I Once Was Waldo

Views, Chews, and Triceratops

Wouldn’t it be intriguing if instead of “Casual Friday” we had “Costume Friday?”
To see the secretary as Super Woman and the office accountant as Shaggy would be a colorful end to the work week.
Maybe one day! Until then, costumes may only be seen by wonderful happenstance like the token child featured in this photo. I wish hoodies like this were as common as to children as DSLRs are to Asians (is this joke tasteless? maybe.)

Even though we’re stil a few weeks out from it may I remark that happy children in costume are a delight, no?
Who minds if it is completely unrealistic?
A female Woody? Sure.
An infant dressed up as a villain? Why not!

Even when it comes to adults, I can’t wait to see “punny” get-ups such as cheerleaders with the word “ceiling” on their chests (ceiling fans), those wearing lamp shades as hats continually sitting (protesting lamp stand), or someone wearing wings and a clock (time flies). Really intricate, detailed costumes (Woah Glinda…did you do a clean sweep of Michael’s glitter section?!) intrigue me as well.

There’s something about fantasy, disguises, and anonymity that makes an imaginative heart overjoyed. I delight in seeing those who dress up truly commit to acting as their character. Highlights of festivals past have been meeting male “Lady Gaga”s with matching eccentric dialogue as well as loud “Mugatu”s complete with snoberista remarks.

I think the adults who hated that society once only accepted dress-up only for children were the creators of the cons (comiccon, megacon, animecon etc.). They aren’t restricted to a season of dress up. They are year-round personality-adopters.

I have trouble pronouncing "mustache". Truth.

What have you been in years past?
I’ve dressed up as long-lost male, an Unappealing Suarez, and a YouTube celeb.
What’s next? All I know is that it must top last years!

Laid Back

Tags

Nick, parents, pizza, work

They say we work too much here in the United States. By “they” I mean Italians. And by Italians I mean, only the ones I’ve heard quote this statement in movies… well, until I met this new friend at Anthony’s in Maitland, Fl.

Nick came here from Italy with his family for a better life.
He wanted his daughters to live with more opportunities.
I love parents.

To fulfill his roll as provider, he has helped run this pizzeria.
He is there when it opens and he often is there when it closes.
Just in the 15 minutes I was chatting with him, I saw him make over six pizzas.
If you do the math, that’s a lot of piemaking in a day!

He told me of the life of his brother who still lives in Italy.
He works in a warehouse and he works hard… but his hours are significantly shorter than our subject’s.
Also this brother gets the whole month of August off.
The. Whole. Month.
It’s not a special  way he is playing hookie or tricking the system, it’s simply the culture.
The whole town basically goes on vacation the month of August.

Can you imagine a summer in all it’s wake-up-late, eat-junk-food, have-picnics, climb-trees glory not only for school children but for all the blue and white-collar working adults as well?!
For. a. whole. month?
What a culture, what a life!

Nick is happy where he is though.
He smiles when he talks about his daughters.

…and he makes a mouth-watering pizza pie.

Pear Pair Par

Reason #2 not to go barefoot: shoes are pretty.

What makes the perfect pair?
I’m speaking both of shoes and of relationships.

It has to do with its makeup and its compatibility.

But what determines compatibility?
Here are two of many arguments:

With some outfits, color matching is ideal. It can highlight what you want to stand out.
It can emphasize the blues and the hues you desire.
Some say that you are attracted to the people who are most like you in appearance.
Have you ever seen couples who look as if they could be siblings?
Interesting no?

I’m all for similarities in appearance but I’m intrigued and attracted more to shoes that convey similar emotions and feelings as my clothing, whether or not they “match” what’s on top. It’s the differences in color that compliment each other. It’s superficial juxtaposition is actually what makes it work best.
Some of my deepest friendships have been with those I assumed that we wouldn’t click.
Yet our shared values and charisma glued our relationship.
Our interest for the things we didn’t have in common (say a penchant for yoga, reggae, or deep fried foods) grew as we began to respect and know each other.
Some say opposites attract.
…but do opposites last? Chewing gum for thought.

I met a lovely, admirably dressed couple downtown a number of weeks ago.
I was standing a few people behind them in line at a concert.
Not only were their outfits worthy of respect but I soon came to find out that the way God has brought them together has been a colorful piece of art as well.
Check out her lovely blog and their story here: http://prettyladysmiles.blogspot.com/2011/03/art-of-waiting-gracefully.html

(forgive the misplaced focus - I pretty much stopped the entire line outside The Social to take their photograph!)

Speaking of super compatible couples, I want to give my parents a happy 26th anniversary shout out!
Their years of joking, loving, and respecting each other has been a delight to admire.

Court, Ah, (I) See

This coat and this whistle used to terrify me.

In the month of January, I went to our airport (OIA is very distinct from IOA yet odly familiar, no? Wouldn’t it be ridic(ulous) if the Hulk and Dr. Seuss arrived in Terminal A?) five times – plenty of picking-up, dropping-off, embraces, smiles, and greetings were involved.
Another typical airport emotion of mine? Intimidation.

Let me explain:
Have you ever been to the terminal to pick up your arriving loved one and while patiently waiting for them in your car, maybe humming some tunes or daydreaming about your reunion, you were rudely whistled at by an airport employee?
Not a gentle wave, not a simple eye-contact and head nod, but rather an abrupt high-pitched screech accompanied by an abrupt hand gesture or perhaps a yell?
If you ever picked up someone at OIA (official airport code: MCO) post 9-11, after they got rid off the option to wait in your car at the terminal, chances are this unsettling incident has happened to you.
The threat of towing you unattended car doesn’t scream kindness either.

From my past experiences with airports, I have built a healthy fear of these whistle blowers.
I usually get ska-daddleing before they can bring that noise-maker to their mouth.

But a new friend changed my perception of these brightly-clad  terminal monitors.

I was picking my up my pops from the Continental terminal in mid-January.
He had given me a call telling me he landed and would be there soon.
Equipped with this information, I pulled to the side and began to wait.
In less than a minute a man in an “Aiport Ops” jacket approaches my car.
I brace myself, my muscles begin to tense, anticipating the impending screech of that whistle.
I looked like those people who are waiting for the balloon to pop: face clenched, eyes squinted, and slowly sneaking a peek.
Instead, the airport employee slowly comes up and with a kind acknowledging head nod and asks me to roll down my window.
I do so.
He politely smiles, and, to my surprise begins to gently greet me: “Hi, how’s it going? Are you picking someone up?”
I relay my recently gained information from my Dad.
“Oh, I see. Well it takes an average of about 15-20 minutes for someone to come from the gate, get their bags and come out here for pick-up. Do you mind circling around one more time and then come back and wait for a couple of minutes?”
Taken back by my unmet expectation I simply say, “Uh, yes, sure.”

Kind Chatter

As I exit the terminal, I shake my head in shock from what just happened.
Was I actually spoken to at the terminal not blown at?
Was I actually making my circle around because I was kindly requested to not demanded?
Was I actually treated as a rational individual and not whistled at as cattle?
He was polite and he wasn’t trying to hit on me.
How refreshing!

Finishing my circle, I came back around to the Continental section.
As the employee makes his rounds, he passes our car and this time I motion for his attention.
He comes by and asks again how it’s going and whether I found my Dad yet.
Before I answer his question, I express my delight, “Thanks for being kind. It’s nice to have someone politely state a request rather than yelling me to move.”
“Yeah,” he says and with a chuckle continues, “I know some of my co-workers can be mean sometimes.”
“You know, you got me to do the same action as they do with the whistle,” I share, “except you did it with a smile.”
He thoughtfully replies, “You’re a person – I don’t need to shout or blow this whistle at you.”

I begin to look at him as more than an “Airport Ops” employee.
He’s a person too.
I soon discover that his name is Melvin.
Melvin, as I begin to notice, treats all drivers in the terminal just as kindly.
I don’t think I ever heard him use his whistle.
It simply appears to be his hand accessory.

This post goes out to Mel and to the other hard-working individuals who make the choice to approach their job with positivity.
Because, really, being a jerk is not only unnecessary but it’s also so outttaa styllleeeee.

Courtesy revived

Carrie’s Learning Curve

This blog was initially to track the wear and trends of Central Florida.
I just thought I’d rant as such to remind my readers and myself of Peopleology’s initial purpose.
But don’t get too comfortable, I’d rather personality watch then clothes watch!

I don't watch Sex and The City but I wouldn't be opposed to browsing through a photo book from the show. Color, color, COLOR!

To me, the real star of Sex and the City is actually its costume designer Patricia Field (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patricia_Field).
I’d link you to her website but it’s in some need of redesigning.
I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt that she’s channeling all her eye for color into the clothes that she hasn’t had any left for her web home which, to be candid, looks as if I designed it myself back when I was 12 and had an AsianAvenue and an outspoken amore for stars and glitter.

Yum - patterns. neutrals. brights.

But what I still have in common with my 12 year old self as well as with Field is my love for brights.
Paired with my love for neutrals and with patterns, I’ve found endless combinations for showing the dresses I’ve collected from my travels.
I saw this grandmother in a theme park not too long ago.
I felt as if we could trade closets.

Carrie - if she were an old, Indian man.

I turned and spotted this fellow not too long after the grandmother.
Way before Solange, Kate Moss, and Salma Hayek, this man turban-ed.
And carried a diaper bag.
I’m not sure what I admire first about this photo
A) the red-pink of his turban
B) the fact that he’s wearing a suit at a theme park
C) his nurturing personality

A Classic, An Antique, An Old

I Want To Grow Old With You

Gerontology – The Study of Aging

Age: It’s what the poor and the rich have.
Money can’t stop it. It can mask some of its effects (Charice: botox. really?) but nothing more.

Many are afraid of this wonder.
Some even cease to celebrate birthdays after a certain age.
(I am not one of these people. Plan to be invited to my gatherings annually. Don’t judge me if I have themed parties well into my 60s. Wild Wild West and 63 totally go together.)

We should instead embrace it.
Life is a sporadic wonder. Some of will get to spend 84 years in it.
Some of us will get to spend that time with someone who becomes part of us.
Ingrid and Robbie are some who have penned it best:

“I’d buy you Rogaine when you start losing all your hair.
Sew on patches to all you tear….

I wanna make you smile whenever you’re sad
Carry you around when your arthritis is bad
All I wanna do is grow old with you

I’ll get your medicine when your tummy aches
Build you a fire if the furnace breaks
Oh it could be so nice, growing old with you

….Cause I love you more than I could ever promise.
And you take me the way I am.
You take me the way I am.
You take me the way I am.”

Let’s get excited about getting older.
According to this http://www.livingto100.com/
I’m living to be 93.

This calculator isn’t God.
Only He determines our time.
I, however, am going to embrace, enjoy, and invest in lives these years.
Who’s with me?

I’ll need Wild Wild West attendees after all.

As Long As Palms Aren’t Sweaty

Hand-holding. A tangible sign of affection.
A cultural sign of affection.

Mothers should always let their children play. Mothers should not allow children to wear wedgie-inducing shorts

Some hold on to the hands of their parents.
Others to the hand of what they worship.

The Robed in Rome - The Vatican

And some to their passion (not necessarily their talent. I’m not the most qualified of music critics but I do know that if amongst your Italian lyrics you attempt to sing the phrase “Do you speak Engggglllliiiiishhhhh?” It’s not the most profound of songs, but this bottle-frontin’ guitar man was certainly passionate while he sang. That is not up for debate.)

Some sing to the masses, some sing to themselves, others sing to their guitar.

Others may be forced into the holding of hands.

How can you be blue while wearing blue and yellow?

My eyes are immediately attracted when hands are clasped in another’s.
In prayer, in love, in protection, and in guidance. It’s a symbol of unity.

and, bonus, it’s also a effective technique when attempting to execute a unified jumping picture.
Really. Try it.
Ah, so you see you lifted off and landed at the same time?
Yeah, you’re welcome.

Gourd

Tags

disney, eccentric, man, merlin

They call the man "Pumpkin Top"

I don’t know who this man is.
(Does anyone else feel as if he’s channeling Merlin from Sword in the Stone circa the last 5 minutes when the wizard has just returned from vacation?)
Some say he goes by the name “Pumpkin Top” – referring to his choice of gourd headgear.
He is a regular guest at the Walt Disney World.
I didn’t know this.
I simply thought he was a fresh eccentric to the park.
A usual newcomer.
You know – coming from a distant country, wearing his native gear, sharing his culture with us – the ushje.
I thought that maybe somewhere in the world there was a possibility that orange wind-breaker shorts paired with wavy, gray beards was the norm.

But no, he’s not.
He’s basically a local.
My friend said she remembered serving him and his wife at a restaurant.
Another co-worker confirmed his regular visits and also informed me that, sadly, his wife was no more.

Now I know other things about Pumpkin Top, not only does he appreciate utility and effectiveness in travel gear (notice the fannyP with bonus key chains)…but he is a widower.

I’m not sure what else to say about this.
I tried making a clever, yet poignant statement about losing a spouse. But. I. Can’t.
This is not the place and I am not the person.

…I can only stand-back and admire PT’s surety. Surety in himself, confidence in his choice, security in his hobbies. When one goes to a family theme park alone, one usually wants to go unseen.
I’ve done so – having a fast pace and wearing the shades to be incognito.
But no, not PT.
He is here to be seen.
He is here to be secure.
He knows who he is.

And that’s why we stare.
A wizarding stare of admiration.

Stress + Finals

Tags

articles, finals, relaxation, sleep, stress, tips

*So I wrote this article for our school’s newspaper, The Sandspur, but I know it applies to every student on every college campus. No need to lose your mind!

A Finals Week Mental Health Check-Up

Stressed out creatures

In the next few days, creatures with dark-rimmed eyes, hungry bodies, and heavy cargo will roam college campuses. They are the harried and stressed-out students during Finals Week. It is this time in the semester when a focus on mental health is often neglected but necessary.

There’s a thick layer of stigma around mental health. Images of unpleasant things come to mind: shrinks, jackets of an unfashionable straight sort, prescription drugs, and rooms with mattresses as walls, and more. Mental health can instead be understood as getting along through the challenges in life, enjoying your relationships, and knowing what makes you tick and what makes you smile.

Mental health is important. Many of the things that we go through such as anxiety and stress are normal things. We all experience these feelings at some level – especially during demanding periods as Finals Week. These feelings have purpose – they push us to get work done, warn us about something dangerous, and let us know what we enjoy and what we don’t enjoy about life.

Find what works best for you during these anxious times. For some, clearing road on a bike ride can clear their mind. Others may find that listening to music or picking up their beloved instrument can make their mind skip to a different beat (my recommendations: bongos or a cowbell – no skill necessary). Others have found a run, a warm bath, hot tea, and YouTube-ing ( the young Asian boy playing the ukulele and mumbling Jason Mraz’s I’m Yours is priceless: ) as other relaxing techniques.

Maybe your idea of relaxing is going for a drive...or a swim?

It’s also important to notice how your diet can affect your mood. Be mindful of what you eat. Sure, that cookie seems to melt in your mouth and put a chocolate-covered smile on your face, but what about an hour from now? Is your mood affected by the sugar? Find your balance. Generally, you should stick to balanced, colorful meals and healthy snacks. And no, Fruit Roll Ups do not count as a fruit serving.

Sleeping too is of the utmost importance. I know it often seems as if it’s easier to sleep in class than at regular sleeping hours but our sleep is more crucial than we realize. Don’t mess up that sleep pattern! Too little sleep and too much sleep can both affect your body negatively. Plus, crankiness is simply not attractive.

Catching up on sleep in class: not the best idea.

If you find though that you’re over-thinking or that your worries or stresses are interfering with your routine – not being able to sleep or eat regularly, inability to concentrate at school, difficulty enjoying time with friends – it may be time to get support. It helps to vent to a family member or a trusted friend. Others can share your load and help you see things from another perspective. If these things are occurring for longer periods of time, there may be something deeper than just the average level of stress. Contact your on-campus counseling clinic (I’ve been going to counseling for the past semester and a half. I left with feelings of relief and validation. Counseling is a wonderful gift.)

It’s wise to be mindful about these things in ourselves and those around us. Keep an eye out for friends going through challenging times. Encourage them to talk. Let them know that you care and ask if you can help lighten their load. Be there for them as they seek help.

We can all emerge from this semester alive and, believe it or not, well. Yes, it is possible. Be mindful of your mental health during this time. There’s plenty of sun and relaxation to look forward to. And hey, if you’re not graduating yet, in a few short months, we get to experience this week all over again.

Take care of yourself and your mind!

Other resources:
-Half of Us has contemporary videos, tests, and information regarding mental health for college students.
- Counseling Center Village is a hub of hundreds of college counseling centers from across the nation packed with useful information about anything from ADD to time management.

Peanut Butter

Tags

childhood, children, dora, quotes

No one is too young to people watch

We all were kids at one point.
I know what you’re probably thinking. “Woah,” you mutter as you roll you eyes and with a thick layer of sarcasm continue, “never even thought about that before.”
No, but just go with it. How lucky we are and were!

Mini Nick JoBro (up there) was the nephew of the bride at a wedding I attended.
The aura of propriety that slacks, a dress shirt, and a bow tie usually bring, had no power over him. One moment he was giving someone a stare down [see above photo], the next he was contorted under one of the wedding chairs, observing fallen leaves and deceased creatures. He did as he pleased.

I, on the other hand, was somewhat chained to what was acceptable.
Dressed in heels and a fitted dress, I felt constrained from plopping down in the grass and exploring alongside him.
It was not only the clothes that hindered me. A week before, I had just aged out of my teens.
Twentieth birthdays are pleasant but somewhat unremarkable.
The only thing to recall is a sudden feeling of expectancy from society to act, um, adultish.
(It felt necessary to use this made-up word to break my prose. To many big words in this paragraph so far. I was not diggin’ it.)

Fortunately, at work, I get to act like a child.
I interact with the kiddies all day.
I once asked a girl where she was from. When she said New Jersey, I jokingly asked if it was better than the Old Jersey.
She replied, “Yes, of course. There’s Burger King everything. There’s Burger King everywhere!”
She was for real.

Another day, I asked another girl what her favorite color was.
She responded with a straight face, “Dora.”
I mean, duh, how could I discount that distant member of the red family?

A co-worker made me crack up right before I met a group so I approached the family group and candidly asked the young child with them, “What makes you laugh?” The eight-year-old was silent for a moment. Her red hair and freckles were only slightly louder than the thought expressed on her face. When the moment was up, she looked me in the eye and said, “People falling down.”

This kind of openness is so attractive, so amiable.
Children have the bright of life.
Kids get to eat cool things like “Ants on a Log”.
Sure, it’s actually celery, peanut butter, and raisins, but to them it’s bugs.

bright of life.

And so to bugs, kids, and curly hair – we toast!