January 3, 2007

• Oreo.

  I was watching morning KTLA news while eating left over "Osechi Ryori" (Special Japanese New Years Food in Lacquered Boxes) The food was good. On the show, there was a guest psychologist or therapist giving advice on how to improve relationships between husband and wife. One of her advice really caught my attention and I think it will come in handy in 2007 and beyond. No, I have not been slacking on my healthy diet regimen of veggies, fruits & red wines as this blog title might suggest. The therapist's technique was called, "Oreo." Basically, when giving criticism to someone, it is helpful to sandwich the criticism with positive energies, ideas, or compliments.. to soften the blow, to make the criticism more palatable. This made a lot of sense to me. It's much better than being really blunt and hurtful because some people cannot take criticism too well. So + , - , + . I haven't tried it yet, but I remember my friend Dae giving me some constructive criticism in a similar fashion. It didn't even feel like criticism because it was packaged so softly. I watched TV all day today while watching over Chisaku-kun(my puppy w/ broken leg). So much to be learned, even from silly TV shows. I was watching a TV show marathon of "American's Next Top Model" hosted by Tyra Banks.

  She is so hot!!!

  But I digress.. I consider Tyra Banks to be very wise. She's experienced so much in her career as a model and has learned the ins-and-outs of how to survive psychologically. She gives great advice. Today, she was criticizing a black model named Robin. The model was a highly religious girl and refused to strip naked in one of the competitions, and was therefore disqualified, booted from the show. Before kicking her off, Tyra Oreo'd some advice to Robin. She of course complimented & showed respect for Robin's faith and unwavering commitment to her religion. But she slammed her with the comment, "Human is Beautiful, Perfect is Boring." When Tyra said this it sorta opened up a new perspective for me. I was schooled early on w/ strict Catholic religious beliefs and traditional Japanese customs. I can't say with certainty that these 2 things played the main roles, but it had a huge impact on my personality and way of thinking. I believe myself to be a perfectionist, sometimes to a flaw... let's call it, Rigidity. Tyra's words were liberating because it showed me a way to think outside of the perfectionist box. I don't have to feel guilt or ashamed when I don't perform, act, or think perfectly. "Human is beautiful. Perfect is Boring." Hellzyea, Thx Tyra! You know, Vh1 has many lessons to offer. 2 of my top 15 affirmations for 2006 came from Vh1. They were, "Don't hate, Congratulate." and "Fake it till you make it." Woa, getting late. I'm gonna go eat some yogurt (L. Acidophilus - the friendly bacteria, good for intestines) that I bought at Ranch 99 on Atlantic & Garvey, after working out earlier tonight. And.. go to sleep, lates!

  • 2:16 am
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