A wise person once told me, surround yourself with those you aspire to become. On March 23, 2009, I did just that by attending the first annual Ted*USC event. With over 1200 students, faculty, and community members, Ted kept us all willingly trapped all in an auditorium for an entire afternoon of 18 minute lectures on everything from how to aid our crippling economy, to how to sustain life in Biosphere 2, to collaborative scientists working on things that matter and even rapping about it (yes, I said rapping, you too can get a glimpse of that on Youtube). A performance by an Indian rock star, the U2 of India was that much more special when his guest Melissa Ethridge came and performed a duet reminding us that we may be different but we really are the same.
A good friend introduced me to Ted a few years ago where innovative thinkers come together from every discipline to have discourse on the world and more importantly how to make it better. Each one of us has a role in this world, each one of us can make significant impact and create changes in the way we see the world.
Of all the inspirational speakers that took the stage in person or in video, a couple of presentations really resonated with me. In her talk, Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of Eat, Pray, Love reminds us that we should not live life in fear, that our best days have already passed. Aimee Mullens was born without fibulae in both legs. She was never supposed to be able to walk but Aimee became an athlete and a model. Aimee reminded us that beauty like life is a matter of perspective. Aimee is able to stand tall and proud on her prosthetic legs and tell us that circumstances do not dictate what you can do with your life.
I loved the energy that Ted*USC provided. Although a lifetime Bruin, I can applaud USC for its innovative efforts in putting on this conference. I am positive made each person who left the conference a little more inspired and awakened by humanity and our capabilities.
What did I personally take away? What we choose to do with our lives is so important. So many of us are on this journey called life, and once in a while I come across someone who just loves what they do and where they are in life. There is a sincere radiance in their energy. This is not to say that life is perfect for them, each of us have our own set of issues and dilemmas whether long term or short but the desire to live a remarkable life is a gift that we are all provided. Attending Ted reminded me that we should be careful stewards of this gift.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
I've Seen Better Days
It’s only Wednesday but I think I’ve already had it with the bad news bear this week. Like an impatient child in a car ride, I want to ask the weekend, “Are we there yet?”
A friend’s mother just passed away from cancer. My dog has an enlarged heart and congested lungs and needs to be on heart medication possibly for the rest of his life. My mom fell and injured herself on a hill when she went exercising, and my legs are still sore for some reason from a measly 5k that I did more than 3 days ago! (For a former marathon runner, that is pretty pathetic).
To quote Sublime, “I’ve seen better days”.
In short, I’m not feeling so hot. I need a pick me up. “A spoonful of sugar to make the medicine go down” if you will. Luckily, I found it Tristan Shout Brando’s website, http://www.thebrightsideproject.com/. Tristan’s website’s goal is to deliver sunshine daily and with my windowless office, I could sure use it! Tristan has collaborated with accessory designers during the month of March for a daily accessory giveaway. All you need to do is submit a response to a question posed by the accessory designer. Questions include anything from, “If you had a chance for a do-over, what would it be?, If money were no object, what idea or project would you pursue? What was one of the most memorable compliments you received” and the list goes on. Tristan posts the winning responses as well as the beautiful trinkets they received for their thoughtful entry.
I’m so appreciative of Tristan’s idea and her bold plans to put a smile on someone’s face. Her project is really derived out of love and I love that about it. In fact, reading through the questions posed and the heartfelt responses by people has lessened the myopic vision of which I am seeing my life right now. Professors at UCSD and Harvard have conducted studies on happiness and have found conclusive evidence that if we surround ourselves around those who are happy, who keep a mentally positive outlook on life, we too will have a greater likelihood to be happy. Websites like Tristan’s and reading about people who love their life, who they are, what they do, and those around them inspires me and reminds me that life should be cherished as well as those in it. Whether it is a beloved family member (mom) or family pet (Kahluah). Work and worries come second. Love and relationships should come first.
Yes, I may have seen better days but nothing should be stopping me from making today a good one and thanks to Tristan Shout Brando, it is already a little bit brighter.
A friend’s mother just passed away from cancer. My dog has an enlarged heart and congested lungs and needs to be on heart medication possibly for the rest of his life. My mom fell and injured herself on a hill when she went exercising, and my legs are still sore for some reason from a measly 5k that I did more than 3 days ago! (For a former marathon runner, that is pretty pathetic).
To quote Sublime, “I’ve seen better days”.
In short, I’m not feeling so hot. I need a pick me up. “A spoonful of sugar to make the medicine go down” if you will. Luckily, I found it Tristan Shout Brando’s website, http://www.thebrightsideproject.com/. Tristan’s website’s goal is to deliver sunshine daily and with my windowless office, I could sure use it! Tristan has collaborated with accessory designers during the month of March for a daily accessory giveaway. All you need to do is submit a response to a question posed by the accessory designer. Questions include anything from, “If you had a chance for a do-over, what would it be?, If money were no object, what idea or project would you pursue? What was one of the most memorable compliments you received” and the list goes on. Tristan posts the winning responses as well as the beautiful trinkets they received for their thoughtful entry.
I’m so appreciative of Tristan’s idea and her bold plans to put a smile on someone’s face. Her project is really derived out of love and I love that about it. In fact, reading through the questions posed and the heartfelt responses by people has lessened the myopic vision of which I am seeing my life right now. Professors at UCSD and Harvard have conducted studies on happiness and have found conclusive evidence that if we surround ourselves around those who are happy, who keep a mentally positive outlook on life, we too will have a greater likelihood to be happy. Websites like Tristan’s and reading about people who love their life, who they are, what they do, and those around them inspires me and reminds me that life should be cherished as well as those in it. Whether it is a beloved family member (mom) or family pet (Kahluah). Work and worries come second. Love and relationships should come first.
Yes, I may have seen better days but nothing should be stopping me from making today a good one and thanks to Tristan Shout Brando, it is already a little bit brighter.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The "Real Deal"
This week's post is dedicated to a certain someone as today is his special day. He is what I call the "Real Deal" or ("RD") in this world. That is a pretty large title to confer upon an individual. What makes someone the real deal and a truly special person? Perhaps a few of these qualities can demonstrate:
Adventurous-Whether it is backpacking on Vancouver Island or living in Tokyo Japan, the RD is not afraid to wander into unfamiliar territory. From foie gras to afternoon tea, he is open to trying the culinary wonders of the world.
Affirming-An active listener, the RD is supportive of the dreams of the ones he loves. Never patronizing, never negative, he wants to help build dreams and not crush them.
Philanthropic-From supporting an orphanage in Uganda, to local bake sales for co-workers, from donating to victims of hurricanes and earthquakes, to sponsoring a child for WorldVision, the RD has a sense of compassion and that in this life we are all interconnected.
Passionate-Whether it's about the politics of Taiwan affairs or standing up for the average citizen like Nader does, the RD is enthusiastic about making change in this world.
Intelligence-A discourse on theology, civil rights, the state of the economy. The RD has a desire to learn about various perspectives from stem cell research to the selection of wine.
Prioritizes-The RD understands that the most important possessions in life is the possession of relationships.
Motivated-A desire to succeed in the workplace but play well with others, the RD wants to achieve success without throwing anyone under the bus and is above the office water cooler gossip.
Spiritual-With a zenlike approach to life, the RD accepts life for what it is and takes time to witness and enjoy the day's unfolding rather than provide premature judgment.
Filial-The RD places his parents and family in high regard, understanding and acknowledging the sacrifices that were made for him.
Selfless love-Assembling a bed in the middle of the night and driving in crazy Los Angeles traffic, the RD has taken numerous red-eye flights across the country and has been the most selfless in time and energy.
The RD is such a wonderful person for so many of the reasons that I listed above but perhaps what makes him the RD for me is how he makes me feel. To me, he is like the perfect blend of vanilla tea. Sweet, smooth, and calming, and the last thing I would like to be with before the night’s end. Happy Birthday to a special someone, you are truly the real deal.
Adventurous-Whether it is backpacking on Vancouver Island or living in Tokyo Japan, the RD is not afraid to wander into unfamiliar territory. From foie gras to afternoon tea, he is open to trying the culinary wonders of the world.
Affirming-An active listener, the RD is supportive of the dreams of the ones he loves. Never patronizing, never negative, he wants to help build dreams and not crush them.
Philanthropic-From supporting an orphanage in Uganda, to local bake sales for co-workers, from donating to victims of hurricanes and earthquakes, to sponsoring a child for WorldVision, the RD has a sense of compassion and that in this life we are all interconnected.
Passionate-Whether it's about the politics of Taiwan affairs or standing up for the average citizen like Nader does, the RD is enthusiastic about making change in this world.
Intelligence-A discourse on theology, civil rights, the state of the economy. The RD has a desire to learn about various perspectives from stem cell research to the selection of wine.
Prioritizes-The RD understands that the most important possessions in life is the possession of relationships.
Motivated-A desire to succeed in the workplace but play well with others, the RD wants to achieve success without throwing anyone under the bus and is above the office water cooler gossip.
Spiritual-With a zenlike approach to life, the RD accepts life for what it is and takes time to witness and enjoy the day's unfolding rather than provide premature judgment.
Filial-The RD places his parents and family in high regard, understanding and acknowledging the sacrifices that were made for him.
Selfless love-Assembling a bed in the middle of the night and driving in crazy Los Angeles traffic, the RD has taken numerous red-eye flights across the country and has been the most selfless in time and energy.
The RD is such a wonderful person for so many of the reasons that I listed above but perhaps what makes him the RD for me is how he makes me feel. To me, he is like the perfect blend of vanilla tea. Sweet, smooth, and calming, and the last thing I would like to be with before the night’s end. Happy Birthday to a special someone, you are truly the real deal.
Monday, March 9, 2009
If it didn’t get posted on facebook, did it really happen?
An adaptation of the old adage, if a tree fell in the forest would we hear it, I often wonder, if it wasn’t posted on facebook, did it really happen?
Facebook, initially an online site used by college students, has over the years avalanched into a way daily communication in mainstream society. There’s snail mail and telephone-- ways of the old world. Then there’s texting, twitter, and facebook-- the way of the new.
Everyone these days has an account on facebook, my friends, my siblings, even my boss. Heck, the only people that don’t have facebook accounts are probably my mother and me. (gasp! I know, why doesn’t my mother have one!) O.k. the point is exaggerated and of course there are people out there who don’t use facebook but these days, it seems like those are far and few between.
Everyday I walk by my co-workers’ desk, I see the facebook webpage up on her monitor and she is not alone in this frenzied facebook addiction. Yes, it is an addiction. Users tell me how fabulously entertained they get from reading everyone’s adventures and how quickly they are informed about the lives of others. If email was hurting work productivity, I can only imagine the decrease in productivity that facebook “surfing” generates.
I asked my friend, a devout Christian and facebook addictee to give it up for Lent and he declined citing his pastor’s encouragement of using facebook as a way to connect people. God help us, facebook is here to stay.
Initially I didn’t join the cultural digital phenomena of creating a facebook account because I was deeply and emotionally scarred from my horrible online stalker experience with a myspace account. Needless to say, the litigation that has ensued the company has been met with much satisfaction by me. I sent letters to myspace warning them of the legal ramifications of their lack of identification verification and was given no response and no cooperation in identifying the online stalker. More than 3 years have passed since that myspace debacle and since then I have joined online networking sites like LinkedIn. Why then can’t I get with the times and create a facebook account?
Friends have reassured me of the safety and security of the application and how you really can have access to people you know. Friends have invited and encouraged me to sign up for an account and really, I am not knocking online social networking tools. I see the utility and greater purpose it serves. It can connect and reconnect people. It can showcase and highlight individuals’ creativity. It is an outlet to share and disseminate wonderful news in an instantaneous manner. It is an effective means to invoke action quickly-- whether to garner support for political purpose, attend an event, or learn about opportunities, I can’t argue that facebook has made it easier to connect people for all of those reasons.
Again, why then haven’t I signed up? A part of it is a staunch stubbornness, a part of it is a desire to not give in to temptation, and a part of it is just wanting people to call and write. I wonder if it’ll ever get old to get a card in the mail and if future generations will even know what Hallmark is. I certainly know I still love receiving cards in the mail. So pick up the phone, send a loved one a card. Sure it’s not as convenient and sure it’s not instantaneous but lasting relationships rarely are.
Facebook, initially an online site used by college students, has over the years avalanched into a way daily communication in mainstream society. There’s snail mail and telephone-- ways of the old world. Then there’s texting, twitter, and facebook-- the way of the new.
Everyone these days has an account on facebook, my friends, my siblings, even my boss. Heck, the only people that don’t have facebook accounts are probably my mother and me. (gasp! I know, why doesn’t my mother have one!) O.k. the point is exaggerated and of course there are people out there who don’t use facebook but these days, it seems like those are far and few between.
Everyday I walk by my co-workers’ desk, I see the facebook webpage up on her monitor and she is not alone in this frenzied facebook addiction. Yes, it is an addiction. Users tell me how fabulously entertained they get from reading everyone’s adventures and how quickly they are informed about the lives of others. If email was hurting work productivity, I can only imagine the decrease in productivity that facebook “surfing” generates.
I asked my friend, a devout Christian and facebook addictee to give it up for Lent and he declined citing his pastor’s encouragement of using facebook as a way to connect people. God help us, facebook is here to stay.
Initially I didn’t join the cultural digital phenomena of creating a facebook account because I was deeply and emotionally scarred from my horrible online stalker experience with a myspace account. Needless to say, the litigation that has ensued the company has been met with much satisfaction by me. I sent letters to myspace warning them of the legal ramifications of their lack of identification verification and was given no response and no cooperation in identifying the online stalker. More than 3 years have passed since that myspace debacle and since then I have joined online networking sites like LinkedIn. Why then can’t I get with the times and create a facebook account?
Friends have reassured me of the safety and security of the application and how you really can have access to people you know. Friends have invited and encouraged me to sign up for an account and really, I am not knocking online social networking tools. I see the utility and greater purpose it serves. It can connect and reconnect people. It can showcase and highlight individuals’ creativity. It is an outlet to share and disseminate wonderful news in an instantaneous manner. It is an effective means to invoke action quickly-- whether to garner support for political purpose, attend an event, or learn about opportunities, I can’t argue that facebook has made it easier to connect people for all of those reasons.
Again, why then haven’t I signed up? A part of it is a staunch stubbornness, a part of it is a desire to not give in to temptation, and a part of it is just wanting people to call and write. I wonder if it’ll ever get old to get a card in the mail and if future generations will even know what Hallmark is. I certainly know I still love receiving cards in the mail. So pick up the phone, send a loved one a card. Sure it’s not as convenient and sure it’s not instantaneous but lasting relationships rarely are.
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