Horoscope Compatibility?

Newly single and dating again.. I find myself looking to the stars for answers.

I have been reading my horoscope lately and I have found it to be right on point. My only real questions has to deal with compatibility charts.

Do they work and can they be used as insight to a relationship?

Here is the work up for a Gemini Woman and an Aquarious Man (ex. me and my ex Carlos):

Love Match: Gemini Woman Dating Aquarius Man

Intellectual sparks fly with this love match! The mental attraction is obvious from the first date. The Gemini woman will go weak in the knees over her Aquarius mans visionary and progressive ideas. The Aquarius man will adore his Gemini woman’s twinkle and youthful exuberance in learning something new every day.
Sexually, the Aquarius man gets the meaning of what his Gemini woman’s indecisiveness. She’s not sure what she wants or how she wants it so he just gives her his own unique love formula – and it works!
They’ll delight as they talk in detail about what they’re experiencing during sex and this couple will certainly be the great inventors in the bedroom!

 All of this is true....

Now when I actually read in-depth analysis between Gemini and Aquarius, I find that the write up still rings true to our relationship. I almost feel that having read all of these posts before getting into a relationship, or maybe just checking in, could have lead to one of two things.

1.) our relationship would have been stronger and we could have worked through the kinks before we got to them

2.) I would have seen what was coming before it hit and broke my heart.

Have you ever felt this way before? Have you have relied on the stars to tell you what is right and wrong for your sign?

As I step into the dating world I find myself turning to the start for guidance. After I meet someone I read all about their sign and compatibility to my crazy Gemini ways.

I do not use this information to judge them, but I do try to use it as a way to get to know the person or as a way to better understand them.

Does that seem weird?

I am curious to know what you think.

turtle meet your shell

I've been trying to convince myself to start blogging again for the past couple of months.

I'm not sure what exactly made me stop, but it's been so hard to start up again.

I feel like writing is such a necessary part of my life; an escape for my mind to wonder on. Lately I have been so "in my head" if you will. So many thoughts, questions, feelings and such.


Why is it so hard for me to express what I am trying to feel?

As a note to others:

If you are trying to date me, don't.

This whole fresh out of a relationship thing is taking a weird toll on me and my life. I thought that since the breakup was my idea that things would be ok, that I had disconnected myself enough to realize that I was better off without. However the result has been that I really just miss being in a relationship, being in love, having butterflies from kissing that one person who I love more than anything.

I crave security, love, attention and passion.

It just doesn't be something that I can actually have right now.

To those who read this thinking, "I could provide her with that.." Maybe you can, maybe you can't, but i don't want to end up hurting your feelings in the end because I don't come around. Or worse (for me) getting attached to you, only to find out that you deem it not worth the work that goes into loving me.


*le sigh*

I really hope i come out of this funk soon.

I just want to have fun, be happy, have awesome experiences and memories that i can take with me through the rest of my life.

Is that too much to ask for?

Karma Points

So glad that Larry Tinus told me a bicyclist was hit at the intersection near my house tonight. I ran down to discover the woman who had hit the bike yelling at the rider "Why were you in that intersection? It was my right of way, I should not have hit you". 

 

So I called 911 as I gave them location details the kid's face was brusing, he said he was losing feeling in his fingers and his neck was starting to throb. 

 

I can honestly say THANK YOU to the San Francisco Fire Department and Police Department for arriving so quickly. The ambulance was there in less than 10 minutes after the accident, police were there right after, asking questions and getting answers.  They were quick and efficient, just as they should be.

 

When another police car arrived the lady who hit the bike asked Larry and I if we saw what happened. I told her I lived right up the street and Larry told her he had heard the accident and looked down, she seemed to get very nervous at that answer and then walked away... I think I smell a liar.

At any rate, THANK YOU again to the San Francisco Fire/Police Department for their amazing ability to show up so quickly and to have this City College Student in the back of the ambulance, bike and all in 10 minutes flat. YOu guys totally rock, this city would be even more of a shit show without you.

And to Larry, thank you for helping me to boost my Karma by at least 10 points. I think that my CPR card might have expired, though I don't know where it is. Guess I know what class I am talking next semester. 

Thanks everyone for reading this, don't forget to pay it forward. If you see someone who needs help, just do it, sometimes the smallest amount of energy can mean the most to someone in need.

Blast from the past

Recently I was asked by a good friend of mine, "Ashton, on a scale of one to ten how does your present relationship rank among your others" and while I cannot tell you completely how I answered that question, it did spark some thought that I would like to share.

How do you measure your level of love for someone?? As a matter of fact, if you CAN measure your level of love, what do you base it off of?

I sat pondering the question for a few moments, running through my past relationships before finally giving an answer. I went through the loves, the loss, the happy and the sad. It was a such a head rush going down memory lane like that.  Lost in my whirlwind of thoughts I came to the conclusion that as I move forward in my life, my love for the person I am with grows stronger. I love myself a little more each day, I love the person that I am with a little more each day and ultimately I love life a little more each day. The time that I have spend with my current love and past loves has always been the same.  Now the things that we have done and the experiences we have had will always be different, but the feeling of love, that remains the same for me.

I may love deeper and stronger, but I do not love any one person more than the next. I still love ALL (except 2) of my ex's and I hope to have them apart of my life for well... ever.

Now many of you might think, "Uh, I would never talk to my ex again" and while that is true for two of my ex's, I feel like every single one was brought into my life to teach me something and I did love each and every one of them with all of my heart (p.s. I have called less than 10 people my "boyfriend" in my whole life).

I also took in experiences, happiness and drama.. however I still can't put a level on how happy I was with someone. The drama is usually near the breakup, so it always seems crazy. The experiences are all so different and fun, it's impossible for me to truly say who I had more fun with.

I'm not sure, how would you answer this question?

Economic Stimulus Check

I was sent this via email by a friend of mine. I think it's hilarious.. allow me to share:

Sometime this year,  we taxpayers will again receive another 'Economic
Stimulus' payment.

This is indeed a very exciting program,  and I'll explain it by
Using a Q & A format:
 
   Q.  What is an 'Economic Stimulus' payment?
 
  A.  It's money the federal government will send to taxpayers.
 
 
  Q. Where will the government get this money?
 
  A.  From taxpayers.
 
 
  Q.  So the government is giving me back my own money?
 
  A.  Only a smidgen of it.
 
 
  Q.  What is the purpose of this payment ?
 
  A.  The plan is for you to use the money to purchase a
High-definition TV set,  thus stimulating the economy.
 
 
  Q.  But isn't that stimulating the economy of China?
 
  A.  Shut up.
 
 
Below is some helpful advice on how to best help the U.S. Economy by
spending your stimulus check wisely:       

*  If you spend the stimulus money at Wal-Mart,  the money will
go to China  or Sri Lanka.

*  If you spend it on gasoline,  your money will go to the
Arabs.

*  If you purchase a computer, it will go to India , Taiwan or China. 

*  If you purchase fruit and vegetables, it will go to Mexico ,  Chile, Honduras and Guatemala.
      
*  If you buy an efficient car, it will go to Japan  or Korea.

*  If  you purchase useless stuff, it will go to Taiwan.

*  If you pay your credit cards off, or buy stock, it will go to management bonuses and they will hide it offshore.
  
  Instead, keep the money in America  by:
  
  1)  Spending it at yard sales, or     
 
  2)  Going to ball games,  or   
 
  3)  Spending it on prostitutes,  or     
 
  4)  Beer or     
 
  5) Tattoos.
 
   (These are the only American businesses still operating in the U.S. )

Conclusion:
 
Go to a ball game with a tattooed prostitute you met at a yard
sale  and drink beer all day!
 
No need to thank me,  I'm just glad I could be of help.

Strapped

This is an old post from another blog that I had, one that I am trying to shut down. I am reposting it over here because I do love the concept of this movie and it was really fun to be on set for a day doing makeup!!

While searching Craigslist yesterday or maybe the day before I came across an ad, "Seeking Makeup Artist for Feature Film.. " or something close to that. It was very intrigued, so I emailed the person.

Less than 5 minutes later I was being booked for this movie, Nice.

This morning I showed up on set ready to do makeup and much to my surprise everyone was truly nice and accepting. I didn't know much about the movie, so I did some research.. Here's what I found:

http://www.indiegogo.com/Strapped

Now the movie linked on that is NOT the movie that they are filming today.. clearly because they are filming it today. However, the description of the movie is very interesting. It makes me want to watch it, I'm bummed that I am not going makeup for the entire shooting of this production  :(

About: (show all) Adam, a young hustler, wanders into an old, labyrinthine apartment building and cannot find his way out. A chameleon who can change his persona to match anyone he meets, Adam encounters several sexually-charged men who lead him on a journey of the soul. Only when he has untied all of the knots can Adam leave the building and begin to enter the world of adulthood – should he still want to. Dreamlike, erotic, and at times darkly comic, this night-in-the-life of a young man’s coming of age is an ... Adam, a young hustler, wanders into an old, labyrinthine apartment building and cannot find his way out. A chameleon who can change his persona to match anyone he meets, Adam encounters several sexually-charged men who lead him on a journey of the soul. Only when he has untied all of the knots can Adam leave the building and begin to enter the world of adulthood – should he still want to. Dreamlike, erotic, and at times darkly comic, this night-in-the-life of a young man’s coming of age is an original and provocative take on intimacy, desire, and what it means to be a gay man in the 21st Century. What makes this project different: Not your tired old Hustler Movie. About how desire shapes identity, how intimacy cannot be avoided, and the heart taking root in itself. Great script for actors, dialogue cracks. Powerful cast, high production values. A fresh approach to love scenes -- powerful, honest, erotic, true. This is a queer indie like no other. TLA Releasing has first-look rights for acquisition & distribution.

Polaroids and Best Friends.

It amazes me how simple my lifes pleasures are. All I need are my good friends, good food and even better shoes. (We're both wearing suede boots in this picture.)

Thank you to Kara, my darling companion in crime for being truly amazing, inspirational and just a woman after my own heart. You are so talented and beautiful. I would not trade you for the world.

Got to love polaroid... oh yes, I'm bringing it back.

Go forth and begin your lifes adventure.

Inspiration in Latex

You never really know where inspiration will come from, which is probably why it is one of the most sought after things in life.

I have spent the last few trying trying to find inspiration and trying to launch my clothing line into bigger and better places.

There is the Evolution of Fashion show ow coming up in July. I will be showing my collection for the very first time EVER. I hope you can all come out and show your support.. but if you can't.. here's a sneek peak at a suit I just finished

It's a swimwear fashion show by the way.. YAYA

createSF

With the help of my friends we have created an organization called createSF. The organization is going to help put San Francisco on the map for fashion. After all a lot of sucessful designer I know started here. I personally am very tired of having all of out amazing artists leave San Francisco, no because they want to, but San Francisco has this way of making people feel like they will never succeed. It is the perfect breeding grounds of creativity and finding one's self. However, after you find yourself you are forced to leave if you ever want to make money or "make it big" in any industry.

I find that to be a horrible sterotype of San Francisco; but the stereotype is totally true.

So what does it take to put San Francisco on the map for fashion?

Well my team has come up with many different ways to accomplish this but with the most important being commincation and organization. I have met many many "drama queens" in this industry, which naturally breeds more drama queens and kings. The fighting has to stop, how to we do that? We communicate with everyone on the same level, we treat everyone equally and we provide a medium for people to post their designs, events and seek out help on various projects. Want to produce a fashion show featuring only your line? Well, we;re not completely up and running yet but we do know a lot of people and can probably make your dreams come true.

With the help of Yon we are working on making an online community marketplace (kind of like etsy, only local) and truly finding ways to make fashion shows more successful.

This this sounds awesome? I thought to too. The site www.createsf.com is almost up and you can definitly check out our fan page on facebook for more information.

Facebook Stalker = A girl ends up dead

I keep seeing this in the news and it really makes me sad. What started out as a truly fun and exciting social networking site dedicated to keeping in touch with your friends and family members has turned into a murder and suicidal excuse.

As if we didn't have enough things plaque our world we have to throw in the is idea that with social networking you can be talked to, emailed, called, stalked.. etc. It's just that easy. When I don't have someone's number, I look them up on Facebook, it's almost always posted there.


Just in case you do NOT know what I am talking about. Check out these recent headlines:

Facebook Stalker Paul Bristol Kills Ex Girlfriend
Death on Facebook
YouTube Video


Eeek.. it's all too much. These things make me reconsider being on twitter, facebook, myspace or any social networking site.


What do you think?

Memories in the Kitchen

The art of cooking is something that I would like to spend more time on. My mother taught me how to cook when I was a little girl and I have carried those lessons with me ever since.

I mean I was making mac and cheese by the age of 8!

I do not have a KitchenAid, but I have always wanted one. For Christmas I make everyone homemade gifts. Most of them involve cooking. I do everything by hand because I don't really have the kitchen supplies... or I borrow it form someone else.  This past year I made Bourbon Pecan Tartlets. They are like mini pecan pies only better. Instead of regular pie crust I make sugar cookie dough and us that instead. They end up being bite sized and pack a sweet punch after adding the wild turkey to the mix. It was a huge hit during the holidays and I am still getting asked for more.  Hopefully I will win this KitchenAid and finally be able to remake those little things. hehe..

I dream of having a KitchenAid to help me with everything. I think that it will help me eat in more instead of eating out all of the time. It's hard to do everything from scratch.


To find out what it takes to get a KitchenAid for yourself, check out MomStarts!

Everyone is talking about Acai... So does it work?

I read an article from News7Report today. I am still not 100% sure that this is a legitimet new reporting site, BUT they did have a great article, Acai Berry Diet Exposed: Miracle Diet or Scam?

Now I was convinced that after reading the title they were going to tell me about crazy health stories and birth defects, but they didn't... they actually said ti WORKED?? Really?? Like taking two little pills are going to do ANYTHING for me. But, after reading the article I am willing to try it out.

So in approx. 3-5 days these will be showing up on my doorstep:

• Advanced Cleanse Trial   
Use Coupon Code "NEWS7" for $0.99 S&H
• Acai Optimum
  Use Code "news7" at checkout to get $1.50 shipping 

Now looking at it, I was the idiot who DID NOT use the flippin shipping codes. So I paid $4.95 each.

Once I get them I will give you the directions and a day by day journey into how it makes me feel and what it actually does to my body. SOOOO.. yea.. wish me luck.

YAYA

Followers

I know that a ton of people read my blog, (or at least that's what they tell me) however I never see the results or comments or anything.

What makes people not public follow a blog?

I never thought that numbers would mean that much to me, but knowing that I have a "fan" base really makes me happy and makes me feel like I am doing something for the world.

As far as blogging goes I love to write and will talk about almost any subject, but I lose inspiration if I feel that no one cares. I want to make a difference in this world. I want to know that the life experiences that I have had will help someone in the future and I truly want to believe that I am leaving a positive mark on this planet. One of my biggest fears is to be forgotten.

So if you are reading this, and you are not following, please do so. It makes me happy.


Thank you.

Ashton Miyako

Unhappy, Emotional.. BLAH!!

I have a great job a loving boyfriend and a place to live in San Francisco..... so why am I so unhappy, unmotivated and just feeling like all happiness has left my body??

Call me a skeptic but every time I get online (which is almost 18+ hours a day because of my job) I don't see happy people or inspirational things. Most people seem to be truly unhappy right now. If and when I finally do find something that I want to do there are a million hurtles to jump over in order to get there.

Example:

I want to make bracelets for all of the amazing women in my life for mothers day. In order to do so I needed to go to a craft store to pick up supplies. I didn't get off of work until 6. Which ment that all fabric/craft stores in San Francisco were closed, or would be by the time that I got there. Where is the next closest one? A 30 minute bart ride followed by an 40 minute walk... one way. OR I could rent a zipcar for $12 a hour, approx. $24+ by the end of it all, pay for the supplies and head back, saves time but ends up costing me over $50 which is just not money that I can spare right now.

Let's say I go with the bart idea. About 1.25 hours to get there, 30 minutes to pick out jewelry, then 1.25 hours back home.. by which time I am tooo tired to do anything.

hmph.

I need help.

Can anyone say instant gratification?

Tips? Comments? Words of encouragement?

On the bright side Carlos is cooking me dinner, I'm blogging and watching ZombieLand..

God I have so much to blog about it's retarded.

Sometimes I dance like a little girl.

Ever have the one song that makes you just want to get up and dance around like you did when you were a little kid?

Yup i'm having one of those moments.

Check it out? Does it make you want to dance?

Well... my "Real" age is 30.5... FML (I'm only 22)

This just put a damper on my Thursday:

Your RealAge is 30.5!


Below is what contributes to your older age:
Health
Having a family history of breast cancer
Having very high blood pressure
Not knowing your cholesterol levels
Family history of ovarian cancer
Habits
Driving a small vehicle
Not flossing enough
Relationships
Not enough friend and family time
Diet
Not getting enough potassium
Not getting enough calcium
Needing to review your eating habits
Not getting enough omega-3s
Not eating your veggies
Not getting enough folic acid
Not eating enough whole grains
Fitness
Having a low BMI
Neglecting your muscles
Not doing enough strength training
Having a high resting heart rate

Am I doing anything right?

10 Little Things that Lead to a Happier, Healthier You.

TwitterMoms teamed up with Tropicana to deliver the best blogging topic for the season. They are offering a $30 AmEx gift card and 6 Juicy Reward Points ($30 Value) 100 lucky bloggers. Since I work for TwitterMoms we all know that I can't actually enter, but at least I can participate in the discussion. However, if YOU would like to enter, please click here for more instructions.

10 Little Things That Lead to a Happier, Healthier YOU!

1. Sleep - Which is something that I should follow right about now. I am not sure if it's my age, or perhaps it's the recession or perhaps is the season but everyone around me seems to be complaining of being tired. I myself said I was going to go to bed at 8p tonight and here I am... 10:18p still awake.

But as history shows, do as I say, but not as I do. Sleep is very very important to your health and happiness. It allows you the patience to deal with the day and the events that occur within. On a side note... naps are good too.

2. Wear clothes that make you happy - After you've slept, wake up and put clothes on that make you HAPPY! Your positive energy will radiate and make those around you a little more happy as well. Choose the next size up if you have to. It's not all about numbers ladies and gents, it's about being comfortable in your own skin. If choosing the next size up means you spend an afternoon in the park with your kids and never once worry about blisters on your feet.. consider yourself a job well done.

3. Love often - I am point proven that if you love with all of your heart and soul you can and will be happy. Have passion in the things that you do. Never forget to tell those around you what they mean to you. You will never know when they gone. I get messages from my boyfriend all day, everyday about how much he loves me. It reminds me at taking that little extra step in our relationship means the world to us and our happiness.

4. DANCE - Because sometimes your mood can't be changed until you do so.

5. Sing - It doesn't matter what you sound like. Take the ipod into the bathroom when you shower, crank up the volume, wake up the neighbors and do your best Tina Turner impression.. when you step out you'll feel like a rockstar!

6. Ask for what you need - I know that last one seems like a total shocker.. but it's not. If you want something, ask for it. The worst that someone will tell you is No, and even that's not that bad. Ask your husband to rub your feet, ask your children to put away the dishes AND if it's really what you want.. it will make you happy, which will make them happy and MORE willing to do so in the future. No one is a mind reader, so be sure to ask for what you need.

p.s. Woman... subtle hints for men never work. Say what you are feeling, blatant and honest. They will respect you more in the end.

7. Be your own hero - If that knight in shining armor isn't going to show up anytime soon, pick yourself up princess, jump on that white horse and save yourself. In the end you will feel impowered that you could do it on your own. Never forget that you are in charge of your own happiness. It is no ones fault but your own.

8. Make time for friends - They know you better than you think and they will be there when the times get tough. Be sure to bridge the gap between relationships so that you can create lasting friendships that continue through lifetimes.

9. Reward yourself - You've worked hard all week, indulge a little bit so that you can feel motivated to do it again next week. All work and no play.. means a miserable life. Take time for yourself and do whatever it is that will make you happy.

10. Smile - Last but not least, smile. You have no idea how much you can change a person's day by smiling at them. The next time you walk down the street, look a passing stranger in the eye and smile. More often then not they will smile back and feel special that you took the time to acknowledge them. It helps us remember that we are not alone in this world.

Thanks dears!! I can't wait to read more of your 10 Little Things!!

Since I'm so BRAND happy. Here are a few things from Tropicana. Don't worry, I can't win anything. I just thought it might be something nice for you to read. YAYA!


Trop50 Little Things for Happy, Healthy Living1000 Little Things for Moms from Trop50

More About Trop50 and Juicy Rewards

Tropicana Trop50 provides the goodness of juice with 50 percent less calories and sugars, and no artificial sweeteners. Trop50 is a part of Tropicana’s Juicy Rewards program, which gives consumers more from their juice by offering 20,000 ways to save on fun, healthy pursuits.  With Juicy Rewards, the savings come easily – up to $15 for one carton of Tropicana Pure Premium and up to $30 in savings for one carton of Trop50! 

It takes just three simple steps to participate and save with Juicy Rewards:

1. Buy Tropicana, find the unique code on the package – either under the cap or on the back of specially marked Tropicana Pure Premium and Trop50 products.

2. Register at Tropicana.com, enter the codes to get points.

3. Redeem points for incredible savings on healthy fun.

Trop50 Offerings 

Tropicana Trop50® introduces two new flavors – Pomegranate Blueberry and Pineapple Mango – expanding its innovative line of juice beverages. At 50 calories, each eight-ounce glass squeezes in a full day’s supply of vitamin C and 10 percent of the daily recommended value of antioxidant vitamin E.  Pineapple Mango also is a good source of potassium! TheTrop50 line also includes orange juice beverage varieties: Pulp Free, Some Pulp and Pulp Free Calcium & Vitamin D, which provides 35 percent daily value of calcium & 25 percent daily value of Vitamin D – an excellent source of both nutrients. 

No sleep, a little sick.. but still just as happy

As most of you know I have started a new job at TwitterMoms. That's right, no more," Cartwright law Firm, this is Ashton speaking".. though I know some of you got a kick out of me answering my cell phone like that time and time again.

Back to TwitterMoms.  What is it? Well I like to think  of it as Twitter meets Facebook and then they fall in love with MADD and Oprah and Dr. Phil.. then they have some crazy baby that is named TwitterMoms.

Still doesn't make sense?

Well I work with a bunch or really talented moms. These fierce women are out changing the world one blog post or one 140 character twitter post at a time. They are your the chef's, CEO's, writers and mos of all..... they are MOMS!! They inspire each other and fight constently for what is right. they share tips on motherhood, recipes, traveling and how to deal with celeb's who think they can beat their partners and get away with it (*ahem, Chris Brown).

Don't believe me? Check this out!

At any rate.. I love what I do and I love the moms that I get to interact with each day. They are so smart and so talented.. i hope to be just like them when I grow up.. hehe. At the very least I will know exactly how to raise my children when I get to that point in my life.
-----

A little sick... that's me. I keep having coughing fits. I'm not sure where they come from or what they are caused by. I really do need to stop sleeping over at my knight in shining armors house, I know he's not sleeping when I wake up at 4a with a fever, coughing a lung or two out. Hmph.. any suggestions on at home remedies to get through the night. NyQuil can't helped much :(

--

Arms are sore. I had a photoshoot yesterday with "retrotie" and I am so sore from acting as a "maypole"

Granted with all of my soreness and mosquito bites I really had a great time with all of the lovely models, photographers, painters, riggers and of course the help of my knight who kept me from stangling myself while climbing out of a tree bush. Thanks baby.

Hm.. another day.. another dollar.

I really do need to start making more money. Eating and not worrying so much about cash would be really nice.

Looking to move again soon as well.

xoxo my dears

please keep me up to date with at home remedies, news, and of course places to live in the sf bay area.

THANKS!

"19 ways to feel more confident about your relationship" - Brilliant!

I could not have said it better myself.

This article is inspiring, reassuring and truly motivating for me and my relationship. I found it on the CNN website then added pictures for your viewing pleasure.

What tips have helped you along the way? Do you have any tips that AREN'T on this list? Would love to hear more!!

19 ways to feel more confident 

about your relationship

There are many ways to feel more confident about your relationship, and here are 19 to get you started.

So, take the reins or the bull by the horns (or whatever else comes to mind), and start feeling more assured that the two of you have a good thing going!

1) Don't snoop unless you really have good reason not to trust him. E-mails and voice mails taken out of context can cause a lot of unnecessary heartache.

2) Give him a little friendly competition. It doesn't hurt for him to know that your tall, built, wildly successful artist friend from college periodically tells you you're the one who got away and it's the biggest regret of his life.

3) Skip the games and be up-front. If something's bothering you, tell him directly. Guys don't know what to make of it, and it shakes them up and gives you the upper hand.

4) Be confident in yourself. Finish your degree, apply for the better job or write that novel. If you have a good sense of your own self-worth, you'll be confident in your relationship.

5) Set some ground rules at the beginning. If you both agree that Friday is the night for hanging out with your friends separately, it won't be a conflict when he wants to play poker or you want to take a short road trip with some girlfriends.

6) Don't let the relationship progress too far without discussing major issues. Having children, religious differences, whether either one of you is willing to relocate for a job -- these can be land mines in the future.

7) Work out. It reduces stress and releases endorphins and makes you hot.

8) Be affectionate. If he returns the affection, it'll make you confident. If not, it's time to find a new boyfriend who is affectionate.

9) Avoid the temptation to endlessly analyze details. If he wears the shirt his ex-girlfriend bought him, it may just mean that it's the only clean white shirt he has that day.

10) Similarly, avoid discussing relationship issues with paranoid girlfriends. Paranoia is contagious and, before you know it, you'll be worrying if your boyfriend is cheating, because your friend's husband came home smelling of Angel when she wears only Poison.

11) Have lots of outside interests apart from the relationship. When you start to feel insecure, it helps to have something else to obsess over.

12) Present your best self to your partner and the world. Don't always go out dressed in sweats, and don't sleep in ratty T-shirts every single night. The old adage is true: When you look good, you probably feel good.

13) Replace negative self-talk with affirmations. Every time you find yourself thinking, "I don't deserve this guy," change it to "I deserve a wonderful relationship and more."

14) Don't let yourself become dependent. Know how to unclog the sink and change a tire. Skills are confidence boosters.

15) Let go of emotional baggage. If your grandma told you your sister was the pretty one or your dance teacher said you weren't graceful enough to be in the front row, it doesn't mean your boyfriend thinks you're homely or a klutz now.

16) Be yourself. Trying to maintain a façade is exhausting and confidence-eroding.

17) Similarly, let him be himself. If he feels like you're always picking at him, he'll strike back and it won't feel good.

18) Don't compare your relationship to other people's relationships. The grass isn't always greener, and you never know what's going on behind closed doors.

19) Memorize his credit card numbers. You'll always have the capacity for really serious revenge.

Late Nite Artist

What is it about artists that make us such weird people to be around? And more so then that... why does all of our creativity come out during the night time?

Perhaps you are one of the few artists whose creativity floods their senses in the middle of the day and you are able to just pounce on any idea that floats in front of you.

I, however, am not so lucky. I find myself on nights like tonight. It's 11:54 now 11:55pm and I am so wishing I had hair clips to glue on cute feathers, buttons and other items.  I want to make fun little hair accessories....RIGHT NOW.

Alas, there arw no stores open for me to purchase these items, nor do I have a car to even get there.

I find it funny that most art stores in San Francisco are open daily from 9a - 5p... when most artists I know work the same hours to support their hobby in the first place. Saturdays are filled with art exhibits, fashion shows, vendor boots giving us a chance to show off our hardwork and to connect with other like-minded people.

Then Sunday rolls around and everything is closed all day..

How am I suppose to get any work done?

I slave all week working the daily grind, come home exhausted and in no mood to create, then the weekend rolls around and I am up and adam trying to get things done... still no creating though.. then there is Sunday, when everything is closed

Oh man, what torture it is to be creative.

No wonder why we collect random things, convinced we will someday use them again. It's totally these moments that the lace you found, the buttoms you kept, the elastic that you refused to throw away and the extra thread that you just HAD to buy that keeps us from going insane at night.

I never knew my sewing machine or laptop might be my stay at home babysitter, keeping me from trying to cut up my favorite dress and refashion it into something else.

Tonight, my art is writing. At 12:07, after writing this, re-reading it twice and making corrections and finally coming to a close.. all I can do is thank Apple, Google, Youtube and Facebook for keeping me from ripping a part my room in search of items that I could use.

P.S. I finally got internet after not having it for two weeks.

Expect more posts from me in the near future.

What happens when you follow your dreams?

Saturday I had a great day with my boyfriend and his grandmother. We went to the farmers market and picked up some very addicting maple coated almonds. Note to self: if ever I see a bag of those again, ask how to make them because they are waaaayyyy to good to share the bag with someone else; and i don't even like maple.

Anyway, after crusing the market we jumped on the Sausilito ferry and headed across the bay for lunch. It was so great to see my boyfriend connecting with his grandmother and to see the strong bond and love that a family has for each other. Day in and day out they will always have each others backs, I only wish that my family could be put together like that.

After lunch we headed back to San Francisco to nap before heading to San Jose to see some good friends of ours play in their band, Separate Reality. During the nap I had a dream that when I woke up a ate a clementine and an oreo, then I said goodbye to my boyfriend's grandmother and headed out the door to make the long drive to San Jose. All the while feeling great that I had ate those two things before I had left the house.

So naturally when I woke up I asked myself, "What happens if I play out my dream?"

The result... wisdom, greatness, inspiration and connection like I have never known.

My two friends are having issues with each other and I got the chance to speak with one of them to help them indentify what they really wanted and what they were trying to say to the other one. I got a chance to use examples from my real life and to show what faith and progress can really do.

It was fantastic.

In the end my boyfriend joined the conversation which truly allowed us to reconnect as a couple, to hear an outsiders perspective on issues that we have already faced and to help our friend find ways to make her life better, safer and happier.

If there is one piece of advice that I could offer for today it would be to follow your dreams. You never know where they might lead you.

Who knows if it was the oreo, clementine or the hug from my boyfriend's grandmother that truly made my day that much better. But thanks to everyone involved.

Top words from place names

 http://www.merriam-webster.com/top-ten-lists/bikinis-and-bourbon/bikini.html


#1: Bikini
In July 1946, the United States detonated two nuclear bombs at the Bikini atoll, an island in the South Pacific, which of course was big news around the world.
A year later, a French fashion designer introduced a scanty two-piece bathing suit and named it the bikini.

Unable to find a model immodest enough to wear it, he debuted it on a stripper – and it too became big news.

  

#2: Bourbon

 

How does whiskey get to be called "bourbon"?
By being distilled from mash that is at least 51% corn, then aged in new charred oak barrels.

That's the way people liked it back in the 19th century when it was first created – in Bourbon County, Kentucky.

#3: Denim

Denim, the all-American fabric, actually gets its name from the French words de Nĭmes meaning "of Nĭmes," because it was manufactured in the French city of Nĭmes.

The word jeans is also European in origin – the name comes from the city of Genoa (earlier known as Genes) because the pants were worn by sailors in the Genoese navy.

#4: Lesbian

Originally, lesbian simply meant "from Lesbos," the Greek island pictured here.

Its current sense comes from the ancient poet Sappho, who lived on Lesbos around 600 BC and wrote poems that dealt with the relationships – sometimes passionate – between women.

#5: Tuxedo

Sometimes called a "monkey suit," its origins involve the wolf. Here's why:
In the 1880s the village of Tuxedo Park, about 50 miles north of Manhattan, became a popular resort. It was here that some young men, disregarding the fashion of the day, began to wear dinner jackets without tails.
The new style was soon called the tuxedo.

And the name of the town? It comes from a Native American word meaning wolf.

#6: Marathon

After defeating the Persians at the battle of Marathon, a town in southern Greece, the Athenians sent a messenger to run the 25 miles back home.
According to legend, he delivered the news and then dropped dead.

Marathons became 26 miles, 385 yards at the 1908 Games in London when extra yards were added so the race would finish in front of the royal box.

#7: Donnybrook

The annual Donnybrook Fair near Dublin included fiddlers and dancers, but it was best-known for the frequent eruption of whiskey-fuelled fighting – often involving heavy clubs known as shillelaghs.
The fair was shut down in 1855, but by that time the word donnybrook had bashed its way into the language to mean a free-for-all or brawl

#8: Tequila

Developed in Mexico in the 16th century, this was probably the first distilled alcoholic beverage created in North America.
It's made by fermenting the juice of the pineapple-like fruit of the Mexican agave plant.

Some of the best was – and still is – made in the town of Tequila.

 #9: Badminton

A game with an upper-crust heritage.
Badminton House is the residence of the Duke of Beaufort in southwest England, and the sport is said to have been played there for the first time in 1873.
Originally it was known as "The Game of Badminton," but soon became plain old "badminton."

It's a combination of a children's game called "battledore and shuttlecock" and poona, which was played by British officers in India in the 1860s.

#10: Hamburger

Hamburger means of or from the city of Hamburg, Germany, where this preparation of meat, originally called "Hamburg Steak", originated. In the U.S., the name was applied to the sandwich as well. Frankfurters, by the way, originated in Frankfurt, Germany, where they were often served in beer gardens. And wieners? Named for Vienna, Austria.

Brand New Dress, Brand New Thoughts

I started making this dress this weekend. I am SUPER proud of it. However I'm finding it difficult to sew in my home.

I know that there are people around me who are better at sewing than I am, who have gone through mass amounts of schooling and training to be the seamtress's and designers that they are today. I know that my methods, although unconventional, still get the job done.
It pains me to have creative people look at my work because I know that they are just analyzing it to the fullest extent. What happened to appreciating someone's work just because they are your friend?.... no matter how they made something.. the fact of the matter is, they still tried.

Can't we just appreciate art because it's beautiful, not not analyze every brush stroke, hemline, screen print and color scheme we see.

Maybe it wasn't successful the first or second time, but we all learn our lessons in different ways.

I can not wait until I live on my own, have my own studio, pet and space to make whatever I want, however I want, WHEN ever I want.

I know that is a long shot, but a girl can dream can't she?

Craigslist Resume - Mine..

 Any Tips:

To whom it may concern:

Thank you for clicking on my resume. I am seeking a job that will challenge my creative skills and push me to new levels. I would like a job that has flexible hours as I will be attending school in the fall (CCSF for Fashion Design) but can work full time, all day, every day until then.

I am best fit with companies that are goal oriented, success driven and efficient deadline communicators.  I am best used as a personal assistant, event coordinator, retail manager and other jobs along those lines. I have produced many fashion shows and other events in the San Francisco Bay Area and have become accustomed to managing models, photographers, clothing designers, dj's, venues, etc. I work well on both MAC and PC, I am EXTREMELY detail oriented, so I know there will never be deadlines missed or late excuses.

I would truly love to jump on board with a creative team that is really trying to go places and make a positive impact on this world.

I am currently work at a job where I do the following:

-Receptionist duties
-Assistant Paralegal
-Assistant Legal Secretary
-Filing Clerk
-Case Manager
-Assistant Scheduling Officer

Below I have posted my resume:

Objective:
To obtain a position that will effectively utilize my creative talents and outgoing personality

Qualifications
-Proactive individual with the ability to sell in a results-oriented environment
-Exemplary communication skills with the capacity to successfully handle difficult clients
-6 years of customer service experience in retail, food service, and reception

Experience
San Francisco, CA Receptionist/Paralegal duties, The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc Jun 08 – Present
-Effectively communicated with clients of million dollar cases in an easily understood manner
-Organized and helped assign cases to multiple lawyers in order to match the client intake cycle
-Managed the acquisition of medical, police and photographic records
-Expedited legal communications to clients, law firms and superior court systems
-Composed, updated and managed legal documents
-Managed the noticing of client meetings and call-back reminders
-Remained well mannered and courteous in fast-paced and high-pressure environments

Santa Cruz, CA Sales Associate, Velvet Underground Oct 07 – Feb 08
-Increased sales by applying knowledge of fashion movements and trends to product line and marketing
-Managed store opening and closing as a supervisor
-Demonstrated advanced cash handling transactions, voids, and gift certificates
-Marketed with store display mannequins and jewelry arrangement
-Created a positive image and strong sense of pride by making department clean, neat and easy to shop

Derby, KS Waitress/Customer Service Rep, Applebees Jun 07 – Aug 07
-Sold $1,800+ per shift, beating benchmark $1,000-1,200 by 50-80%
-Served over 70 patrons per shift, covering up to 5 more tables than other servers
-Performed cashiering, hosting and busing duties for co-workers
-Successfully proposed upgrades of sixteen-count entree menu, specialty drinks, and buffet
-Prioritized customer service and up-selling

Santa Cruz, CA Barista, Starbucks Oct 06 – Feb 07
-Demonstrated “Just Say Yes” behavior by connecting with every customer and assessing their needs
-Enhanced the customers experience by offering demonstrations and tasting sessions
-Followed health, safety and sanitation guidelines while maintaining quality store operations
-Performed cashiering, inventory control and store closing/opening duties

Education
-High School Diploma, San Lorenzo Valley High School, Felton, CA Jun 05
-Medical Occupations focus, job shadowed at Dominican and Sutter Hospital
-Provider First Aid and CPR Certificate Apr 09
-Bartending Certification – SF School of Bartending Mar 09

• 
  

10 DUI's.. and you're NOT in jail..

CBC News - Ottawa - Drunk driver loses licence permanently

Oh Man. At what point does the law really get a chance to put it's foot down and say..

"You've been fucking up for quite a few years now, this is your 10th DUI conviction. We're taking your license away.. FOREVER!!"


I my opinion, this should have happened on his third DUI.

Words of Wisdom and Moments of Clarity

This morning I received the following email from a client:

THINK

There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind.
She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her.
She told her boyfriend, 'If I could only see the world, I will marry you.'


One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her.
When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.

He asked her,'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?'

The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind.
The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that.
The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him.


Her boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying:

'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine."

This is how the human brain often works when our status changes.
Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who was always by their side in the most painful situations.


Life Is a Gift


Today before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat..


Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to GOD for a  companion.


Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who went too early to heaven..


Before whining about the distance you drive Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.


And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.


And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and think: you're alive and still around..

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope that this makes you think.

Let's try to make this world a better place. Whether it be through fashion, fundraisers, games, charity work or donations. Do your part to make this world a better place. Sometimes just a simple smile can change a person's ENTIRE day.

Takes your ipod out of your ears, but the cell phone down. Look up and see the world through new eyes. It's been waiting for you.

------

The above story makes me grateful to have started my tattoo for my family members and sad that I haven't finished it.

For those of you who do not know I had two of my siblings pass away due to car accidents. On my rib cage and shoulder blade is a tattoo in memory of them. the text says, "Yesterday is history, tomorrow's a mystery and today is a gift, that's why they call if the present"

I love this quote and it rings true to my life.

-----

What did you think of this passage? What emotions did it envoke for you?

Spring Has Sprung & Tempers Flare

 

Spring is slowly creeping over San Francisco. Flowers are in bloom, trees are turning green with envy and my fellow San Franciscans are still being tormented by last year’s holiday cookie. That’s right, it seems to me that most people around here are looking for a new-year weight loss plan or are seeking to just move forward with their lives. Putting weight loss aside, I feel like the tone of San Francisco has taken a turn for the worst. More and more vehicle related accidents are happening every day, disgruntled homeless screaming at all hours of the night, people stabbing others over miscommunication and of course (my personal favorite) pedestrian’s kicking cars. I’ve seen this 3 times over the past couple of days and it amazes me how angry people are. 

A simple and of course temporary solution to this ever growing problem: eat food, find some sun.

San Francisco has not been up to par with California’s stereotypical standards and I feel like that’s a big part of the angry community I find myself surrounded by. We all just need a little sunshine to get the endorphins running again, gets some much needed Vitamin D and that all over happy feeling of laying in the sun and relaxing for lunch.

EAT! I don’t care if you want to lose weight or not, people need to eat and they need to eat often. If we as humans, animals, insets.. etc. were not suppose to eat, then the world wouldn’t produce so many amazing things that nourish our bodies and bring us back to good health.  I cannot say that being a model has taught me any GOOD eating habits, but on the bright side it has taught me this: People need to snack OFTEN. It’s not an option. All of the “models” that I know have to eat every few hours or they become the meanest people to set foot on a runway. Don’t listen to what the t-shirt tells you, please people, “Feed the Models.”

For those of you thinking, “Duh Ashton, I eat a ton of food, which is exactly WHY I want to lose weight in the first place.” Well do not fret your little heads, just because you “eat a lot” doesn’t mean you are snacking or even eating the good things that your body needs. I will not even get into all the right things that your body HAS to have to survive. I will just tell you this simple tip: Put down your box of Pringles, say no to whipped cream on the white mocha and say yes to full glasses of water, trial mix, carrot sticks and fruit by the pound.

Don’t get me wrong. I am usually stuffing skittles into my mouth by the handfuls while franticly searching for the chocolate that I forgot to pack. I’m not saying you have to give up what you love. But after you finish that bag of skittles, you should probably drink a huge glass of water. It will totally change your mood.

At the end of the day I just hope that everyone can chase the sunshine and eat some food. Go be happy, stop yelling at each other, get lots of sleep and let’s try to be friends. After all San Francisco is not all that big, we need all of the help that we can get.  Enough said. – Ashton Miyako

Laundered Thoughts......

This evening I decided to take my ever so bold and daring first steps to the laundromat 2 blocks from my house. Normally I wouldn't fret over something so silly as washing my laundry, but tonight it was raining flood drops down my face, leaving me to look like a not so pretty and not to nice drenched kitten.

I made the trek out my door with my rolling suitcase filled with 4 weeks worth of dirty laundry, down 2 flights of stairs, up two blocks, over the river and through the gas station...to... grandmothers???.. laundromat I go.

This all started yesterday. So allow me to explain that yesterday I had no such luck. I walked down to see where the cleaning of the clothes happens, but realized I needed to get cash (Don't get me started on trying to find an ATM on this side of town) after finding an Automated Teller Machine I proceeded to ask the clerk who owned the machine if he could kindly "break" a twenty. What I received back was in broken English but I translated it to, "No, we do not give change here." I then asked where I might find a place to give me change and with an angry expression I was asked to leave and told to try next door at the Chinese Meat Market.

Upon walking out I found it slightly comical that I had just walked out of an Italian Pizza joint and was proceeding into a Chinese Meat Market right next door. I figured, "Hey, only in San Francisco do you get diversity like that."

Walking into that market was probably the worst thing I could have done. Two things came to mind that I will never forget. I am going to sum up those two things as, The Rules of The Chinese Meat Market:

1.) If you do not speak Chinese, you better look Chinese. If you are neither of the two, go somewhere else.

Unless..

2.) If you do not look Chinese and you do not speak Chinese, than you best be buying something. If not, go somewhere else.

I, however, had to learn this lesson the hard way. Being yelled at in Chinese while being fed the "shoo fly" hand motion told me that I did not speak nor look Chinese and I was not going to buy something. I needed to go somewhere else.

That somewhere else was Popeye's, diagonally across the street from the two places I now call "WTF!" and "Oh Hell NO!". I proceeded to try and enter this establishment but was "blocked" by many of the people outside. I had my iPod on so that I purposely could not hear them. After one step forward and still shut down I left the area only to be yelled at again in some language I could not understand over Elton John singing, "...b-b-b-Benny and the Jets" It amazes me the type of people living in this world. To be rude to a perfect stranger and not even care. Who is teaching these kids that it's ok to act like that? Certianly not my parents, that's for sure.

After temporary insanity set in, I found myself at home thinking, I can't believe I live in a place like this. Then decided to try again today.

Today as I was saying earlier was much more successful. I had change for my twenty; my laundry was packed and ready to go in the rolling suitcase and I was in the mood for singing in the rain.

Doing laundry wasn't as bad as I thought it would have been (getting there was half the battle) considering all of my whirlwind experiences from the night before. It only cost me $6.50 and an hour and a half of my time; which, in my mind, was totally worth it.

Somewhere between listening to FRIENDS and folding my teeny tiny underwear (Oh, and some creepy man on a cell phone staring at me and speaking to another person in a language I don't understand....yet again) I found myself asking this question:

What if the next time you started dating someone, you had to go through their laundry (clean, of course) to find out what type of person would they be and would you want to date them. If you're currently attached, would you still have chosen to be with that person if you had only met their clothing before ever seeing their face?

Realizing the possibilities one would have while surfing through piles of my underwear, thigh high socks, custom made dresses and too many scarves, I came up with more questions:

How do clothes define someone while they are not wearing them?

Would people come to the same conclusions?
What kind of judgments can you put on a person's clothing, without ever seeing them in it?

In my own daily life, would I still have chosen the boyfriend that I currently have?
Would I have looked through his clothing and decided to still be with him?

Can seeing the clothing of a person you've never met change your mind about meeting them?

So many questions.. so many answers.. I look forward to hearing yours. Please take the time and let me know your thoughts on the subject. I love hearing the thoughts of the people around me.

Yippie!!