Parties and Wedding RSVP Frustration and Annoyance

In life, we have special moments that come up with friends and family and planning parties, weddings and everything else is absolutely so difficult with inviting people and it becomes so stressful. When you want people to be part of your special day and when you enjoy the process of setting up the cards, mailing them out, and happily do it until stress strikes.

It is not everything that is the most difficult, frustrating and annoying; it is sending the invites to people with a due date that is never honoured and respected and some take their sweet time and others respect it and send the invite on time, whereas others respond after the due date. Some you have to remind. It is absolutely crazy.

You also have those people who don’t respond at all and then just show up. It doesn’t work like that. In most cases RSVP Cards come in, people need to fill those out and return them. The people inviting put postage stamps and have those cards out for a reason. To get organized. You can’t just tell the person they are coming by mouth. Chances are the people planning the wedding or event will forget, so it’s important to fill out the cards and mail it back in a time-sensitive and timely manner.

When you get an invite to any party, it is either a yes or a no. It is not that difficult. You look at your schedule, and boom, you answer and send back the RSVPs. It is not cool to wait for people to respond back while you have a million things to do and plan with the tables, how many favours or gifts you need to get for the guests arriving to your party as well as financially too with how many people you need to pay for.

It really isn’t easy to plan things when some people do not co-operate and respect you enough to send the RSVP’s back. It is common courtesy. It isn’t nice at all having someone wait and then hunting people down with calling, messaging, emailing, texting them until the last weeks of the wedding to see if it is a yes or a no.

Then there are those people who respond with attending, and then you write them down on a table card or chart and then they never show up or give an explanation as to why they did not bother to show up where you spent money for their meal. It is absolutely unfair and disgusting behaviour which needs to really stop. Some do not even respond back and you know you sent it to them and it did get sent to them or else it will be returned back to the person who mailed them with the return address.

Weddings and parties all go smoothly with planning until it comes time to the people attending them. You expect people to respond right away, but that never happens and it probably never will even with a strict time limit and being time sensitive.

The guests don’t think about how much work it takes to plan tables and everything. If you have ever been in these shoes where you plan an event and you wait for responses, it’s absolutely so frustrating and annoying and so absolutely ridiculous.

Yes, I realize some people cannot financially to maybe afford to go to parties, weddings and everything, but there is no excuse not to answer on due dates. It is not right at all. There is no excuse unless something very very important comes up or some other things arise, but it doesn’t give someone the right to delay an RSVP.

Have you ever been through this situation? Have you been frustrated and annoyed with this? Would love to hear all about it.

All the best with planning. It is not easy.

Los Angeles Here I come for the 3rd Time!

In my whole life, I dreamt about going to Los Angeles and Hollywood, California. It was my first time in October 2012, and I must say I did choke up and was so teary. I Saw the Hollywood sign and I just lost it. I just couldn’t believe what I was looking at. Since I was a child looking at movies, television, ads in the paper, travel ads, magazines, entertainment stuff, and all I saw was LA, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills and of course; the Hollywood sign. I knew where the celebrity central and the biggest entertainment capital of the world is.

As I was approaching the Hollywood sign above the Griffith Observatory, I cried up a storm. I was an emotional wreck. All my dreams of going to Los Angeles came true. I couldn’t believe I was close to all the stars, seeing the Hollywood Walk of Fame with all the artists, entertainers, then ending up right outside Jimmy Kimmel’s show studio set. Then seeing Capitol Records, and all these entertainment broadcasting corporation buildings. Then I saw the Iconic 405 Freeway everyone was talking about. They say that it was such terrible traffic and you are so right. So many lanes and still lots of traffic. Even the carpool lane didn’t make any difference.

In my mind, I was thinking of all the award shows, the red carpet, and I was keeping my eyes peeled and had my eyes everywhere with the hopes that I would meet a celebrity. That was highly unlikely, but It could happen and it has happened.

Anyway, my 2nd trip to Los Angeles was in May 2015, where we went through Santa Monica Beach where we hung out for a bit, then driving through Beverly hills. Seeing these huge houses where majority of them are covered in high bushes and trees, and a lot of the celebrities live there. You would see the home cleaners park their cars outside on the road, and them coming out with buckets, mops and other cleaning products, then you would see super expensive cars. This time, I did see Actor Hugh Jackman drive a black Porsche. It was definitely him. I can tell for sure. Then I looked online and it was true. We also traveled to Fresno, San Francisco, Drove on the Pacific Coast Highway, went to Newport Coast, Newport Beach.

My 3rd Los Angeles trip will be in about 3-4 months from now. I am excited to spend about 10-11 days there. I am definitely going to other parts of LA such as Pasadena, Glendale, Malibu, La Crescenta, and so many other places. I have a lot of time now to plan and I am going to be so organized. Gotta love LA. I cannot believe in just 3-4 years, I will have gone 3 times. I did not go all my life. I am really excited to be amongst the stars again.

I can’t wait to indulge into In-N-Out burger, and also the Famous Oscars Pizza Guy Edgars Pizza. Big Mamas and Papas, and amongst other great restaurants I have heard about.  I hope to see Ellen Degeneres, go to Warner Bros, CBS Studios, NBC Universal and more.

I just want to Meet Bradley Cooper, Jason Statham, Chris Hemsworth, and Channing Tatum. 🙂 Hopefully, will bump into them at LAX Airport or down a street walking or something. Now that would be awesome. I can hardly wait!

Are We Missing out on Life’s Experiences With Screens?

Long gone are the days where simplicity, enjoyment, living life at the fullest extent, enjoying and experiencing life without the use of smartphones, tablet screens and so many more. Are we really missing out on life’s experiences? Everything in life has its limitations, and in today’s society, people tend to go overboard with posting everything and anything they see. They are not really experiencing life, they are merely trying to capture anything and everything to share on social media networks, capture photos and share them on photo sharing sites.

Long gone are the days where people used to go to concerts and shows where everyone’s eyes and attention was looking at the stage without wanding lights coming from smartphones and tablets. Now with thousands of people capturing moments with their devices, these concerts and these special events in a person’s life is being video taped by the videographer’s of the concert, venue, and even when people witness a wedding or a reception.

I understand that you want to keep your personal memories too, of which taking pictures and everything and that is fine, but always wanding a device isn’t really the same as actually witnessing something happen before your eyes. Some moments are meant to be lived without screens, and where down the road you can remember it in your mind, and the good times to remind yourself and those who you lived those memories with.

I mean yes, special and beautiful events such as babies when they are born, their actions, and everything else need to be documented and everything, and there are moments in a person’s life that should be kept private and not for the world to see. Do not worry if you tell someone what your child did, or said that they will not believe you. They will. You do not need to always have proof or a video of something.

You really do not have to be in competition with the world and join a popularity contest because you want to be the first ones to capture something and put so many hashtags, and post something for the sake of posting something. It should never be that way.

People have the perception that if they do not capture, video, then post it on social media, the internet, tweet about it, that some people think that they are lying without providing proof that things actually did occur. I think that everything has its limits and not everything should be published online. Some things should be kept a secret, things should be kept private. Unfortunately, privacy is non-existent in today’s world because of these devices.

When people travel and explore the world, people will always have that force of habit to document every moment with screens, but the world has become smaller and people are more familiar with everything because people do research and look up videos and get more curious to find things out all the time, but the important thing to remember is that it is not fair to capture something, and then the soon to be traveler going to that place will see what it is all about and then that person or person’s will not be surprised anymore. It will all be spoiled for them

Some things are meant to be left unsaid, some things are meant to be explored without having people always telling others about something. People need to experience and form their own opinions.

I am all for and support smartphones, video, cameras, tablets and other devices, and I have them as well, but there is a limit and a lot of people now have crossed that limit. Screens have become addicting and it is so on the rise, that some people cannot go 5 minutes without looking at their phone. They bring it with them to bed, they check messages before bed, waking up, during meals, at work, during cooking meals, tending to their families, even while driving. Nobody should have their phones or other devices while driving. That is not only dangerous but very ridiculous.

In the past before all these devices came out, how do you think people passed their time? There was twice as much homework to do after school for the students, school times were longer, there was no use of devices, people had to make their own games and toys to physically play with, not one of those gaming consoles, people were outside playing, enjoying the true essence of life, more love, respect and family time, people didn’t have the luxury of instantly finding information, where they had to jet off to the library to find books, encyclopedia’s without the use of the internet or software.

With all that being said, people need to put their screens down and look up to enjoy life more, to witness things, to observe, and to capture the beauty of the world with your eyes. Not with screens. They shouldn’t be your eyes. Be more social, talk, take a pen and physically write without the use of keyboards and keypads.

Think about it. Experience life, put down your device and do it right now.

Party or Function Table Etiquette

Have you been to parties and functions where appetizers, the main course and other foods are put on the table and you see some inconsiderate people who take a huge chunk out of the food on that plate that is put on the table and by the time the plate comes to you, you have nothing left or a small bit that barely goes down your throat?

I have been to numerous amounts of parties and functions especially weddings or something where I have witnessed that happen all too much. Not only observing on my table, but others around too. Some people do not think of the other people who are sitting on the same table as them and think they are the only ones with eating the food. I find that to be very selfish and a terrible trait. People paid to eat and have fun, and those who are hungry. It is not nice to hog the food.

The people who plan these functions make/order only enough food to last for each person. I know that it is good to carry extra supply of the food that is being provided in case people ask for more, but whatever is put on the tables, people should be mindful and think of others as well, but unfortunately that is not the case over 90% of the time. maybe more.

It has happened to me a lot. I am usually the one to pass around the plates as respect and thinking of others before I serve myself. As the plate began circling around and came back to me of 9 people and I am the 10th, It either had nothing left or a very small speck of it when the whole plate was so full. I was so mad and I felt weird asking the server for more of that food, where they had put enough to last the whole table. I try not to make a big fuss about it, but it is a big fuss. It is disrespectful, inconsiderate and absolutely terrible to do that. Some people’s eyes are bigger than their stomach.

I see peoples eyes jump at the food as soon as the host of the party or function says its okay to eat, or after a prayer or something. People jump at the food before its okay to do so. Some people look and act like they have never seen food or ate it before. They become so wild that they don’t even acknowledge others around them.

To learn proper etiquette is to take small portions of each item and allow others to have a chance to eat it. Some people may skip that certain type of food, but again its good to ask, “are you sure you do not want it”? if the response says, “yes I am sure I do not want it, you can have it”, then you take it, but other than that it is not fair for people who want them.

So, next time you go to a function or party, just watch and observe your table and the way people take their food and how much of it and you will see what I am talking about. People may not even pay attention to those details, but it is important to learn from mistakes and correct them. Etiquette is so important that some people do not take seriously and who do not respect it. Etiquette and manners are crucial and so imperative to have and possess.

Just look out and see.

Our Ultimate 1308 Miles of California Getaway

A couple of weeks ago on May 21st, 2015 after a long wait and anticipation, Our ultimate California getaway had arrived when I went with my Family. We were so impatient and anxious to get to Toronto Pearson’s YYZ Airport to take our Air Canada Flight AC 789 to Los Angeles Airport LAX at 8am when it took off. As we submitted my boarding pass to the Air Canada attendant and as we made our way to the Aircraft and grabbed our seats, we were absolutely excited for the 5 and a half hour flight, which to us did not feel long at all, as we are used to flights. We arrived at 10:10am LA Time, so we had the full day ahead.

As soon as the aircraft attendants announced that we will be landing momentarily to LAX and as we saw the Los Angeles Buildings in Downtown while landing, the hills, valleys, and the beauty of LA, we began to get more excited then ever and then I said to myself, it is about to get real now. So much is waiting for me to discover, my family to see, my cousins wedding to attend to, Facebook Friends whom I met for the first time, and covering so much ground in so little time. 10-11 days went by like a dream.

It was an incredible time when we went through towns and cities, and firstly after getting our rental car, we made our way to Newport Coast, where we stood the night, taking the 405 Freeway, where then we began driving north to Fresno where my cousin got married, and reunited, and united with family and friends, then after Fresno, we made our way to San Francisco passing through San Jose, Oakland, and many other towns. After San Francisco, we ventured out to Highway 1 Freeway 101 which is the Pacific Coast Highway. It took over 8-9 hours to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles. We made a stop in Santa Barbara for a night, Then we stood in Northridge Area, visited Santa Monica Pier and Beach after that we went back to Newport Coast where we ended our trip with more family time. On May 30th we returned our rental car, then at 10:20pm we departed Los Angeles LAX airport to arrive back to Toronto on May 31st, at 6am in the morning our time.

In Beverly Hills, we were on our way to Santa Monica, where I saw Actor Hugh Jackman driving a black Porsche when he was getting out and stopped on one of the streets in Beverly Hills close to Carmelita Ave with the tall Palm Trees around the homes. All the cars were either Range Rovers, Porsche, Mercedes, Ferrari, BMW, Maserati, Teslas and so many more crazily expensive cars around there, and then there were cleaners and maids coming out of some of the stars homes as I was driving and watching the streets. It was quite awesome to see a celebrity in LA… What is a trip to Los Angeles without seeing a celebrity?

With all that you hear from Movies, TV, Entertainment websites and all the hype of Los Angeles with the home of Celebrities, Music Performers, Directors, Producers and a huge Population that works in the entertainment industry somehow are scattered all over Los Angeles area’s. LA is just so huge that you need at least a month to comfortably go all around. 2 weeks is not enough. There is just too much to see, too much to do. If I lived in Los Angeles, I would definitely be in the entertainment industry.

Now Los Angeles is not just about Film, Entertainment and everything. There is far more to it than just film making, awards, studios, mansions, Malibu beach houses, movie sets, the glitz, glamour, vanity, fashion and everything is not just everything about it. There is so much more to do. If you have never been, you should make a trip there whenever convenient for you.

Now, they say that the Highway 401 here is jam packed and so much traffic. You haven’t seen and heard nothing yet. We took doses of the 405, 110, traffic and that is extremely brutal. I do not know how residents of California, LA area can handle that day in and day out. It takes patience, skill and guts to go through that almost everyday. Highway 401 traffic in Toronto is nothing compared to what they go through on the 405 and 110. I would go crazy with that everyday. People of LA are brave.

I love Los Angeles so much. I am excited to make a return next year. I have been back for a couple of days now and I miss it so much already, especially my family and my friends there. Next time I will be there longer to see my other Facebook friends that I didn’t have time to see. Cheers to LA!

There is so much more that I have to say about my trip, but this was just the bit of it.
Now to take off my bucket list:

– I saw the Painted Ladies and the Full House TV Show house, and Alamo Square in San Francisco,
– I saw the Fisherman’s Wharf, also the skyline of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge.
– I saw the Santa Monica Pier
– I Drove on the Pacific Coast Highway
– I went close to the Hollywood Sign
– I saw Beverly Hills and glimpse of Celebrity Homes
– I saw a celebrity in LA – Hugh Jackman in his Black Porsche.

High Heels and Parties – The Logic of Shoe Removal

In our lives a lot of us if not some, we tend to care so much about how our appearance looks when we go to parties, gatherings and other functions. Well, that is important, but one thing that doesn’t make sense is that some wear really uncomfortable high heels and some are so high that you see people not able to walk, but they will suffer the pain, anguish and discomfort just to make a statement and then take their shoes off almost halfway through the event. People want to look great in them and look taller.

I know high heels look so great, and its something that some value and are so into, however wearing high heels can pose dangers to posture, health of the legs, back and also strains. Especially when women who are pregnant and wear extremely high heels and I have seen it and I just think to myself. That is not right. Comfort should be #1 when When looking for footwear. It is so important to feel comfortable. I mean if you can pull off wearing heels and you are committed to wearing them, by all means go ahead, but in the long run, comfort rules everything else.

Why go to parties and bring extra footwear, and bring extra stuff you do not need, or bringing flip flops and flats to wear when from the beginning if you wear comfortable shoes, you do not have to worry about changing your shoes and you can be carefree all night. I am not telling you not to wear heels. You are free to do and wear whatever, but just looking out for your best interest.

When I get married hopefully someday, I will be wearing flats as a bride and my bridesmaids will also be wearing flats, because we will be up on our feet almost all day and I want my bridesmaids, maid of honor to be as comfortable as possible and enjoy the day and have one less thing to worry about when they say, My feet are killing me, I want to change into flip flops or flats. Do not want any of my girls to be uncomfortable. Who cares about Heels? If some brides are so worried about the shoes to be high, you have to think about the whole day process during the wedding ceremony, taking photos, standing a lot and dancing at the reception party, then also getting dressed and stuff in the beginning of the day. Its so important to be comfortable always and not put unnecessary strain on the body. Especially when you are part of a wedding party and when you are participating in standing up a lot.

This also means for conventions, and businesses as well. Also actresses and filming movies and TV Shows. I do not see anything wrong with wearing flats or small heels.

I myself, cannot wear heels. It has to be completely flat or just a small heel of a couple of centimeters in length, but I cannot believe people can wear 3-4-5-6 inch heels and a lot more higher. It is crazy. My back and my legs hurt by just looking at others walk in them. My feet hurt with just wearing an inch or less sometimes..

When I was a teenager and graduating grade 8 and 12th grade in High school, during my prom, I wore huge heels and at 17-18 years old, I began to feel uncomfortable. I said to myself, why should I suffer in pain and discomfort? I began to wear flats after that age. I just cannot stand wearing heels. Not going to damage my body, my health, my posture for the sake of wearing them.

Do you wear heels? Are you against wearing them? or do you love wearing them? Would love to hear what you have to say as well.

My Sweet 16 Birthday that Never happened

When I was in high school and about to turn 16, I have heard about the sweet 16’s birthday parties and the fun those people had, and planned their birthdays that it was perfect, the people who had gone to those parties, the decorations, the planning all kicked off perfectly.

Even though I did not have friends back in the day, and those who I thought were somehow, I decided to throw a sweet 16 birthday party for me. As I had invited 20 people from my school. So now when it came toward the last couple of days to my birthday, I assured people to ask if they are going to be attending my birthday and they said yes we will be there. I got so excited. I remember it was April 28, 2001, on a Saturday and Monday is my real birthday on the 30th, and decided to have it 2 days early because of School on the right day.

As I had begun decorating, and had ordered the cake and the food, as well has putting some games so people can play. As the time was nearing for people to come, I got so excited that I stood by the door to wait for them to come, my anticipation was growing deeper. As I looked at the time again and it was 2pm where the time said on the invitations, I look at the clock and it said 2:15. I said ok its ok, they are running late. Then one person came around 2:30, I welcome her into the house and she decided to wait with me. then it became almost 4pm, and it was just her and I was devastated, humiliated, embarrassed, and crying so much.

That one girl who came to my party wiped my tears away and said it will be ok. Don’t worry, I am here. lets enjoy together. Who cares about the rest that stood you up? I said yeah you are right. So we enjoyed the food, and desert and cake and watched a couple of movies until it was time for her to go home. She hugged me and said, Talin, do not worry about anybody else, they are cowards. God is watching them. Then she left as her mom came and picked her up. My heart shattered to pieces. It was a feeling that I never wish on anybody else.

After her leaving, I let out a huge cry. I said, I cannot believe this happened to me and my mom comforted me and told me, don’t worry God will punish them. So Monday came and I was still crying and devastated. I did not enjoy my real 16th birthday, but I did go out to dinner with my family, which made everything better. I actually skipped school for a couple of days and just stood home. I just didn’t feel like seeing anybody. Then I decided to go to school on the Wednesday, and none of them said I am sorry and did not bother to give me an explanation as to why they did that. All the planning, food and everything went to waste, however we kept the food and ate it throughout the week.

From then on, I didn’t care about interacting with anybody and I just went about and studied, did my homework, attended all my classes, and then once school was finished, I’d never waste another second and just go home. I was so disgusted. That one girl changed schools the year after because her family had moved somewhere further, and that really made me even cry more. She was the only one who really cared. It was so nice of her. I still have the give she gave me 14-15 years later.

As I reached another milestone this year. At the end of April on the 30th of 2015, I will be celebrating my champagne birthday turning 30 on 30 and it is coming up so quickly. As I almost say Goodbye to my 20’s, I am truly hoping that I can have a sweet 30th birthday that will make up for the sweet 16th birthday I never had. I know it is not good to expect it, but when you’ve never had a birthday party reaching a milestone, it makes you wonder how and what might have been. I just want to have a great time with my lovely and beautiful loved ones I have in my life which really matter to me more than anything else.

Have you experienced a disappointing turnout at a party or function you have had? I am sure you felt humiliated and distraught. Have you had a similar situation where people didn’t bother to show up and not telling you why and not having the common decency to call and explain? If you have, I am so sorry to hear that. I know exactly how you feel. It is not a good feeling at all.

Hopefully nobody has to go through what I went through. Best wishes to you and may your dreams come true, because everyday is our birthday and celebrate it by the gift of breathing and living through another day. We are blessed and that is what matters the most.

Favorite Halloween Candy – What I loved Getting

As Halloween is approaching in a few days, thought this would be timely to bring up. When I was a kid going door to door on Halloween night to go trick or treating, I was ever so excited to put my costume on and of course get candy, chocolate and chips in my bag. I had sometimes received other things in my bag as well, however there are some of the candy, chocolate, and chips that I used to love getting. I used to come home and sort out all my candy with my parents. Some of them really stood out for me and I never really bothered with the other candy I did not like, so I gave it to my family to eat. 🙂

My Favourites include:

— Little smarties boxes
— Candy Corn
— Popeyes little white cigarettes
— Twizzlers
— Nerds Candy
— Whoppers
— Milk Duds
— Reeses Peanut Butter Cups
— Gummy Teeth
— Rockets – They look like little tablets
— Little Chips bags
— Canada Loonie Dollar Chocolate Coins.

I remember I used to fill up 2-3 bags and sometimes I would take pillow cases with me, and it used to fill up to almost the top. I went everywhere so quickly. I used to map it all out with the most houses and areas around, so I would go and get the candy quick and I would start just before it started getting dark out, and then I would start my journey. It would last for quite a few hours and until I came home, with the help of my parents to carry the bags. I remember it would take a while to sort through the candies and then I would share and give them to my cousins, to my neighbors, and of course keep a lot of it for me too. 🙂

What did you like getting in your bag? What was your favourite chocolate, candy, chips or whatever else you got in your Halloween treat bag?

Time is Valuable – Courtesy and Punctuality Matter

In life, whether were invited to a restaurant gathering, parties, get togethers, catching a flight out,  even for school, work, a job interview, or anything that it could be, even a date, meeting up for coffee, punctuality and being early is very important. I know sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances it happens where people are late, or get caught up on something, the best thing to do is let others know who you will be meeting that you are running late. It is common courtesy and respectful. Your time is as valuable as the other peoples time. So it goes both ways.

Tips and Advice on how to manage time, to be early and punctual.

— Say you get invited to a restaurant for dinner at 7:30 and reservations have been made and you are there at 7 7:15, which is good to be early to respect other peoples time, then you see other arriving at 7:30 right on the dot, then you see late people arriving an hour later at 8:30. People are munching on Appetizers already because they waited long enough. — Respecting time is important and especially respecting other people in the process.

— Say you go to the airport and you arrive there at 3pm and your flight is at 6:30pm, which is great to be there 3 and a half hours before, but some people decide to show up at 4:30 or 5pm and flight is at 6:30, they think that they can be allowed boarding and they think that their luggage will make it to the plane. I do not think so. Respect the time given to be at the airport prior to departure and make it to your plane on time so others do not have to wait for that one or two people who decide to play around and not get to the gate on time.

— Never leave things to the last minute to get ready, to shower, to allow time to get ready after the shower. do it in advanced and start getting ready an hour or two before a party and also take into factor how long it will take to get to the venue from your place and get ready accordingly. You do not want to be one of those people who arrive to a party at 10 at night, when a party starts at 7. No matter what it is, its important to value time, manage time well, and do important things first then allocate enough time to do what is necessary. Be courteous no matter what it is.

— Job interviews, going to school and work on time is very important. Especially when you are going for a job interview. Be there about half an hour before or an hour before. get yourself prepared, and gather your thoughts. Always look at the time and get to places on time. It is very crucial to be punctual in everything in life.

— When you are invited to someones place at say 4pm on a Saturday, and agree to go, be there right at 4pm or about 10 minutes before. Every minute counts and they count on you to be on time. It is not nice to not show up at someones house at 6pm, without letting them know you will be late or something is going on that you cannot make it right at 4.

— A simple I cannot be there on time, or I have some things to take care of, or got pre-occupied with things should be mentioned to those waiting for you, they have every right to know. Time is of the essence. Calling, texting, e-mailing and always communicating is so imperative.

— Do not be a last minute RSVP person — If you get an invitation to a party, wedding, engagement, shower or other events 2-3 or 4 months in advanced, or just 2 months in advanced, and say the Card says shower is on July 31st, but your RSVP Reservation with the amount of persons in attendance must be due by July 10 or July 15th — but then have someone say they are attending on July 27th or 28th, just couple of days before is so wrong. You had all that time to decide. Do not just leave it as last minute. RESPOND as soon as possible —- It is money, and time were talking here. These people need to prepare and get numbers into the banquet halls or create the tables and how many plates to add… Be respectful. They did a great thing by including you, Help them in the process.
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Some Quotes Found online in relative to this post:

“Arriving late is a way of saying that your own time is valuable than the time of the person who waited for you” — Karen Joy Fowler

“If you CANNOT be on time, Then be EARLY” — Unknown

“punctuality is the Art of Waiting for the careless people: – Unknown

“Punctuality – Be there an hour early, then a minute too late – Time is valuable” — unknown

“Punctuality is the soul of Business” — Thomas Chandler Haliburton

“Punctuality is the politeness of kings & the duty of gentle people EVERYWHERE” — Unknown

“Life is getting up early in the morning to live a couple of hours more” — Unknown

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Have you been a victim of a person who has stood you up? Have you been someone who is the one to always wait for others to be on time? Have people contacted you to say they will be late? Are you always the early one to arrive well in advanced because you have been taught to respect time and ones who have proper etiquette? It is always good to be like that.

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Do you have bad habits when it comes to procrastination? Do you have bad habits of being late because you had to do your hair and make-up? Do you have the bad habit to show up to a party 2-3 hours later knowing that everyone has already eaten, so you get the cold food after or they are going to have to make an extra batch for you to heat your food up, or have missed the beginning speeches or whatever it is? Change your bad habits, work on being courteous and on time. It saves a lot of problems with people depending on you.

Also do not say you will be there, and then not show up..

Punctuality is key to success in business, relationships, friendships which then builds trust and common decency. Best wishes and to better time management!

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.

Talin’s Ultimate Couscous Salad Recipe

I would like to introduce to you a very healthy, flavorful, Couscous Salad recipe, which is full of essential nutrients, which will get your taste buds active and will want the whole salad bowl to yourself. Yes, it is that good! Couscous is one of my favorite things to add to vegetables, and add so much flavor with it. Excellent choice to serve at dinner parties, or regular dinners, for lunch, for dinner, anytime. Here is The Ultimate Couscous Salad Recipe.

Couscous Salad Recipe
Serves: 4 or more. depending on how much quantity you would like to prepare. play around with the amount of ingredients to your desire.

Ingredients…
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups pearl couscous
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
• 1 full cucumber, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 large tomato, diced…. preferably tomato on a vine…
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh herbs (any combination of fresh parsley, cilantro, arugula, basil, dill or mint)
• 1/3 cup raisins or more to your tasting
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted or not. you can just add them in.
• Freshly ground black pepper and salt

To Prepare follow these instructions…
1. In a large saucepan, bring about 2 quarts of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil. Add couscous and cook until tender, 8-10 minutes. Drain with a strainer — preferably thin holed strainer so the couscous will not fall through.

2. While the couscous cooks, in a small bowl, mix the oil, mustard, honey, lemon juice and zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

3. Add cooked and drained couscous to a large bowl, and then, pour dressing over warm couscous, mix well. Let it cool completely

4. After cooled completely, Add cucumber, tomato, herbs, raisins and walnuts to the couscous and stir. Taste for seasoning and add salt and/or pepper as needed.

5. Enjoy it when its cold – cover then refrigerate, about 1 hour. Better to eat cool…

Bon Apetit!

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.