Your Word

Often times we are asked to describe ourselves in three words. Sounds like an easy task, yes? Usually, we would just think of the first three words that come to mind (which, more than likely, are three words we often hear people use to describe us). But what if you were asked to describe yourself in one fabulous word—one word to encapsulate every aspect of your being to define who you are? One word (taken in reference from the novel Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert) that essentially becomes “your word”. All of a sudden it becomes something difficult. How could you possibly describe your entire existence in one word?

There are many ways a person could go about this task. Some might think of a word that has the most meaning and the most priority to them, like family or it could be who you are or aspire to be, like doctor. For others, perhaps, it is a word that describes their passion in life like painting. Yet others might go for a word that inspires them like dream. Whatever the word is, it is a word that, once heard, could provoke a person to have a better understanding of who you are and what you stand for. Is such a thing possible? Absolutely. I believe that no matter how complex a person may be, everyone has something that they adhere to so significantly that despite all of the other elements in life nothing gets in the way of them and “their word”.

So, back to how this is possible. I suggest that you begin by making a couple of lists to include three words—one using only nouns, and the other, verbs. You may be able to figure out the connection between yourself and the nouns (as they are often what you would consider important to you, or who you are). Now what about the verbs? The verbs are your passions. Some of you may wonder why you can’t use adjectives as well, as I’m sure you may want to reflect a certain feeling (and, after all, adjectives are descriptive words). The answer is easy. The feeling or adjective you may want to use will ultimately come from either your noun or your verb for it is either one of these things that causes the feeling.

Now, once you’ve made these lists, narrow them down to one word each. When you’ve done this, decide which of the two words left (noun or verb) you feel the most connection with. And that, my friends, is “your word”.

Here is what I’ve come up with for myself. My word is music.

NOUNS                                     VERBS
love                                            writing
writer                                          dance
music                                         dream

music                                         writing

Ultimately, I choose music because music is involved in everything that I do. I’ve often said that my life would be nothing without music and that it is the one thing that I cannot live without. It stems from many loves of my life – singing, dancing, writing (poetry is music and music is poetry) – and it connects me to other things in my life like family and friends Through music, one can express emotions of love, happiness, heartbreak, and sorrow. Though I’m not a musician (nor will I ever be), I’m one who has a great appreciation for music in its many forms; therefore, music is my very existence.

1st Ever Thailand's Stunt Awards

A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege to attend Thailand’s 1st ever stunt awards. It was an amazing time as I got to feel like a celebrity. From the minute I arrived at the event, to the minute I left to go home, I literally felt like a million bucks and I have several people to thank for that.

First and foremost, I thank my friend, Nob, who invited me to the event and for whom I received not just VIP tickets, but also VIP treatment the entire time that I was there. Next, I thank my brother-in-law who, because of what he does for a living allows me to be able to take part in such events as this. I also thank another friend, Pipe, who was on location as the still photographer for the event and of whom, I was able to indulge in the idea of being a celebrity – even if only for 15 minutes. Lastly, I thank my dear friend, Anita, who was more than happy to act as my personal stylist. It really was a shame that in the end she was unable to go to the event with me.

I had the delight of walking the red carpet all the while posing along the way and having my picture taken. As I was doing so, I noticed that someone snuck up to take a photo of me (perhaps assuming I really was a celebrity). I’m not even famous and yet I’ve already got my own paparazzo! I enjoyed some fabulous food available at the cocktail reception offered prior to the main event and to mingle with the friends that went along with me as well as with some other attendees that I knew.

My seat was a mere four rows away from the stage (sitting even closer than some of the real celebrities that were there). During the ceremony, those in attendance got to enjoy performances such as a Thai puppeteer show, a miniature concert presented by some singers from Academy Fantasia, and a stunt show. At the ceremony’s closing, I was exiting the theatre only to see some more familiar faces in the audience. They told me that they were arguing as to whether I was really me or a celebrity. I couldn’t help but be flattered, and at the same time wonder “Do I really look that much like a celebrity?” I mean, I’ve been told on numerous occasions that I very much resemble a Thai actress/model, but I seriously don’t think that I so much as have an aura of a celebrity. It is indeed very flattering.

After the awards, I had the honor to pose with some recipients of the award; whom I’d had the opportunity to work with for a short period of time. It is so nice to know that the people who are often overlooked and not always considered for their hard work and talent are getting their chance in the spotlight. They are finally receiving the recognition they very much deserve.

Here are some of the photos from the event.  :o)

A Copywriter

Recently I have obtained a job as a copywriter. I've been working at my new job for a little over a month now. It's been a good journey so far and I'm learning a lot about what it takes to be a professional writer. I'm glad to be able to finally have an opportunity to work on something else that I love to do.

So what exactly does my job entail? Mostly, I'm like an editor. I edit other people's work. Sometimes I also write articles or blogs that are then published into various mediums within the company (magazine, website, online blog, etc.). My biggest responsibility, however, is putting together the company magazine - everything from figuring out a theme, doing the writing and editing, and working with Design for the graphics and ADs to be incorporated into the magazine. Simply put, I am the Anna Wintour of our company magazine (but on a much more microscopic scale).

It's quite a lot of work and certainly unlike anything I've ever done before and that's saying a lot from someone who's done many different types of jobs under the sun. I'm embracing this new experience and I'm hoping to really grow quickly. I have every faith that I can and hope to someday become the next Ms. Wintour.   :o)

SURPRISE!!

There's nothing I love more than surprises, for myself, and especially for others.  I love being involved in the planning (or scheming, if I may) of great surprises.  To me, every aspect about a surprise just makes life that much more enjoyable.  That being said, a surprise has to be done in good taste.  And you have to know the person or people that the surprise is intended for.  First, you need to know whether or not the intended (however many) have enough of a sense of humor that they could sincerely enjoy such things.  Second, you need to know the circumstance (i.e., birthday, wedding, graduation, etc.) and that what you do is appropriate for the occasion and others that may be involved and/or present. 

Take for example my latest, most successful surprise to date.  I flew back from Augusta, GA to Bangkok, Thailand without many of my friends' knowing just in time to surprise them all for New Year.  I had schemed it all along with a friend of mine (who could not make it to the gathering) and had him be my liaison to find out where my friends would be meeting up to celebrate the new year.  He led them to believe that he had nothing to do for the night and was interested in joining them for a fun evening of eating, drinking, and countdown.  All evening, he was in constant correspondence with my gal/organizer friend, Kippe, to keep a close "ear" on their whereabouts. 

When I felt that the time was just ripe, I made my way over to the restaurant where they were sitting down to a dinner and just on the verge of finishing.  I walked in on the gang deep in conversation and threw my arms up in the air as I yelled "Happy New Year!!!"

All further talk was intervened with screams and "Oh my God!", "What are you doing here?", and "How or when did you get here?"  Let's just say, we had the whole establishment looking at us trying to figure out what had just happened.  It was pure delight!

After a few more vocally expressed glee and lots of hugs, we all sat down to an interrogation of how was it that I was there.  Basically, the long story-short, I got a new job and made it back just in time to celebrate New Year's Eve in my favorite city.  I hadn't told anyone, partly because it was kind of sudden and partly because I wanted to surprise everyone and I had my friend/liaison to thank in helping me make it so successful.  :oD

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011!!

Another year has successfully come to an end.  Reflecting back on it, there was nothing particularly special about 2010.  At least, nothing that I felt had any real significance other than the fact that my mother opened another restaurant.  I mean, I met some really cool people (as I often do, wherever I am) and I dated some guys here and there.  I traveled and attended some weddings (one of them being the most elaborate I’ve ever been to in all my life).  That was about it.  Actually, much of 2010 went by in a blur simply because I spent the latter half of it back in Georgia in a little town called Thomson.  Not a place you would want to be stuck in, ever.  Trust me. 

Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to 2011.  I have a feeling that it is going to be a good year for me.  Somehow, I’m entering into this year feeling rather lucky.  I’m not exactly sure why.  Let’s just say it’s a hunch.  :o)

I could elaborate a bit, I suppose.  For one, I’m back in my most favorite city in the world, Bangkok. I’m finally getting the opportunity to tap into my creativity a bit (even if it’s through indirect means) thanks to my brother-in-law and my sister.  I think just having the opportunity to be involved and to be around a bunch of creative people will be enough to steer me in the direction I’ve been trying so desperately to get to.  Although I may still be unclear as to what exactly it is that I want to really sink myself into, I know that I’m headed there.  Professionally, I think this could very well be a good year for me.

Now, as for my personal life, I think that I will continue to meet great people from all around the world and from all walks of life.  Being that I am quite an extrovert, it’s pretty much inevitable.  However, if we are talking about finding that special someone, I wouldn’t exactly knock the idea.  I’m pretty optimistic that this could be my year.  I guess only time will tell, so stay tuned!  :o)

A White Christmas

This year was the first time that I was home for Christmas since moving to Thailand 3 years ago.  I was very excited about it (although I could've done without the freezing weather).  You see, even though an abundance of Christmas decoration and music could be found all over Thailand and especially in Bangkok, the spirit of the season is very much lacking.  I've tried putting up a miniature tree and celebrating with friends at my place, but it just isn't the same. 

This year, what made Christmas extra special was not the mere fact that I was home with my mom for the first time in a few years, but also that we had a white Christmas.  The snow might not have fallen til later in the evening, but it was on Christmas nonetheless.

My mother and I, along with some family friends, went to Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia.  We visited their butterfly garden and the Christmas village and then we rode a trolley through the estate to view the many themed Christmas decorations in complete awe (and complete cold!).  Luckily for us, the snow did not begin to fall until just the end of our trolley ride. 

Check out some of the beautiful moments of our Christmas trip that I was able to capture.