Ding-Dong Ditching Haiti

It has been almost a year since Andria and I were galavanting around Europe.  Today, she sent me a text message that reminded me of how much has changed but certainly put a positive light on a very dark current event.

Our 24 hour stay in Florence was full of many incredible shenanigans, from Andria trying on a $300 leather jacket to being absolutely awestruck by David's... well, David... in his... massiveness.  However, nothing was quite as hilarious as the evening when leaving the hostel, I mistook a doorbell for a lightswitch in the walkway and accidentally ding-dong ditched the Haitian Consulate.  The two switches look exactly the same!  Andria and I bolted away when we realized what I had done and never looked back.

Haiti has been associated with so much remorse and sorrow over the past few months.  It is truly a relief to be reminded that I do have a positive memory of Haiti that brings the biggest smile and sometimes even chuckles.

Things That Make Me Happy: Nail Polish

Specifically, nail polish in obnoxious colors that only take one coat. 

Introducing: Sally Hansen's HD Nail Colors

I was a little apprehensive at first because one bottle of nail color for $6.00 (Walgreens) seemed a little steep.  But I bought the yellow anyways and it was definitely worth it.  One coat is all it took and the nail color looks the same as it does in the bottle.  Absolutely excellent!

Check it out.  It's amazing. :)

Is it Ethical to Vacation in Haiti Right Now?

CNN's Article: Haiti Cruise Stops Draw Ire, Support

The question has been posed by many news outlets recently if it is ethical to vacation in Haiti following the fulfillment of a scheduled stop by cruiseline Royal Caribbean.  The CNN Article above suports the continued stops because it stimulates the economy in that area.  Comments by readers illustrate outrage against "flaunting your good fortune so close to death and despair".

My argument is in between the two.  I don't think it's a question of ethics at all when it comes down to the actual "vacationing".  It's a personal choice to go on a vacation and the location of the vacation.  I feel it's more a question of comfortability.  Do you feel comfortable vacationing on the same island as a recent natural disaster?  I'm a firm believer in "To Each His Own".  I do think that Haiti's continued tourist economy could use the help.  Would I feel comfortable lying on a private sandy beach 100 miles from families being buried by the hundreds?  Prooobably not. 

I think the real question of ethics lies in the business of cruise lines.  Royal Caribbean is working a cargo ship, bring supplies to the island as it ports.  In addition, as stated by the article, they are donating proceeds to the disaster relief.  But are they providing an out for their customers?  Do customers who cancel because they are uncomfortable with proceding with a planned and paid-for cruise to the island get a refund?  Or even a partial refund?  Is the business staying ethical?  I have no idea what the conditions are for reserving a cruise trip, if there are contingencies in the contract for natural disasters.  Regardless, I feel that's the only question of ethics that belongs in this situation.

What are your thoughts?

6 Ways to Train Your Boyfriend

6 Ways to Train Your Boyfriend

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I came across this article online while discussing, quite extensively, with my boyfriend why women's magazines tend to be a little... biased and ridiculous.  The article "6 Ways to Train Your Boyfriend" comes from the famed Cosmopolitan magazine, where I am sure it has been been rinsed, reused and recycled over the years as they have been known to do.  My beef with this article is its cliche content and perpetuation of some seriously absurd gender stereotypes.  The title alone says a mouthful.  Ways to "train" your boyfriend.  Really?  As if they are dogs... or, as the article emphasizes, chimps.  Really?!  What I would like to know is, what does the guy think when he finds this issue on his lady friend's coffee table or tucked into her beach bag?  Does he start second guessing all of her behaviors?  "Is she 'training' me?  Am I being manipulated?"  Completely counterproductive to building a healthy, trusting relationship.  In addition, what kind of example does this set for younger girls who happen to pick up the magazine?  Sure, we all want to believe that in a perfect world young ladies under the age of 18 wouldn't dare get their hands on the magazine that consistently boast "99 New Ways to Wow Him in Bed" but let's be realistic.  Articles such as these breed new generations of girls that end up on trashy reality tv, like "Rock of Love", because they spend much of their adult life trying to manipulate their way through the dating pool.  Instead, why don't we encourage young women to communicate openly with their boyfriends?  Men are pretty simple.  Be a straight shooter.  Don't play games.  If you want him to take out the trash, ask the dude, like he's a human being, to take out the trash.

Jake Shimabukuro

Recently, I've become acquainted with Jake Shimabukuro, a fantastic ukulele player who brings the instrument to a whole new level.  This past weekend I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to see him at Phoenix's Orpheum Theatre.  Take a moment to enjoy his version of "In My Life" by The Beatles.



Jake Shimabukuro's Official Website