Contemplative Reflections: Fiji Water

Thursday evening I was very thirsty. I wanted a bottle of water. Typically I don't purchase water, because that's just silly. Water's free. The earth naturally produces it. It's like sunlight. Why buy? But, it was one of those days. So, I walked into 7/11, went to the bottled water fridge and stood there thinking about which brand I should buy. Again, typically, when I do purchase bottled water, I purchase the cheapest. Water is water. Does it really matter if it's Evian or Aquafina? No. But, as I scanned the water bottle brands, my eyes landed on this -

 This water bottle took me back to August 2006 to a wonderful period/life changing trip -  NYC. 

I was in NYC with BYU-I to do a PR job search. My plan was to graduate at the end of August and move to NY, intern at a PR firm, and become an NYC resident. If you look closely at the above picture you will see that I am the 2nd girl from the left (Side note: This is the building where they filmed the Devil Wears Prada, sweet, huh). If you look even closer you will notice that I am wearing my black Jessica Simpson pumps and in my arm is a beautiful Louis Vuitton purse (on loan from a dear college friend just for the NY occasion, she wanted me to be as NY fashionable as possible). What you are not able to see is that inside the Louis is a bottle of Fiji water. Identical to the bottle pictured above. I purchased the water right as I got off the plane at the Guardia airport. Partially because I wanted to live it up and feel like a real, posh, PR, New Yorker, and I thought water in a cute bottle would give me the full effect. And you know what? It did. (Quick side note: I carried the bottle around my whole time in NY. I consistently refilled it with tap water to justify my purchase to myself.) I loved that trip. So much. For the past three years I have reflected upon it again and again. It is one of the highlights of my life. You see, right before the trip, randomly I turned in my mission papers. It wasn't until I was on my way back from NY that I knew I needed to serve a mission and that everything would be a 100% okay when I got back. 

This is one of my favorite pictures with two of my favorite people in eternity, my dear friends Sister Eland and Tania Davila. I learned so much from both of them. 

Because of the mission I now live here - 

Chicago. With my good friend Amanda (Scott, little shout! Glad you're our neighbor!)

And my BF from high school, Ruth

Nope. I wouldn't have a lot of things I have now that I love and cherish if it wasn't for my mission. And my mission probably wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for my wonderful NY trip, and my wonderful NY trip probably wouldn't have been so wonderful if it hadn't been for the Fiji water. 

So, needless to say Thursday night, in 7/11, while contemplating my past three years in 30 seconds at the water bottle fridge, I opted for the bottle of Fiji water. And I haven't looked back. 

This is GOOP

Critics hate it. I love it.

GOOP.

Gwyneth Paltrow uses her taste, simplicity and talent to create an entertaining (at least I am), info packed site.

"The Times noted, "many critics find the enterprise fatuous and a bit puzzling." Typical is a query from Toronto's The Globe and Mail: "Why is it called Goop?" its writer asked. "Perhaps 'Any Old Load of Rubbish' and 'Learn From Me, Ungrateful Peasant' were both taken." " (source, People.com)

Once again, I disagree with the media. I believe it's genuis and women will respond very well to it. Personally, I enjoy her Go section. Women with young children will particularly enjoy her tips on fashion and getting out of a boring clothing rut. I do enjoy however, how she mentions as a young mom she is often tempted to throw on her old high school shirt. Really, Gwyn? You have designers from all over the world sending you clothing on a daily basis and you expect us to believe that you wear your t-shirts from high school? Sorry. Don't buy it. Feel no stronger connection to you in that respect. I don't even have t-shirts from high school and I shop most often at Old Navy or Marshall's. We know your PR people wrote that line.

Still the essence and idea of the site are inspiring to me - Become the best woman you can be, and enjoy life to the fullest.

GOOP.

Great job, Gwyn. Great job.

Really CNN? Is this really front page newsworthy?

As some of you may recall, from time-to-time I have issues with CNN. This is one of those times. Sox, the Clinton's Cat is Put to Sleep. Is this really front page material? Apparently it is, since I'm taking the time to create this post to create even more news. Gosh. 

Victoria is a superb actress

 If you enjoy(ed) any of the following: Newlyweds, Bachelor, the Hills or pretty much any other celebrity reality TV show you will L-O-V-E  Victoria Beckham: Coming to America. Promise.

I don't know if it's the hot power couple, Vicky's quippy lines, "Are my knickers showing?" or the great story line (being able to see the artist previously known as Posh Spice get her American Driver's License, take a earthquake safety class and pitch at Dodger's game...what is not great about this?)

This incredible show sadly has only one episode. I made sure that the above link directs you to a YouTube page so you can watch all eight segments. 

Seriously, 45 minutes of pure entertainment. 

Possibly everyone has already watched this since it did come out circa 2007, but I was on my mission, zero tv for 18 months. I was told about this just the other day and was so very much impress/entertained I just have to share it. 

Facebook Mania: 25 Random Things

Today I saw this query from an editor that intrigued me:

"I'm looking for people who can offer perspective about the "25 Random Things" craze that's sweeping Facebook. I'm looking for people who will attempt to explain the appeal -- why are so many people doing this, why are so many reading them? What does this say about us, culturally? What does this say about what people want to get out of Facebook? And, how is this different or similar to the chain letter concept that's existed for years and years?"

I've had the same thoughts and questions. I love reading these 25 things my dear friends post. However, I have had zero desire to post my own list. 

This query prompted me to write my own 25 Random Things on the spot just to see what the fuss was all about. It was actually quite enjoyable. I learned a lot about myself. Tonight as I was discussing this query with friends, one mentioned that he had read an editorial in the New York Times regarding this topic. The editor had said that he thinks this craze just demonstrates what a narcissistic society we have become. When he said this, I reflected on my own 25 Random Things. 

What does it say about me that I have no desire to post the 25 on Facebook, but that I am completely comfortable posting it on my blog? Is that narcissistic? Probably. Really though, I think this 25 random things describes the time of day and my level of hunger while sitting at work right before lunch, e-mailing Cindy back and forth, debating where we should eat. But, I am no expert on society norms and such.

1. I judge a Thai food restaurant based on their yellow curry.

2. I judge a Chinese food restaurant based on their lo mein.

3. I love any and all sushi so I never judge. I just eat.

4. I'm addicted to French fries, but dislike them burnt, crisp or soggy. (Can you tell it's right before lunch time as I'm writing this?)

5. I prefer eating organic, but shop at Aldi because I like good deals best.

6. I could eat apples morning, afternoon and night. Love apples.

7. I have said this once before and I will say it again, Diet Coke is the nectar of gods.

8. I tested positive for gluten intolerance on my mission. For the past year I have been on a strict gluten-free diet (no wheat, rye or barley). I will be having further testing done in a couple of weeks, so I have to eat gluten and I am loving every single second of it.

9. I don't believe in diets (like lose weight ones). I believe in moderation and self-control, which leads me to #10.

10. The other day I was so stressed out at work (my boss is about to have a baby and take maternity leave and we have a huge to-do list and several projects taking place) I went to my office, reached in a drawer and shoved 4 mini Snickers in my mouth in less then 30 seconds. Hence, since that time Snickers have been strictly banned from my office.

11. I hated meat growing up and then I waitressed at an Argentine restaurant in college where I got free lunch or dinner, depending on what shift I worked. They would serve me millinesa, chorizo and other delectable meats. I fell in love. And then I served a mission in Texas. Texas BBQ rocks.

12. I believe that chocolate is nature's number one cure.  

13. Chicago serves the best pizza in the world, my mother makes the best pizza in the galaxy.

14. My dad used to make pancakes every Sunday after church growing up. It was one of my favorite traditions and a great memory.

15. There is nothing like going out to dinner with your girlfriends. Love it.

16. Cindy Kam is my work lunch buddy. As well as my work out buddy. (Cindy, why is that we go out to eat more often then we work out? Maybe we should consider revamping our priorities.)

17. Ice cream just makes life better.

18. I like a mean salad.

19. Isn't it interesting that most socializing revolves around substance we put in our mouths. Think about it. Parties. Dates. Mixers. Family gatherings. Seeing old friends. Meeting new friends. All revolve around food.

20. I missed Dunkin Doughnuts very much during my past year of no gluten. The other day I had one. It was like manna from heaven.

21. While on the subject of gluten-packed food I have missed, right after the Presidential Inauguration (I was in D.C. on Washington Mall when President Obama was sworn into office. It was an awesome experience.) I had to hurry to catch my train out of Union Station to Baltimore to catch my flight back to Chicago to make it to a work meeting that next morning, so my friend Gretch and I, grabbed a slice of pizza real quick. It just might have been the #1 day of my life. Think about it. I was on vacation, in D.C., saw history happen, and had my first taste of real pizza since December 2007. Yep #1 day.

22. Rule of thumb: the most disgusting looking food generally is the best tasting.

23. Nothing beats a nice cup of Mexican hot chocolate. Try it sometime and tell me if I'm wrong.

24. No I am not a glutton. Nor do I have a one track mind. It's lunch time. Typically I think about things besides food, promise.

25. My 2009 physical goal is to have a two-pack stomach.

There you have it. Can't do it mainstream, but still do it. I'll be analyzing the psyche behind this for a few days. Once again, narcissistic. Oh, but please keep writing yours. I quite enjoy reading them. I just have issues. 

Oh and if you would like to respond to this editor's query. Let me know. (FYI - we chose Chinese for lunch. Yes, I ordered Lo mein. And no, not the best I have ever had.)

All in a day's work

I don't often post specifics about my work. I did once. My first week on the job. Most jobs have learning curves. That post was my first one. I had no idea that because it's a PR firm, we have media alerts for our firm name, our clients, our client's products, so on and so forth. The alerts help us to know when we are mentioned, where, when, why, what, how. Not because we're full of ourselves, necessarily, but so we can promote our clients most effectively. Suffice it to say that my blog set off a bunch of alerts because I mentioned my firm AND clients name several times and my colleagues all the way to Zurich, Switzerland were enjoying my blog that day. Waaaay embarrassing.

I truly, truly heart my job. On a daily basis I am astounded at the luck/incredible blessing I had finding it. In 2006, right after my college graduation, I had turned down a great NYC PR internship offer when I decided to be a missionary, and though I never regretted choosing to serve, I often wondered what would happen to me when I returned home. I remember telling a member once about the internship, and she said, "Oh you'll get an even better offer with a better company." At the time I kind of doubted it, but her prophecy came true. For sure I know that my job is a direct blessing from serving, that's the only way I can figure landing it.

So without mentioning specifics that would sound alerts of any kind allow me to express my love for my job by mentioning just a few cool things I did today that I never imagined ever doing in my life:

- Touched a real million dollar check

- Helped choose models for an advertising photo shoot

- Helped prepare for the prince of Spain's visit to NYC in March

Just three reasons why I love my job and my life.