The Village Halloween Parade vs Martha Stewart Show

Could these 2 events be any more different? Probably not. But Cherie and I participated in both within 12 hours. 
Halloween. I didnt even know it was a real holiday. But over the past month decorations have decked the city, from hair salons, to themed cupcakes at Whole Foods. Monday night after Mexican food, and a trip to icecream donnouts (cherie) and Dylan's Candy (me) We took the subway down to Union Square, where we were immediately enveloped by crowds of strangely dressed people.
Turns out Halloween is not only a real holiday, but New Yorkers take it seriously. 
We walked down fifth, trying to make our way down police barricaded streets to the parade which runs down 6th from spring street to 14th street. Finally, we reached the parade, where the avenue had crowds 4 people thick, with people even standing on bins for a chance to see. Well we saw a few floats, and hundreds of costumed New Yorkers walking the parade, and then we had enough.
Unfortunately, getting home was not so simple. Cherie pled to a police officer "how are we supposed get home?" we laughed later when we realized it was only 9:30pm when we said this. we visited Washington Square Park and took pictures. We tried to find our friends but the crowds of people dressed in scary costumes (were talking fake cigarettes sticking out of cheeks) were too thick. Finally, we made to McDonalds Times Square where we collapsed for an hour (too exhausted to go home).
Back at mine, we heard exciting stories from my friends, whose dramatic night made us laugh til we cried

The next morning we literally rolled out of bed, and got the subway to 26th, ready for Martha. As I had forgotten to RSVP for our tickets, we first attempted to sneak in, and then got put on standby. Luckily, Martha musnt be in high demand, as we were the entire standby line. Soon, we were in the holding room, screaming when they announced HUGH JACKMAN was the guest of honor! This turned out to be a preview of our behavior when we would see the real Hugh JACKMAN.
The following link shows Cherie and my reaction when Hugh Jackman acknowledged the 'Aussie' in the audience. We forgot we had been informed not to make noise during the live show.

http://www.marthastewart.com/865195/coffee-show-hugh-jackman#ooid=tqYzZ5MjpZlC0Agh82fvfS_5gGD2Q6Mj,9rMDd5Mjpmg4rO8OsASSjc-Am2cH8Dzi

Yes, all that noise came from just Cherie and I...... I'm not sure if Hugh's nod is one of Aussie comradeship, or embarrassment at his countrymen (Cherie forgot she isn't Australian.) We were certainly embarrassed when we realized what we had done.

Well Hugh Jackman was great, and the set was amazing. Harper's Bazaar editor gave us all a free coffee table book (Harper's Bazaar Greatest Hits: RRP $70) which in the moment seemed like the greatest present in the whole world (and with hindsight seems alright). The warm up man who gives out freebies during the show to pump up the audience presented me with a lovely door cleaner. Excellent (not). Finally, the gourmet chef gave us all a bag of free gluten free flour. 
When at the end of the show they offered us afternoon tickets, Cherie and I quickly declined, and both resolved never to watch Martha Stweart. Turns out it's actually a pretty boring show.




Two New York traditions that I am glad to have under my belt. But also two New York traditions I am never doing again!

The Deceptive Art of Moral Decline

Desert News – Losing Innocence: the Cost of Sexualizing Teens

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700180194/The-end-of-innocence-The-cost-of-sexualizing-kids.html

Desert News – Losing Innocence: the Cost of Sexualizing Teens

This cover story was fascinating to me. I loved the way it opened by highlighting the things that have become acceptable to us, even just walking through a mall. It was so great have all these subliminal messages called again to my attention. The wonderful statistics that quantify so many trends that are oft discussed but rarely qualified – such as the shocking fact that 47% of underage media characters are shown participating in sexual situations and 98% of these occurred outside of any form of committed relationship; not to mention that thongs and pushup bras are now being made for children as young as 6. This feature story raised three main areas of thought for me.

1)      Power balance between consumers and corporations. This supposed battle is often cast with the ‘big, bad corporation’ (Occupy Wall Street?) as the overwhelming antagonist. As this article explicitly addresses, there is truth in the concept that these large businesses, or any business for that matter, operate and make decisions based on profit.  However, what we often do not acknowledge is the power we as consumers have over these large corporations. As a consumer, our buying choices are the source of these businesses profit, meaning that they will only produce what we will buy. Just as China needs the United States to buy their goods, these companies need consumers to buy their goods, whether their goods are items in a store (such as the sexualized toys addressed in this story) or a TV show, or a magazine. This article quotes an anonymous employee for a popular toy manufacturer who when asked if a particular toy is too sexy for young girls stated says “the sales speak for themselves…. [the large profits are] proof that good parents are buying them”. This makes me think that at least part of the problem of sexualized children and teens is that we as consumers are consuming, whether passively or actively, the sources of the problem.

2)      Subliminal Messages and the Deceptive Art of Moral Decay. How are subjects and items that were distasteful 10 years ago, shocking 20 years ago, and completely unheard of in common society 40 years ago now acceptable today? This social and cultural phenonemum has more power than we perhaps realize, as it is now affecting physical aspects of human development. This article talks about how both girls and boys are experiencing puberty much younger than 10 years ago. Did you know that 15% of girls start puberty at age 7 and 27% begin at age 8? According to this estimate, 42% of girls have begun puberty before their ninth birthday. Whilst these trends are rapid, what must be noted is that these changes in what is morally acceptable to society do not happen instantly. We are slowly and surely led down the hill of moral decline, by eroding at standards little by little. A scene in a television show will slowly, but surely, push more and more boundaries, until it reaches an irrevocably scandalous level, at which point we ask, how did we get here? We are prey to so many subliminal messages constantly, from the products sold in stores, to the graphics on peoples’ t-shirts, to the often unflagged (75% of shows with sexual content did not mention it in its rating) sexual content in TV shows. Like a brownie with a little bit of dog poo, we are accustoming ourselves to the taste of trash little by little. The only way to halt the art of moral decay is to start being shocked! Instead of accepting another little decline in what is acceptable, we must stand up and say it is not acceptable. We must exercise our power as consumers, and stop consuming trash. Just as potty humour is the lowest form, sexualized products, be they toys or media, are the lowest forms of their respective genres. This is not always easy. Part of what makes moral decline an art, is its subtly. Whilst we may choose to not watch a movie that is all about sex, we may excuse one questionable scene. A magazine may have a few dodgy pictures, and some more acceptable ones too. This is where we really must take a stand. It makes no difference to a corporation if you only consume a partial product. To change these trends we must say no to it all.

We wouldn’t accept an item of clothing that came with a tear, or a new car with a faulty transmission. So why do we accept ‘faulty’ media, with rips and tears and large stains in its moral fiber?

 We can and should use channels for feedback to explain to corporations why we don’t want to consume ‘faulty’ products. Obviously, this is a big fight, and we may be the minority in the crowd that feels this way. But I believe it is my responsibility to only endorse and spend my money and time on products that reflect my values.  

Just as what you eat will reflect in what your body looks like, I believe that what media and products we consume will reflect in our morals, our self esteem, and our ability to live our lives as examples of the Saviour (or whichever moral code or religion you hold).

By standing up against sexualized content, I believe we will challenge corporations out of lazy habits and potentially even force them to be truly creative once more.

3)      Ethical PR. As a student of PR, and a child of entrepreneurs, I have often pondered the ethics of sales. When you work to sell something, you become an advocate for it; something that comes much more easily when you truly believe in it. I never want to sell something that contradicts with my own values. I admire my dad for turning down large contracts for liquor companies that contradicted his own beliefs. In terms of the pollution of society’s morals (not just our western society, but what I see as the tragic pollution of other cultures and societies, often led by popular Western media) I want to always be an advocate for The Honest Art of Moral Incline.

Mamma Mia!

Oh, what a night. Cherie and I really outdid ourselves last weekend; packing it so full of stuff that my dad (king of 8am-12am NYC site seeing days) would have been proud.

Friday night began by us debating whether or not to go to a free outdoor movie at the Hiline park (a park built above ground on old freight train tracks) until the weather stole our agency, by pouring with rain. Next, we planned to capitalize on Friday night's free museums, but the new York Historical society was still under renovation, and then enroute to MOMA, Uniqlo's Fifth Avenue Global Flagship store was too alluring. We made the most of the opening deals; fighting off crowd to find lightweight down puffer jackets (I fulfilled orders from Emma and Mum). Time flew by, and by the time we were handed free totes upon exiting, we headed to Times Square McDonalds for a cheap, but less healthy cheeseburger (with meat!). Cherie had come armed with Serendipity to help us prepare for NYC Christmas this year, which gave us good Christmas ideas, but also frustrated me with the indecisive characters.

The next morning we jumped the subway to Times Square and got student rush tickets to Mamma Mia! We then got the long subway ride out to the Bronx (both of our first times) where we made our way to the New York Botanical Gardens. Alas, we had missed the free entry, so we decided to pay the five dollar limited entry. The 10 acre gardens (located opposite the Bronx Zoo) were huge and gorgeous. Our Favourite was the Rockefellar Rose Garden, which was in a knoll, looked like Alice in Wonderland and filled with paths with every colour of rose on trees and bushes both. It somehow turned into a photo op, which continued as we found beautiful red trees, a river, a children's garden and so on, as our creativity bloomed with Mary Poppins photos with lamp posts and umbrellas and so on.

We concluded at the huge marble library, which was surrounded by gravel paths, tree lined avenues and a massive sculpture and fountain. We discovered our metro cards didn't work on the Metro North, and so walked back through the bustling streets, where we bought dirt cheap Mac Makeup (like a eyeshadow and blush compact for $10 bucks!) and spat out 2-for-$1 stale, cold Churros.

After an eventful subway ride where we laughed at our photos until we cried, and despite our fervent attempts, failed to help a non-English speaking lady with directions (she looked disgusted at my note in Chinese characters) we made a beeline for the boats at Central Park. We walked the long way from Columbus Circle, past the violinists, and the fountain, and the soon to be ice rink. It was stunning weather, and when the boat line was too long, we decided to hit up the Ramble instead. In our money saving efforts, we withstood temptations to eat out and trekked to Trader Joes for our first real meal. We bought pasta sauce, fresh lingunie, spinach and fetta cheese for under $9 and then absolutely exhausted got back to my apartment at 6pm. We cooked our surprisingly delicious dinner and then it was time for Mamma Mia!
Our seats were limited visibility, and Laura was late, but it was still so awesome! It was funny and the singing was great! I can't wait to see it in Australia with mum and Emma. Afterwards we walked into Times Square, where I bartered with the best side salesman, an African American Artist with awesome painted sketches on raw canvas.
We went to the Rockefellar Centre for Magnolia Cupcakes, and watched them begin to freeze the ice rink! Afterwards,Laura needed dinner, so we went to a cheap slab pizza place, where we talked for hours.

The next morning, we attended Church, then ate our pasta, and briefly napped. That night there was a public affairs fireside and Cherie met my bosses. What a busy weekend! But so fulfilling! It proves my recently discovered Adage, live like a tourist in whichever city you live in, and all of sudden, weekends hold a wealth of opportunity. I can't wait for our next adventure!

I believe in Tolerance

It is interesting to observe the speedy changing of societies compass of morality, which rushes ever faster towards 'moral ambivalence'. However as these principles of "anything goes" are shouted from the rooftops so to speak, the sharper undercurrent is the concurrent popular expectation that all must share this 'belief' (or 'anti-belief' so to speak) and shape their actions accordingly. It is now considered 'politically incorrect' to disagree with many new so-called 'social norms'; meaning that it is socially demanded that we accept them.
Democracy is founded on principles of free speech, and principles of freedom of religion, and I believe that as long as the system of democracy is acknowledged as our legitimate governing system, so must these rights.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, an apostle in my church teaches:
Tolerance obviously requires a non-contentious manner of relating toward one another’s differences. But tolerance does not require abandoning one’s standards or one’s opinions on political or public policy choices. Tolerance is a way of reacting to diversity, not a command to insulate it from examination.


I join my voice with Michael Otterson who said "We join our voice with others in unreserved condemnation of acts of cruelty or attempts to belittle or mock any group or individual that is different – whether those differences arise from race, religion, mental challenges, social status, sexual orientation or for any other reason.  Such actions simply have no place in our society."


Today, rather than focusing on what I don't believe, I want to write about what I do believe.

I fundamentally believe in families, as the basic unit of our society, and as the entire purpose of our existence, in this life and the life to come. I believe they are the source of all happiness, and I fully endorse every single word in The Family: A Proclamation to the World and accept its teachings as a core part of my identity. I believe that no success in life can compensate for failure in the home, and I believe that my identity as a woman comes with certain responsibilities and a divine role specific to woman. Wife and mother are eternal roles that should not be dismissed in any culture or society. Strong families serve as the fundamental institution for transmitting to future generations the moral strengths, traditions, and values that sustain civilization. I believe in the rights of children to be raised by a father and a mother.


I believe that temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are truly the House of the Lord. I believe that no where on earth are we closer to the Lord, and I believe and desire more than anything in the world to be sealed to my husband there. Nothing will bring my family and I more joy than eternal marriage in the Lord's temple, and I know that no loving father would have given us a plan without the opportunity for families to be made eternal. I believe the power of the priesthood is on the earth today, and I believe it is the power of God. I believe  in our divine gender identity, and in the ideal situation, every child can be raised by a mother and a father in a family setting.





I believe I am a daughter of God, and I have an eternal worth and a incomprehensible value, as does every single human who has ever, and will ever live on this earth. I believe in our right to eternal happiness, and that we all have the chance to obtain this, contingent on our obedience on principles of the gospel and obedience to the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I believe that we have a Saviour who died for us, so that we might be loosed from the bands of our own sins, upon faith and repentance. I believe that by losing our life in his service, we will find ourselves. I believe that it is because of his love for me individually that I can be made perfect, as I acknowledge that it is by his strength and grace alone, that I stand everyday.

I believe in every principle and guideline our church offers us. I see them as products of a loving Heavenly Father who cares so much about us, that he wants to help us find happiness in every way possible. Obedience to these principles in my own experience has brought unparalleled joy and peace into my life, as well as personal strength. I believe our Heavenly Father looks for reasons to bless us, and that Christ is constantly waiting by our doors, waiting for us to let him in.

I believe that we have prophets and apostles that are on the earth today. I believe they speak the word of God, and that by abiding by their words and council, we will be safe in this world, and in the life to come. I do believe that Joseph Smith is a prophet.

I believe that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that abiding by its principles will bring me closer to God than any other book on the face of the Earth. I challenge all who digress to read it with an open heart, and to complete Moroni's challenge to pray with real intent, and ask of its truthfulness. 

I believe in the right to uncompromising freedom of speech and freedom of religion. I believe in the Constitutional right to practice my beliefs, and support what I believe to be true, free of government intervention or political and social condemnation.


I believe in my right to have these beliefs, just as surely as I believe in others rights to have opposing beliefs. I do not have control over where society's moral compass will turn, or where those who have the elected charge will lead us, but as surely as I live, I will not change these beliefs, and I challenge anyone who questions my right to do so, or my right to one day teach my children what I believe.

I believe it is my responsibility, my obligation and my duty as a disciple of Christ, and as a fellow human being and child of God to express  love, kindness and humanity toward all people, regardless of their treatment of me. 

Just as I will tolerate the beliefs of others, I accept in return that my freedom to speak and believe what I choose to must be tolerated. I hope our society will always preserve this fundamental right.


I referenced these documents in this post; however everything I expressed today are my personal beliefs and not necessarily the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
http://lds.org/family/proclamation?lang=eng
http://lds.org/study/living-christ?lang=eng
mormon.org

Life as we know it (how to be successful)

Today was just one of those days. From leaving my keys at home (all you skeptics this was the first time in NY) and getting lost on my way to the UN, again, it just wasn't working.

After the fascinating 3rd committee meeting on freedom of religion and beliefs, Troy and I introduced ourselves to the esteemed speaker. We exchanged business cards, and Troy headed back to the office.

I then had the bright idea to call my boss and suggest arranging a meeting with this speaker. His office is located in Geneva, so I conveyed the 'now or never' aspect of securing this meeting. However, after obtaining my boss' endorsement I went back to find the speaker and he was being escorted out.

Thus began my 4 hour stake out of the UN to find this man. I trawled the meeting guides, hung out by doors to private meetings; even ending up in a 'closed' UNSC member state only conference (something I did not realize until I left).

As the day progressed, I convinced myself more and more of the dire importance of my quest. Finally, exhausted, staking out yet another door in huge lobbies that now felt claustrophobic, I rung Josh. Now for those of you who know Josh and I, he is as undramatic as I am dramatic; the perfect antithesis to my stress- which thankfully is helping me mellow out. Today, his calm wisdom did not fail to deliver.

Last year, my dad taught me a life changing lesson in regards to opportunity in life "just make it happen". And it has been that very phrase that got me on a plane to sit the ACTs in America, into BYU's PR program early, to this internship in New York, and to keep trying today. Whilst I still endorse this mantra fully, today Josh taught me what i feel is the second half.

As I was lamenting to him about my supposed failure in this all important task (I had forgotten that it was self imposed) he, with his usual blunt manner told me to pull it together.

"all the Lord requires is that we do our best".
Now in my mind it seems like "best" can become synonymous with "success". Before you laugh, we all have (and need) areas and passions in which we desire success. After all, as Brother Brad Wilcox teaches in one of my favorite talks "who gets out of bed in the morning aiming to for mediocrity?"
However, what Josh was highlighting is that sometimes our best isn't success, or even close to it. Sometimes our best is laboring all day and going home without the fruit we had sought.

What matters is that we tried our best. Of course we should still seek for and capitalize on opportunities, "make things happen" and look to succeed in achieving our objectives. However, I need to be careful not to be narrow in my definition of success. After all, maybe my success today was being able to try, and then learn this valuable lesson from Josh, and seek to apply another tiny piece in my lifelong quest for perfection.

So as long as we try our best, we can rest weary and content With our days labours, as after all, trying is and should be seen as an achievement.

After all, as I write this, I am sitting in the shadow of fifth avenue's own new York public library, as the city lights up against the grey stormy autumn sky. Call me a silly Audrey Hepburn fan but any day when i can visit here (or any other part of this beautiful world) will always be great!
There really is beauty and success in all things; you just have to see it!

Enchanted at the UN

Last month in Houston, I was conveyed the adorable story of when Josh's niece Avonlea visited Central Park, she ran around singing the songs from Disney's Enchanted.

Last week, I was similarly enchanted by New York; however my experience took place at the United Nations.

During our family trips to NYC, the United Nations was twice bumped off our 'must-see' list, bowing to other sites in this expansive city.Last Monday however, I finally stood at the foot of that beautiful building perched on the edge of the East river. This was my moment of the same exuberance expressed by Avonlea, upon seeing the landmark I had always dreamed of.

It gets better.

Our visit to the United Nations was not for tourist purposes.After taking in its substantial beauty we headed into a sky-scraperacross the street, which after going through a Hollywood worthy securitysystem, I was issued my very own Security PASS to the UNITED NATIONS.

I was now a carded representative to the United Nations for our NGO LDS Charities, until December 31, 2011.

Thus, when we made our way over to its hallowed halls, we took the UN line, not the security line. It was amazing to see the rooms where the Security Council meets, and it was also amazing to pass by the slow-paced tourgroups and be a real United Nations representative.

You know those out-of-body experiences? Where you ask yourself, am I really here?

Well this feeling only heightened as we walked through the beautiful gardens by the East river to the building where the General Assembly, and the numerous daily meetings occur. We headed into a few meetings, and it was so incredible to listen to the official speakers, and see all the many ambassadors and counselors. This is the real deal, the real UN. Later in the week,Troy and I were able to attend another meeting down there, and collected fascinating information first hand. We will continue to do so for the next two months.

It is crazy to think that less than two years ago, I was sitting in high school in Melbourne, learning about International Studies, and studyingfor my final exams. Now, I have the opportunity to witness it first hand, and meet the honorable and esteemed men and women who represent their countries from all around the world.

What a blessing.


I still pinch myself when I am told my morning task is to go over to the General Assembly, and report on the days meetings. 

How to become a runner

The goal: a half marathon

Motivation to become a runner 
1. To make the most of living parkside in NYC

2. To be an asset not a liability on outdoors activities with Josh

3. a) aesthetics (to look good) b) productivity (to feel good)

4. Self discipline

5. My body is a temple

The timeline: 11 weeks until I return to Australia


The method: an awesome iPhone app that takes you through daily, 6 days per week workouts; ranging from my 15 minute jog today, all the way up to a half marathon!! It is surprisingly specific, for example one workout will be 'jog for 15 minutes; run for 10 minutes; walk for 8 minutes; jog for 20 minutes; cool down'.

The (supposed) outcome: apparently, after 12 weeks I will be able to go for a 90 minute non-stop run, and be capable of running a half marathon which is ___km and 13.1 miles!!


The challenges:
1. Weather - New York is a surprisingly rainy city; not to mention today it started getting cold!
2. Daylight hours - will decrease as we venture further into fall and winter (I work from 9-5)
3. Waking up early - never my strongest suit
4. Consistency - Josh doubts I can make it a week! I will prove him wrong... but 6 days a week is a big lifestyle commitment

Here goes!!