Happy Fourth...

To Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY AMERICA !!! Since this is a day of celebrating independence and freedom in what was, the most powerful country in the world, I have high hopes for the future of America under President Obama's administration. Why you ask? Because President Obama understands that in order to transform America, the leader in charge must base everything on serving the people. Every political leader should make the people their primary concern, however many nations around the world that claim to do this - don't. What a lot of the world does not realize, is that there is no disconnect between the condition of the lives of the people and the condition of the land in which they live. I just read a great article in Living Buddhism that I find pertains to changing the conditions America is facing today. What I love about this philosophy and the writings of Nichiren Diashonin, is that it relates to any time, past, present and future. Many Buddhist traditions believed in a "pure land" that is somewhere separate from this "impure world". There is no such thing as a separate paradise, we need to create our own paradise here on Earth. What is so great to understand is that Nichiren points out that if there was a profound transformation within the life of each person, it would undoubtedly bring about a transformation of society or the land. A quick excerpt from the article that really struck me...

"To turn one's eyes from the problems of society and the world and remained concerned only with spiritual or religious matters may seem like a holy way to live, but Mahayana Buddhism admonished against such an approach to religion as self-serving...Today, the SGI, based solidly on the principles and spirit of Nichiren Buddhism, is actively working to promote peace, cultural exchange, educational progress and respect for human rights, while contributing to solving the serious problems facing the world." (Living Buddhism, Jul-Aug 2009)

I am so proud to be working so hard on transforming my own life and helping others do the same. We can transform this country, and the world one person at a time. Have a safe and happy weekend everyone!

Jesus is just alright with me...

What's funny about Religion?

I had heard of Bill Maher's recent documentary about religion titled "Religulous" awhile ago and we finally got around to adding it to our Netflix Queue. It arrived sometime last week, and I must say, I hadn't been that excited about a movie in our mailbox for a couple months. I have always been interested in the topic of religion but I've noticed it has turned into more of a passion then an interest. I don't mean to sound like I am passionate about a specific religion or an entity, I'm more passionate about finding out the reason behind how and why people believe what they believe. Bill Maher and I have a lot in common! Bill travels to numerous religious destinations from Jerusalem, to the Vatican, to Mosques interviewing Christians, Jews, Muslims, Catholics, former Mormons, Creationists and others, asking the questions that you'd think most people would ask. He is known for his "political incorrectness" and quick wit on many topics from politics, bureaucracies of many kinds, greed within people of powerful political or social positions, and of course religion. 

Bill does not make fun of anyone's religion in this documentary by any means - he, like myself, is trying to get down to the nitty gritty of why religion takes precedent over common sense and basic mathematics. To lighten the mood of what most people consider a very serious topic, he adds his unique humor by editing in various clips and music from movies and TV shows etc. that should have you howling if you can see where he's coming from. Bill doesn't just focus on religious authorities like priests, rabbis, fathers, etc. he interviews a variety of people from different walks of life - some who believe the same things, some who don't. What amazes me, is how little most people know about the religion they believe, and when challenged on simple concepts, such as Adam, Eve and the talking snake - they have no answers. I'm not an expert on any specific religion, however I do know the difference between believing something out of research and fact and believing something out of fear. The fear involved in many religions usually pertains to fearing what will happen to you after you die - that in itself seems strange to me. If you are in the mood for some great, yet complicatedly simple questions to be raised about the ideas millions upon millions of us believe, then I suggest you check out Religulous(click for trailer!). It might prompt you to look deeper into what you believe and why. Here are a few references I recommend pertaining to religion...

Religulous

The Reason Project

You Won't Believe What Some People Believe!

Enjoy!

Back and ready to rumble!!!

Another new beginning.

Hey buddies, pals and non-pals =)

I have been MIA the last week or so due to an early week excursion to Las Vegas - which I don't necessarily recommend. Las Vegas. Viva Las Vegas. Sin City. Man, oh man. Vegas will rob you while smiling and waving good bye on the way out. Not that I'm a gambler by any means. I'm referring to the mere act of eating. By eating I mean, buying a muffin and a juice. Unless you have limitless moula in your bank account - there are better places to go then Vegas, that won't leave you feeling like you were just hit by a bus. I experienced it to the fullest and that's all I need in this lifetime.

In other news! I was out in Larchmont Village yesterday with my Daddio, when I came across a little ad posted on a bulletin in the local Starbucks. It was for a one-bedroom guesthouse within walking distance from Larchmont (which is this adorable little street lined with cafes, shops, restaurants, and on Sundays, a great farmer's market). I thought it would be fun to drop by and check it out, so we did. I took Phil back there this morning and he loved it. It is very possible we will be moving in the next week. We'll have to see how it all comes together. I will miss our little studio though =( I have also passed (with flying colors!) my serving exam and certification! I am now a full fledged server at The Cheesecake Factory. Believe me, this is no easy task. I don't know if I've ever studied so hard in my life! Phil and I are excited to start a new chapter in our life here in LA. Change is needed and I'm filled with joy that it is finally manifesting in many forms. I will be posting a post - that sounds funny - in the near future about a fantabulous documentary we just watched by comedian Bill Maher called Religulous. Uh-mazing!!! If you take yourself too seriously, don't bother reading it...

Hollywood baby...

Hollywood. What else would you expect?

Wow. I had a wonderful birthday! About half of the crew started off at H.Wood, located behind the Kodak Theater off of good ol' Hollywood Blvd. until 10 o'clock rolled around and the door got obnoxiously "tight" for zero reason. Even being on a guestlist didn't permit the rest of my friends to enter the wooden gate of pretentiousness. I should have known, I really went out on a limb going to a place called H.Wood located in Hollywood...but I had heard great things so I wanted to give it a fighting chance. So, me being me, I grabbed my peeps and headed else where.

"Oh I'm sorry, you don't want the money we're about to spend here? Not a problem. Ciao."

I don't play that game. We ended up at a great little spot on Cahuenga called The Room, with a great DJ, places to sit (yes, I said SIT and we didn't spend a dime on bottle service) and a really great vibe. No cover, no pretentiousness, no hollywoodness. I highly recommend it for those living in LA. I must say, I was impressed by the amount of friends that came out. LA being known for raising flakes - everyone came through...for the most part :) The following day I spent in Santa Monica, where the sun peeped through for a couple hours (still in June Gloom at this point) with my dad and Philip. We ate at Barney's Beanery, then went back home for grocery store bought birthday cake and ended the evening off with seeing The Hangover. Believe what everyone is saying about it. It's flippin hilarious. Speaking of Vegas - I'm headed there for yet another quickie Monday night with some people from The Cheese. A little mini vacay before the summer of "work you're butt off" gets rolling.

Unfortunately Miss Heather Sklar forgot her camera so on the way to The Room (oh ps. we walked the 5 blocks along the thick of Hollywood Blvd...all girls in heels. Ouch.) she stumbled into some store and grabbed a disposable. I'll post them when I get them developed. Ha. Developed... haven't said that in a while.

Stay tuned...

* Today is Phil's Birthday! Happy 24th Birthday Philip!!!! xoxox *

My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard...

Can you say Mmmm Milkshake?

For those of you living in Los Angeles, you should go to the cafe called MILK on Beverly! They have the yummiest, most gorgeous milkshakes I have ever seen & tasted. My two faves are The Milkie Way Malt and Mint Chocolate Crunch Shake... I know what you're thinking - "oh yeaaaahhhh, I could go for one of those right now." Also, if you're a Mac'N Cheese lover (which, clearly, I am) they have phenomenal Mac'N Cheese for $5 (on the kids menu). They make their own ice cream on the premises, which is probably why it is so tasty, as well as tons of yummy desserts...including red velvet cupcake poppers - mini cupcakes to pop in your mouth :) You can find MILK at:

7290 Beverly Blvd.

Los Angeles

Check out their cute site!

www.themilkshop.com

In other news, the new iPhone 3G S looks fabulous. Apple just keeps adding more amazing features to this smarter-than-smart phone - the only thing it doesn't do is your laundry...which should be next on their list. Phil is planning a 2 week trip back to our homeland of Canada to visit with friends and family. I look forward to the day when I can drop everything and hop on a plane to my mummy's house, just cause :) One daaaay...

Take your time folks...

We have to remember.

I find it interesting how impatient I am. Where does it come from? What are patience? How do you get more of them? For me, it does help to remember to breathe. I find myself wishing my life away instead of enjoying each moment. We have to remind ourselves that even once we reach our destination (the one we keep thinking we have to get too) there will somehow always be another one. 

My dad recently caught a very interesting special on ABC called, Earth 2100, that follows a fictional character born June 2nd 2009, named Lucy as she retells her life as a 91 year old. Environmentally, as most of you know, we as a world need to act very quickly (before 2015) or scientists predict absolute chaos. Check out this link to see clips from Lucy's life and other videos from different viewers who have made their own predictions on various matters (water shortages, wars in NY, wildfires in California).

Earth: 2100

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Earth2100

This is another way of reminding ourselves that we need to stop taking so many things for granted (food & water especially - we as North Americans are so fortunate to have clean water and stores full of food) I hope all of you are pursuing greatness in your lives, never limiting yourselves. None of us will be here in 2100. Please, please, please do your best to follow your heart.

"I want you to understand the subtle workings of the mind. How you orient your mind, the kind of attitude you take greatly influences both you and your environment. The Buddhist principle of 3000 realms in a single moment of life completely elucidates the true aspect of life's  inner workings. Through the power of strong inner resolve, we can transform ourselves, those around us and the land in which we live." - Daisaku Ikeda (Faith in Action, 8)

Along with my new second job - which I am enjoying very much - I have finally been promoted to a sever at The Cheese. I am very excited for this new challenge! I start the intense training June 16th - I will have to learn the largest restaurant menu I have ever seen...roughly 240 items! Yipee for more money =) I am also happy to report that Jimmy The Babe (our chihuahua) has lost a little weight, good for you Jim!

Have a good weekend everyone* 

Hello second job...good-bye life!

Finally.

After months and months (since the beginning of Feb) I have finally found a suitable second job. And I got it! It's a part time receptionist position at a holistic/wellness spa called Healing Hands, that focuses on massage therapy, chiropractic, and acupuncture. It's super close to home (riding a bike distance) and the woman who owns it is super adorable and fun. I start training tomorrow. I think it's safe to say I will be working 7 days a week for a while until I get an agent. 

I have also been trained as a "Filler" at The Cheese. You have to be a pro at multitasking for this job, and have a thick skin as you will be blamed for almost everything that goes wrong in the restaurant. It's amazing how serious (and I mean DEAD SERIOUS) people are about where they sit to eat food. I cannot remember a single time in my life where I've gone into a restaurant and taken over the hostess's job. I mean really, give me a little credit and allow me to think I'm capable enough to lead you to your table. At times I'll be the one following the guests because they find it ok to do my job for me... "Oh yah, it's fine, I'll just follow you!" DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING? No. David Spade comes in every Sunday evening which is interesting to have worked into your week. You can imagine he's gained some weight (dining at The Cheese on a weekly basis will do that to you) his hair is always a greasy mess and most of the time he seems a little stoned. But hey, he's still David Spade. 

I will be planning my 22nd birthday party this week :) I have also purchased my birthday shoes! The wardrobe must start from the feet up. I can't wait to eat cake. Preferably grocery store birthday cake.  Mmmm mmm. The plan thus far is to dance, dance, dance the night away. I can't get enough of dancing...

Cake + new shoes + dancing = perfection.