Chile Earthquake

In the early hours of Saturday, February 27, 2010, Chile suffered from an 8.8 magnitude earthquake which damaged the structure of many buildings in 5 regions across the country. It set off large waves on nearby islands which claimed the lives of a few dozen people in addition to hundreds in metropolitan and urban areas as a result from the rubble. The numbers are only increasing.

My entire family (with the exception of one of my brothers, cousins and grandmother) lives in Chile. Unable to communicate with anyone, we have been using Facebook as a means to pass information along with other family members to update each other on their current situations. To time, I have received the news from my cousins and aunts that everyone is okay. They have suffered minor damages to personal possessions, but they are all safe.

But I've yet to hear anything from my other brother, and the phone lines are still down. Because Chile has a long history of natural disasters, the government is more prepared in coordinating relief and rescue efforts. I am therefore confident that my brother and his family are okay as well.

 

I hope that the casualties aren't overwhelming, and that many more survivors are rescued.

Skewed China birth rate to leave 24 million men single

Skewed China birth rate to leave 24 mln men single - Yahoo! News

I knew this would happen.

When China began controlling its population and limiting families to just one child, it was not uncommon to hear about pregnant mothers aborting their pregnancies when they found out the child they were carrying was a female. Some families went to the extreme and killed the female newborn in the hopes of having a male the next time around and keep the family line going.

So what happens 30 years later?

There is a surplus of males.

This surplus will most likely stabilize the population, if not bring it to a substantial decrease for many decades to come.

Good job.

Wedding Cans

I came across the story of Wedding Cans on Yahoo the other day, and have to say I was very impressed by Andrea's ingenious idea to recycle cans to help pay for her wedding in July of 2010. What struck me the most was that she was able to keep it realistic and frugal, planning to aim for a low $3500 wedding party.

I don't recycle cans because there isn't much incentive for me personally and I don't drink canned soft drinks. Moreover, Texas doesn't impose a deposit like California does with the "California's Redemption Value." "CRV, like all container deposit legislation, has three main purposes: it seeks to encourage recycling, discourage littering, and generate revenue from unclaimed redemptions and sales tax on the CRV."

Back in 2006, the rate was an extra 48 cents to your purchase of a 12-pack of sodas. I would often see people on the side of the road collecting cans, and I've also read stories of families making a living by recycling them; a woman in my town did this- she was always on her bike, lugging around cans in trashbags at the wee hours of the day. 

Realizing how much carbon emissions could be reduced, I was glad that this couple was working for two causes- their wedding and the environment. I hope they reach their goals. I wouldn't be surprised if they got enough buzz to influence the soft drink manufacturers to pitch in with donations as more of their products are purchased.

2009- The year in review

I always try to do a little recap (on myspace) about what has happened during the year as it comes to a close. Most of the time, I just pull out memorable moments shared with family and friends, quotes and events. I always try to look at it in a positive light and laugh about any of the blunders I faced, telling myself I'll do better the next year.

2009 for me was........ exciting. But the word "exciting" doesn't explain it justly. It was AMAZING, NEW, FULFILLING, ACCOMPLISHED AND BEAUTIFUL.

Even though I am a depressed individual (and I attribute this to moving out of California and ending a 4 year relationship with my boyfriend) as I summarize 2009, I conclude it as f-kn awesome.

~LOVE~

 No- it didn't happen this year, but I had a lot of fun meeting new guys. I decided to buckle down and consider online dating in January which went poorly--> to good --> to exciting --> to awful--> and to relaxed. I met 6 guys- 4 of which were incredible, well..... the ones I made out with anyway.

I dated James for about 3 weeks in January. To this day, I still consider our first date as the best I've ever had with anyone. However, he decided he was only looking at dating- not a relationship. Faced with rejection once more, I took it extremely hard and cried about it for almost a week. (Pitiful, I know now.)

I met Sebastian in March, a fresh divorcé, and we were a couple all the way until July. He broke up with me stating he wasn't ready for a real relationship, and didn't see us for long term. As of press time, we are together again, and I can't help but wonder why and if his opinions on us have changed at all. I tend to not want to get into conversations regarding the future, and just enjoy the moment.

I went on 3 dates with Gorgeous Guy after Sebastian and I broke up. Even though he was extremely nice, well established and incredibly hot (I still drool when I see his pictures on Facebook) I didn't feel sparks. He was a party animal and too accomplished for me (PhD in Engineering) We didn't have anything to connect with, other than travelling.

I met BEG shortly after and tried my hardest to move on from Sebastian. We dated for 2 months while I selfishly continued in an open relationship with Sebastian- which I kept secret from both guys.  When it became apparent that BEG had HPV and oral herpes, I freaked out and slowly started distancing myself, but continued to date him on the side.

~TRAVEL~

I went to NYC for Easter Break, and even though we got a lot of rain the first day, I was excited about going to the Big Apple for the first time.

I also got to visit San Antonio with my family and see the famous Alamo.

 

I went to Austin for a weekend and visited our State Capitol.

Embarked on a 12-day journey to Europe

I went to California for Christmas break with my family. I returned to Houston to spend New Year's with Sebastian.

~Events and Adventures~

Went to the Houston Rodeo, and experienced it for the first time. It was great!!

I graduated from College. Highest Honor Graduate :)

 I moved out of my parents' house into my first apartment alone

 

Went to the U2 360 concert, opened by my favorite band MUSE

I became a naturalized American citizen. (Photo of the Oath Ceremony)

Went to 2 great concerts by Benny Benassi and David Guetta.

(I'll completely forget about Paul Van Dyk forever cause he sucked)

Had a pleasant Halloween (Getting dressed up as Lydia Deetz)

Went to a very magical night of Disney on Ice

My grandma came to visit us from France for 3 months.

And I started Blogging.

I conclude 2009 with an A. I hope 2010 can continue to be just as exciting.

Happy New Year Everyone!

"Lifetime free flights for baby born on plane"

OMG. Click here to read the story.

This has got to be the luckiest woman ever! She gave birth to her son during mid-flight. While I congratulate the doctor on board as well as the flight attendants, I couldn't help but think about certain restrictions that should be imposed for pregnant women while flying. I mean.... aren't there restrictions? Or is it just restrictions given by doctors?

I want to have a baby on board too!