My Life Updates & Favorites :-)

Season's Greetings!

2011-12-25T13:03:00.003-05:00

~My dearest family and friends~

Happy Holidays!

Season's Greetings!

Merry Christmas!

Happy Hanukkah!

Happy Kwanza!

Happy Winter Solstice!

And anything and everything you may celebrate!!!

:-)

Lots of hugs and best wishes,

Anisha

August 12, 2011

2011-08-12T22:50:00.001-04:00

In the past six months, I have had two days off from work (not counting weekends). One was to take an MBA summer semester final. And the other is today - a beautiful, non-rainy, wonderful, warm summer day in New York City, that I am spending out and about, with the love of my life, celebrating our 3 year anniversary together :-) Couldn't ask for a better Friday in August!

Best. Day. Ever. Happy 3 year anniversary to the love of my life - and cheers to many more to come! :-) and happy Friday to everyone else hehehehe!

new niece!

2011-07-14T20:19:00.003-04:00

YAYYY!!! Today my cousin had a beautiful baby girl, Harper, and so Auntie Nishi (me) is an aunt again!!!! :-) So excited and happy! Yay for new life in the world <3

Happy July 4th!!!

2011-07-04T17:24:00.000-04:00

Happy July 4th & Independence Day! I spent the day by the lake, having a Panera picnic with Mohit ♥ This is me relaxing, taking a little nap, on my red sheet ;-) I have never appreciated a day off from work, MBA and life...SOOO MUCH!!!! ♥ I hope you enjoyed as much as I did! :-)

New York = Equal Love

2011-07-03T02:16:00.002-04:00

NYC pic

2011-06-25T12:54:00.005-04:00

The Empire State Building lit up with rainbow colors to represent and celebrate both Gay Pride weekend in New York, and the Senate passing a same-sex / equality rights for marriage law (only by 4 votes, and that too in a Republican controlled Senate). Overwhelmingly amazing! YAH GO NEW YORK! GO EQUALITY AND LOVE AND HUMANITY! :-)

YAHH!! GO NEW YORK!!!

2011-06-25T12:35:00.001-04:00

New York legalized same-sex marriage.

New York passes equal marriage law.

http://wvgazette.com/News/201106250022

"It's truly a historic night for love, our families, and democracy won.'' "New York became the sixth and largest state in the country to legalize gay marriage, breathing life into the national gay rights movement that had stalled over a nearly identical bill here two years ago."

http://harvardcrcl.org/2011/06/25/new-york-passes-marriage-equality/

"New York becomes the largest state to entrench marriage equality, and the legislature’s reversal may create momentum for proponents nationwide. The result will likely be attributed to shifting public opinion. A Quinnipiac poll cited by the New York Times suggested that support for gay marriage amongst New Yorkers rose from 37% to 58% in the two years separating the failed vote from the successful one."

Restoring the Light

2011-06-06T10:12:00.003-04:00

My friend Carol, who graduated from NYU film school, is a documentary filmmaker. For the past 3 years, she has been living in China and making a film about a rural eye doctor who gives up his savings and home in order to bring transformative eye care to the remote villages of northwest China. Carol says, “As I followed the journey of his mobile clinic, I discovered incredible stories of resilience in the everyday lives of people living in this region: I met a brilliant young boy who spent everyday penned in his yard because of his blindness, yet who dreamt of becoming a truck driver to support his family; a young woman who, in spite of a debilitating bone infection, became the first in her family to attend college. Her family lived in a cave for over 60 years. She wants to become an artist.”

About the film: "Restoring the Light" is an hour-long feature documentary about a local eye doctor's quest to provide free healthcare to remote impoverished villages in northwest China. His journey reveals an intimate portrait of an unobserved Chinese farming community's resilience and hope. Carol's film, “Restoring the Light,” has an incredible trailer, more about the film, opportunities to donate, etc on her film’s website: http://www.restoringthelight.com

We are so lucky and blessed to live in a country where eye care is both accessible and affordable, especially through health/vision insurance. Since I work at the Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration, we see/hear/know about the miracles of eye transplants on a daily basis.
I cannot imagine all that Carol has encountered on her journey.
Thank you for reading,
Anisha

milestones!!!

2011-05-24T23:06:00.002-04:00

Most probably my LAST SUMMER SEMESTER EVER IN GRAD SCHOOL!!!!!!
:-)

peace

2011-04-25T23:17:00.002-04:00

amazing cover by Glee

2011-04-25T23:11:00.002-04:00

I walked across an empty land
I knew the pathway like the back of my hand
I felt the earth beneath my feet
Sat by the river and it made me complete
Oh simple thing, where have you gone
...I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin
This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go somewhere only we know
Somewhere only we know

tv shoot!

2011-04-25T22:49:00.002-04:00

Law and Order CI filmed outside my work today on Wall Street. I saw them shoot the same detective scene 12 times! Reminds me of my days working in film in Cali :-) And yes I did see Vincent D'Onofrio aka Detective Goren and Kathryn Erbe aka Detective Eames :-)

Judas

2011-04-24T22:50:00.001-04:00

Only Gaga can take two biblical characters and make a hit pop dance song out of it - and I LOVE IT! Can't stop dancing :-)

The lyrics remind me of the struggle between good and evil....really interesting!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T10:53:00.001-04:00

Happy Easter!
:-)

Happy Earth Day!

2011-04-22T22:54:00.000-04:00

Hug a tree!
:-)

NYC rain

2011-04-18T23:07:00.002-04:00

Turning Tables

2011-04-16T22:58:00.002-04:00

Touches something in my heart and soul

me

2011-04-09T23:06:00.001-04:00

Waiting for the bus, on my way to work, on the day of our big fundraising event, April 2011 :-)

3 years in NYC!!!!

2011-04-03T17:09:00.006-04:00

3 years ago tonight, I got on a plane with a duffel bag & suitcase, woke up April 4th morning & started my new life in New York City, my biggest dream since I was 16. Here I am 3 years later: living my dream, supporting myself, completing my health care MBA, working in my field, helping people everyday, found my soulmate, in love & enjoying every moment in the greatest city in the world :-) DREAMS DO COME TRUE! :-)

Tsunami in Japan

2011-03-11T22:37:00.001-05:00

Please go online and donate to the victims of the Japan tsunami right now. I read an article on CNN that a lot of bogus websites are going to pop up during this crisis, where the money is not going to Japan. For this reason, donate through official sites, like Red Cross, and Save the Children International, etc. If you don't want to donate online, you can text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to Japans emergency relief. Help others, in general every day, but especially in times of crisis and need. And this is a global crisis. Please go and donate. Do this to help others. Please do it now. Thank you.

love

2011-02-12T13:04:00.003-05:00

30 months (2 1/2 years) anniversary with my love! YAY! Wow time flies, but treasuring every single moment makes it last forever :-) So happy and blessed!

new job!

2011-02-07T21:08:00.000-05:00

Today is one of the best days of my life. I got a new job, in my field (healthcare) at a non-profit on Wall Street. Finally using my MBA in Health Services Management to help people on a daily basis, in the greatest city in the world (NYC)!!! I truly believe that with hard work and faith, you will achieve your goals and dreams, and get what you deserve in this life :-) SO happy and excited! I start in 2 days!!!

Pic

2011-02-06T20:30:00.000-05:00

At a cafe for brunch - upper east side, NYC :-) Photo by Mohit ♥

This One's For the Girls

2011-02-05T00:09:00.000-05:00

I first heard this song during a summer at camp. It's such a sweet, beautiful and true song about being proud to be a girl at any age, and how the different stages of life are all to be celebrated with love and happiness :-) The video is sweet and adorable also :-) This song always makes me teary and emotional - not just because it reminds me of camp days, but because the lyrics are so beautiful and empowering to love yourself at any age and be happy and love :-)

This One's For the Girls
by Martina McBride

This is for all you girls about 13
High school can be so rough, can be so mean
Hold on to, on to your innocence
Stand your ground when everybody's givin' in
This one's for the girls

This is for all you girls about 25
In little apartments, just tryin' to get by
Livin' on, on dreams and spaghettios
Wonderin' where your life is gonna go

This one's for the girls
Who've ever had a broken heart
Who've wished upon a shooting star
You're beautiful the way you are
This one's for the girls
Who love without holdin' back
Who dream with everything they have
All around the world, this one's for the girls
(This one's for all the girls)

This is for all you girls about 42
Tossin' pennies into the fountain of youth
Every laugh, laugh line on your face
Made you who you are today

Yeah, we're all the same inside
From 1 to 99

This one's for the girls

OMG

2010-12-27T16:21:00.004-05:00

"Snow drifts and ice stalled a New York City subway train this morning, trapping passengers without heat, food, or water for more than six hours--even as the train was mere feet away from a subway platform. They were just some of the countless people left stranded by a powerful East Coast blizzard that shut down roads, rail lines, and major airports. The train was finally towed to a nearby station just before 8am. Meanwhile, thousands of travelers were stranded overnight at the New York City area's three airports, Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark, after more than 1400 flights were cancelled. Blankets and cots were provided in some cases, but some passengers who had already checked their bags were not allowed to retrieve them, and so had no extra clothing or toiletries."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20101227/ts_yblog_thelookout/passengers-stranded-for-over-6-hours-without-heat-on-nyc-subway-train

yay holidays!

2010-12-25T20:13:00.012-05:00

December 2010

To my beautiful family and wonderful friends,

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Happy New Year! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Hanukkah! (and anything and everything else you may celebrate!!!)

Wishing you and your family and friends a safe, happy and lovely holiday season :-) I hope everyone is enjoying with family and friends and FOOD!

My Christmas tree in my NYC apt :-)

Rockafeller tree in NYC - Dec 2010 :-)

Festive holiday candles and gingerbread man with red holiday pom pom earmuffs :-)

Peppermint soy white hot chocolate in a festive Starbucks holiday cup :-)

First snow in NYC!!!!

Store window decorations in NYC!!! :-)

hilarious video!

2010-12-08T17:23:00.000-05:00

M1 Patient Diagnosis

Welcome Christmas!

2010-12-08T01:05:00.004-05:00

Beautiful Christmas song :-)

Originally from the movie "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"

Covered by the Glee cast :-)

Glee means happiness, delight, and joy from within :-)

PATS!!!!!!!

2010-12-06T21:50:00.005-05:00

Today is one day that I will be anti-New York. GO PATRIOTS!!! GO BRADY!!! TAKE THOSE JETS DOWN!!!! AHHH!!!! Faithfully loyal to my team, those my boys ♥ I am wearing my #12 blue Brady jersey and watching the game :-) Love it!!!

MBA

2010-12-06T20:44:00.001-05:00

I finished my HR class finals & work early. My professor graded everything & I got an A in the course :-) She said I wrote one of the best final papers & praised me highly!

Xmas in the city!!!

2010-12-04T00:56:00.006-05:00

"Starry nights, city lights, coming down over me, skyscrapers, stargazers in my head" ~Green Day

Xmas tree across the street from my apt :-)

Soy peppermint white hot chocolate in a Xmas cup!!! :-)

I love life stream of thoughts

2010-11-21T00:55:00.008-05:00

I celebrated Thanksgiving with Mohit - our early celebration together, since we are both going home for the holidays. Two of my friends passed the bar exam :-) I bought the Glee: Christmas album. I love ALL Christmas music. But I love all music period :-) I got a new candle that is apple-cinnamon flavored. Mmm smells so nice and warms up my apt. I can't wait to put up my little mini Christmas tree in my apt too. I love this fall and winter season, the scents, the warmth, the spirit, the music, the snow, the lights, the decorations, the foods. Yay the holidays! I'm listening to Green Day - the Broadway songs version. I got some new things for my apt, including an air purifier, pink fuzzy slippers, a ball chair from Gaiam, and got holiday festive foods and groceries also. Love it! New York City is beautiful in the fall. See the leaves and trees near my apt :-)

Happy Diwali!!!!!!

2010-11-05T20:02:00.005-04:00

To my wonderful and beautiful family and friends :-)
Happy Diwali to you and to all of your family and friends :-)
Enjoy!!!
Love of love and hugs,
Anisha

See these Diwali pictures from India from this year - so beautiful!
http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-205_162-10005464.html?tag=page

I Look To You

2010-10-05T23:38:00.004-04:00

A song about looking to God in our darkest times and moments, for strength and faith and hope :-)
The song and lyrics are incredibly beautiful <3
Touches the soul :-)

Original song: I Look To You by Whitney Houston

This version: Glee cover

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uYn3EKF7M8

As I lay me down

heaven hear me now

I'm lost without a cause

After giving it my all.

Winter storms have come and darkened my sun.

After all that I've been through

Who on earth can I turn to?

I look to you I look to you.

After all my strength is gone,

In you I can be strong I look to you, I look to you yeah

And when melodies are gone, In you I hear a song, I look to you.

Youuuuu

About to lose my breathe, there's no more fighting left,

Sinking to rise no more, searching for that open door.

And every road that I've taken (hmm) lead to my regret.

And I don't know if I'm going to make it.

Nothing to do but lift my head I look to you, I look to you.

After all my strength is gone, in you I can be strong I look to you I look to you.

And when melodies are gone yeah

In you I hear a song,

I look to you.

My levees are broken, my walls have come tumbling down on me

The rain is falling, defeat is calling.

I need you to set me free.

Take me far away from the battle. I need you, shine on me.

I look to you, I look to you.

After all my strength is gone, In you I can be strong I look to you I look to you.

And when melodies are gone, in you I hear a song I look to you.

Sink or Swim

2010-09-25T19:56:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite songs and lyrics of all time (and my ringtone) :-)

"Hearing the song in your laughter, A melody I chase after, No one else has done this to me" ♥

Link:
Sink or Swim by Tyrone Wells

Embedded:

science and divinity

2010-09-25T19:55:00.002-04:00

"The whole history of science has been the gradual realization that events do not happen in an arbitrary manner, but that they reflect a certain underlying order, which may or may not be divinely inspired." - Steven Hawkings "A Brief History of Time"

Women Will Rule the World!!!

2010-08-24T16:28:00.002-04:00

http://www.newsweek.com/2010/07/06/women-will-rule-the-world.html?obref=obinsite

When historians write about the great recession of 2007–08, they may very well have a new name for it: the Mancession. It’s a term already being bandied about in the popular media as business writers chronicle the sad tales of the main victims of the recession: men. They were disproportionately represented in the industries hit hardest during the downturn, including financial services, manufacturing, and construction, and their higher salaries often put them first in the line of fire. Men are the victims of two thirds of the 11 million jobs lost since the recession began in 2007; in August 2009, when U.S. male unemployment stood at 11 percent (versus 8.3 for women), it was the largest unemployment gender gap in the postwar era. Those numbers have improved, a bit—new unemployment figures show men at 9.9 percent and women at 7.8—but not enough to stop Larry Summers, the president’s top economic adviser, from speculating recently, that “when the economy recovers, five years from now, one in six men who are 25 to 54 will not be working.”

Happy India Independence Day!

2010-08-15T19:57:00.002-04:00

Happy India Independence Day! The Empire State Building is lit up with the colors of the Indian flag today :-)

personality

2010-08-04T11:53:00.006-04:00

I took a random personality quiz online, and this is what it said about me (which is pretty much exactly right!!!) :-)

You are an explorer. You're always on the hunt for new exotic adventures that will appeal to your wild spirit. You'll try anything once! You've got a wonderfully childlike spirit. You see the beauty in the simplest of things. Happiness is not something to save for the future, it's about living in the moment. Nothing gets you excited like the thought of setting off on trip somewhere you've never been before. You really enjoy getting into planning all the sites you want to see. You're a bit of a cultural sponge too. You love checking out all the latest films, books and music. Deep down, you've got a big heart and like to put others first. Nothing puts a smile on your face like being able to make a difference. But remember it's always good to fit a little time for yourself in the mix too. Your batteries won't run forever!

My life's purpose and testament

2010-07-21T11:22:00.002-04:00

All around us, there is negativity, pain, sorrow, unhealthy things, illegal activities, immoral actions, and so much wrongdoing that is happening to others and being done by people. People need help in all areas and aspects of life.
I cannot live in a world where all this is happening and not do something about it.

In the summer of 2005, I attended a healthy lifestyle camp that changed my life. It focused on physical health, inner strength, emotional growth, and living a healthy, fit and balanced life, in all aspects, inside and out. It was like no other camp or experience out there. The following summer of 2006, I returned to camp as a counselor, to help other girls the way I had been helped. Both summers changed my life. After only a few years in existence, Camp California Fitness closed due to lack of funding. I was devastated. I knew that in those five years, hundreds of lives had been changed for girls ages 8-21, forever friendships were born, and a lifetime of memories were made, laughter and love were shared, and knowledge was gained that changed all of our lives forever. I could not imagine that place not being there anymore to help more people because I know this world is full of people who need help in all different ways in levels. That camp was a safe haven, because no matter what your issue or concern or problem, there was something for everyone there, and everyone gained at least one thing, if not more, and left a better and changed person. What I experienced there, both as a camper and counselor, opened my eyes to a world of issues and problems from a to z, and how so many people can be helped and lives can be changed in so many different ways. Half of my best friends today are people I met in those two summers, and many others I am still in touch with. You leave a changed, grown, better person with friendships that last a lifetime.

The experience of camp, and then it's closing, made me realize that I want to have a career where I can help others and promote change, growth and positive actions on a small, big and widespread level. So I decided to go to grad school to get my MBA in Health Services Management. I know that my every day job, work life and career will be helping others. In addition, I want to continue to volunteer my time and money and give back in all ways that I can. And whether or not I am able to start a similar camp to CCF, I know I will continue to spread the message of living a healthy, fit, balanced and well rounded lifestyle, and maybe start a support group, a camp or anything that I can do to keep helping people who struggle in the area of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. I know just someone listening to you and giving you the right guidance can be the best medicine for mind, body and soul healing and growth. I have seen it with my own eyes. I have seen girls of all ages and backgrounds and walks of life conquer their destructive habits and surpass all of their inner and outer problems, learn how to handle them better, deal with them properly, gain knowledge to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle in all aspects and ways, inside and out, and become these incredible young women and go on to do amazing things. This includes myself as one of those girls. And many of them continue to help others in these areas of health today, not to mention their own lives being changed. That is what I wish to do in this world and in my lifetime. I feel this is both my purpose and my calling. My main goal in life is to work with others to create positive change in the world, in all ways, small, big and widespread.

Without health, we have nothing and we can do nothing. So be healthy and be happy. I wish this for everyone. Health in mind, body and spirit.

After I found out camp had closed, I saw people's friendships continue to stay strong and to grow. I knew that we would always keep those memories and experiences of camp with us, in our minds and hearts, and that we would always remember what we learned there, keep that with us, live a healthy, fit and balanced lifestyle, and share that message with those in our lives. I knew that no matter what, this reminded me of how much I want to continue to help people in my life, and be a part of the positive energy in this world that will conquer all the negative aspects. I know that even one signature on a petition, a smile to a stranger, giving up my seat on the train, one hour of volunteering, participating in a walk to show my solidarity for a cause, one dollar of donation - every single action and every single person does help to change the world and add to the positive energy. In a world filled with chaos, these days just being a good person and living a right life is more than enough. If you can do even one thing beyond that, that is beautiful.

No judgments. No expectations. No pointing fingers. No asking questions. Just selfless giving back and helping others and being one person to contribute to positive change and growth in this world. I do matter and count and make a difference.
This is how I choose to live my life. And I pass the choice on to you.
Live well, healthy, happy and free. Love openly. Give. Open up your eyes and your heart. Help to change the world, one day and one action at a time. Be a part of the positive energy that is all around us. We just have to feel it to see it and make it work.
It's up to all of us.
Peace to all
<3

Open Up Your Eyes

2010-07-20T19:41:00.004-04:00

by Daughtry

For the first time you can open your eyes
And see the world without your sorrow
And no one knows the pain you left behind
And all the peace you could never find
Is waiting there to hold and keep you
Welcome to the first day of your life
Just open up your eyes

morning light 2

2010-07-18T11:40:00.003-04:00

Another MBA all nighter had me seeing the beautiful early morning light again from my apt, but thankfully I am all done with my summer semester now :-)

Two all nighters in a row during MBA summer semester finals week - insane. Seeing the morning light from the sun rise two nights in a row - beautiful. Knowing that as of this morning, I am 100% done with my semester and have six weeks before fall semester begins - priceless! :-)

Crawl

2010-07-17T19:35:00.003-04:00

Such a beautiful song and video! ♥

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34v8xoOhhFI&feature=related

So we'll crawl, till we can walk again, then we'll run, until we're strong enough to jump, then we'll fly, until there is no end

So not counting the part of the song that is about getting back to love (he's singing about fixing his relationship with a girl)
but the chorus of the song means an entirely different thing to me
and I took this song, especially the chorus, to mean a lot more than just about romantic love and relationships
it means to me that when we can't walk, we can still crawl, and when we cant run, we can still walk, and when we cant jump, we can still run, and when we cant fly, we can still jump, and one day we will fly, and we will fly forever
and it means to me that no matter our difficulties or hardships, no one and nothing can stop us from doing what we want to achieve, our goals, our dreams, whatever is in our heart and soul, we can do it, nothing and no one can stop us :-)

morning light

2010-07-17T06:43:00.001-04:00

I was up early morning doing work, and I took these pics while lying down on my bed, looking up and out of my middle window in my apt :-) Morning light and the sun lit sky - love it!I haven't faced the street in a long time, so it's really nice! I live in the main part of the city now - trucks honk. Laundromat open at 8:30am. People out and about all the time, early in the morning and late at night. Really love it :-) The fourth pic is of a park near my apt - a few blocks away, near the subway. There is some water fountain play thing coming out of the ground - it's really nice!
And the fifth pic is of a restaurant that I tried near my apt - fusion of Indian and Chinese restaurant "Chinese Mirch" :-)

equality

2010-07-17T01:32:00.004-04:00

No offense to anyone else's religious views or beliefs, and all I want to say is that I believe God created men and women to be equal and views humanity thus way. So what is this nonsense - by the Catholic Church?! Who promote God, religion and faith - and compare women being ordained to sex abuse?! WHAT?! Forget being... a feminist, I am also a human being! Women or men, we are all humans, AND ALL EQUAL!!! WHEN WILL THE WORLD ALSO LEARN THIS?!!!! Equality. Geez.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jul/15/vatican-attempted-ordination-women-grave-crime

travel

2010-07-10T16:43:00.002-04:00

I love....the beach, the ocean, the sun, the rain, nature, trees, lakes, forests, the outdoors, camping, hiking, mountains, scenery, fresh air, crisp scents of nature and trees, swimming, running, palm trees, all trees, warm sand in my toes, rocks and dirt, all shapes and sizes, scents of summer, scents of the rain, mist, fog, waves, froth of the waves, swimming in the pool, swimming in the ocean, lying on the beach, sun on my face, trails, paths, climbing the rocks, tide pools, docks on the lake, rivers, gorgeous sunrise, serene sunset, the colors of the sky, the sounds of the city, the sounds of nature, waterfalls, flowing water, streams, clouds, cloud formations, flowers, raindrops on petals, icebergs, colors, the soft falling snow, cold flakes on my eyelashes and cheeks, the beauty and serenity of the world around us, in the air, on the ground, under the sea, in the skies :-)

Any trip or vacation I take with anyone, friends, family, anyone, I love having these elements present and a part of that trip experience and in every and all experiences in my life, and that even when visiting or living in a big city or metropolitan area, to also find places where you can see and experience these elements also. I want to find more places in New York, esp outside Manhattan, that have more of these elements. The outdoors is beautiful and natural and amazing. And really, if we see, it is all around us - even in the middle of the city, there is the warm sun on your face or the scent of rain or the mist and fog by the bridge. It's all around us, everywhere :-) As long as we have open minds and hearts to see it :-) It's present in our every day lives, not just on trips and vacations. And also, I have seen some amazing places, not just living in California, but also trips to Hawaii, Europe, Florida, Grand Canyon, things like that :-)

health

2010-07-09T00:36:00.002-04:00

"It begins to appear that almost everything one does to gain a livelihood or for pleasure is fattening, immoral, illegal, or, even worse, oncogenic."

- Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease

(oncogenic means bringing about tumors - so it's related to cancer or bringing about cancer)

So don't be like everyone else!!!!!
Live your life your way - a good and right way - healthy, fit and happy, filled with love and peace

<3

big boy!

2010-07-05T13:17:00.000-04:00

My nephew Liam turns 3 today! Wow, they grow up so fast! He is a big boy now :-)

I want a pug doggie!!!

2010-06-18T19:15:00.003-04:00

Awwww sooo cute!!!! :-)

My Dad shared these life's sayings with me

2010-06-17T20:53:00.001-04:00

Keep reminding yourself of these simple things in life.

Health:

1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
5. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, and prayer.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2008.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes’ walk every day. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:

11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't overdo. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:

25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:

32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up..
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Happiness is contagious and so is sadness but choice is yours... :) you know what I mean.

Worst Paying College Degrees

2010-05-10T23:09:00.001-04:00

It is sad that most of these jobs are related to the arts / fine arts / music /drama, and then also helping others in social work, and then others are related to education, teaching and theology (God). It seems what is most beautiful and important and life cannot be made into a career - unless you are one in a million for the arts ones, like the top artist, actor, singer, etc.
It is ironic that our teachers and professors make the most difference in our lives - yet they get paid the least. But stupid actors and actresses are millionaires. I don't get it?!

Worst Paying College Degrees

Charles Purdy, Yahoo! HotJobs senior editor, Yahoo! HotJobs

There's no denying the value of a college education: According to recent U.S. Census surveys, the median salary for college grads is more than $20,000 higher than that of people with only a high school diploma. And the unemployment rate for people with bachelor's degrees is almost half the rate for people without.

But some degrees are worth more than others, as PayScale.com shows in its 2010 report on the earning power of bachelor's degrees.

No surprise, engineering degrees continue to be top earners--and (also no big shocker) you have to go pretty far down the list before you see the liberal arts well represented.

But there's more to choosing a major than comparing dollar amounts. We salute and congratulate the graduates whose interests (and hard work) have led them to the following degrees--the lowest-earning degrees on PayScale's list.

10. Drama (starting annual salary: $35,600; mid-career annual salary: $56,600)
Some mega-millionaire movie stars with drama degrees (Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep, for instance) may be skewing these numbers upward--for every Denzel and Meryl, there are thousands of thespians struggling to make ends meet. But you don't study drama because you want to get rich--you study drama because you love the theater. (And an ability to act comes in handy in many professions.)

9. Fine arts (starting annual salary: $35,800; mid-career annual salary: $56,300)
Well, it takes an artist to make a thrift-store wardrobe look like a million bucks.

8. Hospitality and tourism (starting annual salary: $37,000; mid-career annual salary: $54,300)
Jobs that include tips may be skewing these numbers downward--and this is an industry that looks to be on the rebound as the economy improves. Plus, the perks associated with jobs in hospitality and tourism may compensate for the comparatively low salaries--many jobs in the industry allow extensive travel (or provide considerable travel discounts).

7. Education (starting annual salary: $36,200; mid-career annual salary: $54,100)
For the right people, teaching is an immensely rewarding career--and it's truly a noble one. The good news is, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment opportunities for primary, secondary, and special education teachers are expected to grow by 14 percent in the coming decade. And there will be plenty of new opportunities in continuing education for adults, as professional skill requirements change ever more rapidly.

6. Horticulture (starting annual salary: $37,200; mid-career annual salary: $53,400)
It seems that a green thumb doesn't necessarily bring in the greenbacks. But when you work among flowers and plants in a nursery or garden, who needs 'em?

5. Spanish (starting annual salary: $35,600; mid-career annual salary: $52,600)
As an old proverb puts it, when you learn a new language, you "gain a new soul." Who could put a price on that? And certainly, knowing Spanish--the language with the second-highest number of native speakers (after Mandarin)--in addition to English opens up a world of job opportunities beyond Spanish teacher or translator (as a plus, you can better enjoy a world of fantastic Spanish-language music, movies, and literature).

4. Music (starting annual salary: $34,000; mid-career annual salary: $52,000)
Hey, if being a musician were easy, everyone would do it. Some of us are guitar heroes; most of us just play the video game.

3. Theology (starting annual salary: $34,800; mid-career annual salary: $51,500)
This is the perfect example of a degree earned by someone who's "not in it for the money": people who choose to study theology often feel they're pursuing a higher calling (and often feel a strong desire to do good in the world, no matter the cost).

2. Elementary education (starting annual salary: $33,000; mid-career annual salary: $42,400)
Specializing in elementary education means a lower median salary than an education degree (number 7).

1. Social work (starting annual salary: $33,400; mid-career annual salary: $41,600)
They say that crime doesn't pay. As this list seems to point out, neither does helping people. So it's a good thing that many college students seem to believe that helping others is its own reward--social workers are an indispensable safety net for people who've fallen on difficult times. And the BLS reports that the outlook for opportunities in this field are favorable--particularly for social workers who work in rural areas or with senior citizens.

(Source: PayScale salary survey. Methodology: Annual pay is for bachelor's graduates without higher degrees. Typical starting salaries are for graduates with two years of experience; mid-career salaries are for graduates with 15 years of experience. PayScale also provides salary information by college; for more information, check out PayScale's Best Colleges Report.)

March for Babies 2010!!!

2010-04-24T21:12:00.001-04:00

March for Babies weekend! Good luck to all - from coast to coast - enjoy every moment! :-) Lets all join together and donate time and money, and lend a helping hand to support healthy babies! ♥ "I'm giving every baby a healthy start!" "One day all babies will be born healthy!" http://marchforbabies.org/ http://marchofdimes.com/

beautiful words of wisdom

2010-04-24T21:10:00.000-04:00

Famous and heartwarming author Maya Angelou said this:

'I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.'

'I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things:
a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.'

'I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.'

'I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life.'

'I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.'

'I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back...'

'I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.'

'I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.'

'I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back...'

'I've learned that I still have a lot to learn..'

'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'

this is amazing! advances in health :-)

2010-04-23T11:28:00.004-04:00

Full Face Transplant a success!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8639437.stm

:-)

this is GOOD! And finally!!!

2010-04-16T10:06:00.005-04:00

Best line of this article:

"I kept saying it's not a gay right to hold someone's hand when they die, its a human right,"

Obama extends hospital visitation rights to same-sex partners of gays

By Michael D. Shear
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, April 16, 2010; A01

President Obama mandated Thursday that nearly all hospitals extend visitation rights to the partners of gay men and lesbians and respect patients' choices about who may make critical health-care decisions for them, perhaps the most significant step so far in his efforts to expand the rights of gay Americans.

The president directed the Department of Health and Human Services to prohibit discrimination in hospital visitation in a memo that was e-mailed to reporters Thursday night while he was at a fundraiser in Miami.

Administration officials and gay activists, who have been quietly working together on the issue, said the new rule will affect any hospital that receives Medicare or Medicaid funding, a move that covers the vast majority of the nation's health-care institutions. Obama's order will start a rule-making process at HHS that could take several months, officials said.

Hospitals often bar visitors who are not related to an incapacitated patient by blood or marriage, and gay rights activists say many do not respect same-sex couples' efforts to designate a partner to make medical decisions for them if they are seriously ill or injured.

"Discrimination touches every facet of the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, including at times of crisis and illness, when we need our loved ones with us more than ever," Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said in a statement praising the president's decision.

Read the full article here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/15/AR2010041505502.html?hpid=topnews

my trips to Cali!

2010-04-09T13:44:00.000-04:00

Helloooo to my family and friends,

I hope this finds all of you happy and well :-)

So I will be in Cali for a few days in May. Wednesday May 19th - Sunday May 23rd. Mostly family and home time, including my Dad's birthday, but I definitely want to see as many people as possible, maybe we can have a big group get together or something :-)

Then I will be back in Cali in November for Thanksgiving, and in December/January for Christmas/New Years. Usually I would come home in summer or fall also, but my cousin is getting married in NYC in September, so big family reunion out here on the east coast, so I'll just be coming to Cali in May, Nov and Dec this year :-)

Hope to see y'all at some point this year! :-) especially if you are in the bay area!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love and hugs,

Anisha

Easter and 2 years!

2010-04-04T13:45:00.001-04:00

Happy Easter!

And Happy Anniversary to me, as I celebrate 2 years in NYC today!!!

:-)

History Made Today!

2010-03-22T12:23:00.002-04:00

BY Kenneth R. Bazinet and Michael Mcauliff
DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU

WASHINGTON - It's not just change to believe in - it's change that's real after the U.S. House of Representatives voted Sunday night for a sweeping overhaul of American health care.

Making the nation's medical system work better and cover Americans was the signature issue of President Obama's campaign. In his second year, he has won a historic reform that some rank with such milestone achievements as civil rights acts and the creation of Social Security.

"This is what change looks like," a triumphant Obama said from the White House, minutes before midnight.

"We proved that we are still a people capable of doing big things," the President said. "Tonight's vote answers the prayers of every American who has hoped deeply for something to be done about a health care system that works for insurance companies but not for ordinary people."

As the deciding vote was cast, an exuberant Obama high-fived White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.

Democrats roared in delight on the House floor as the main bill squeaked through 219 to 212, four months after it had passed the Senate. Republicans were unanimously opposed, joined by 34 Democrats. Fixes to the Senate bill were approved separately, 220 to 211.

The health care push has been as divisive for Obama as the Iraq War was for President George W. Bush. Angry mobs disrupted town hall meetings around the nation last summer. Even last night, protesters swarmed Capitol Hill, chanting, "Kill the bill!"

Republicans to the end called it a big-spending folly that would send the nation's health care into decline.

"Shame on each and every one of you who substitutes your will for the will of your countrymen," House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) thundered.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) responded by invoking the Declaration of Independence: "This legislation will lead to healthier lives, more liberty to pursue hopes and dreams and happiness for the American people."

The $940 billion bill marks the greatest overhaul of how Americans get medical care in two generations. The changes are not as radical as some liberals wanted, but they are profound.

In six months, people with pre-existing conditions will have better access to insurance. Kids can stay on parents' plans until age 27. Retroactive cancellations of policies will be illegal. And seniors on Medicare won't face a prescription drug "doughnut hole."

Over the next four years, new exchanges will be created through which individuals and small businesses will be able to buy insurance at group rates, and there will be subsidies and tax breaks to help.

Yay women!

2010-03-08T10:55:00.000-05:00

Happy International Women's Day! (so ironic after Kathryn Bigelow's Best Directing Oscar last night!) YES!!!! I have been waiting for this day!!!!!! History has finally been made!!!! A first time female Best Director Oscar for Kathryn Bigelow!!! Most deserving Academy Award!!! And what a surprise for Best Picture as well!!!! Woohoo!!! SO happy :-)

Oscar Sunday!

2010-03-07T20:28:00.002-05:00

Watching the red carpet and the Oscars :-) Even though my favorite George Clooney is nominated, I am most excited for the possibility that a woman, Kathryn Bigelow, may be the first woman in history tonight to win an Academy Award for Best Director for The Hurt Locker! As a female filmmaker and director myself, I have wanted to see this day since I started making movies at 16 :-)

more snow! beautiful!

2010-02-26T15:50:00.004-05:00

Stay warm and safe! :-)

OMG I want this doggie!!!

2010-02-12T11:17:00.004-05:00

See him animated here:
http://www.cesar.com/default.aspx

so cute!

2010-02-11T15:36:00.003-05:00

My Valentines Day gift for my 2 year old nephew Liam :-)

snowstorm in NYC!

2010-02-10T11:53:00.009-05:00

Surviving my MBA without coffee! :-)

And today is HUGE snowstorm in NY! Craziness! Transit closed. Schools closed. Power outages. And they are saying the worst is yet to come! Eeee!!!!But the snow is pretty also :-)

Terrified

2010-02-10T10:18:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A76ujYlHiaY&feature=related

You by the light
Is the greatest find
In a world full wrong you're the thing that's right

I finally made it through the lonely to the other side

You said it again my heart's in motion
Every word feels like a shooting star
I'm at the edge of my emotions
Watching the shadows burning in the dark,
And I'm in love and I'm terrified.
For the first time in the last time
In my only life.

This could be good
It's already better than last

I only said it cause I mean it
I only mean cause it's true
So don't you doubt what I've been dreaming
Cause it fills me up and holds me close
Whenever I'm without you

You said it again my hearts in motion
Every word feels like a shooting star
Watching the shadows burning in the dark
And I'm in love and I'm terrified
For the first time in the last time
In my only life

snow today! :-)

2010-02-03T14:42:00.001-05:00

I am an aunt again!

2010-02-03T11:01:00.006-05:00

Happy Birthday to my BFF Priya and Happy Birthday to my newborn nephew Aarush! 8 lbs, healthy and beautiful baby boy :-) Congratulations Mommy Gunjan and Daddy Amit! ♥

cold in NY!

2010-01-29T12:16:00.002-05:00

This is me today when I got to work - after walking 12 minutes in the icy winds hahhahahahah
:-p

this is beautiful!!!

2010-01-28T09:44:00.002-05:00

Boy, 7, raises $240,000 for Haiti appeal

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/01/25/uk.boy.charity.haiti/index.html?hpt=T2

London, England -- He's no Wyclef Jean or George Clooney, but that hasn't stopped seven-year-old Charlie Simpson from raising more than £150,000 ($240,000) for the Haiti earthquake.
Simpson from Fulham, west London had hoped to raise just £500 for UNICEF's earthquake appeal by cycling eight kilometers (five miles)around a local park.
"My name is Charlie Simpson. I want to do a sponsored bike ride for Haiti because there was a big earthquake and loads of people have lost their lives," said Simpson on his JustGiving page, a fundraising site which launched his efforts.
"I want to make some money to buy food, water and tents for everyone in Haiti," he said.
Donate to Charlie Simpson's Haiti fundraising page: http://www.justgiving.com/CharlieSimpson-HAITI
And with that simple call, messages of support flooded the site.
"Such a big heart for a young boy, you're a little star!" wrote one supporter. "Well done Charlie. A real celebrity," said another.
More donations began pouring in after the story caught the attention of the British media -- with many cheering Simpson past the £100,000 mark.
Even British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is spreading the message. His "Downing Street" Twitter alias said: "Amazed by response to the great fundraising efforts of 7 yr old Charlie Simpson for the people of Haiti."
David Bull, UNICEF's UK executive director described Simpson's efforts as "very bold and innovative."
"It shows he connects with and not only understands what children his own age must be going through in Haiti," Bull said in a press statement.
"The little seed -- his idea -- that he has planted has grown rapidly and his is a place well deserved in the humanitarian world.
"On behalf of the many children in Haiti, I thank Charlie for his effort."
Money raised by Simpson will go towards UNICEF's Haiti Earthquake Children's Appeal which will provide water, sanitation, education, nutrition as well as support child protection.

wow what a miracle!

2010-01-27T09:09:00.003-05:00

Man Pulled Alive From Haiti Rubble 14 Days After Quake

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,584013,00.html?test=latestnews

A crowd of Haitian looters called for help from U.S. soldiers on Tuesday after finding a man buried in the rubble of a building that had been repeatedly scavenged since the devastating earthquake in Port-au-Prince two weeks ago.

A witness told Reuters the man, covered in dust and wearing only underwear, was rescued by soldiers from the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division at a ruined building on Rue de Miracle in downtown Port-au-Prince.

The Americans treated Rico Dibrivell, 35, for a broken leg and severe dehydration. Dibrivell said he had been trapped under the building since the Jan. 12 quake.

The military provided no details about how he managed to survive, saying only in a statement late Tuesday that Dibrivell's family said he had been missing for two weeks.

"He got sent to the hospital. He’s going to make it," Specialist Andrew Pourak, one of the rescuers, said.

I love loving you

2010-01-25T13:09:00.003-05:00

Watch the Video :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHsyevb3lC0

I love the way you are, what I'm not,
I love the way we fit together,
I love the end of every day with you,
For worse, or for better,
Oh, I love you,
Oh, I love you,
I love, loving you.
I love, loving you.

Hope for Haiti Now

2010-01-22T11:05:00.002-05:00

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1630214/20100122/story.jhtml

Jan 22 2010 8:50 AM EST
'Hope For Haiti Now' Telethon Airs Tonight At 8 P.M.
George Clooney, Wyclef Jean and Hollywood's biggest names help raise money for earthquake relief.

On Friday (January 22) at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT), MTV's "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief" will air across a number of networks, including MTV. Hollywood A-listers will join forces with some of music's biggest names to raise funds for Haiti after the devastating earthquake hit the nation last Tuesday.
Brad Pitt, Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Clint Eastwood, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jon Stewart, Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman, Nicole Kidman, Robert Pattinson, Samuel L. Jackson, Tom Hanks and Will Smith are among the many participants joining George Clooney (in Los Angeles), Wyclef Jean (in New York) and CNN's Anderson Cooper (reporting from Haiti) for the event.

"You got about 130 to 140 actors, athletes, singers and television hosts, and they're all coming up not to be on TV, but simply to answer the phones," Clooney told MTV News on Thursday. He added that the telethon's main goal is to "raise money, period. That's it. ... Just first and foremost that we can raise a lot of money. If I thought that we could all pick up shovels and go in there and not be in the way, I think a lot of people would do that."

The musical performances will include ones by pop legend Madonna (in New York) and Haitian artist Emeline Michel (in Los Angeles) as well as Wyclef Jean, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Shakira and Sting in New York. In L.A., Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder and Taylor Swift will take the stage, plus there will be a group performance by Keith Urban, Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow. London will feature Beyoncé, Coldplay and a collaboration between Bono, The Edge, Jay-Z and Rihanna.

"It's gonna be historic," Jean said about his performance at the show. "I have my sister with me, Melky, my cousin with me, Jerry. I have [producer/musician] Papa Jube; he's in charge of those traditional horns that you see. It's definitely a family vibe you'll see tomorrow."

Beginning Friday, iTunes customers will be able to exclusively pre-order the "Hope for Haiti Now" full-performance album ($7.99) and the full two-hour video telecast ($1.99). Pre-orders will be delivered in the days following the telethon. Individual audio performances will also be available for purchase and download for 99 cents each in the days following the telethon. Apple, the record labels and the artists will donate their share of the proceeds to Haiti relief funds managed by "Hope for Haiti Now" charities, including the Red Cross and Wyclef's Yele Haiti foundation. Performances will also be available for purchase in the days following the event through Amazon's MP3 service and Rhapsody, through distribution provided by INgrooves.

Clooney thinks the opportunity to purchase the music afterward will help to extend the shelf life of the relief efforts beyond the one-night broadcast. "We're gonna have 18 songs, and you're gonna get to hear Jennifer Hudson sing a song you never heard her sing before," he said. "John Legend is singing 'Motherless Child'; it's just great. We're gonna have some amazing performances, and I think that's gonna make it last a little longer than just a telethon."

"Hope for Haiti Now" will begin accepting donations at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT on Friday. "Hope for Haiti Now" will benefit Oxfam America, Partners in Health, the Red Cross, UNICEF, United Nations World Food Programme, Yele Haiti Foundation and the newly formed Clinton Bush Haiti Foundation. Proceeds from the telethon will be split among each organization's individual funds for Haiti earthquake relief. With the exception of the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, each partner organization was selected for its history of operation and collaboration within the NGO community in Haiti.

"Hope for Haiti Now" will air across ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CNN, BET, The CW, HBO, MTV, VH1, CMT, PBS, TNT, Showtime, Comedy Central, Bravo, E! Entertainment, National Geographic Channel, Oxygen, G4, CENTRIC, Current TV, Fuse, MLB Network, EPIX, Palladia, SoapNet, Style, Discovery Health, Planet Green, CNN en Español, HBO Latino and Canadian networks, including CBC Television, CTV, Global Television and MuchMusic. The event will be live streamed online globally across sites including YouTube, Hulu, MySpace, Fancast, AOL, MSN.com, Yahoo, Bing.com, BET.com, CNN.com, MTV.com, VH1.com and Rhapsody, and on mobile via Alltel, AT&T, Sprint, Verizon and FloTV. "Hope for Haiti Now" will also air internationally on BET International, CNN International, National Geographic and MTV Networks International, which is available in 640 million homes worldwide. "Hope for Haiti Now" will be available non-exclusively to all terrestrial radio stations around the globe and SIRIUS XM Radio as a one-time-only radio broadcast via the MTV Radio Network and Westwood One.

"Hope for Haiti Now" is produced by Joel Gallen and Tenth Planet Productions, in collaboration with Viacom's MTV Networks and George Clooney.

Learn more about what you can do to help with earthquake-relief efforts in Haiti, and for more information, see Think MTV. Join George Clooney and Wyclef Jean for MTV's "Hope for Haiti Now" telethon, airing commercial-free Friday, January 22, at 8 p.m. ET, and visit HopeForHaitiNow.org or call (877) 99-HAITI to make a donation now.

MBA begins!

2010-01-19T09:20:00.001-05:00

and my MBA begins... day 1! :-) I'm learning how to juggle working full time, the gym, MBA, a relationship, friends, family, having time for myself also, and living a healthy and balanced lifestyle....good luck to me! ♥

I love my apt <3

2010-01-15T23:28:00.002-05:00

Female director wins!

2010-01-15T23:26:00.001-05:00

Tonight at the Critics Choice Awards, a female film director WON - for the FIRST TIME IN HISTORY - a woman director winner! I have been waiting to see this day for more than ten years - ever since I myself started making movies and videos, as a female director myself!
Im so happy and proud!
:-)

request

2010-01-15T15:38:00.000-05:00

Hello to all my wonderful family and my friends and to all the people in my life,
I hope this email finds you well, safe, happy, healthy and at peace :-)

As you know, today our world is facing a crisis of huge proportion.
"On Tuesday afternoon, January 12th, the worst earthquake in 200 years - 7.0 in magnitude - struck less than ten miles from the Caribbean city of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The initial quake was later followed by twelve aftershocks greater than magnitude 5.0. Structures of all kinds were damaged or collapsed, from shantytown homes to national landmarks. It is still very early in the recovery effort, but millions are likely displaced, and thousands are feared dead as rescue teams from all over the world are now descending on Haiti to help where they are able."

I hope that no one had any minor or major loss or personal connection to the people in this earthquake, but just as being a part of humanity, we are all connected and affected in many ways.
We are blessed to be able to donate and give our money to help others, to volunteer our time, give our prayers and lend our support to them. So let us share our fortunate blessings with those who have been directly affected by this horrible natural disaster, and anyone who has been affected in any way by it.

The world needs our help. I write to you today to ask you to join together in helping to save hundreds of people in their time of need.
And please share this message with your friends and family. The more people and support - the better.
You can donate money. You can volunteer your time. You can pray. Everything makes a difference. Every dollar. Every minute. Every prayer. You are making a difference and you will help to save lives.

Today I donated to help victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti through the United Nations website.
Please donate too - even a few dollars! Just a little bit of money can save tons of lives!

You can donate online at:
United Nations Foundation:
https://secure.globalproblems-globalsolutions.org/site/Donation2?idb=1649881960&df_id=1240&1240.donation=form1

or here:
Oxfam is providing providing clean water, shelter and sanitation to those affected by the Earthquake in Haiti.
https://www.oxfam.org.uk/donate/haiti-earthquake/index.php

"World leaders pledged hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of troops, but delivery was a logistical nightmare, and aid was arriving only in a trickle to the 3 million people thought to need assistance.
Power was still out and telecommunications rarely functioning. Most medical facilities had been severely damaged, if not leveled. Supplies of food and fresh water were dwindling. Ships could not bring their cargoes of supplies into Haiti's damaged port; the airport was functioning with severe limits; roads were blocked not only by debris but also by people who had no place to go for shelter. Search and rescue teams worked with the materials at hand, or waited, frustrated, for much-needed heavy equipment.
The Haitian Red Cross offered a cautious and rough estimate of the possible death toll.
"No one knows with precision, no one can confirm a figure," said Victor Jackson, an assistant national coordinator with Haiti's Red Cross, according to Reuters. "Our organization thinks between 45,000 and 50,000 people have died."
Former president Bill Clinton, who has partnered with former president George W. Bush to lead the country's long-term humanitarian and recovery efforts in Haiti, is urging Americans to donate money to relief groups to help bring aid to the devastated Caribbean nation.
"You've seen the pictures," Clinton said in an interview late Thursday with The Washington Post. "The streets are full of the wounded, the orphaned and the dead. It's a devastating, devastating thing."
Clinton, who also serves as the United Nations special envoy to Haiti, blitzed the network morning shows on Friday from his home in Chappaqua, N.Y., saying he and Bush are committed to helping earthquake-ravaged Haiti "build back better."
President Obama has tapped his two immediate predecessors to head the recovery, a partnership similar to one that Clinton and former president George H. W. Bush formed following the 2004 Asian tsunami.
Clinton and the younger Bush will help raise money in the United States, from their supporters and ordinary citizens alike, and funnel funds toward the most constructive rebuilding programs. They will be responsible for private-sector fundraising, which will supplement the $100 million in federal aid Obama announced Thursday. Clinton and Bush also plan to keep a spotlight on Haiti's recovery over the months and years to come.
"Once we get through this, the worst phase, and find the living and find the dead and try to preserve them so that their families can bury them, which is really important -- then we can start cleaning up the place and resume this development program," Clinton said in the interview, referencing projects that were launched before the earthquake by his charitable foundation and other groups in Haiti."

figuring out career options

2010-01-15T10:47:00.005-05:00

What kind of job and career I want to have – my ideas and options:

1) work at non-profit or good for-profit that is in health related field or anything dealing with helping people and work as a director or coordinator of events, etc.

2) work as a director at a children's hospital or in a hospital but in the children's ward - same in management or event planning

3) work in fitness / health at a company and/or have my own company - something similar to camp - so either a camp or a after school program or work at some fitness company that is legit and real - on the management, coordination, etc

I want to have my own health and fitness company – similar to CCF – possible like overnight camp or day camp or after school program or going to companies to promote healthy lifestyle and fitness.

my life's purpose

2010-01-15T10:44:00.003-05:00

CCF (Camp California Fitness) changed my life. Both when I was a camper there in 2005 and everything and I learned, and when I went back as a counselor in 2006 to help others. My life was changed and I helped to change others lives. There is nothing more rewarding or fulfilling. The closing of that camp is one of the most devastating things that I have experienced. I cannot imagine that program not existing and helping so many people each year. I think of all the girls it helped over the 5 summers that it was open, and throughout the year during the follow up program. It shared truth and information about living a well rounded and balanced healthy lifestyle in mind, body and spirit, and how to keep that throughout life. It was more than a weight loss camp. It was a healthy lifestyle camp for all aspects of one's life.
There is not one person who was not helped in at least one way, learned at least one new thing, and took away one thing that would better there life in some way. And for others, it helped them in countless ways and changed their entire life. Many campers returned as counselors. And even after camp closed, girls all remain friends with each other, as they continue to grow and keep a healthy and fit lifestyle, and remain a support system for each other. So many true friendships, bonds, best friends and lifetime friendships emerged and came from those summers at camp. Some of my best friends even today are people I met at camp, and they remain a positive, supportive, encouraging presence, friend, and influence in my life, and I know they are rocks that will stay for life.
I know I want to help people on a daily basis. More than just volunteering, I am happy that my career is going into Health Services Management now. While I have some ideas of where I could and would work for the first few years (non-profit in health and/or fitness, good for-profit in health and/or fitness, hospital in children's ward or children's hospital, company in health and/or fitness), I eventually want to have my own company, to start a camp like CCF, to share the same teachings and values, starting with children and moving to adults. The best is to start when they are young, so that they carry it with them throughout life, although many adults need help too. CCF was an all girls environment, which helped them to be comfortable and share openly, especially it being an overnight sleep away camp. So if I had a similar camp, I would keep it all girls, but if it was more of a day camp or after school program, I might make it co-ed for both boys and girls. Also I would like to have an adult fitness program also - maybe going to different companies to share about living a healthy lifestyle in mind, body, and spirit.

CCF was so well rounded. We ate healthy meals and snacks and still enjoyed treats and yummy food. We played different sports every morning, enjoyed afternoon activities from art to nutrition class to cooking class to exercise science where we gained knowledge about food, our bodies, and enjoyed expressing our talents and ourselves in different ways. And enjoyed evening activities like group games, movie night, group dance performances, and so much more.
I remember the counselors and friends who changed my life - many of whom are some of my best friends today. And I remember the girls who I helped when I was a counselor. You know you have done something big and forever changing when you see a girl grow up - even within the summer at camp - and then years after - and they hug you, crying when they are leaving on the last day, and telling you that you changed their life and how much they realize now and want to live a healthier lifestyle - whether they were overweight before or had an eating disorder and now ate properly.
This is the kind of difference that I want to - and have to - make in people's lives during this lifetime of mine, however long it may be. I want to help to change the world, and the most important thing is health. It is #1. Without it, we have nothing. Healthy lifestyle includes fitness, food, healthy and balanced in all aspects, in mind, body and spirit. I want to share this knowledge with the world, and helping one person at a time is how I will contribute to changing the world.
If I do this, and I can and will, this is how I feel that I will fulfill my life's purpose and my purpose for being here and this never ending feeling of wanting to help others and give to others. This is my life's purpose. And I have gained experience from CCF camp and knowledge through my MBA in Health Services Management and also experienced my own personal struggles and issues and self-destructive behavior with food and other things over the years. Having overcome that and moved past that with help and support from family and friends, going to a therapist, and my CCF experience, I now want to share the message of a healthy, balanced, fit and well rounded lifestyle with people of all walk of life - all ages, races, religions, backgrounds, genders, everything.
If I can do this in a small or big way on a daily basis, this will fulfill my life's purpose. In every single moment :-)

Whether I work for a small or big fitness and/or health company, or help to start a new company in fitness and/or health, or have my own company, or partner with someone to have my own company in fitness and/or health, but even if I work for a company, this is the kind of job, work and career I want to do and have, and help people on a daily basis in small and big ways, and this is how I want to give back and help to change the world, and share and spread knowledge and help others in a selfless and giving way. At least this will be my job on a daily basis - whether I work part-time or full time - it will be my job. Then I can volunteer in addition if I want to also, even a couple times a month. But work will be all the time - or at least most of the time - or a lot of the time.
This is my life's purpose :-)

party in the USA!

2010-01-08T12:18:00.002-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M11SvDtPBhA&feature=related

So I put my hands up
They’re playing my song,
And the butterflys fly away
Noddin’ my head like yeah
Moving my hips like yeah,
And I got my hands up,

They’re playin my song
I know I'm gonna be ok

Something stops me everytime (everytime)
The DJ plays my song and I feel alright!

realizations

2010-01-05T12:40:00.004-05:00

I am realizing more and more each day that the more I change, evolve and grow for the better and positive and more peaceful, that I relate less and less to most people in general, and also many of my close family and friends. I do not understand negative thinking anymore or being nitpicky or stressing over small things or micromanaging others. I want to just be, be me, be free and have peace, be positive, happy, love and be loved. Give to and share with others. :-) And I dont judge others, but for me in my life, I want to be good, do right and live a positive and peaceful life for me. And even if that means Im not so close to those people anymore or not relating to them, well there will be other family and friends with whom I do relate :-) old and new ones and people. Life and people are ever and always changing. And I choose that change for the better, in mind and body and spirit, even if I stand alone. I love my openminded view and positive outlook on life and knowing the big things that are important and what truly matters in life :-D and to feel happy and joy inside and out, to believe and pray and have faith and be thankful for health and life, and to want to help others, to give, share and love unconditionally :-) and I do not believe that Im wrong in any of all this. So even if I cannot relate to many close family and friends now because of how I think and feel, I wont change for them. I change for me, for good, for better, for more positive, for peace, for right, for strength, for faith. Amen! :-)

Avatar

2010-01-02T19:22:00.009-05:00

Everyone go see Avatar, esp in 3D IMAX. The film is amazing, beautiful, and filled with about 50 different themes, feelings, meanings, symbolism, history, Hindu mythology, and lessons that we can and should all learn and live by in our own daily lives ♥

"The word “avatar” literally means reincarnation of Vishnu in Hinduism. He’s always depicted as being blue colored in paintings and temples, and all the characters in the avatar movie are blue."

"An important concept within Hinduism is that of avatar – meaning literally, "one who descends." Many Hindus believe that God does not adopt a material (carnal) body, but appears in spiritual form."

"The ancient Hindu scriptures have forever reiterated that whenever the world would be on the brink of disaster and mankind faces extinction, whenever the vessel of sin is about to spill over to create death and destruction, the divine Lord Vishnu would consider it his duty to manifest himself in mortal, palpable form to save mankind from the impeding doomsday....In the larger perspective the Avatar is meant to be the savior, the messiah of his own race and people. Cameron is alluding to that tenth avatar of Vishnu becoming manifest as the US marine (the character played by Sam Worthington) in Pandora's universe. The deliberate choice of the blue skin instantly, magically and metaphorically relates our protagonist to two previous avatar’s namely Rama and Krishna."

:-)

festive time of year!!!

2009-12-23T11:18:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanza and Happy New Year!!!!

:-)
Wishing you and your family and friends all the best during this wonderful happy holiday season!
Love and hugs,
Anisha

today yayyy!

2009-12-23T10:38:00.001-05:00

going home to Cali!!!!!!!! YAYYY winter holidays!!!!! WOOHOOOOO!!! ♥

holiday spirit in NYC!

2009-12-23T10:32:00.002-05:00

Enjoying the winter holidays in New York City, with beautiful sights, holiday sounds and music, snowy bliss, pine Christmas trees, sparkling ornaments, twinkling lights, peppermint hot chocolate, yummy food, and the holiday spirit all around, with my sweetie, who took this picture! ♥ Thank you love!

Photographed by Mohit Choudhary :-)
December 2009

Life is Beautiful

2009-12-22T10:24:00.000-05:00

Life is Beautiful
by Vega 4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVrwcG3PV1w

Life is beautiful I will hold you tightly When the hurting kicks in. Life is beautiful, but it's complicated, We don't need to understand, There are miracles, miracles. Stand where you are. We let all these moments pass us by. It's amazing where I'...m standing, There's a lot that we can give. This is ours just for the moment.

yay!

2009-12-18T17:27:00.000-05:00

Officially registered for my MBA classes for Spring 2010! SUNYIT MBA in Health Services Management :-) Now I am out and about enjoying the NYC world of decorations and lights during this holiday season with my loved ones ♥

MBA decision

2009-12-15T10:08:00.002-05:00

After taking the Gmat exam two times and pondering grad school and what to do with my life for the past year, I applied to 5 graduate schools for MBA programs, and I got into all of them :-) This is due to all of my hard work and also due to support from my loved ones <3

The 5 colleges and programs are:
State University of New York Institute of Technology
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Western New England College
Texas A&M University

All of the programs are general MBA programs except for SUNYIT. So while UMass was my first choice in my general MBA program, SUNYIT is the only one I applied to which wasn't a general MBA program and I have decided to go with that - and that is my first choice, not just for program, but graduate school as well. So I am going to do an MBA in Health Services Management at State University of New York Institute of Technology :-) My program starts in January. This program, degree and knowledge will help me on my mission to help people every day in every moment and contribute to changing the world. MBA here I come!!!! :-)

fun weekend

2009-12-12T12:59:00.000-05:00

Seeing lots of friends and family this weekend! First a baby shower for my friend, then babysitting my nephew, then seeing one of my best friends, all in NYC! ♥ Cold but beautiful city all weekend :-)

thoughts

2009-12-04T09:22:00.000-05:00

It does not help my diet that our new office is across the street from Dunkin Donuts :-p

We make life plans for ourselves. And then love changes those plans. Love changes everything. For the better. For the best ♥

new office

2009-12-03T12:15:00.003-05:00

Our work office has moved from Chelsea to the lower east side on Madison Avenue :-) And love my new office area! Ten times the work responsibilities, but still, I love running the office :-) Rockstar!!!!!!!!!! ♥

My own first Xmas tree!!!

2009-12-03T10:06:00.004-05:00

I bought my first own Christmas tree, lights, ornaments & decorations at the 99 cent store across the street from my apt! Total cost=only $32! Im putting it all up now in my living room! Tonight is also the lighting of the most famous Christmas tree-in Rockafellar Center! I love holidays-esp Christmas :-)

my brother's dog Smokey

2009-12-01T22:26:00.001-05:00

Ashwin's dog Smokey :-)

11 months years old!
Siberian Husky SO CUTE!

I read this article online

2009-11-25T09:29:00.001-05:00

Women working full time earn about 77 percent of the salaries of men working full time. That figure does not take differing professions and educational levels into account, but when those and other factors are controlled for, women who work full time and have never taken time off to have children earn about 11 percent less than men with equivalent education and experience.

* Women, on average, ask for 30 percent less money than males.

* Men are four times more likely to negotiate a first salary than women.

* Men are eight times more likely than women to negotiate their starting salary and benefits.

* Women ask for raises or promotions 85 percent less often than their male counterparts.

* In 2007, women who were full-time wage and salary workers earned 80 percent of their male counterpart's salary.

* 20 percent of women (22 million people) say they never negotiate at all, even though they recognize negotiation as appropriate and even necessary.

* 2.5 times more women than men said they feel "a great deal of apprehension" about negotiation.

* When asked to pick metaphors for negotiations, men picked "winning a ball game match," while women picked "going to the dentist."

2 articles I read online

2009-11-24T09:34:00.002-05:00

The cost of cancer - my thoughts and some articles

My thoughts on health insurance companies and other people who want to cut coverage for women to have mammograms to detect breast cancer:

People and companies want to cut costs by not covering mammograms (test for breast cancer) for women between 40 and 49. They say that the risk is low and it is an unnecessary costly test and procedure that leads to only a few diagnosis or mis-diagnosis or false positive or false negative or exposure to minimal amounts of radiation and some pain during the procedure. But what about all the lives the procedure has saved, families it has saved by keeping people alive, and how many more will also be saved due to early detection of breast cancer.

The whole point of cancer is that you have the best chance of beating it when it is detected early. When a malignant tumor is found early, it is small and the cancer cells have not spread to various other parts of the body.

So why cut cancer costs? Even if one woman is saved, it is worth those tests and procedures. Mammograms have existed for many years, and have saved so many lives by detecting cancer early.

All women over 40 should have a mammogram every 1-2 years, and those women who have breast cancer in their family, should have them much before 40 and also possibly more often, depending on what their family history is with cancer. And ALL women should do home self exams.

Cutting mammogram coverage and costs to save money will cost more lives in the end. It is worth it to save one woman from cancer. And actually, home self exams and mammograms have saved thousands of women’s lives by giving them a chance to beat cancer because it was caught, detected and treated in it’s initial early stages, before it spread to other areas. At that point, it is much harder to beat in the advanced stages, and requires much more and often multiple forms of treatment. If found early, it can be cut out, or controlled with chemotherapy or radiation. But the more the tumor grows and the cancer cells spread, the more intense the treatment, the longer, and often multiple treatments have to be used. And so many women lose their lives to breast cancer.

How can this be worth not screening for cancer for women every 1-2 years?
Esp if it is already in your family. Genetics raises your chance of getting cancer, so why wouldn’t we screen even earlier for those people?

Saving one woman is worth it.
If we cut costs and lose lives, that will be the real cost of cancer!!!
I know that I will never stop self exams or getting mammograms, even if they take away coverage by health insurance companies. My life and the lives of women are worth the cost of having to pay for it.

But hopefully insurance companies will not cut the cost of mammograms for women 40-49..
I mean really, what is next?

Excerpts from articles that support my thoughts:
"Breast cancer in the 40s is more aggressive and faster-growing than post-menopausal breast cancer. That is why trials that screened these women every two years did not detect a benefit: Too many cancers became too advanced to cure in the two-year interval between screens. It is crucial that these women be screened yearly."

"The reduction in the death rate of women screened in their 40s is well-established in multiple trials, as well as in the task force's own meta-analysis. The Gothenburg trial found a staggering 45 percent reduction in the death rate."

Good informational website:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Detection/mammograms

Now I feel that the only way mammograms can be cut or removed altogether is if it is replaced with better technology that removes the imperfections - or at least most of the imperfections since nothing is completely perfect - of the current mammogram procedure, machine and testing.

See excerpt from this article:

Former U.S. Ambassador to Hungary Nancy Brinker said Monday that a recent U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation that suggests limiting mammogram screenings for women under 50 was issued by “accomplished people,” but is not relevant under current technological capacities.

“We got to focus on what we know,” said Brinker. “And what works is what we know: Early detection, awareness, research and treatment, and yes, screening mammography and self-awareness.”

A breast cancer survivor herself, Brinker, who founded the organization “Susan G. Komen for the Cure” – named after her only sister who died from breast cancer in 1980 at the age of 36 – currently serves as the World Health Organization’s Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control.

Brinker credited breast cancer screenings for its preemptive uses, but added that last week’s recommendations were “strangely” helpful in that they addressed screening areas that lag.

“We know mammography works, but we also know it’s imperfect,” she said. “We do need better screening technology. This technology that we’re using today, though it’s been improved and regenerated, is still almost 50-years-old. What other business or field that we know in the United States, or around the world, would use 50-year-old technology?”

Proponents of the USPSTF recommendations released last Monday, say that if followed, the suggestions would save time, money and personal health “scares.” Due to the timing of its release, the study has also been linked to the larger debate on health care reform.

Paralyzed Man Was Awake for 23 Years, Not in Vegetative State

Belgian Researcher Proves a Paralyzed Man Was Fully Conscious With Brain Scan

By LAUREN COX
ABC News Medical Unit

Nov. 24, 2009—

A paralyzed Belgian man who spent the past 23 years incorrectly diagnosed as being in a vegetative state, was fully conscious and could hear everything around him the entire time.

The man, Rom Houbens, can finally communicate, thanks to a neurologist's persistent research.

Doctors had assumed the 1983 car crash that paralyzed Houbens, now 46, had also put him in a vegetative state -- awake but not conscious of his surroundings.

Houbens, a one-time engineering student and martial arts enthusiast was trapped in his own world. That is, until Dr. Steven Laureys of the University of Liege, using modern brain scanning technology unavailable in the 1980s, saw that Houbens' brain lit up with near-normal functioning when he was asked a question.

Houbens had heard the doctors, nurses and family speaking in his room for decades.

"I shall never forget the day when they discovered what was truly wrong with me -- it was my second birth," Houbens told the German magazine Der Spiegel, communicating via special keyboard.

Laureys discovered Houbens' state in a Belgian hospital three years ago, but the case has only just come to light after Laureys published a study in the journal, BMC Neurology earlier this year.

Laureys said in recent study of his, "4 out of 10 patients where we thought they were in a vegetative state in reality were not, [they] were minimally conscious."

"In Rom's case, it was very dramatic, because he was fully conscious& so, yes he now can actually tell us how horrible it was and it's hard for us to even imagine what it must be like.... to be conscious yet, cut off from the outside world," said Laureys.

He argued that new imaging technology will show that many more people like Houbens, believed in a vegetative state are actually misdiagnosed.

According to ABC News senior health and medical editor Dr. Richard Besser, misdiagnosis can happen fairly easily in the beginning of treatment.

"When you have a major accident, an injury, you can damage the entire brain," Besser told "Good Morning America." "Over time, parts of it can come back. The damage to the outer brain, that gets better [and] they don't do additional testing."

In a small imaging study of 44 patients thought to be in vegetative states, Laureys found 18 of them responded to communication, according to the British newspaper, the Guardian.

More often than not it's a family member that realizes the patient is not in a vegetative state just from being with them in the room, Besser said.

But until Laureys' research moves out of the experimental phase and into standard testing at hospitals, experts say there may be some rare situations where doctors still miss the signs that someone is completely paralyzed but fully aware.

"If there's anything we've learned in the past couple of years, is that we have to be very cautious about prognosticating; providing a severe prognosis early on," said Dr. Michael DeGeorgia, director of the Neurocritical Care Center at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland.

Other Silenced, Paralyzed Patients Out There

DeGeorgia said determining a person's state of consciousness after a severe brain injury can be a subtle and difficult process, especially shortly after an accident when people are often on heavy pain medication. Now there is an entire sub-specialty of neurology to look at "neurocritical care," but not when Houbens was diagnosed.

Without the modern functional imaging technology Laureys used, DeGeorgia said doctors more often relied on a "primitive" test called the Glasgow Coma Scale, a 15-point check list of eye and motor movements in response to questions.

"And there's no scheduled protocol that says you should re-evaluate a person every six months or every two years," said DeGeorgia. "Often times it's the family that recognizes that the patients are 'there,' and the family that drives to get more results."

Cindy and Steve Chiappa of Toms River, N.J., found themselves in a similar situation eight years ago, after Steve suffered a stroke on Christmas Eve.

How Doctors Tell If You Are 'Vegetative' or Not

"Other than shining a light in my eyes and asking me to follow the beam they didn't ask me too much," Chiappa wrote in an e-mail to ABCNews.com. Chiappa has now progressed to the point where he can type with a specialized keyboard and eat a variety of soft foods.

But for the first few weeks after he woke up in the hospital, only his family believed that he was actually aware of his surroundings.

"They would ask simple things like, 'If you know who you are, blink' but my response time was so slow, by the time I could blink my response they had turned away," wrote Chiappa.

Convincing Doctors That You're 'There'

"He was scared; the doctors did not want to believe it. It took about a week-and-a-half for me and all our kids badgering the doctors for a diagnosis," said Cindy. "Even three months later, they said, 'oh, he's just going to be a vegetable and that's it.'"

Finally, with a little help from a nurse who goaded the doctors, Chiappa was diagnosed as being "locked-in" rather than a vegetable. A massive stroke that hit the base of his brain had left him unable to move, but left his mind perfectly intact.

Neurologists say paralysis plays only one role in a complicated combination of impaired states that can trap a person in their body.

Difference Between Vegetative and Conscious State

For example, a person who is in a vegetative state and a person who is "locked-in" would both be paralyzed to some degree. Both patients would likely open their eyes and look around.

But, as Dr. James L. Bernat of the American Academy of Neurology explained, these two individuals would be considered to have two different definitions of "consciousness."

"One is called wakefulness; eyes open, eyes moving -- that element is conducted primarily by the brainstem," Bernat said. "The second dimension of consciousness requires self-awareness -- they're aware of what's going on, they can feel, they can think.

"People in the vegetative state have only the wakeful dimension," he said.

A coma would be a state of full paralysis and full unconsciousness similar to the experience of going under anesthesia. Neurologists even define a third state in people with brain injuries as "minimally conscious," which is a state of semi-wakefulness and limited self-awareness.

In a minimally conscious person, "there may be parts of the brain that are able to generate certain types of thoughts similar to what a conscious person would do, but they're still quite devastated and quite injured," said Dr. Paul M. Vespa, director of Neurocritical Care at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles.

"There are probably a very small number of patients who are in this minimally conscious state. The exciting thing is, is that maybe there's a potential for rehabilitation," said Vespa.

Researchers, like Laureys, will have to do more work to define which brain image results from a functional MRI or PET machine are signs of a response, and which are random noises, before such progress could happen.

"We're not at the point where you can just throw somebody in the scanner and come up with the answer," DeGeorgia said. "[We] don't know how to interpret these [scans], because there have only been a few studies, and you have to know what is normal, and what is within the bell-shaped curve."

Copyright © 2009 ABC News Internet Ventures

I love my family <3

2009-11-22T01:30:00.000-05:00

Visiting my family - my cousin-sister, brother in law, and nephew - in Philly all weekend :-) YAY!! And tonight, I am babysitting my darling 2 year old nephew Liam, who has grown taller, and now talks so much, and says "I love you Aunty Nishi" :-) awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww ♥ my heart is filled with joy and love and happiness and pure bliss!!!! :-)

people in our lives

2009-11-20T14:57:00.001-05:00

I have moved a lot in my life. The first 15-20 moves were during childhood or in college, and so they were not really my choice. But the last few were on my own and my choice as an adult. I have learned many happy and sad things about friends. Some good and close friends drift away from you when you move away. This is because even when you make a good effort and try to keep up your half and in touch, they no longer make their 50% of the effort, so no equal 50-50 from both sides. And then there are some friends who make effort and remain close, despite any distance. I know I will always meet people wherever I move, even if they are temporary, situational or area friends, that you have when you live in a particular place, or ones that you initially meet when you move somewhere or at work or something, that no matter where you go after that, some of them remain with you for life as your friend. It is all about the individual person and friendship relationship that you have with them. If people do not try or make an effort to be 50-5o in any and all relationships, it work work. And physical distance or time difference is no excuse, especially if the friendship is real, true and deep. Anything and everything can be worked out, whether a friendship or any other kind of relationship. But all relationships do change, none of them stay the same. Some change for the better and closer and some change for the worse and more distanct. It is the truth, even if hard and sad sometimes. Life keeps moving forward. Some people come and go. Others stay forever. That is the flow of life. And gifts we receive from God. Good to treasure and cherish all the memories of life, and then make new ones with old people and new people also in our lives :-)

health shock & sadness

2009-11-19T14:55:00.005-05:00

What is the world coming to? People are now discouraging health, wellness, and cancer prevention?

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/11/19/mammogram.guidelines.insurance/

How can they take mammograms away from women?
How can they discourage women who are 40-49 from getting them?
This is outrageous! This is what saves women from detecting breast cancer when it's too late!
It's the life saving yearly test!!!

AND INSURANCE MIGHT STOP PAYING?!
What is this world coming to!!!!!!!!

It costs "$640 and up" to get a mammogram when you don't have insurance, according to Paul Keckley, executive director of the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions.

Discouraging women in their 40s is the wrong message to be giving women.
--Sara Fought

"I want to scream, 'No! No! Don't listen!' " says Evans, whose cancer was detected by a routine mammogram eight years ago when she was 46. "If I hadn't had that mammogram, I wouldn't be here today."

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/11/19/mammogram.guidelines.insurance/

(CNN) -- A government task force says women in their 40s don't need annual mammograms, but Sara Fought would beg to differ: She says she's alive today because a routine mammogram found cancer when she was 42.

"I had to read the guidelines twice because I really couldn't believe women in the 40-49 age bracket were being discouraged from having mammograms," says Fought, who lives in Chevy Chase, Maryland. "That's foolhardy. They're playing with people's lives."

Fought is one of many breast cancer survivors and doctors who are outraged over the guidelines released Monday by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advising against routine mammograms for women in their 40s.

my favorite faith quote

2009-10-30T20:02:00.000-04:00

"The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."

Happy Diwali!!!

2009-10-17T19:32:00.002-04:00

Happy Diwali to you, your family and friends! :-) Wishing you a day of smiles and celebration, and a life of happiness, love, peace, light and bliss :-) :-)

how I feel about life and people

2009-10-14T20:21:00.002-04:00

Life is too short to think and worry about who is related to who and all the titles and relationships. Just be together. Be friends. Be family. Be happy. Love, laugh, sing, dance, smile, hug, enjoy :-) That's all that truly matters in this life. That is bliss <3
That, however, does not take away from the fact that there are "rules" like fidelity, loyalty and honesty for people, like those who are in romantic relationships, and things like that. As long as loyal and honest to yourself and those in your life, then be free as a bird, and the rest is just about togetherness and love and happiness. What I meant is that people can be friends, can be family, can all just be together. That's how I feel. Blood related or not, those people are my family. They are my people :-) And sometimes we dont have to wait until a blood relation or a ring on a finger. People can enjoy together, be together, be friends, be family, celebrate life together, and just love and be happy. And enjoy.
Bliss :-)

My Life Updates & Favorites :-)

Season's Greetings!

August 12, 2011

new niece!

Happy July 4th!!!

Happy July 4th & Independence Day! I spent the day by the lake, having a Panera picnic with Mohit ♥ This is me relaxing, taking a little nap, on my red sheet ;-) I have never appreciated a day off from work, MBA and life...SOOO MUCH!!!! ♥ I hope you enjoyed as much as I did! :-)

New York = Equal Love

NYC pic

YAHH!! GO NEW YORK!!!

Restoring the Light

milestones!!!

peace

amazing cover by Glee

tv shoot!

Judas

Happy Easter!

Happy Earth Day!

NYC rain

Turning Tables

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me

3 years in NYC!!!!

Tsunami in Japan

love

new job!

Pic

This One's For the Girls

OMG

yay holidays!

hilarious video!

M1 Patient Diagnosis

Welcome Christmas!

PATS!!!!!!!

Today is one day that I will be anti-New York. GO PATRIOTS!!! GO BRADY!!! TAKE THOSE JETS DOWN!!!! AHHH!!!! Faithfully loyal to my team, those my boys ♥ I am wearing my #12 blue Brady jersey and watching the game :-) Love it!!!

MBA

Xmas in the city!!!

I love life stream of thoughts

Happy Diwali!!!!!!

I Look To You

Sink or Swim

One of my favorite songs and lyrics of all time (and my ringtone) :-)

"Hearing the song in your laughter, A melody I chase after, No one else has done this to me" ♥

Link:Sink or Swim by Tyrone Wells

Embedded:

science and divinity

Women Will Rule the World!!!

Happy India Independence Day!

Happy India Independence Day! The Empire State Building is lit up with the colors of the Indian flag today :-)

personality

My life's purpose and testament

Open Up Your Eyes

morning light 2

Two all nighters in a row during MBA summer semester finals week - insane. Seeing the morning light from the sun rise two nights in a row - beautiful. Knowing that as of this morning, I am 100% done with my semester and have six weeks before fall semester begins - priceless! :-)

Crawl

morning light

equality

travel

health

big boy!

I want a pug doggie!!!

My Dad shared these life's sayings with me

Worst Paying College Degrees

March for Babies 2010!!!

beautiful words of wisdom

this is amazing! advances in health :-)

this is GOOD! And finally!!!

my trips to Cali!

Easter and 2 years!

History Made Today!

Yay women!

Oscar Sunday!

more snow! beautiful!

OMG I want this doggie!!!

so cute!

snowstorm in NYC!

Terrified

snow today! :-)

I am an aunt again!

cold in NY!

this is beautiful!!!

Touches something in my heart and soul

Link:
Sink or Swim by Tyrone Wells