Overdose of Satisfaction

Library ebooks...

2012-01-22T03:20:00.000-07:00

I am a huge supporter of the eBook service through Phoenix library. They allow you to rent out eBooks for 14 days. It has cut down my cost on books dramatically. However that is not the reason for this post. The reason I posted is because it is 3 am and I am up late reading because 4 of the books I was on the waiting list for became available this week, so I have 14 days to read 4 books. It may sound crazy but I love to read and they all happen to be books by Haruki Murakami. The book I am reading now is called "Dance, Dance, Dance".

I have strange habit of becoming attached to a writer and reading pretty much everything they have ever written (it has happened with Gregory Maguire). A few months ago I was on a Paulo Coehlo kick but I found one of his books too hard to get into so I moved on to Haruki Murakami. I'm not sure how I come across these authors but I am always looking for new books to read.
Here are some of my favorites:

Paulo Coehlo
Haruki Murakami
Gregory Maguire
Christopher Moore
Sena Jeter Naslund
Bernard Schlink
Louis de Bernieres
Jared Diamond (strange one, considering the ones I had before but I love history, especially dealing with the rise and fall of nations)

So, are there any books that you could not put down once you started reading? or just any recommendations?

P.S. If you love books, have an eReader, and love free eBooks even more be sure to check out your local library to see if they off a loan service, I will say depending on the city the collect may not be too large (I'm still upset that I cannot find books by Louis de Bernieres) but you can discover new books.

Skype with the in-laws....

2012-01-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

If I have not said it before, I am quite in love with my in-laws. We had a Skype conversation a few days ago and every time my husband talks to them without me they ask where I am and say they miss talking with me. In addition, they always ask me "when are you coming to Iran?" and I try to explain that the current political environment is not the best but they always say "our government has a problem but you're ok". His father even wants to come and live in Iran...I'll go for a visit but living there is a different story. We are still trying to get a visa for them, it's quite a process. But we decide to continue to try and plan a trip to Turkey to meet up with them. Which I am super excited about because I've always wanted to visit Turkey. We are thinking either the end of the year or 2013.

In other news, we are looking at buying a house...which is pretty crazy for someone like me to say. But we decided that we will be in Phoenix for quite some time because I would like to do a PhD at ASU and he wants to at least get a Master's degree. To be quite honest, I like the idea of having a home base, I've moved around so much that I do not know what it's like to live in one place (other than my parent's home) for more than a year. Don't get me wrong, I will still travel. So we've started the whole "home buying" process and it's a little stressful. Because it seems to get started and now we are waiting for w-2s from our jobs because last year we only had foreign income and it does not help that we both work for large companies. But unlike the car buying process, I'm going to take my time and make sure it's the best deal for us, I even went through 2 full days of clearing things on my credit to avoid any problems. I will keep you guys updated on House Hunt 2012. I am pretty excited about owning a house and actually making it mine...it would be a big change from what I'm use to and a major step for the hubby and I.

Arts education...

2011-12-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

So, it's been a year since I've been in Phoenix and I've been pretty stressed about work. It really made me realize that I need to get back to doing what I love...which is art...and traveling. But let's just focus on the art right now.

I'm looking into starting a Master of Art in Arts Education, this will allow me to teach art...which is my lifelong goal (to become an art professor). I will be looking at online program for now, my two main schools are University of Nebraska and University of Florida. I may also consider Boston University but I'm not too sure. Most of the colleges have a required 1 week session, which I am looking forward to (this is why I'm considering Boston, because I love the city). University of Nebraska is the frontrunner because I started the application process in 2010 and I am still in contact with the professor that runs the program. The program is usually 1 year and I will still try and complete my MBA (as long as I'm with the company).

After this I am going to try to teach some and then look into a PhD in Arts Education or Art History. Art History will be harder because I have to know at least 2 other languages and one has to be a romance language. The plus is that most universities will accept German in the place of a romance language. I'm so glad I took some German in college, so I will be looking for German classes in the area and hopefully they will accept Farsi as a second one. If I can get a intermediate level in these languages I may go for a romance language.

The PhD in art history is not set in stone and things will change. So right now I am focusing on the MA in Arts Education and looking in volunteer opportunities in the area. I'm hoping to stick to these plans because I need to find a career that I really enjoy and can grow in.

London, Paris, Rome...

2011-12-18T21:02:00.000-07:00

Hey people, the travel group I am a part of will be doing a trip to London, Paris and Rome...if you are interested check it out here http://travelsistahs.grouptoursite.com/groups/travelsistahs.aspx...if you have any questions just leave a message and I can get you in contact with one of the coordinators. It's open to anyone who is looking to explore London, Paris and Rome with a group.

Peace and Zen in Phoenix...

2011-12-11T15:05:00.001-07:00

This weekend I meet up with my travel group at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix. It was a must after the crazy week I had.

Let's just say work is back to being stressful, including an "intial" warning...I know that I should and will work harder, but the real surprise was that the job was not what I thought it to be but I will do what I need to go because the economy does not appear to be picking up anytime soon. But anyway back to the peace and zen...

I was a little surprised at where the graden was located (downtown Phoenix) and how peaceful it was...I know that I will be going back soon...actually made plans with the hubby to go back next weekend and after looking at the membership prices, I will definitely be getting one for the hubby and I. After seeing the pictures he was a little disappointed that I did not invite him because his father spent 6 years in Japan, and he is very interested in the culture because of the stories his father told him.

Info on the gardens:

names Ro Ho En
3.5 acres
designed by landscape architects from sister city, Himeji in Japan

more info at http://www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org

Anyway, here are more pictures to enjoy (including massive koi fish) and hungry ducks...

Why I love Paulo Coelho...

2011-11-26T16:32:00.001-07:00

I was looking for a quote to post to make a point to some of the negative people in my life, and I came across Paulo Coelho quotes. I love his books, so far I have read:

The Witch of Portobello
The Devil and Miss Prym
Vernoika Decides to Die
Eleven Minutes
The Alchemist
By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept
Brida

here are a few quotes I cam across that I love:

“One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving.”
― The Alchemist

“So, I love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you.” (very true)
― The Alchemist

“Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.”
― The Alchemist

“Love is an untamed force. When we try to control it, it destroys us. When we try to imprison it, it enslaves us. When we try to understand it, it leaves us feeling lost and confused.”

“We can never judge the lives of others, because each person knows only their own pain and renunciation. It's one thing to feel that you are on the right path, but it's another to think that yours is the only path.”

“When we meet someone and fall in love, we have a sense that the whole universe is on our side. And yet if something goes wrong, there is nothing left! How is it possible for the beauty that was there only minutes before to vanish so quickly? Life moves very fast. It rushes from heaven to hell in a matter of seconds.”
- Eleven Minutes

“I can choose either to be a victim of the world or an adventurer in search of treasure. It's all a question of how I view my life.”
- Eleven Minutes

“Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle.”
-Brida

“Life is too short, or too long, for me to allow myself the luxury of living it so badly.”

You can find more quotes at http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/566.Paulo_Coelho

Busy weekends...

2011-11-26T16:04:00.001-07:00

For the past two weekends I have been out and about...this weekend I got some online shopping completed for the hubby...but more on that later.

On the 12th I meet up with my travel group and checked out the Indian festival. It was really nice and a I always enjoy cultural festivals, in October the hubby and I went to Oktoberfest. This is a major plus with living in large city. I love traveling and I love learning things about a culture that is different from my own. The Indian festival included dancing (which I love), food and clothing...I really wanted by buy a tunic buy but the one i liked was not made for women who are overly blessed in the chest area.

I wish I had taken more pictures but it was a small festival and the type where you walk around and enjoy different cultural things...it wasn't really picturesque but I did enjoy it.

The weekend of the 19th, I went to the US women soccer match. I had to go it alone because Matt had to work but I decide to still go because I did not want to pass up seeing the US women play and the tickets were reasonably priced.

The games was ok, ended in a draw (1-1). What I really loved was all of the young girls who came to support players. They knew all the names and it was great to see young girls have positive role models. I'm not sure what the players private lives are like, but I'm all for women in sports.

This weekend, I did some online shopping for the hubby for Christmas. The best gift overall was from sephora. (don't worry he doesn't read the blog...and if he did he wouldn't have read it this far :)) But anyway, he loves cologne, but I have a hard time picking it out for him. I like more subtle smells and he likes to bath in cologne, so a stronger scent while make him use less. I got him Dolce & Gabana "the one" because i love it and he ended up using the sample ones the sephora sends with the order. So for Christmas I got him this...

It comes with 14 samples of cologne and a voucher that he can take to a sephora store and pick up a full bottle of the one he wants. This is why I love sephora, I don't wear makeup but they always have an extensive collection of things like this.

Melbourne, AUS 2006

2011-11-19T16:53:00.001-07:00

As I update my blog with a list of places I have been, I realized that I started the blog in 2008 and never got a chance to write about my trip to Australia in 2006. So I decided to write a little about it and post some pics:

I went to Australia in the summer of 2006 to as a study abroad with IES. It was between the junior and senior year at Wesleyan College and I had always wanted to go to Australia. It was my first time traveling outside of the US and I picked the the country with a 14+ hour flight. I flew Qantas and the air hostess were no nonsense. I guy keep complaining about being placed near the emergency exit and threaten to put his feet up on the exit door. It was pretty crazy, they ended up getting the captain to come out and threaten to have him taken off the plane. When I arrived in Melbourne, I was pretty amazed at city, it was really nice and a lot of public transportation.

Because it was a study abroad group we had to do the group tours, which was to Phillips island. It was ok but it felt like a grade school camping trip.

While I was there I was able to make the trip along Great Ocean Road...

In addition, we got to take a wine tour, where I purchased a bottle of desert wine that I did not open until 2008...

During my June-July stay I did an internship with Museum Victoria, which is made up of several museums throughout Melbourne. (Be sure to check out the website because I was there when they were in the process of redesigning the logos). I met great people when I was there who I still stay in contact with today.

Overall, Melbourne was a great experience and I would love to go back. There is so much that I remember but it would take a few pages to write about...but I think I'll leave it with a few pictures and a BIG recommendation...if you ever go to Australia go to Melbourne...great shopping and an amazing art scene.

Vivia Las Vegas...

2011-11-11T15:30:00.001-07:00

...maybe not for us. If you ever make plans to go to the Grand Canyon and Vegas, I would suggest Vegas and then the Grand Canyon. When we got onto the strip it was sensory overload. So many people, lights, buildings, music....just too much. The problem was that we went to a very quiet Grand Canyon where you have time to breath and take it all in a little at a time (thanks to the fog/snow that only allowed us to see bits of the canyon at a time). Vegas was just BAM!!! We got frazzled when finding parking and first parked in the Flamingo parking garage and made our way to the Imperial Palace. When we got to the hotel it was pretty smoky (thanks to the casion being with check in) and a semi long line. However, with only 3 and sometimes 4 people working the desk and a second line for people who had already checked in to skip ahead and ask mundane questions had us waiting for almost an hour. I was not a happy camper. But I decided to just breathe and think that I will be able to rest and lay down for a bit.

After checking in, we made out way to the room. I should have known by the hall way what condition the room would be in. The carpet was run down, dirty and very old...maybe from when the hotel opened. I am all about cheap but this hotel was a little dirty. To make matters worst we stayed in Tower 5, facing the strip. This meant a band played live music all day until 2am...But I can't complain too much because I read reviews and saw the warning about Tower 5 and people who have stayed in the hotel told me to upgrade to a better room because the suites and deluxe rooms are updated. So, I won't say it was a total waste because the location was ideal for around $30 a night.

After settled in the hotel we decided to walk around a little. The first thing my husband spotted was McDonald's, he has a strange love for Maccas that I really don't understand. He's a bit "frugal" and will settle for $1 mcchickens for lunch and dinner. Walking around really helped us to get our barrings and take in Vegas.

After finding some food we called it a night, and decided to have a late morning and get some sightseeing and walking down the next day.

We did the tourist bit, walked around took lots of pictures (over 400 for the entire trip) and did some window shopping.

I was uber excited to see a Max Brenner resturnat in the Forums shopping area. However, I was quickly disappointed when I looked at the menu...It was a full own menu, not the dessert and hot chocolate one I'm use to from Australia. So I did not go in, and decided to check out the fountain show.

The major plus about Vegas, is the free mini shows. We saw the fountains at the Bellagio,

volcano at the Mirage,

and the Pirate show/dance or whatever it was, at Treasure Island

There may have been other shows that we missed, i.e. Fremont Street lights. We went early in the day and the area was hella shady, imo, so we got back on the bus and made our way back to the strip.

The next day, we did more walking, made our way to the Vegas sign, which is in median at the end of the strip. Along with checking out other hotels and casinos on the strip.

Overall, Vegas was ok. I won't be in a rush to visit again but it wasn't a waste. My recommendations for Vegas:

1. Don't buy any staple things, i.e. Water, snacks...on the strip, go father down near New York, New York. There are cheaper stores, we paid almost $4 for a bottle of water.
2. There are a lot of people handing out cards, don't take anything, if you take one you become a target for the others down the line.
3. Be prepared to be bombarded about "free shows and free dinners", the catch was a 60 minute time share speech.
4. Have the buffet at the Bellagio, I hate buffets but the Bellagio had the best food. I have read that you go for a late lunch and just stay long enough for them to put out the dinner items. We went for lunch and dinner and there is very little difference. The only difference I saw was that the offered sliders a lunch and larger meats at dinner...oh yeah, dinner had more seafood...the major plus was crab but it's not a make or break when choosing lunch which is around $20 per person or dinner, which is around $30.
5. If you want a cheap breakfast, lunch, dinner...just hit up McDonald's, the prices there are still the same. My husband paid $10 for a subway sandwich without chips and a drink.
6. Fremont light show starts at 5:30...don't go earlier.
7. There is a lot of window shopping to be done, and some affordable places like Gap, H&M, but mostly it's Gucci, Prada, and other stores that I don't even go in.

If you go, enjoy Vegas for what it is. It's unlike any other city and most people will love it or hate it.

Drive to Vegas...

2011-11-11T15:05:00.001-07:00

I got back from my trip to Las Vegas the other day and I wanted to update everyone on the trip.

We started out at 5:30ish making our way up the I-17 from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon via Flagstaff. It started out raining Phoenix, so before we made it to the highway we had breakfast and luck would have it the rain stopped. On the way to Flagstaff we kept seeing little bits of snow and didn't think anything of it, because it was higher elevation, rain in Phoenix meant snow in higher regions.

When we go near the Sedona exit we noticed traffic slowed down and everyone was getting off at the exit. Then we found out the highway was closed. So we waited a few minutes and decided to take the "scenic" route through Sedona.

There was so much snow I forgot that I was in Arizona. We live in Phoenix, where summer temperatures stay in the triple digits. It was great to see so much snow.

After a 4 to 5 hour drive we made it to the Grand Canyon. Because of the snow it was very cold and very low visibility.

We are hoping to make another trip to the Grand Canyon to get the full experience. But I was glad to see it in winter because there were not a lot of tourist, so the roads were clear and it was a very different way to see the Grand Canyon. After this we made a 4+ hour drive to Las Vegas. The drive made my husband realize how big the US really is.

Before we got to Vegas we made a short stop at the Hoover Dam.

Overall, the drive was pretty good. It was first "real" vacation the hubby and I have taken and he kept me laughing the entire time. In addition, it is great to see how someone who has grown up outside of the US views the states. He was amazed at the size and empty space. We were able to drive through a lot of the elements. Rain in Phoenix, Snow in Sedona, hail and sunshine after the Grand Canyon.

It's pretty crazy how all of this happened within one state, but it made me appreciate Arizona much more.

Planning...

2011-10-30T21:26:00.001-07:00

I recently ordered a Christmas tree (for $40), as soon as we got it Matt was opening the box ready to put it up. I had to explain to him it was too early for the tree to go up. It's a funny learning experience, because he knows nothing about Christmas trees. I even had to explain to him we will have to purchase decorations for the tree, which he questioned (he's very...frugal). So I'm hoping to start a tradition of putting up the tree after Thanksgiving...but now I will have to explain to him why we have Thanksgiving dinner. Which I am trying to plan. It's only two of us, so I'm thinking of doing something smaller like cornish game hen. But considering who I married, I could give him McDonald's and KFC chicken and he would be happy. I questioned why he loved KFC so much (because I hate it) and his response was "we don't have it in Iran, in the US you can get 10 pieces of chicken for $10"...I guess he is living the American dream...and not gaining a single pound...I really hate him for that :)

On to travel news, we have booked the hotel for Las Vegas. Because we live pretty close to Vegas (by my travel standards) we decided to go with a cheaper place. After some searching and suggestions, we went with Imperial Palace.

I have been warned that the rooms are dated, but we are going to do some sightseeing and not spend all day in the hotel. Keep in mind, I've stayed in hostels and some pretty questionable hotels before, so a "dated" room doesn't bother me...as long as it's clean.

I am still researching for things to do. Our plan is to get up early and drive to the Grand Canyon, do the tourist thing and then drive over to Vegas. I have a pretty long list thing to see and do, such as the Belliago buffet, fountains and conservatory, fremont street, Ceaser's forum shop, checking out the gondolas in the Venetian, etc. I'm pretty excited because this will be our first vacation in the US.

In other planning, I met up with my meetup.com group today and we are planning a cruise to Mexico. I really enjoy meeting up with women who love to travel. But I'm so humbled because I'm the "well-seasoned" traveler of the group. I never really thought much of my travel but when I think about it, I really have seen a lot. Maybe because it's second nature for me. What I like about the group is that everyone wants to see the world and have that desire to travel, even if it's a small trip in Phoenix. I'm pretty excited about what the group will do next.

Planning a trip...need help!!

2011-10-23T21:06:00.002-07:00

So, I'm trying to put together a trip to Las Vegas, for the hubby and I. It's one of those places we want to see and probably will not be in a hurry to visit again. But it is close and we need a change from Phoenix for a few days. However, I am having a hard time finding a hotel. I read reviews and become even more confused. So I need suggestions, we would like to stay somewhere on the strip...we love to walk around and sight-see, so somewhere were we could easy walk from the hotel to where the action is. We are thinking of taking in a Grand Canyon tour...but not quite sure yet because it could be a separate trip altogether. So, any tips would be appreciated from anyone who has been to Vegas?

Meeting new people...

2011-10-15T20:34:00.001-07:00

I finally got out and attended a meetup group, without the hubby. It was a lot of fun to get out of the house and have actual conversations. The conversations I have at work, I'm beginning to notice, are more out of convenience. People will talk to you because they have no one else around. I'm quickly learning that people at my work are not entirely wanting to talk with me so I gave up on talking with them. But tonight made me realize that I do not have much in common with the people at work, and it's not their fault it's just a strange thing. In other news I have been constantly scanning Ideeli.com and actually made purchases (I know a lot of people do not like to order online but I'm tired of going to the malls and not seeing things I really like). I bought a pair of boots...

I also purchased a shirt...

I also finished up my Accounting class with an A-, I'm glad I'm finished up the class but now I'm on to Finance. What's strange is that I really enjoy the classes, I feel that they are challenging me in a new way. So I'm a little excited about what the finance class has in store.

Update

2011-09-20T07:51:00.002-07:00

Softball was cancelled...I have a choice between kickball and flag football. I don't care for either, but I may go with kickball just to get out of the house. But I am very bummed about softball being cancelled...I was uber excited about it.

Now a Mac co-owner

2011-09-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

Matt and I made the big decision to buy a macbook air, this is not the biggest decision we've made this year, but it's a big decision to go from PC to mac. So far I'm liking the mac, I used it a lot during my undergraduate graphic design studies so it's pretty much like riding a bike.

Update on his parent's visiting the US...we are still trying to get interview appointments. It is extremely hard for Iranian applicants to get US visas, especially in Turkey. Every applicant who needs to make an interview, either immigrant, business, tourist, medical, etc. needs to call a number but get this...you can only call the first Monday of the month between 8:30 and 6. To make matters even worst they do not want you to call the US embassy in Turkey, instead they give you a US number to call but do not explain if you need to call the US number during Eastern time or on the same time zone as Turkey. So we have tried for 2 months and failed. We are hoping to get them an interview within the next few months. So I take back anything I've ever said about the US embassy in Korea because there you could at least schedule the interview online.

Btw...I'm going to start updating my blog more frequently...I noticed the past few months have been 1 post per month.

Accounting and softball...

2011-09-17T20:34:00.000-07:00

Work and classes have pretty much taken over my life, but I am slow learning to manage my time and get out some. On Friday, Matt and I went to a gym near my work to check out co-ed blind draw volleyball, which just means they put you on a team and play for a while. I'm not into volleyball, of all the sports volleyball is one I just can't get into...along with hockey. But I went with him, just to watch and be supportive, thinking it would last maybe 1 to 2 hours. I was wrong, it was 4...yes 4 long hours of volleyball. But it did give me the idea to look for a co-ed softball team, so I signed up for one that starts on October 1, it's very very recreational, it's even called Sunday Funday co-ed volleyball, at the end of the season they have a open bar for everyone. I signed up because I need to get out and meet people and actually get some fresh, non recycled air...(I found out the air at my job is recycled...fun times).

I'm still struggling a little at work, I'm trying to get it in my head to try harder because I cannot afford to lose this job, it pays well, great benefits and pretty easy work. Maybe it's the lack of management, but I'm going to have to learn how to manage myself, instead of waiting for someone else to do it for me. Because if I lose my job, my manager won't be paying my bills. I know what it takes to get the job done, I guess I like the motivation to actually do the work. But I'm realizing what I am capable of doing and I need to realize that I am capable of doing a damn good job. I just need to realize that any job will have it's ups and downs, but I will need to learn how to enjoy the ups and coast through the downs without letting it effect my work output.

In other news, I was considered taking a mini vacay by the end of the year, my options are:

1. Georgia for thanksgiving

2. California for a few days (not sure where but I know it has to be near a beach)

3. NYC for thanksgiving

Any suggestions???

In other news, Matt and I both had to renew our passports because his had expired and I needed a name change. We mailed them on the same day. His with UPS 2 day shipping and mine with USPS because I wanted it to be certified. He got his back about 1 1/2 weeks later, new passport and all. They had just received mine the day he got his AND it takes 4-6 weeks for them to process it. I'm beginning to miss the perks of living in another country and having to use the embassy, because fewer applicants means faster processing. But I'm not planning a trip outside of the states until maybe next year, which is about the time I'll get my passport back (I'm pretty sure they'll say something is wrong...Social Security had to get a small stamp on the marriage certificate from the US embassy translated from Korean and it took 2 extra months.)

Making Friends in a new city...

2011-08-06T13:52:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, I've had a really hard time making friends in Phoenix. It was easy when I was abroad because expats stick together, but when your living in your home country it seems to be pretty hard. I'm trying to get involved in a few things:

1. volunteer, I'm planning on filling out and actually returning my application to volunteer at the Phoenix Museum of Art
2. Meetup.com, I've looking for a few groups, I'm thinking of looking into a beginner's hiking group or something like that
3. YMCA and other exercise classes, I'm getting into exercising so I might as well find similar people
4. Art...I have yet to find an art group, but I'm still looking
5. Fencing...fencing people can be a little strange, but it's worth a shot

The hard part is working at a job were I see the same group every day. It would not be as bad if I could relate to the people. But most have lived in Phoenix for a while and have there own little groups, which is strange because most of the people in I have meet in training and company functions are new to Phoenix. What happens is when I meet these people, I only meet them once and we lose contact. I do not hate the people I work with, but it's hard for me to relate. I would say 75% of them are over 40 and married/divorced with kids, the other 25% have no similar interest/we hardly talk or to make matters worst the two women who are my age and that I talk to are both pregnant and already have one child. So I feel very left out.

I'm hoping the volunteer thing at the art museum works out because I love hanging with artsy people and hopefully I can get to know more people at work and I'll try to volunteer more with company functions so I can meet more people.

Any suggestions on what to do to make friends in a new city?

Is it raining???

2011-07-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

I survived my first dust storm or haboob, this week in Phoenix. Matt and I were at the gym(which is at basement level) and noticed it got really dark all of a sudden. So we decided it must be raining and we needed to go back to the apartment before it got worst. As soon as we went up the stairs we were hit with wind and dust. We made it back to the apartment were I proceeded to sneeze for most of the night. It was pretty crazy, I didn't get any pictures because it was at night and the dust causes the camera not to focus, but here are some I found.

You can also find videos of it on youtube. I'm so glad I decided not to wash my car the previous weekend.

In other news, work is still work. I'm still trying to get into the groove or work but I'm honestly still not liking the job. I don't have the privilege to quit and pack up and move like I did before. So I'm trying to stick with it because I know it's not the job but me that is creating the problem. I cannot stay in a job for a long time and when I feel that I am not the best then there is no point. I have to accept that I may be average (or a least above average) in my current job. Also, I should be happy because I could be unemployed.

Does anyone have any tips on how to be more effective at a job that you feel is quite right? I know that I can succeed at the job, but I know it's going to be hard work.

Also I started my second class in my MBA degree. I'm slowly getting the hang of it but I am really missing art courses. But I can't pass up a free MBA, so I may look into a few art classes at local colleges and try for a MFA once I complete this degree. Also by the time I complete it Matt will have finished his BS degree and hopefully be a US citizen so we can both do master's degrees abroad :)))

Baby on the brain...

2011-06-12T15:12:00.000-07:00

One day last week Matt and I had a conversation about babies. It seems that everyone around us is baby crazy, and I feel like it wearing off on me. Until I realized a baby isn't a project, it's another living human being that is completely dependent on me. What I really need is a project, maybe set a goal of doing a couple of paintings and sticking with the goal. I spoke with someone who is considering another child and she explained you can never fully prepare for a child. But in my opinion, you can at least be prepared a little for one. Right now we are not even prepared to think about a baby. My concern now is making it through my graduate program, keeping my job, saving money and looking into buying a house/townhouse/condo after our apartment lease is up. So after the house we have decided that a dog would be the next step. Although we have no agreed on the breed (German Sheperd vs. Great Dane), we have agreed that we need a place with a yard to have a dog, having one in a small one bedroom apartment is unfair to the dog.

In other news, work is still work. I'm slowly getting use to it, I realized that no matter what company I work for I'm still the same, so if I'm a miserable person at this job then I'll be a miserable person at the next one. It's not a terrible job but I'm seeing friends travel abroad and I'm getting the itch again. But I have to keep reminding myself that my traveling days are not over. It will be good to be settled in one place for a while before hitting the road/runway again in quest of adventure in far away lands.

As for grad school, I'm on the third week of my first class and it has been OK so far. I'm enjoying the online classroom environment because I'm not falling asleep at my desk and I'm able to participate in discussions. I'm slowly getting into a rhythm. But check back with me in 2 months to see if I still enjoy it ;)

I'm still around...

2011-05-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been so caught up with work and stressing over it that I've neglected my blog. Not much has gone up as of lately, work is still work. I'm trying to get to the point where I'm not just focusing on the negative at work, which I always seem to do. I realized I have to work because the money is needed and I don't want to pass up on getting my master's degree for free, so I'm going to suck it up and make the most out of it. Because no matter what job I have if it's not something I love I will never truly be happy unless I get over myself.

Speaking of master's degree, I've official signed up to start a MBA with an emphasis in Marketing on May 26 and Matt will work on a BA in Interdisciplinary studies on the 30th, he wants to become an electrician but we decided for him to get the BA because it's free and we are trying to get a lot of things settled before we look in tech school...or at least wait until he can take full advantage of government funding.

Other than that, not much is going on. I still have the itch to create art but I haven't been able to sit down and crank out any ideas. Also, Matt and I decided to try out a Korean restaurant called Hodori in Phoenix and I have to say it was very good, it made me miss Korean food. I was able to get my favorite kimchi jjigae and try out a Korean pizza which was very delicous...so much so that we ate it all before I remember to get pictures.

It was a great weekend for us, we went to Ikea (i love that place) had Korean food and hit up the Asian market for Matt's favorite brand of tune, aloe juice, and plum juice. Now I know where to pick up the ingredients to make my own jjigae because $8.95 each is just too much.

Since I've mentioned cooking I realized I have a strong desire to cook, I really enjoy it. Last week I took a stab at chicken and dumplings. Today I think I'll be making Cypriot kebabs(they aren't different from other kebabs it's just they like to put Cypriot before everything, Turkish delights are Cypriot delights)...it Matt hasn't eaten all the mint. I just noticed he drank all the milk when I made my coffee this morning. So for the people who check out this blog, hit me up with your favorite recipe from around the world or just the name of a dish you would recommend. I'm in the process of writing all of my favorite recipes I've had and I'm always up for new ones.

I'm thinking of trying out a Cypriot meze when his parents come for a visit. Wish me look because it looks pretty intense.

The word of the week is...boobs

2011-03-23T08:49:00.000-07:00

Work has been just work as of lately, the other day some comments were made about me by another team and I heard them (people keep thinking their whispering but you're not). It really hurt me but today I woke up and said to myself, if people want to talk about me I might as well give them something worth talking about. But don't get me wrong, for a few seconds my inner southerner was about to come out.

In other news, I've been hitting the gym at work and trying to eat healthy...see the word trying. I love cake, cookies, pretzels and things like that. So I'm trying to replace those with healthy foods that I love...I just need to replace the 20 oz. red bull with coffee...I actually drink red bull because I like the taste.

Also, we are getting the paperwork together for Matt's parents to visit, they probably won't be here until August, but I'm still very nervous. For those who don't know, I've only talked with his parents via skype, usually in a strange combo of Farsi and English and Matt's translations. I'm really looking forward to it but it's still nerve wrecking.

I thought I should share this, for anyone who's ever dated someone who's learning English as a second or fifth in my case, language. I really enjoy when Matt picks up a new word, because he uses it a lot to see if I will notice he's learned a new word and if I don't he'll try to make me guess it. For the past two weeks the words have been couple, like "a couple of things", and strangely enough "boobs" or "boobies"...he seems to love that word and I think it's hilarious. It doesn't help that he loves shows like Family Guy and Robot Chicken, so he gets his fill of foul new words. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, please share :)

Making Plans...time to enjoy life...

2011-03-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

So I've decided to make a few changes:

1. Enjoy my work, I don't think I've been happy at any job I've had, the job I have now is fairly easy and the pay is good...the problem is I keep comparing myself to others around me who've worked there for much longer, so I'm going to just focus on myself and finally enjoy one job that I have
2. Get back into exercise, the time between Korea and Phoenix I was in great shape, it was only 2 months but because I didn't work so I would exercise 3 to 4 times a day...since I've gotten to Phoenix I've been terrible about it, so I'm going to get back into the swing of things (probably not 3 to 4 times a day but enough to lose the weight I need to)
3. Get back into art, lately I've felt the need to distance myself from the art world, it's become something I don't really want to be apart of, I'm missing the days when I was in college and I could go to the studio at any time with my music and just paint, to me it was when art was just art and I want to get back to that again
4. Enjoy my life...I have to admit I'm a miserable person 90% of the time, so I'm working on being more positive and enjoying the life I have...I have a lot of great things going for me right now, both Matt and I have a job, an apartment, a car...I realized that if I can't enjoy my life in Phoenix I'll just be miserable no matter where I go...and to be honest I have been

....so overall I'm just going to start appreciating my life for what it is and where it's going...I realized I'm in a good place right now and things are looking up and going well

I am becoming...dare I say it...

2011-02-27T12:49:00.001-07:00

domestic???? For those who are true globe trotters you will understand how I feel. I'm now working in a cubical, have my name on a lease, have car payments and go grocery shopping every week. I'm having the itch to run away from it all, to be in a country where I don't speak the language, eat something I've never had and have no day to day commitments or domestic responsibilities.

I will say I am stressed, work has me stressed the most. I have to get people to apply to the college and so far I've gotten none, when I do my job I try to be the best at it. But I feel like I'm just not at my best, hopefully I can get there...granted I have no choice, I have 6 months to get on my game or I'll be looking for another job, and that's what stresses me. The plus is that my manager is awesome, he tells us he wants us to enjoy coming to work and he won't micromanage us (which I love) and if we don't meet the 6 month mark we won't write us up because he didn't. But I know there are people above him that care and those are the people who worry me.

Another stress is the family, Matt finally told his brother his wife couldn't stay and guess who his brother made the "bad guy", if you guessed me, you're correct.

"You know why? You don't have the guts to be what you wanna be? You need people like me. You need people like me so you can point your f*****' fingers and say, "That's the bad guy." So... what that make you? Good? You're not good. You just know how to hide, how to lie. Me, I don't have that problem. Me, I always tell the truth. Even when I lie. So say good night to the bad guy! Come on. The last time you gonna see a bad guy like this again, let me tell you. Come on. Make way for the bad guy. There's a bad guy comin' through! Better get outta his way" -Scarface

But I wasn't going to put my feelings aside for someone who said, and I quote "I never want to see her again"...I'm making damn sure I make that happen for Matt's sister in law. One thing I truly believe in and will always do, I will never pretend to like you or be your friend. I'm not saying I don't give people the benefit of the doubt, but once you f that up, I stop caring. Plus they're making like we owe them, like we should let her and her kids stay with us because they helped Matt come to Korea. I don't owe them anything, nothing makes me madder then people wanting you do to something because you "owe them".

In better news, I'm looking at place to go for my 2 weeks I have to take before the end of June, I'm thinking it may just be to Cali or something like that. But I'm really wanting to be on a beach relaxing...away from the phone and cubical. I would love to get to Central America but I have to figure out the visa process for Matt, I'm hoping him being a permanent resident in the US will care more weight than having an Iranian passport. Here is his visa free travel vs mine:

vs.

He really wants to travel but it's hard for him to get a visa. I feel bad for him because I know so many Americans who would never leave the US. That's why I always tell people, when you get the chance to travel don't make up excuses for it. I hate when people tell me "you're lucky" because I got to travel. Lucky has nothing to do with it, it's determination and just making things happen. Traveling abroad shouldn't mean backpacking for 6 months, if you have 2 weeks vacation, pick a city you always wanted to go to and stay there for those 2 weeks. Air travel can get you to almost any location in the world in less than a day. We have no problem saving up for a car, expensive shoes, etc. A US passport can open so many doors, so Americans should take advantage of that while we still can.

Sad news, we no longer have the puppy. We decided to do what's best for him and gave him to a family that has two kids. He'll get lots of love now, he was pretty bored living with Matt and I. We played with him when we got the chance but he needed constant attention and our work schedules were starting to be the same. So we posted an ad and someone picked him up a day later. I do miss him but I'm pretty sure he's enjoying the new family. We don't plan on getting another dog until we have a yard for him to play in and our work schedules allow for one.

Work, Work, Work, Coffee, Work...

2011-02-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

I've been super busy with work and getting over some kind of sickness. I'm not sure what I have but it hasn't keep me from going to work (except I did go home early on Friday I could barely keep a convo going). I just finished training so I'm official "on the floor" I am very worried because I haven't had a application yet, but then again I've done the enrollment job before so I know it will take a while.

In other news, we got a chocolate lab and he is extremely difficult. He chews everything and when we took him to get discount vaccinations yesterday he acted a straight fool at Petsmart, jumping on people, braking, pulling his leash, nipping at me. The vet actually told us out of all the labs the chocolate ones are the worst. The plus is that a trainer at petsmart saw his whole episode and we went to talk with her and she said training would be best. I'm just glad she got to see him in action because when we were talking he just sat beside my husband like he was the best dog ever. I'm really hoping the training helps, because if it doesn't we won't be able to keep him because he jumps on people and other dogs, and there are a lot of dogs in our apartment complex...so wish me luck with that.

Another plus, Matt got a job!!! at Whole Foods!!! some people wouldn't be excited about working at whole foods but he gets a 20% discount...I told him he will have that job for a long time.

Also we decided to get a second car, of course I was the one who got the new car. It was a Mazda 3...Matt wanted a truck so we made a decision to get a truck later because it's more expensive (plus drinks gas like crazy and he just got his US license so he needs a little more experience with crazy US drivers).

Well that's about it for now. I promise to update more often, especially since I'm looking at a place to got for 2 weeks I have to take before June or I lose :) plus another 2 weeks I have to use before December. I'm really hoping to get out of the US for one of them..but if not maybe somewhere nice in the US.

A month already...

2011-01-18T19:39:00.000-07:00

So it's been a month since I last updated,. I have to say it's been a little crazy but not too busy. For those who don't know I relocated to Phoenix. After a less than a month I was offered a enrollment counselor position with a college. The pay is pretty good so I'm no longer really considering the military for now, especially since I can take free classes at the new job ( I start on the 31st). So I'm looking into doing an MBA in marketing. In addition, Matt and I found an apartment. I'm worried because the reviews online aren't great, I realized I should have done a little more research. But the reviews are general things that come with apartment living, i.e. roaches (only like 5 complaints out of over 200), noise and parking. I keep telling myself I've lived in much worst, plus the apartment is great and in a great location. So when we move in I'm going to spray the apartment down, invest in ear plugs and maybe pay for parking.

I'm slowly settling in to Phoenix, I finally changed my driver's license, but the 40+ minute wait made me miss small town Georgia. Where it takes about 10 minutes to get a license. I also got my name changed official, I went back in and forth with the whole last name change but I figured I was ok with it, plus it adds a bit more "pizzazz" to my name when I sign paintings.

I've also been doing a few more drawings. I'm hoping to get some art supplies once I get settled in the new apartment and job.

Other than that things have been going ok, I promise to do better on the blog post and don't worry I haven't given up traveling. Matt and I are planning a vacation to Central America...while I'm planning it, just because I'm married doesn't mean I'm going to stop traveling, just means I have someone to drag along with me. So it anyone has any tips on the best places to go let me know. I'm thinking either Costa Rica or Belize...but I'm still not sure.