Meet Chibi

This picture makes me happy and breaks my heart at the same time... Chibi is my brother's girlfriend's dog. He recently underwent surgery to remove a tumor in his head and this is a picture of him after he got his stitches out. *tear*

Second Chance by Jane Green

This book was recommended to me by a colleague who told me that she "laughed and cried" while reading it. Any book that can trigger those types of emotions is my kind of book! On my book scale, 1 being I couldn't even finish it and 10 being I couldn't put it down, I'd rate this book as 7/10.

The story is about a group of friends who have lost touch over the years, but are reacquainted when one of their friends Tom gets killed in a terrorist act. There's Saffron an actress who is a recovering alcoholic and is secretly dating an A list actor who is strategically married to another actress. There's Holly who is in a loveless marriage and finds herself lusting over Tom's younger brother and struggles to walk away from her controlling husband. Then there's Paul who, with his lovely wife Anna, cannot conceive children. And then Olivia, who is newly divorced and strives to find herself again.

I think that readers can identify with the struggles the characters go through. It's about supporting each other through thick and thin, embracing what life has given to you, and standing up for what makes you happy. If you're in the mood for a chick-lit book that's a no brainer to read, definitely check this one out!

Daughtry

Last night, I went to the Daughtry concert at the Music Box in Hollywood. Remember when I was absentminded and forgot to purchase the tickets at 10AM sharp when it went on sale for the first time and it was sold out in less than half an hour? I convinced myself that I was okay not seeing Daughtry live, especially at such a low price, but secretly, I checked Ticketmaster at least once a week hoping that more tickets would be released as the date got closer. Lucky for me, I checked the night before and they released more tickets! I immediately purchased a pair, even before I knew who I would go with! I am so glad that I did!

By the time we arrived, the line to get in wrapped around two blocks! But, it was a super lucky night for me and company. Excellent free parking spot + being allowed to cut in front of everyone to be one of the first to get in (even though we were late) + security not finding my camera in my purse + standing literally 15 ft away from the stage = Awesome Daughtry Experience!

The Landmark Forum

This weekend, I participated in a self development seminar called The Landmark Forum. Those whom I know have completed the 3 day seminar vow that their lives were forever changed. Broken relationships restored, the impossible became possible, and suddenly their worlds were filled with endless opportunities. I hesitated before taking this course as it not only costs $395 but is also held over three 13 hour days (9AM-10PM) Friday-Sunday. I struggle to describe the insight I gained this past weekend because it was an experience more than anything else. After being released into the "real world" on Monday and Tuesday, I almost feel as though I am floating and am consciously aware of everything that is running through my mind, except that I am realizing these thoughts from a 3rd person perspective. I can now clearly see when my mind which works on auto-pilot tries to make meaning out of everyday life, thus creating worries, unnecessary stress and frustrations, sadness, etc... and stop myself from living in a story which my mind created over the many experiences of my life thus far. Because of this new awareness, I am living in the present instead of the past or the future, leaving me with a newfound freedom from all of my thoughts that used to weigh me down. I realize how much of what I used to think about really doesn't matter, and it only mattered because of the story that I had created for myself. I find myself seeing people differently, with a lot more compassion and fewer judgements. I not only know, but truly believe from the bottom of my heart that life is full of so many possibilities and that I can be whoever I choose to be. So many people in class had their ah-ha moments throughout the three days, but I never did. Even so, somehow, I find that I have transformed even when at times, my overanalytical mind tried to resist what the course was teaching. What I found was that you can resist knowing and understanding, but you cannot resist experiencing something. The course was designed so that everyone in the room would experience transformation, not just learn about it. The life lessons they taught have somehow become a part of me and for the first time ever, NOTHING is going through my mind. My mind is quiet and I am at peace with myself and with everyone and everything else around me. This is all just so wierd because I'm so not used to having a quiet mind, but I hope this'll last for a while...

Hey Batter Batter!

Last night, I was very lucky to be invited to the Dodgers vs. Brewers game at the Dodgers stadium. At first, not being a major baseball fan, I was a bit hesitant to go. However, after hearing that it'd be with my wacky senior management team, I quickly accepted the generous offer! Little did I know that I would be sitting up close and personal and be arms reach away from celebrities! It was a very enjoyable evening snacking on a Super Dodgers Dog, peanuts, and soft serve ice cream in a cute Dodgers cap!

It says row B, but I actually got to sit in row A!

This is my view of the field - without zoom!

Mmm, ice cream!

Hey, it's Larry King!

Alyssa Milano - Too bad every picture I took of her, she's closing her eyes!

Action shot!

The wacky bunch! The back two actually got their faces on the jumbotron!