Monday, July 27, 2009

It's Been Most Fun!

It's been 11 days in France & I've met so many amazing people and done some really awesome stuff. I'm picking up on the language and enjoying every adventure!

I will be posting some photos and videos soon. [I've got to do some iMovie editing...my new fave!]

stay tuned!

Friday, July 24, 2009

Dear Landlord....Re: Apt 6

A letter I wrote to my landlord before I moved out of my apartment in LA...
(seriously.)

I had to share.

Enjoy!


July 2, 2009

Dear Landlord,

I wanted to let you know about my experience in regards to the quality of living in Apt 6. I’ve lived in this building since March of 2007. The noise problem with the neighbors to the north (meaning up north) and to the west, has been pretty ridiculous, and it started literally the day I moved in. I actually remember lying there on my bed (which was by the front window at the time) wondering why the hell the neighbors upstairs walk around in heavy-ass boots so much. It was unbelievable. I swear that man had to go for a glass of water in the kitchen from the front door and back every 27 seconds! What is that about?
Not to mention that every night around midnight, the guy in #5 would fill a jug of water from the spigot right outside my window. Why he couldn’t fill the jug INSIDE his house, never really made sense to me. Not only was it strange, but it was a little unsettling to see someone directly in front your window every night.
So, I rearranged my apartment and moved my bed to the corner by the kitchen. At least that way I could feel a bit more comfortable when I’d go to sleep.

Constant slamming of cabinets, screaming dogs…yes, screaming, NOT barking (I’ve wanted to call the ASPCA on many occasions), a giant cat running overhead like a wild tiger through a carnival, the clumsy dropping of what sometimes sounds like bowling balls or bags of marbles…it really depends on the day[!]…the list goes on. I mean, really. Why on Earth would someone consistently feed their dog at 2 and 3 o’clock in the morning…?! The only reason I know this, is because I hear banging cabinets and rustling of bags of dog food…and aloud conversation with the dog about how the good boy is going to eat! …And it seals the deal when the doggie bowl bangs up against the wall with every bite. Nom. Nom. Nom! Good doggie!
As I mentioned before, my bed happens to be right next to that wall.
Good morning, Neighbor! …For 2 years. *sigh*

[And the guy next to the laundry room thinks HE’S got it bad! No one is washing clothes every single night at 2:30 in the morning, dude! At least not from what I’ve seen.]

I can decorate the apartment to the point that Spielberg would want to shoot a movie there. However, we would never get a quiet-on-the-set long enough to for a whole day’s shoot!

Now, I’m sure they can hear me from time to time too…it’s an old building. I get that. I try my best to maintain a respectful noise level due to that. You know, the Golden Rule…do unto others…
Well, sometimes others don’t “do unto you”…I understand that. Hey, it’s their karma after all. Cool, no problem! However, it doesn’t make it any more fun to be on the living end of it. Imagine, living inside a tiny little box with a noisy lid and [bedroom] wall!

On numerous occasions, I’ve actually been woken up out of my sleep with thunderous bangs above my head at 4am. It can get pretty ridiculous. Not to mention the experience I had with the neighbors upstairs last year because I went to ask them nicely to be mindful of my ceiling!
And there’s nothing I can do. I can’t call the sheriff and tell him to send a cop because my upstairs neighbors are as clumsy as a dog with no toes. RUFKM? I’D be the one going to jail for calling with such bullshit! What can I do? Up and move? No. [well, now, yes…but then, no!]

At one point I complained so much that the owner had to put in “insulated” wood floors [oxymoron], as you know. I can say that the level of noise has been “reduced” [I use this term loosely] since the installation of the new floors. Problem is…they love the kitchen!
Blam! [WTF was THAT?!]…It sounds like a jar full of ball-peen hammers dropped out of the sky onto my ceiling. AND, I have witnesses! Their usual response goes something like, “Damn!! What the f*ck was that?!” My reply is usually my best guess. “Oh, they’re bowling again,” I answer. “You better get used to it!”


With all that said, I must say that I’m actually happy the next tenant will be paying less for Apt 6 than I was…she’s a sweet girl. Very nice. [As you know, she bought a lot of my stuff because my apartment is so awesome! The place pretty much sold itself, literally.] I can’t help but wonder how I ended up manifesting such a price for less peace. Or, maybe I just blame Bush, I don’t know.

My hope for her, is that something magical happens, and the problem ceases. But, I think that would require a return of the Massiah or an intervention involving alien abduction. What are the chances? …I guess we’ll have to see.
(I know who I’ve got my money on!)

Good luck in any pursuits you may have in resolving this issue…you’re gonna need it!


♥☮☼☺

yaasika
former tenant, Apt 6.

DailyOM...A Gem Of Advice For Us All!

I had to post this for everyone to read because it is so very true! Going with the flow is what has gotten me to where I am now....and will get me to where I am wanting to be!

I can't say it was an easy thing to do...at least not initially. I had to re-program my Self, my thoughts, my actions, my habits... In doing so, I have realized the power of the Universe and the magic and mystery of Life. I am constantly evolving and coming into the New Now.

My hope is for everyone else to be able to let go of all the "shit" and allow Life to happen.

With that I say...

Bon Chance & I love you all!!


me


DailyOM:
[23.jul.09]
Working with a Larger Energy

Going with the Flow

The expression going with the flow is a metaphor that applies to navigating a river. When we go with the flow, we follow the current of the river rather than push against it. People who go with the flow may be interpreted as lazy or passive, but to truly go with the flow requires awareness, presence, and the ability to blend one’s own energy with the prevailing energy. Going with the flow doesn’t mean we toss our oars into the water and kick back in the boat, hoping for the best. Going with the flow means we let go of our individual agenda and notice the play of energy all around us. We tap into that energy and flow with it, which gets us going where we need to go a whole lot faster than resistance will.

Going with the flow doesn’t mean that we don’t know where we’re going; it means that we are open to multiple ways of getting there. We are also open to changing our destination, clinging more to the essence of our goal than to the particulars. We acknowledge that letting go and modifying our plans is part of the process. Going with the flow means that we are aware of an energy that is larger than our small selves and we are open to working with it, not against it.

Many of us are afraid of going with the flow because we don’t trust that we will get where we want to go if we do. This causes us to cling to plans that aren’t working, stick to routes that are obstructed, and obsess over relationships that aren’t fulfilling. When you find yourself stuck in these kinds of patterns, do yourself a favor and open to the flow of what is rather than resisting it. Trust that the big river of your life has a plan for you and let it carry you onward. Throw overboard those things that are weighing you down. Be open to revising your maps. Take a deep breath and move into the current.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Saturday Night Fever...!

Saturday night was great. I went out with my new American friends Octavia & Tom. Getting to their hotel was quite the adventure.

Not having a cell phone has its advantages...but when it comes time to meet up with people that you've never met in person, in a city you've never been to, the ability to whip out an iPhone comes in handy.

Oh well...

I took the Metro into the city to meet them at Place Vendôme (which I looked at online so I'd have an idea of what to look for when I arrived). I got of the train and had NO fucking clue which direction to go. SO, I took a deep breath, approached a friendly-looking French couple & attempted to ask for directions....in French. [ummm...yeah.]
I had all the words ready in my head, but as soon as it was time to speak them......merde!...yeah, not so much. Luckily they were really sweet people and the realized that I didn't have a fucking clue when it came to the French language. The woman asked some other guy for directions, since she didn't really know where the Place was. Voila! He knew & together they were able to point me in the right direction. Whew!

So, I started walking. [in 4 inch heels mind you] ...and it started raining.

Did I mention I didn't bring my umbrella?

Lucky for me it was only a light drizzle.......but, still.

After about 3 blocks, I realized I was at the Louvre [très cool!]....not at the Place Vendôme. Time to ask for more directions! [fuck!]

I saw a nice French woman with her bicycle and I approached her with my best broken French. Seeing my struggle with the language, she replied in English. "It's over there...I don't know where the main entrance is, but you will want to go this way...." I humbly thanked her and turned around and began to walk BACK in the direction I'd just come from......in my 4" heels.

I cried inside...mainly for my feet...but whatevs.

I took about 3 steps toward my destination when a tiny French man ran up to me from behind shouting "Excuse-moi mademoiselle! Excuse-moi mademoiselle!"
I turned around to see this tiny little man in a tux running up to me with a motorcycle helmet in his hand and an enormous smile on his face.
"Oui?" I reply.

"smfoasidfowiefoawnefaowjfmao;goasfmladgkmladf mademoiselle!" [yeah, that's pretty much how it sounded to me]

"I'm sorry," I say, "je ne parle Français. I don't understand what you are saying."

Broken English...broken French...fantastic!

He asked where I was going & I told him Place Vendôme.

"Do you want a ride?" as he points to his scooter.

[HELL YEAH!!]

"Oui, oui! Merci, merci beaucoup!" I reply. I point to his helmet and ask if he had an extra...but of couuuuurse he does!

What are the chances?

I'm totally going along with it. Cuz it sure beats walking another 5 blocks in the rain in a dress and heels!

"Vous êtes très jolie! Je t'aime! Je t'aime!" as he kisses my cheeks...over and over!
He tries to go in to plant one on my lips....DE-NIED....he gets the cheek.

I hop on the back of the scooter and we take off.

Each stop light, the tiny man turns to me, lifts his visor and tries to kiss me.

"Go! Go! The light is green!" I say...and laugh as I roll my eyes.

I swear we circled The Place 3 times before he dropped me off...! Finally we stop at the entrance and I get off the scooter. He grabs me and tells me how excited he is.... Yeah, THAT kind of excited. I give him a gracious smile, a light push, and tell him thank you for the ride.

Merci beaucoup, le dude! I gotta go!

Monday, July 20, 2009

So Far So Bon...

I've been in Paris for 5 days now...and things have been going pretty well.
Let me fill you in...

So, Friday I went to change my worthless American dollars into Euros...and man...now I know what Mexicans feel like when they bring Pesos to the US!

Yipes!!

I thought it was a joke at first....then the banker gave me a receipt and an "au revoir" and sent me on my merry little way.

Bon chance!

Well, so much for that!!


On Saturday, I met up with some new American friends who were in town from LA. I was introduced to them by a former co-worker via email (MERCI BEAUCOUP, Linda!).
Octavia & Tom are wonderful people, I must say! They invited me to dinner & out for an evening at Buddha Bar & Hôtel Costes. Good times! [more to follow on that adventure!]


Sunday afternoon I walked around Paris a little and stopped for a panini and a crêpe near the Sainte-Chappelle where I met a guy from LA. What are the chances?! I come all the way to Paris and the first people I meet are from Los Angeles. Go figure!


Finally, today, Monday, apparently still jetlagged, I woke up at 4:30 in the afternoon[!]...Faaaaack!...and ventured out to the supermarché to buy some groceries. [that, my friends, is another post!]


Anyhoo...so it goes. I'm getting acclimated to my new surroundings and watching plenty of French TV as a means to learning the language. [I was up until 4am last night watching CuisineTV! Ha!]

Ça marche!

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Bon Jour!

Je Suis à Paris

I'm here!

I made it.

This is awesome!

I fell in love with the city instantly. My experience has been great since I landed...I am SO different than anyone I've seen thus far...and I absolutely LOVE IT!

It's quite amusing to watch people stare at me like I came from another planet. You would think I had silver skin and blue hair with some of the looks I get. I can't get enough!

I have arrived mon frère!

This will be quite the adventure....so stay tuned, cuz I plan on posting A LOT!

♥☮

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

GOT IT!

Just booked my ticket to Paris....

LAST MINUTE

---

ONE WAY

---

Lufthansa

---

Yippee!!

Friday, July 10, 2009

URGENT: I NEED YOUR HELP!!

I'm still working on getting my ticket to Paris....

YES...you read correctly.

I'm leaving Wednesday, July 15th...today is July 10th.

YES...you read correctly.

I have a place lined up in Paris to stay for 1 month...but I have to get there first! I must arrive on the 16th, because the family I am staying with leaves for their month-long vacation on the 18th.
...which allows me 1 & a half to 2 days to settle before they go.

The frequent flyer mile idea seems to have fallen thru because airlines are now charging to transfer miles from one person to the other! [what's the point?! ...this concept is retarded]

I know in my heart that everything will work out.......because it HAS to! I've been feeding the Universe with good energy around my trip & I have been blessed thus far.

I'm putting myself out there...once again....and asking for help from any and everyone who will be so kind! Hell, even if you can spare $20, that's 20 more toward my ticket!

I've set up a PayPal account to make the process easier......and anonymous. You can click on the button below.

Thank you SO VERY MUCH in advance for helping me out! You will be blessed for your generosity...GUARANTEED!!


yaasika




Tuesday, July 7, 2009

I Got The Boot...!

I got excommunicated from the Three Feet From Gold Game today....go figure. I was one of the MOST excited about playing & I just couldn't stick with it... [good job!]

It's not that I gave up on my end goal or that I'm not still working toward it...
It's that I thought I had the wherewithal to maintain my focus and encourage another along the way. Buuut, I don't. [and I learned the hard way...oops.]

I subconsciously allowed my vision to suck me in. Tunnel vision.

Which is, by the way, is not a bad thing...because that just means I am really passionate about my art [which is a new-found thing...my being passionate about something].

However, it was not cool to leave people hanging. That's what disappoints me about what I've allowed. I could've gone about it much differently...but I didn't. AND[!] I got called out on it. [Thanks, Shine.]

::Silver lining:: I learned a very valuable lesson: Have balance and integrity.

My bad everyone.

I just woke up. Thank you and Good Morning.

☮☼☺
VIBR8HIGHR

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Want a Piggy-Back Ride...?

[this post was originally on another blog of mine...but I've decided to repost them here...mainly cuz I actually have READERS on this site! LOL]

I received this in my inbox yesterday...[interesting!]...had to post!!

....piggy-backing on my Allergies...? entry on June 6th...

enjoy!

♥☮

~ g.o.o.s.e.

DailyOM
June 30, 2009

Fuel That Nurtures
Eating Right to Feel Better

At its simplest, food is fuel. Though our preferences regarding taste and texture can vary widely, we all rely on the foods we eat for energy. Most people are aware that it is vital we consume a diverse assortment of foods if we aspire to maintain a state of physical well-being. However, the intimate connection between diet and our mental well-being is less understood. Just as the nutritional components in food power the body, so too do they power the mind. Some foods can impair cognitive functioning and sap our energy while others heighten our intellectual prowess and make us feel vigorous. What we eat and drink can have a powerful effect on our ability to focus, mental clarity, mood, and stress levels.

Food allergies, which don’t always manifest themselves in forms we recognize, can also play a significant role in the maintenance of mental health. Thus, for most of us, even a simple change in diet can have a profoundly positive impact on our lives. Taking the time to explore whether anxiety, muddled thoughts, or inexplicable tension can be linked to a food allergy or food sensitivity can empower you to treat your symptoms naturally. The benefits of a healthier, more personalized diet are often felt immediately. Sugar, saturated fats, wheat, and dairy products are frequently allergens and can stress the body. For people that are allergic, consuming them can cause imbalances in the physical self that have a negative effect on the body’s ability to nourish the brain. Water, fiber, nuts, unprocessed seeds, raw fruits and vegetables, and vegetable proteins, on the other hand, support physical and mental functioning by providing those nutrients we do need without additional subs! tances we don’t.

A balanced, natural diet can ease mood swings, panic attacks, anxiety, and mild depression. Intellectual clarity and agility is improved when the mind receives proper nourishment. Even those individuals who are blessed with the ability to consume almost any food can benefit from a healthier and simpler diet. Since the mental and physical selves are closely bound to one another, we must feed each the foods upon which they thrive.

VIBR8HIGHR Art Show Is ON!

Come check my art show on 07:08:09!

g.o.o.s.e. <----that's me!

word!

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