Do you know yourself in 3D? - The 3 Dimensions of Human Performance

There are 3 dimensions of Human performance:

1. Cognitive (The way you think)
2. Affective (The way you feel)
3. Conative (The way you do)

For the longest time since the days of Socrates and Aristotle, we've been placing much value on our cognitive abilities. "I think therefore I am" was the slogan since forever and our education system is built on developing this ability. IQ seemed to be the only measurement that mattered and self worth was contingent on how high your IQ (or school grades are).

Fairly recently, we started to see some importance and attention placed on PERSONALITY and BEHAVIORS. This is our affective ability and now, there are many assessments for this including fun things like "What color is your Aura?" and widely used assessments like "Myers Briggs". So, people are starting to understand that there is much more to a person than their IQ and letter grades in school.
 

The THIRD dimension, however, is still widely ignored. But thanks to Kathy Kolbe, we now have an assessment that measures our genius in the way we DO things. This assesses our innate abilities and how we WILL ACT when we are THRIVING and SUCCEEDING.

If success is the freedom to be yourself, don't you think it would be beneficial to know yourself in 3D?

Take the Kolbe A Index assessment - discover your true genius not in what you think, say, or feel... but in HOW YOU DO.

To take your Kolbe A Assessment: http://www.kolbe.com (Click on "Take the Kolbe A Index" button on the TOP RIGHT)

Can't wait to know your numbers!

With love,
Amelia

How to manage your finances like a RICH person Part 2 - Rich Grad Poor Grad

Why is talking about finances more taboo these days than talking about your sexual orientation? ARE YOU IN THE FINANCIAL CLOSET? Well, it's time to get out!!!! Please share this YouTube video with anyone who wants a better handle on their finances. Hereeee's Financial nudity part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQCcBb4hNzo

***WATCH PART 1 FIRST!!!!*** http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzmArreP2-E




Rich Grad World is based on the lessons from Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki.

WATCH. LIKE. SHARE. SUBSCRIBE!
http://www.YouTube.com/RichGradWorld
http://www.Facebook.com/RichGrad
http://www.Twitter.com/RichGradWorld

How to manage your finances like a RICH person Part 1 - Rich Grad Poor Grad

Are you ready to get naked??? Financially naked, that is! Do you need to budget your money better? If so, watch this video from the #1 experts and facilitators in personal finance Rich Dad Poor Dad Robert Kiyosaki and Rich Grad!!!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzmArreP2-E

I'm not allowed to check my phone, email, or Facebook today!

PEACE DAYS

At Rich Grad and Collegiate EmPowerment we teach what a TRUE PEACE DAY is. A peace day is different than your typical day off or "weekend extravaganza". First, let's explore what a peace day is not.

A peace day is not

• Doing all the errands you've been putting off
• Catching up with friends
• Creating to do lists
• Organizing files and/or to do lists
• Setting goals

 A peace day is truly your day to unplug, rest, and just be.

Do not think about

• All the things you should have done
• Work
• Anything you "have" to do

The only thing that can grow without ever needing to rest is cancer. God rested on the 7th day after creating the universe.

We need our rest. We need to feel the guilt and do it anyway!
I know, I know... in a world that rewards crazy accomplishments it almost feels sinful to ever stop, but you owe it to your mind, body, and spirit to just STOP! If you don't, your body (or mind) will choose for you and you will get sick, go insane, or both!

Wouldn't you rather stop by YOUR OWN CHOICE and not wait for your body to FORCE you to stop by making you sick so you're forced to stop? From what I remember of Corporate America, sick days were much more fun to take when I wasn't actually sick. ;)

Think about it. Love yourself enough to do this. You deserve it.

That being said.... TODAY, October 10, 2013 is my FIRST OFFICIAL peace day (it's official b/c I'm posting it on FB.... and we all know it ain't official until it's FB official LOL).

After this, I'm shutting off... I'm not allowed to answer your calls, check my messages, or 'Like' any statuses. Keep me accountable. Hold me to my highest. Support me in ensuring I get my rest!

HAPPY PEACE DAY Y'ALL!

Take at least 1 peace day per week. You deserve it.

XOXO,
Amelia

Are you Emotionally Constipated?

Why do people think that "being strong" means holding your feelings in? holding back tears? holding your tongue when someone has hurt or offended you?
In my opinion, this is just emotional constipation. Stuffing everything down and keeping it all inside for an eventual emotional blow up somewhere down the line. An explosion that ultimately hurts the people you love.... or worse, it turns into a physical manifestation in your body, draining your energy and killing you slowly.

Why do people see "chronic numbing" as an acceptable remedy to stress and pain? Grab a drink (or 2 or 3) at happy hour, smoke a bowl, f*ck that girl. Hell yeah, we're hurting so let's stick, sip, and suck our problems away!
When we numb our pain, we also numb our joy... and then we wonder why it's difficult for us to ever feel anything again... and that's how we become dependent on mind numbing activities. Yes, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat count..... and I am guilty as charged...

What is true strength?
True strength is moving THROUGH your feelings, not avoiding them.
True strength lies in your ability to open up, be vulnerable, and show who you really are... and that INCLUDES your feelings.



Most people can be "strong" if strong means stuffing down your emotions... but can you be COURAGEOUS? Can you find your strength in your authenticity, and vulnerability?
Not everyone will accept you for who you are, that's a reality.... but what's most important is do YOU accept you for who you are?

Shine on. Be seen. People may leave as a result, but those that remain are the only ones you want to keep around anyway. :)

How to Start Your Own Business Part 2 - Rich Grad Poor Grad

How to Start Your Own Business Part 1 - Rich Grad Poor Grad

How to invest in 401k when young, How to retire happy feat. Rich Dad Adv...

Do you want to retire young? Do you want to retire happy? Relying on our employer pension plan worked for our grandparents and parents, but that is not the case today as the rules have changed! Learn about the real implications of a 401k plan and why learning to invest is not only important, but necessary if you want to retire happy... or if you want to retire at all! 

How to invest in Real Estate ft. Rich Dad Advisor Ken McElroy and the Re...

How to invest in real estate and How to get started investing in real estate even if you're broke and without a clue! Learn from Robert Kiyosaki Rich Dad Poor Dad and Rich Dad Advisor Ken McElroy and the Real Estate Guys Robert Helms and Russ Gray. Rich Grad YouTube video on RichGradWorld

Rich Grad, Poor Grad - Financial Literacy for College Students and Young...

Are you or your child graduating college with thousands of dollars in debt and finding jobs that barely cover what annual tuition was (if they're even lucky enough to FIND a job!)??... Seemingly, the next best option is to enroll in grad school however, you need to realize that that's just INCURRING MORE DEBT with STILL no guarantee of finding a job that can cover those expenses. If you thought the sub prime mortgage debacle was the end of it, think again - Student loan debt is greater than credit card debt these days ($830 Billion vs $1.2 TRILLION). There's only one option, get your FINANCIAL IQ up! That's what Rich Grad is here to help you do. Featuring the best of the best educators, professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors - we will support you and your family during these times of need. We won't FIX your lives, but we'll EMPOWER you to change your beliefs, get to the root of the problems, and turn everything around. There's enough money to go around for everyone to be rich. It starts with a choice - do you want to be a poor grad, or a Rich Grad????

Be a Rich Grad. Join the movement!!!!!

Amelia's Love Language Profile

Love Language Profile for Singles

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Your Love Language Personal Profile

Your Scores

• 2Words of Affirmation
• 9Quality Time
• 4Receiving Gifts
• 4Acts of Service
• 11Physical Touch

Interpreting Your Profile Score

The highest score indicates your primary love language (the highest score is 12). It’s not uncommon to have two high scores, although one language does have a slight edge for most people. That just means two languages are important to you.
The lower scores indicate those languages you seldom use to communicate love and which probably don’t affect you very much on an emotional level. Learn more about your primary love language and how to put it to use next to the corresponding badge below.
Not what you expected? If the results don’t seem right, discover some other ways to determine your primary love language.

If the results don’t seem right, here are three other approaches to discovering your love language:

• First, observe how you most often express love to others. If you are regularly doing acts of service for others, this may be your love language. If you are consistently, verbally affirming people, then Words of Affirmation is likely your love language.
• What do you complain about most often? When a loved one says Happy Birthday and you respond, “You didn't get me anything?!” you are indicating that Receiving Gifts is your language. The statement, “We don’t ever spend time together,” indicates the love language of Quality Time. Your complaints reveal your inner desires. (If you have difficulty remembering what you complain about most often, I suggest that you ask a friend or family member. Chances are they will know.)
• What do you request of others most often? If you are saying “Did I do a good job?” you are asking for Words of Affirmation. “Do you think we could hangout this weekend?” is a request for Quality Time. “Would it be possible for you to mow the grass this afternoon?” expresses your desire for Acts of Service.

Physical Touch

A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, and thoughtful touches on the arm—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive. Appropriate and timely touches communicate warmth, safety, and love to you.

---

Quality Time

In Quality Time, nothing says “I love you” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes you feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed activities, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful. Whether itʼs spending uninterrupted time talking with someone else or doing activities
together, you deepen your connection with others through sharing time.

Acts of Service

Can helping with homework really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most wants to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter. When others serve you out of love (and not obligation), you feel truly valued and loved.

Receiving Gifts

Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures. Gifts are heartfelt symbols to you of someone else’s love and affection for you.

Words of Affirmation

Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten. You thrive on hearing kind and encouraging words that build you up.

Important to Remember:

You may have scored certain ones of the love languages more highly than others, but do not dismiss those other languages as insignificant. Your friends and loved ones may express love in those ways, and it will be beneficial for you to understand this about them.
In the same way, it will benefit your friends and loved ones to know your love language and express his affection for you in ways that you interpret as love. Every time you or they speak one another’s language, you score emotional points with one another. Of course, this isn’t a game with a scorecard! The payoff of speaking each other’s love language is more of a feeling of “this person understands me and cares for me.” This translates into better communication, increased understanding, and, ultimately, improved relationship.
If you have not already done so, encourage your friends and loved ones to take The Love Languages Profile. Discuss your respective love languages, and use this insight to improve your relationships!

Lesson 35: Cultivating Solitude

I'm in Arizona (Scottsdale) for the 2-day "Redefining Education" meeting with the Rich Dad Organization. Tonight is also the official book launch for Why "A" Students Work for "C" Students - the latest book by Robert Kiyosaki. I'm truly blessed and grateful for the opportunity to be here and learn more!

My 10 minutes of solitude were spent in the yard of the lovely, artsy home of Leslie who I found on AirBnB. I walked around from the private patio off of my room to the pool and beautiful trees, flowers, and plants in her backyard. I felt this overwhelming sense of peace and gratitude as I listened to the birds singing loudly, enjoyed the vibrant greens of the plants, and reveled under the cloudless, blue sky.

I reflected on the concept of being best friends with myself and I immediately thought of my best friend Jake back home in New York. My heart swelled with love and gratitude for him as I remembered we had many silent moments together all over the world and I realized that I was becoming as good a friend to myself as he had been to me for over a decade.

5-15 minutes of solitude per day... TOTALLY WORTH IT!

Gratitude Journal - Day 2

1.) Who or what inspired me today?

Adam inspired me to finally explore LA like I freakin' live here LOL.

2.) What brought me happiness today?

Being Britt's special birdie and finalizing Thanksgiving plans!!! WOO HOO!!! :) :) :)

3.) What brought me comfort and deep peace today?

Experiencing feelings I've repressed since childhood. Okay, not at the time, but like... AFTER the feelings passed, then I felt peace. Finally!!

Gratitude Journal - Day 1

1.)  Who or what inspired me today?

Angie inspired me to be authentic, open, and loving... always! Denni and Britt inspired me to be the best entrepreneur I can possibly be and to do my best today as we get in the trenches again for our business.

2.)  What brought me happiness today?

Waking up in my super warm and fluffy bed!!!! IT'S SO FLUFFAAAAAAYYYY!!!!

3.)  What brought me comfort and deep peace today?

Day 16 of the Deepak Chopra 21-day challenge. It was all about gratitude and I literally had a smile plastered on my face! I felt deep gratitude, peace, joy, and love. Trust for the process, joy for the journey. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! I'm bursting into 50 bajillion pink starburst as my pop music blasts on my speakers. :)

Unschooling

Yo, I'm totally gonna unschool my kids. Holla.

The traditional school system is archaic and built on a foundation of expired principles. in order to give ourselves and our children the education they need, we must circumvent the bureaucracy and create a new normal. 

Daunting? Hell yes! Possible? It's already happening. I am a Rich Grad. http://richgrad.org/the-creed.php



READ ABOUT UNSCHOOLING HERE:

http://zenhabits.net/

I AM A MAGICIAN.

My name is Amelia. I am a powerful, loving, and passionate leader and I am a magician.

I create magic when:

1. I tell stories.
2. I dance.
3. I present to large audiences.
4. I coach.
5. I spend quality time with you.
6. I touch you.
7. I'm behind a microphone or in front of a camera.
8. I create relatable characters and act them out.
9. I make people laugh.
10. I am silly, loud, and outrageous.
11. I laugh.
12. I smile.
13. I perform.
14. I hype.
15. I create energy.
16. I make YouTube videos.
17. I cry.
18. I tell you how I feel.
19. I serve.
20. I love you.
21. I support you in drawing out your vision.
22. I inspire you to dream big.
23. I empower you to take steps towards your dream life.
24. I motivate you to keep moving.
25. I teach.

HOW DO YOU CREATE MAGIC? (List at least 25).

A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour

http://asliceofbrooklyn.com/

Check out the above link for more details on this tour and others run by the family!

The wingman and I went this past weekend on Saturday Jan 30 to the Pizza tour. The slice of brooklyn tour is a family owned business. The members alternate between giving all these different tours - their most famous being the pizza tour we went on.

We made sure to end our Friday night early (1am - which believe me is super early for the duo LOL) so we could wake up ready, refreshed and still have time for breakfast before our 4.5 hour long slice of Brooklyn. Yes, the tour is named as such purposely to indicate the two VERY SPECIAL stops (and the fatty that I am reluctantly admits maybe the ONLY reason I wanted to go) - world famous pizza places: Grimaldi's and L&B Spumoni Gardens.

Views of the Brooklyn Bridge


The additional bonus (aside from the delicious pizza) was the actual tour itself. They took us around all different parts of Brooklyn (some new spots I've especially noted to revisit when the weather gets better) - and it was cute because they also played clips from all different movies and timed it to play right as we passed that spot on the tour. It was like that Denzel Washington movie Deja Vu (and that's all I'll say in case whoever's reading this didn't see it, I don't want to spoil it)... Since I wasn't documenting everything as we traveled my recollection of the details from a few days ago are fuzzy already so you can read the synopsis from the link at the bottom of the blog for specific places we visited (but really, you'd have to check out the tour or the go to the places yourself to really appreciate anything I'm saying in this blog).

What I do remember most vividly, however, is THE PIZZA!!!!!!

Grimaldi's I've had before - but I was just as excited to go have some again especially since this family had the hook up and we didn't have to wait in line or anything! We even got to cut the line that was already there (a few dozen people freezing outside waiting for the restaurant to open, and we just walked right passed! - they were pissed LOL)




What I never did, however, during the other two times I'd been to Grimaldi's was check out the brick oven. Grimaldi's is famous because it is one of the last brick oven pizza spots that is still allowed to cook the pizza using coal (most places use wood - and it just doesn't taste the same). Keep in mind, they have only ONE oven (one bathroom - womp womp) and yet they service close to a hundred people an hour, I'd say. The oven gets to be as hot as 900 degrees F and the pizzas cook in 3minutes flat (or, according to the boys that work there - 2 minutes and 43 seconds flat lol). I actually watched the process from start to finish for the first time this day - from the flipping of the dough, the sprinkling of the super fresh mozzarella, basil and miscellaneous toppings, to the tossing (literally tossing) into this massive and extremely hot oven. I was so fascinated I forgot I had to pee and even almost missed my turn at the bathroom I was staring so hard.

I'd definitely go there a 4th, 5th and 6th time :)

L&B Spumoni Gardens, on the other hand, I had NEVER been to for a couple of reasons:
1) I'd never heard of it
2) It's wayyy deep in Bensonhurst, and let's be real, I'm only in Brooklyn for my sister, my neph and Wen

But let me tell you.... THIS PIZZA WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE. It is hands down THE BEST sicilian pizza you will ever, ever, EVER taste!!!!!! I will MOST DEFINITELY be going back there. Apparently, in this yearly poll they have of the best pizza spots, this place won SO many years in a row that they're not even included in the poll anymore! There's just an asterisk on the bottom saying "L&B Spumoni Gardens is not included in these results". And according to the tour guide, allegedly a man that just got out of prison made sure he got a sicilian slice before even going to see his mom... I mean, I dunno about all that, I'd definitely go see my mom first, but wingman & I had to RESIST the urge to pick up the pans and plates and lick the sauce right off of them.

Admittedly, I was reluctant at first. I took the first bite, paused and shook my head saying "umm... yea it's pretty good..." - but after taking more and more bites and realizing that I simply could NOT stop and wanted to swipe my hand across everyone's plates and lick my fingers.... I officially announced.... "My life is changed. I will never be able to eat a sicilian slice from anywhere else for as long as I live."

Keep in mind, we had only visited this spot less than 2 hours after stuffing our faces at Grimaldi's so we were all PRETTY full... and even that didn't stop me from having two slices and staring hungrily at the leftover slices on the other trays. We decided we'd ask if we could take the slices home but were devastated when the bus boys took the trays away before we could ask.

We settled for sharing a cup of rainbow spumoni (for those of you that don't know, spumoni is basically a cross between italian ices and ice cream - supposedly the best of both worlds). Rainbow, is not like the rainbow ices they sell on the corner of Roosevelt Ave and Junction Blvd (LOL - my Queens heads!) - but it IS a mixture of the 3 flavors of spumoni they sell: Vanilla (with almond bits), Chocolate and Pistachio (with pistachio bits)..... DELICIOUS! Even though my stomach was officially filled to the brim with cheese, tomato sauce and bread, I still had room for the slurpalicious spumoni!

We get back on the bus and head towards Coney Island - I'd been there a million times and I'm sure you have too so I'll skip all that boringness.... besides by that time, everyone had the itis so bad we were all sitting there with our eyes half closed and consequently half listening to our tour guide, Paula, at this point.

I fell asleep on the way back to Union Square (which is where the tour started - I believe all their tours start at some place in Manhattan) while they were playing a video montage of all the famous actors, actresses, musicians and comedians from Brooklyn.

Anddd... the best part and cherry on top of our very wonderful Saturdae (not Sundae get it har har).... As we were pulling into the city, Paula holds up two plastic bags filled with styrofoam boxes and says "I have tons of leftovers, who wants???"
.002 seconds pass and she barely gets the word "leftovers" out of her mouth and wingman and my hands FLY up and we're like "MEEE!!!"....
How embarrassing because no one remotely showed any interest for those leftovers let alone with the same gusto. We didn't care though - that made our DAY.... Our previous disappointment when the bus boys took away the trays was reversed at the realization that we would, after all, be taking home DELICIOUS LEFTOVERS from that life changing pizza place that is L&B Spumoni Gardens - clearly that's what I had for dinner that night.

Thank you, Ludovico Barbati for your entrepreneurial spirit and bringing to me the BEST pizza I've ever had. :)

Check out this link for more detailed info on the tour -> http://asliceofbrooklyn.com/pizza.html


Stay tuned for the next adventure...
Leonardo Da Vinci's Workshop!

The Fab and the Filipinious: Tokyo Drift [GO]

Day 5: Shinjuku, the Shinkansen, & Kyoto!

Tokyo Departure Day

Monday, July 20, 2009

So, I wasn't planning on doing much of anything today since I have 4 days of jam packed traveling and sight seeing planned for me and my mom but MW insisted we at least get some breakfast and walk around a bit before we have to catch the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto.

I'm actually glad she insisted on it because it gave me the chance to cover some ground I probably wouldn't have been able to.

SHINJUKU

Being born and raised in NY didn't exactly have me all hype to visit this part of Tokyo known for its government buildings and skyscrapers. What convinced me to go was MW's suggestion to visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building - Tokyo's "Twin Towers".

Working in the Financial District (where I take the E train to Chambers St. "WTC" stop every day) is a constant reminder to me that the NY skyline is incomplete. Even when the Freedom tower is built and other buildings take its place, I will never forget my beloved twin towers, its "Windows of the World" and how their destruction affected my life.

Takashimaya "Times Square" - Before visiting the government building, MW took us to Times Square.... LOL not nearly as horrible or touristy as the NY version - it's actually a 15 floor shopping center with lots of shi shi frou frou department stores (I tried on a pair of $800 shoes, not to mention stores like Dior, Chanel & Prada were here) and lovely restaurants.

Our main purpose here was to try the delicious soup dumplings at Din tai Fung - a Chinese restaurant that served food unparallel to anything Chinatown could ever aspire to serve. Needless to say, the food was very good and much tastier than anything Noodle Town, 69 or even HopKee could hope to serve.

Tokyo Hands - I was also able to get a preview of "all the things me and my friends never knew we needed" at this Japanese version of Target/WalMart but eleventy BILLION times better 'cause it had all the cool, ingenious gadgets and trinkets you'd never find in the States. I can't wait to go back there at the end of my trip & spend the rest of my $ on TOYS! - I couldn't spend too much time browsing and shopping though - I still had to see the twin towers & be back at the apt in time to pack up for my mom & my 3 day Kyoto -> Hiroshima -> Miyajima -> Nara -> Hakone adventure!!!!

Takashimaya "Times Square" - The most amusing part about visiting the building (and even walking there) was comparing the huge
difference between the crowd at Takashimaya vs. the govt bldg area. Since we got to Takashimaya early, we just beat the crowd, but as we were leaving I was so grateful to be going in the opposite direction of the hordes of people that begand to flood all entrances at approximately noon!

As we went the other way towards the skyscrapers, it got significantly quieter/emptier. The plaza in front of the towers reminded me of 28 days later when the guy woke up and was walking around these huge open spaces that seemed like they should be filled with a million people.

The line for the observatory deck was practically non existent and we didn't even have to wait to get on the tiny elevator.

Unfortunately, on this cloudy day, the only interesting thing, to me, about the observatory deck was the souvenir shop - good thing it's free to go up there. LOL. Nevertheless, I came, I saw, I relived the glory days of the WTC vicariously through these Japanese twin towers & I was satisfied.... and friggin EXHAUSTED!!!

I mean, I was always expecting to walk a lot - every Japanese guide book and website I read all say the best way to discover Tokyo is to walk through it - but 3 days straight of nothing but walking, inconsistent sleeping patterns and 13 hr jet lag was kicking my @SS!... At least I had the 2.5 hr bullet train ride to look forward to.

THE SHINKANSEN

Fortunately, I lucked out by getting an English speaking person at the ticket booth and was able to successfully obtain all the train tickets my mom and I needed for the next 4 days :)

UNfortunately, I don't remember the train because I slept the whole time.

ARRIVAL IN KYOTO - Super Kyoto Hotel!

This hotel is super cute (har har). It's advertised as a western style hotel but there are many Japanese characteristics - the bathroom, the customer service, the tiny reminders how keen the Japanese are on cleanliness... I spent a good 30 minutes soaking in the bathtub - Japanese style... and a GREAT sleep followed.....

**** COMING SOON ****

Day 6 - HiROSHiMA & MiYAJiMA VOYAGE

The Fab and the Filipinious: Tokyo Drift [SHi]

Day 4: Harajuku, Omote Sando, Shibuya
Sunday, July 19, 2009

Woke up early to go to church this morning at the Franciscan Chapel Center a couple of blocks down from Roppongi Crossing.

What a beautiful, cute & simple little church with people from all over the world coming to worship together! - it truly is inspirational...

The priest was so sweet and reminded me a lot of Fr./Msr. O'Brien during his younger years (the way I remember him when giving me my First Communion at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Parsons Blvd).

The readings/gospel for today were so fitting! It reminded us that if we truly want unity, it has to start with us realizing that we musn't be prejudiced against anyone.

At the end of mass they recognized all the visitors/newcomers by asking us to stand and say where we're from. I, of course, repped NYC to the fullest! ROFL. =P

I'm always amazed coming abroad and being in a setting mixed with locals, visitors and temporary residents. It always reminds me how ethnocentric Americans can be and it's sad how so many are trapped in the tiny little worlds that are their lives carrying on as if nothing else exists outside of it. I love being reminded of just how big the world really is with so much to see and learn - there are so many different ways that people live and look and it's overwhelming (in a good way) to imagine all the different paths of life that can exist in one room - brought together, by God, for the same reason.... reminds me of one of my favorite quotes..



"Our hearts feel the same pains and joys even though our lives and ways are different."



What a perfect setting for the homily/lesson that so many of us always find too easy to forget! Looking around I could see students from abroad, families made up of different ethnic backgrounds, nuns from convents in other countries, people on vacation, missionary families, permanent residents, temporary residents - but still.. all the same universal smiles and common faith that brings us to the same place at the same time. How wonderful and truly blessed I am to have this day just for me & my momma! <3>
Omote Sando & Takeshita St!


Ok, so, imagine Times Square on New Year's Eve.... this is what Harajuku is like on a regular Sunday. A place where hour long lines to get into a normal lunch/brunch spot at 2pm, or 30 minute lines just to get into H&M and Forever 21 is totally normal and... people DON'T mind!!!

Truly the opposite of NY mentality, the purpose of a line in Tokyo is to get what you want no matter how long you have to wait for it. In NY, the purpose of a line is to not have one at all and minimize, if not eliminate the time requirement to wait on oneIn Tokyo, the length of a line/time it will take to get the service you are waiting for is directly proportional to the popularity of whatever food or service awaits. As a "normal" New Yorker, I absolutely HATE Times Square and avoid it at all costs. As a result, Times Square is usually full with tourists who want to be around the cliched hustle and bustle (or with locals who don't know any better). This time, in Harajuku, I was the worst mixture of the two - a tourist who didn't know any better. Furthermore, the popularity of Harajuku is a tourist trap because of all the "people watching" you can do scoping out Japanese, teeny bop pop culture at its best aka hair dye, bright accessories & thigh high central!!!

Not gonna knock it, cuz granted there were a lot of very cute girls in very cute outfits and some of my clothes WILL be Harajuku inspired BUT

1. I have been to the NYC Pride & Halloween parades 3 years in a row - not sure how much else can shock and awe me
   
2. Omote Sando was cool but its EXACTLY like the Avenue des Champs-Elysees in Paris and
   
3. I could barely enjoy Takeshita Street (which is another famous street known for being pedestrian only and lined with cute fashion boutiques, cafes & restaurants) because it literally saturated with people and Japanese sales girls screaming bargain deals at the top of their lungs in shrilly, high-pitched voices.....
   

Oh gosh, listen to me... When did I become such a snotty world traveler??? LOL... No, I think I'll definitely blame it on the crowds of 500 BAJILLION people that totally discouraged me from exploring a little bit deeper to find & discover some hidden gems....

So yes, whining about crowds aside, and although it wasn't what I expected, I am happy I got to see all the famous places most people only get to Wikipedia about!

• Omote Sando
• Cos Players and Harajuku Girls chillin on Jingu bridge
• the Meiji Shrine
• Rockabillies in Yoyogi Park
• Takeshita St

I just wish it weren't SO crowded so I could've enjoyed the Gothic Lolitas and Ganguros - or even seen one clearly....

Shibuya 109 & the WORLD FAMOUS Shibuya Crossing

Ok, so remember how I said Harajuku was Times Square on New Year's Eve??? Well... Shibuya is 10x WORSE!!!!!!!!!!

Shibuya Crossing is the world-famous intersection (or "scramble crossing") located infront of the Hachiko exit of Shibuya Station. There are 3 large TV screens & a Starbucks overlooking this crossing where traffic is stopped (by red lights obvi) in ALL FOUR directions to allow what looks like a bazillion (yes that's more than 500 bajillion) pedestrians to cross on all sides (including diagonally).

Shibuya 109 is not too far off from th ecrossing & while I loved the tiny girlyness & colorful fabulousness of this shopping center, it was JUST LIKE the old school Queens Center Mall at its crazy holiday season Sunday rush! - You fellow Queens natives who have experienced the old, tiny, cylindrical version of QCM will know what I mean.

Shibuya 109 is the same tall cylindrical sape with a few more floors and maybe at least a MILLION more people! I kid you not. But... I don't want this entry to be totally full of complaining because 1) I would DEFINITELY go back and 2) I scored some really cute shoes and anyone who knows me knows that's enough to shut me up and make me sublimely happy. :-)

Stay tuned!!!

Day 5 - Tokyo Departure DAY, the start of my 4 day JAPAN tour ADVENTURE from Kyoto -> Nara -> Hiroshima -> Miyajima -> Hakone and BACK to Tokyo again!!

The Fab and the Filipinious: Tokyo Drift [SAN]

Day Three: Tsukiji Fish Market & Roppongi Hills
Saturday, July 18, 2009

Prologue

The Tsukiji Fish Market is the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market IN THE WORLD and also one of the largest food markets of any kind (click here for more wikipedia info). The recommendation is to go really early so you can catch the tuna auctions, unloading of shipments and also be first in line for the most popular sushi spots... apparently the most popular places can be as long as a 4 hour wait at 6am on a Sat morning!!! (I'll get more into lines in Japan in another blog - crazy!).

So Mom & I tried to wake up super early to go to the market hopefully to see the unloading of all the shipments. We did wake up on time but ended up yapping too much and at 5:30am we hadn't even left yet!

She was so busy telling me how fat I've gotten and how men love stick figures with no curves and I told her that it took a grueling adolesence and shaky college life but I'm finally happy with how I look and her words of "encouragement" weren't really so encouraging. In her defense, I suppose she wasn't trying to offend me, but I guess she assumed that I wished I was skinnier?? *shrug* What is it with Filipinos and always commenting on weight, ANYway?? Too skinny, Too fat... bah humbug!

Anyway, I had no idea how to get to the fish market so figuring it out was certainly an adventure!


6:15am JST, Sat. Jul 18, 2009
@ the Tsukiji Fish Market


Somehow, I feel like I'm in the wrong place. It's not the GINORMOUS wholesale fish market place I imagined/googled, nor do I see the tuna auction place OR the 4 hour sushi restaurant lines! Or maybe I'm just overreacting...

Well, the sign said Tsukiji Fish Market, and there's mad fish for sale here so I guess I'm overreacting.

Anyway, it is quite adorable though and some Tokyoites are SO fabulous! Even at 6am wearing their fancy, shiny open toes, with their fabulous hairstyles and colorful attire.

There are so many tourists here but I still can't help like I'm missing something. Where are the massive lines for sushi? Where are the tuna auctions?! I'm a little disappointed but Mom and I decide to have our breakfast sushi here anyway.

HOLY COW!!!! Sushi here is SOOOO friggin great and fresh. I dunno if I'll ever enjoy Sushi in NYC again. So here's something that'll make you laugh, I got the 6 specific rolls of sushi I ordered and by the way, the kind of sushi they serve in America is not Japanese sushi. It is AMERICAN sushi. In Japan, they don't do those fancy rolls with cream cheese and crunchies and all of that other fancy "dragon/rainbow/tiger etc roll" things. In fact, Japanese chefs would have to take an AMERICAN SUSHI class if they wanted to serve sushi in the States. But... I digress..

So anyway, I get my 6 rolls of sushi, and there's soy sauce on the table, but I wonder to myself... where is the wasabi?? Fearing that I'll end up ordering something like EEL DUNG, I refrain from asking the non English speaking waitress and decide to make do without the wasabi. And... to my WONDERFUL surprise.. a WHOLE section of wasabi was waiting for me RIGHT in the middle of my sushi!...... those TRICKSTERS!!! *shakes fist*

But, now that I know, I can take out the chunks and spread it evenly throughout the roll. Man, I had tears running down my face.....

After a nice sushi breakfast, by 8am, my mom and I are ready to do some walking around and exploring. It got hot/humid really quickly so we were back at the apt by 11am... SWEATING. The humidity is friggin bananas out here. I came at the end of rainy season so now, instead of raining the humidity just hangs around like some annoying guy who won't stop trying to dub you in the club... no seriously, it's worse than an August day in NY at noon.

1:00pm JST
@ Roppongi Hills, Tokyo / Gonpachi Restaurant / Koots

MW and I met up with P at Gonpachi in Roppongi Hills for lunch! The restaurant is one of many that are part of the company she works for so it was cool cuz we got a discount!

But anyway, Gonpachi is a popular restaurant in Tokyo aka TOURIST TRAP because 1) they speak English; 2) former Pres. Bush ate there when he went to meet Japan's Prime Minister and 3) the best part It's the restaurant that inspired Quentin Tarantino for the set of the famous fight scene in KILL BILL Vol 1!!!!!! - you know, with the wrap-around wooden balcony overlooking the main floor/dining area....

What made the whole first lunch in Tokyo experience even more pleasantly cute and authentic was the group of 6 or 7 old women decked out in really nice Kimonos having lunch at the table next to us! Definitely a rare sight for a boring New Yorker like me =P





After lunch, for dessert, P and MW took me to KOOTS, a Japanese style natural & organic cafe that has a whole bunch of authentic Japanese desserts (basically green tea in every imaginable form possible). I got a green tea float (cold green tea with green tea ice cream on top) and Princess & I also shared a green tea sundae of some sort - which had green tea ice cream, jelly, tapioca balls, straberries, red bean paste and some crusty/graham cracker thing - YuMmMm!






So P, MW and I are sitting outside Koots, enjoying our desserts and chatting. This is the first time P and I are meeting in person - I've only known her vicariously through my best friends' facebook so we're just catching up on commonalities aka making fun of Ir and his crazy antics ;)

I'm enjoying the conversation, but it's about 3pm JST (2am in NY) and jet lag is KICKING MY @SS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I started nodding off while everyone was talking and staring at P and MW through bloodshot eyes and was finally like... dude, I gotta go home and pass out. I thank P for the lovely authentic Japanese experience and we make plans to meet up the next day for Harajuku shopping and more sightseeing.


MW and I decide to WALK back to the apt, and when I said we were in Roppongi HILLS, I wasn't lying!!!!! After the humidity and all the walking up and down the sloping streets, not to mention the satisfying meal/dessert I just had had me KNOCKED OUT as soon as I dropped down on the bed...

I was supposed to try and wake up later to go out with P but.. yeah, that failed miserably.

Either way, definitely not bad for a FULL first day in Japan!!!! =)


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Day 4 coming soon.... HARAJUKU/SHIBUYA shopping and people watching, Dancing in Yoyogi park, and world famous streets: Shibuya Crossing, Omote-Sando and Takeshita! - yeah google them!!!