The right thing at the wrong time is the wrong thing.
Sometimes you meet someone who is so incredibly right for you, but ...
you're just not ready yet.
Maybe you have too many things on your "To-Do-Before-I-Settle-Down" list.
Maybe you love your job so much that you don't want to be distracted.
Maybe you just want to focus on yourself.
Whatever your "maybe" may be, there's no point in forcing a relationship with someone, even if they are someone who would be incredibly compatible to your crazy personality.
A relationship is an investment. It's an investment of yourself, and the availability to meet your partner halfway. Sometimes more.
It is an exertion of energy that should be natural, and unconditional, and satisfying.
If you're not ready to exert, you're not ready to be in a relationship.
Be honest from the start, and don't try and lie to yourself that you can "make it work." How can you make a partnership work if you aren't done working on yourself?
The right thing at the wrong time is the wrong thing.
Trust that there is meaning behind your timing.
Take advantage of the time meant for you and your "maybe's" Once fulfilled, you'll feel whole again. Completely whole. And completely ready.
The new will come. Believe it. In the right time, you'll ask why it didn't come sooner.
Then you'll remember, and smile.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
What Women Want
I was forwarded this "Fairy Tale" (thanks Soo) about King Arthur and his quest to find the answer to "What Women Want."
The ending is phenomenal, and very true, so I highly encourage you read:
A
Fairy Tale
Young King Arthur was ambushed and imprisoned by the monarch of a neighboring kingdom. The monarch could have killed him but was moved by Arthur's youth and ideals. So, the monarch offered him his freedom, as long as he could answer a very difficult question. Arthur would have a year to figure out the answer and, if after a year, he still had no answer, he would be put to death.
The question?....What do women really want? Such a question would perplex even the most knowledgeable man, and to young Arthur, it seemed an impossible query. But, since it was better than death, he accepted the monarch's proposition to have an answer by year's end .
He returned to his kingdom and began to poll everyone: the princess, the priests, the wise men and even the court jester. He spoke with everyone, but no one could give him a satisfactory answer.
Many people advised him to consult the old witch, for only she would have the answer.
But the price would be high; as the witch was famous throughout the kingdom for the exorbitant prices she charged.
The last day of the year arrived and Arthur had no choice but to talk to the witch. She agreed to answer the question, but he would have to agree to her price first.
The old witch wanted to marry Sir Lancelot, the most noble of the Knights of the Round Table and Arthur's closest friend!
Young Arthur was horrified. She was hunchbacked and hideous, had only one tooth, smelled like sewage, made obscene noises, etc. He had never encountered such a repugnant creature in all his life.
He refused to force his friend to marry her and endure such a terrible burden; but Lancelot, learning of the proposal, spoke with Arthur.
He said nothing was too big of a sacrifice compared to Arthur's life and the preservation of the Round Table.
Hence, a wedding was proclaimed and the witch answered Arthur's question thus:
What a woman really wants, she answered....is to be in charge of her own life.
Everyone in the kingdom instantly knew that the witch had uttered a great truth and that Arthur's life would be spared.
And so it was, the neighboring monarch granted Arthur his freedom and Lancelot and the witch had a wonderful wedding.
The honeymoon hour approached and Lancelot, steeling himself for a horrific experience, entered the bedroom. But, what a sight awaited him. The most beautiful woman he had ever seen lay before him on the bed. The astounded Lancelot asked what had happened.
The beauty replied that since he had been so kind to her when she appeared as a witch, she would henceforth, be her horrible deformed self only half the time and the beautiful maiden the other half.
Which would he prefer? Beautiful during the day....or night?
Lancelot pondered the predicament. During the day, a beautiful woman to show off to his friends, but at night, in the privacy of his castle, an old witch? Or, would he prefer having a hideous witch during the day, but by night, a beautiful woman for him to enjoy wondrous intimate moments?
What would YOU do?
What Lancelot chose is below. BUT....make YOUR choice before you scroll down below. OKAY?
Noble Lancelot said that he would allow HER to make the choice herself.
Upon hearing this, she announced that she would be beautiful all the time because he had respected her enough to let her be in charge of her own life.
Now....what is the moral to this story?
Young King Arthur was ambushed and imprisoned by the monarch of a neighboring kingdom. The monarch could have killed him but was moved by Arthur's youth and ideals. So, the monarch offered him his freedom, as long as he could answer a very difficult question. Arthur would have a year to figure out the answer and, if after a year, he still had no answer, he would be put to death.
The question?....What do women really want? Such a question would perplex even the most knowledgeable man, and to young Arthur, it seemed an impossible query. But, since it was better than death, he accepted the monarch's proposition to have an answer by year's end .
He returned to his kingdom and began to poll everyone: the princess, the priests, the wise men and even the court jester. He spoke with everyone, but no one could give him a satisfactory answer.
Many people advised him to consult the old witch, for only she would have the answer.
But the price would be high; as the witch was famous throughout the kingdom for the exorbitant prices she charged.
The last day of the year arrived and Arthur had no choice but to talk to the witch. She agreed to answer the question, but he would have to agree to her price first.
The old witch wanted to marry Sir Lancelot, the most noble of the Knights of the Round Table and Arthur's closest friend!
Young Arthur was horrified. She was hunchbacked and hideous, had only one tooth, smelled like sewage, made obscene noises, etc. He had never encountered such a repugnant creature in all his life.
He refused to force his friend to marry her and endure such a terrible burden; but Lancelot, learning of the proposal, spoke with Arthur.
He said nothing was too big of a sacrifice compared to Arthur's life and the preservation of the Round Table.
Hence, a wedding was proclaimed and the witch answered Arthur's question thus:
What a woman really wants, she answered....is to be in charge of her own life.
Everyone in the kingdom instantly knew that the witch had uttered a great truth and that Arthur's life would be spared.
And so it was, the neighboring monarch granted Arthur his freedom and Lancelot and the witch had a wonderful wedding.
The honeymoon hour approached and Lancelot, steeling himself for a horrific experience, entered the bedroom. But, what a sight awaited him. The most beautiful woman he had ever seen lay before him on the bed. The astounded Lancelot asked what had happened.
The beauty replied that since he had been so kind to her when she appeared as a witch, she would henceforth, be her horrible deformed self only half the time and the beautiful maiden the other half.
Which would he prefer? Beautiful during the day....or night?
Lancelot pondered the predicament. During the day, a beautiful woman to show off to his friends, but at night, in the privacy of his castle, an old witch? Or, would he prefer having a hideous witch during the day, but by night, a beautiful woman for him to enjoy wondrous intimate moments?
What would YOU do?
What Lancelot chose is below. BUT....make YOUR choice before you scroll down below. OKAY?
Noble Lancelot said that he would allow HER to make the choice herself.
Upon hearing this, she announced that she would be beautiful all the time because he had respected her enough to let her be in charge of her own life.
Now....what is the moral to this story?
Scroll down
The moral is.....
If you don't let a woman have her own way....
Things are going to get ugly!!!
I've been in Africa for 1 year now. It's been an essential time in my life to discover what I want. I've been hurt along the way, and I've hurt others.
As I become more aware of my individuality, the people who unconditionally embrace me for who I am and what I want, are the people who I want in my life.
I am far from perfect. I still don't know everything, nor I never will.
But while I make strong and bold choices in the midst of my "self" discoveries, I thank those of you in my life for your patience, your understanding, your love, and your support.
Happy Holidays.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Dear Santa, I Would Like a Job
Dear Santa,
For Christmas this year, I would like a job.
It can be 9 - 5, and in front of a computer, and if so, I’d like the computer to have a big red bow when I arrive at my desk. If it’s at a restaurant with night shifts, please make sure they upgrade me to a waitress in less than 3 months.
I’ve been extra sweet this year, and did an entire year of community service in Africa. I added 4 more months, so that should make me in the top 10, 000 out of the 4 billion on your “Nice” list. (As a reminder, I go back to the States in April, so I can’t accept anything until then.)
You will notice that next to the chocolate-chip cookies, I made chocolate-mint cupcakes. I learned how to bake those this year, and I hope that earns me extra brownie points. (Haha, get it?!)
Because I have many bills to pay, which includes the $500 monthly student loan, please make sure the salary is no less than 30K per year. Because I refuse to live with my parents for more than 2 months after I come home from Africa, rent will roughly cost $800 in the city, including utilities. Food per month will be around $500, and I guestimate $200 should be reserved for any extra living expenses, doctor visits, etc.
I am diabetic, so please keep my medical necessities in mind.
(No! I only had 2 cookies and 1 brownie. Puh-lease)
I am also prone to cavities, and fillings are very expensive.
(Yes, fine, 2 brownies.)
Anyway, bills add up to $2,000 per month - and I need to make sure I save at least $500 per month for future travels and my Roth 401(k) Retirement account.
I know you’ve been watching, but remember when I created that Leadership Program? And how much self confidence and personal development those kids gained? Imagine what I can do!
(Are you enjoying the brownies? They are perfect with the milk.)
I hope you will grant me my wish, and not let me sit at home in front of a computer sending resume after resume. I will surely be depressed (picture all those rejections!) and lose all productivity: eat too many Doritos, drink too much Bud, never run, sleep for an ungodly 16 hours … All the while questioning my self worth and value. All that I had gained in Africa would diminish! “You don’t have enough corporate experience for the real deal,” my mind will say. “Go get a beer and relax into the unqualified twit you are.”
You don’t want me to suffer through this, do you? You know I’m worth millions and can impact so many lives! They just don’t know it yet, which is where you come in ...
I love you very much Santa. Please remember me and my endeavors; you know I won’t let you down.
Say hello to Mrs. Clause for me, and a big hug to Rudolph.
Love,
Hana
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Help Hanako Help Africa!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Where You Go Defines Who You Become
A fork in the road. If you go left, you will meet Scarecrow. You'll discover he has a brain after all and feel smarter yourself. If you go right, you'll fall into a rabbit hole. Johnny Depp, face painted white, will ask you to join him for tea.
There are times in life where you make major decisions that influence who you meet, what you do, and who you become. Like college. Or taking a job in Chicago. Or quitting your job to travel to Costa Rica.
I say, believe in your gut. Make decisions that are true to your heart, that will challenge you to create the being you want to become. Outcomes are usually surprises, but you will learn the most from the unexpected.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
The HELP HANAKO GO TO AFRICA Fund
Dear Friends, Strangers, and Soon-To-Be-Friends:
AS THE TITLE OF THIS BLOG POST SUGGESTS - I WOULD LIKE YOU TO DONATE and/or BUY WINE TO HELP ME GO TO AFRICA
You probably were directed to this site because a friend asked you to. Or because you saw it on my Facebook, or because you were super bored and clicked "Next" on Blogspot.
Whatever way, thank you for clicking.
I am a 23 year old woman/girl. I'm not a girl, not yet a woman. (Thank you Britney).
I believe I'm stuck in this awkward in-between because I have a lot to experience before I consider myself an adult. And as part of this lovely growth process, one of my goals (besides gray hair) is to travel.
WeLL.
I have been given an opportunity to go to TANZANIA, AFRICA
"What's that?" you ask?
Here's a map:
YAY.
Now you're cultured.
It is located in Arusha, a city 8 hours drive northeast of Dar es Salaam, the capital of Tanzania.
Omg, now you're super cultured.
The School of. St. Jude is Super Cool. It takes poverty-ridden kids who are the brightest / show huge potential, and focuses on building them to become FUTURE LEADERS OF TANZANIA. Meaning, they are aiming to groom government officials, presidents, NGO leaders, computer scientists, OF TANZANIA - NOT of the US, or Australia, or the UK. Brain Drain is a No-No.
Here's their website: http://www.schoolofstjude.co.tz/Home/tabid/198/Default.aspx
Each kid gets to attend this school for free. Most, if not all, are sponsored. Everything is taught in English - to maintain their ability to become trilingual (Swahili, family/tribal language, then of course - the language for world communication). Integrity is a must - and anyone who lies, cheats, steals, or shows dishonesty is kicked out without a second chance.
SO YEA - they're awesome.
I am a 23 woman/girl.
I graduated a private 4 year institution called Trinity College.
The education I received was amazing, but I couldn't pay for it all in one-go. So I owe Sallie Mae and Wells Fargo a load of cha-ching $ cha-ching.
They cannot defer my loans because St. Jude's is not like the Peace Corps in that it's not government funded.
Therefore, I need your help, to help me, help this school, fighting gray hair, and inspiring children's lives with soccer balls. I will be gone for one year.
I would like YOU and your FRIENDS to DONATE TO MY CAUSE or PURCHASE my mother and father's WINE
My father and mother live out in Escondido, California. 5 years ago, they decided to dig a bunch of holes in the ground, grow some grape vines, and pop bottles.
The result?
That's my dog. He's a blue-merle Australian Shepherd - hence the name of our winery.
Website: http://www.winemakersjournal.com/bluemerlewinery.html
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bluemerlewinery
You can also read various stories off of my Dad's Blog: http://winemakersjournal.blogspot.com/
I myself have helped prune vines, pick grapes, cork bottles, run after birds, and chase gophers off our property.
ANYWAY:
Did I say that already?
MY GOAL
So, if your church needs wine, or you're on a quest to make Julia Child's Coq au Vin, or you want to help me make a difference in kid's lives:
I APPRECIATE YOUR HELP
Interested in becoming a sponsor at St. Jude's? If you sponsor a kid you get to write them letters and send gifts! They'll write you back, show you what rewards they've earned, and send photos of themselves!
CLICK HERE
AS THE TITLE OF THIS BLOG POST SUGGESTS - I WOULD LIKE YOU TO DONATE and/or BUY WINE TO HELP ME GO TO AFRICA
You probably were directed to this site because a friend asked you to. Or because you saw it on my Facebook, or because you were super bored and clicked "Next" on Blogspot.
Whatever way, thank you for clicking.
I am a 23 year old woman/girl. I'm not a girl, not yet a woman. (Thank you Britney).
I believe I'm stuck in this awkward in-between because I have a lot to experience before I consider myself an adult. And as part of this lovely growth process, one of my goals (besides gray hair) is to travel.
WeLL.
I have been given an opportunity to go to TANZANIA, AFRICA
"What's that?" you ask?
Here's a map:
YAY.
Now you're cultured.
I am going to be an ASSISTANT PE TEACHER at
It is located in Arusha, a city 8 hours drive northeast of Dar es Salaam, the capital of Tanzania.
Omg, now you're super cultured.
The School of. St. Jude is Super Cool. It takes poverty-ridden kids who are the brightest / show huge potential, and focuses on building them to become FUTURE LEADERS OF TANZANIA. Meaning, they are aiming to groom government officials, presidents, NGO leaders, computer scientists, OF TANZANIA - NOT of the US, or Australia, or the UK. Brain Drain is a No-No.
Here's their website: http://www.schoolofstjude.co.tz/Home/tabid/198/Default.aspx
Each kid gets to attend this school for free. Most, if not all, are sponsored. Everything is taught in English - to maintain their ability to become trilingual (Swahili, family/tribal language, then of course - the language for world communication). Integrity is a must - and anyone who lies, cheats, steals, or shows dishonesty is kicked out without a second chance.
SO YEA - they're awesome.
Here's the Problem.
I am a 23 woman/girl.
I graduated a private 4 year institution called Trinity College.
The education I received was amazing, but I couldn't pay for it all in one-go. So I owe Sallie Mae and Wells Fargo a load of cha-ching $ cha-ching.
They cannot defer my loans because St. Jude's is not like the Peace Corps in that it's not government funded.
Therefore, I need your help, to help me, help this school, fighting gray hair, and inspiring children's lives with soccer balls. I will be gone for one year.
So here is my PITCH.
I would like YOU and your FRIENDS to DONATE TO MY CAUSE or PURCHASE my mother and father's WINE
My father and mother live out in Escondido, California. 5 years ago, they decided to dig a bunch of holes in the ground, grow some grape vines, and pop bottles.
The result?
That's my dog. He's a blue-merle Australian Shepherd - hence the name of our winery.
Website: http://www.winemakersjournal.com/bluemerlewinery.html
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bluemerlewinery
You can also read various stories off of my Dad's Blog: http://winemakersjournal.blogspot.com/
I myself have helped prune vines, pick grapes, cork bottles, run after birds, and chase gophers off our property.
ANYWAY:
I would like YOU and your FRIENDS to DONATE TO MY CAUSE or PURCHASE my mother and father's WINE
Did I say that already?
Sorry.
DONATIONS
&
GROSS PROFITS
WILL FUND MY TRIP TO AFRICA
ANYTHING OVER
WILL GO
TO SCHOOL of ST. JUDE
&
GROSS PROFITS
WILL FUND MY TRIP TO AFRICA
ANYTHING OVER
WILL GO
TO SCHOOL of ST. JUDE
TO PURCHASE:
Simply go to
Anything is truly appreciated. Everything counts!
 |
| That's me. And my dog. Chillin' like Villains. |
MY GOAL
So, if your church needs wine, or you're on a quest to make Julia Child's Coq au Vin, or you want to help me make a difference in kid's lives:
Questions?
Please don't hesitate
Contact me at hanakojustice@gmail.com
I APPRECIATE YOUR HELP
Or at least your consideration.
THANK YOU
Interested in becoming a sponsor at St. Jude's? If you sponsor a kid you get to write them letters and send gifts! They'll write you back, show you what rewards they've earned, and send photos of themselves!
CLICK HERE
Buying Your First Car
Some Things You Should Know
1 - Purchasing a car is not a one day "oh my god I just bought a car! hurray!" thing
* I paid for the car on September 1st
* I registered the car at the DMV on September 12th
* You pay the DMV $$$. Taxes, or something.
2 - The car cannot be in your name until you get the smog checked.
* smog checks are required by the previous owner
* I didn't know that
* They had done that, but I didn't have the proof for the DMV
* So I got a smog check on September 13th.
3 - You need to buy car insurance
* there are different kinds with different prices
* go with the cheapest and most crucial: (i.e - collision)
* there are different kinds with different prices
* go with the cheapest and most crucial: (i.e - collision)
No I did not get hassled by a car salesman.
No I did not have to haggle, or walk away pretending I didn't want the car - just so I could get a lower price.
I did buy it used, and I did buy it from someone I know.
Someone I know quite well, who gave me the car at a lower price than he wanted, just because he loves me.
On some level.
As a roommate.
An alternate sister.
As his sister's best friend.
Anyway -
I did purchase the car with my own money.
With a savings account I didn't know I had.
4. SAVE. THEN FORGET ABOUT IT, THEN USE IT IN DIRE NEED
I named the car "Puppy"
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