Comparison - The Root of Unhappiness

Disclaimer: I am 100% guilty of almost everything I'm going to talk about in this blog post.

"Comparison is the root of all Unhappiness"

I'm pretty sure some really smart, famous guy said that and you know what? He's absolutely right. Comparison gets in the way of healthy self-appreciation more than anything else. Our generation has more ways to compare ourselves to one another than any other generation before us: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. Because of comparison, we are hardly ever happy with what we get and nothing's ever good enough once we do get it. We measure our success against the accomplishments of others. Whether we are happy with what we get depends on how it measures up to some norm...and you know what? It is hard for success in any form to actually improve your happiness because as actual success rises, the norm by which success is judged rises as well.

Another way this has been described is the "grass in greener" problem. Everyone's lawn seems really great when you see it from far away. That is what social media helps create. It profiles of exactly what you want others to see. You can create a new you, essentially. We scroll through our news feeds seeing pictures of great vacations, internships, jobs, once in a life time experiences... it's amazing how quickly we can forget our own. In these times it's hard to remember that no one displays the hard times, the things they don't want people to see.

What I have been trying to do...whenever I feel particularly jealous, frustrated or just plain hopeless, is remember all the things I am grateful for. All the positive things that I like about myself. I try to keep perspective and remember that no one's life is perfect. I also try to remember that life is a series of choices with different outcomes, and my series of choices has left me with a bunch of great opportunities, a fabulous family and friends, an awesome school and tons of other blessings. If I had what that other person does, there is no guarantee that all the great things in my life would still be there. I  don't know and will never know what struggles I would adopt as a result. That is why I have decided to own my choices, my life, and my struggles, because I wouldn't trade all those really great things for anything.

I want to go on about how we should all DELETE OUR FACEBOOKS AND INTERACT WITH ONE ANOTHER but that seems like a mute point considering I'm about to post this on Facebook.

Source: http://www.dreammanifesto.com/comparison-root-unhappiness.html

Hospitality

I spent this weekend up in the bay with my Uncle, Aunt and cousins. I am constantly amazed by their hospitality. Not only did they open their home to me this weekend, but also for the three months I was at DreamWorks in the fall. Being back in their home brought back all kinds of nostalgia. I truly feel at home there and I am absolutely in love with the bay. I definitely want to live there one day.

We spent the weekend BBQing, lighting fireworks, watching movies and going to Napa. I also watched an excessive amount of the Walking Dead with my cousin who has never seen it before, pretty sure I got him addicted. Napa is so beautiful...as my Aunt says, "I always feel a little closer to God when I'm in Napa." Oh, and I was also reunited with my absolute favorite pizza of all time....Amicis. It was a beautiful reunion. We laughed, we cried, and I ended up eating him. 

I also got to see two of my close friends from DreamWorks, Robby and Jonathan- two men after my own heart. It's a shame in life we don't necessarily realize how special a certain time is and how dear it will be to us until later on. I am realizing lately (even more so) how special and unique my time at DreamWorks was. Not only working at the company, but also the wonderful close nit family I developed there. Sometimes you meet people and you just click and these people, no matter how often they come and go, will always have a special and close place in your heart. Robby and Jonathan, as well as some of the other interns that fall, are those type of people to me. It was wonderful to be able to see them.

I drove back to Southern California today with a full heart and a new goal: to live and enjoy moments as they are happening instead of always looking forward to the next thing. 

Is this real life?

As I'm sitting here in the laundromat, I'm reflecting on my time here in Burbank and thinking to myself... Is this real life?

To be honest, living here in Burbank has been the closest I've ever been to being completely independent. I live alone, spend most of my time by myself and, with the exception of rent, I pay for everything myself too. I can't help but think, in fact I know, that this is very close to what my life will be life after college. This is what being a REAL adult feels like.

So how does it feel? I haven't completely made up my mind yet. On one hand, I'm an independent person by nature so doing these things doesn't feel that different to me. What does feel different though is not caring about spending my weekends alone...not caring if I'm at the coolest party or spending time with people just to say I was there. For the most part I've been in this transition for awhile, slowly learning to say "no" if I need some me time or if I need to rest. On the other hand I'm learning this is a difficult balance because it does pay off to step out of your comfort zone sometimes. I think there is such a thing as too much solidarity. It is nice to be able to count on people.

Last but not least, your view on what's worth paying for really changes when you pay for everything yourself. 

A New Method...The Bar Method

I've always enjoyed working out; however, the redundancy of the same workout everyday (elliptical. treadmill. stairclimber. repeat) was starting to get old. I kept hearing about this new ballet bar workout from, seemingly, everywhere. Friends, my hairdresser, random strangers were all talking about this body changing workout. So, as soon as I got here to Burbank I decided to try it out. Tonight was my first class at the Bar Method Burbank and let me tell you, it ain't easy.

The Bar Method integrates interval training, isometrics and principles of dance conditioning to burn fat, shape muscles and elongate the body. The class is an hour long and is really difficult, especially if you're like me and hardly ever incorporate these types of movements into your workout. I am definitely going to be sore tomorrow.

One thing that I learned at the Bar Method tonight that I didn't expect was a lesson about kindness. I was so nervous to go to this class, I had a terrible feeling in the pit of my stomach since about 3 o' clock (the class started at 7:30 pm). I always get nervous going into new situations when I'm doing something I really care about succeeding at. When I walked into the studio everyone was so friendly to me. The instructor introduced herself right away and the other women included me in their conversations before class. It really comforted me to know that it would be hard but they survived, and so could I! One particular woman, I didn't get her name, talked to me all the way up to the beginning of the class. She offered me advice for the class and for fun things to do in the LA area. It was really nice to have someone to talk to before class! I even forgot how nervous I had been. You never really know how just being friendly and talking to someone can really impact their day! I am extremely grateful to this woman.

So, if you want to push yourself to try something new, just remember that everyone has to start somewhere and everyone was a beginner at some point. It is a victory that you are even out there trying!

Pacific Rim Screening

On Monday I had the privilege of seeing an early screening of Pacific Rim, a film I have been dying to see since we had our Q&A with Guillermo Del Toro at DreamWorks. When he talked about Pac Rim you could see and feel the passion pouring out of him. It is rare to see that kind of passion from anyone, and when you see it from a world renowned director you can't help but feel excited for the final product. It also doesn't hurt that Pac Rim is my "kind of movie" - tons of action, giant robots and aliens, and two of my favorite actors Charlie Hunnam and Ron Perlman who I already love from Sons of Anarchy. Needless to say, my expectations were pretty high and...Drum roll please...they were met.

Pac Rim is exactly what you expect it to be and more. Now when I say exactly what you expect- it is a monster movie with giant robots, expect a monster movie with giant robots. Accept it for what it is and you'll enjoy it (and any movie) a lot more. But, I digress. 

The visual effects alone are a conversation in themselves. The colors used were bright and vibrant, which might not seem all that special, but now that I've told you notice the difference in the colors used in Pac Rim versus other action movies that use vfx. The monsters and robots were huge, intimidating and intricate. The sheer size of them was amazing. The plot was typical- "we're canceling the apocalypse!" but again, we knew what this movie was about. There was even a romantic subplot for the ladies- and a lot of scenes with shirtless Charlie Hunnam. A few characters provide some comic relief for the film and had me laughing out loud at several points. I don't want to spoil it too much, so I'll stop here, but if you want to see an action packed monster movie this summer, Pac Rim is for you!

A New Chapter

I'm currently watching Kung Fu Panda which seems appropriate given thats where this blog left off 6 months ago. Wow, time really flies. I'm picking up blogging again (or trying to) because my next adventure has started here in Burbank, California at Warner Bros Studios. In between DreamWorks and Warner Bros was a grueling semester with a lot of pressure school wise. Good thing I survived.

Anyway, I was fortunate enough to receive a phone call from Warner Bros this semester and in early May I was interviewed and offered the position. My internship this summer is with Warner Bros Technical Operations and I'm working in Digital Production Management. My main focus is ultra violet, which a digital locker system for all of your movies and TV shows. When you redeem your ultraviolet code online via flickster (Warner Bros), vudu (Wal Mart) or Cinema Now (Best Buy) (these are our online retailers) the rights to the movie/tv show are stored in ultra violet. Your actual online content is stored in one of our various retailers where you can stream to any device at any time. My job is to assist in streamlining this process within internal departments and to assist with the third parties we are beginning to be the main source of communication for. This has been my SHAMELESS PLUG for Ultra Violet, so REDEEM YOUR DIGITAL OFFERS!!!!!!!

Before I knew exactly what I'd be doing, I knew I had to find a place to live. This is extremely hard via internet and I wouldn't recommend if you can't actually go see the place because you really never know from pictures how nice it is, and also you want to make sure you're in a safe neighborhood, especially in California. I got extremely lucky to find a place that is 5 minutes from Warner Bros. Location was probably my number one because after last semester commuting an hour and a half to and from work was just not happening. 

Once I got settled in, I prepared to go to orientation. My internship is within a specific program called the Time Warner College Associates Program (TWCAP) which focuses a lot on leadership and gives us special opportunities. Our orientation was combined with a program called REACH which is full of interns who applied in High School and got a scholarship for all four years and also an internship for every summer of college. How awesome is that? They're so lucky. Meeting all the interns was awesome. They are all really friendly and cool, I'm really enjoying getting to know all of them. The people in my department are all really great as well. I feel so blessed that I have this opportunity!

This week has been a learning process, but it's definitely worth it. I go to lunch on the lot everyday which is so cool. I love the atmosphere of being here. This weekend I hung out with some of the other interns on Friday and then my friend Melody spent the night and we went to Laguna Beach on Saturday. It was beautiful and a great way to start summer! I actually got extremely sunburned, so much so that I couldn't even sleep last night. Rookie move. You would think I would learn by now!

I have a lot more I could say in this post but it's already gotten really long. If you're reading this, thanks! I appreciate your interest in my life. I will be updating this as frequently as I feel I have enough to say, so I'll be seein' ya!

DreamWorks Christmas Card

Courtesy of my fellow intern and great friend Robby Nepemuceo (sp? Should know how to spell his last name by now haha)

You Can Put a Saddle on My Back...

‎"When you are a kid you are a cowboy in the morning, an astronaut in the afternoon, and an jungle explorer at night, and no one tells you that's wrong. When you grow up life tells you that's wrong. But don't let it."  - Guillermo Del Toro

Today we had an amazing opportunity to have a Q&A with both Jeffery Katzenberg (CEO of DreamWorks) and Guillermo Del Toro (Director). I got a lot out of Guillermo Del Toro's talk and I wanted to share it with you.

He talked a lot about doing what you love. He said our 20's are the most trying times of our lives because we don't know who we are, and we have this sense of urgency to figure it out, like we are late for life. When we pursue our dreams and be who we want to be, sometimes, people tell us it's wrong. Our parents tell us its wrong. Life tells us it's wrong. Before you know it, we are 40 with a job we hate and a life we don't enjoy. Then, the same cycle starts over when we have kids. No creativity is fostered. When we are young is the time to make mistakes, to screw up and go down the wrong path. To figure it all out. 

The older we get, the less we care what other people think about us. This is a quality we should possess when we are young and can make the most out of it. However, society takes away this impulse. It's constantly telling us what we should do and who we should be. Del Toro said, "In one hundred years no one is going to remember me or the people who criticized me. So what does it matter?"

We each have our own voice, that isn't the question. Whether our voice appeals to a few or the masses is the question. Often times, people will mold their voice to what they know will appeal to millions when they want fame or power. Then we end up with a bunch of voices that sound the same and no unique stories. As Guillermo put it, "the problem is we live in a honey boo boo fucking world." The key is to keep your voice and be who you are, don't let the pressure to conform consume your ability to tell your story; your wonderful, beautiful story. Since we are all a product of our own experiences, you are the only one that can tell a story with your perspective, your voice. This individuality is so valuable. Don't let the pressure of money and power change you and your voice.

However, I have to say, the best (funniest?) quote of the day definitely came from JK. 

"You can put a saddle on my back, but you're never going to break me or ride me." 

"My heart wants roots

My mind wants wings

I cannot bear

their bickerings."

- E.Y. Harburg

Thanksgiving

This year I have been much more aware of how blessed I am. I have gained a ton of perspective this year which I believe is essential to developing into a better person. I just wanted to write down a few things I am thankful for this year, since I often think about them but may not always voice them.

I am thankful for a loving family. I am blessed by each of them everyday. Each one of you has taught me lessons about selflessness, compassion and dependability. I am grateful for the laughs and tears we shared at the table this Thanksgiving; it was truly beautiful.

I am thankful for true friends. Even from thousands of miles away and several different spots in the country I have many loyal and supportive friends who prove that miles have nothing on a friendship. I am truly appreciative of each of you who have reached out to me this semester to ask how I was doing, or just simply to say hello. It has meant a lot to me.

I am thankful for the opportunities I have in my life. I am blessed with the privilege of going to a great college and being able to accept wonderful opportunities as they come. I also have many privileges in my life that many other people do not have. I do not take this for granted and think about it everyday.

I am thankful for my Aunt and Uncle who have  opened their home to me this semester and made me feel like I was truly at home and a part of their family. The have been so kind and giving to me during this time.

I am thankful that I know The Lord and what He has done for all of us. I am thankful that He has my best interests at heart and has showed me the direction he has for my life.

I am thankful for the Florida Gators. God Bless America.

My life is not perfect but I am by no means lacking in the number of blessings in my life. I am grateful for each of them and would not want to switch places with anyone else.

21 Thoughts on Being 21

1. Be as selfless as you can, as often as you can

This takes discipline and perspective. It takes checking yourself and your motives and intentions often. It takes recognizing when you're being selfish. It's hard, and takes effort. Being selfless is a personality trait that you have to work for, and it's a trait that often goes unappreciated and unrewarded. However, you will make a genuine difference in people's lives and that is a pretty good feeling.

Also, it's my birthday! Yay!

21 Thoughts on Being 21

2. “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” - Albus Dumbledore

This is a difficult one for me. While it is important to remember your dreams, but focusing on your dreams/future too much can hinder your life everyday. It is important to appreciate what you are given as you are given it, and live your life to the fullest each day. Do not let your dreams for your future suffocate your life now! Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself, each day has enough trouble of its own.

21 Thoughts on Being 21

3. Build and maintain relationships with your family

I've learned these are the most important relationships you can have. I have been blessed with many wonderful family members, and this doesn't mean my family is without drama and problems. I've learned family will always be there, even if it gets rough at times.

4. Don't let other people tell you who you are

There are many times in my life where people told me something I liked was "weird" or "stupid" or just plain "wrong." These people, for some reason, thought their opinion was authority. This doesn't go hand in hand with "not conforming" because you'll always be conforming to something, and that's not bad. Like what you like, do what you love, and don't let other people tell you what those things are. If it makes you happy, that's all that matters. Haters gun hate. Let that hate bring them down, not you.

5. Our mistakes don't define us, it's how we recover from them that does

I think one of the biggest mistakes you can make in life is letting a mistake define you and take over your life. We were born to make mistakes, it's how we learn. Fall seven times, stand up eight. Do yourself a favor, and stand up as a different person, a better person, than you were before.

 6. Home is now behind you, the world is ahead

This concept is really weird to me, and I only started feeling this way this semester. I realized I've past the point of having a physical "home." I have memories and people that will always make me feel at home, but my life now is a series of places, people, things, and events. I'm past yearning for "home", now I want to take on the world. I want adventures.

21 Thoughts on Being 21

7. You don't deserve anything

So often I find myself thinking "I've had a hard week/day etc...I deserve this." I realize I have to adjust my thinking because I don't deserve anything...I desire things. Everything, every day is just a blessing from God. Simple as that. 

8. It's easy to make a situation negative, it's much harder to make it positive

I was in improv class the other day and we were playing a game. In the game one person would act out a motion for awhile and once we realized what the person was doing we would enter the scene. My partner was acting out making a bed, and when I walked in I said "Thats crooked! You need to remake that!" The improv teacher had me redo it and said I should start with something positive. She said it's much easier to take a situation and turn it negative right away. She explained that something positive is much more pleasant to watch, and draws people in. That doesn't mean a scene can't have any negative aspects, but it's best not to start out that way. Take that as you will.

21 Thoughts on Being 21

9. Courage doesn't always roar

Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow." There are many ways to be courageous, and each is as well deserving of praise as the next. Every day I face one of my fears, no matter how big or how small. As Smash Mouth would say, "I get knocked down, but I get up again, ain't nothin' gonna keep me down."

I SPENT MY LIFE LEARNING TO FEEL LESS.
EVERYDAY I FELT LESS.
IS THAT GROWING OLD? OR IS IT SOMETHING WORSE?
YOu CANNOT PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SADNESS WITHOUT PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM HAPPINESS.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, Jonathan Safran Foer 

21 Thoughts on Being 21

10. Luck is when preparation meets opportunity

Every time I can think of where I got "lucky" in my life it actually wasn't luck at all. It was all about timing. I might apply for a thousand internships, but it only takes one call back to change it all. The key was me setting myself up for that opportunity. "Luck" is more likely to come your way when you are prepared to meet the opportunities that arise.

21 Thoughts on Being 21

11. Do one thing a day more things that scare you

There is a lot to be gained by waltzing into the unknown and not knowing whats going to come of it. I'm not gonna say you need to get out of your comfort zone every single day, because I don't and you probably won't either. But I have experienced many times where I greatly benefited by doing something that scared me. Getting out of your comfort zone and taking risks is difficult and takes courage, it is also much easier and much less rewarding in the long run. Greater the risk = greater the reward. 

We interrupt regularly scheduled programming to bring you an important service announcement...

Today was a great day. We had a pre-screening of Rise of the Guardians in San Francisco for all the DW employees and...it was a phenomenal movie! I loved it and truly believe it was the best animated film of the year. You should definitely go see it...reminds me how important the power of belief is.

Then, my uncle, aunt, cousin and I went to eat at pier 7 at the Waterfront restaurant. We asked to be seated on the top level (there was no one up there) because its my uncle's family's tradition whenever they go there. So they sat us upstairs and about 15 minutes after we got our food another family gets seated at the table behind us. None of us really even looked at who it was except my aunt, who says "Do you know who that was?" to which we responded no, and she told us it was HARRISON FORD AND CALISTA FLOCKHART and her adopted son but whatever. Anyways, at first I didn't believe her but they were behind me so I couldn't turn around and look (obviously, that would be WAY to obvious) so I acted like I had to go to the bathroom and when I came back up I stared and realized it definitely was them. I tried to get a frontwards-facing-camera-over-the-shoulder-shot but it was really awkward because we were the only two sets of people on that floor. But it was still freaking cool being in the presence of Han Solo and Indiana Jones!

Oh...and Han shot first.

21 Thoughts on Being 21

12. You are fearfully and wonderfully made 

"Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You." 

- Dr. Suess

We spend so much of our lives wishing we were someone else. Oh I wish I had her hair, or her eyes, or her body. I wish I had his job, his life. We were all made for an important purpose. You are made up of a unique set of traits that only YOU possess. There is a path in this life that only YOU are meant to walk. No one looks at the world exactly the way you do. You, exactly the way you are, can change the world, even if it is by touching only one persons life. Who is to say that one ripple won't go on for centuries? Appreciate yo'self.