The Purpose of Blogging – Why do we do it?

In the past few blog posts with the subject of communication and along the lines of what is relative to that, the way we feel, how we get our words and points across to the world and how we do it to reach out to others, and to share with the world our points of view, opinions, suggestions, to raise awareness on issues, to advertise, promote, social issues, recipes, tips, organizational ideas, simplifying life and so much more. We all have our own perspective and our own purpose when blogging and writing about our life. The question is why do we do it? Why do we spend time with writing? Why do we post our blog entries?

To answer those questions is quite simple. We all have a voice and existence in this world and there is just so many stories, journeys, experiences, moments, memories, being helpful, useful and beneficial information about life, travel, food, the holidays, situations, issues to address to the world and things that happen to us to share, to give our insight, and so much more. We spend time writing is because it gives us a boost, and the most important thing is how we feel, and how we want to communicate to the world. Blogging is a therapeutic yet rewarding feeling. It is like writing in our diary, but a virtual diary that we want to post public. We post blog entries to contribute something, an idea and something to share with the world.

Now with this being a virtual diary, there comes responsibility and thinking before we press the post button. There are private issues and things that should not be published of real private matters in ones home, in ones personal life. back in the day and maybe until now people have a personal and private diary, and I am sure you do not want certain people to open it up and unlock your diary of real personal things that you do not want people to see, its almost like the same thing with public blogging. You do not want to post private matters for the world to see, so always be mindful and think before you post something so personal.

Never keep your blogging private. It defeats the whole purpose of writing and expressing to the world. If you want to keep some of your writings private, make a diary, and keep it for yourself in hiding, but hiding a blog is pointless. Somehow no matter how private a blog is, somehow it can always be seen in a way.

Never stop blogging, never stop writing and most importantly never lose your purpose and perspective on why you started blogging in the first place. Never give up what you enjoy doing, never ever let anybody tell you to stop doing what you are good at. Well, nobody is perfect, however that should not define anything. You are in control of your own destiny, your own goals you want to attain from blogging and writing to the world. Remember you do not have to be a perfect blogger, its how you feel and what you want to accomplish. The beauty of blogging is something that is indescribable and the future of journal writing which is now.

So, what is your purpose? Why do you do it?

Communication Style – What is your Type?

As we go through life from the moment we are born, communication is and will always be a vital asset in our day-to-day lives. We need communication when we speak to our family members, boyfriend, girlfriend, wife, husband, partners, groups, friends, colleagues, our bosses, fellow students, teachers, traveling, in social media, sending e-mails and so many different types of communication.

I attended a seminar “Inspire For Tomorrow” at my Armenian Community center and it was about communication, and I learned so much in a couple of hours. It put things into a new perspective, it gave me new light, new ways to deliver our speech, our stories, and so much more. There are several ways you can communicate, but here are 4 styles of communication, that I have observed in my life and my thoughts on it all:

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– The Driver — Someone who is direct, to the point, detail oriented, who speaks their mind, who produces results, attaining goals, gets into competitive situations, taking charge and being in control, wasting no time to beat around the bush.

– The Relater — Someone who cares about a situation, who can connect with others by thinking of the other person first, who’s relationships and friendships mean the world to a person, someone who is relaxed, and feel cared for, becoming silent, introspective and withdrawn, being helpful, coinciding with others, comforting others.

– Analyst — One who always seeks data, second guesses people, making decisions after analyzing a situation, testing people, giving people to focus on interpersonal and communication skills, those who despise making mistakes, double-checking everything, not being able to trust situations and people until doing further research on a person.

– Expresser — Someone who recognizes emotions, who expresses feelings, and what that person wants to say, the over sharing person who keeps on talking, and beats around the bush, making a small story into a big one, gets excited, giving feedback, boring people because of overusing communication, explaining ideas to the core then saying things out of turn which then makes it into an argument and problems can arise of sharing too much information.

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All those 4 styles have good and the bad, but we must find a way to be consistent when we communicate with others, using the right tone, words, following up with someone privately about something that you feel is gone wrong, not announcing it in a public, group setting, taking up issues with the person directly, instead of involving others in the mix. People will appreciate it when someone brings the other person to the side and discuss with them a problem, situation or something going on, then finding a solution to the problem, solving whatever issue, and finding the right words, tone to express those feelings.

We must always think about how we are going to present ourselves, no matter where you are, whether it is about self-regard, being assertive, emotional self-awareness, self-actualization, independence. It could be a beautiful thing, but it is in the way we utilize it all.

Communication is a never-ending learning process, and nobody is perfect and makes mistakes, however to always learn from them and progressing to do better, to improve in relationships, friendships, is something that is imperative. If you believe you have made a mistake, do not worry, focus on the future and make it better, improve the way you speak to others, always ask for advice, always have a mentor, someone whom you can talk to a person whom you can trust if you are unsure of how to deal with a situation if you are unsure yourself. It is always good to ask, then to stay silent.

Always be confident, express your ideas to others, be in communication, always tell a person how you feel about something without offending them. There is always a way to go around it. How do you normally handle situations that are presented to you? What have you learned from it all?

Why is communicating and expressing yourself so important? Everyone has a voice, everyone has something to contribute to the world, that is why everyday in technology, and things of the world are being invented, new innovations, new concepts, context, perspectives, theories, discoveries are being made across the world, because many people communicate, and want to get out what they feel is right for the benefit of the world and its people. Each one of us can make a difference in this world, and communication is one of them and we begin just doing that. Without that everyone would not have a voice and this world cannot continue to move forward. That is exactly why Communication is key and so important in our daily life.

So no matter how we express ourselves, the most important thing is the way we do it and a way where it will not hurt others, and where we can find common ground with everything in our lives.

How do you communicate? What is important to you to get across to others? Best wishes to you in your journey. We can all do something positive, say great things and to avoid messy situations, by just changing our tone and the way we communicate.

Never Apologize for The Way You Feel

A lot of the times in life we go through many feelings, emotions, and sometimes we tend to apologize for what we are feeling and telling people our emotions. You have every right to feel what you are feeling, You never have to explain yourself to anybody. Never be ashamed of your feelings. I know they say that you have to express your feelings everytime and tell people exactly how you feel, however sometimes you cannot control feelings, you cannot explain the way you feel due to a certain situation. I know no matter what you have to tell someone how you feel, and not keep anything inside of you, but some circumstances say otherwise. It depends on the person and whom you can confide into easily.

If you keep on living your life on other peoples terms and the way they want you to feel, the way they want you to live your life always telling you what to do, forcing, commanding you to do something is not somebody you want to associate with. Find the path and the people who can relate to you, do what you feel is right for you. Sometimes you need to get out from the norm, and do what is best for you. If you keep on living your life to please others, to always try and impress others, to always keep proving yourself and working hard for other peoples approval, you are not going to get anywhere in life and all you are going to do is just live for other people.

Sometimes you need to put your foot down and say, okay enough is enough. People talk so much about you and your life, gossip, spread rumors, put words in your mouth and what you should do with your life, however sometimes people need to look at themselves in the mirror first before they point fingers, criticize and belittle you. Some people have nothing better to do, than talk smack about other people, when they need to sort out their life and what they need to do. Remember nobody full knows you and about your personal life and what you are going through, and you never have to explain yourself to nobody.

Ignore people who talk so much bogus about you, and ignore people and block them out of your life. Life is too short. Be happy, be you, live your life on your own terms and your own comfort, and do not worry about anything else. People are always going to judge and point fingers. Don’t let it affect you and your life, well-being and who you are. True, compassionate and understanding people will be there for you every step of the way without explaining yourself. Remember others opinions of you, do no matter. Its how you make an opinion of yourself that matters. As long as you feel good about yourself and bring yourself up with good thoughts, confidence, the way you are is what matters the most.

People will always do and say mean things, but never let that take control of yourself.

I have realized a lot of things in the last little while, that you cannot expect people to understand you, your feelings and be on the same page as you, not everybody will be your friend and agree with you. I recommend that people should never stop being themselves, be who you are, feel what you want to feel. In the end we are all human beings in this world, we do make mistakes, we do wrong in social issues, we tend to sometimes associate with people whom we always have to try to fit in, do things to stay in the loop, however you never need to try to fit in, try so hard, and try to stand out, because there will be people who will appreciate you for you and there will be people who will love and cherish you and the memories shared and will share in the present and the future.

Wishing you the best with everything and remember never apologize for the way you feel. Always be thankful and just go on with life. There is only so much you can do and life will never give you more than you can handle.

Feeling Left Out – Worst Feeling Ever

In life one of the worst feeling is about feeling left out and its terrible having to find out friends make plans without you and do not even tell you about it until having to find out after. It is such a terrible feeling to go through and no one should have to go through it.

Sometimes these things happen to open up our eyes about certain people who do not appreciate you for who you are, and these are the things to know where you stand and what to do in future. So, Don’t worry about others who do not appreciate you. The person who comes to your life and does not leave you to the curb and leaves you out to dry is someone to keep in your life.

Have you been through a situation where friends, cousins, or anyone go out without your knowledge, then having to find out about it through pictures, a slip up in a conversation on another gathering, finding out from other sources. It is the crummiest feeling ever and nobody should be subject to those terrible feelings.

A real friend will tell you that they will be hanging out or something and will always involve you, will always ask you if you are available. True friends will never leave you high and dry, they will not keep anything from you, they will not lie to you, they will not use you.

True friends help each other, love each other unconditionally, who enjoys each others presence, who make memories together, who go through thick and thin together, who spend time together, who advise, involve each other in everything and anything in our lives.

I know it is a terrible feeling, but look at it this way, you know where you stand, you know who not to involve in things in your life when you make plans, and you definitely know who not to trust anymore. Choose your circle carefully and do what you feel is right for you. Feeling alone is terrible, but being with the wrong people will make you feel more alone. Keep that in mind. Best wishes to you!

Welcome 2014! Happy New Year!

Hello everyone, Now that 2013 is behind us, looking forward to brand new year, a fresh start, another 365 days. I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year 2014. I wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, prosperous, successful year. Wishing you the best, and may 2014 be full of love, great and happy surprises, great memories and so much more. What are your plans for 2014? What are your resolutions? Do you keep up with your resolutions? What changes do you want to see? We can all make a difference in the world if we all pitch in and do our best to make this world a better place.

Are you planning to travel in 2014? lets see what 2014 has in store for all of us. I hope that everything will go well and we will go through another year. I know every year, we have our ups and downs and things always change in a year, but I hope that everything will be ups for everyone. I cannot believe 2013 is over. It went by so quickly. It seems just like yesterday we were celebrating 2013, but now onto another year. It seems like every passing year, time and the days are going by quicker and quicker.

This year I plan to attain, and accomplish many goals I have already set out. I do a lot of reflection the last week of the year thinking about what to do for the year ahead. Well, Goodbye 2013. Welcome 2014!

Wrapping up 2013 – Highlights of My Year

Wow, what a year it has been. Today is the last day of 2013, and there have been ups and downs, but mostly ups, and I have been so blessed in the past year with such incredible and beautiful Highlights, that I will never forget and I usually jot down all of my highlights in a note so that I can look back to see what I have accomplished, where I traveled, and other important days to remember. Here are the highlights of my year:

Did a Bit of Traveling by air and on the road — traveled to Dominican Republic, Boston, Massachusetts, (Had a Layover at the airport in Newark, New Jersey when I was landing I saw New York City — Yes I consider that A place I went to and saw this year), Visited Michigan, Cambridge, Ontario, and Niagara Falls.

When I visited Dominican Republic in Santo Domingo, went to the Be Live Hamaca Resort where I met incredible and lovely people and we became friends. It was a great gathering.

I had always wanted to go and eat and drink at “CHEERS” Bar in Boston, Massachusetts, It was an iconic TV Show from back in the day in the 80’s and 90’s, and I scratched that off my bucket list. Thank you to my kouyrigs/sisters in Boston for making that possible and for making that happen. Had Nachos and Beer there. Its a must to have The Cheers beer.

I visited the iconic and popular University of Harvard, touched John Harvard’s Shoe. toured Harvard Square and its vicinity, and ended up Graduating (lol)

Mastered the Boston Accent — MASTAHD THAH BAHSTAN ACCENT

Tried Sushi for the first time ever in the summer and I loved it. Now cannot get enough of it. Thank you to someone who is very dear to me, who introduced sushi, sashimi, maki rolls and so much more in the Japanese Cuisine.

Had the best lobster ever at the Lobster Pool in Massachusetts. I also dined at the Cheesecake factory

Went to a few parties here and there.

Attended Bible Studies and Conferences

Went to the Armenian Toronto Summer fest with my great friend, but I call her my sister from Montreal that I did not see for a while. It was a great reunion.

I am proud to say that this year one of my friends became a Contestant on Jeopardy and I can finally say I know someone who was a contestant on Jeopardy.

Met some of my Online Facebook friends in person, whom are like family to me now.

My Blog and Social Media and marketing success went through a roof, where I got an offer to write recipes in the Food and Drink Magazine, I have Robert Herjavec, Kevin O’Leary, Arlene Dickensen, and Jim Treliving subscribed to my blog. They are from Dragons, Den, I have reached close to 400,000 blog hits, Famous chefs such as Massimo Capra, Jamie Oliver, and Jacques Pepin and more have followed me as well. My LinkedIn Profile has been seen and followed by Arlene Dickensen. Plus so many people around the Globe have viewed and followed my blog from places I had never even heard about. Many people have added my blog site to their websites. So many more highlights that I cannot even remember them all. Thank you all for the support, and I will continue doing my work in 2014 and beyond.

I have written over 700 Articles.

Accomplished many personal goals and achieved excellence

All My cousins and I reunited for the first time since 1999, the summer I came back from Armenia.

Here is to 2014, with many more highlights to come.
Have a lovely New Year and best wishes, Health and happiness.

Anyone Remember Super Mario Bros. Nintendo Games?

Lately I have been having the urge to bring out my old Nintendo Game Console along with my Super Mario Bros’ Games and play them like old times. I remember when I used to know all the secrets to the game and I used to use the Game Genie to play Super Mario Bros’ 3, I knew all the tips and tricks on how to get through the levels all the way to world 8. I remember I used to play with my Brother. I rarely got the chance to be Mario because I am the younger sibling so I always was stuck with Luigi playing some of the games. Super Mario 1, I also played Duck Hunt too. It was such a fun game and I remember I was a pro at it. Probably now if I play it, I will be a little rusty and I won’t know what to do on some parts, but I used to play enough that I should still remember it. I liked the Mushroom and the 1ups the most. The stars were fun too, along with the leaf. The First 3 Mario Bros’ were the best. I didn’t like Mario on Nintendo 64 or any other gaming Console. The first Nintendo was the best. Then when the game didn’t work, we had to blow warm air into the game cartridge so it worked. I am a huge fan of that gaming console. I really don’t like the ones that are out now. I am not a huge fan of them.

Original Nintendo, nothing beats it. I remember I used to play that game with my cousins, friends and we used to have hours of fun with it. Our game was Mario Bros’ most of the time. Konami games too. What was your favourite Nintendo Game? Did you enjoy Super Mario Bros’ too? Did you own a Nintendo before? What are your favourite memories when you played it? I think people still play it to this day and I know a lot of people who have kept their Nintendo. It is a collectors item now and a classic. It would be crazy to give that away. I am having the urge to play it today. I maybe will later on. Hopefully if time permits me to do so. I remember I used to have so many whistles. I used them all up to go to the world 8 on Super Mario 3. I once played all the levels without using the whistle. It is more fun that way. I remember the ones with the aquarium and fish levels. That was so cute with the different types of fish in there, but you had to get away from them and head to the finish line before time was up.

I know Gaming Consoles have evolved so much since then, but nothing beats the Original Nintendo no matter what anybody says. Those were the days. I like Original things, and I appreciate the way things were made before. I felt the quality even though we had to blow into the game cartridge, but that was half the fun. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I would love to see the Original Nintendo come back as it was so popular before. Nothing beats the 80’s and 90’s of Gaming. Would love to hear about your memories.

Nothing Beats The Classic Nintendo Gaming System Back in The Day – Mario Bros – Super Mario and More…

In this day in age, some people only know about The XBOX 360, Playstation’s, and WII, and among other gaming consoles now, but in my opinion and in my era, the Classic Nintendo was the best. I know a lot of people who still play classic nintendo. My favourite games were Mario Brothers, Super Mario 1-3, Duck Hunt, Rivercity Ransom, Elevator Action, Dragon Fire, Konami Games, Olympic Games, Dr. Mario, Blades of Steel and among other games that I truly loved to play for hours with my brother and cousins. Since I was the younger sibling and when I used to play with my brother, I used to be Luigi because I was the younger and I would get so mad because I am playing last hahaha. So today I remembered those days and how fun it was with playing classic video games. I don’t know if Nintendo players remember how some games did not work well until you blew into the gaming cartridge. Now that was one of the many happy moments, and I am sure a lot of people can relate. I still see people wearing belt buckles and t-shirts of classic Nintendo and among the Mario, Luigi, and other characters like Goomba, Yoshi, and everything else. I still see them in specialty stores that have t-shirts, key chains, and among other items. Its so funny whenever I see them, I think of the memories I had when I was a child.

Several weeks ago, I was at a restaurant with my friends, just enjoying a night out with each other, and I saw our waiter with a Mario Mushroom belt buckle, and at this time I didn’t really say anything, and then he came back and we talked about his belt buckle, then when he went away to a table across from ours, I said hey, when you eat the mushroom it gets bigger. The guy started to laugh, then I realized why he was laughing, turned red like a tomato and he totally misinterpreted what I was saying. He thought about something else, rather than the game on what happens to Mario after he eat the mushroom. I am sure you can figure out what that is LOL. It was so funny. The guy said I will always remember that when I wear this now. Hes like I had never had anyone tell me that before. The belt buckle was in the center and he thought something different. It was super funny and my friends started laughing so hard and it was hilarious. So I guess everyone misinterpreted what I was trying to say lol about that. We still laugh about it to this day and it will forever be remembered in our group.

Gotta love classic gaming consoles. Now its too much violence and too graphic. I just cannot come to terms to play these new gaming consoles and the games. Its not my cup of tea.

A Tribute To My Grandfather Who Died 10 Years Ago Today – June 30, 2002 – June 30, 2012

A Decade ago, I lost someone very dear to me and someone who is so special to me, and that is my grandfather Habib Torossian. He died just about a week and a half before his birthday on July 11. I remember the morning of June 30, 2002, when we got that terrible phone call, before 9am in the morning saying that My grandfather had passed away in his hospital bed at the nursing home. It was one of those days where my world shut down, crying my eyes out, and so much going through my head and I was so distraught and shocked at the same time. We sort of knew it was coming, but then again I was shocked. My grandfather meant the world to me, he taught me so many things about life, he taught me the importance of being in the Armenian community, among so many things, and he had such a wonderful sense of humour. I can still remember his smiling face, the way he used to sit, His voice, his touch, the way he cooked, the way he played backgammon. I mean who would forget those special moments I shared with him? I will never forget my sweet grandfather.

I remember going to several trips, picnics, camping, outings, dinners, get together, parties, among very great times with my beautiful cousins, and my mom, aunts and uncle.

My grandfather had a heart of Gold, he was so down to earth and put his family first above anything else. His passion for Armenia, His passion for writing, his passion for being in the Armenian community was so contagious. I think that is where I get it from. I visit the cemetery to see him once in a while, and I kiss his tomb stone and always tell him, “Dede”(means grandfather), in Armenian, so I would say, I miss you so much. This past year or so, My grandfather appeared in my dreams 5 times. It was so comforting to see his face once again. He was wearing all white. He is my Angel from above and I love him with all my heart. He is always in my heart and that is something that will never go away. I miss him terribly much. There is just so much I want to talk to him about, there have been so many things that he has missed in the past 10 years, but he is watching from above and watching over all of us. I love him and I wish there was a way to bring him back, but unfortunately, not. He will live on in our memories, and in our homes, in our lives forever. His soul and his goodness will never be forgotten. The fond and beautiful memories is so important to remember.To My dear grandfather Habib Torossian, I love you forever. I know heaven is a beautiful paradise and your there with other family members and friends who have passed, have a wonderful time together up there. God rest your soul, God keep shining light on you and among our loved ones who are not physically here with us today. One love. One Life. Kisses and Hugs Grandpa! I love you! Until we meet again. This is not goodbye. It’s see you later.