July 18, 2010

1 Year Wedding Anniversary


“The Art of a Good Marriage”, by Wilferd Arlan PetersonA good marriage must be created.
In marriage the "little" things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say, ”I love you" at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is having a mutual sense of values, and common objectives.
It is standing together and facing the world.
It is forming a circle that gathers in the whole family.
It is speaking words of appreciation, and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is not only marrying the right person -- it is being the right partner."



Exactly one year ago, on this very day... I married the LOVE of my LIFE.

Marriage isn't perfect and if it was, then it would be boring and get old.  We are still learning new things about each other every single day.  There are times when we get upset or a little angry at each other for silly little things, and occasionally, for bigger things.  At the end of every argument and upset, something positive comes out of it.  We gain more understanding of one another and acceptance of each flaw or mistake.  We gain more appreciation for our partner and a reminder of why we love and respect each other the way that we do.  Mort importantly, we learn what love really means.  Words cannot explain the true meaning, but I think I have a pretty good idea of what this little thing we refer to as "love" is.  I can't imagine learning these little things and growing to be a better and wiser person with anyone else other than him.  He makes me a better person, and in him, I see myself, my future, and my love.


"On Friendship" by Roy Croft
I love you, not for what you are, but what I am, when I am with you.
I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but what you are making of me.
I love you for the part of me that you bring out.
I love you for putting your hand into my heaped up heart and passing over all the frivolous and weak things that you cannot help seeing there, and drawing out into the light all the beautiful and radiant things that no one else has looked quite far enough to find.
I love you for ignoring the possibilities of the fool in me, and for
laying hold of the possibilities of good in me.
I love you for closing your eyes to the discords in me, and adding to the music in me by worshipful listening...
You have done it without a touch, without a sign. You have done it by being yourself.

Sunset Dinner celebrating our 1 year Wedding Anniversary (07.17.10)


July 15, 2010

FREE stuff - Giveaway from EverAfterStore!

This is really long overdue, but I have been meaning to post this for the past couple of months.  I never got around to it for a few different reasons, but one of them was that the item is so cute that I didn't really want to part from it nor did I want to take it out of its cute package that it came in.  :)




For awhile, I was always breaking my wine glasses, so a friend suggested that I do a giveaway related to that because you know... you can never have enough wine glasses because you just don't know when the next one will break!  J/K! 

I have tons of wine glasses, but most of them are plain and simple and is yawn provoking after awhile, don't you think?  Well, it doesn't have to be!

(This is just one of the MANY designs available... check out all of the other designs!)

is such a fun store with so many cute gifts for any occasion.  
It is so hard to choose just ONE item to purchase on there... ahhh... decisions, decisions!
 They always have great coupons and promotions available, so make sure you check that out also!


The giveaway will start today, July 15th and will end in exactly a week, July 22nd at 10pm.  The winner will be announced shortly after requirements are verified.

ONE entry for following these mandatory instructions:

1. U.S. Residents ONLY
2. Sign up for our newsletter at:
EverAfterStore Sign Up
3. "Like" the EverAfterStore.com Facebook page at: EverAfterStore Facebook Page
4. Comment leaving your name and email address.

Also let me know what is your favorite item on the website, EverAfterStore.com.  
(might just be my next giveaway item)


Want it bad?  Here are ways to gain EXTRA entries:
- 1 entry if you follow me on Twitter (twitter.com/thyda)
- 1 entry if you retweet the following:  RT @thyda: Who doesn't like FREE stuff?  Win a cute little gift now and it only takes 2 minutes!  http://bit.ly/cuf5og
- 1 entry if you follow me on Blogger/Google Friend Connect


Thanks EverAfterStore for sponsoring this giveaway!  I love your store!

It takes less than 2 minutes to enter, so why not?  Who doesn't like free goods?  :D  

GOOD LUCK, everyone!

July 14, 2010

The City - Season Finale Viewing Party

What an AMAZING night it was!

For the past 6 years, I thought I gained a few new friends.  Lauren (LC), Audrina, Lo, Whitney, and even Heidi, at times!  (Though if I was Heidi's friend, there would have been a few times where I might have accidentally slapped her)  I believed that they were a part of my life or something because I thought that I knew them so well.  There were times when I felt like I could relate to each girl, and there were also times when I shed a few tears and my heart ached for them.  If you followed these folks from the beginning (Laguna Beach days), then you probably know how I feel.

My heart sort of broke last night.  The Hills was saying goodbye forever.  This was a little bittersweet for me because though I love The Hills, it just wasn't the same without Lauren Conrad (LC).  Yes, everyone loves a little bit of drama, and Kristin Cavallari was just that... a walking stick of drama.  I liked her more in Laguna Beach and in my opinion, she wasn't able to fill Lauren's shoes.  Yes, it was great that she could speak her mind and do whatever she wants, but its a bit much when she is bullying people.  I hate the fact that she doesn't really take other people's feelings into consideration and its all about HER, her, her, and HERRRR!  Lauren, now THAT is a good friend to have.  She cares about you and if you followed the series, "The Hills", then you would see that she often cared a bit too much.  She and I are so much alike in this aspect.  How can one claim to be a "friend" when they really don't care about you?  I cannot be a friend who does not care, so I'd rather not be your friend if you don't want to care.  You know what I mean?  I can go on and on forever talking about The Hills and The City because as I said, I feel like they are a part of my life.  HAHA... a few of my friends back at home understand where I am coming from on this one. 

Anyway, I was honored when I was contacted a few weeks ago asking if I was interested in hosting a finale viewing party.  I was going to watch the show regardless, but to have a viewing party?  I've never done such thing but since I love the show and I love to host parties and get-togethers, then WHY NOT?  I was on vacation in Miami for a week and was not able to retrieve the package that was sent to me to host the party.  My Husband told me that he received it a few days earlier, but he did not open it up.  I got home the night before the finale and was VERY pleased to find the goodies that they had sent me to share with my guests at my viewing party.  The fact that I moved to this newer state not too long ago, my fellow The Hills fanatics who I have had hour long conversations about the show with were too far away to attend.  It being a last minute gathering, I decided to invite my close group of friends to the viewing party.  A few of them weren't really into the show or never even gave it a chance... THEY WERE MISSING OUT! 

Since The Hills was playing all day, I decided to invite them over way earlier than the actual premier of The Hills series finale and The City season finale just to watch the reruns and give them a glimpse of what the mini revolution was.  A couple of them have been following the show and knew what it was all about... yay!  I know that most guys would not admit that they like the show, but I know my friends and I knew that some of the guys were at first obliged to watch the show with their significant others (like my Husband), but they grew to like the show.  My Husband is probably going to kill me for telling the world this, but he also enjoys the show and almost always stays up to watch it with me on Tuesday nights.  There are nights when I fall asleep and he watches it, then summarizes the parts that I missed for me before I watch a rerun of it.  I was not going to kick him out of the house when he wants to watch the show too, so I decided to invite our group of friends who we thought would enjoy the viewing with us.  :)

We ended up having 14 people over at our small place, but with only 6 gift bags to give away with goodies (such as my newly beloved MyZeno Hot Spot), I only gave those away to the girls (and kept one for myself, of course).

 Our GOODIES!

Along with the hot spot, the bag was full of Whitney Port's favorite things such as Havaianas flip flops (which are THE best rubber sandals in the world), her favorite moisturizer, lip balm, mascara, chips, and even gum!  LOL!  They also provided party ware (cups, plates, napkins) for a party of six.  Of course, I had to pick up more things since my party was slightly bigger than 6, I had to pick up a few more things... which was fine by me!  Since I didn't have too much time to prepare food myself (post vacation), I decided to pick up a HUGE amount of pizza and junk food for my guests to enjoy during the show.

Food Galore! Was hoping this would feed all of us... and it did! :D

Perfect solution because everyone loves junk food and it was quick and easy and great to cause food coma so the next thing my guests would do is flop down on my huge sofas and enjoy the show.  Plan worked out perfectly!  :D
 
We HAD to have tons of dessert!


Yummm!  Thanks for the pretty colorful plates... worked perfectly for dessert!

It being a Tuesday night and most had to work early the next  morning, they were still great sports and stuck around and waited for the premier.  We were a bit behind since we live in the west and had to wait until 10:30pm Pacific Time to wrap it up with the season finale of The City.  Needless to say, they all got really into the show and the ones that didn't watch the show before are now hooked on it and regret that they didn't follow with it before.  I have a feeling that some of them might pick up the DVDs to catch up on it. 

I made sure to block the doorway so they wouldn't ditch me! :D


As you can see in the pictures shown, most of my guests were guys.  I guess my master plan worked and converted a few The Hills/The City virgins into curious addicts now.  YESSSS!

 
MyZeno HotSpots!!

Each one of the girls' at the party brought their boyfriend/Husband and each couple went home with a Hot Spot.  We got a little excited whenever we saw Whitney on the My Zeno commercial and they cannot wait to try it.  I look forward to trying it myself and see how my guests liked theirs!  I love experiments!

I must admit that I wasn't crazy about how The Hills ended.  Oh well... I follow all of them on Twitter so I will still somewhat know whats going on with them.  Bittersweet.

Intensely watching and loving the show... is he tweeting about it?

 Oh man... savoring the last moments of it while we can.


The guys were a bit upset they didn't score a Zeno... so they had to drink their sorrows away.  No worries, they brought the wine and they are all of age.  I did an I.D. check! ;)

Now for The City?  Gosh... I love this show!  Not only do I love it for the fashion (duh!) but I loved watching Whitney Eve grow up and venture off to a whole new world (it seems that way).  I learned that there are bound to be a few failures here and there and we can never avoid the dreaded disappointment feeling(s) forever, but she keeps picking herself up and getting back on her feet.  Very admirable, if you ask me.  I once upon a time liked Olivia, only for her looks.  Now, seeing how much of a mean, rude, and snobby person she can be, she is my least favorite in the show.  I love Erin because she is honest with how she feels and I understand how she feels about Olivia, but I just want to tell her to give it up.  Yes, Olivia was a mean girl to her and she deserves to get slapped, but Erin should just spend less time trying to take Olivia off her pedestal and focus on her job.  i know that Olivia is affecting her work, but still... there is bound to be someone that you bump heads with at work and you just want to slap them.  But come on, Erin... you are not the bad guy here, but your constant attempts of sabotaging Olivia is making you look like a jealous little devil.  We know that you aren't so just stop.  I wasn't a fan of Roxy at first and felt like she was only using Whitney.  I also thought that she was a bad friend AND employee and would never hire her.  Later on in this season though, I can see that she was loyal to Whitney and really worked hard to support Whitney.  I was pretty upset to see that she was getting so much blame for the things that went wrong and were beyond her control.  Some of the things that were said to her were unnecessary and hurtful... and I just wanted to give Roxy a hug.  I like her... and I think that she is a pretty girl.  I know that Whitney was just under stress and took it out on someone who is closest to her, which is Roxy.  Whitney needs to be careful though because from what I see now, she is burning a few bridges with people who were there for her most.  Shocked to see Kelly somewhat yell at Whitney this episode because I thought that day would never come.  I thought that Whitney could do no wrong in Kelly's eyes.  I can see that Kelly is hurt and feels like she is being betrayed, but if she means well for Whitney, she would wish her well and continue to support her in whichever path she decides to take.  Kelly wants the best for Whitney, I believe... she was the one who got her the job at DVF in the first place.  Whitney was the one who came back to Kelly when that didn't work out and Kelly happily took her back under her wings with open arms (can someone have wings and arms?  oh well).  Kelly was probably more upset about how the situation was falsely told... that Whitney had fired Kelly.  Whitney was in no position to "fire" Kelly since Kelly wasn't exactly getting paid nor was she working for Whitney.  In fact, she was helping Whitney.  A slap in the face, I tell you.  I also believe that Whitney was a little bit out of line and should show more appreciation and gratitude to Kelly... and Roxy.

I'm so glad that The City will be returning next season.  I can't wait!  I am glad that this show is not all about drama with boys and relationships (like how The Hills turned out to be), but more about trying to make it and following your dreams and more career oriented.  I find it often inspiring and after each show, I tell myself, "I want to get a job like that".  One day, I will... I hope. 

Thank you Whitney Port (I still love and admire you even after how I said I feel about you this season), Alison Brod PR for trusting me to host this party and MyZeno for the fun goodies.  I plan to hold more events like this because it was SO much fun.  Thank you, thank you, and thanks again!  Until next season!  :)

 Review for this bad boy soon to come!  



P.S. I was trying to tweet during the show, but it was pretty intense and with my guests there, we couldn't help but try to discuss the happenings of the show.  Check out my tweets anyway:  twitter.com/thyda


Courtesy of:




July 2, 2010

Dear Friends in California...

Have a free smoothie... on me!  :D 

Of course, you're going to have to buy the first one, then the second one is on me!!  OR... you can just tag along with someone to Jamba Juice and wait for them to buy a drink and then you present this coupon to them.  HAHA... scandalous, I know... but it will work!

Just print out this coupon and enjoy!


Its a holiday... give yourself a break!  :)

I love Jamba Juice... but I still cannot decide which flavor to get whenever I'm there.  Too many choices and I suck at making decisions.

July 1, 2010

The Twilight Saga - Eclipse

There is no way that I would wait in line for over an hour to watch a movie.  I don't care how much I have anticipated something, there is just NO way.  WHY would people do that when they can just see it the following day without the hassle and the wait?  Might as well go to bed and be well rested and refreshed to enjoy the movie, right?  I don't think I would ever understand why people do the things that they do... for The Twilight Saga. 

My friends and I read the books about two years ago before the movies were out and before the big hype.  I admit... I loved the books and was really looking forward to the movie, but not to the point where I would even consider standing in line for over half an hour for.  Maybe I am just impatient?  Or maybe I am not THAT passionate about it?  The story line is great and the books were well written... and that is why I like the saga.  But come on... what is up with all the overhype?  Seeing all these crazy "fans" going overboard for it just pushes me further away from it.

Let me just say... Robert Pattinson is NOT the sexiest man alive.  Edward was so much hotter in my mind and imagination.  I think the actor kind of ruined it for me.  Sorry Rob, I know I am not a very pretty girl either so I have no room to judge or criticize anyone of their looks, but I don't think these new "fans" understand why Edward is so "HOT".  If I was to see the movie before I read the book, I wouldn't be so attracted to the Edward that lived in the book.  Looks are subjective... I know, I know... but in my opinion, uhhh... NO.

Kristen Stewart is not fit to be Bella.  Are you joking me?  And to top it off, she is a horrible and stiff actress.  She really lucked out when she got casted for this role (how? I don't know).  Now that she had made it as an A-list star, you would think that she would clean it up a bit and be more presentable, right?  Wrong again.  Kristen, you are a very lucky girl... VERY lucky.

Taylor Laughtner... I am not crazy about his looks, but I admit that he is what I had pictured him to be.  He is very fit for the role, and he is a true star... the best actor of the three.  I can see him going beyond his 'Jacob' role.  (And I am not only saying this because he is attractive... as I said, I am not too crazy about his looks)

"Eclipse" was probably my favorite book out of the four.  Like the two earlier movies though, I was disappointed.  I guess you can never expect movies to be exactly like books (which is unfortunate),  but I really had higher expectations because the director was apparently the better one of the three.  Don't get me wrong, I think that the quality and pictures are better than both "Twilight" and "New Moon", but it just didn't meet my expectations.  There were details that were left out in the movie... and from what I can remember of the book, a few minor changes and additions.  Maybe I should reread the book to confirm, but from what I remember, a few slight changes. 

I was disappointed with the scene that I was anticipating most... the camping scene!  This might be a bit too much information, but reading those parts in the book kind of turned me on!  Too bad they cut that part short in the movie, but it was definitely an entertaining part of the movie. 

I won't get into details about it because I know that a lot of people still haven't seen it.  Yesterday, Sam had the day off and we were both up pretty early and decided to make it to the first showing at 10am because we didn't want to run into the teenage rush in the evening and paying less for the early bird showing is always a major plus.  I was terrified when I saw a group of about twenty 6 or 7 year olds waiting in line.  Little did I know that they were the least of my worries.  Sam and I got great seats, but as the theater filled, I had to move my bag off the seat next to me for a girl to sit down with her friends next to her in the other three seats.  Oh well... not a big deal, right?  WRONG... it IS a big deal when the girl is talking throughout the movie.  Not only to her friends who were there with her, but she was on the phone and had a good ten minute conversation with someone on the other end of the line.  Really?  Then, imagine her screaming obnoxiously and obviously for attention every time a wolf came on the screen.  And yes, there were wolves about every 5 minutes of the two hours.  I guess she didn't see the two movies prior because she sat there asking her friend who was who and what and why things were happening.  My goodness... have some courtesy for others in the theater who paid their money and wanted to enjoy a show.  She also had her cell phone out the entire time and was texting... and when she missed a part, she would ask her friend, "what happened?".  LOOK B*TCH... pay attention to the movie and you wouldn't have to ask that!!!  I was so irritated.  I know anyone who hears this or is reading this is wondering why I didn't say anything.  Well, I am a chicken.  She was a lot bigger than I am and I overheard her saying some stuff about beating someone before the movie started.  I was scared.  I wish I had some balls to tell her off, but I didn't.  Easier said than done... and I would like to go to Miami next week with all of my teeth and without a blue/black ring around my eye.
Thanks to her though, I will probably have to see the movie again... perhaps on DVD.

Who else had read the book and/or seen the movie?  What do you think?

Also... have you ever experienced anything like what I did at the theater?  How do you deal with it?