming stories, poignant poems and unforgettable quotes about friendship.

I found this piece, and I thought, "I wish I had more friends like this." LOL! Hope you enjoy it, too.

A Friend of the Truest Kind

A friend...

...is someone who keeps your secrets and never divulges them, even if tortured--or worse, tempted with chocolate.

...is someone who quietly destroys the photograph that makes you look like a beached whale.

...is someone who knows you don't know what you're talking about, but allows you to reach that conclusion on your own.

...is someone who goes with you on a diet--and off it too.

...is someone who doesn't say, "I told you so," no matter how tempting it might be.

A friend of the truest kind is kind and true to you.

"In prosperity our friends know us.
In adversity we know our friends."

Share

Bohol, Philippines

2010-05-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

After 11 long years away, I finally had a chance to visit my home province, Bohol, Philippines. Despite the hot and humid weather, I enjoyed every minute of the trip. Two weeks is a short trip, considering I've been away for so long, but I still had a chance to visit (or re-visit) some familiar spots and see amazing views. Here are some of them...

The white beaches of Panglao Island, Bohol

Somewhere between Manila and Bohol

Tarsier

DISNEYLAND

2010-04-06T22:50:00.000-07:00

It's great to be in Disneyland on a warm Spring day. Had a chance to enjoy such a day recently. Thought I'd share some photos I took of the Disneyland Main Street Parade. Enjoy!

2010 Naked Fireman Calendar

2010-03-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I just couldn't resist...

You just had to look, didn't you? :)

The Lenten Passion

2010-03-16T09:29:00.000-07:00

In honor of Holy Week, I would like to share this video of clips from the movie, The Passion, set to the beautiful and moving song, We Are The Reason.

Fate...Destiny...Kismet

2010-03-11T16:06:00.000-08:00

Do you believe in fate? That some things in life are predestined? To some extent, I do.

Don't you ever wonder what guiding forces led you to meet the people who have now become your friends, your enemies, your lovers, your spouse? Granted it is indeed a small world after all, but of all the people in the world, how is it that you meet and connect with this certain group?

There must be some hidden, unknown force behind everything that happens. Some may call it the divine force, God. Others, simply destiny. Call it what you will, but the real question is what to do with the hand that destiny dealt you. As Karl Wilhem von Humboldt said, "How a person masters his fate is more important than what his fate is."

In life, each of us is dealt a different hand. And I do believe that it is all predestined. What matters is what we do with that hand because that determines character and, in the end, our future.

Friends

2010-03-03T15:24:00.000-08:00

"Nothing but heaven itself is better than a friend who is really a friend." ~Plautus

The question is, how do you know a friend is really a friend? In this day and age, it is very difficult to do so. In my life, I have tons of acquaintances; Real friends, only a handful.

FRIEND. The word is so broad and means differently in various contexts. For me, a friend is someone you can laugh with, cry with and have comfortable silences with. A friend accepts you in spite of who you are. You can emotionally lay yourself bare to a friend without fear of censure or awkwardness. A friend gives without asking for anything back. A friend is someone who may not always be there, but will be by your side when you need him/her most.

For all I consider friends and all who consider me their friend, Thank You. This is for you.

Share

My new website...check it out!

2010-02-23T17:10:00.000-08:00

My new website is up! Check it out at www.kristel.jamcee.com.
And don't forget to post your comments on my Guestbook.

What Love Means

2010-02-16T22:03:00.000-08:00

Hearing what love means from a child's perspective is just so priceless. This is from one of the circulated emails I received.

Touching words from the mouth of babes.

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4- to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?"
The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined.

'When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore.
So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love..'
Rebecca- age 8

'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.'
Billy - age 4

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

'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.'
Chrissy - age 6

'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.'
Terri - age 4

'Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.'
Danny - age 7

'Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that.. They look gross when they kiss'
Emily - age 8

'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.'
Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)

'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate.'
Nikka - age 6 (we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)

'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.'
Noelle - age 7

'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.'
Tommy - age 6

'Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.'
Elaine-age 5

'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.'
Chris - age 7

'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.'
Mary Ann - age 4

'When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.' (what an image) Karen - age 7

'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross.'
Mark - age 6

'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.'
Jessica - age 8

And the final one

The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.

When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, 'Nothing, I just helped him cry'

I guess love is being there when you're needed the most.

One Hello

2010-02-13T12:36:00.000-08:00

This is a song by Randy Crawford. I just love the melody and lyrics. Thought it might be in time for Valentine's day. :)

If you're not afraid
Of what love brings
Then endings are beginnings
Of beautiful things
It's a chance you'll take
It''s a chance you'll win
If someone's gonna find you
First you gotta let them in

Coz love begins with one hello
The hardest part is over
Now it's easy letting go
One hello is how it starts
You might win it all or lose your heart

If you're not afraid
Of what you feel
Then try and keep it simple
Or try and keep it real
And if being real
Means you'll someday say goodbye
Remember my friend
Goodbye's not the end
It's a circle you know
And it starts with one hello

Love begins with one hello
The hardest part is over
Now it's easy letting go
One hello is how it starts
Remember my friend
Goodbye's not the end
It's a circle you know
And it starts with one hello
It starts with one hello

Hallmarks of True Love

2010-02-12T20:05:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, I'm posting this list by Newell W. Edson:

Hallmarks of True Love

A genuine interest in the other person and all that she or he says and does.
A community of tastes, ideals, and standards with no serious clashes.
A greater happiness in being with the one person than being with any other.
A real unhappiness when the other person is absent.
A great feeling of comradeship.
A willingness to give and take.
A pride in the other person when comparisons are made.

"We are the World" 25 years later

2010-02-12T16:34:00.000-08:00

Catch the premiere of "We Are the World" tonight at the Winter Olympics opening ceremonies! I listened to Lionel Richie's radio interview earlier about the song. There are 82 performers involved this time. And they are including a clip of Michael Jackson's voice, interspersed with Janet Jackson's. Can't wait!

To download the song, donate to the Haiti relief fund through the song's official website: www.world25.org.

What is Life?

2010-02-10T10:51:00.000-08:00

"Life is like a hot bath. The longer you stay in it, the more wrinkled you get."

Thought I'd share this. :)

Heaven and Hell

2010-02-04T21:52:00.001-08:00

While walking down the street one day a Corrupt senator politician was tragically hit by a car and died.

His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

"Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."

"No problem, just let me in," says the Senator.

"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from the higher ups. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."

"Really?, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the Senator.

"I'm sorry, but we have our rules."

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.

The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.

Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the Filipino people.

They played a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and the finest champagne.

Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who is having a good time dancing and telling jokes.

They are all having such a good time that before the Senator realizes it, it is time to go.

Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises...

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens in heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him, "Now it's time to visit heaven."

So, 24 hours passed with the Senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

"Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."

The Senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell."

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.

Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulders.

"I don't understand," stammers the Senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"

The devil smiles at him and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning ...Today, you voted."

Do You Remember

2010-01-30T22:48:00.000-08:00

I love this song by Jay Sean...love the beat...

How to add "Share on Facebook" button on your website or blog

2010-01-29T10:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered how to add that "Post/Share to Facebook" button on your website or blog? It's not as hard as you think.

Open your website or blog for editing. On Blogger or Blogspot, go to Customize or Layout and choose Add A Gadget. Choose the HTML/JavaScript widget from the pop up menu. Leave the title bar blank in the widget window.
Go to http://www.new.facebook.com/share_partners.php
Make sure you are logged into Facebook to access this page. Copy and paste the Facebook html code for the button of your choice into the Blogger widget window.
Save the gadget and then save your changes to the layout.
The Facebook icon will appear on your site. Now, by clicking on the Facebook icon, readers (or yourself) may post your article to their Facebook Wall.
Note that the steps above will add the Post to Facebook button to your blog page. Your profile and entire blogsite will be shared on Facebook.
To add a Post to Facebook button on each blog post, add the Facebook html code to the end of each of your blog post.
On the New Post window, click the "Edit HTML" tab after you've typed in your entire post.
Go all the way to the end of your post and paste the Facebook html code. Publish your post. You should see the Post to Facebook button at the end of your post.

Longing

2010-01-28T23:49:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd share one of the poems I love. It's by Matthew Arnold. I first heard it in the soundtrack to Beauty and the Beast: Of Hope and Love, the TV series back in the 1990s. Isn't it a beautiful poem?

Longing

by Matthew Arnold

Come to me in my dreams, and then
By day I shall be well again!
For then the night will more than pay
The hopeless longing of the day.

Come, as thou cam'st a thousand times,
A messenger from radiant climes,
And smile on thy new world, and be
As kind to all the rest as me.

Or, as thou never cam'st in sooth,
Come now, and let me dream it truth;
And part my hair, and kiss my brow,
And say: My love! why suff'rest thou? 

Come to me in my dreams, and then
By day I shall be well again!
For then the night will more than pay
The hopeless longing of the day.

Share my posts on Facebook

2010-01-27T15:24:00.000-08:00

Now you can share my posts on your Facebook wall! Just look for the button at the end of each post.

Toyota recalls and suspends sales of certain models

2010-01-26T16:27:00.000-08:00

Since I drive a Toyota, I found this piece of news very interesting. I have an '09 Camry LE, but all they say in the article is that "certain models" of the Camry are affected. So I've yet to find out if mine is subject to a recall. Anyway, for Toyota owners, I'm sure this will be helpful to you.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it is instructing Toyota dealers to temporarily suspend sales of eight models involved in the recall for sticking accelerator pedal, announced on January 21, 2010.

“Helping ensure the safety of our customers and restoring confidence in Toyota are very important to our company,” said Group Vice President and Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter. “This action is necessary until a remedy is finalized. We’re making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible.”

Toyota announced it would recall approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota Division models. Toyota has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats. There is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.

Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:

2009-2010 RAV4,
2009-2010 Corolla,
2009-2010 Matrix,
2005-2010 Avalon,
Certain 2007-2010 Camry,
2010 Highlander,
2007-2010 Tundra,
2008-2010 Sequoia

No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, which will remain for sale.

Due to the sales suspension, Toyota is expected to stop producing vehicles on the following production lines for the week of February 1 to assess and coordinate activities. The North America vehicle production facilities affected are:

• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada (Corolla, Matrix, and RAV4)
• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (Sequoia and Highlander)
• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky – Line 1 (Camry and Avalon)
• Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (Camry)
• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (Tundra)

No other North American Toyota vehicle production facilities are affected by the decision to stop production.

The sticking accelerator pedal recall is separate from the on-going recall of Toyota and Lexus vehicles to reduce the risk of pedal entrapment by incorrect or out of place accessory floor mats. Approximately 1.7 million Toyota Division vehicles are subject to both separate recall actions.

(Source: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-consumer-safety-advisory-102572.aspx)

Quotable and funny quotes

2009-10-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

Whenever I find the key to success, someone changes the lock.

To Err is human, to forgive is not a COMPANY policy.

The road to success... Is always under construction.

Alcohol doesn't solve any problems, but if you think again, neither does Milk.

In order to get a Loan, you first need to prove that you don't need it.

All the desirable things in life are either illegal, expensive or fattening or married to someone else.

Since Light travels faster than Sound, people appear brighter before you hear them speak.

Everyone has a scheme of getting rich... which never works.

If at first you don't succeed... Destroy all evidence that you ever tried.

Source: www.timepassmails.com

Share

The Crosswalk

2009-09-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

I came across this inspiring message from timepassmails.com. It's quite appropriate for what I'm feeling right now, I think.

We complain about the cross we bear but don't realize it is preparing us for the dip in the road that God can see and we cannot.

Whatever your cross,
whatever your pain,
there will always be sunshine, after the rain...
Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall;
But God's always ready, to answer your call...

He knows every heartache, sees every tear,
a word from His lips, can calm every fear...
Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish, by dawn's early light...
The Savior is waiting, somewhere above,
to give you His grace, and send you His love.

May God fill your day with blessings!!

Share

Inner peace

2009-09-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

I'm trying so hard right now...

Do not lose your inward peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset. -St. Francis de Sales

Share

Traditions made to make you buy stuff

2009-08-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

I came across this at www.mentalfloss.com (They've got some very interesting stuff, by the way).

1. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

The origin of Rudolph has nothing to do with Jesus or Santa. He sprang from the mind of Robert May, a copywriter for Chicago’s Montgomery Ward department store. May wrote and illustrated the poem (that later became the song) for the store’s holiday coloring book in 1939. But Rudolph’s fate was threatened when store execs realized that the animal’s big, glowing honker might put off consumers, because red noses were often associated with alcoholics. Luckily for May, shoppers embraced the story wholeheartedly. A whopping 2.4 million copies of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer were given out at the store that Christmas.

2. Green Bean Casserole

America’s favorite casserole dates back to 1955, when a chef named Dorcas Reilly created it for a cookbook designed to promote Campbell’s products. By 2003, more than 20 million families (about one in four households) reportedly served the dish at Thanksgiving.

3. Diamond Engagement Rings

Prior to the 20th century, engagement rings were strictly luxury items, and they rarely contained diamonds. But in 1939, the De Beers diamond company changed all of that when it hired ad agency N.W. Ayer & Son. The industry had taken a nosedive in the 1870s, after massive diamond deposits were discovered in South Africa. But the ad agency came to the rescue by introducing the diamond engagement ring and quietly spreading the trend through fashion magazines. The rings didn’t become de rigueur for marriage proposals until 1948, when the company launched the crafty “A Diamond is Forever” campaign. By sentimentalizing the gems, De Beers ensured that people wouldn’t resell them, allowing the company to retain control of the market. In 1999, De Beers chairman Nicky Oppenheimer confessed, “Diamonds are intrinsically worthless, except for the deep psychological need they fill.

n addition to diamond engagement rings, De Beers also promoted surprise proposals. The company learned that when women were involved in the selection process, they picked cheaper rings. By encouraging surprise proposals, De Beers shifted the purchasing power to men, the less-cautious spenders.

4. Valentine's Day Candy

Greeting-card companies didn’t invent valentines. Candy suppliers, on the other hand, were very much behind the idea of giving out Valentine’s Day candy. In fact, the tradition almost seems born out of jealousy. In 1892, Confectioners’ Journal advocated persuading customers that candy was better than “cheap, grotesque” valentines. The floodgates were opened, and by 2004, consumers were buying more than 35 million heart-shape boxes of candy each year.

5. Wedding Registries

In the 1900s, it was customary for only close family members to give wedding presents. But gradually, newlyweds came to expect gifts from friends, as well. Detecting a trend, department stores started to direct engaged customers to their home furnishings and kitchenware departments, encouraging them to think of their weddings as a time to acquire the tools for domestic life. In 1924, the Marshall Field & Company department store in Chicago created the first wedding registry, and the “tradition” took off. Today, up to 96 percent of American couples register their weddings.

Share

Words with no meaning

2009-08-20T14:36:00.000-07:00

Words are just that...words.

I remember a line from the Little Tramp musical: "There are too many words in the world and not enough meaning."

I admit I am guilty of this sometimes, especially lately. But I didn't use to be. I am basically a quiet person, saying only what needs to be said. I'm not much for compliments either, giving or receiving them. You just hear so many platitudes that you sometimes don't know what to believe anymore. Perhaps that's the key: never believe a word anybody says unless it's accompanied by action. I practice this a lot of times, you know. Maybe it makes me a skeptic or a cynic but I see it as self preservation. Being taken in by somebody's word and then later becoming disappointed has too many repercussions in your life that it's better to be cautious.

All this ranting brings up another issue: Trust.

Who do you trust? Can you trust anybody anymore? Well, yes! Yourself. Because, frankly, you really can't rely on anybody else. They have their own lives to lead. Why should they even bother with yours? Yes, I know, because supposedly they care for you. Hmmm, probably. But really (here comes my cynical self again), the reason somebody else bothers with your life is that it serves a purpose in their own. Am I right? I don't think there's pure altruism anymore. Somebody called me altruistic not too long ago. I'm not. Doing something for somebody else makes me happy most of the time. So, in a way, I'm doing it for self gratification.

Oh my goodness, I really AM ranting! But what the heck, I don't do this often anyway. It does feel good to vent. You should try it sometime. The web is my free virtual shrink, since I can't afford a real live one. If you must know, I'm feeling better already even if all this is in the abstract. Something actually did happen to trigger this verbal overflow, so to speak. It all started with words...empty words, I should say. The first time I let it pass 'cause things happen, you know. The second time was enough. When something happens twice you kind of get the idea of how that person really feels, no matter if they say otherwise. However, I've vented (so I'm calm and content now, I guess). I can and am still civil to that person (I'm capable of words, too, after all). But I'm only too aware of what the consequences will be if I believe empty words. So never again.

They say looks can be deceiving...well, words are even more so.

Change

2009-08-11T15:20:00.000-07:00

Man's yesterday may ne'er be like his morrow; Nought may endure but Mutability." ~Percy Bysshe Shelly

As they say, the only thing constant in this world is change. It is inevitable. I, for one, detest change but it comes nonetheless. No matter how much I dread it, no matter how hard I fight it, and no matter how fiercely I hate it, life changes. It's just something we all must accept and live with. So if life has thrown you some curve balls lately (haven't we all had our fair share?), don't fret. Chin up, pick yourself up by the bootstraps and move on! This, too, shall pass...

Share

The Future of Computers

2009-08-09T18:18:00.001-07:00

Perhaps we're looking at the future of computers, where all we need to lug around is a pen. Yes, a computer in a PEN! Using bluetooth technology, the pen projects both the monitor and the keyboard on any flat surface. And y ou can do any number of tasks that you can do on your desktop.

Goodbye laptops, indeed!

Share

Birthday

2009-08-05T21:42:00.000-07:00

Just celebrated a birthday...another year has passed. I am truly grateful for all the friends and family who surround me with their love and support.

Believe in yourself

2009-08-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd share this inspiring message...

What matters in life

2009-07-23T14:42:00.000-07:00

A friend forwarded this to me...

There comes a point in your life when you realize:

Who matters,
Who never did,
Who won't anymore...
And who always will.

So don't worry about people from your past, there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future.

"To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did."
When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better.

So tired...

2009-07-22T22:59:00.001-07:00

Have you ever had one of those days when you've got your hands full and then some? I have a lot (I mean a LOT) on my plate right now and I'm just feeling so tired of handling everything. Sometimes I feel that I'm just gonna implode one of these days or have a nervous breakdown.

For once I want to be selfish...yes, selfish! I just want to forget about all my responsibilities and other people's problems, even for just a day. Is that so bad? I want to focus on me and what I want, nothing else. Hmmm, that must be a refreshing escape...

Oh well, wishful thinking, I guess.

Real Friend Test

2009-07-20T22:39:00.001-07:00

Someone forwarded this through email...

REAL FRIEND TEST

A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.
A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself and doesn't feel even the least bit weird shutting your 'Coke drawer' with her foot!

A simple friend has never seen you cry.
A real friend's shoulder is soggy from your tears...

A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first names.
A real friend has their phone numbers in his address book.

A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party.
A real friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean.

A simple friend hates it when you call after they've gone to bed.
A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.

A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems.
A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.

A simple friend wonders about your romantic history.
A real friend could blackmail you with it!

A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument.
A real friend calls you after you had a fight.

A simple friend expects you to always be there for them.
A real friend expects to always be there for you!

August Rush music

2009-07-16T22:21:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the movie August Rush? If not, you should! It's a very heartwarming love story. But what really stuck with me is the music...it is awesome!!!

Here are some selected songs from the soundtrack. Enjoy!

Share

Happiness

2009-07-16T21:37:00.000-07:00

Happiness is not having what you want...

it is wanting what you have.

Words I try to (and do) live by. Keeping myself within this mentality does go a long way towards contentment. It can be hard sometimes...for after all, wanting what you can't have is so, so tempting (*sigh*). But I'm glad to say that these wistful longings are at a minimum...I've learned to love what I do have. And I am grateful for my life right now.

Harry Potter or Skin Disease?

2009-07-15T21:49:00.001-07:00

How well do you know Harry Potter characters?

Take this fun quiz and find out!

http://www.mentalfloss.com/quiz/quiz.php?q=701&p=1

Random Fact Generator - 071509

2009-07-15T21:29:00.000-07:00

From the mental_floss archives

Grace Kelly's father had to cough up a $2 million dowry to help cover the cost of his daughter's wedding to Prince Rainier III of Monaco.

W.E.B. DuBois was the only African American on the NAACP's ﬁrst board of directors.

In the 1950s, Dr. Joyce Brothers won big money on 'The $64,000 Question' (and more on 'The $64,000 Challenge') by knowing lots about boxing.

King's Cross station is where you catch the Hogwarts Express. The station holds special meaning for Rowling: it's where her parents met.

Sega started in Hawaii in 1940 as Standard Games, a business that provided military bases with pinball machines to help amuse soldiers.

Martin Scorsese directed Michael Jackson's "Bad" video. He is also one of 50 people officially barred from Tibet by the Chinese government.

The Hippocratic Oath's line, "First do no harm," actually originally comes from the oath Pythagoras's followers took to join his sect.

Sacramento Kings forward Lionel Simmons missed two games in 1991 because he had tendonitis in his right arm from playing too much GameBoy.

Going (Coco) nuts!!!

2009-07-15T16:32:00.000-07:00

I came across this non-dairy alternative to ice cream. It's supposed to be made from coconut milk. For those who are lactose-intolerant or who are avoiding dairy products, then this may be a great alternative. Looks good, doesn't it? I wonder how it tastes...

Their flavors certainly sound yummy:

Cherry Nirvana
Chocolate Brownie Almond
Chocolate Obsession
Chunky Mint Madness
Coconut Craze
Cookie Dough (GLUTEN FREE)
Dulce de Leche NEW!
Key Lime Pie NEW!
Mint Chocolate Chip
Mocha Almond Fudge
Peanut Butter Zig Zag
Praline Pecan
Purely Vanilla
Rocky Road
Snickerdoodle NEW!
So Very Strawberry
Turtle Trails

Miss Saigon

2009-07-14T21:39:00.000-07:00

Music is a big part of my life. I don't sing, I don't write music. But I appreciate ALL kinds of music....Broadway/theatre music, most especially. I will be periodically posting a collection of musicals I have seen/heard and absolutely loved!

Miss Saigon is one of those heartbreaking love stories. What makes this different from other romances is that it is not just about love between a man and a woman...but the love of a mother for her child. In fact, the creators of this musical were inspired by a photograph of a mother and child about to be separated in wartime Vietnam. The music and lyrics to Miss Saigon is absolutely beautiful. Watching it on Broadway was an added bonus.

Here are some selected lyrics:

From Sun and Moon

You are here like a mystery
I'm from a world that's so different from all that you are
How in the light of one night did we come so far?

From Last Night of the World

On the other side of the earth there's a place where life still has worth
I will take you
I'll go with you
You won't believe all the things you'll see
I know 'cause you'll see them all with me
If we're together that's when we'll hear it again a song....

From I'd Give My Life for You

I'll give you a million things I'll never own
I'll give you a world to conquer when you're grown
You will be who you want to be
You can choose whatever heaven grants
As long as you can have your chance
I swear i'll give my life for you

Share

Postcards for Women - Hilarious

2009-07-14T21:32:00.000-07:00

I got these in one of those forwarded emails a while back. I thought some of these were just hilarious.

Make it meaningful

2009-07-14T21:15:00.000-07:00

Old friends pass away, new friends appear

It is just like the days.

A new day passes, a new day arrives.

The important thing is to make it meaningful:

a meaningful friend....or a meaningful day.

Share

Trivial Pursuit

2009-07-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

I've always been fascinated by trivia (yes, I know they're useless but fun to know all the same) ever since I could remember. I used to be a Trivial Pursuit freak in high school. Though I didn't actually know how to play the game, learning those random facts became my lunchtime fascination.

So here are some fun facts for the day:

Cockroaches can live up to two weeks without a head because their brain is located throughout their body.
This just proves that quantity isn't always better than quality.

What is the main spice in Yorkshire Parkin pie? Ginger
Now this is something I haven't eaten and may never eat at all.

What would a paramedic describe as either simple or compound? Fracture
Hmmm, something that might come in handy someday

Share