Like your boss asks to see you in his office, and you automatically think you are going to be given a promotion and a raise.  Why would you not? You have been working harder than ever lately.  Then, while you are mentally planning how you are going to celebrate this shiny achievement, and eagerly waiting for his brief pause to end, he tells you that you are not eligible for a bonus because you started that position one week too late and missed the mark.  Don’t you hate moments like that? 

No sleep here!

 I remember one time I was sitting in the Barnes & Noble cafe, waiting for someone to leave so that I could snatch up their table because it was the closest one to an outlet.  I don’t like typing things from my house.  For some reason I just don’t feel very inspired there.  I get ideas for topics when I am actually sitting in some random gathering, listening to strangers talk about nothing and everything.  Sometimes I hear the funniest stories.

     Anyways, this guy finally got up to leave.  I leaped to his table, which just happened to be right next to this other guy.  He was so in the zone, just typing away, that he didn’t even look up when I asked him if he could please plug in my laptop for me….

     We actually got to chatting because I found out that he had the most fascinating job.  I couldn’t help but notice that he had a really nice smile.  Nice lips too.  He was actually pretty attractive, and seemed quite friendly.  After a while, he said he had to go.  But before he leaves, he asks me this final question.

“Do you like Coffee?”

     That could only mean one thing.  He is so going to ask me on a date! Why wouldn’t it? After all, we’re sitting in a café surrounded by Starbucks.  Duh.  Yes, absolutely I like coffee! I have to admit, I was pretty excited.

     But guess what he said instead.

“Well… here’s the thing.  I’d really like to date you.  But I’m only interested in marrying an LDS girl someday.”

Gotcha.  Mormons don’t drink caffeine.  So he must ask all girls that before he proceeds any further.   What the crap was he doing at a coffee place then??

Oh well.  Some people just can’t help but to always hope for the best.  But maybe sometimes it’s better to be more cautiously optimistic. 

xoxo,

Vanessa

Photo Credit: Picture courtesy of Google Images

I found this awesome quote.  Chew on this:

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints on your heart.  To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.  Anger is only one letter short of danger.  If someone betrays you once, it is his fault; if he betrays you twice, it is your fault.  Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.  He who loses money, loses much; he who loses a friend, loses much more; he who loses faith, loses all.  Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.  Learn from the mistakes of others.  You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself… There is no beginning or end.  Yesterday is history.  Tomorrow is a mystery.  Today is a gift, that’s why they call it the present.” ~Anonymous

I thought that was the most fitting string of words to ring in the new year.  Happy 2010 everyone!

Maka Hiki Hou,

Vanessa

I hope all is well, festive, and merry for you. I know I said that I would post that fun Q&A with Jason Reitman from Up in the Air. Sadly, I was unable to transcribe it. Devastation. Please allow me to redeem myself – I still have one for you! My friends, the Massie twins, are film critics. With each movie they critique, they are also given the opportunity to interview someone who is attached to that particular project. They have interviewed many fascinating and talented directors, producers, and actors. They recently got the chance to interview Jason Reitman around the time he had his Q&A at ASU, while he was in town promoting Up in the Air (starring George Clooney). This film is perfect to see during the holidays. Especially if you are perfectly lonely this year. J But please don’t be fooled, it is not exactly your typical Happily Ever After, yet I have never been disappointed by a Jason Reitman film. He is incredibly talented.

Please check out this EXCLUSIVE interview he did with the Massie twins:

http://gonewiththetwins.com/pages/interviews/2009/interview_upintheair.php

I am going home to my parents and poodle for Christmas this year! Spending any holiday with my Ohana has always been such a special event for me. I’m very family-oriented; I love them dearly. Not only that, but I have not been home in nearly two years! 

My Haven:

http://www.collegeaffairmagazine.com/2009/03/14/my-love-affair-with-hawaii/

The last time I was home, it was a tragic event… One of my cousins in Arizona passed away suddenly in her sleep. This happened right after New Year’s Day. It was so horrible for her family. I flew back to Arizona one week early so that I could make it to her funeral (I wasn’t there for her wedding because I was living in England at the time). Not only that, but two days after she passed away, my boyfriend broke up with me. A week before that, my roommate had called to tell me that she was moving back to New Mexico to be closer to her family. So, within nine days, I found myself saying three different types of sad goodbyes at the end of that year. It was definitely a low point, and a dreadful way to start a new year.

This trip home to my family will be nice and somewhat therapeutic for me. I need to make some new, fond memories of going home so that I can drain out the negative memories of that last visit. But enough with the tragicness. I am excited and grateful to be going home in a few days! There really is no place like home J

Happy Holidays,

Vanessa!

Credit: The Massie Twins

Photo Credit: Google Images

I just wanted to drop a quick line

I’m going to be posting a Q&A with Director Jason Reitman within the next few days.  Remember Juno? Actually, how could you forget.  Up in the Air hits theatres this Friday.  Make sure you check it out! I really admire his work, and can’t wait to post what he had to say.  I’ve been trying to work on that, in between cleaning my house for my mother (Kiz is in town from Kaneohe for a brief visit).  She has yet to see my house that I recently moved into.  I live in Tempe now because I fell in love.  With a house, and a charming one at that!

Good luck on finals!

Stop by in a few days to check out my Q&A with Jason Reitman…

xoxo,

Vanessa

Photo Credit: Google Images

The semester is finally coming to an end, as is my reign over the “Love & Lust” blog. I chose to do this blog a little differently than its past bloggers, by turning it into my own personal advice column.

By no means am I an expert in love or relationships, trust me,  I have had my share of failed attempts. However, I do think I have learned from each and every experience I have had, as well as the experiences and mistakes my friends and the people around me have made.

In all reality, there really is no right or wrong way to love someone. Relationships survive and fail all of the time, and it is nearly impossible to pin point exactly what went right and went wrong. We just can’t give up. No matter how many mistakes you make and how many relationships you’ve been through, there is always room for another try.

I guess I am a sort of hopeless romantic, major optimistic, when it comes to love. I really believe that people can change and that there is someone out there for everyone. I may be living in my own little fairy tale, but oh well… it allows me to sleep better at night.

My last piece of advice to give would just be to try. Relationships will never get anywhere with out effort given from both sides… you owe it to yourself and your partner to give it your all and see how far your relationship can go. You might be pleasantly surprised…

<3

Photo Credit: Google Images

Well, It seems as though all regular season college football games are complete, and it is yet again time for the bowl games!

Here is a list of a new note worthy bowl games to check out:

BCS Championship game- Alabama vs. Texas- Jan. 7, 2010

Holiday Bowl- University of Arizona vs. Nebraska- Dec. 30, 2009

Rose Bowl- Ohio State vs. Oregon- Jan. 1, 2010

Sun Bowl- Stanford vs. Oklahoma- Dec. 31, 2009

Insight Bowl- Michigan State vs. Iowa State- Dec. 31, 2009

Sugar Bowl- Florida vs. Cincinnati- Jan. 1, 2010

While you are home for the holidays, relax and watch a little football. All of the games prove to be good… so try catch a few of the 34 games that will be played!

Alessandra Ambrosia

image courtesy of google images

Miranda Kerr

image courtesy of google images

Marisa Miller

image courtesy of google images

Missed the show? Check it out on YouTube.

Stick to these rolls:

1.) Rainbow roll- Nori, rice, avocado, surimi, plus a variety of raw fish arranged on top

Although this roll is higher in calories than most of the healthier rolls, it’s loaded with healthy fats. 476 calories for 6-8 pieces.

2.) Cucumber roll- Nori, rice, cucumber

Cucumbers are a low-calorie solution to your daily allotment of vitamins A and C, and fiber. 126 calories for 6-8 pieces.

3.) Avocado roll- Nori, rice, avocado

Avocado is a good source of healthy monosaturated fats. 140 calories for 6-8 pieces.

4.) Tuna roll- Nori, rice, tuna

More than half the calories come from the protein in tuna. 184 calories for 6-8 pieces.

5.) California roll- Nori, rice, avocado, surimi

This roll is a good start for sushi beginners since there’s no raw fish involved. 255 calories for 6-8 pieces.

image courtesy of google images

Try to stay away from these rolls:

1.) Spicy tuna roll- Nori, rice, tuna, mayo, chili sauce

The calorie count raises as the heat intensifies; add some wasabi to your tuna roll and save over 100 calories. 290 calories for 6-8 pieces.

2.) Philadelphia roll- Nori, rice, salmon, cream cheese, cucumber

The cream cheese adds unnecessary fat to the otherwise healthy roll. 290 calories for 6-8 pieces.

3.) Salmon and avocado roll- Nori, rice, salmon, avocado

Although high in calories, this roll offers healthy fats in two forms: salmon and avocado. 304 calories for 6-8 pieces.

4.) Eel and avocado roll- Nori, rice, avocado, eel

Eel is almost always covered in a sugary brown sauce so make this your full meal if you’re choosing this roll. 372 calories for 6-8 pieces.

5.) Shrimp tempura roll- Nori, rice, shrimp, tempura batter, oil for frying

The roll is perfectly healthy-until you coat it with a thick batter and fry in hot oil. Skip this roll completely and look for shrimp that are not deep fried. 508 calories for 6-8 pieces.

Photo Credit: Google Images

The 2009 Sun Devil football season has finally come to a close, with a brutal loss against the University of Arizona.

The Sun Devils put up a good fight, tying up the game in the 4th quarter 17-17. Kyle Williams made both of the Arizona State touchdowns.

In the last seconds of the game, Wildcat kicker, Alex Zendejas, kicked a 32-yard field goal to ensure a Wildcat victory over the Sun Devils 20-17.

Although it was a close game… it still hurts to lose against U of A…. maybe next year..

Photo Credit: Google Images

There is nothing better than being in love over the holidays season. Not only is there spare time to spend with your loved one, but there is also a ton of family events and  activities to attend together.

It is a very important part of every relationship meeting the others family. The holidays are  a perfect time to do this, spirits are high and everyone is happy and thankful to be together and spend time with each other. Meeting each other’s family can really take your relationship to the next level.

Feeling the support from the most important people in your life can really confirm your feelings and reassure you that you do love your boy/girl friend and that you really do want to pursue a relationship together.

On that note.. enjoy your holidays and be thankful for your family, friends, and relationship!