Jenuine Living

In a Space of Freedom

2012-11-14T20:03:00.002-08:00

"We have to create.
It's the only thing louder than destruction."

Protect Your Dreams

2012-09-14T10:49:00.002-07:00

The sobering truth is that often times the people closest to you will try to convince you otherwise. Detach yourself from negativity and run full force into the horizon that is your dream!

Happiness Hit Her Like a Bullet In Her Mind

2012-06-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

Whether your dearest friend has cancer, you're drowning in debt, or your fears, doubts, and worries are gripping you from moving forward, one of your arsenals to combat the interminable commotion of life is optimism.

In the recent blog post A Richer Life by Seeing the Glass Half Full by Jane E. Brody from the New York Times, Brody poses a paradigm shift in the definition of optimism. The more traditional definition of being optimistic is often thought of as, "...avoid negative self-talk. Instead of focusing on prospects of failure, dwell on the positive aspects of a situation."

I think this definition still holds weight but instead of just thinking positive, the more progressive definition encompasses an element that focuses on moving forward: "...rather than giving up and walking away from difficult situations, optimists attack problems head-on. They plan a course of action, getting advice from others and staying focused on a solution."

So, you can tell Darth Vader to back off and quite frankly, the dark side doesn't have cookies. Through a solution-oriented approach and fully equipping yourself with a strategy that even Yoda would be proud of, you might find yourself turning your face to the light and letting your shadows fall behind you.

Never Stop Seeking Information

2012-04-03T19:39:00.003-07:00

Mentors Make the World Go Round

2012-01-23T15:45:00.001-08:00

I recently had lunch with an old professor who wrote my undergraduate recommendation letter for University of the Pacific. We had not seen each other for over three years. Our conversation picked up where we left off, like the seasons never changed.

Sparks flew as we had a meeting of our minds and the energy cultivated enveloped my soul. For a brief moment, the world was at peace as we shared our fears, hopes, and dreams.

It was good to see my old professor, friend, and more importantly, mentor. There are a handful of key people who have pierced my life in an unrelenting way with their wisdom, understanding, and love. For this, I am forever grateful.

Photographer and Creator: Tam Tran

Your Character Is Everything

2011-12-10T16:19:00.000-08:00

"I have attended many funerals in my life and I conducted almost 200 of them. I never heard in a funeral that this or that person has made a lot of money or is politically very strong. They never discuss that. In a funeral, people discuss how this person was very kind, or very gracious or had character and integrity. People want to deal with honest people. For some people who are not kind, not thoughtful or gracious, their funerals are very short because nobody has anything to say. So I learned from the funerals that we have to plan our funerals when we are very young. Plan your funerals, start early, by being kind, smile, and be gracious to others."

— Jon Huntsman

Savor The Moment

2011-12-07T21:18:00.000-08:00

Today, I taught one of my last classes for the semester and as I said my final words..... my students applauded.

:'-)

In Every Second of Every Day...

2011-12-03T20:58:00.000-08:00

"May you find inspiration in the big picture. But may you find love in the small details." - Adrienne Maloof

Love At First Sight

2011-11-29T23:36:00.000-08:00

I was never allowed to have pets as a child (fish do NOT count), so meet my new pet: Maximilian!

Pronounced: Max-ah-million

He is soft, cuddly, quiet, doesn't shed, zero veterinarian visits, AND he stays put! :D

"You must accept the fact that there is no help but self-help. I cannot tell you how to gain freedom since freedom exists within you."

2011-11-27T15:09:00.001-08:00

Fridays Make Me Feel This Way

2011-11-18T08:27:00.000-08:00

Living Tip #1

2011-11-15T22:58:00.000-08:00

Have you ever stepped into your kitchen and wondered what that funky smell was?
Was it last week's spaghetti? Yesterday's pizza? Or is it me? *sniffs armpits*

Well, have no fear!

More than likely, the foul stench might be coming from your kitchen sink's garbage disposal.
Try these steps to see if it can alleviate the smell of whatever died in your kitchen.

Step 1. Cut up slices of limes or lemons

Step 2. Stick them in your garbage disposal
Step 3. Stop the drain and fill your sink full with water
Step 4. With your sink still running, flip the switch to turn on your garbage disposal and hear your sink ROAR!

After all the water drains through, you should be smelling the freshness coming from that dark hole of yours. (The dark hole in your kitchen sink of course!)

But before you sacrifice these citrus fruit peels, feel free to get dual use out of them!
Via cooking, putting them in a glass of water, cup of tea, etc.

Because when life gives you lemons, stick them in the garbage disposal!

"The First Wealth is Health"

2011-11-14T12:12:00.000-08:00

30 jumping jacks and walking around in Costco counts, right?

My Thought Process On The Dance Floor

2011-11-13T21:48:00.000-08:00

Whenever there's dancing going on at a bar or party, I start to get a little nervous on whether or not to partake. The thought of shelling out my awkward dance moves that include but are not limited to: the fax machine, the sprinkler, the cabbage patch, etc. (you get the idea), makes me feel uneasy.

But then I think to myself, "If tonight was the last night I had my legs, would I be happy with either dancing conservatively, or not dancing at all?"

The answer to this is always, "HELL NO!"

Thus, you will find me on the dance floor shamelessly shaking what my mama gave me, and I encourage you to do the same! :)

Love: The Deep Fried Version

2011-11-13T18:17:00.000-08:00

If you ever find yourself at "The Boardwalk" in Santa Cruz, CA, definitely check out Stagnaro Bro's located right on the pier for some fresh and delicious seafood eats!

*Insert heavenly noises here*

Deep fried oysters that will melt in your mouth!

Fresh delicious chunks of fish n' chips

Fried Calamari

Now if only this was within walking distance from my apartment...

Thanks Dalai Lama

2011-11-13T17:29:00.000-08:00

"Appreciate how rare and full of potential your situation is in this world, then take joy in it, and use it to your best advantage."