Fragment: SPACEBOX

I am in awe! I just came across this innovative living concept: SPACEBOX.

This ingenious invention by architect Mart de Jong in Holland back in 2003, consists of "a light weight prefab building system" which was inspired on the existing need for student housing.

I would've loved to live in a SpaceBox during my college years!

Fragment: HSP

"There has got to be a place in the world for people like me...."

-Neny

This is how I feel tonight, after my conversation with my friend Vel. But it is actually how I feel most of the time.

Writing this just made me think of a concept I came across with 2 years ago on a magazine. HSP--Highly Sensitive People (concept developed by Dr. Elaine Aron). I remember when I read the article, I felt an incomparable comfort! A connection never made before in my life. Suddenly, there was meaning to the way I am, and not only was it an exact description of me, but it also pointed out that being the way I am is actually a GIFT.

These are statements that describe an HSP:

You, your partner, or someone important to you have a heightened awareness of subtleties in your environment, whether it's sight, sound, touch, taste, or smell.

You can become stressed out and upset when overwhelmed and may find it necessary to get away, maybe into a darkened room, to seek solitude, relief and comfort.

You are very creative.

You are very conscientious, hard working, and meticulous, but may become uncomfortable and less efficient or productive when being watched or scrutinized.

You feel compelled to file and organize things and thoughts, also enjoy simplicity and may become overwhelmed or even immobilized by chaos, clutter, or stress.

You are very uncomfortable when feeling things are getting out of your control.

You get a sense of comfort and well being when around a lake, river, stream, the ocean, or even a fountain.

You may experience mood swings, sometimes occurring almost instantly and can also be affected by other people's moods, emotions and problems.

You have a deep, rich, inner life, are very spiritual, and may also have vivid dreams.

You are very intuitive and you feel that you can usually sense if someone isn't telling the truth or if something else is wrong.

You get concerned and think or worry about many things, and have also been told "you take things too personally."

You have had the experience of "cutting people out" of your life.

You were considered quiet, introverted, timid, or shy as a child.

If interested by this new concept in the world of psychology and human behavior, please read more here:

http://www.highlysensitivepeople.com/

Or you can purchase the book, "THE HIGHLY SENSITIVE PERSON" by Elaine N. Aron. It is a MUST-GET for me!

"-You came to HOME DEPOT and got a flower?

-Yea, so?

-You're missing the whole point of being here!"

(excerpt from a scene, TV show 'The New Adventures of Old Christine')

I'd definitely be that person that gets a tiny flower from Home Depot and feels fascinated by JUST it ;)

NOTE: this is the link to the actual HSP test http://www.hsperson.com/pages/test.htm. I answered 25 of 27 affirmatively!

Fragment: ART

My heart stirs in such a way when I come across things like these:

Expressive Arts Teacher Training program

http://creativejuicesarts.com/teacher-training/

Jennifer Lee's blog LIFE UNFOLDS

http://www.lifeunfoldsblog.com/about-me/

"Wreck this Journal" by Keri Smith

What is it that my heart keeps TELLING me?!

"Natalie Portman"

Another power woman that I love to watch in movies is NATALIE PORTMAN. Her charm is so captivating in each film.

I've seen her in Closer; Garden State; New York, I love you; My Blueberry Nights; Paris, je t'aime; Leon (when she was little); and now, Brothers.

Oh wow, she was amazing in this movie "Brothers". You know how she's sometimes super sexy or crazy in some roles? Well, this time, it was so refreshing to see her again as a normal, girl-next-door wife. The storyline of this film was so touching. I cried like a baby :'( I mean, it is so unfortunate that these things are actually happening in REAL life :S Crazy, crazy! A must watch ;)

Love, love, love Portman movies!

Fragment: MOVIES

I love movies that take place during Christmas. They give me such a "feel good" feeling...... *SIGH*

Love Actually (2003), The Holiday (2006), Serendipity (2001), While You Were Sleeping (1995), The Family Stone (2005), Bridget Jone's Diary (2001), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), You've Got Mail (1998), Annie Hall (1977).

Each one of them is perfect for any gloomy day ;)

I think I might need one today :P

Fragment: CLEANING

"nothing beats the feeling of clean. when everything is bright and sparkly. when the past is washed away and you have a fresh, new start. when your life is spotless and the possibilities are endless. and just for a moment--sigh--everything is perfect. for soon enough, life will go on. and before you know it, it will be time to clean again."

-from a Target's dusting cloth package :P

Really?! I have to clean.... AGAIN?!

These are the moments you start appreciating things you once had jajajaja...it's ok...I'm learning so many things! It's great :)

Must not complain ;)

"Eat, Pray, Love"

OH----MY-----GOD!

I read the synopsis for the book "Eat, Pray, Love" a while back and was immediately interested in the story. I added it to my "Books to Read" list, but still haven't purchased it.

Recently, I found out a movie has been made based on this book which will be coming out this summer.

I saw the trailer just now and..........I have goose-pumps all over my body!

You guys know how I'm always talking about recognizing yourself in other people's stories, or in movies, or books, or places, etc......I have DEFINITELY found MYSELF in this story!

Can't wait 'til it comes out!! And the fact that Julia Roberts is the main character is just like the perfect BONUS!

In the meantime, I'm gonna go get me the book ;)

Fragment: TABU

One of my best friends ever is getting married! I've known Tabu since I was like 16 years old...awww :)

And not only am I inspired to blog about this because he's my best friend, but I am also in love with the concept of his BIG DAY!

Kangri and Tabu, like the rest of us common mortals, are not in their best financial place at the moment. Therefore, they wisely decided to postpone the wedding.

(Right: Tabu and me/Left: Tabu and Kangri)

However, their group of friends from ICC (the community church they attend) had the beautiful idea of celebrating, literally, a "community wedding" for the lovebirds. And when I say community wedding, I mean, someone will provide the bride with a dress, another will be in charge of decorating the venue, one will make the cocktail that will be served, others will be arranging the bride's bouquet, two girls will get bridesmaids dresses, one will make the cake, I will make the bridesmaids button bouquets (YEY!), etc, etc...and all this without Kangri or Tabu having to do anything or pitch in a dime!!! Isn't this marvelous?!

That is true friendship, I must say... :)

I am so excited about this wedding! Once again, I am hooked to the best wedding website for ideas and inspiration www.stylemepretty.com.

I so love untraditional weddings! This is such a practical idea. A true friends and family celebration. That's what it's all about. That's what I dream of for MY big day ;)

*SIGH*

NOTE: Pictures to come!