Nishi is female Indian American in New York City who works as a lawyer and who is also a professional actress, singer / songwriter and writer. Nishi sings throughout NYC and performs in stage, film & musical theater. Check out her music & videos at NishiMusic.com.
As a lawyer and human rights activist, Nishi is passionate about foreign policy, international affairs and human rights law and is the Founder & President of her own non-profit human rights organization, the Leading Light Foundation. Nishi is an advocate for children's rights and is the creator & Chair of the Lawyers' Committee of ECPAT-USA & serves on the international law committees of NYC's Bar Associations.
In her free time, Nishi is a lover of travel, books, art, sports, museums, theater, mythology & philosophy and is an amateur astronomer who studies space & physics and is an archaeology buff who leads the NYC Archaeology Meetup Group.
Nishi is also a huge Japanese anime and manga fan who has designed many websites to her favorite series & leads the NYC Japanese Dinner & Culture Group and the New Rochelle Japanese Anime & Sushi Group. She writes fantasy fiction & children's stories & writes/contributes to South Asian Indian magazines.
Nishi's A Dream I Dream, Nishi's Pitas, personal written content, personal images, html and layout (c) Nishi Rajan 1998-2010. Reproduction in any form of content expressly prohibited without written & signed consent of Nishi Rajan. This journal has existed since 2000; all readers welcome; however, Nishi is not responsible for underage readers or those offended by opinions expressed here.
The Story Thus Far . . .
Nishi works 9-5 in NYC as an attorney as inside counsel at a mid-size law firm to an insurance company practicing insurance defense & personal injury litigation; she is recording 3 dance singles with her production company Nightlife NYC Productions & Bernadette Brennan Entertainment; performs on stage with the Galli Theater; in the evenings and early mornings, Nishi runs 6-12 miles, studies Mandarin, Japanese, Cantonese and Hindi, is working to publish her first illustrated children's series, writing several other stories & adult fiction & is currently looking for writers and researchers for her non-profit human rights foundation Leading Light Foundation - e-mail Nishi if you wish to volunteer.
Books / Stories
King Arthur and all things Arthurian, Merlin, light and dark; The Crystal Cave, The Dark is Rising series, most anything to do with magic, vampires, werewolves; anything fantasy and romance-like: EMMA, Jane Eyre, Phantom of the Opera, Count of Monte Cristo, The Cask of Amontillado; almost anything Shakespeare wrote; The Harry Potter series; my childhood stories - Sweet Valley High, Twins, Kids, Babysitters Club, Boxcar Children, Bobbsey Twins, RAMONA QUIMBY series; SHERLOCK HOLMES, NANCY DREW; all books dealing with things I love from art, mystery, religion, magic, mythical creatures such as "DA VINCI CODE" and "Interview with the Vampire"
Movies
Emma, Contact, Ever After, Farenheit 9/11, Bowling for Columbine, Legally Blonde 2, Princess Diaries, Sweet Home Alabama, Matrix: Reloaded, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Staw Wars: Episode II, TOMBRAIDER I & II
All-time TV Shows
Three's Company, The Nanny, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, FRIENDS, Relic Hunter, Buffy, Xena, Clarissa Explains it All, OUT OF THIS WORLD, Wings, Mad About You, Simpsons, Married with Children, Carol Burnette Show, Anamorphs, Punky Brewster, Smurfs, Rainbow Brite, and the list could go on forever ;)
Musicals
Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, WICKED
Favorite Drinks
In the summer: starbucks' iced caramel macchaito - decaf and nonfat; lychee, boba/bubble tea/pearl milk tea; thai iced tea; lipton lemon and raspberry iced tea
In the winter: hot chocolate and starbucks' white chocolate mocha non-fat
Fave Alcoholic Drinks
Margaritas, amaretto sours, singapore slings, rum & coke and white wine - pinot
Music to relax to:
The slow version of the sailormoon theme song, the theme for Phantom of the Opera, the theme by Mono from Great Expectations and theme from Romeo and Juliet....so many more.....I can't live w/o music.....
A Fan Of:
I'm more a Democrat so I'm a fan of Bill & Hillary Clinton, Madeline Albright, Margaret Thatcher, Lee Iaccoca
Movie Actresses
Drew Barrymore
Kirsten Dunst
Kate Hudson
Nicole Kidman
Demi Moore
Gwyneth Paltrow
Julia Roberts
Reese Witherspoon
Renee Zellweger
Movie Actors
George Clooney
Johnny Depp
Matthew Goode
Tom Hanks
Ashton Kutcher
Brad Pitt
Keanu Reeves
Adam Sandler
Robin Williams
Magazines etc.:
Vogue
Cosmopolitan
Shape
Glamour
Bazaar
Fitness
Allure
Elle
Marie Claire
Archaeology
Mysteries
Foreign Affairs Journals
The Economist
Discover
Astronomy
Sky & Telescope
National Geographic
New York Times
Commondreams.org
In Style
US Weekly
PEOPLE
Reminders:
Salons in NY to try:
Buff Spa at Bergdorf Goodman: 754 5th Ave $$$
Tiffany Nails: 903 Madison $$
Soho Sanctuary: 119 Mercer $$
Maximus Spa - Massage: 15 Mercer $$
Just Calm Down: 32 W. 22nd $$ - get grape gatsby with Essie Bordeaux polish
Ajune Spa: 1294 Third Ave $$
Frederic Fekkai: 15 E. 57th - Mandarin Supreme Pedicure $$
had such a lovely birthday weekend - spending time with mummy on Friday...the prayer I did with papa and mummy...vallankanni mathave :) Saturday with everyone over - Nith & Don, Mek & Bill and Mili & Jay - was it perfect? hahahaha no good gosh no - the chocolate raspberry cake I ordered? it was completely awful creamy fudge inside with like 4 raspeberries ;) I didn't nearly run as much as I wanted to, did not sleep at all last night because of my dear sister Nithi's snoring and heavy breathing (She slept with me in my bed and Don in the guest room - they ain't married yet - will be come July 31st :)) - wound up being awake from something like 2:45 or 3 and gave up tossing & turning to go down to the Kitchen around 5 to read my Women's Wear Dailies, munch on an apple & make myself a breakfast of flax-wholegrain waffles with blackberries, blueberries, strawberries & kefir yogurt :) Today was lovely - loved my morning run, the geese/ducks I saw on the lake, loved Super Bowl Sunday because DON LOST!! The SAINTS WON! Which means I won the bet - Don will have to eat vegetarian! HAHAHAAH :) Mek & I painted our nails & watched Barbie in Princess & the Pauper (just 1/2 of it, too tired now & we're going to sleep). I finished my Regis & Kelly's from last week (I record the 9 a.m. episodes to watch at night). Tomorrow, I'll be at Galli rehearsing for Cinderella until 9 p.m. I think. Late night - recording the Bachelor again - I'm already at least 2 weeks behind ;)
Going to try & get up early at 4:30 to get on the treadmill & run before going to work. Much LOVE TO ALL who wished me so well for my birthday. Thank you. God bless us all :)
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
start of my birthday - start of a new life of promises to myself & my family
Friday, February 5, 2010
08:55 a.m.
took the day off from work today - it's February 5, 2010 here in the U.S. but in India, sometime between the U.S. hours of 1:30-3, it will be February 6, 2010 and between the hours of 12-midnight at 1:30 a.m. which is somewhere during the time I was born. Mum said it was after midnight when she last looked at the clock but can't be sure exactly what time, she said when I was born it could have been 12:05/6, 12:25/6, 12:55/6 or 1:05/6 (something like that) - for some reason the 1, 2, 5 and 6s & 7s always come up in my life (my dad's birthday is 1/6 in India, mummy is 1/25 india, and their anniversary is 7/25.
I'm a very spiritual person and I see symbols in everything. This birthday is special and marks a right of passage for me . It is an ending of the old ways, physically, mentally, emotionally and commitment to a new way of life, living & being.
woke up today, setting my alarm for 7:30 a.m., wished I could have slept more because I had woken up a couple times during the night to use the bathroom. But was not about to sleep in too late and not make use of this valuable day off :)
it almost started out like any other day: minor annoyances/reactions - my sister had accidently dropped my lovely basket of poutpourri all over the bathroom floor and was running late (she explained in an annoyed voice when I asked) so hadn't bothered to clean it up. I almost began to clean it up but decided to leave it alone for now - later. It was morning, I had things to do first.
I came to my bedroom, turned on this computer & opened the creme blinds/curtains to find white winter skies, the sun blazing, also white through the clouds, lake semi-frozen with a coating of snow & ice in front, but in back, glimmered dark, loose & free. There's a snow storm coming tonight they say, supposed to blanket the city and south with lots of inches but north of city (here) we won't get too much for once ;)
Today could...be almost like any day but at 2:25 EST here, it will be 12:55 a.m. in India and I have a special spiritual/religious prayer ( will be doing with my mom - around 3 p.m. I think.
I could continue on, being like the person I was, reacting, semi-starting, semi-changing, and then falling back, confused, tired, lost once again - or this time, it can be different. This time, it can truly be a change.
In our lives, it is up to us, entirely up to us, what we do, how we live, what we accomplish. We think things are out of our control but that's not true - our vision is limited at times, but not our abilities. There is truly nothing to stop us from going after what we want - all it takes is time, work and never giving up. Perseverance, dedication, discipline, dogged determination, commitment to removing roadblocks to success.
You can continue to be like who you were but that's not who you wanted to be in the first place - you wanted to be better than that, and are, have been, can be, and will be - again.
The right of passage begins today, and completes tomorrow. There will be no sudden change, it will be gradual, a work in progress. The changes will be subtle, in thoughts, in small actions. Within 1 year, however, there will be a complete change - in every sense.
This entry is for myself and will make no sense to anyone reading this. I know friends from all over, from work, theater, school, old and new and everywhere read this - thank you all for enriching my life thus far, for helping me in some way to become a stronger, better person. Even those who have hurt us, angered and bothered us, have taught us something, grown in us something that makes us a better person - we don't know it at the time - but every experience in life is meant to teach us something.
All my life I have been spiritual, drawn to religions and immersed in philosophical study - I have written countless things on our human condition, the necessity of identification, empathy, boundless love, tolerance and compassion - the principal lesson being of one.
It is my overall life calling to teach and embody these things.
I am half-way there. I appreciate and love all that I am - a woman, strong, wise, confident, spirited and loving, who is like a child at heart, who is blessed with many talents, to sing, dance, act, write, and has the ability to pursue all the same to make her life and the lives of her family and others better. I am a woman with a greater vision beyond myself - I want to heal this world.
I have come far in my life, but I have further to go, much more to do and accomplish.
I will never lose sight of who I am - a woman of contradictions who loves & covets high fashion, couture, Dior & Chanel and yet will leave one of those bags with the homeless woman at the 14th Street Union Square subway and give my sweater and socks to the homeless man outside Grand Central on 45th Street. Who will read always the horoscopes and the comics & fun stuff first but then lose herself in the stories of genocide, warfare & torture. Who likes things clean, neat, organized but then will allow things to accumulate to a semi-state of chaos ;) HAH :) All part of a continuous cycle that I learned is necessary in order to keep growing every day - if you were always the same, you'd not really be living.
Almost 9 a.m., time for breakfast, Regis & Kelly, my morning paper, a morning of cleaning and then running in the beautiful winter skies & sun - and then, the afternoon rite and prayer . . . life begins, change happens with you.
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
As Snowflakes Fell, Diamonds 'Bove the City Sky, the Embers Stirred, My Spirit, My Fire Grows Inside
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
11:58 p.m.
Tonight as snowflakes fell down round upon me and danced thru the air spinning & glittering like diamonds 'bove this city sky, something deep inside me, vestiges of my spirit, began to revive. I ran & felt it - my fire - embers weak but still alive. It will take time & work all over again. I wish I had not fallen as I have, but in falling I learned compassion, empathy & humility. It is time now, stir the embers, and let the fire grow inside.
2/2/10 - the day I finally felt the fire still inside. Embers weak, but still alive. It will take time & work all over again, but I know I can do it. I know I can do it.
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
Grammys, the Cold Moon & upcoming shows/performances
Sunday, January 31, 2010
05:26 p.m.
Have you guys seen the moon past couple nights? Was out in the city late Friday after work with my friend Stephanie and after a yummy dinner of purple eggplants & moo shu shrimp pancakes from Lily's, while we walked to catch the subway, saw the gorgeous full moon high in the city sky - the full moon actually fell on Saturday and it's known as the "The Full Cold Moon" or the "Full Long Nights Moon" which, according to the Farmer's Almanac, is when winter's cold fastens its grip, and nights are at their longest and darkest. HAH - no kidding! I tried to do a good long run before going out for dinner last night and could only get 4 miles or so through before I stopped being able to feel the tips of my ears ;) and that was with a warm hat on ;)
So glad to be done with January - ready for February & a fresh new start - I haven't met all my goals I set for myself for January 2010 but my birthday is next weekend and I'm looking fwd to celebrating with my family & starting anew. Am back at rehearsals for Cinderella at Galli Theater here in NYC and back in the Studio Thursday for work on my dance singles. I'll be performing not only as Cinderella from February 20th through March 7th, but will also be in Galli's production of 'Sleeping Beauty' as the Queen from March 13th to March 28th! :) How much fun is that going to be! Can't wait! Rehearsal tomorrow night for Cinderella and Wednesday for Sleeping Beauty. Schedule is going to get very hectic now.
Back at Mandarin classes next Sunday as well - need to study and catch up since I've missed many Sundays. Gotta go - dinner time - we've got a special dinner guest tonight - Mili's Jay is over & gotta come out in full support ;) She and mummy cooked all afternoon and there's baked lasagna, ribs and sooooo much food - gawdd....seriously going to start my diet and running again tomorrow ;)
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
in memory of Frank Justich
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
8:34 p.m.
on the train home today, I was reading the Metro - New York (one of the free NY dailies here in the city) and a story caught my eye that moved me beyond words. I started composing a twitter message which I couldn't complete because I had too much I wanted to say. Came home and wrote what I could and posted something longer on facebook. Here it is:
yesterday 7:40am city sanitation worker Frank Justich 41 struck & killed pinned 2 truck, left behind wife & 2 daughters; we celebrate, stuff our faces ignorant of young lives lost on our streets - he was a father. I am moved by his picture, stunned by his humble job & horrible death. Wake up call. Stop taking life4granted. Say a prayer. Read: http://ow.ly/11brS | http://ow.ly/11bsc| http://ow.ly/11btN and http://ow.ly/11byT
Community of fellow New Yorkers have started discussion threads like this one.
I am moved by my own fellow New Yorker's response to the death of someone whom we normally ignore - a sanitation worker - how often do we look at those guys who pick up our trash and give them a friendly hello? They are fathers, brothers, sons . . . they are our friends.
He went to work that morning not knowing he would never see his wife & 2 little girls (just 1 and 4 years old) and now they're fatherless....please, say a prayer for him and his family. And please, take a message from the sad, tragic death of this noble man: do not take your life for granted . . . you never know what might happen, what day, what hour, what minute might be your last. Until the moment you die, strive to live to the best of your ability, to love and be kind, be good, do good. It is so easy to become jaded, cynical, to throw your life away and become mired in a bad path . . . there is nothing wrong with a normal healthy dose of cynicism, nothing wrong with being a bit jaded, nothing wrong with experimenting, exploring even the darkest, craziest & even unhealthy parts of life - so long as we pull ourselves out of such depths, learn from those experiences - life, humans, all of existence is not entirely pretty/nice/beautiful - some of it is ugly and that ugliness is necessary - darkness is necessary to embrace goodness and the light. Only when we know evil & pain, danger & disease, can we know and appreciate goodness, health, love & kindness.
Let not Frankie's death be in vain. Do not take your life for granted.
Am watching Tavis Smiley Reports on PBS's special One on One with Hillary Clinton - I read about this recently in the recent issue of one of my magazines. Later, watching President Obama's State of the Union address/speech.
I have been taking myself, my life, my body & everything for granted - even when I know better - I consciously, knowingly, do things I know aren't best for me - I need to sleep more and get back to healthy exercise and healthy living. Thank you Frankie for your life - you will live on, an inspiration and reminder to me. I want to find out what I can about his wife & daughters and send them something - a letter, something, to let them know people care about them and him.
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
donzo!
Tuesday, January 27, 2010
10:48 p.m.
I've determined that nothing good has come from me being in love. So decided - on the train home tonight - done with dating & done with men. yup. seriously. and no I'm not switching sides ;) LOL! I just have no desire, whatsoever, to fall in love again - at least not for the foreseeable future.
nothing specific happened,it's just my birthday is coming up in 2 weeks (February 6th) and I've been thinking a lot about what happened over past couple years and that's why I've determined that nothing good came from me being in love. In fact, from my very first crush ever when I was just a little girl in New Delhi, liking boys, having crushes on them, and falling in love with them has only brought me a lot of pain and now that I think of it, a lot of embarrassment, hurt & humiliation.
I was just 3 or 4 years old when I had my first crush - his name was Kunal and he was the grandson of the landlord of the apartment my parents rented in Haus Cas in New Delhi back in the late 1970's. Kunal lived in the main house with his grandfather - a man who looked like the Indian Archie Bunker (and he was similar in personality to that character - a meanie who acted like his "landlord" status or wealth made him better). The main house was just about 50 feet from the apartment complex (I'm guessing). He and I were playmates and best friends - well as best friends as kids at that age could be - and I think he was a little older than me.
Anywayz, he was my 1st crush I think but that ended so badly one day when I saw him through our window standing outside by the front gate of the complex. I shouted out if he wanted to play and he said he was waiting for someone and couldn't play. Yeah well that didn't convince me. In Hindi I shouted back that I was going to come out and we would play. I then begged mummy to dress me in my shorts (knickers) and when she refused saying that Kunal wasn't going to play, that he was dressed and waiting for a car to come & take him and his family out somewhere, I refused to listen to reason. I was all of 3 or 4 - how do you reason with a little girl who just wants to play with her supposed best friend? ;)
I cried and cried and mummy finally gave in, dressing me in pretty maroon knickers, a white shirt and put my white socks on to my knees. She and Eli-mama (one of mummy's younger sisters) watched from the window as I ran outside to meet Kunal at the front gate.
C'mon, I said in Hindi, let's go play! But he shook his head and said NO. I insisted, but he repeatedly said no until finally he yelled at me to go away and he wouldn't play. I turned around to the apartment and saw my mummy still standing at the window watching me to see what happened - and I burst into tears. Sobbing I walked back slowly to the apartment, keeping an eye on my mummy the whole time. Inside, she changed my knickers, removed my socks and told me I should've listened to her. Between sniffles and sobs, I let her comfort me. She has always been the best mom.
My next crush was when we first moved to the States and I began kindergarten - there was this boy named Josh (Joshua?) in Mrs. Glick's kindergarten class at William B. Ward School and he was like a kindergarten version of Zack Efron from High School Musical (seriously). :) There was another girl who liked him too in the class and every day, when it was reading time, she was always clinging to him and I, too, decided to use this tactic and when it was time to read, decided we would take turns sharing Josh - LOL! So funny when I think of it now, but either she or I would be curled up next to Josh, like clockwork, every other day during reading time. I wound up switching to Trinity Elementary so never saw Josh again - he was such a sweet boy - I remember standing outside William B. Ward School one morning and listening to Josh - it was just him and I - speak about his family and class as little kids do - I can't remember what the heck he said but I just remember it being such a precious 'Josh' moment that I got to share without that other girl ;) hahahaha :)
I guess that one wasn't so bad and I never had a crush again until I got to middle school and lord almighty, I won't even go into how embarrassing and humiliating my adolescent crushes were! Had one other crush on a fellow malayalee boy when I was 16 years old who went to my church (a sweet boy who's now married to one of my favorite girls in church) before I fell in love - in real true love - for the 1st time with my 1st love, S, in college. We were long distance, he in Florida and I in Binghamton in NY for 4.5 years before we broke up during the start of my 2nd year in Law School. He was in my eyes such a beautiful soul until he wound up breaking my heart (and this was after us breaking up a first time 2 years in which had initially devastated me). The 2nd & final time, I was like 'screw this!' and moved on. That was in 2000.
Then came the 2nd love of my life, R, who erased all the pain of S and made me see I could love someone else besides S and believe me, that took a long time but R was unique - so different and unlike any man before or since...he challenged me in so many ways and made me discover so many new things & experience life and REALLY live...through him I came to love California, became immersed in so many things I had been passionate about but never pursued...he and I were together for 7 years and were to be married in May 2008 but weeks before the wedding, the wedding was called off, we broke up. It's one of the most horrible, most fucking painful things to ever happen in my life & I can't even think or talk about it even now 1.5+ years later, without crying.
I've dated since then but the boys are always disappointing. Either too young, not world-wise and experienced enough, or just not smart enough for me, or just too boring. I have high standards when it comes to guys - they need to be an equal match for me in intelligence, wit and sense of humor and be interested in as many diverse things as I am (not necessarily the same things as me, but their own diverse set of things) - they need to be really smart and really fun and down to earth and open-minded politically, socially and religiously - and while they don't have to be into anything that I am (for example, they don't *have* to love Japanese anime and manga as much as I do ;) would be nice, but not required ;)), they have to be able to respect and support the things I love and do.
I've found that I wind up talking so much about the things I do and the guys have nothing to really offer me. A guy that would be my equal? I told one of my co-workers at work about my "celebrity crush" which is Kal Penn (beautiful actor from Namesake and more famous for the Harold & Kumar for Whitecastle movies). I never watched past the 1st 5 minutes of Harold & Kumar - I thought it was a stupid movie and I thought Kal Penn a loser, until I saw him in Namesake and my respect and admiration for him as an actor was won - he did the most beautiful portrayal of Gogol in that movie! And then when I read how he really worked to win that role from the director - impressed me - and THEN when he was made South Asian liaison for the Obama administration? Major respect from me as a human rights attorney and activist. Maybe I'll rent Harold & Kumar one of these days and finally give him a second chance ;)
So yeah, unless you're like Kal Penn, don't even bother!
So that's why, after thinking it over, I've decided I'm done. I fell in love twice with 2 of the most beautiful souls I ever knew and both wound up becoming assholes to me who broke my heart after 4.5 and 7+ years and I doubt that I will ever find someone who matches me in spirit, feistiness, depth, intelligence and diversity of passion and pursuits.
No, I'm better off focusing on what I really want to accomplish in my life - my goals & career in music, acting, writing and human rights law. I've already been on the right road - doing professional theater, working in the Studio to release new dance singles, writing my various stories (fiction & non-fiction) and launching Leading Light Foundation.
My dad and mom have been submitting my profile to Indian newspapers/magazines matrimonial sections and the sweet boys they find write me with interest but I'm honest and tell them straight off if I don't like them and am not interested. I told Papa and Mummy I would give them the chance to do the matrimonials and just look over who they suggested but, honestly, the guys in the matrimonials are no match for me.
My mummy - from the time she watched me walk back to the apartment after Kunal made me cry - has always watched out for me - she and Papa both - and they have always wanted what was best for me, no matter what. I love my papa and mummy so much and they want to see me "settled" and married but I have no such intention. I do not need a husband to make me complete and happy as a person or in life. I am a complete and whole woman on my own. A man, a significant other, is someone who I want to be one of my best friends, my lover and confidante/companion in life and when I find him again, that will be the person I marry. He will be a blessing/addition to my life - add to my life in a positive way. I don't believe in actively searching for this person, if he even exists - both S and R had to pursue me and win me over but both of them possessed the qualities I loved - both were strong, passionate personalities, diverse, highly intelligent, creative, extremely smart and both hilarious, funny, charming, witty, great sense of humours and they knew how to have fun, cut loose, just be normal and weren't too rigid - they knew how to be open minded. Yeah, won't find that again and if I do, no telling if that person, too, will end up being an asshole to me as well.
It was mummy's birthday yesterday January 25, 2010 - we had such a lovely weekend celebrating her birthday with taking her out to dinner on Saturday night, spending Sunday cutting cake, and Papa took her to the Casino yesterday - I bought Japanese sweets to celebrate the day :)
Tuesday night....wanted to watch my recording of Bachelor but I'll save it for tomorrow - planning to workout really good tomorrow night (definitely doing a 12-mile run) so I'll save it as a reward/treat for myself post-workout and pre-bed ;)
ok off to bed. G'nite everyone :) *HUGS* all around!
oh and hey - Kunal - if you ever read this - you were a jerk! :) hahaha right, like he ever will ;)
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
time to detox!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
3:21 p.m.
after overindulging with sweets, starches, meats and not having exercised/run consistently for 2 months (I definitely enjoyed slacking off this Holiday season! ;)), it's time to detox and clean out my system! I am getting back on a healthy and disciplined fitness regime. I feel and look better when I don't load my body with junk, artificial colors and processed foods and commit to running for at least an hour and a half every day and doing strength and toning exercises.
Crucial to keeping my system running clean is a lemon-water mix I make - I drink a glass of it the second I wake up and before I go to bed & drink at least 16-32 pounces of it throughout the day and during & after my work out - I squeeze the juice of 3 whole lemons into 32-40 ounces of water and re-make it at night for the next day.
I always have a grapefruit with cinnamon generously poured over it every day (usually sometime in the morning around 11 if I'm at work) and always have Chobani Greek Yogurt with generous cinnamon again around 4pm-ish so that when I get home around 6/6:30 I'm fueled to work out.
Cinnamon slows the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream so that you don't have a crazy spike in your blood-sugar - cinnamon is also a powerful antioxidant and immune booster & when you mix it with grapefruit, you double the power of the health benefits of the vitamin C and other antioxidants in the fruit.
Chobani Yogurt (plain and non-fat or low-fat) I have found to be the BEST high-protein greek yogurt for a girl like me who loves to run and stay fit & healthy. Calcium and protein are so important to bone and muscle health.
Dinner is normally a healthy spinach salad with tofu and lots of healthy colorful array of vegetables. Spinach is key with healthy iron & antioxidants and mixing it with the healthy protein in tofu and mixing with red, orange & yellow bellpeppers, mushrooms, celery, cucumbers - you have a nurtient packed dinner that promotes good sleep as well. Dessert is usually an apple or a pomegranate and I try to drink a hot cup of milk before bed.
Lunch for me is normally whatever my wonderful mummy had made at home the night before (brown rice, vegetable or meat or fish curries) or I treat myself to healthy wraps and sandwiches and LOVE sushi - dessert is normally an apple :) Breakfast is always my favorite meal with me eating either mummy's upa mav with bananas or an egg, mum's putih & cadilla and when she hasn't made breakfast, will have whole grain flax waffles with LOTS of berries and Kefir yogurt on top or oat-cereal or oatbran oatmeal with either either Kefir (plain/no-fat/low-fat) yogurt or soymilk or skim milk (depending on my mood). I mix it up sometimes with either whole or egg-white only omelettes (depending on my mood) with spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes & a piece of whole wheat toast and a mix of berries & oranges. Love having non-fat ricotta cheese (Friendship brand) with blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and cantaloupes - it's high in protein & calcium.
Kefir Yogurt from LIFEWAY is the brand of Kefir I love best and buy because it contains high amount of protein with not too much carbs/sugar and is low-fat. Importantly, it contains inulin (promotes absorption of calcium into the body) and contains healthy pro-biotic cultures to keep my digestive system running well.
I also love making smoothies with almond-milk or soymilk or yogurt and use ACAI BERRY powder - so yummy and healthy :) I try to always have a banana in the mornings as well - B vitamins in bananas are so important to your health.
Once you commit to healthy eating and working out everyday, a healthy lifestyle just becomes matter of fact. Your body will thank you - too many people abuse their bodies by overreating and eating too much of the wrong things which burdens their liver and then not exercising enough to promote a healthy metabolism and muscle build.
Hardest part is just doing it - but once you do - the rewards are 10-fold.
So what are you waiting for!? Get out there and live well! :) A healthy lifestyle will only help you to live better and get the most out of everything life has to offer! :)
Love & peace to all! My fam and I celebrated my mom's birthday in advance last night (her birthday is Monday, January 25th), by taking her for Spanish food and had a delicious meal of chicken, steak and shrimp and red wine :) Dessert was FLAN! :D Today, after church, we cut a chocolate fudge cake for mummy - soooo yummy! :)
Am watching the JETS vs. COLTS game on CBS now - today is a HUGE football day for New York with the Jets game on now and Saints vs. Vikings tonight and not to mention other great sports events taking place today - the African Nations Soccer Cup with Angola vs. Ghana and the Australian Open and tonight the telecast of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships!
I've got the game on and am folding laundry, paying bills, and filing papers - going to enjoy this Sunday night and try to squeeze a workout in later tonight but maybe I'll just relax tonight & start up early tomorrow morning or tomorrow night ;) Wanna watch my recorded eps of Thursday & Friday's Regis & Kelly (Lucy Lawless was on on Friday! I follow them on Twitter & Xena was one of my absolute favorite shows EVER!) and I want to watch my recording of last night's SAG Awards - we were out at dinner when it was on and I hate to miss an Awards show :)
Ok am off - have a great Sunday everyone and a great start to your week tomorrow with Monday!
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
Carina Advani - NAUTANKI
Saturday, January 23, 2010
07:58 a.m.
good morning world :) the sun is shining and it is a cold, cold day but it promises to reach 40-degrees Fahrenheit by 4pm today ;) My mom's birthday is this Monday and all my younger sisters and I, papa and mummy are going to celebrate tonight by taking mum out to dinner! There is a fantastic Spanish restaurant here locally that my sister Nithi and her fiance, Don, and I tried last year that we loved - had the best-prepared steak of my life there! So excited to go! :)
This beautiful day is too good to waste & I have many things to do so best be on my way; but, before I go, I have something wonderful to share:
Recently, I fell in love with the purses and clutches of beautiful Indian bag designer, Carina Advani who has launched her own line called NAUTANKI.
Featuring luxe fabrics, gems and bold colors and patterns, the line is a reflection and extension of Indian aesthetics. The bags range in style from romantic and sophisticated to urban and contemporary. Some of the most popular styles carry a very geometric shape and bare an art-deco feel.
Carina and NAUTANKI were recently featured in the December 29, 2009 edition of the Bombay Times of India. The reviewers toted the purses as essential to glamming it up during the holiday season and I couldn't agree more!
Carina's line offers the 3 main things that any highly selective girl like myself looks for when purchasing a new bag: quality in workmanship, style and functionality and one of a kind beauty and uniqueness.
Below are just a few examples of the purses I loved but join and visit NAUTANKI by Carina on Facebook to see many, many more styles.
NAUTANKI by Carina is now available for purchase at IRIS in Koregaon Park, Pune, India and may also be purchased at BUTTER in Bandra, Mumbai; CREO at Warden Rd, Mumbai and SOBO at Hughes Rd, Mumbai.
Please email Carina through her facebook page for questions on international orders.
I am now officially a proud supporter of Carina and NAUTANKI and have featured her on NishiMusic.com. I know you will love her bags as much as I do.
Off to have breakfast, read the Saturday paper, run my errands and treat my beautiful mummy to lunch, a facial and a massage before we all take her out tonight. Have a great Saturday everyone!
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
Dear God, help me to live up to my own words . . .
Friday, January 22, 2010
10:25p.m.
When I think I have conquered them, my weaknesses & failures return. It's like a never ending war, but I know myself and I know what I'm capable of, and I know I can win more battles than I lose.
Today at 5pm, for the first time in what felt like forever, it was still light out when I left work. When I realized that it wasn't dark, I looked up and saw the sun's rays still breaking through the gray-blue clouds - ahead of me: rose-pink & purple skies.
I'm still caught in the darkness, but I can see the light.
Later tonight, I headed home, after having given in again to my weaknesses and allowing myself to feel like I'd failed. I know why I am falling, why I am failing and I forgave myself and committed to do better.
It is only by being broken down that we can learn how to build ourselves back up and become even stronger & even better.
In being broken ourselves, we can see how others, too, are broken and help them, share with them.
Crossing 6th Avenue on this cold night, I twittered that I was "heading home" and that "this day and (its failures & failures of this) life before it are over. Ahead," I wrote, "possibilities as far as the eyes can imagine - happiness is a choice."
To err, to fail, is human; but, to understand and forgive, is divine. Every time you fail, start again: success is measured by how many times you fall & get back up - complete that which you promised yourself to do.
These are all my words. Dear God, help me to live up to my own words.
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
change
Monday, January 18, 2010
08:33 p.m.
Today I decided to finally sell something very precious to me.....a symbol of something that turned out to be nothing but an illusion . . .
Where 1 thing died, in its place, may the things I have dreamed & worked hard for all my life finally bloom and take its place: I return to the studio this Thursday to record my new songs, begin work on finishing & publishing my books, and am committing to stage/theater & film/television, and moving forward with work on my non-profit.
I will be the change I wish to see - in myself, in my life and in this world.
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
oh my gosh! I am so excited! I got the Michael Kors boots! I got the Michael Kors boots!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
6:10 p.m.
Dear Readers,
Spotted on my cold morning walk to work from Grand Central Terminal this past Wednesday: fellow New Yorker wearing gorgeous pair of black boots.
I thought, "How pretty! I must get a pair like those one day."
Normally, I would have left it at that and filed it away as a mental note; but, these looked so good on her, and I found myself really admiring them the more I saw how stylish they looked on her, that I quickened my walk to a run and caught up to her.
"Excuse me," I said, getting her attention. "I love your boots! Could you tell me whom they're by?"
To my surprise, she replied, "Michael Kors."
I had to know more.
"This season or last?" I asked her, never breaking our quick New Yorker pace.
She smiled. "This season. I got them over Thanksgiving on sale for $180, and" she added, "they're still around!"
"No way!!" I exclaimed, and we both laughed, sharing in the mutual surprise of how lucky it is to find such gorgeous Michael Kors boots for such a great price!
I thanked her and went on my merry way to work, making a mental note to check and see if I could find these boots.
Lo and behold, once at work, I went online and found them - they are the Fall 2009 Carney Riding Boots - selling for $250 at many places; however, I found them on Zappos.com - in a size that fits me (5.5) for $175 in brown and in black on JildorShoes.com on sale for $187! YES!!!! SCORE!!!!! I love New York! :) (With tax and shipping, however, it came out to a little bit more, unfortunately, but, hey, for gorgeous boots that actually fit my tiny little feet, I'm willing to pay a bit more ;)) Check 'em out! :) (click on the thumbnails for full size images)
And then, when I should have stopped at 'well enough', I couldn't help but look at the other Michael Kors boots in my size and found these adorable pair of Michael Kors Suede and Shearling Fur Niagra Wedge Boots for sale for $155!
And, Zappos always offers free shipping and free returns so I deem it a good splurge :) I hope they do not disappoint me though. A few years ago (back in 2007), there were a pair of MICHAEL by Michael Kors Chocolate Suede Shearling Lace-Up Wedge Boots that I fell in love with, and I had wanted a pair that looked like them so, so much that I bought them from Zappos; but, when I got them, they were disappointing - they looked too big & bulky on my small legs & not sleek, tall & trim as the pictures. I could not justify the cost ($179 at the time), so I wound up returning them, and never found a pair that looked like them that I was happy with. Now, these in MOCHA are beautiful and while they still don't look quite like the 2007 boots I fell in love with (they're not knee-length or dark chocolate), they're similar in style and substance and I do, so, want a pair that look like them in this delicious mocha shade anyway! :)
I should have stopped there, right? HAH! Ha ha ha ;) This little girl loves shoes and Michael Kors happens to be one of her favorites for shoes and, in searching for those old coveted suede shoes (which, I found again on Amazon.com and I am happy I returned them because, now, I would never get them!), I found these gorgeous MICHAEL by Michael Kors Derby Black Patent Leather Boots with Shearling Trim!!
I have shopped enough for today. Going to have dinner with the family tonight, mummy's making something delicious, I can smell it, and after, I'll watch my recorded tape of the People's Choice Awards that took place just a week and a half ago. I never got the chance to watch it that night and have been saving it as a relaxing treat :) And tomorrow, getting up early and going for a huge, long, long run! I have not had a good, long run in forever it feels like, and my body shows it! My legs and thighs are begging me to work them out! :) Hoping to do my normal which is anywhere from 6-15 miles (18 miles is the max).
Taking my dad & mom to see the movie Sherlock Holmes at the theater tomorrow afternoon, before coming back home & settling in to watch The Golden Globes awards show! THIS I do not plan to miss!! :) I love, love, LOVE awards shows and awards season!! :) I love it because of the dresses and the glamour of the shows - the fashions and styles are so exciting to me, plus it's always fun to see what the celebrities are wearing and who wins what awards and which shows and movies I loved actually score the major awards.
Ok, time's a'wastin' and time and tide wait for no man - life is passing by and you must make the most of every moment.
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
thoughts for today
Saturday, January 16, 2010
01:55 p.m.
as I sat in front of the computer today checking my twitter and facebook pages, I composed my thoughts on the message I wanted to focus on today and deliver - and it was more for myself than for anyone else - and this is what came out:
"what we want & what we can obtain are often 2 separate things requiring hard work, dedication, discipline & commitment; so hard, but the results, so worth it. Make the effort, make the change, set your course & do not veer from the path. Life is a journey & you are the one in charge. Do not give in to negative thoughts or emotions, but continue forward; success is the accumulation of a hundred little steps. - Nishi"
I only tweeted the 140-characters I could, but facebooked the rest. And now, as I sit here, it's time for me to follow my own words, my own thoughts, to completion. Quit wasting time Nish, get out there and make your dreams, goals, and life, happen. It's so hard, so very god damn hard, but you know that in the end, it is so, so worth it. Little steps - you know you can do it :)
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
Friday, January 15, 2010
09:50 p.m.
went to the spa after work on this Friday before the long 3-day Martin Luther King weekend - what better way to take advantage of getting out early from the office, I tweeted ;) at the spa, got a leg & foot massage which I think are necessary - when you take care of your body, it takes care of you.
Left the spa after I think the best facial of my life, finally allowing Sue, the long-time manager there who specializes in facials, the chance to show me what she could do. I've been going to that spa for 6 years almost and she had always told me that she would give me the best facial. No kidding. She was the BEST EVER!
Her extractions were super! Gentle for the most part and extractions, if you knew them at all, can be quite painful! She used a special skin exfolitaor device on me (free of charge) and cleansers, toners, masques - all from Dermalogica - and after she left me alone in the room to allow the mask or whatever she had put on my face to sink in - I fell completely asleep - I have no idea how long I was out! She had also been massaging my neck, shoulders and head - seriously, best facial EVER! I looked in the mirror after all was said & done and my skin just looked... glowing - so supple and soft . . . and I thanked myself for choosing to take care of myself and my skin today.
Taking care of ourselves with manicures, pedicures, facials and massages - is a necessity - whether we pay for a spa or do it at home ourselves, taking care of our skin, our nails, hands & feet shows we love ourself and will make us feel better about ourself too. Besides, if you don't take care of your body & skin, who will?? You have only 1 body and 1 skin - treat it right - eat right, exercise and take care of it with proper moisturizers, cleanliness and maintenance of hair, nails etc.
I really needed this too because past few nights I had been up late, staying at work late, and this is in addition to an accumulation of other stress, no sleep-nights and various other physical and emotional stresses such that my health, body, face, everything has suffered and I need to get back on track - get back to ME.
I've been seeing signs everywhere - signs as in symbolic events, happenings and coincidences that remind me of what I should be doing, wanting, pursuing etc. Everything is there like writing on a wall...I just have to face it and act upon it.
Just sent my final message for the night out to the Twitter world: feeling beautiful, feeling sane, feeling like the world's beginning again . . . off to dream and renew, in the morning I begin anew . . .
And I shall....I truly shall. Next Wednesday or Thursday I return to the Studio and will be recording the 1st of 3 new dance singles - I have several in mind . . . this 3-day weekend must be very productive and fruitful - much to sort out and accomplish again.
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
It's Football Time! Former USC Trojans lead Jets & Cardinals to wins! My priorities for 2010 & recording new songs
Monday, January 11, 2010
8:51 a.m.
I love football (American football, that is) and love college football and am a huge University of Southern California and USC Trojans football fan! My 2nd love, and former fiance, is an alum of USC and, while he and I were together, I would often spend time at USC, walking its gorgeous campus, running its tracks and attending its events (even saw one of my heroes, former Secretary of State, Madeline Albright, speak there). I absolutely fell in love with the University, its storied history, rivalry with UCLA and its football team, the Bruins, and have, ever since, been a USC Trojans girl :) I still one day am thinking of getting a Masters and a PhD. in International Affairs and my top choices are Columbia here in the city or USC's School of International Studies. Columbia's credentials are well known and I have, almost all my whole life, been in love with Columbia University; but, USC is equally alluring in my eyes. USC has the 3rd oldest School of International Relations and also has a Center for International Studies and a Center on Public Diplomacy - I would love to teach there one day.
So imagine my surprise when I read the Saturday paper and first read about USC's amazing coach, Pete Carroll, possibly leaving USC's Trojans after almost 10 years to sign, once again, with a Pro-NFL football team, the Seattle Seahawks! Now the news is about to be confirmed - NFL Sports news reports that Pete Carroll close to joining Seattle Seahwaks and states that Carroll had already planned a team meeting for Monday afternoon (today), the day the Trojans return to class following the holiday break. I am going to be following the news to see if Carroll leaves USC . . . that man coached amazing players like Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart and led USC to championship after championship, Rose Bowls, and is just one of the most amazing football coaches ever (he even was amazing back in the 90's with the Patriots).
Another amazing football coach in the news that I know of, this time through my 1st love during college, is Tony Dungee, the former coach of another team I still love to follow: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tony retired from coaching (left the Bucs after leading them to a humongous Super Bowl win to later coach the Colts) and is now a newscaster on NBC's "Football Night in America." Tony Dungee is speaking out against football hiring practices that violate the Rooney rule and this ties in with Pete Carroll above. Apparently, the Seattle Seahawks interviewed Frazier (who obviously fits the definition of a racial minority) for the coaching job even though they already made up their mind to hire Pete Carroll. Tony Dungee argues you can't make up your mind to hire someone & then interview a minority to satisfy the Rooney Rule (it was established to protect the hiring of racial minorities in football). Well, I think Tony Dungee has a correct point of view; but, I don't think the Seahawks are guilty of anything - they have no final word from Pete Carroll on whether he will leave USC so they obviously have to and should interview other coaches even if they are 99.9% leaning towards Pete.
How amazing would a JETS vs. Cardinals Super Bowl match up be? Trojan vs. Trojan? :) Cardinals are in the AFC!! :) Feel bad for Tom Brady though - the New England Patriots lost to the Ravens last night. Cheer up Tom - you get to come home to the gorgeous Gisele Bundchen! :) I'm sure she will console you well ;)
Super Bowl 44 takes places this year on February 7th, the day right after my birthday!!! :) That weekend is going to be so, so, SOO much fun for me!! :D hehehehe can't wait!! And, while I wrap up my football talk, want to mention the great BCS match between the Alabama Tide and the Texas Longhorns on New Year's day - I think Colt McCoy, All-American quarterback of the Longhorns, is going to be a truly great-great one day - it was McEvoy vs. McElroy that day (Alabama Tide's QB is named Greg McElroy) and both had apparently thin hairline rib cracks/injuries. Congrats are also in order to Boise State - the only other unbeaten team in the nation besides the Alabama Tide! :)
Speaking of good coaches, Nick Saban is the current famous coach of the Alabama Crimson and the school is talking about honoring him with a statute for leading the team to so many victories! I say it should be right next to the famous statue of Bear Bryant :) Where there are good coaches, there are bad ones too - the newspaper on Friday/Saturday reported how former University of South Florida coach Jim Leavitt was fired apparently for grabbing 1 of his players throats and slapping him in the face & then lying about it - he denis it happens and says he was only trying to lift his player's spirits by grabbing the shoulder pads. You take from that what you will . . . Similarly Texas Tech fired its coach Mike Leach but he is accusing them of slandering him - he denies allegations from the family of a player who says he mistrated the boy after he suffered a concussion. Finally, another college football team I love, University of Notredame - its coach, Charlie Weiss, barely 1 month after being fired, is signing on as offensive coordinator with Kansas Chiefs and hat is a team I predict to watch!
I went to bed last night after 1:30 a.m. and woke up at 6 a.m. today - even Perez Hilton whom I follow on Twitter went to bed at 10:30 p.m. on the West Coast! ARGH! I have to stop staying up late and start going to bed early! But today is ok because I took the day off from work (both today and this past Friday) and I did not want to waste it sleeping in late - I want to be awake, be alive and LIVE and do all the things I must and need to in order to make my dreams, my goals, hopes and ambitions come true.
My priorities for 2010 are to sleep more, get back to my normal running routine (anywhere from a minimum of 6.5 to 15 miles a day) and release new singles with my new production company Night Life Productions / Entertainment. I am working with Sean Gill of The Passengerz and the production company is managed by the beautiful and amazing Bernadette Brennan whom, when I met her back in November, just adored her! Such a warm and vibrant woman who knows so much about the industry.
I am supposed to begin recording after the 16th of January - cannot WAIT! SO excited to be in their brand new studios! :D I created and launched a brand new Official Nishi Facebook Fan Page and it is different from my regular facebook page because it will have more focused news on my music, theater/film/tv and writing/publishing activities.
Almost 9 a.m. - I am debating whether to head out for a good, long run or put on some coffee, have some cereal or other breakfast & watch my all-time, absolute, never miss an episode because I always record them every morning, morning-show Regis & Kelly :)
Just checked accuweather.com and it's 23 degrees Fahrenheit out (about -5 Celsius!) but will reach 34F/1C by 3 p.m. ;) hahahaha ok maybe I'll go later in the afternoon? ;) It's so bright and sunny out though....god I can't wait till Spring & Summer - I love snow and the beauty of winter, even the feel of a cool chilly morning; however, I hate the freezing cold and the bitter cold wind. I'm such a beach bunny/summer girl - I definitely will one day be living half the time out in Los Angeles as well as here in NYC (not to mention also living in Paris & Tokyo ;))
Ok my stomach is rumbling - coffee, breakfast & Regis & Kelly it is!! :D And then, off to appointments and run errands - I am going to make the most of this day off from work - has been a very good and productive 4-day weekend for me but Monday is not through yet - still much, much to do. And tonight? ABC's THE BACHELOR is on!!!! Once again, I am addicted to the Bachelor and this time, the Bachelor, Jake, is an Aquarius like me - he's born January 27th and I am rooting for him to find love this year :D Go Aquarius babies! 2010 is going to be our year :)
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
On Depictions of Mohammed in Art
Sunday, January 10, 2010
10:22 a.m.
Disturbing news - here in New York City, the NYPost's Isabel Vincent reports Metropolitan Museum of Art Removing Art Depicting Prophet Mohammed. Apparently, the Met "quietly pulled images of the Prophet Mohammed from its Islamic collection and may not include them in a renovated exhibition area slated to open in 2011, The Post has learned . . . The museum said the controversial images - objected to by conservative Muslims who say their religion forbids images of their holy founder - were "under review" . . . Critics say the Met has a history of dodging criticism and likely wants to escape the kind of outcry that Danish cartoons of Mohammed caused in 2006."
The Met's "quiet" removal of art depicting Mohammed is troubling to me because I am staunchly opposed to any act which restricts the freedom of expression in art, music, writing and speech. The Met has some of the world's most beautiful Islamic art in its collections and many such works depict the Prophet Mohammed - just take a look at these gorgeous pages/leafs from a copy of the Majmac al-tawarikh (Compendium of Histories), ca. 1425; Timurid
Herat, Afghanistan that are within the Museum's collection:
I agree with Kishwar Rizvi, historian of Islamic Art at Yale University, who is quoted in the NYPost.com's article that museums like the Met "shouldn't shy away from showing [artwork of Mohammad] in a historical context."
However, I also firmly believe there is a right to draw and depict public, social, political, historical and religious figures in almost any manner even if it is offensive or controversial because it is a matter of freedom of speech and expression.
In 2006, very conservative Muslims were in an uproar over Danish cartoonist Westergaard's depiction of the Prophet Muhammad wearing a turban with an explosive in it to represent the connection of terrorism to Islamic extremists. We saw and read news back then of angry men rioting and instigating even more violence while the more sane & more rational believers of the faith wrote and spoke of how Islam was a beautiful faith that did not advocate terrorism and some even agreed that Westergaard's depiction of Mohammad in such a manner expressed the sad state of modern affairs of terrorism.
According to this write up on Wikipedia , "the Qur'an does not explicitly forbid images of Muhammad;" however, "a few hadith (supplemental traditions) do explicitly prohibit Muslims from creating the visual depictions of any figures under any circumstances." (Emphasis added.)
Notice that this applies to only Muslims and, further, to all depictions of any figure. It does not apply to non-Muslims and, further, it reasons that if you are to speak out against depicting Mohammed, you should also be strictly abiding by such hadiths owning no artistic depictions of any figure.
Per the author, "most contemporary Sunni Muslims believe that visual depictions of the prophets generally should be prohibited . . . Most Shi'a scholars accept respectful depictions and use illustrations of Muhammad in books and architectural decoration, as have Sunnis at various points in the past. However, many Muslims who take a stricter view of the supplemental traditions, will sometimes challenge any depiction of Muhammad, including those created and published by non-Muslims."
Like with the Bible's Old Testament in Christianity, which discouraged idolatry - the worship of images, Islam also discourages idolatry and that is why the hadiths prohibit depictions of any figures - to prohibit the worship/idolatry of such.
It is human nature to connect beliefs and feelings to symbols, figures and images; but, in doing so, the significance and importance sometimes gets transferred to the symbol/image itself and a "worship" of the image/symbol occurs. Both Christianity and Islam discourage the "worship" of any image/symbol/figure - you lose the true meaning of God and Religion and the message of love and faith when you place too high an importance upon objects/figures/people attached to God or Religion.
I do not endorse and do not approve of slanderous or libelous depictions of anyone; however, where there is a message which bears a measure of truth behind it, and such message is conveyed through speech, writing, music or art, the right to convey such message of truth must be protected.
That said, Zombietime.com's Mohammed Image Archive contains many, many images of Mohammed - from books, art, cartoons - almost every depiction there ever was; however, I caution you - some are very offensive and extreme and do not necessarily convey any message of truth other than simply to be offensive & I caution you beforehand on that account.
We are intelligent and rational and can separate truth from fiction. Jesus has also been depicted in very awful, slanderous & disgusting ways ways; but, to become violent on such accounts is deplorable and, to determine that art depicting him should be removed to protect conservative tastes is an insult to our intelligence, and equally deplorable.
I am hopeful that the Met will, indeed, again display its beautiful works of Mohammad in the interests of educating Americans on this beautiful Prophet of Islam.
I believe that only through knowledge and education of the unfamiliar can one gain enlightenment and have tolerance, respect and reverence.
May the sun and moon shine down wisdom and light upon us all and create in us a spirit of understanding in the name of love.
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
Fashion and Style - how it defines us . . .
Friday, January 8, 2010
11:59 p.m.
One of my favorite fashion designers of all time (besides Ralph Lauren, of course), was the late, and great, Yves Saint Laurent, whose words, "dressing is a way of life", have always inspired me. Equally prolific were his beliefs that 'style is eternal', 'what is important in a dress is the woman wearing it', 'we must never confuse elegance with snobbery' and that 'fashion was not only to make women more beautiful, but also to reassure them, give them confidence.' I couldn't agree more.
For me, clothes, jewelry, belts, bags, shoes, hosery & socks, and the way I put it all together when I take the time to dress and assemble a stylish ensemble that is unique to my own tastes, are all important to my sense of identity, to my sense of confidence and feeling of empowerment and ability. That is not to say that I don't have all those things even when I choose to dress without any care (which I sometimes do when I have had too little sleep or simply don't care what I look like when I know I am just going to work at my desk all day and be seen by no one but co-workers & go straight home to work out ;)). But, when I do take the time and effort, it makes a world of difference in my attitude towards myself and others and their attitude towards me. The same is true for when you take care of your skin and hair - taking the time to nurture yourself in every way, physically, mentally, emotionally shows you love and respect yourself and tells the world to respect you as well!
Emily Zak, the executive retail editor of Vogue magazine, said it best in her October 2008 blog on
Paris Fashion Week in British Vogue when she wrote of how the Spring/Summer 2009 clothes exhibited during the Fall 2008 Paris Fashion Week embodied confidence, focused on longevity, fortified, cheered up, and invoked a spirit of "not going anywhere without a fight" and thought it "not a coincidence that elements of Eighties and Nineties power dressing have surfaced."
I concur - the clothes for 2009 were a response to the world financial crisis and were a message to Wall Street that the spirit of men & women were resilient and strong. Fashion, and all its accoutrements, is used as armour today - by both men & women - to convey our sense of purpose and determination. "Clothes make the man" and "power suit" are familiar expressions that come to mind.
Emily Zak wrote that year of how "Givenchy's Gothic glamazons look ready to take on the world in latticed bodices and leather patched denim. Balenciaga's armour-like foil jackets and rubber trousers look ready for lunar landing. McQueen's sculpted leather corsets, carved silhouettes and crystal embroidered all-in-ones look invincible. Positive thinking comes in the form of power and protection."
Lattice bodices, leather, rubber, sculpted corsets, crystal embroidery - all elements of power, strength and self-protection.
I think fashion for women is so important because what we wear often defines us, showcases our current mood and how we feel about ourselves, from feminine, to goth, to chic to board-room exec. Clothes help to give us just a little bit more confidence if and when we need it. I take the time, whenever I can, to choose clothes that make me feel good and make a statement about my appearance - even if it is to tell the world 'Today, I just don't care!' :)
However one feels about fashion, whether as important as the air we breathe, fun and playful or frivolous or wasteful, it is impossible to deny its effect upon our conscience, on our perceptions of ourselves & others and even to the choices we make in other areas of our lives, from where we feel comfortable going to whom we feel comfortable being with.
Make the time and make the effort in 2010, as often as possible, and choose to love & respect yourself by taking care of yourself - in every way: physically, mentally & emotionally.
That said, here are my recommendations for the pretty shoes & bags you should get from one of my favorite current British fashion designers Anya Hindmarch - I know I will be definitely getting all of these pieces the second they come out (click the thumbnails for bigger pictures and click the link to view her full gallery):
And as for strength and power? Giorgio Armani's Pre-Fall 2010 Collection is up to be viewed and some of the coats, bags & shoes there are soooo gorgeous! I'll put up some of my faves later this weekend :)
When I get a chance this weekend or next week, I have to stop by Bloomingdale’s to check out its Lexington Avenue windows which have been decorated to re-create the stage and outfits worn by the cast of the Broadway play “Love, Loss and What I Wore” (Bloomies is the official costumer of the show). Styles include Hervé Léger, Citizens of Humanity, Helmut Lang, AllSaints, Diane von Furstenberg, Eileen Fisher, Michael Kors and Sutton Cashmere. Speaking in support of the show & its window, Anne Keating, Senior Vice President of Public Relations at Bloomingdale’s had this to say and I deem it quoteworthy: “Clothing and accessories tell stories. There are pieces in everyone’s closets that are reminiscent of a phase of life.” Beautifully said :)
In fact, I think I shall get tickets to see Love, Loss and What I Wore - sounds fascinating & has a rotating cast of stars which included one of my favorite actresses and inspirations, Kristin Chenoweth. I don't know if she'll be in an upcoming performance (she already performed in it in December) but the future shows also star another woman I admire, Fran Drescher, as well as Caroline Rhea and Rosie O'Donnell :) The show is a play that is an intimate collection of stories by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron, directed by Karen Carpenter and revolves around clothing and accessories and the memories they trigger; it’s been extended until March at the Westside Theatre and a portion of the proceeds from the play’s ticket sales benefit the Dress for Success charity for low-income women.
Finally, in my last bits of fashion news - several fun and exciting stories:
A pair of Jimmy Choo shoes normally costs at least 1-2 weeks rent but this partnership will make the expensive shoes much more accessible to budget-savvy, fashion-loving girls like me :)
H&M will also be carrying Jimmy Choo bags & belts as well! Check out the collection here!
One of my favorite bands, the Kings of Leon have designed a fashion collection based on their signature rock style! View their collection, available through KOLxS2A here.
This has been a super-long entry today and I must get to sleep tonight - I have a busy day planned tomorrow of running at least 12-15 miles and then working on putting together the articles for publication for my non-profit human rights organization, The Leading Light Foundation. Good night all!
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
Happy Birthday Papa! Jane Austen @ the Morgan, Rodarte and France #1 place to live
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
11:35 p.m.
Celebrated Papa's birthday tonight :) mummy made delicious chicken curry & appam, broiled pork chops and green beans and papa's cake was this heavenly delicious carrot cake decorated with mini carrots and which we covered with candles and little mini smiling ball candles pop loved :) mili came home from Long Island for the night for it and she & Mek are asleep now, Nith couldn't come from Connecticut (too far and she has to get up to teach her class in the morning), I just finished washing the dishes & am relaxing before turning in for bed.
The exhibit will present "more than 100 works, including her manuscripts, personal letters, and related materials, many of which the Morgan has not exhibited in over a quarter century . . . also includes first and early illustrated editions of Austen's novels as well as drawings and prints depicting people, places, and events of biographical significance.
Jane Austen wrote Emma one of my all-time favorite books (and movies starring Gwyneth Paltrow - watched it over 17 times and counting) - read the book at least a dozen times as well and each time I discover something new & own about 4 different editions. The exhibit is only going on for another 2 months. I was lucky to see the Babar exhibit they had 1.5 years ago (October 2008) - so worth it - the illustrations, write ups, everything was so beautiful. They also have Milton's Lost Paradise on view (or did when I went back in 2008). The Morgan Library is one of my favorite historical buildings in the city - it's the actual library of J. P. Morgan and is now a museum and just looks like this gorgeous house/mansion that I wish I could live in :)
Am in love with the Rodarte Spring 2010 collection and REALLY love this dress below (click thumbnail for bigger picture):
Ahh to be at Fashion Week in Paris, Milan and here in NYC and to have the money to order the designs I covet on the runway - one day - one day ;)
Speaking of Paris: France is ranked #1 as Best Place in the World to Live - International Living Magazine (www.internationalliving.com), which has been analyzing data and publishing its annual Quality of Life Index for 30 years now, has ranked France #1. I want to be like Elizabeth Bonner who, interviewed in the article, moved to France with her husband and children, renovated 2 historic chateaus in the French countryside & never looked back and is quoted as saying: "We sit on our veranda on mild nights and are amazed by the brilliance of the stars. And we find ourselves continually amused, enriched, and surprised by the experience of French life."
Publisher Jackie Flynn says: "In France, life is savored . . . there is so much pride in all the small details. The French love little window boxes filled with flowers, tidy gardens, pretty sidewalk cafes, and clean streets. Cities are well tended and with little crime." France scores high marks across the board, from health care (100 points) to infrastructure (92 points) to its safety rating (100 points). But the main appeal of living in France, she says, is arguably its overall lifestyle. (It scores 81 points in the Culture and Leisure category.) And despite high scores in nearly every category, France remains an affordable place to live, including for retirees on a budget. Flynn says that although Paris offers the best of everything, services don't fall away in Alsace's wine villages, in wild and lovely Corsica, and in other provinces like lavender-scented Provence or seaside Languedoc. And in fact, she says, provincial French properties are often quite affordable and lifestyles are less expensive than Paris. "The Southwestern Midi-Pyrenees region is a particularly good hunting ground for village homes for less than $100,000 and classic three-course lunches for $14."
Le Sigh - I want to be in Paris, wearing Rodarte, sitting at a cafe drinking an espresso or latte, writing on my Eee PC netbook, and living in a quaint little apartment with a flower box TOO dammit!! :)
Following France in the number one spot are Australia (#2), Switzerland (#3), Germany (#4), New Zealand (#5), Luxembourg (#6), the U.S. (#7), Belgium (#8), Canada (#9), and Italy (#10). Hey, at least the U.S. is #7! :)
11:30 p.m. - had long day at court and met director/film maker Amit for lunch and learned about his upcoming film projects. Fascinating stuff - has a wedding movie that's like Monsoon Wedding planned for March :)
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
Monday, January 4, 2010
11:03 p.m.
came home from work tonight and after running 7 miles on the treadmill, am watching the new season of The Bachelor and oh my lord are some of these girls hysterical!! So far, my favorite is Ali!! :) If you missed it tonight, it'll re-air this Saturday night (on ABC) at 8.
Took a relaxing shower and tried this new ginger-chai body wash which was absolute heaven! :) The matching body butter is amazing as well - all natural, no petrolatum - so creamy and pretty smelling :) Gave my self a mini-facial scrub and while watching the Bachelor with one eye, applied Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Serum and followed up with La Roche-Posay's Active C eye cream and Vichy's Meokine Intensive cream for the face - love it! :)
Am watching my recorded episode of today's Regis & Kelly now - Regis came back after his hip surgery!! :) And then I heard Kelly Ripa tweets on Twitter!!! I immediately searched for her and requested to add her :D hahahaha I'm such a twitter-holic now ;)
Speaking of twitter, I love following Perez Hilton and Paris Hilton on Twitter - they have the most interesting posts!! In fact, I just learned from Perez Hilton the most shocking news: Hollywood Socialite & Heiress Casey Johnson Dies! Looks like it may be another case of drug-addiction or doctor-prescribed drug medication overdose.
On a lighter note, a delightful twitterer by the name of RDuJour is following me and when I checked her out, I read her post of the Victoria Beckham 2010 Spring/Summer Collection and OMG is it gorgeous! I instantly followed her too and sent her a message thanking her! Never would've checked out VB's line if it hadn't been for her ;) Check out RDuJour.com - it is *excellent* and I can see why it is a Vogue.com favorite blog! In fact, I'm going to pick up the Australian edition of Grazia specifically because of its mention of Isabel Lucas photographed for 'A Beautiful Mind' in Grazia AUS.
11 p.m. - time for beauty sleep :) Rest well friends & see you tomorrow.
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
11:20 p.m.
eating a salad, famished!! Finally got one humongous thing off my to-do list: winterizing my closet and drawers; hadn't eaten since lunch at 2ish/3 I think and have a hunger headache. Room looks so organized now with almost every drawer neat and tidy now - pulling my sweaters out of the suitcase I store them in is so much fun - they're soft and warm, snuggly & I haven't seen them in a year! :) Organizing my closets and drawers every Spring, Summer, Winter & Fall is a HUGE day-long task because, well, true to my nature, I'm a girl, love fashion and own a LOT of pretty clothes. I have to go up and downstairs to pack away dresses and tops in the portable closets and am ordering a new 60" Rubbermaid Breathable Wardrobe Storage in pretty Blue because athe smaller, generic one I bought from Target for $20 back last summer completely broke this past Fall and was a waste of money - think Rubbermaid is a good deal for 60"!! :)
Was reading my paper this morning over breakfast and saddened by the news of the 64 New Year's Day Victims of the Brazil Mudslides. Here we are ready to begin a brand new year and decade, celebrating and planning but we must not forget those who are suffering and facing tragedy.
Last note before I turn in for bed: on the Danish cartoonist, Kurt Westergaard - apparently someone broke into his home and tried to hurt the cartoonist because back in 2005 he depicted the Prophet Muhammed in a cartoon that was incendiary to some extreme Muslims of the world - it was of Muhammed wearing a turban with a bomb set to explode. The cartoon showed - symbolically - there was a connection between terrorism and Islam. I recommend reading Drawings of Mohammed by a blogger who posted many of the drawings done back then. Here is the illustration:
I respect Islam and have good friends who are Muslim and I would fight for their right to practice their religion in peace, but I also respect and believe in free speech and free, independent thinking and would equally fight for an artist's or commentator's right to depict ANYONE, Muhammed or Jesus or whomever in conveying a message.
Political Cartoons by their nature deal with sensitive political, social and religious topics and they depict public figures and public issues in a satirical and highly symbolic light. Many Muslims actually were not offended by the image and wrote in to many newspapers and shows that the cartoon depicted the truth - terrorism in 2005 was being conducted by those who said they were doing it in the name of Islam, and in the names of Allah and Muhammed; but, they told us that a true Muslim and true Islam does NOT advocate terrorism and is a beautiful and peaceful religion. Just like in the past with Christianity many terrors were committed "in the name of God", so too, today, are people committing awful acts in the name of religion.
Whether we agree or not with each other's views or beliefs, I will respect your views and fight to uphold your right to have such and say such, and at the same time, for my own right to believe and say what I believe.
How did I go from clothes & fashion to the Danish cartoonist? ;) I began this entry at 11L20 and it's now 12:08 (after midnight) - oh I am going to be so exhausted tomorrow! It's time for sleep. Good night all :)
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
If you want things to come out a certain way, you have to simply make them come out that way!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
9:01 p.m.
2nd day of January 2010 and, still, I didn't do things exactly like I'd planned; but, the funny thing is, my horoscope by Holiday Mathis predicted this and her words of advice were on key (both yesterday and today) about how if I wanted things to come out a certain way, I would have to simply make them come out that way and that only once I'd ignited my passions, would the fates smile upon me. Read on.
My sun-sign is Aquarius (and I am very much an Aquarius, through and through), but, for "prediction/horoscope" purposes, I read both my own sign and the sign of Capricorn and I have found that the Capricorn horoscopes by Holiday Mathis for me are almost always correct! (go to Hermograph.com's Real Astrological Sign to figure out which horoscope sign's predictions you should actually read - this is so because since the horoscope/signs were drawn up, 1000 years have passed and the constellations have shifted). You are the sign you were born under as astrology dictates through the regular signs today, but - if you want to see if your actual day-to-day/monthly/yearly horoscope is accurate, try reading the sign just before yours.
Yesterday, January 1st, 2010, Holiday Mathis predicted: "Lady Luck is slow to the game today.
The fates will smile on you only after you ignite your own passion. If you want things to come out a certain way, you simply have to make them come out that way." And today, "You will expertly identify and respect the rights and territory of others, though they may not be as keenly attuned to your boundaries." This was right as well as I was behaving this way with my parents (part of my New Year's resolution); they definitely were not as keenly attuned to my territory though ;) hahahaah s'ok ;)
I was regretting the fact that I had not accomplished all I had wished to do this weekend (I won't try to list here everything, ranges from my non-profit foundation work to personal things) - it is now Saturday night almost 9 p.m. and I am debating whether to even try to do the big job I wish I had done earlier today (it will take at least 2+ hours and I am tired).....I think I should just go to sleep because I'm so sleepy and tired but 2 of my sisters (Mekha and Mili) came home - Mek is back from her vacation at Disney World and wants to show me all the pictures and Mili is visiting for the weekend (she lives out in Long Island). Ah...it is my own fault for doing other things when I should have organized my priorities better. Well, the important thing is that I do the things I need to get done and just get it done! :) I will try again tomorrow and next week. May have to take a day off from work as I thought I had to in order to finish things.
Just took a long hot shower and tried out a new eye cream from Borba I got as a sample when I bought Vichy creams. This Borba Orbital Eye Rejuvinator cream is amazing - it is made of soy and silk fibers and is so silky-creamy and just did wonders for my eye area. I am bad about getting a good night's sleep - one thing I plan to change with this New Year 2010 - but because of lack of sleep, I often have puffy eyes and dark circles - but this cream just smoothed, tightened and super-moisturized everything. Love it!! And I got 3 samples and a little bit goes a long way so I squeezed the 1st sample packet into an empty pretty little Vera Wang perfumed cream jar (her luxurious body cream is my favorite). Now this BORBA eye cream will last me a long time :)
As I wrote on Twitter, I finally bought these 4 things I had coveted from the Ralph Lauren Rugby Collection but then realized too late I shouldn't have bought the stretch polo long sleeve rugbies - turns out Rugby has only a 45-minute cancellation period and after that you will get shipped what you order! I tried to call and cancel 1 of the items but oh well, maybe I'll love it after all when they arrive? ;) I am most happiest about buying these 2 below - a gorgeous snowflake sweater on sale with an additional 25% off (only $104!) and this gorgeous quartered long sleeve also on sale and extra off.
Love Ralph Lauren :)
In yesterday's newspaper, in the Dear Abby section, she posted New Year's resolutions and I found several super inspiring and came up with the following as my personal New Year's Resolution for 2010:
I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable, helpful, less argumentative, more dutiful. I will be kind & courteous to those who cross my path, and I'll not speak ill of others. I will improve my appearance, make healthy choices, healthy decisions, be responsible for my own actions, do what is right at all times, speak softly and not interrupt when someone else is talking; avoid getting angry, refrain from trying to improve anyone but myself, listen more, and talk less; pursue my passions, interests, hobbies and true calling and purpose in life while doing what I have to do to with peace in my heart towards it - it is a means to an end.
9:00 now as I finish up this long blog post and I am still wondering how to accomplish the things I wished to this weekend. I think I should write in my real, hard-cover journal and figure it all out (I keep several beautiful diaries and personal journals in my nightstand by my bed to write my truly personal thoughts in before bed) - this is a brand new year - no time to fall back into old habits - I must make a conscious effort to effect change - in all areas, all levels.
May you, dear reader, friends and family, also effect positive change in your life this year.
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
1/1/10 - starting over :)
Friday, January 1, 2010
11:32 p.m.
I had set my alarm for 6 a.m. thinking I'd get up super early and get started on a new year but HAH, after only going to bed close to 1 a.m., I switched it off and fell back asleep until 7:46 ;) Got up and was greeted by a world of gray and white snow on the ground!! :) Turned on the computer and spent the morning with a bowl of Oatios cereal in unsweetened soymilk, paid bills & organized my new 2010 financial planner, then bought a ton of pretty new things from Victoria's Secret.com ;) and at 10-ish, came downstairs and joined Papa and mummy for breakfast of cadilla, a poached egg, Gevalia's Peruvian organic coffee with soymilk and dessert of blackberries and blueberries while we watched the dvd of my musical theater performance as Cinderella with the Galli Theater which was filmed by AsiaNet back in early December.
I just finished emailing my castmates from the show about the DVD - we are set to perform 6 more shows from February 20th to March 7th and there are sooooo many changes and improvements I think we can do to make it an even better show and it was a great show to begin with! :) The new performances will take place every Saturday & Sunday at 3 p.m. and after that, I will be performing as 'Sleeping Beauty' with the theater in March! :)
I was offered auditions to be in 2 films which are set to begin filming this month - one is a movie that sounds like a lot of fun about a girl who goes on a road trip with a love interest to Hollywood to become an actress when they stop at the wrong town, get involved in a game of pool and get caught up with the wrong guys. Another sounds like it, too, could be a lot of fun but I am waiting to hear back more on that.
Until my filming schedule is confirmed, I am back at my Mandarin classes in Chinatown on Sunday mornings and signing up for new camera classes at HB Studio as well as new Scene Study and Speaking Voice classes (a good actor/actress always perfects her craft) and am going to start running again (like CRAZY) beginning this weekend.
My production label, Nightlife NYC Productions and I will begin working in the 2nd week of January on my dance singles - soooo ready to get back into the studio & record!!
At 3 p.m., I took my parents to see AVATAR in IMAX 3-D and papa absolutely loved it :) Mum said it was ok - I thought it carried a beautiful message and enjoyed it :) On Wednesday (Papa's birthday) I am taking him to see SHERLOCK HOLMES!!!! :) We all know what a Sherlock Holmes nut I am (and if you didn't, you do now - I own almost every version/book of Sherlock Holmes and King Arthur & Merlin books ;)) and am soooo looking fwd to this fun movie :D
I have been working diligently on re-vamping this blog on this New Year's day and I believe it is good and finished well enough for now :) So much more to do to update my music websites, all my groups (Yahoo etc.) but I will leave that to another night. It is best I get sleep now or I will be unable to run and everything tomorrow! :) I wish I hadn't missed the Rose Bowl Parade this morning - things didn't pan out exactly the way I had planned for New Year's day; but, that is simply another lesson learned on how to more effectively manage my time - & it starts with a good night's sleep!! :)
Ciao for now chicas y chicos - time for slumber & rest.
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
2010!!!! Happy New Year!!!!
Friday, January 1, 2010
12:25 a.m.
papa popped the Korbel champagne at exactly midnight as he, my mom and I watched the ball drop during the countdown! :) Snacking on achappam and party mix, after a dinner of mum's delicious shrimp curry, I felt so blessed being with my family :) Mekha and Bill are in Disney World (he surprised her by booking a week trip for them!), Nith and Don are up in Boston, and Mili is with her friends out somewhere in Long Island or the city :) I'm content to be here with my folks :)
It is snowing outside right now here in New York and turns out tonight was a blue moon (when you get 2 full moons in 1 month) and this is one of those super rare times when the 'blue moon' falls on New Year's! :) I think it is a very fortuitous sign that it is both snowing and was a blue moon night. 2010 shall be a very good year :)
I got out of work today at 3 p.m. and went straight to my spa where my favorite spa lady, Michelle, did my pedicure and manicure and then gave me 1-hour long massage (I'm still sore from how hard she massaged me - yikes! but it felt to be pampered on New Year's Eve :)), got my nails painted in pretty 'Essie - Tennis Corset' - went to Duane Reade on the way home to pick up a little New Year's gift for mum - a gift set of Vichy creams from their CV lift set. I love Vichy - I'm a fan of their hydrating cream (Aqualia Thermal) and I also love La Roche Posay - got their new Active C for Eyes which has stable form of Vitamin C.
It ia 12:21 a.m. now and I want to sleep. New Year's already started actually in Kirimati (out way in the Pacific part of the Christmas Islands) back when it was just 5 a.m. here in NYC, and the last part of the world to hit the New Year will be near Hawaii and the island just past it (Samoa) at 6 a.m.
I plan to get up, make coffee, maybe make some pancakes, watch the Rose Bowl parade and if it has stopped snowing and roads are ok, going to go running from 9 a.m. on and then, at 3 p.m., taking my folks to see the IMAX 3-D showing of AVATAR!!! :) Papa specifically wanted to see it :) Just booked it on Fandango right now.
Check out this great BBC video of New Year's 2010 around the world - my favorite is actually PARIS and the Eiffel Tower - I want to one day ring in the New Year in every major city in the world from Paris to Moscow, from Tokyo to Beijing, London to Berlin and Sydney to Rome!! ONE DAY!! :D
To all my dear friends, family and dear readers out there - a happy, happy, blessed, amazing, beautiful, wonderful & joyous 2010 to you - may this new year and new decade be everything we ever wanted and more - let's make all our dreams come true, all our wishes, all our goals. :)
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
11:32 p.m.
Reading my Sunday New York Times Styles section on the train ride home tonight and was completely fascinated by the article on Bloggers Crashing the Front Row of Fashion Week. Basically, these bloggers - people without any career experience in fashion - but who have blogs that are insanely popular - have been treated to front-row seats at fashion shows of Rodarte, Marc Jacobs and others - literally 2 seats away from Anna Wintour of Vogue - one such lucky blogger is this tiny adorable little 13-year old girlTavi of StyleRookie who is also a fellow anime and Japanese Harajuku fashion lover!!! :) Yaaay! :) I love her youtube link to Totoro!! :)
So yesterday I loved the Versace lavender dress, right? Today, I love Proenza Schouler's 2010 electric blue dress (thank you Tavi! :) I want, I want, I wanttttt:
Ate wayyyyy too much junk at work today due to office holiday breakfast/lunch - bagels, cookies, ugh - tomorrow - DETOX and back to healthy eating - back to running like nobody's business on Friday!!!
Did some post-Christmas shopping tonight at, of all places, K-Mart and dude - I found these gorgeousSize 1 dark blue jeans made by Piper & Blue - I'm normally a size 0 or size 00 but I've put on some weight from not running as much (and pigging out over the holidays) and I LOVEEEE how well these fit!! Who knew K-Mart would carry jeans that could possibly fit petite little me? :D Also picked up a ton of Joe Boxer gloves, scarves & hats, a sleep shirt and some pretty Route66 swweaters :)
Tomorrow is New Year's Eve - how do you all plan to celebrate?
Been Tweeting on Twitter - if you're on it, let me know and let's follow each other :)
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
11:36 p.m.
I love Ralph Lauren and I love Switzerland so how much do I want to see his new mountain lodge store which is decked out for the holidays? One day I shall go to Switzerland for Christmas or heck December ;)
Am in LOVE with Burberry's new Fall Watch collection and love this beautiful "Check Engraved Bracelet Watch":
I have been on twitter and am addicted - officially.
I want this Versace dress from the new Spring 2010 season - want, want, waannttttt:
If I didn't need sleep so much I'd just lose myself now in my issues of Vogue and Women's Wear Daily.
WWD had a gorgeous photo spread on the Spring 2010 Fur Trend and I fell in love with Zac Posen’s Mongolian lamb and marabou feather chubby:
While I would definitely love to wear the Zac Posen Mongolian Lamb and Marabou Fur, I generally don't wear anything that is real fur - I'm uncomfortable with the fact that the animal may have been killed solely for its fur or hide. I hate the idea of minks who are hunted & killed for their pelts.
However, that said, I'm not a purist and I don't always agree with those animal rights activists who throw paint on fur-wearers. I do own leather/suede wallets/bags/watches, do wear silk, angora and wool/lambswool dresses, sweaters & coats and would love to wear the Mongolian Lamb Fur, but to the extent possible, I always try to buy faux products. If something (like the Mongolian Lamb Fur) can be made just as beautifully but faux, why wear the animal?
With respect to waste of life, however: many animal-clothing products are the natural byproducts of animals who are going to be killed for the food industry (lamb is such a case).
That said, when I eat (anything, vegetables or meat) I do so with appreciation for the life form whose life was lost so I could have sustenance - this is true if you wear cotton or fur or eat plant life or animal life - who is to say one life form (plant) is less than another (animal)? Plus, there is no reason to feel shame or guilt as long as you are not being wasteful and limit it to what is useful and necessary (like do you need a pink real-animal-fur boa?? No I don't think so).
Everyone has to live with their own conscience and their own choices but don't force your personal viewpoints on others. Live according to your own values and standards after carefully studying and researching correct facts and making a determination on what you are comfortable with.
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shopping for my lil Asus Eee 1008HA netbook PC :)
Monday, December 28, 2009
11:57 p.m.
hehehe so I'm having sooooo much fun buying things for my beautiful tiny little white laptop/netbook (see post below) and bought this gorgeous Juicy Couture laptop bag/carrying case on Ebay that was sold-out on the Juicy website and every other retail website - how *gorgeous* is this little case? (click the thumbnails for larger images)
Also got this specific white Neoprene Asus Fashion Netbook Sleeve made for the 1008HA to hold the laptop and it even has a case in the back to hold the accessories (click the thumbnails for larger images):
Still undecided about the mouse though - haven't found yet something I am absolutely in love with and I want something that is super sleek and functional and yet has a cool design.
Learned some awesome news today which I can't believe only came out recently: Naoko Takeuchi had her 2nd baby!! Naoko is the creator of my favorite Japanese manga Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon - one of the most famous manga and anime that started the whole love of anime for many fans here in the U.S. and her husband is Yoshihiro Togashi who created the famous Hunter x Hunter manga - in its 27th Volume which just released, in its end notes, he mentioned that they had their 2nd baby and it was already 1 year old! They had a son together back in 2001. :)
Should not be up late - need SLEEP! Off to bed now. Want to say a quick hi to Lorie and to Pan :) *HUGS* to all :)
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Christmas 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
10:01 p.m.
oh my gosh! Finally relaxing back at home after a weekend away in Atlantic City for Christmas this year as our gift to papa and mummy!! THEY LOVED IT!! It was one of the most memorable Christmases ever! My 3 younger sisters and I had booked the trip way in advance and we stayed at the Hilton and took mum and pop out for lunches, dinners and breakfasts, refused to let them pay for anything, even gave them money for good luck on the machines with and took them to see a magic show by the magician WONDER at Bally's :) Had the most delicious buffet breakfast this morning at the Hilton, the drives up and down were crazy with rainy weather on Saturday but today was so gorgeous and sunny with temperatures in the mid to upper 40's (warm for winter) and we hit crazy traffic coming back this afternoon but it was all good - we all had such a wonderful time :)
I woke up early and hit the hotel's gym this morning and only ran 2 miles but thank goodness I did at least that because I literally ate *everything* at the buffet - from orders of egg-white veggie omelettes, to HORDES of salmon and melons and fruits with cottage cheese and some of the most delicious coffee I've had in AGES :) Treated myself to a super unhealthy eclair but what the heck - ya only live once! :)
The gym's pool area was so gorgeous with gazebos and roman/greek statues and seeing the beach and ocean as I stretched was so peaceful. We got a room with an ocean view - so beautiful this morning with the sunrise :)
Nith, Mek and Mil & I did "secret santa" this year and Mekha was my Santa and got me the Vera Wang ROCK PRINCESS perfume I had wanted and got me gift cards to Borders and Victoria's Secret!! :D She even got me a new Starbucks steel to-go mug because I had left my favorite one at Nith's apartment a couple weeks ago at her Christmas party.
I finally set up my new ASUS Eee PC!! It's the new 1008HA in beautiful pearl white and is everything I want in a tiny little netbook laptop - super light, super sleek and just AWESOME!! :D
Buying for a new laptop is fun :) Thinking of getting a pretty Juicy Couture laptop sleeve case as well. Anywayz, I have a bunch of things to do before I head to sleep tonight. *HUGS* to all! Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday!
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Happy 1st Day of Winter - Winter Solstice - MidWinter
Monday, December 21, 2009
6:18 a.m.
Well I woke up at 2:40 a.m. today and couldn't go back to sleep - mind was whirring with too much stuff and I realized as I was up that today is the Winter Equinox - the Winter Solstice! :) I am such an old-world creature - I love all things that have to do with nature and the celebration of MidWinter or the winter solstice is one of my favorite things.
In Ancient Rome, the winter solstice was celebrated with the Feast of Saturnalia and in Ancient Britain it was celebrated with the fiery display of the pagan Yule Log. While today we have the Christmas tree and the gorgeous lights and candles, I would love to do a white Saturnalia and Yule log lighting parties one day. For me, each of the equinoxes are like rebirths - a chance to start fresh and anew.
Today is the shortest day and the longest night and begins the reversal of the length of day/night time - starting tomorrow, the days will increase minute by minute until June (20-23) when it will again decrease minute by minute. The cycle of life.
Here on the East Coast of the U.S., the Winter Solstice will occur exactly 12:47 p.m. and is when the earth's axial tilt is farthest away from the sun at its maximum of 23° 26'. In other words, it is when the North Pole is tilted 23.5 degrees away from the sun. Depending on the Gregorian calendar, the December solstice occurs annually on a day between December 20 and December 23. In the summer (June 20-23), it is when the North Pole is tiled 23.5 to the sun getting its full warmth! :)
I have been puttering online long enough - must shower and get ready for work - tonight, I plan to run 12 miles at least on the treadmill.
Can I just say, before I sign off, how much I love Chanel? I saw the movie Coco Before Chanel on Friday night and it is absolutely going into my DVD collection - Gabrielle Chanel is absolutely inspirational to me. I love her! Found this *gorgeous* Chanel Cashmere Gray CC Scarf on Ebay for only $700! hahahaha :) I wish I could get that for Christmas! Or my birthday in February? :) oh a girl can dream ;)
I must also add that I love Ralph Lauren and Coach ;)
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Saturday, December 5, 2009
06:59 p.m.
snow falling all over NYC as I walked back from the theater to Grand Central tonight - magical, breathtaking and beautiful . . . last performance of Cinderella tomorrow which will be filmed by AsiaNet - a major satellite network that will be airing the performance on Christmas Day throughout the U.S., U.K., Singapore, India and the middle east United Arab Emirates! :) Will have DVD reels so will upload and share with all of you :)
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my dreams . . . my happiness
Thursday, November 19, 2009
08:59 p.m.
Came home from a long day of work today and washed the dishes and went downstairs and ran 3 miles on the treadmill (just a light run today since I ran 15 miles on Sunday) - and as I made dinner, I kept the radio playing, station KTU (Z100's signal won't come through in my basement ;), turns out I love KTU now - song after song came on, good ones I would've loved to run to. As I sat and enjoyed my dinner (a healthy salad of steamed cauliflower cooked with turmeric spice, tomatoes, cucumbers and red bell peppers), I sat facebooking, twittering, and emailing - song after more song came - my favorites - Rihanna's 'Run This Town', Beyonce's 'Halo' and Justin Timberlake's 'What Goes Around' and Kelly Clarkson's re-mix of 'Already Gone' and my heart and mind started flying......
music - it's what I was born to do....sing, dance, lose myself in song, the rhythm.....
I sang as Cinderella in the Galli Theater's 1st show last Saturday and it was so wonderful - my voice came out loud and clear - I sang 'shake & wobble for me, rain down silver & gold on me' and as I think of it now - I think I meant it - deep from my heart - I wanted to be transformed - from the sad Cinderella whose life had been crushed, who'd lost someone she loved, and praying to be happy again..............
I sang my heart out....and I'm going to sing and act my heart out again at this Saturday's and Sunday's 2nd & 3rd performances....I love theater, I love performing, acting, singing....
I want to get back into the Studio as soon as possible and start making the new tracks. I will be signing soon with an amazing production company Night Life Productions who has an incredible credit list with major artists. I feel really good about this company - their main producer, Sean Gill of the Passengerz, is awesome and the Passengerz remixes of major songs are among the very best out there. I'm so excited to work with them! :) 3 BRAND NEW DANCE SINGLES! That's what we will be working on.....I already know which 3 dance songs of mine I want to see produced...they are songs rich with Indian influences, written from my heart and filled with strength & hope....
It's been so long....so long....I've suffered and gone through so much....and although I love being a lawyer, doing this day-in and day-out...I can't do it anymore...it's sucking all the life and soul out of me...I'm so...drained, so unfulfilled and it is only when I write, when I sing & act, when I am focused on human rights law & helping to make a difference against international human rights abuses - that I feel like I'm actually fulfilling my purpose. God help me....help me to make my dreams come true.
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acting as Cinderella at Galli Theater for next 4 weeks
Sunday, November 8, 2009
11:58 p.m.
tonight I auditioned at a call back and got the part of Cinderella in the Galli Theater's magical fairy tale productions for children and adults here in NYC! :) So excited to play a fairy tale character - and its for children's theater - something I absolutely love! Am reviewing the script - not too hard - rehearsals are this Wednesday, Thursday & Friday and 1st performance Saturday and then every Saturday & Sunday after that through Dec. 7th. I have to look through my dresses to find ball gowns, just in case, because their last Cinderella was taller than me (of course, I'm all of 4'8" and a half/4'9") ;)
Almost midnight now and must go to sleep - was out past few days from work because I had been sick and then mummy got sick & I stayed home with her - I'm sure my desk at work is piled high with files (work of an attorney never ends ;)) - when I come home, though, it's straight to exercise & then memorizing my script - every thing's got to be learned by Wednesday's rehearsal.
If you have children (or even if you don't) and you're in the NYC area, come to Galli Theater :) It is a non-profit theater that focuses on encouraging acting for youth and fostering the well being of children - beautiful ideals, beautiful environment.
For the Galli Theater audition, I sang Little Mermaid's 'A Part of that World' and the director loved it :) She's this amazing, beautiful woman named Tatjana who is a remarkable actress and has done so much fantastic work for children and women's rights issues. She's inspirational.
Saw Burn the Floor last night (my friend Pete gave me his tickets!) and am thinking of auditioning for it as a singer - I love being an actress - it, along with my deep love for singing and music and writing - are my passions and if I could just combine acting with singing on stage, I would be in heaven! :)
Ok bed. Must rest. The moon is 3/4 crescent moon tonight - yellow - beautiful....couldn't help gazing at it as I drove back from the train station tonight....I made a little wish upon it - to have success as a singer/songwriter and success as a musical theater actress and have the freedom to practice law in my chosen field: international human rights law. Work has been moving steadily forward on Leading Light Foundation and I am working on reports for the City Bar Association's Human Rights Committee on my subcommittees of Uzbekistan and China.
People always ask me, how do I study so many languages, work full-time and still do singing and acting and I always joke that I get very little sleep ;) That is true but the thing is, when you truly love something deeply, passionately, you pursue it and make time for it - no matter what - if it's important to you, you don't give up. All these things are important to me and I shall never give up on any of them - they are part of who I am - to deny any of it, is to deny my own self - my own soul.
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election day
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
08:38 p.m.
after work tonight, drove to the local school serving as the voting place in our district - I had researched the Judges and candidates I wanted to vote for - I felt really good voting - it's one of my rights as an American I am most happy about. Every year at this time, do your part & vote - it's what defines us as Americans. Read Michael Daly's article in the Daily News today - my favorite lines from his piece: "That hushed and private moment in the voting booth is at the core of what makes this city and country a place where so many have sought a better life & the act of voting is no less important when there is nobody you passionately support."
Make it your business to know who's running - make it your business to know what your council men & women, elected officials are doing on your behalf and if you're not excited about who's running, then run yourself and support someone you feel would be a better candidate.
We take for granted our freedom to vote, take for granted how securely it is run - especially when so many other countries in the world suffer from fraudulent elections, and whose citizens endure threats and harassment if they vote - or don't vote for the "right" candidate.
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auditions auditions
Monday, November 2, 2009
10:23 p.m.
been busy auditioning for musicals, films and plays - getting a lot of offers and a lot of audition spots - it's hard work and you need to be able to bring your best every single time - and when you work a full-time job as an attorney like I do, to hold on to all your energy and bring it at audition time is really something but I love music and I love acting - I will do what it takes to bring it! :) Been a tiring couple of days especially since I was sick last week with a fever and somehow managed to make it through the work week ;) Halloween was non-existent for me this year because I was at an audition for a musical from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. at night on Saturday - nailed the singing and acting parts but the hip hop choreography was performed much better by the trained dancers who auditioned - it was the only aspect of my audition that I think I need to master and control & be more effective at.
Auditioned for a supporting role in an Indian film tonight - I believe I was too polished/refined and not rough enough for the character the director envisioned; but, who knows - sometimes you think you've bombed and turns out the director actually saw potential! I believe in being realistic about assessing my performances - I know when I've nailed a part and when I'm not the best fit for a role - keep things in perspective, remain positive but realistic - best way to be I think :)
almost 10:30 and I am sooo ready to turn in, dressed warmly in my Betsey Johnson pink polka dot satin pajamas I bought from my favorite lingerie store at Grand Central Station (PINK SLIP). See it (and my review) and buy it at http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=392425
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Amelia Benefit/Screening, Regis Philbin, Salman Rushdie ;)
Sunday, October 25, 2009
08:17 p.m.
Last Wednesday I attended a special screening and benefit/after-party for Mira Nair's film Amelia - the screening was at MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) here in the city and the after-party at Pranna (an Indian fusion restaurant I love). Took my friend Annette from work to the screening who had never been to an industry event before and she loved it :) Richard Gere was there, Mira Nair, and 3 seats next to us sat Regis Philbin and his wife Joy (Joy is just *stunningly beautiful* in person - she's just a vision) and Regis - gosh, I've watched Regis since 1989 and recorded every episode over the past 5 years so I could come home and before I go to bed, watch it (Kelly Ripa I adore!) - Regis reminds me of Papa a lot in his jovial and exuberant story telling manner :) So I was a little semi-awestruck when I saw him sit so near me - one day, I hope I achieve such success that I can be sitting next to him on Regis & Kelly and tell him, first hand, how I saw him for the 1st time in my life at this benefit. :) He was doing everything possible to be inconspicuous and his wife Joy was making sure he was comfortable - I think the seat may have been uncomfortable for his back?
Anywayz, afterwards, went with my friend Eliyas (shown in the photo below) and his friend Sandi Higgins (a lovely film maker originally from Ireland who knows how to play the Indian table) to the after party at Pranna where Annette took this lovely photo of me with Salman Rushdie - I had met and spoken to him 2 times before at an event for PEN and for South Asians for Obama and had given him my music website :) I simply wished to introduce him to Annette - he is so gracious and she asked if she could take a picture of he and I (I was waayyy too shy to ask) but he is such a gentleman and obliged :) Maybe one day I can get the picture autographed! :D hahaha :) IF I ever get the nerve to ask! ;)
Ended the night dancing with Eliyas, his friend Khatera whom I absolutely adore - she is from Afghanistan and wishes to act in Bollywood movies - she is such a sweetheart - we danced with these guys who crashed the party at Pranna and who were from Met Life - very cool guys - hope they e-mail me :)
Anywayz, late Sunday night - long eventful weekend - will tell more later this week :) Off to have dinner and relax before going to sleep early. Good night all!
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Temple of Osiris at Abydos, Egypt
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
10:24 p.m.
As an avid archaeology buff, a couple years ago I created the New York City Archaeology Meet Up Group to promote and share the love of archaeology here in NYC. Tonight, one of the events I promoted to the group was a special lecture offered by New York University's Institute for the Study of the Ancient World as part of it's 2009-2010 Visiting Research Scholar Lecture Series. Tonight's lecture was by key speaker David Klotz on the Temple of Osiris in Abydos during the Late Period, specifically addressing what happened to the Temple during the period of Persian rule. I absolutely loved it! Learned so much about Amasis (Ahmose II) whose name was mysteriously obliterated (allegedly by the Persians of the time) after his rule. Particularly loved learning about the White Monastery Church - David Klotz shared his photos from his personal cataloging of the stones and artifacts that were once part of the temple of Osiris in Abydos, Egypt and which were used in constructing the White Monastery Church. Simply fascinating.
The God Osiris has always fascinated me, more so because of the Goddess Isis but the topic of the lecture wasn't so much the God as it was the Kings and the Temple and the drama, politics and intrigue surrounding the kingdoms accomplishments related to the Temple devoted to Osiris. Egyptology is a field of archaeology that keeps growing and new discoveries are reported every day - such an exciting field.
Anywayz, super tired now and it's almost 10:30 and need major sleep. Sleep well my friends - good night.
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Saturday, October 17, 2009
11:12 a.m.
Updated at 2:15 & 7:10 p.m. below
I thought it was supposed to rain all day but there's a break in the day - radar and hourly weather says it won't rain again from now until 1 - slept in til 10:30 and just had a bowl of cereal with soy milk, a half a piece of toast and drinking some tea now - trying to make sure I start this day out right by running but the weather realllllly unmotivates ya ;) Even though I run sometimes pretty long, because I stopped running consistently (5-6 times a week) and sleep poorly (which makes me overeat), I put some weight back on - need to run it off again. Running feels so good though - once I'm out there, I wonder why I'm even lazy in the first place to get out there.
Supposed to be pummeled by a n'oreaster this weekend with rain - heard parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey got snow yesterday and last night - crazy - weeks away from halloween even ;)
ok I feel ready now. Going to try and run and avoid getting rained on ;) have a good Saturday morning everyone.
Updated at 2:15 p.m. below
the rain held up! :) and I managed to do 13.2 miles! :D
Updated at 7:10 p.m.
Spent the afternoon with my friend Jody having lunch at the local diner (whole wheat eggwhite and spinach wraps with decaf coffee and 1/2 a grapefruit) before going grocery shopping and checking out Jody's gym - New York Sports Club (thinking of getting a membership). We're off now for dinner (AJ's Burgers) before heading to see a movie (Where the Wild Things Are) :D
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Wednesday, October 14, 2009
10:50 p.m.
Today, I filed the Articles of Incorporation for Leading Light Foundation. One of my dreams is really coming true :)
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Monday, October 12, 2009
10:36 p.m.
mmm so sleepy....I set out at 3:20 this afternoon psyching myself up to commit to a 12-mile run - to my own amazement, I pushed myself and tonight, for the 1st time in my life - I ran 18 miles. @_@ Of course, not all of it was straight running, I had to stop and walk sometimes but, wow, I never thought I could do that and I did. Just shows you what you are capable of if you just try hard enough.
Worked on a lot of research for articles for Leading Light Foundation - we're focusing on the cases of "disappeared" children in El Salvador, the Roma in Italy, Indian and Asian workers in Saudi Arabia, discrimination against gays and lesbians in Turkey and worker's rights in Algeria, and as part of my work for the New York City Bar's International Human Rights committee, am doing work on the status of human rights attorneys in Uzbekistan and China.
Long, productive day. Just had a light dinner of spinach salad with tofu and strawberries, a half-cup of Kefir yogurt and now some honey vanilla chamomile tea. Am ordering Ma href=http://www.revaleskin.com>Revale Skin's Eye Therapy and Serum - the power of coffeeberry is calling me ;) and so is sleep. I am so off to bed now.
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Volunteers needed to research and write for my non-profit human rights organization - Leading Light Foundation
Open Call for Volunteers: pro bono attorneys, researchers, writers, managers/directors with expertise in running foundations and non-profits, accountants, bookkeepers, IT specialists and web programmers, and volunteer support staff for my human rights foundation - Leading Light Foundation. E-mail Nishi Rajan, Esq. at leadinglightorg@gmail.com with interest - serious applicants only apply. Details below.
Leading Light Foundation is a non-profit legal organization comprised of attorneys, writers, historians, scholars, paralegals, non-legal volunteers, tech support and researchers - some have little to no legal background, others immense and all of us have full-time jobs but are willing to offer our valuable time, energy and commitment to furthering justice and fighting human rights violations on an international scale.
The main goal of the Leading Light Foundation is to educate the world on human rights abuses and how international law is being violated and how it can be redressed. Ultimately (in 10-15 years), our team of attorneys will seek to prosecute instances of human rights abuses against heads of states and corporations and seek jurisdiction within the International Criminal Court.
Right now, I am seeking writers and researchers to help cover particular regions of the world and help report on instances of human rights violations. The job will be to research and report on at least 2-3 countries every month focusing on key areas where the country is violating international law and international standards of human rights. It will require you to do research into the history of the nation and keep up with current events, as well as provide information on its leaders.
Experts in certain areas (depending on their background and/or interest) would be assigned to head particular regions or countries and serve as advisors to me. I would expect these experts to present their knowledge to myself and the rest of our board once a month at meetings and be our resident expert at roundtables and conferences.
The Leading Light Foundation's website will be updated weekly with new articles and contributions from all writers and researchers, lengthy and in depth pieces will be published in the Leading Light Foundation Journal which will be available in print and online and submitted to international ambassadors, embassies, international newspapers, magazines and foreign journals.
The issues you shall focus on are wide-ranging, from violence against women and children (rape, exploitation) to slavery, war crimes, discriminatory politics/elections, to smaller issues of discriminatory business practices, inadequate representation of the interests of minority populations.
Please keep in mind we are an independent organization with no affiliation with any religion or political organization - we are neither Democrats nor Republican, neither Christians nor Atheists. We must respect all countries, their religious and cultural philosophies (even if we disagree with them) and report objectively on how issues within their countries (whether socioeconomic, religious or political) affect human rights.
We do not attempt a large focus on major countries - the NY Times, BBC and the leading newspapers and human rights organizations of the world (such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch) are all covering major instances of human rights abuses - we want to offer news organizations and the world in depth analysis and research on lesser known countries or issues in countries which the mainstream media has overlooked or has not covered as in depth as it should.
The difference between Leading Light Foundation, its journal, and other world policy organizations is that LLF will eventually take matters into our own hands and become an advocacy organization that will take on clients and issues and, whose attorneys that wish to, will bring cases to the highest international courts. An example of such clients/issues would be the the Guantanamo Bay detainees whose detentions under the Bush administration's "illegal combatants" were challenged by attorneys and scholars here in the U.S. As a result, the issue came before the Supreme Court and Justice Roberts' decision in 2008 held the detainees could not be held indefinitely and had the same basic due process rights afforded to all prisoners.
In sum, the Leading Light Foundation shall be a legal body centered on research and advocacy to effect social justice on an international scale and eventual prosecution of heads of state before the International Criminal Court.
There is great potential for growth and achievement and this is a great opportunity for those of you with an interest in human rights to get in on the ground level and contribute and make a name for yourself.
If you would like to be part of this organization from its developmental stages, or know of friends, colleagues, family who are interested in human rights, international affairs and foreign policy and have skills that will help my organization, ask them to email me with their interest and a resume or list of credentials/background info if they have it available.
Serious applicants only apply. There is no pay until we get sponsorship and revenue through ad sales.
Please spread the word about Leading Light to anyone you think would be interested in offering their assistance and volunteer services for this organization or who would want to donate to help us get started - all help on every level would be appreciated.
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Sunday, October 11, 2009
9:15 a.m.
I am in the kitchen making whole-wheat cinnamon pancakes complete with 2 sunny-side up eggs and cutting up strawberries and washing blueberries to serve on top of the pancakes - just put on a pot of Starbucks' anniversary-blend coffee with steamed soy milk and settling down for an enjoyable breakfast with the weekend newspaper. Outside, the sun is shining, papa and mummy left for church and Mekha just came home from a night in Long Island - she and I are going to sit and relax before I get started on an active morning of cleaning and laundry, etc. and head out later for a good long run :)
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Saturday, October 10, 2009
11:36 p.m.
I was right - I feel so much better now :) I have been working very hard on my songs, my music, my writings and books, and now on Leading Light Foundation, my non-profit attorneys' and writers' organization that focuses on international abuses of human rights laws - I will not let people who betray my trust and good nature weaken my resolve or hinder my dreams, my ambitions, my goals. I will accomplish all I seek in this world. Watch me.
Ran 10 miles tonight and body feels good :) I have been able to condition my body to run as much as 15.5 miles once in recent weeks - my goal is to to do 15-16 miles consistently 1 day a week comfortably and 6, 8, 10 and 12-13 the others I'll rest on Wednesdays when I have new Cantonese classes starting this coming Wednesday and on Fridays (my dinner/movie nights with friends).
Very few things make me feel as good as running - it clears my head, wakens my senses, I love the power and strength that comes from being a strong runner - the healthier choices I make. On the weekends when I run in the early mornings, nothing beats the sights and sounds of nature, of the sleepy houses with slumbering families, or the sounds of people who are up as early as I, putting the wood into their fireplaces - the first smell of morning smoke. In the evenings, nothing beats the sight of the swans and geese diving gracefully upon the lake or watching families gather inside their homes for dinner and coming home to my own family. Mid-morning and afternoon runs find me greeting my fellow regular bikers and runners, the neighbors and enjoying the smell of freshly mowed grass.
Have Mandarin tomorrow but think I will skip tomorrow - it's Columbus Day weekend and I have Monday off but much to do home-related and the more I accomplish tomorrow the less I will stress about on Monday.
Sang my song 'Do Not Deny It' in the shower tonight - the sound of my voice as I sang it was the best I've ever sung it - strengthened my resolve - it's a dance song about a cheating lover - I will record it with a new producer.
One of my writers for Leading Light sent me her finished article on the Roma - the discriminated "gypsies" of Italy - the article was beautiful and it will be the first piece I publish - she deserves much credit - she has been consistently the one writer who follows up with outlines, proposals and now a finished article - my organization needs people I can rely on like that - Mitu if you are reading this - thank you :) I am so grateful to have you on board with Leading Light. Keep me updated on Vampire Diaries please! :)
11:36 - need to head to sleep. Almond Sunset dessert tea was so delicious and has made me so sleepy :) Sweet dreams all.
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Saturday, October 10, 2009
09:17 p.m.
so pissed right now - a producer I had begun working with has played me for a fool - after initially contacting me all the time trying to schedule a day to do "lunch" and discuss music, once we actually meet - and I travel all the way out to Dumont, New Jersey on a day I am sick, he's all promises which fizzle to nothing - he now ignores all my calls and voicemails - what a piece of work. I had downloaded my songs onto his Mac computer that day to sing a few of the lyrics and try to get a feel for the music - if I find out he steals any of the lyrics or melodies, I'll slap him with a lawsuit - never mess with an attorney - I copyrighted my lyrics and songs anyway - sent him a strong message via facebook just now.
Can't believe the nerve of assholes in this business - you think you can trust certain people in the entertainment industry - trust no one - they're all out for themselves and to tap some ass.
Ran 10 miles tonight and enjoyed a dinner of spinach salad with chicken curry and a grapefruit covered in cinnamon. Going to make some tea (Toasted Almond Sunset dessert tea I think) and watch a fun movie - I love the Barbie movies and am not ashamed to admit it - began watching Barbie and the Magic of the Rainbow on Thursday night and am going to finish it now :) Watching movies like that helps you get in touch with the good things in your heart and soul and reminds you of how important it is to be good - when you see how much people can be cruel, how they can use you and betray your trust - it's easy to get jaded and so angry - you have to work to keep believing in good things, work to keep believing in yourself and others.
There was a really nice guy who drives cabs here in the next town over whose partner has a studio just 15 minutes from me and had offered to work with me on production of music but I had explained about the New Jersey producer - well, now that the New Jersey producer proved he's full of shit I think I should email back the guy who was more legitimate and say I'm interested now.
Never give up if you want to make your dreams come true - keep believing in the good, in yourself, and others.
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
Monday, October 5, 2009
10:58 p.m.
I am a huge King Arthur buff - discovered Howard Pyle's illustrated color book of King Arthur in 3rd Grade and the legend became a huge obsession for me - would collect every single King Arthur book and movie, watch every cartoon, you name it, I owned it, saw it, read it ;) One of my favorite books that sprung from the Arthurian legends is Mary Stewart's The Crystal Cave - it is the story of Merlin and is a book I absolutely treasure. So you can imagine my skepticism when the new series 'Merlin' premiered on NBC - I doubted anyone could come close to what Mary Stewart had done but I absolutely *LOVE* the Merlin series - it's a completely different take on the legend of King Arthur, re-writes almost everything and is fresh and interesting with endearing characters and interesting plots. Finished watching some of the episodes I recorded - 3 or 4 more to watch I think :) Off to bed - busy day tomorrow.
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
the creation of B.E.
Monday, September 28, 2009
09:52 p.m.
Tonight, I began working on a new fiction series that has been on my mind for years - it's a detective/mystery series with a heroine reminiscent of Nancy Drew only my heroine is in law school and has some "gifts" and "abilities" Nancy would envy ;) The Nancy Drew books were my favorite mystery books growing up and the Show Boat mystery I think was the first book I discovered in 1st or 2nd grade while on a hall-pass trip for my teacher to the library - I just saw all these gorgeous blue hard-cover books and fell in love with the beautiful girl on the cover. From there I discovered the Bobbsey Twins, the Dana Girls, the Box Car children and so many others.
The idea for this particular heroine came to me back about 4 years ago and the stories and mysteries she would unravel kept swimming around in my head. Finally, this morning, as I walked to work, I saw the 2 things which had been my original inspirations for the 1st mystery story and vowed that when I came home tonight, I would finally put the thoughts onto actual paper.
Must stop writing now though - 10:15 p.m. and need to sleep. Was a rainy, thunderstormy night tonight - I always find myself drawn to writing when it rains :)
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
11:52 p.m.
enjoying a yummy kurishigure (Japanese sweetcake made of chestnut bean or red bean) - long, long day....after Mandarin met with Junko for yummy food at one of my favorite tiny restaurants on Elizabeth Street (they make the best steamed vegetable dumplings) before going to the Elizabeth Street mall where I picked up a birthday present for my little cousin Michael - he loves Japanese anime as much as I do and his favorite anime are Naruto & Bleach - I found an awesome Naruto bag for $13 there and got a really cute D.Gray-Man bag in white for $10! :) Picked up the new Dan Brown book The Lost Symbol before coming home and spending the rest of the afternoon tidying up my room and organizing the mess - only ran 3 miles tonight and ate so much food today! Ah well, I'll get back to my routine tomorrow or Tuesday ;) Think I want another kurishigure and then go to bed :) hehehe eating sweets before bed is so bad >_> Good night everyone :)
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
07:53 a.m.
up early this morning - leaving for Mandarin class in 22 minutes - pouring rain outside - Georgia was apparently flooded by the rains yesterday and it moved up here to the north-east last night while my family and I were upstate at our relatives holding a memorial prayer in memory of my grandfather (on my mom's side). What should I wear? My winter & fall gear are still kind of packed away ;) Ran 12 miles yesterday afternoon - hoping the rain will clear up this afternoon so I can get a good run in. Today is the start of the Mid-Autumn Festival in chinatown :) think I'll hold a meetup maybe next week :) ok must go - more tonight.
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
1st Day of Fall
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
11:54 p.m.
after work today, met up with my running buddy Adam and we jogged from midtown where I worked all the way across to the Hudson River and from there, didn't stop running until we got to the very end of Manhattan, the southern most tip of Battery Park and the Staten Island Ferry. Hadn't run along the Hudson River in ages and seeing so many joggers and bikers out there made me wonder why I hadn't been doing this all along. Hudson River Park is so gorgeous and back in May 2008 my sisters and I had rented bikes and biked up all the way from Morton to Central Park and that was awesome!
My thighs are going to be sore tomorrow probably - we even climbed every single set of steps we came across - my thighs will thank me later ;) In total, to and back, we did anywhere from 10-11 miles I think. And then from work back to Grand Central, another mile. I'm going to say definitely did at least 8-10 miles - loved seeing the Statue of Liberty and at Battery Park is a huge eagle sculpture dedicated to those we lost at sea - it is one of my favorite sculptures in the park, next to that of the Immigrants.
Finished watching my recorded ep of The Beautiful Life & loved it! :) Definitely going to watch it tomorrow. The new season of Gossip Girl isn't grabbing me just yet but I love Blair and Chuck together and still wish Serena and Dan would just get and STAY together! I miss Privileged - that was SUCH a good show - how could they cancel such a great program!! >_<
It's now past midnight as I close this entry - didn't intend to stay up this late, will pay for it tomorrow - sleep come quick tonight.
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
Monday, September 21, 2009
11:33 p.m.
just sent in my comments to the Chair of the International Human Rights Committee of the City Bar Association of New York on the Committee's Proposed Climate Change Principles. The chairs of the committees are presenting these to Dr. Yvo de Boer - the Executive Secretary of the UN Climate Change group, on Wednesday as part of the UN General Assembly meeting that is taking place here this week. Over the summer I was appointed as one of the new members of the City Bar's Committee on International Human Rights - it is a tremendous honor and privilege to be selected - every year since becoming an admitted attorney in 2003 I had applied to be on the committee but this is the 1st year I actually got it! It's a 3-year commitment and one I take very seriously.
It's exciting to be in the city right now because of the UN General Assembly meeting - all anyone can talk about are the traffic jams and barricades all over the east-side due to the arrival of President Obama and all the heads of State tonight - there was increased security all around Grand Central - President Obama is staying nearby at the Waldorf Astoria.
The Climate Change proposals the City Bar is submitting to Dr. de Boer are excellent - they advocate that the brunt of responsibility for carbon emissions fall on developed/industrialized nations to not only reduce emissions and develop alternate fuels, but, that they help lesser developed nations & communities impacted by climate change. This is important because the bigger nations developed without any environmental limitations but under the new global trade and climate rules, newer, lesser developed nations would face all these emissions limits and would be unfairly penalized. Similarly, the communities and ecosystems most affected by the climate impact are those who had no part in carbon emissions in the first place, and so developed nations would be responsible for the effects of their emissions upon those communities and ecosystems.
It's late and I must get to bed. Had a long day - court in Brooklyn - saw all the familiar faces from my summer-long stint as a court attorney for my firm - was there every day all summer long in the crazy noisiest part of the courthouse - the Compliance Conference part. Every day it was a madhouse but I enjoyed it :) it could get very stressful if you didn't learn how to take things in stride :) That part of the court finds you arguing cases and conferencing matters and for my large-volume law firm, you find yourself conferencing sometimes 10 cases and arguing just as many motions - it gets CRAZY with people screaming out your firm name and vying for your attention. You start at 9:30 and don't finish until 12:30-12:45 to even 1 pm and beyond, once you get back your final Orders. In the beginning I was arguing tooth and nail with fellow counsels on every case, refusing to give in, and 3 weeks in, I realized it doesn't make any sense - what's the sense in arguing with counsel? Save it for the judge - everything will get resolved one way or another and, if not, make a new motion or vacate the Order or take it on appeal! Save your energy for what really matters :)
Gorgeous sunny warm day and when I left the courthouse at 12:45, I decided to walk it back to work and walked all the way to the Brooklyn Bridge and over on down to City Hall, down by the NY Supreme courthouses, up Church Street and then 6th Avenue until I got to Lispenard & 6th where I took the subway back to work - I would've walked all the way except had heavy motions in my bag and a girl can only walk so far with a heavy-loaded Dooney & Bourke bag ya know! :) The walk over the bridge was so refreshing, and it had been a long time since I'd last walked the Bridge...it cleared my mind and made things *crystal* clear to me...been thinking so much all summer and this month about my life, what I should be doing, how to pursue it...seeing the city all around me atop the Bridge made me realize again what it is I want, need, must do....god I love this City.....
Other thoughts were coming into my head...as I stood inside the courthouse on the 5th floor, I looked out the window and saw the plaza below complete with an octagonal garden with a statue at its center - people walking all around the steps and grounds and all I could think was how one day I'd create a school of education on philosophy and science, history and literature and, of course, international affairs.
Ran 7 miles tonight and after chatting with the folks and Mek, enjoyed dinner and watched Gossip Girl while also trying to watch my recorded ep of 'The Beautiful Life' which premiered last Wednesday - I already love it :) CW is where I'm parking myself most nights this fall - between Gossip Girl, Melrose Place, 90210, Vampire Diaries and The Beautiful Life no other channel exists (except MTV when the Hills and the City and everything returns of course ;)) Did I mention I also love Daddy's Girls? Yes, seriously!! It is so CUTE and FUN!! Makes me miss Los Angeles a lot . . .
Anywayz, it is way past my bedtime, 11:30. *HUGS* to all & good night :) Sarah Beth I'm glad to be back :) When are you coming down!! :)
Have you 'Sloohed' yet? If you love astronomy like I do, then you have to try the *LIVE* telescope missions at Slooh.com! Sign up for a free trial and see nebulae & galaxies right on your computer *LIVE*! I'm there most evenings & weekends. Join the Chat!
Since 1998, I have been designing websites. The following are almost every main site I have ever made.
A Dream I Dream
My personal page with pictures of me and everything I love!
TooyaandAya.com
Devoted to Touya/Tooya and Aya of Ayashi no Ceres!
UsagiandMamoru.com My favorite and best couple ever! Sailor Moon's Usagi and Mamoru (Serena and Darien)
MiakaandTamahome.com My tribute to Fushigi Yuugi's main couple who always have my heart, Miaka and Tamahome!
Kare Kano Love
A Miyazwa and Arima ML - discuss everything Kare Kano here!
Favorite Manga and Anime most everything in Ribon and Nakayoshi!
Alice 19th
Anatolia Story a.k.a. Red River
Ayashi no Ceres/Ceres Celestial Legend
Basara
B.B. Explosion
Call Me Princess
Catcher in the Horoscope or ZODIAC P.I.
Crescent Moon
Cyber Idol MINK
Delicious! (Yui Ayumi)
Dream Saga
Fruits Basket
Fushigi Yuugi
Gals / Super Gals!
Hana Kimi
Hot Gimmick
IMADOKI
Instant Teen (Otona Ni Nuts or Just Add Nuts)
Juvenile Orion
Kaikan Phrase or SENSUAL PHRASE
Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne
Kanata Kara a.k.a. From Far Away
Kare Kano
Kodomo no Omocha
Magic Knights Rayearth
Maria (Naoko Takeuchi)
Marmalade Boy
Max Lovely
Mint No Bokura
Miracle Girls
MODEL
More Starlight to Your Heart
Mouryou Kiden
Neck and Neck
One
Ororon
Othello
Otona Ni Nuts 0r INSTANT TEEN - JUST ADD NUTS
(the) Queen's Knight
Psychic Academy
Random Walk
SailorMoon
Saint Tail / St. Tail
Saiyuki
Sweet & Sensitive
Tokyo Mew Mew
Ultra Maniac
Vampire Game
Wild Act
Words I live by:
Man is never so tall as when he kneels before God - never so great as when he humbles himself before God. And the man who kneels to God can stand up to anything. -Louis H. Evans
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. - Eleanor Roosevelt
"All human wisdom is contained in these two words: wait and hope." - The Count of Monte Cristo
"The winds of God are always blowing but it is up to you to set the sails." - UNKNOWN
"The only dream worth having, I told her, is to dream that you will live while you're alive and die only when you're dead. [Which means:] To love. To be loved. To never forget your own insignificance. To never get used to the unspeakable violence and the vulgar disparity of life around you. To seek joy in the saddest places. To pursue beauty to its lair. To never simplify what is complicated or complicate what is simple. To respect strength, never power. Above all, to watch. To try and understand. To never look away. And never, never to forget." - Arundhati Roy
"He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it." -
Martin Luther King, Jr.
