In exactly three weeks, my close friend Dena will become Mrs. Marshall, marrying the love of her life John in front of their family and friends.
Last night, in celebration of both her upcoming marriage and her last few weeks as a bachlorette, a group of seven girls got together in Old Town Pasadena for an evening of dinner, coffee and fellowship. Many wouldn't consider such a mellow night to withhold the standards of a true bachlorette party, but we had a great time. We ate at a trendy sushi restaurant in Old Town called Dena House, where Dena ordered the Dena Roll (fitting, I know!). We then went to a coffee house where they specialized not only in coffee, but also in chocolate! The evening ended in Dena's living room, where we sat and talked and laughed.
I'm so happy for Dena and for what God has in store for her and John's lifetime together. I've only been around John on a number of occasions, but I know that he treats Dena right and makes her happy. There's nothing more I could want for one of my closest girlfriends.
~Brooke
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Wait...what?!
I'm no political analyst, but I'm not too sold on presidential candidate John McCain's running mate Sarah Palin.
I don't really care to talk much about politics, (as I don't know nearly enough to hold an intellectual conversation) but let's just state the obvious: Palin appears to be very inexperienced, which is ironic considering McCain uses that very charge against Democratic candidate Barack Obama.
Palin, 44, is a first-term governor for Alaska, a position she gained after challenging Alaska's Republican leadership and promising to clean up a government corruption scandal. She opposes abortion and supports gun ownership, and was appointed to the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in 2003.
Now I'm sure she has a lot more to offer and I can guarantee McCain put much thought into his decision. I just can't help but question his reasoning. Did he choose a woman to get the "women's vote" (essentially, those who would have voted for Hillary Clinton)? Did he choose Palin because of her age, knowing his age is an issue amongst voters? Just why did he choose her?
I mean, what does the GOP have to say about all of this? Are they completely behind him, supporting his choice, or did they advise him otherwise?
More importantly, in the event that McCain passes away while in office, can she handle the bill as president? Is this who we want to run our country? I am by no means a fan of Obama and would vote for McCain just to keep Obama out...but I'm not sure that McCain is the best choice - I feel he's made a bad choice, and he hasn't even been elected yet.
Political scientist Costas Panagopoulos said it best: "Palin will face intense scrutiny by the media and by voters who need assurance that she is ready to assume the presidency at a moment's notice, if necessary."
Palin has a lot to prove before November 7.
~Brooke
I don't really care to talk much about politics, (as I don't know nearly enough to hold an intellectual conversation) but let's just state the obvious: Palin appears to be very inexperienced, which is ironic considering McCain uses that very charge against Democratic candidate Barack Obama.
Palin, 44, is a first-term governor for Alaska, a position she gained after challenging Alaska's Republican leadership and promising to clean up a government corruption scandal. She opposes abortion and supports gun ownership, and was appointed to the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in 2003.
Now I'm sure she has a lot more to offer and I can guarantee McCain put much thought into his decision. I just can't help but question his reasoning. Did he choose a woman to get the "women's vote" (essentially, those who would have voted for Hillary Clinton)? Did he choose Palin because of her age, knowing his age is an issue amongst voters? Just why did he choose her?
I mean, what does the GOP have to say about all of this? Are they completely behind him, supporting his choice, or did they advise him otherwise?
More importantly, in the event that McCain passes away while in office, can she handle the bill as president? Is this who we want to run our country? I am by no means a fan of Obama and would vote for McCain just to keep Obama out...but I'm not sure that McCain is the best choice - I feel he's made a bad choice, and he hasn't even been elected yet.
Political scientist Costas Panagopoulos said it best: "Palin will face intense scrutiny by the media and by voters who need assurance that she is ready to assume the presidency at a moment's notice, if necessary."
Palin has a lot to prove before November 7.
~Brooke
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Sorry, we're closed
I don't know much about the economy, but with rising gas prices, budget cuts, and mass layoffs, it's clear to even the most average Joe that our economy is not in the best state.
I've experienced our current decline in economic prosperity firsthand while trying to gain advertising for Sebastian Sidi's program to be passed out as his upcoming concert. I've knocked on numerous doors and spent hour upon hour making phone calls and sending emails to businesses who, for the most part, respond, "Our budget doesn't allow for us to advertise," or "We just don't have the money to put towards advertising - we have to make money before we can spend it."
Although their answers are warranted, it's still unfortunate to see these businesses struggle. But the ultimate heartbreak came when I visited a strip of businesses where many of the shops had signs on their doors stating, "Although our store hours indicate we should be open, we are cutting down our hours due to lack of business - we simply can't afford to stay up and running when business is so slow."
What a brutal reminder of where our economy lies. I wish nothing but prosperity for these business owners, not because I was looking for their advertising dollars, but because for many of them, their business is their livelihood - it's what puts food on the table and a roof over their head - and that should never be taken away from someone, regardless of our economic state.
~Brooke
I've experienced our current decline in economic prosperity firsthand while trying to gain advertising for Sebastian Sidi's program to be passed out as his upcoming concert. I've knocked on numerous doors and spent hour upon hour making phone calls and sending emails to businesses who, for the most part, respond, "Our budget doesn't allow for us to advertise," or "We just don't have the money to put towards advertising - we have to make money before we can spend it."
Although their answers are warranted, it's still unfortunate to see these businesses struggle. But the ultimate heartbreak came when I visited a strip of businesses where many of the shops had signs on their doors stating, "Although our store hours indicate we should be open, we are cutting down our hours due to lack of business - we simply can't afford to stay up and running when business is so slow."
What a brutal reminder of where our economy lies. I wish nothing but prosperity for these business owners, not because I was looking for their advertising dollars, but because for many of them, their business is their livelihood - it's what puts food on the table and a roof over their head - and that should never be taken away from someone, regardless of our economic state.
~Brooke
Sunday, August 24, 2008
The Last Lecture
My family and I decided to spend our Sunday evening watching Randy Pausch's last lecture, titled, "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams." My dad purchased Pausch's book, "The Last Lecture," and DVD after watching a primetime segment about Pausch and his battle with pancreatic cancer.
My dad read the book first and then passed it along to me. In the middle of me reading it, I suggested to the rest of the family while on a camping trip that we should all read it and watch the lecture together. They thought it was a great idea and after the book got passed along and completed by my brothers and mom, we sat down and watched the lecture.
Before I go any further, for those who aren't familiar with Pausch, he was a professor at Carnegie Mellon University who was known primarily for his brilliance in virtual reality and his ability to have fun in all aspects of life, all the while achieving his childhood dreams. Pausch was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and after finding out he had three to six months to live, was asked by CMU to deliver his "last lecture," imparting unforgettable experiences and volumes of wisdom to a lecture hall filled with more than 400 students, colleagues, and family members. Pausch passed away on July 24, leaving behind a legacy that has inspired millions of people.
There is so much to be said about Pausch and what he left behind for the world. The best way to glean from him would be to read his book and watch his lecture (which is linked above). But to give you a taste of what Pausch has passed on, here is what he had to say in Part V of his book, titled, "It's About How to Live Your Life:"
-Dream BIG: "Give yourself permission to dream."
-Earnest is better than hip: "Earnest is long-term."
-Don't complain...just work harder: "Complaining does not work as a strategy."
-Don't obsess over what people think: "If I haven't said anything, you have nothing to worry about."
-Look for the best in everybody: "If you wait long enough, people will surprise and impress you."
-Get people's attention: "The first step to solving an ignored problem."
-Loyalty is a two-way street: "Be loyal."
-Show gratitude: "Go out and do for others what somebody did for you."
-All you have is what you bring with you: "Be prepared."
-A bad apology is worse than no apology: "Proper apologies have three parts - 1. What I did was wrong, 2. I feel badly that I hurt you, and 3. How do I make this better?"
-Tell the truth: "Tell the truth all the time - you're only as good as your word."
-Get in touch with your crayon box: "Smelling a crayon takes you right back to childhood."
-No job is beneath you: "You ought to be thrilled you got a job in the mailroom. And when you get there, here's what you do: Be really great at sorting mail."
-Know where you are: "If you can find your footing between two cultures, sometimes you can have the best of both worlds."
-Never give up: "If you want something bad enough, never give up (and take a boost when offered)."
-Be a communitarian: "Everyone has to contribute to the common good."
-All you have to do is ask: "Sometimes, all you have to do is ask, and it can lead to all your dreams coming true."
Pausch's book and lecture is filled with a plethora of advice and numerous reminders of how to make the best of life, no matter how long- or short-lived. But the three jewels of wisdom I personally walked away with are the following:
1. Brick walls are there for a reason: they let us prove how badly we want things.
2. Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.
3. Experience is what you get when you don't get what you wanted.
~Brooke
My dad read the book first and then passed it along to me. In the middle of me reading it, I suggested to the rest of the family while on a camping trip that we should all read it and watch the lecture together. They thought it was a great idea and after the book got passed along and completed by my brothers and mom, we sat down and watched the lecture.
Before I go any further, for those who aren't familiar with Pausch, he was a professor at Carnegie Mellon University who was known primarily for his brilliance in virtual reality and his ability to have fun in all aspects of life, all the while achieving his childhood dreams. Pausch was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and after finding out he had three to six months to live, was asked by CMU to deliver his "last lecture," imparting unforgettable experiences and volumes of wisdom to a lecture hall filled with more than 400 students, colleagues, and family members. Pausch passed away on July 24, leaving behind a legacy that has inspired millions of people.
There is so much to be said about Pausch and what he left behind for the world. The best way to glean from him would be to read his book and watch his lecture (which is linked above). But to give you a taste of what Pausch has passed on, here is what he had to say in Part V of his book, titled, "It's About How to Live Your Life:"
-Dream BIG: "Give yourself permission to dream."
-Earnest is better than hip: "Earnest is long-term."
-Don't complain...just work harder: "Complaining does not work as a strategy."
-Don't obsess over what people think: "If I haven't said anything, you have nothing to worry about."
-Look for the best in everybody: "If you wait long enough, people will surprise and impress you."
-Get people's attention: "The first step to solving an ignored problem."
-Loyalty is a two-way street: "Be loyal."
-Show gratitude: "Go out and do for others what somebody did for you."
-All you have is what you bring with you: "Be prepared."
-A bad apology is worse than no apology: "Proper apologies have three parts - 1. What I did was wrong, 2. I feel badly that I hurt you, and 3. How do I make this better?"
-Tell the truth: "Tell the truth all the time - you're only as good as your word."
-Get in touch with your crayon box: "Smelling a crayon takes you right back to childhood."
-No job is beneath you: "You ought to be thrilled you got a job in the mailroom. And when you get there, here's what you do: Be really great at sorting mail."
-Know where you are: "If you can find your footing between two cultures, sometimes you can have the best of both worlds."
-Never give up: "If you want something bad enough, never give up (and take a boost when offered)."
-Be a communitarian: "Everyone has to contribute to the common good."
-All you have to do is ask: "Sometimes, all you have to do is ask, and it can lead to all your dreams coming true."
Pausch's book and lecture is filled with a plethora of advice and numerous reminders of how to make the best of life, no matter how long- or short-lived. But the three jewels of wisdom I personally walked away with are the following:
1. Brick walls are there for a reason: they let us prove how badly we want things.
2. Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.
3. Experience is what you get when you don't get what you wanted.
~Brooke
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Answers to some of your questions
I want to thank everyone who has already taken a look at my blog - your support and encouragement means so much to me.
Many of you have responded to my first post via email, text message, or blog comment, wanting to know whether or not I'm currently employed. Although I do NOT have a full-time job at the moment, I am working for Sebastian Sidi, a local musician, as his advertising director and publicist. In a nutshell, I am working to collect advertising from local and corporate businesses to be displayed in a program that will be passed out at his November 14 concert at Downey Theatre. In addition, I will also be promoting the event by use of press releases, posters, and postcards.
I have known Sebastian for a couple of years now, as I first met him while conducting an interview for The Downey Patriot. It wasn't until recently, however, that I started working for him. He is a pleasure to work with and has an incredible amount of talent. For those who haven't heard his music, be sure to check out his Web site or Myspace - he and his band play new-age instrumental scores that are guaranteed to win you over.
In addition to my work with Sebastian, I am also looking forward to possibly doing some freelance writing for a couple of notable publications.
I may not be collecting a regular paycheck - or medical benefits, for that matter - but I'm making sure to keep myself busy. And most importantly, I'm really enjoying it and I'm really happy.
~Brooke
Many of you have responded to my first post via email, text message, or blog comment, wanting to know whether or not I'm currently employed. Although I do NOT have a full-time job at the moment, I am working for Sebastian Sidi, a local musician, as his advertising director and publicist. In a nutshell, I am working to collect advertising from local and corporate businesses to be displayed in a program that will be passed out at his November 14 concert at Downey Theatre. In addition, I will also be promoting the event by use of press releases, posters, and postcards.
I have known Sebastian for a couple of years now, as I first met him while conducting an interview for The Downey Patriot. It wasn't until recently, however, that I started working for him. He is a pleasure to work with and has an incredible amount of talent. For those who haven't heard his music, be sure to check out his Web site or Myspace - he and his band play new-age instrumental scores that are guaranteed to win you over.
In addition to my work with Sebastian, I am also looking forward to possibly doing some freelance writing for a couple of notable publications.
I may not be collecting a regular paycheck - or medical benefits, for that matter - but I'm making sure to keep myself busy. And most importantly, I'm really enjoying it and I'm really happy.
~Brooke
Friday, August 22, 2008
It's good to be back...
It's been exactly one month since I was fired from The Downey Patriot newspaper, and for the sake of sparing you all the details, all I will say is that I was heartbroken when I was forced to leave a place I called my writing mecca for more than three years. The happenings of my firing, in a nutshell, consisted of many variables - a lack of communication, faltered assumptions and false accusations. But as I look back on that day, I realize everything happens for a reason and well, it was a blessing in disguise.
So in an attempt to keep my writing abilities up to par, I have decided to start this blog, where I plan to write daily about practically anything and everything. If I come across an interesting article, I will post it. If I have a thought or story or photo to share with you, I will post it. This will essentially serve as my online diary.
I hope you enjoy visiting my blog from time to time. I'm not the best writer and I certainly have a lot of growing to do, but my passion and heart for the art won't allow me to put the pen down - or in this case, take my fingers off the keyboard.
~Brooke
So in an attempt to keep my writing abilities up to par, I have decided to start this blog, where I plan to write daily about practically anything and everything. If I come across an interesting article, I will post it. If I have a thought or story or photo to share with you, I will post it. This will essentially serve as my online diary.
I hope you enjoy visiting my blog from time to time. I'm not the best writer and I certainly have a lot of growing to do, but my passion and heart for the art won't allow me to put the pen down - or in this case, take my fingers off the keyboard.
~Brooke
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