Merry Christmas 2014! Best Wishes to You and Yours

Hello everyone, I would like to wish everybody a very Merry Christmas and a Joyous prosperous new year, 2015.
Christmas is a time for togetherness and being with our loved ones which one of the most important aspects during Christmas and it should not stop there. It should be everyday.

It is not about the presents, the food, the decorations, but its about Jesus and his birth.

Wishing everybody a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year 2015.
May 2015 create new beginnings, spread around goodness, being kind to one another and raising awareness on important issues of the world that we all have the power to make positive and happy changes if we all work together to empower, enrich our souls, minds and hearts with goodness all the time, everything will fall into place. God bless everyone.

2015 is about a week away, and I wish you all happiness, health, love, success and all the great things of life with a positive and optimistic attitude.

What are your expectations and what are you planning to accomplish?
Will you be attaining and achieving the goals you set out?
In what ways will you approach it?
How will you achieve them?

First Day of Winter – Days Are Going to get Longer

It is the First day of Winter. I know some complain of the snow, freezing temperatures and all the chaos from winter like me, and trust me when I say this, I despise winter a lot and have my very own Facebook page called “The I hate Winter Club”, however looking at the bigger picture in a different perspective, things can be worse. Look at it this way, It is just temporary until we see green grass, beautiful flowers blossoming, the warmth in the air, the sun and more brightness again. count our blessings, be grateful for the people in our lives and the things we have. As long as we are with the people we love, we have health, and were doing well, it is all that matters.

After today, the days start getting longer, the daylight increases by a couple of minutes per day and before we know it, it will be back to springtime. I know we have to deal with the freezing and the craziness of winter, but I am looking things into a new light.

I am blessed for all the people I have in my life. I love you all very much. I am excited to create more incredible memories with them all, no matter what season, no matter what day and time it is. Each moment we have with our loved ones is something that is important more than anything else in this world. Not material growth.

I believe that materialism is not something that I value. To me, togetherness with my loved ones is all that counts in life. Some people are just so materialistic that they get so angry if they do not receive a gift or they do not get what they want from other people. Should not work that way. It is the thought that counts. Time and energy was put in to buy that gift and people should learn to appreciate what they receive, and what they have. People in this world do not have anything. We must count our blessings and appreciate all we have. Some people have a hard time to make ends meet and can barely keep up, while some others are so materialistic and want want want, but they do not give back and they don’t acknowledge anything else.

It is not about the food, the decorations, and everything, It is about people coming together to enjoy each other and keep that bond going strong as it should be year-round.

What are your traditions? What is it about Winter you like?

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. May 2015 be a year filled with love, health, happiness, new beginnings, and all the great things of life.

John Travolta’s Name Mishap at The Oscars 2014 – People Make Mistakes

Today, I am going to be ranting about something that has been disturbing me and its become a big bother for me, and at the Oscars 2014 when John Travolta appeared on stage to present a performer, something happened that made headlines in the news among many memes, and so many things that people came up with, even an app on the computer that says “Travoltify your name” or Travoltarize your name or something in less 12 hours after the Oscars. I just thought that its something that should not have been created. Even though it is fun, but it really isn’t. It really isn’t funny at all.

I am sure we make mistakes with pronouncing peoples names or mispronouncing a word or something, and I just think people went too far with John Travolta’s mishap on the Oscars 2014 while Presenting and introducing a singer to sing Let it go from the Movie Frozen. When you are being watched by millions of people throughout the world and on a major night in Hollywood like that, and I know that John Travolta has done many speeches, presenting and being in the public eye. Sometimes people do get so caught up in the moment that they have all that pressure.

It doesn’t matter how many years you have been in the entertainment industry, sometimes mistakes happen, were human, sometimes were going to make mistakes pronouncing names or words or something. I know he said Adele Dazeem, when it is Idina Menzel, but I think its enough making fun of him and making jokes. There is a limit to everything, and that limit has been crossed. His mind may have been elsewhere or something going on that day with him or something. This has been in the spotlight, in newspapers, on the internet, social media, and so many other places, even on billboards now or signs people have made.

A lot of people have too much time on their hands to do these things, and I think some people need to utilize their time to do something worth while, positive, good, and influential. Okay the Oscars Selfie is okay to make memes and stuff, but it depends on what you are doing a meme on, but not something about a persons Mistake like “Adele Dazeem”…

People take things way out of context. I like John Travolta a lot and he should not be criticized for that, but unfortunately there will always be people who will criticize and make fun. Not very cool. This is a form of Bullying somebody and its not right at all. Some people may have speech impediments, some may have problems with pronouncing things. Its not good to make fun of others. People sometimes do not think about what they do or say before they do it, and people may face consequences in the long run.  John Travolta is a person too and he should not be treated any differently than anybody else.  That is it for my ranting.

 

Edgar Martirosyan – The Famous Oscars Pizza Guy – An Armenian

On March 2nd, 2014, A Whole new twist and something that has not been done before in Oscars Academy Awards History was done this year. Ellen DeGeneres had Ordered Pizza a couple of days before the Biggest event in Hollywood, telling The Pizza Guy from the Big Mamas & The Papa’s Pizza Place to be there between 4 & 5 or something, and Edgar Martirosyan followed Ellen DeGeneres the Host of The Oscars 2014, to the stage, and Shocked Edgar, did not realize or know that he was on the stage of the biggest event of the night which was viewed by over 43 Million people on television. He said, he was not expecting that.

Edgar then got instantly famous with giving out pizzas to Brad Pitt, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Julia Roberts, Harrison Ford, Angelina Jolie, and many others. Then Ellen passed around Pharrell Williams Hat, and the stars compiled up to 600 dollars in Tips, then when Edgar the Armenian Pizza Delivery Guy was invited to go to Ellen DeGeneres Show the next day where she evened out his Tip totaling to 1000 dollars. Then later Edgar appeared on Piers Morgan’s show, and made headlines everywhere.

Edgar then said in an interview that he always loved Julia Roberts since hes watched her movies, and giving her a Pizza was a great feeling and he was in complete surprise.

I automatically thought that he was Armenian, because he has this Armenian Look about him. As I was sitting down and watching the Awards show with my family, I knew and told them, that He is Armenian and then mere hours later on the news outlets, and the internet, It was indeed true and did find out he was Armenian. Like me. So I should say I am so excited and happy for my Fellow Armenian for having this amazing opportunity to deliver Pizza to the Oscars. Lucky him. I wish Edgar and his business that he owns with His Brother a great success and I wish him all the best. When I visit California again, I will definitely go to Big Mama’s and Papa’s pizza 🙂

Article from IanYan Mag

http://www.ianyanmag.com/2014/03/02/armenian-owned-big-mamas-pizzeria-delivers-pies-laughs-at-oscars/

Big Mamas Papa’s Pizza

http://www.bigmamaspizza.com/

LA Times

http://www.latimes.com/food/dailydish/la-dd-oscars-2014-ellen-big-mamas-and-papas-celebrity-pizza–20140303,0,7527662.story#axzz2v30WCkCp

 

Ellen DeGeneres – The Best Oscar Host Ever – I Vote Ellen for 2015

On March 2nd, 2014, in Los Angeles, Hollywood, California, the 86th Annual Academy Awards, The Oscars took place at the Dolby Theatre. A night that is celebrated by Film and Entertainment Excellence in the past year. Ellen DeGeneres hosted the grand event which is the most biggest night in Hollywood, which turned out to be a great success. Ellen DeGeneres is a natural and a fabulous host and she did such an incredible job. Throughout the night I was left in suspense as to wondering what she would do next, on what would happen. Ordering Pizza was one of the coolest things ever and it was an Armenian Pizza Delivery Man named Edgar and the Pizza place Big Mommas and Poppas is owned by an Armenian, which is amazing.

Ellen DeGeneres showed up in a princess dress after one of the commercial breaks. She then went in the audience and gave us more surprises. Ellen then took selfies with many celebrities, such at Julia Roberts, Jared Leto, Bradley Cooper, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and many more. She then tweeted the photo and crashed twitter down for more than a million retweets in such a little time. It was one of the most retweets in Twitter history. She then updated her twitter account throughout the evening while she was hosting. Social Media soared, and buzzfeed quickly began producing articles and funny things which I enjoy that website a lot.

The Fashion, Make Up, Glitz, Glamor, Dresses, and the whole night was just spectacular and of course there were things that were seen like Jennifer Lawrence falling down, how people photobombed each other, so on and so forth.

I have loved Ellen since she started with her own talk show. I am telling you, she is somebody whom I really respect, admire and appreciate so much. I vote Ellen to host the next Oscars in 2015. I had so much fun watching the Oscars 2014. It felt like I was there, and it felt like I was part of the fun, the red carpet and so much more. Hopefully one day I will physically be there, dress up and be part of the most exciting night in Hollywood. Best wishes to Ellen and I hope that you get voted in to be the host for Oscars 2015.

Armenian Heritage Night – Air Canada Centre – An Unforgettable Evening

On Sunday February 23rd, 2014, Almost 1000 Armenians embarked to The Air Canada Centre in Downtown Toronto for an unforgettable and memorable evening to celebrate Armenian Heritage. This was the 2nd Annual event. The doors opened to Air Canada Centre at 5pm, and everyone started going in. At 5:30Pm The Holy Trinity Armenian Church’s, Sassoun Dance Ensemble performed at Centre court of a traditional Armenian Dance for thousands of people who were non-Armenian and for Armenians. A few minutes before the Game started between Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic, A lady came and sang the National Anthems for both USA and Canada. The tip off and game started at 6pm and went well into almost 9pm.

The Armenian Students Association, Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Toronto, Sassoun Dance Ensemble, ARS, and other Armenian Organizations came together to plan this incredible night.  Thank you to everyone who assisted in the planning, and organizing with The Air Canada Centre so that we too Can have a Heritage Night. I was counting the days and hours until I went to the game and to the Armenian Night. It was something I had wanted to go to Last year, but was unable to. I was lucky enough to attend this year.

It was an incredible, memorable night that brought Armenians closer together to a huge Venue to enjoy the Basketball Game, to enjoy seeing Armenian Heritage on the bulletins and the Jumbo Tron at the ACC. The energy of the arena and people were felt, the crowd cheered on, everyone was having a great time, and really enjoyed the whole game from beginning to the end. The Raptors were not doing too well in the beginning, but then stepped up to the game after half time. The 4th Quarter got really exciting. It felt great to see Armenian everywhere, Armenian Flags waving in the audience, Hearing Armenians talking in our Language everywhere. It was pretty cool.

The Toronto Raptors won that night 105-90. If the Raptors Score more than 100 points in a game and win, the crowd at the ACC Gets a Free Pizza slice at Pizza Pizza across Toronto and the GTA locations. For those who printed tickets, had to get their tickets stamped by the officials at ACC, but original tickets did not need to. At the end of the night not only did we celebrate the Raptors win, we got a free pizza, and we Armenians had a blast. I cannot wait until I go to next years Armenian Heritage Night. Thank you Air Canada Centre.

 

Merry Armenian Christmas — Orthodox Christmas

Armenia

Armenians celebrate Christmas (surb tsnunt, Սուրբ Ծնունդ, meaning “saint birth”) on January 6 as a public holiday in Armenia. It also coincides with the Epiphany. Traditionally, Armenians fast during the week leading up to Christmas. Devout Armenians may even refrain from food for the three days leading up to the Christmas Eve, in order to receive the Eucharist on a “pure” stomach. Christmas Eve is particularly rich in traditions. Families gather for the Christmas Eve dinner (khetum, Խթում), which generally consists of: rice, fish, nevik (նուիկ, a vegetable dish of green chard and chick peas), and yogurt/wheat soup (tanabur, թանապուր). Dessert includes dried fruits and nuts, including rojik, which consists of whole shelled walnuts threaded on a string and encased in grape jelly, bastukh (a paper-like confection of grape jelly, cornstarch, and flour), etc. This lighter menu is designed to ease the stomach off the week-long fast and prepare it for the rather more substantial Christmas Day dinner. Children take presents of fruits, nuts, and other candies to older relatives.

It is frequently asked as to why Armenians do not celebrate Christmas on December 25 with the rest of the world. Obviously, the exact date of Christ’s birth has not been historically established—it is not recorded in the Gospels. However, historically, all Christian churches celebrated Christ’s birth on January 6 until the fourth century. According to Roman Catholic sources, the date was changed from January 6 to December 25 in order to override a pagan feast dedicated to the birth of the Sun which was celebrated on December 25. At the time Christians used to continue their observance of these pagan festivities. In order to undermine and subdue this pagan practice, the church hierarchy designated December 25 as the official date of Christmas and January 6 as the feast of Epiphany. However, Armenia was not affected by this change for the simple fact that there were no such pagan practices in Armenia, on that date, and the fact that the Armenian Church was not a satellite of the Roman Church. Thus, remaining faithful to the traditions of their forefathers, Armenians have continued to celebrate Christmas on January 6 until today.^[42]

In addition to the Christmas tree (tonatsar, Տօնածառ), Armenians (particularly in the Middle East) also erect the Nativity scene. Christmas in the Armenian tradition is a purely religious affair. Santa Claus does not visit the nice Armenian children on Christmas, but rather on New Year’s Eve. The idea of Santa Claus existed before the Soviet Union and he was named kaghand papik (Կաղանդ Պապիկ), but the Soviet Union had a great impact even on Santa Claus. Now he goes by the more secular name of Grandfather Winter (dzmerr papik, Ձմեռ Պապիկ).

CREDITS: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_worldwide

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year – Love Talin Orfali

It is that time of year again. I cannot believe how quickly 2013 flew by. Just yesterday we were celebrating Christmas and New Years for 2012/2013, and now as 2013 is coming to a close, were doing it all over again with putting up the lights, the decorations, finding that perfect tree, or putting up a tree that has been in storage. I love Christmas time when everywhere is decorated with beautiful colours, beautiful Christmas lights on homes, wrapped presents, ornaments, tinsel, snow globes, candles, manger, stables, the nativity scene, Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, the Elves, Snowman, Mistletoe, Cookies and Milk, candy canes, the food, the celebrations, and of course and especially celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ with Mary and Joseph and the Three Wise Men and how Mary was chosen to give Birth to a King.

What are your Christmas traditions in your family? What exciting things do you do? Some families put on Christmas Sweaters, some families play games, and so on and so forth. What do you like to cook and serve to your loved ones? Christmas for me every year is always different, either we have a lot of people come over, some Christmases are spent going to other peoples homes, or going out to a party, so I cannot really say what is tradition with my loved ones, but every year is always different, but we do manage to always find a way to get together. When we do, we love cooking turkey, ham, rice, vegetables, gravy, and other things. I love baking my signature cinnamon cake which people I know love it, so they want more and more of it. It has been such a long time I have not decorated a Gingerbread house, but I think I will do that this year.

I love watching Christmas movies at this time of year like Miracle on 34th street, Home Alone 1 and 2, National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, Jack Frost, Four Christmases, Santa Clause, Santa Clause 2, I also love watching the Santa Claus Parade on television. I must have watched Home Alone 1 and 2 8 or 9 times this year alone on TV and I just love that movie especially. There is something about Home Alone 1 and 2, that make you get pulled into it and its so hard to flip the channel. After that Home alone 3-5 was all downhill and I did not enjoy them as much because when you change Characters, when you change the setting, it won’t be the same as the first 2. I know Home Alone 1 and 2 by heart, and if you put the movie on mute, I can say the whole script.

Anyway, lastly, I also want to acknowledge those people who are not so lucky during the Christmas and New Year Holidays, that are alone, but not really alone because there are people in this world that are thinking of them and one of them is me, people who do not have a warm home to go to, those who are less fortunate, those who cannot afford or who do not have enough to provide for their families and I’d like to reach out to all of those people around the world and tell them that I am thinking of them and they are in my heart, mind and soul and my thoughts and prayers are with them all and I wish them the best for 2014 and I hope that they too can have a nice and lovely Christmas. I want them to know that they are not alone and that I am with them all. The presents and Materialism shouldn’t matter, but all that matters is togetherness and creating memories.  I wish everyone peace, harmony, happiness, health, success, and all the great things of life. I wish everyone a prosperous, great, and lovely new year. Many blessings to all and wishing everyone all the best. With love always, Talin Orfali

Happy Mothers Day To All Mothers and Future Mothers To Be.

Hello everyone,

Today, I want to wish all mothers of the world a very happy mothers day, I wish you all the best, health, happiness, goodness and all great things of life. Our Mothers sacrifice and do so much for us. They are our guidance counselor, give advice, nurture, raise,  doctors, nurses, cook, cleaner, driver, sending us to school, going grocery shopping, putting a roof over our heads, filling our empty stomach when we are hungry, and they do so much more. The list is endless and one of the toughest jobs to do in the world. Not only should today be considered mothers day. It should be everyday. Mothers need to be celebrated everyday. They do so much for us, they carried us in their body for 9 months, and went through so much to get us here. My mom is my rock and my everything. We shouldn’t just celebrate what they do for us, but how and who they are is important too.

I want to send thoughts and prayers to all mothers who are no longer physically with us on earth and some did not even get a chance to meet their mothers, some didn’t get to enjoy their mothers, unfortunately, but they are with you in spirit and in your hearts and your lives forever. That will never change. Just because someone is not there with you physically, it doesn’t mean they are not there. They will always watch over you and they will always be your mother no matter what.

It is really not about materialism and everything that our mom’s want from us on Mothers day, its really about our well-being and about what we do, the life choices we make, the decisions we make in life and who we become. Mom’s always worry about their children, it is a fact, and our mothers want nothing but the best for us and to make sure we are safe, happy and how we get through life.

So lets celebrate our mothers no matter if they are still here with us or have departed. Lets get together today and celebrate our beautiful moms. What are you going to do or already did for your mother today? What are your traditions every year to celebrate with your mom? Have a beautiful day everyone.

Had A Great Birthday Yesterday – Thank You For The Wishes

for 28 years now on April 30th, I celebrate my birthday. I am so happy and glad for all my birthdays and I am ever so grateful to God for giving me this life and I thank my parents for bringing me into this world and to experience everything I have experienced in my life, with traveling to many places, for giving me everything, a roof over my head, a nice warm bed to sleep in, food to eat and so much more. I am so thankful for everything as I look around the world and people do not even have running water to drink and bathe from. I am so fortunate and I have learned not to take anything from granted in my life.

There were times where some of my birthdays did not go as well as I had hoped for. Once in high school when I turned 16 years old, I had invited about 30 people to come over to my house for my sweet 16 birthday party and it was one of the most embarrassing yet humiliating things in my life where only one person showed up out of all the others. I was thinking they were my friends and everything but they really weren’t. I was devastated that I could not have a sweet 16 party, and also I never knew what it felt like to have a surprise birthday party or even had a big party to celebrate me and my day. I never knew what that feeling was like. I didn’t even know the feeling of when I turned 20, 21 years old where I would have a great party, but I did go to Montreal for my birthdays quite a lot in my early 20’s and to get away from things and to enjoy a dance club here and there with my friends in Montreal. The only parties I have ever had was when I was a kid where a lot of my family came over to celebrate and that is about it. To me The gifts weren’t important, but being with my family and couple of friends is what I want.

I know parties should not matter and everything, but in my case it does. In my early adult life and as an adult now, I want to be able to know what it feels like to have a party. I know that I can create my own party and have people over and stuff and go out but I just get those bad memories again when I was 16 years old. I really never had a lot of friends to begin with and I invited all those people and never showed up except for one. I was crushed and cried for days. I just want to know what it feels like to have a party and its all about me and having people around me that has come to celebrate me. I am hoping that will happen soon. I sometimes feel so isolated and they are feelings that I never want to get back. Nowadays everything is great. My beautiful friends took me out for my birthday over the weekend and surprised me with a cake which was so sweet of them. I will never forget that.

What have you experienced in the past about your birthday? Did you have a birthday that was a blast or not such a blast?

Anyways, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family, friends and fans for all the birthday wishes, the phone calls, text messages, e-mails, facebook messages, the birthday cards, the birthday e-greetings, virtual cakes, flowers and everything. I really appreciate it so much from the bottom of my heart. I love you all!

Happy Easter Everyone! Wishing You The Best

Hello everyone, I am going to keep this short and sweet today as Today for some people it is Easter and I’d like to wish you all a happy Easter and wish you all the best. Many blessings to all of you. Thank you for your continued support in reading, and engaging into my blog. It is much appreciated. What are your Easter traditions? What do you cook for Easter? Is there anything in Particular that you and your friends or family do during Easter time? In My Family we get together for dinner, then we have egg cracking contests, distribute Chocolate, and then we usually pray and Thank the Lord for all that he has done for us.

Remember, it is not just about the Chocolates, Bunny Rabbits, Eggs, and the Pretty colours of Easter, it is about our Jesus Christ who sacrificed his life for us all and his love for us and he was crucified on the Cross. Today, Jesus Rose, and he is watching for all of us, but Easter may mean different things to different people and that is all okay too. What are you most Thankful for when it comes to Easter time? Being with Family and Friends is the most important and coming together during days like this is something great. It should always be that way right?

Well, I am going to keep this short today, so I wish you all the best and have a blessed and joyful day.

Happy New Year Everyone! Welcome to 2013!

Since 2012 is behind us, I would like to wish everyone an official Happy new year 2013. May 2013 bring everyone happiness, luck, great health, love, success, the best and among all great things life has to offer. I am really happy 2013 is here. I feel like great things are going to be coming up this year. I just feel it. I started my new years resolution to lose weight and keep it off without giving up and without stopping half way. I am in this for the long haul, and for life, health and much more. What are your new years resolutions? What do you expect for the new year? What plans and goals do you want to achieve and attain? Lets start 2013 and end 2013 with being kind to one another, respecting each other, appreciating the people and things we have in our lives, being satisfied with what we have in life, to be thankful, grateful and among other important things. We all can make this a great, happy and wonderful place. It all starts with a fresh new start to a new year and ending the year the same way. If we all do our part, the world can be a better place. I have so many plans for this year and I will achieve the goals I have made a list of and much more.

I am going to get out there more to find my better half and get into a relationship of course for the right reasons, and when time is right. I know I will find someone when I least expect it, and everything will find its way. I will get a great job that I want and I will get the job I want when I work super hard for it. Time starts now. I will definitely work harder to achieve that, and a lot more. I am very happy and excited to be traveling this year again. I will continue to blog, write, promote, do my best in the social media world, work harder for my blog, achieve and go to great lengths to help people, to volunteer more, Social Networking, working online, introducing new things, new topics, a fresh new start with everything. It will be a great year, I know and feel it with my gut instinct that this is going to be my year to shine. When I feel something and when I know things will happen. 99% of the time, it always happens. What steps will you take to achieve your goals? What are your major plans? It is always great to have a plan and go for it. I am super happy with all that I have and all the experiences, memories, and everything I learned in 2012, and I will keep on learning everyday and experience more things I haven’t in previous years. May 2013 be incredible, and a special memorable year for each and everyone of you and your loved ones.

Enjoy and all the best to you all. Do not Drink and Drive, be responsible, and be safe.

Celebrating The Day Of My Birth — April 30, 2012

Well, another year has come by. I will start a new journey as a year older today. I am so happy for the life I have been given already. I have so many people to thank, I have so much to be thankful for. Spending time with my loved ones, doing the things I want to do today. Its all gonna be great. I had a lovely supper for my birthday surrounded by family. I am super happy with everything in my life and of course more importantly everyone in it. As I turn 27 today, I am planning on making new goals for myself, planning on doing more incredible things. I will not give up on my blogging, that is one of the main things, I will not stop trying to make a difference in the world with my words, positivity and more. God has blessed me with so much and I love him so much for giving it all, and My parents, my brother, my other family members, friends, facebook family, friends from social networks all those who have already called me, texted me, blackberry messengered me, e-mailed me and everything else. Thanks everyone.

I believe age is just a number and its how you feel about yourself and how you feel all around is what counts. I am excited, I feel my 27th year is going to be one I won’t forget. I just feel it. Thank you for all the love!

Don’t forget today is also TAX Season expiry day 🙂

Love you all very much and thank you all for being continued supporters! I believe everyday is your birthday and everyday is a second chance.