Catherine in California

Christmas Greetings

2009-12-24T10:35:00.000-08:00

found here:

http://bradfordandcatherine.blogspot.com/

It's official, we now have a couples blog. We'll do our best to keep it real. Happy Holidays.

California Christmas

2009-12-07T23:07:00.000-08:00

Photo by Daniel Sofer

What a great picture. I vaguely miss winter snow, but not nearly as much as I love ocean sunsets. Brad and I are getting settled in our El Segundo bungalow, one box at a time. The question is whether or not we'll be able to fit a Christmas tree.

Happy holidays to you all.

We're Married!!!

2009-12-03T17:47:00.001-08:00

Apologies for the radio silence, I've just been enjoying some of the most wonderful moments of my life.

Somebody at work today asked me if I feel different after being married. I thought for a second and responded, "I feel lucky."

For a link to pictures from our fabulous photographer, Jason West, click here.

Getting Ready to Take The Plunge

2009-11-19T16:40:00.000-08:00

I just can't wait.

(In this picture, I'm the little head sticking out from behind Bradford's left shoulder.)

CHI-City

2009-11-12T23:19:00.000-08:00

Oh, to be a tourist...

Good times to be had in CHI-city! It was oddly nice to have a reason to wear a hat and leggings again. I created a playlist, started walking, and saw Chicago... Magnificent Mile, Tribune Building, Millennium Park, Bean statue, Art Institute lobby, Giordano's, a little shopping, Gibson's steakhouse, and a great view of Navy Pier from my hotel.

One day is not enough time to spend in Chicago, especially when the sun starts fading at 4:30PM. One day, however, is enough time to make a judgment that CHI-town's a pretty fun city!

A really quick review of Gibson's... a crowded, classic Chicago steakhouse with huge portions, loud people, a piano player in the lobby, and a take on Hula Pie that's about four times the size of Duke's version. Oh, and realllyyy good lobster.

Below are a few too many photos...

Posing with Mr. and Mrs. American Gothic on Michigan Ave.

A river runs through it. I would love to take the River boat Architecture tour someday--this was another disadvantage of my visiting the city post-daylight savings time switch. Last boat leaves at 2PM!

The "bean" statue! This looks so odd from far away, but it creates the coolest images of the Chicago city skyline.

This one's my favorite. I look like I'm in a bubble.

Fall colors in Millennium Park

Shopping on Michigan Ave. (aka the Maaaagnificent Miiile!!!) Does anyone else think of Oprah every time they here this??

And....I'm getting married in 12 days!! I'm a weeeeeeeee bit excited.

Greetings from...

2009-11-11T01:07:00.000-08:00

...Chicago!

I'm here for a last-minute trip and I've never been here before.

Does anyone have recommendations of what to do or see?? Please share.

Thanks.

"The Reckoning" Book Trailer

2009-11-09T15:33:00.001-08:00

My aunt has posted a trailer of her award-winning novel, "The Reckoning" on Youtube. Watch it here, and then buy the book on Amazon or Kindle. The Reckoning is a page-turning, intelligently-written story that brings the obscurity of the Arab world in to a light that any caring or adventurous American can relate to. In my opinion, the best way to develop an interest and basic understanding of hard-to-understand topics is through non-fiction books.

Two Words: Cat Fight

2009-11-06T21:44:00.001-08:00

Actually, this is more of a cat beating. A very emotional (and losing) New Mexico Lobo soccer player decided to take out her anger on the entire BYU women's soccer team during yesterday's semifinal match of the MWC tournament. I'm not sure how the refs missed every single instance of Elizabeth Lambert's rough play. BYU, of course, won the game despite sucker punching, slapping, and the hardest hair pull I've ever seen in women's sports.

Witch's Ball

2009-10-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

Speaking of amazing women, here are some pictures from the Halloween bridal shower that was thrown for me last night. Yes, we're all in witches hats.

How lucky I am to have so many great female role models in my life. My grandmother, mother, aunts, cousins, future mother-in-law, friends' mothers, and mother's friends -- ALL are amazing women and I am blessed to have them in my life.

Thanks to Sue Paullin, for hosting this fabulous party!
What a fun night.

Terry and Kathleen made a fabulous ribbon bouquet for me.

Aunt Dani, Cheryl, Sue & Diana (aka Lovey Lovey)

Jeffree, Sue, Chris, Barbara, Cathy, Judy

The future and current Mrs. Fishbacks

Cousins: Lindsay, me & Katie

I'm thinking of wearing this hat on the big day. Yay or Nay?

Lovely.

2009-10-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Amy, for this picture!

Bryn got married last weekend (see beautiful pictures here), which means I got to see a lot of wonderful friends, some of whom I haven't seen in over a year. I was talking to Rae Rae at the reception about friendship and life (we're very deep thinkers). I said, "friends just aren't the same after college." Her absolute and amazing inability to hide her emotions (a character trait that I LOVE) caused her face to look a little sad, and she replied with a sincere, "I'm still your friend." I looked at her with a half-frown and said, "No, I mean, you just don't make new friends the way you did in college." She looked relieved and said, "Ohhhh."

Thank goodness for the amazing women in my life.

Birthday Boy

2009-10-30T14:37:00.000-07:00

This is a bit late, but Brad's birthday was on Oct. 23. We celebrated with mango cheesecake and birthday presents wrapped in a Macy's cardboard shipping box. He thinks it's cool that his birthday is on 10/23, our wedding is on 11/24, and then Christmas is on 12/25. See a pattern?

Must be good luck.

A Bike City

2009-10-16T16:18:00.001-07:00

photo via

I heard about this system on NPR a couple weeks ago. A public bike system. Several European cities, including Paris, Barcelona, Helsinki and Copenhagen, have taken to the trend of renting public bikes to commuters for a small fee. What a great way to decrease traffic, increase exercise and experience a city! This picture of riders using the Vélib' system in Paris makes public biking look glamorous. (Paris would make the classiest looking bikes in the system, right?) Montreal and Washington D.C. are some of the first North American cities to try it out.

I would love to have this in LA.

Or, maybe I would just love to live in Paris.

Here they are...

2009-10-13T17:29:00.000-07:00

Steven Wood kind of just fell from the sky. And, really, that's not too far from the truth. After a weekend trip to Utah, my Dad sent me a text telling me he had sat next to a fashion photographer on the plane. Long story short, a week later, Bradford and I found ourselves "fake-conversing" in gorgeous Palos Verdes locations while Steven shot over 2,000 images of us. We managed to find a couple good ones.

Steven actually just posted several in an album on facebook. Click here to see them. Below are more of my favorites. Steven might not be happy about all of these being posted because they're not all edited, but I think they look fabulous.

The future Fishbacks!

42 days to go!

Substance.

2009-10-12T02:24:00.000-07:00

Pardon the late night post. When I don't have specific plans the next day, I stay up, irresponsibly. But the wheels in my head turn. Creative juices flow a little stronger. And I love these moments.

Recent blog-surfing led me to stumble upon this picture, and the image illustrates a goal I've been striving for lately: Living a life of substance and value.

Bear with me while I share an unlikely analogy.

A few months ago while shopping for new shoes, I noticed that I am drawn to specific details on clothing and shoes. I prefer braiding, lace, rouching, and other handwork. All of these are processes that, to begin with, don't require fancy materials. The raw materials can be (and usually are) very simple. What makes these pieces valuable are the time, effort, and handiwork that goes into making them. Something which, at the base, is so, so simple, can be transformed into an immaculate work of beauty. Money is not required, just time, effort, hard work, and perhaps, a little love.

I used to live in a world where buying a cute new t-shirt meant "today was a good day." Eating out made me feel validated, and spending money, even if it meant purchasing something as meaningless as a key chain, somehow made me feel good. Well, the truth is, those things usually made me feel good for about a day. And then, after that day, all I typically felt was a hole in my pocket.

Over the past year or two, I've realized something incredibly obvious. Life is more than today. To have "a good day." That's nice. But what about having a good year, a good decade, dare, I say, a good life?? Isn't that better? I had no idea how much my quest for everyday happiness was inhibiting the much more meaningful goal of life satisfaction.

Shifting focus from instant happiness to life satisfaction has already helped me to live out some of my dreams, and I feel very confident that several more have yet to be fulfilled.

So, here's to living a life of substance and fulfilling big dreams, no matter what the daily sacrifice may be.

Sneak Peek

2009-10-08T23:06:00.001-07:00

of our engagement pictures. They are beautiful and fabulous, thanks to the wonderful Steven Wood. More to come.

Space Cowboy

2009-10-02T17:18:00.001-07:00

This is gnarly and it's trippin' me out. In a good way. With so many faux, re-touched images out there, it's hard to believe, but this photo is not photoshopped. This astronaut, Bruce McCandless II (wonder if there's any relation to Christopher) of the space shuttle Challenger, is floating in space, farther than anyone has ever been before. Click here to learn more.

Signs of the Times

2009-10-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

Online advertising has officially surpassed TV advertising in terms of sales.

By the end of the year, there will be more Subway stores in the world than McDonald's.

Will this knitted lego minifig be the new teddy bear?

Gold Spandex and Ghetto Fabulous

2009-09-18T16:35:00.001-07:00

Has anyone else seen this? Leslie Hall is an Iowa native, living with her parents, whose main goal in life is to never have a desk job. I guess that leaves time to pursue other passions, like being a garage-band rapper. And rap-it-up she did. This girl has style, 'tude, and most importantly, beats. You've got to listen to her. Ready, go!

A Moral Issue

2009-09-10T15:46:00.001-07:00

When something is important to me, I find it difficult to express my feelings publicly. I'm concerned they will be misinterpreted or even worse, ignored.

But I've held out for too long on the moral issue of our times, also known as the United States ~~healthcare debate~~.

I loathe those two words because there are so many unclear, confusing messages associated with them.

Instead, I’m going to refer to the control of people’s life expectancy and well-being through medicinal practices as a moral issue.

This is the moral issue of our times.

First, two simple facts:

The United States spends $4,631.00 per capita on health care. That’s #1 in the world.
The average life expectancy of an American at birth is 78.11. That’s #50 in the world.

#1 in spending. #50 in life expectancy. For a country I believe to be very efficient in other areas, This. Does. Not. Make. Sense.

Simple facts such as this make me curious, and I don't understand why others aren't more intrigued. I've been shocked in the last few months by ignorance and un-Christianlike attitudes that I've witnessed in several fellow Americans. People (rightfully so) gripe about making their insurance payments, but when asked about the best way to help others, the response too often seems to be an “every-man-for-himself” type of answer.

This is where the morality of the issue comes in. Every man has the right to life, but the current United States healthcare system (a profit-driven industry) prevents that.

I urge all of my friends and family who are unsure where they stand on this moral issue to search, ponder, and pray about a change in American healthcare. Do so without fearing change. Instead, do so with the aim of helping others.

After some brief travel abroad over a year ago, I’ve had the opportunity to observe American culture through a foreigner’s lenses (some call it reverse culture shock), and what I’ve seen is an attitude that Americans tend to ignore reality when it is “just too sad.” Joseph Smith, the first Latter-day Saint prophet said, “We cannot be saved until we have risen above all our enemies, not the least of which is ignorance.”

Please rise above ignorance and do what you can to help others.

The following story brings a visual element to the issue, which is hard to find in the mass of misinformed speeches and text flooding our news sites and televisions. Click here, scroll to 1:10:17, and watch a 2-minute story.

This. Should. Not. Happen.

People are dying prematurely in our country, and it doesn't need to happen. Our country was not founded to survive without work. Work is required to fulfill the promises of the Constitution, including the promise of life.

I urge you to keep the debate going. Stay or get informed. Pay attention to facts and don’t be swayed by opinions.

Write your congressperson. Write something on your blog, or facebook page, or twitter page. Make a comment at the dinner table. Do something.

So Long, Sweet Summer

2009-09-07T23:18:00.000-07:00

You've been good to me.

Insightful...

2009-09-06T11:52:00.000-07:00

Just discovered this wonderful blogger, Joanna Goddard. She just got married, is currently on her honeymoon, and is having a different writer each day add their "secrets to a happy marriage." I like this one. And this one.

I also just read this insightful essay on marriage from the New York Times. It's very raw, scary, but incredibly mature.

Go Cougars.

2009-09-05T19:19:00.000-07:00

BYU 14 OU 13

Keep us going, Bronco!

A HopeFUL Romantic

2009-08-29T00:33:00.000-07:00

I used to say I was a hopeless romantic. Loved the idea of being in love. I still do love the idea of being in love. But hopeless is so sad. I was never a hopeless romantic, but a hopeful romantic. Full of hope that someday love would come. And it did! Several people helped me find it. Friends, family, books, songs, moments, and even random couples who will never know I saw the love they shared; all gave me advice, inspiration and knowledge. I tucked all that information away in both my heart and my mind. And when love came, I knew it was strong because my mind and my heart were in sync.

Often, when we think about finding love, we think about finding a person. And that once you meet a person, you know. But love isn't a person, love is so much more. It is a transcendent feeling that comes when two people, sharing their lives, have mirroring images of the world.

Everyone views the world differently. To find someone that sees it the same way you do, makes the journey of life easier.

"A burden shared is half the burden. A joy shared is twice the joy."

Discovering that you're sharing your life with someone that shares your vision of the world is beautiful. Amazing.

I love you.

Things are a LOT more meaningful when...

2009-08-14T02:30:00.001-07:00

...you have to wait for them.

It's difficult to realize the beauty of that thought, until the waiting is over. But it is SO true.

Six Man, Crazy Six Man

2009-08-03T15:59:00.000-07:00

Since my days of ultra-competitive, indoor volleyball have ended, I've been able to take part in one of the most fun and hilarious beach volleyball events: the Manhattan Beach Charlie Saikley 6-Person Beach Volleyball Tournament. Click here to get a sense of the craziness of the event. The first year I played in it (2004), I was mesmerized by all the people and crazy costumes. While I still love seeing the creative team uniforms and watching good volleyball, it has become a place for me to play competitive 6-Man volleyball and see friends that I don't cross regular paths with anymore.

Here are some pictures of this year's event. My team was sponsored by OB's Pub & Grill and we had a jungle "Tiki Tarzan" theme.

For the rest of my life...

2009-08-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

...I get to kiss him!

After 27 months, six cities, three continents, hundreds of emails, countless hours of conversation, and lots of kisses, Bradford asked me to marry him and made me the happiest girl in the world! He proposed on a tree-lined street, next to the tree where we first said, "I love you." He gave me a perfect, beautiful speech and I soaked up every word of it... sweet, genuine, and true. Then he grabbed the ring from the car, got down on a knee, and asked me to marry him. I said YES, he stood up, and I wrapped my arms around his neck. After hugging and kissing for a time, he slipped the ring on and it fit perfectly. Once I had the ring on my finger and Bradford in my arms, I couldn't stop smiling, crying, saying 'I love you,' and giggling, because I couldn't believe it was actually happening!

Once we settled down, we went out to dinner and enjoyed two hours of delicious seafood, where no one else except our waiter knew the big news. It was our beautiful little secret for two hours.

I am so excited for the adventure, passion, and happiness that will now be a part of my life forever.

"And the sea is just a wetter version of the skies..."

2009-07-29T18:13:00.000-07:00

-Regina Spektor

To be able to see the world through different lenses, think crazy thoughts and then package it in such a beautiful way that the public just can't get enough of it. That is the gift of a wonderful artist. Who would have thought that Picasso's cubism would inspire so many people to look at art and the world and people in a different way? And Bob Dylan: without such creative lyrics and soulful melodies, Dylan's words would have influenced a tiny fraction of the world that they did when accompanied by harmonious guitar and harmonica.

Today I had the privilege of watching Regina Spektor perform live. Ever since I fell in love with her song "Fidelity" in 2006, Regina's bold vocals and unique translation of thoughts into lyrics have really struck a chord with me (haha... punny!). Here are a few videos I shot while watching her perform. The first one, "Folding Chair" is my favorite, but unfortunately I only had enough memory card to shoot 20 seconds. Listen to the full song here. You won't regret it.

"Folding Chair"

And here is a live version of "Fidelity."

Catherine in _________?

2009-07-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

When I began this blog about a year ago, I titled it "Catherine in California" because I liked the alliteration, and I thought it was a good follow-up to my first blog, "Catherine in Jerusalem." By including California in the title, however, I have recently felt a bit constrained to keep the majority of my posts focused on either myself (Catherine) or the state I currently live in (California).

But the truth is, much of the time, my thoughts are still in Jerusalem.

The modest 3.5 months I spent there over a year ago ignited something inside of me and I can't/don't want to put it out. I've often wished I had two more years left (on scholarship) in school to study Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies. But I don't. So my learning and fire is fueled by watching/reading news stories. I've recently discovered World Focus which provides very strong coverage of the Arab world. Today's show gives two solid features on both Palestinians and Israelis living in the West Bank. Watch it to get a better understanding of life in Israel.

What makes me really sad is that 99% of the people I interact with on a normal basis don't understand the issues I care so deeply about. It's not their fault. If I can steal something from Amy's blog, "Everyone is doing the very best they can, according to their own level of understanding."

But what if that level of understanding can be changed, equalized to put all members of the Earth on the same level? The people I respect the most are those that are open to hearing new ideas, new thinking and new knowledge, even if that new knowledge strikingly disagrees with their own circle of thought.

While I'm often tempted to simply write about my daily, or weekly, activities, I'll do my best to continue posting my own personal understanding of this world.

More photos from Canovix:

Leaving....

2009-07-15T22:59:00.000-07:00

...for a week at the Lakehouse. This picture is from a Hawaii trip 3 years ago and I'm riding toward the ocean, not a lake, but it represents everything I love about summer: sunshine, water & freedom.

I'm slightly excited to do whatever I want for the next 10 days. And all key ingredients will be there: sun, a large body of water, friends and family. Peace!

Goodnight Moon

2009-07-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

Excuse me for sharing this great photo I snapped last night of the moon resting over Los Angeles. The moon has been amazing lately. Or maybe I've been catching it at just the right time, when it's close to the horizon.

Isn't it funny how the moon has become such a symbol for bedtime and rest? The closer and brighter it is, the more comfort it seems to offer, like a giant nightlight. It's also the perfect starting point for dreams. Gazing at the moon creates questions, wonder and amazement about what else is out there. I love it. Check out today's NASA picture of the day, which is also very peaceful and beautiful. Good night, Moon!

Soul.

2009-07-09T22:24:00.000-07:00

(image - Raphael Saadiq)

Enjoy a little bit of it this weekend.

Hint--wait for the playlist to load.

My Grandpa, the Hero

2009-06-30T22:54:00.000-07:00

After finishing his book, RAJA'OUN, I was going to title this post, "my Grandpa, the author," but he is so much more than an author and much more deserving of the title, "hero." I just found this great article about him. It was written in 1982 and details his work and service when he served as Director of AMIDEAST, an organization that helps Arab students gain education in the United States. This picture shows my Grandpa (on the left) welcoming a visitor to the AMIDEAST Baghdad office in 1960.

In his years of retirement, Orin Parker has taken to writing books. RAJA'OUN: We Will Return is a moving novel about the triumphant return of Palestinians to their homeland. It is, of course, fiction. Described by the author as "wildly optimistic and unrealistic" it is a touching story that connects human emotion with political insight.

Recent years have taught me how lucky and rare I am to have grown up in an American family so sympathetic to the Arab community. By raising their family in the Middle East, my grandparents set an incredible standard for understanding Muslims, a group who was and still is misunderstood by the US population. Orin and Rita were open to adventure, to learning, and to acceptance of other people.

Their open-minded attitude is clearly expressed in this article, titled "A Life Among Muslims," written by my Grandpa and published in the Ensign six months after 9/11. It emphasizes similarities between Muslims and Mormons and if you have time, I recommend reading it.

Thanks, Grandpa, for sharing your understanding of a part of the world so few Americans know.

Sunflowers in June

2009-06-29T16:01:00.001-07:00

are my favorite!

Good thing someone was nice enough to give me some for my birthday. ;)

Last week, I was speaking with my mom on the phone and she asked if I was getting excited for my birthday. I replied, "Well, it doesn't really feel like my birthday." To that, she responded sympathetically, "Aw, it's because you're getting old!"

While true that birthdays aren't quite as monumental as they used to be, they're still a great excuse to sing, laugh and eat cake with friends and family. And lucky for me the singing and cake lasted all weekend! Reflecting on my 24th year of life, all I can sat is it has gone by fast. For the first time, my life is not defined by a semester, or a season. Instead of being segmented by time frames and deadlines, it's turned into something more free-flowing. Aside from my Parker-family-plan cell phone bill and bi-weekly laundry trips home, I am completely independent and living on my own timetable.

No one or no thing is forcing me to do anything. I'm living for myself. And enjoying it.

Aside from LA traffic and stuffy parking, I can't forget the quality of life California offers. Living in warm weather is wonderful. After bearing the brunt of Provo winters for 4 years (and a Jerusalem winter for 1), the California sunshine is a welcome reminder of why I moved home after college. Yesterday while pontificating this very topic I said, "It's like summer never ended!" While I have a strong desire to live a large portion of my life overseas, if I'm in America, I very much enjoy California. If only my two siblings moved here, it would be perfect.

I'm grateful to be living a life that doesn't require things to be happy. I'm content with a good book. I have a long way to go in my knowledge of the world, but I do have enough insight to know that I have so much more than most people. I would look like a fool to ever feel ungrateful.

While the last year of my life does not offer any foreign adventures, it offers a solid foundation of self. Travels will come in the future.

Gary, Indiana

2009-06-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

Here is a story written by my creative director, Jimmy Smith about Michael Jackson and Gary, Indiana. Enjoy.

"In 1965, in accordance with the Civil Rights movement, Mom and Pop decided

to move from an all Black neighborhood in Muskegon Heights, Michigan, to

an all White neighborhood in Norton Shores, Michigan. Only about 5 miles

separated the neighborhoods, but they might as well been a thousand miles

apart.

The KKK sent letters to all of our soon to be new neighbors urging them

not to allow us to move into the neighborhood. They threatened the

builder of our house, so he wouldn’t complete the project. We had to hire

a dude all the way in Ohio to build our home. People threw bottles at our

cars and shot bb’s through our windows. From kindergarten through 4th

grade, I was called nigger so much it wouldn’t have surprised me if some

kids thought it was my first or last name.

In the summer of 1970, my two cousins, Kee-Kee and Angie, came to visit.

They were from Gary, Indiana. Kee-Kee was six years older than me and

Angie.

Kee-Kee was talking about how this kid he went to school with, Jermaine,

had just left school and moved to California with his brothers. They had

this singing group called the Jackson 5. He had their two albums, “Diana

Ross presents the Jackson 5” and “ABC.” I had just gotten a new record

player. When Kee-Kee let the needle drop it was a moment I’ll never

forget, man. I can’t describe the feeling. My mind was blown! Michael,

Marlon, Jermaine, Tito and Jackie were the new sound of Motown! I mean,

damn, “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “Stop The Love Save,” and “One More

Chance,” are you kidding me? Bananas!!!

Ever so slightly, things even started getting better at school. Suddenly,

that Black kid at school with the afro like the Jackson 5 wasn’t so

strange. Gradually, I could at least go a week without being called

nigger. Not bad...considering.

It was 1971. Thanksgiving was a few months away. Angie called. Kee-Kee

told her that the Jackson 5 were coming back to Indiana for Thanksgiving

for the first time since they left. They were gonna perform at Kee-Kee’s

new high school, Gary Westside.

Brothas and sistas, I was going to that joint even if I had to ride my

Schwin Stingray with the banana seat all the way to Gary. Didn’t matter

if it was 150 miles or so away.

Fortunately, Mom and Pop were down for the cause. They drove me to Gary.

Right on!

The morning of the concert, my Aunts and Uncles took us kids to where the

J-5 were to receive the keys to the city. They arrived by helicopter in

this huge shopping center parking lot. It seemed like everybody in the

city of Gary was there. The girls were screaming so loud you couldn’t

hear yourself think. And it was like what Ice T said about Michael in

concert in his book that came out in the 90s; even hardcore gangsters were

yelling when the J-5 jumped off the helicopter! Of course, I didn’t

scream. I was too cool...

...OK, I’m lying!!!

Finally, it was show time. Dudes and dudettes...from head to toe my

threads were groovy, man! From my psychedelic shirt with the butterfly

collar to my multi-colored and striped bell bottomed pants. And don’t get

me started talking about my platform shoes. I was straight pimping,

playa!

And the concert? Please. Ain’t seen nothing like it, EVER. When Jackie

said something like, “Mike, where you going?” And Mike said, “Jackie,

what’chu mean, ‘Where you going?’” Then Jermaine jumped in, “Com’on,

Mike, answer Jackie’s question, “Tell the people where you going, man!”

Mike played dumb, “Ooooooooh, you mean ‘Where am I going?” Marlon

couldn’t take it, “Michael, quit playing, man! Tell the people where

you’re going, man!” “Oh OK,” Mike sighed. Finally, he grabbed the mic,

“I’M GOING BACK TO INDIANA. INDIANA HERE I COME. YEAH, YEAH! I’M GOING

BACK TO INDIANA, ‘CAUSE THAT’S WHERE MY BABY’S FROM...”

The crowd lost it.

And when they got to Tito’s guitar solo...and that cat leaned back and his

rainbow colored cape opened up...

Well, you know...what more can I say?

Godspeed - Jimmy"

Here is a picture of Michael Jackson's childhood home in Gary, Indiana:

For a full photo gallery, click here.

Why I Chose Advertising

2009-06-25T22:38:00.000-07:00

As I grow deeper into my career and think about starting others, I think about the reason I chose to study Advertising. I think about people who have had wonderful influence in the world, and most seem to have business degrees, law degrees, or medical degrees. This makes me think about my BA a little questioningly.

Advertising -- the science of convincing a large group of people to do something. It comes from the Latin word advertere which means to "turn toward."

There are two truths that have become apparent to me in the last couple years:

1. The number of people on this earth is very large -- I'm tempted to say the number of people on this earth is beyond my comprehension. Really. To think of the entire population huddled in a large crowd is a vision I have a hard time picturing. I'm not sure how much space that would take up. The world is very large and in comparison, I am a very small player. Communities are created to give people a sense of influence because to have influence on the entire world is really, really rare. There are several people that influence specific groups for the better but to really "save the world" is very difficult to do.

But it doesn't mean we shouldn't try. To understand people and how to speak to them heightens a person's influence.

2. The rate of change in the world is growing exponentially -- This mostly refers to technology, but also includes theology, biology, social customs. I believe the rise of new technology causes the three previous items to evolve and change. Things are changing quickly. New things are being developed and studied and discovered all the time. Perhaps this has something to do with the high number of people on the earth. The point is change is happening.

So, advertising. Turning people toward something. While I may not work in the currently money-driven industry forever I am happy to have it as my base. Why? Because in a world with massive amounts of people and massive amounts of change, the study of advertising trains me to see things in a different way and communicate that vision.

Someday I hope to master that skill.

The Wild Things

2009-06-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

Childhood imagination is something I both envy and adore. Life's questions get much more difficult as we grow older, but that doesn't mean we should stop asking them. My nephew Parker loves to ask the "why" question. He says it like this: "But, whyyy?" pronouncing the 'why' using two syllables and with a very sincere look on his face. (It's really cute.) I believe most people are born with a very large imagination that is limited by growing up and, perhaps, some other things which I've written about previously (see here).

Another thing that dwindles with age is the acceptance of being a little wild. When I was a Senior in high school, I was involved in a mother/daughter charity group with about 30 other girls. For some reason, this organization believed that the proper way to recognize a high school Senior for six years of service was by walking her down a runway in an all-white ball gown in front of hundreds of onlookers at the Beverly Wilshire. Quite an affair, indeed. In preparation for this big event, our class was asked to choose a theme song to represent our class. We had already chosen the theme, "Imagine" and to go along with it, we collectively and anonymously voted on the song "Born To Be Wild" by Steppenwolf.

It got vetoed (by our mothers I think), and I can't even remember the song we ended up using. I guess the point here is that it's OK to be wild and it's OK to imagine and ask questions. And I'm not exactly sure why this privilege lessens with age. Childlike curiosity is a great thing.

"Where The Wild Things Are" the movie isn't in theaters until October 16, but already I'm excited for it. The trailer inspires me to look back into my childhood brain and remember what it was like to dream up adventures. Everyday. Backyard adventures, front yard adventures, closet adventures. It seems that kids can dream up the most exciting adventures no matter how simple their surroundings or dismal their circumstances. Some say life gets more difficult as we grow older, but why? Because we want more?

Maybe I just have a thing for movies that combine anthemic music with artistic images, but I recommend taking two minutes to watch this trailer. And be a little wild.

As Iran Awakes...

2009-06-18T20:40:00.000-07:00

The rapidly evolving world of social media is helping young Iranians organize and report purposeful protests in Iran. Even my initial despise of Twitter as a tool for bored people to celebritize themselves is being reversed to respect as I find out how it is providing a voice to supporters of democracy. Because of Twitter's simple engineering, it is easier to integrate and harder to control than any other social networking tool. This means that when the Iranian government (who was ranked 166th out of 169 countries on the 2007 World Press Freedom Index) wants to shut down sites like facebook, myspace and even personal blogs, zealous and defiant citizens have another place to voice their opinion. In a country that has more bloggers per capita than anywhere else, the Iranian government's control of media has ironically spawned a generation quite adept at circumventing cyber roadblocks.

This video explains the Twitter/Tehran connection further and this article from Christian Science Monitor also explains technology's role in revolutions while also warning against over-hyping technology. Without the proper strategy it can hurt, not help, a cause.
According to NPR, the largest community of Iranians outside of Iran is in Los Angeles. Tonight I drove past a group of protesters on Wilshire holding signs communicating the Iranian message. I wondered how many cars understood what was being protested. I leave you with a tweet from paralax999:

"As Iran awakes I wonder how it is we remain asleep."

Here's to the crazy ones...

2009-06-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

...the misfits,

the rebels,

the troublemakers,

the round pegs in the square holes,

the ones who see things differently.

They're not fond of rules,

and they have no respect for the status quo.

You can quote them,

disagree with them,

glorify,

or villify them.

About the only thing you can't do,

is ignore them,

because they changed things,

they pushed the human race forward.

And while some may see them

as the crazy ones,

we see genius.

Because the people who are crazy enough

to think they can change the world,

are the ones who do.

Written by: Craig Tanimoto, Chiat\Day copywriter

To watch the full video (which I HIGHLY recommend), click here.

Ward Champions!

2009-06-15T22:18:00.000-07:00

This may not be as big an accomplishment as the Lakers, but my flag football team won our game a few weeks ago!! There's no league or anything. Just one game. But we won it. So that makes us the champions. Go Bandits.

World Champions!

2009-06-15T00:14:00.001-07:00

Basketball is a team sport and the Lakers are the best team in the NBA!!!!! I'm over all this debate about who is the best player in the NBA, who is the greatest NBA player of all time, who deserves to be this year's MVP. All of those accolades and chatter are nothing compared to the TEAM championship. This is the ultimate dream of any player. And everyone on the winning team gets a ring. Congratulations to every player on the Lakers! Here's to the best TEAM in the NBA.

Gaza, not Giza, Obama

2009-06-11T16:08:00.000-07:00

I know Obama's visit to the Middle East is old news now, but one thing has been bugging me. He visited Giza on his way out of the Arab world, not Gaza!

Before he left, I signed a petition encouraging him to visit Gaza, the location of a recent war. A war started by America's closest ally in the Middle East, a country that America gives up to $3 billion annually. I think he misunderstood the petition because he accidentally went to Giza instead. Instead of seeing the site of a recent war that destroyed public buildings and killed 1300 people less than 6 months ago, he saw structures that have been standing in the same place for over 4500 years. They haven't changed at all. For a president who stands on a platform of "Change We Can Believe In", I'm surprised he chose quite a stagnant landmark to cap his trip to the Arab world.

City Lights vs. Beachy Nights

2009-06-09T09:55:00.000-07:00

I've got a new place. Despite the bare feet and "Beach" decal you see in this picture, I've recently moved closer to the heart of LA. While I became quite attached to the "Circus Peanut"-colored walls and dirty carpets of my last apartment on McLaughlin Ave., I have changed addresses to something a bit cleaner and also a bit more metropolitan. I live in a high-rise building on Wilshire Blvd., which is a large contradiction from my dream lifestyle of living in a simple house on the beach. But nonetheless, my new apartment is nice, it has a pool and I LOVE the view! I did my best to patch together a panoramic photo of what I see from my bedroom window. Unfortunately It turns out really small on the blog, but it gives you an idea.

If you look really closely in the picture above, you can see the Los Angeles Temple on the right side. It is a glowing white spire in between two large buildings.

Here's what my side of the room looks like. I'm still waiting to nail some holes in the wall to hang the pictures and mirror, but I kinda like the way my things look combined behind the lamp. Like a mini collage of some of my favorite art, collected from my travels.

Feelin' Groovy

2009-06-03T01:01:00.001-07:00

It seems like all my favorite music lately comes from male voices so I've got to share my latest girl group obsession, "Those Dancing Days." This adorable group of Swedish girls played a concert at my office a couple weeks ago and 30 seconds into "Home Sweet Home" they had me hooked. The bouncy blonde keyboardist makes me want to give up my day job and hit the road to play music for other people. The giggly girls that ran up on stage looked a bit too young to be so talented and independent but their skill, passion and energy quickly proved me wrong. Love their style, love their tunes and love that I get to spend an hour of my workweek listening to live music.

True Love is...

2009-05-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

Nieces and Nephews that laugh at life's simplicities. The emotional spectrum a child goes through in a single day is huge. One moment they'll be crying over a cup of ketchup and the next they'll be laughing hysterically at a horse. Life is so exciting because everything is new. I've often thought of my love of travel as simply an innate, childish desire to be excited by things I've never done or seen before.

Last weekend I was able to discover my true love for these two angels, Parker and Natalie. This may sound bizarre but on Sunday afternoon, I was sitting with Natalie in the kitchen after everyone else had gone downstairs. She was basically just hanging out and babbling to me while I did dishes. A couple times she got fussy and wanted to get out of her seat but I told her I was almost done with the dishes and then I would take her out and play with her. I don't think she understood the words I said, but she must have understood the love I expressed because after I communicated these things to her, she calmed down and was happy again. While we were having these conversations, I had a horrible thought about the possibility of a natural disaster occurring right then and there. The thought came to my mind, what if I was the only one left to care for Natalie? While that would be awful and tragic, she would need me for her survival. And I realized that while it would change my life completely, I would gladly take on that responsibility. Obviously this is a horrible thought and I would never wish for it, but it made me realize the true love I have for my niece and nephew.

And now, BACK TO REALITY. Since I'm actually nowhere near ready for the responsibility of having a kid yet, I'm glad MaryClaire let me practice with hers.

Song: Stand by Me. Artist: The World.

2009-05-27T12:06:00.000-07:00

Live music has always tugged my heartstrings. The spontaneity that results from a live performance is energizing and inspiring, and hearing a live interpretation of a recorded song that's been played in headphones or speakers over and over, sometimes for years, allows a person to feel something he never did the first 100 times he listened to it.

More so, music is universal. A person can die, but his music can last forever. Not just through recordings of a song, but through the millions of people that hum, whistle or belt its lyrics in their homes, shops and markets. All over the world.

This cover of Ben E. King's "Stand By Me" began as a recording of a street artist in Santa Monica, CA and ended as a beautiful collision of notes, beats and tones from unknown street musicians all over the world. An article from Gizmodo describes, "it just gets rock 'n' rolling bananas...the producers took the resulting mix all through Europe, Africa, and South America, adding new tracks with multiple instruments and vocals that were assembled in the final version you are seeing in this video. All done with a simple laptop and some microphones.”

Enjoy.

Playing For Change | Song Around The World "Stand By Me" from Concord Music Group on Vimeo.

MVP: Most Valuable Puppet

2009-05-22T23:20:00.001-07:00

Click here to watch the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6znkbMJJTyQ

There is a debate roaring right now in the world of basketball over who is the better player: Kobe Bryant or LeBron James. The season is still brewing and the championship team, which is the true measuring stick of greatness, is yet to be decided. Any competitive athlete will agree that the ultimate goal of sports is to win championships. It's not to beef up stats, garner accolades, earn endorsements or make money. It's to win championships, the ultimate crown, and leading a championship team requires the ultimate in both physical skill and team leadership. Of course LeBron is younger than Kobe, so I'm not counting him out in the slightest, but right now, Kobe has the rings!!!

The Big One

2009-05-19T16:54:00.000-07:00

There have been two earthquakes over 4.0 in the last three days. It reminds me of the perennial "Big One" that the city of LA is waiting for. The Big One scientists have been warning about since my elementary school days. The Big One that was sure to happen before the year 2000. These mini earthquakes are a reminder that the big one could happen any day. Or in 20 years. Or right now.

Thanks, Mother Nature, for keeping us on our toes. And thanks Carol King, for providing the soundtrack.

Board Culture

2009-05-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

McG, the director of the new movie "Terminator Salvation" spoke at my office a week ago. While he was here, he commented on the "board culture" in our office. Board as in surfboard. For those of you who haven't seen the LA Chiat\Day office, there is definitely a board culture immediately felt upon entrance. The CCO Lee Clow's daily uniform is a T-shirt, shorts and flip flops and there is a boardroom table in the middle of the building literally made of surfboards.

Having grown up in Orange County, McG, a high school misfit turned ultra successful film director, recognized the board culture here and commented on the benefits of a wave-inspired philosophy to a productive work environment. He mentioned the importance of "turning the tables on a static industry" and referred to a visit he took a year ago to three major car factories in Detroit as the antithesis of this thought. One year later... um yeah.

If anything represents turning the tables on something static, waves do. Whether looking for change personally, professionally, spiritually, economically, or politically waves offer the greatest inspiration. Constant, beautiful change.

Sun Chips and Earth Day

2009-05-14T21:38:00.001-07:00

My industry gets a bad wrap. A lot. Some people feel that only fools fall for the gimmicks of advertising, and I agree. If advertising needs gimmicks, it's not worth my attention. Billions of irrelevant messages cross a person's path everyday. The trick in navigating the over-saturated world of messages is to distinguish the useful from the empty. It's like a sorting game.

Learning how to seize the attention of a large audience is the quickest way to affect change. The Obama brand did it in 4 years. Advertising's "bad wrap" is what happens when human's sorting game gets weak, when they let the empty or destructive messages enter their mind.

If you're a proponent of going green and like to eat Sun Chips, don't sort this one out.

Just A Dream...

2009-05-13T16:18:00.000-07:00

This morning I dreamed I was in Hawaii...

I was vacationing there with my family and friends. We were surfing and relaxing and it was beautiful.

And then I woke up.

And eventually realized I wasn't in paradise.

So I got ready and went to work.

Happy Mothers' Day!

2009-05-10T11:03:00.001-07:00

I love you!

Thank you, Sir Ken.

2009-05-05T17:17:00.000-07:00

I've learned that confidence equals happiness. And confidence does not mean ego, or being the best at what you do. It means finding a sphere of influence where your traits and qualities uniquely contribute to the greater good of a cause. And being satisfied with your place in that sphere. Confidence means being YOUR best and being fully satisfied with whatever that is.

Below is a fabulous 20 minute nugget of knowledge. Sir Ken Robinson makes a statement about creativity and challenges why our world doesn't encourage more of it.

"Far more good would come from a society of impassioned citizens, confident in themselves and their abilities, than the current status quo: a modern day workforce of dissatisfied and aimless citizenry who often don't know what is missing from their lives but keenly aware that something definitely is."

Enjoy.

Griffith Observatory

2009-04-23T23:52:00.001-07:00

They are my friends, so they are my friends in basketball.

2009-04-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

The more I am exposed to the workings of a large corporation, the more I realize how much power lies in the hands of so few people. Someday, I hope, that one or a few people in power will get it. That everyone is the same, they just have different experiences.

Such are the experiences of the two main groups of people living in the Holy Land. Different. Israelis and Palestinians are neighbors, but they have very shaded and gray views of each other, making a resolution to the violence they live in seem a long way off. The 1300 Palestinians killed in the January Gaza offensive is appalling, horrendous, discouraging and offers little hope to the problem. But this growing project does.

Enjoy:

http://peaceplayers.mostlydocumentary.com/Teaser1.php

Self Expression

2009-04-17T16:34:00.001-07:00

Made by me on polyvore.com.

Summer.

2009-04-16T16:37:00.000-07:00

Click here and listen to the song "Chinup." Then think about summer. Summer when you were in maybe 5th or 6th grade. The age when you're independent enough to ride your bike to your friend's house but young enough to not be bothered by the opposite sex. Summer was all about hanging out with just the girls. Or just the boys. Having sleepovers that lasted an entire week. Or an entire month, moving from house to house like transients. But LOVING every second of it. Being outside as much as humanly possible, dreaming big, laughing at EVERYTHING. Finding adventure in the backyard or even more adventure in the neighbor's backyard. Spending all day at the beach and then falling asleep with sand in your ears. Popsicles, running through sprinklers and selling lemonade. Coming inside only to eat lunch. Getting sunburned, and then tan. Swimming for hours. Laughing for hours. Bug hunting. Sleeping outside on the trampoline. Soaking up the sun.

Here's to summer. And not the working summer where you get a couple extra Fridays off. Here's to summer where you did nothing because you have to and everything because you want to.

Easter Cantata

2009-04-13T10:22:00.001-07:00

On Saturday evening, I watched my cousin Danny perform in an Easter cantata. Below is a video of him singing in the choir. Great job Danny.

And speaking of cousins. The other day I heard of a person who did not even recognize his cousin's name when he heard it and that took me by surprise. I'd like to thank my parents and their siblings for making sure their children all have close relationships. For me, cousins are like brothers and sisters.

Danny and I were buddies when we were kids, as seen in this photo:

And we're still buddies now. We had a chance to chat a little after the performance and as we were about to leave, we hugged and said goodbye. As we were hugging he said, "Love you." And he meant it. "Love you too," I said back.

Danny, I hope this doesn't embarrass you. But thank you for being a great cousin.

Also, this is me and my roommate KaRyn. Our outfits don't look very "spring"-y, but our shoes do.

Abalone Cove

2009-04-02T16:30:00.001-07:00

Views from the weekend...

We had to do a little hiking through the waves so I left my camera, but thanks to online photo galleries, I can have a record of my sunny and marine-life-filled Saturday.

TAP Radio

2009-03-23T13:10:00.000-07:00

I've always loved finding new music and this week I've found the best place for it. TAP radio. It's awesome.

At work I keep a water bottle on my desk and fill it with TAP water every morning. Drinking it throughout the day keeps me healthy and alive. 1.1 billion people in the world don't have the luxury of clean tap water. They get their water from somewhere like the picture above.

TAP Radio is free and it's a great radio station. If you feel so inclined you can donate to help people around the world get clean drinking water or if not, you can just listen to great music.

Oh, and by the way my agency put this whole radio station and an outdoor campaign together basically for free...a testament to the good people of Los Angeles.

Watchless

2009-03-19T22:23:00.000-07:00

One thing I've thoroughly enjoyed since graduating has been being able to spend time uninterrupted with my family. In college whenever parents visited (on game weekends), I was always checking my watch while we were together because I had to either get ready for my game or go to bed so I could rest for the next day's game.

How nice it is to enjoy family time without a watch...

This is my post 9AM volleyball tournament face

Dave with his new hat

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T17:45:00.001-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Over the weekend...

2009-03-11T23:37:00.001-07:00

We played a little hooky and spent the day at Knott's Berry Farm. The count now is 4-1, and I'm losing.

Laker Love

2009-03-06T00:41:00.001-08:00

I'm pretty sure I was under 12 years old the last time I attended a Laker game. I remember being at the Forum in Inglewood. Shaq had just been traded to LA and I touched his arm as he walked to the locker room. I thought that was the coolest thing in the world. Two weeks ago Friday, I was lucky enough to attend a Laker game at the Staples Center with tickets I got through work. And it was a great one to be at. Clutch Derek Fisher hit a 3-point shot to send the game into overtime and then Chris Paul fouled out of the game, pretty much sealing it up for the Lakers.

I love LA!

Some sporting events are better to watch on TV. If you really care about following every play and tracking every stat, it is easier to do that on TV with instant replay and pretty stat charts popping up all the time. But if you want to experience the energy of the arena, being there live is the way to go. Here's a video that shows the energy of the Staples Center when CP3 fouled out and the Lakers were a minute and a half away from victory.

Raphael Saadiq

2009-02-27T00:54:00.001-08:00

My work is kinda cool. Like every once in a while a band I've never heard of drops by to play a mini-concert and livens up my week.

This band rocked the house! Serious moves, serious pipes and serious soul from all 9 band members. The second the first note played, the infectious sound leaked into everyone's skin. With backup singers and even a trumpet player, this band proved that new techy-digital beats are no match for old-fashioned musical instruments to make a person feel good.

None of the online recordings fully exhibit the same tone and energy as their live music, so if you have a chance to catch their tour, do it. It kicks off tomorrow in San Diego.

San Francisco Valentino

2009-02-21T13:28:00.000-08:00

Feb. 14-16, 2009: Early morning plane ride...breakfast nook in Marin...Golden Gate Bridge drive...Muir Beach..."I Love You Because" Art Gallery...Kebab lunch in the city...office tour...Slumdog Millionaire...World's Largest Pillow Fight...Ghirardelli Hot Fudge Sundae...Zachary's Pizza...Mt. Diablo...rainy Sunday drive...In-n-out...visiting Sam & Brittany in Campbell...learning to drive a manual transmission...saying goodbye :(

Sweet, spunky Jean.

2009-02-19T21:03:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, I found out that my Great Aunt Jean passed away.

I never knew my grandmother Claire (my mom's mom). She passed away in 1979 when my mom was 21 years old. Jean, her sister, lived in Palos Verdes and I'm now realizing how much of a support Jean was to my family and especially my mother while we lived there. Jean always impressed me with her constant smile and optimistic attitude. She never stopped learning or playing sports. And she always gave my mom a bag of chocolate covered mint patties for her birthday. The last time I saw her was on a June lunch date last summer with her and my mom...I'm so grateful for that.

She died suddenly last Friday as she was getting out of the car to go to a party. Her sweet husband was in the driver's seat when she said, "Gordon, I don't feel well." "Sit back down and rest a little," he said. And then she was gone.

Her funeral was one of the happier ones I've been to, which was just her style. One of my favorite stories told was about how at 59 years old, she beat her 23-year-old soon-to-be son-in-law in a game of tennis. After the funeral, I was speaking with another man who coyly admitted she had beaten him in tennis as well.

In the picture above, you can see the genuineness in her smile. That was her trademark, a trademark she kept even while beating boys on the tennis court. She was the perfect combination of sweetness and spunk.

Love you, Aunt Jean.

Cousin LOVE

2009-02-13T00:34:00.000-08:00

Parker Cousins - Oceanside, CA - Jan 2009

Credits: MaryClaire Brown

"Ox People"

2009-01-29T17:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year. This week marks the beginning of the year of the Ox and many say it is a fitting animal to describe the current times. Ox-like qualities like strength, endurance and patience are all qualities that can help the world out right now.

I found this excerpt describing "Ox people":

"They're quite dependable and possess an innate ability to achieve great things. As one might guess, such people are dependable, calm and modest. Like their animal namesake, the Ox is unswervingly patient, tireless in their work, and capable of enduring any amount of hardship without complaint. Ox people, according to tradition, need peace and quiet to work through their ideas, and when they have set their mind on something it is hard for them to be convinced otherwise. An Ox person has a very logical mind and is extremely systematic in whatever they do, though they have a tremendous imagination and an unparalleled appreciation for beauty. These people speak little but are extremely intelligent. When necessary, they are articulate and eloquent."

I'm out.

2009-01-19T19:55:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday I packed up my things in Redondo Beach and drove thirty minutes to my new apartment in Los Angeles. It's right off of Venice Blvd. A great location, great roommates and a nice little oasis courtyard every time I walk to my front door. Even though I'm a workaholic these days, visitors are welcome.

L'hommage à la langue Française

2009-01-07T00:28:00.000-08:00

{8 Juin 2006}

Il faut beaucoup de naïveté pour faire de grandes choses. La plus perdue de toutes les journées est celle où l'on n'a pas ri. Qui s'affecte d'une insulte, s'infecte. Ce n'est pas assez d'avoir l'esprit bon, mais le principal est de l'appliquer bien. Que ne ferait-on pas dans l'espoir d'une idée! Les rêves sont seuls les réalités de la vie. L'art du politique est de faire en sorte qu'il soit de l'intérêt de chacun d'être vertueux. La vie passe à user une passion et à en reprendre un autre. Je parle peu, main je dis bien--C'est le caractère du sage.

Latest Read.

2009-01-03T18:33:00.000-08:00

I recently finished the book, Three Cups of Tea, an inspiring true story about a humanitarian who built over 50 schools for children in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The most striking part of Greg's story to me was how poor and simple he was before he began his life's work. I borrowed the book from my grandmother who had just finished reading it herself.

Greg overcame many obstacles, the most difficult being obtaining funds in America for his projects abroad. But his endurance and incredible wife's support helped him to provide a secular education for children in an area where education is normally mixed with religious zeal. This has been the cause for several international conflicts and Greg's mission works to overcome this flaw.

As I was nearing completion of this book, I came across a quote that had been underlined by my grandmother. Some words were underlined twice and I wish to share it here. The quote is a Muslim response to the US reaction after 9/11. The names and countries are specific to a certain time, but the main principle should be applied today and always.

"You have to attack the source of your enemy's strength. In America's case, that's not Osama or Saddam or anyone else. The enemy is ignorance. The only way to defeat it is to build relationships with these people, to draw them into the modern world with education and business. Otherwise the fight will go on forever."

Perspective.

2008-12-30T11:40:00.000-08:00

I gotta give props to my friend Scott for organizing the Gaza-Israel tragedy into a cohesive argument. Here is the link to his words. Sorry, you gotta be a facebook member to read them.

Christmas in Winter Wonderland

2008-12-29T11:16:00.000-08:00

For the first time in my life, I was not in California for Christmas. Instead of sunshine and ocean, I had snow and ice and FAMILY. I got to hang out with my sister and her cute, cute kids and we had a great time hanging out at home, running last-minute Christmas errands, and my favorite, sledding which for some reason really made me want to spend a week in Park City snowboarding. Maybe next time. For now, let me introduce Parker and Natalie.

Natalie and Nana

We found a black bear in MaryClaire's front yard. Oh wait, it's Dave and Jill's new puppy, Sawyer.

Mom with her grandpuppies

Super Mom

"Thugs??"

2008-12-27T22:21:00.000-08:00

As of right now, 280 Palestinian lives have been taken over the weekend by Israel using more than 100 tons of bombs. In retaliation, Gaza mustered some rockets into Israel, killing one. Below is a quote from an AP article on the story summing up the world's reaction and call to end these events:

"Britain, the EU, the Vatican, the U.N. secretary-general and special Mideast envoy Tony Blair all called for an immediate restoration of calm. The Arab League scheduled an emergency meeting Wednesday to discuss the situation.

But the U.S., Israel's closest ally, blamed Hamas. "These people are nothing but thugs, so Israel is going to defend its people against terrorists like Hamas that indiscriminately kill their own people," White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said."

It shocks me that the White House is ignorant enough to regard Hamas as "nothing but thugs." Hamas' position on the State of Israel is far from ideal, but the democratically-elected Hamas has established social programs such as hospitals, education systems and libraries for its citizens, granting Palestinians a semblance of normal life under very difficult living conditions. I am shocked by Johndroe's ignorance and insensitivity. Thugs?? Are we in high school?

For the full article click here.

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

2008-12-22T09:43:00.000-08:00

Today I woke up to some rain, but tomorrow I'm waking up to this: I'm off to Utah for the most wonderful time of the year and I'm definitely bringing my snow pants and jacket so I can play with these little guys!Merry Christmas to all!

I believe in Santa Claus.

2008-12-14T19:12:00.001-08:00

One year ago...

2008-12-07T19:33:00.000-08:00

One year ago this weekend, I experienced the best moment in my sports career. After a very emotional season (as they all are), the BYU Cougars upset the University of Washington Huskies at their house to advance to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA volleyball tournament. UW was ranked #6 and had won the National Championship two years prior. BYU was ranked #20-something and had not advanced past the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament in 8 years. We were not expected to win. Like all the years before, we were expected to lose in the first weekend. But we weren't ready to be done. Four of us in particular were not ready to be done with our BYU careers. We had sacrificed too many tears, too many injuries, too much time to let our season end so quickly.

So we battled. And came out on top. I'll be forever grateful to everyone who helped me leave BYU on top.

The best place to play volleyball:

What I'm Thankful For

2008-12-01T23:59:00.001-08:00

This guy...

This weekend Brad took me to San Francisco. As the Best Man in his old roommate's wedding, he took me along as his date. :) We had such a great time eating clam chowder, walking through Pier 39, hanging out with friends, playing with my little cousins, watching the waves at Half Moon Bay, reading books at Costco and helping each other stay awake during the night-time drives there and back. I have always had so much to be grateful for and this year I have a little something extra that hasn't always been there before.

JabbaSpikeEez...

2008-11-25T23:56:00.000-08:00

The World's Greatest...

2008-11-22T19:24:00.000-08:00

...I figured that if I said it enough, I would convince the world that I really was the greatest." -Muhammad Ali

And he did. Today I had the extreme privilege and honor of standing in the same room as Muhammad Ali. Asked to help out on a shoot, I was humbled and blessed to be in the presence of "the world's greatest."

The body and strength of the man I saw today was much different than the body and strength of the man pictured above. The man I saw today was frail, shaky and could hardly speak. He could offer little more than his face and a couple fist jabs for the camera. But that was enough. The mere image of Muhammad Ali is enough to inspire millions.

As Ali sat down in front of bright lights and a camera, the hush that fell over the set was almost tangible. The shaky, helpless image was sad to see and I couldn't help but thinking how despite his present frailties, his strength still shined through. Amazing how a man so weak in the present can inspire because of his past.

Muhammad Ali was a champion multiple times. A three-time world heavyweight championship and Olympic gold medalist, Ali was named Sportsman of the 20th century by both Sports Illustrated and BBC. He is revered and respected around the world and known as the world's greatest athlete. But a lot of athletes have won multiple championships. A lot of athletes have won multiple gold medals. So why does Ali hold the title of the World's Greatest? What made him stand out?

Muhammad Ali spoke what he believed.

Many people believe in things but are too afraid to speak it, too afraid of negative reactions that might come. With courage and confidence Ali claimed he was the greatest before he was even a champion. His loose tongue and defiant attitude upset many, including the US government. But the words that so freely rolled off his tongue are what gave him a voice that lasts today, a voice that teaches and inspires, a voice that permeates generations, even when his throat can hardly make sound.

Today I saw a man without the physical strength of a champion but with the spirit, will, determination and most importantly confidence of a legend.

"I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'"

Holiday Read...

2008-11-20T23:48:00.000-08:00

Many of you know a bit about my father's upbringing. He was born in Germany, then lived in Greece, Turkey and Iraq. For me, stories of Middle Eastern culture and the warm hospitality of its citizens have always been a usual dinner topic. My father would talk with the fondest memories of his youth in Baghdad: makeshift archaelogical digs with local kids, roaming through thinly discovered ruins with siblings, traipsing through markets and bazaars to find his favorite daggers and armor, and swimming at pool clubs during hot, hot summers. It wasn't until I recently traveled to Jerusalem with 80 other Americans that I realized the way I perceive and understand Arab culture (sadly) is not shared by all Americans.

My aunt has taken one step in clearing this misperception.

If any of you are curious about what I am talking about here, I invite you to read "The Reckoning" by Tanya Parker Mills. While entirely fiction, this novel is loosely based on her (and my father's) upbringing in Iraq. Her understanding of the Arab world permeates in this stimulating, genuine and at times disturbing page-turner. If you liked The Kite Runner, you'll like this.

Click here to read more reviews on Amazon.

Things I love:

2008-11-15T23:32:00.000-08:00

1. My family's Thanksgiving tradition of singing the Sound of Music with napkins on our heads:

2. My grandmother's new discovery of facebook.

Orin (my grandfather): Well, I think facebook's kinda funny.
Rita (my grandmother): Well, it's kinda nice. It's kinda like one-liners and you stay in touch with people.

My grandmother, Rita, is 82 years young. Because of both her and my mother I have never feared getting old. A few weeks ago she added me as a friend on Facebook. I laughed when I saw her name in my inbox, but really I wasn't surprised. Tonight I helped her add a picture and watched her as she wrote on my boyfriend's wall, complete with "Haha" and even signed "Love Rita". She navigated through the website with such ease and confidence that it put some much younger family members' computer skills to shame (hm, hm, Dianne Parker).

If any of you know Rita personally and have ever had the pleasure of meeting her, I'm sure she'd be thrilled if you added her as a friend.

From LA to NY

2008-11-10T21:05:00.000-08:00

Last month, I hopped on a plane after about an hour of sleep and a lot more hours of work to deliver materials for a presentation in New York. It was a really big presentation. So big they sent three of us to make sure everything was delivered and set up just right. Who is NOT complaining about a free trip to New York? ME!

Dinner and Brooklyn Heights Park with my talented and beautiful cousin, Kaitlin

And the much needed, appreciated and savored catching up with Kate McNeil. After OVER A YEAR of not seeing each other, Kaj and Faj were reunited.

The Last 6 Months...

2008-11-03T22:57:00.000-08:00

What started as a personal desire to organize my favorite websites into one place for a more efficient web surfing experience has now become my journal, the kind that anyone in the world can read.

So first a 6-month update in 7 sentences: After a life-changing 4 months in the Middle East, I returned to Redondo Beach, CA and set up shop with Jeff and Dianne (my parents). Just in time for the warm summer months I spent much of May and June riding beach cruisers, playing volleyball at sunset and, oh yeah, scouring the internet for a job in my major, Advertising. While Jerusalem made me wish I had studied Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies in college, I was fully equipped for a job in advertising so I decided to go for it. I wanted the best, a big agency with a strong reputation, and I got it: TBWA\Chiat\Day in Playa Del Rey, CA.

Owners of the Apple account (yes, they produced the famed 1984 commercial) and other big names like Nissan, Infiniti, Visa and Energizer, I was excited just to get an interview and then I found out I would be interviewing for the newly acquired Gatorade account--I was thrilled. The last 3.5 months at Chiat have been filled with lots of learning, patience, free dinners, late nights (my record is 2:30AM), talented people and even a trip to New York. I am definitely never threatened by boredom and just can't wait until January when our 09 campaign will finally begin.

Hurricanes from Space

2008-09-17T18:24:00.000-07:00

Hurricane.

The Power of Words

2008-09-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

Vision - see what some people can't.