Pon & Zi are my absolute favorite characters created by Jeff Thomas in 2004. I have loved them both since I first laid eyes on them. They are not male and female. They are blue and yellow characters. Mr. Thomas explained in his site that Pon (yellow) is usually the optimistic instigator, and Zi (blue) retains some of the disconnect and apathy.
Depending on the dynamic of your relationship with your spouse, you could be a Pon or a Zi. If you’re not sure, hey, you can always take a quiz here! I relate to Pon in most cases. Pon ate a cookie it baked for Zi. The only explanation Pon has? ”I baked you a cookie but I accidentally eated it.” But they love each other no matter what. They’re both crazy sometimes, and slightly insane. And some days seem pretty obsessed of each other. The love is real though.
Pon & Zi is an odd story. Yet so heart warming. I remember a friend of mine baked clay to form a Pon to ask his lover to marry him. It took him several odd looking Pons to get to a perfect shape, but when it was done, it was beautiful. I almost cried looking at the clay version Pon, holding a promise ring.
Just for the fun of it, I took a Pon & Zi quiz. The result? As expected, I was Pon! What did it say about Pon? Well, here you go:
“Congrats! You are Pon! You are madly in love with Zi and would do just about anything for Zi. If your heart had a face it would be smiling. You don’t like snails, care a lot about others and you tend to cry a lot. You cry mostly for someone you love. Although when you’re not crying, you are extremely happy!”
Don’t know what it says about Zi… you just gotta try take the quiz yourself!
Amy Winehouse was found dead in her home. She was 27. I read all the news and comments this morning. Sad. But saddest are those who could not understand why amazingly talented people such as Amy Winehouse, Alexander McQueen, Diane Arbus could not handle this world. Yves Saint Laurent lived like a hermit, in deep depression, while he created the most magnificent pieces for the world to enjoy. These artists through their talents gave you and me so much joy, because they understood life is not pretty. Their art made a difference. You and I adore them because their work provide us with an escape out of this ordinary world. Even give us access to doors where you get to further satisfy your emotional needs, be it for beauty or pain.
Aubrey Beardsley
Life is as is. Life is whatever you make meaning out of it. Or don’t. At some point to me there is not a right or wrong way to experience life. Some say that life is empty and meaningless. I get it. But I also get that emotions are real. When you told me not to make meaning out of something while my heart felt like someone just punched and kicked it, I skeptically think that you are saying you’re afraid of your own emotions. And that’s okay too. Your own comfort level.
I don’t really have a point to say today rather than there are two sides in us all. You and I are no saints. We hurt as much as we pleased. We criticized as much as we praised. We used beauty to grant us our little wishes. We can’t help it.
But, we all have the ability to make a conscious decision of what we choose to contribute to those around us. I focused more on sharing through creative projects I produce or get involve in, because then the focus shifts, it always does. Because I do want you to have a pleasant experience while you’re in our events or simply stopping by our site.
Have balance in kindness, be as good to yourself as you are to others. Who knows you might, just might, find the world a lot more colorful…
Cait Painted a Wall at Bloom Fest Art District, Downtown LA
(This pic by our good friend, Sonny, at Bloom Fest earlier today)
Happy Father’s Day to all fathers and father-figure persons! With them, your world can be more practical, industrial, methodological, scholarly, and scientific.
My life is definitely richer as a mom, but is filthy rich with Sean by my side being such a sweet daddy to Keira. It is a blessing that I keep on counting. I have always loved being around kids. In my younger days, when I used to teach kids ballet, I knew I would always love to be able to teach my own child about life around them (of course, with a lot of ballet, if all possible). I love teaching Keira everything she needs to know (yes, including ballet, hooray!). So I am blessed Keira has a daddy who teaches her other things that I am not good at. I love watching Sean teach Keira every other thing she needs to know. Like science. Cars. Rockets. Singing. Music. Practical life. Montessori.
Sean looked incredibly 100 times sweeter when he said, “Let’s have our two kids now”, over coffee one morning, on one Christmas day, on a Virgin America plane ride to visit our dear friends in NYC, about two months after our wedding. Well, Virgin America did not witness any further action other than a kiss that made me feel like a virgin, if you were wondering. We waited till we got back to our own town after the whole New Year’s and friendship celebrations with endless alcoholic intake. But that morning, the world seemed as delirious as I was. I was on cloud nine. Literally, I guess, since we were on the plane. Then not long after that, Daddy Sean was also “born” along with baby Keira. He had bought a special nice camera so he could take nice pictures of his first born. He had read all the pregnancy books along with me. He never left his eyes off of the newborn Keira and followed her all the way from the C-section room to the nursery. He stayed there for a good hour, while I was in the recovery room, to watch Keira being bathed for the first time and took about fifty pictures of just Keira’s little newborn hands. He has been such an endearing daddy ever since…
Sean is 10 times better than I ever dreamed of in a husband, a partner, a bestfriend, and a father to our child. He is the complete opposite of his bubbly wife, in every way. He is so perfect for me. He is the most reasonable and most patient (and smartest) man I have ever known that actually resembles a lot of my own dad. (You might need an air bag after reading this). But I do find amazing and comforting traits that my dad has in Sean. Those traits alone make our lives as partners and parents so much easier. In our parenting world, we are always on the same page. Seriously. Always.We are somewhat traditional and so-called ‘by the book’ parents. We want to do everything right for Keira. At least, we try to. Of course, right? Since we are also considered new parents, we think we can do all the ‘by the book’ things and advice. In reality, of course, there are things we have to accept that we need to do that involves bending a rule or two. Or three. But usually the saying “whatever that works” happens as the last resort, after other methods have failed. Just like what many other parents want, we always want to do the right thing and do things right. But of course, we’re not perfect. Sean is such a reasonable person, which makes him a reasonable husband and daddy. We care for the same values and standards. We are definitely not a “Tiger Dad” or a “Tiger Mom”, we are just “Copy Cats”. We like to copy our role models: our parents, the more experienced parents that we know (and like), and from the books or “bibles” we read. From the moment we found out we were pregnant, we have always read the same books – literally always on the same page of each one of these: What to Expect When You’re Pregnant, What to Expect the First Year, and What to Expect the Toddler Years. What to expect the marriage years. Just kidding! Ignore the last one.
Daddy never misses a beat! He captured Keira’s first yoga:
I feel safe when I can see, at least, by theory, what is expected of what I am going through. And I found my perfect match: Sean. He is predictable, therefore easy to live with. The little things I care about in raising a child (or growing a baby) he cares about them, too. Sean is so transparent, which makes me feel so safe when I am around him. Sean absolutely brings the best in me as a person and a mom by being a father who always cares for the little details. His consistency and passion in doing the research and reading on all things that we go through or what he will get is so awesome! His gentleness, fondness, warmth and analytical-being comforts his little family. I feel sheltered and peaceful whenever he’s around. Life is easier. The getting ready to go somewhere is faster when Sean is around. I tend to remember things to pack more when Sean is coming with us to go somewhere. We get out of the car faster. We run errands more efficiently with the daddy driving us and staying with the baby in the car. I get to do my hair and make up to the fullest when the daddy is home and plays with Keira. I get at least 7 emails everyday from the daddy just to check in with us. We get to see Tangled with Rapunzel looks like she almost jumps out of the movie on this 100-inch projector screen that we have because daddy loves having a nice home theatre. We get to see the Nutcracker as a family every year because daddy wants to make it a tradition. “Not to worry, sweeties”, “I’m on my way home”, and “I love you, babies” are our favorite words from Daddy Sean. Daddy makes Keira’s life easy. For that, he needs to have Father’s Day practically everyday. For forever!
He needs to have a ribbon like this.
So, what’s not to celebrate on the real Father’s Day! Mr. McM is a car lover. Especially when it comes to European cars. So we went to see the Concours d’Elegance show on Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills. Besides, he’s got a wife who loves these vintage cars. Not all vintage cars, though. Vintage Italian cars only, please. I love the 50′s and 60′s Italian cars. It was Sean’s and my dad’s day but I got to enjoy it along with them. Perfect!
The Happy Duo on Father’s Day
The McManus Girls on Father’s Day
Vintage Fiat
Ferrari Lovers
Two Men and a Lady
Daddy loves the beach. So we topped our special day with a slight detour to Manhattan Beach on our way home to the marina…where Keira got to play with her favorite things (besides her Princess dolls): the beach and daddy.
I used to love being on my dad’s shoulders like this…Keira, please don’t grow too fast. Daddy loves having you up there…
We wanted the day to last. We watched the sun set and sky turn gray. A sail boat passed by. It reminded me about Daddy Sean’s dream to have a boat one day. Next to a Ferrari. A nice house. And a new camera lens. Maybe on the next Father’s Day, we can get you one of them, Daddy. But no matter life takes us, as long as you are with us on this family boat, we can sail this life together merrily.
With love to Mr. McM and with pride to all the daddies in the universe,
Mrs. McM.
P.S: I had the urge to pose. This could be the latest picture of me on Sean’s desk at his office, wouldn’t you think?
‘Spread the diaper in the position of the diamond with you at bat. Then, fold second base down to home and set the baby on the pitcher’s mound. Put first base and third together, bring up home plate and pin the three together. Of course, in case of rain, you gotta call the game and start all over again.’ Jimmy Piersal on how to diaper a baby
Matt and Cait at Brunch, the Standard Hotel, LA
Happy Father’s Day to all dads! My parenting partner, is my ex hubby/ good friend/ the only dude in the world who knows too well how to push my buttons (which should explains the divorce lol), Matt P. Aside of whatever mistakes (made, learned from and moved on) we always knew we do one thing right: we got co-parenting down. So good, we’re both so proud of Cait and of all her achievements. On this whole parenting thing, I do admit, I am proud to be co-parenting with the dude. As a dad, he’s pretty bad ass.
The Standard Restaurant, Photo from www.dereksanders.net
Since there is nothing standard in how we raise our daughter (slightly hippy artsy mom and a very scientific attorney dad), I feel that the only appropriate place to take Matt for Father’s Day celebration is … the downtown Standard hotel. Where there is absolutely nothing standard about the place. Just like us.
Rudolph and Rapunzel, also at brunch at the Standard Hotel LA
Our typical get together, goes something like this: Matt on a conference call solving the dotcom problems, Lolo trying to get Cait to learn notes while finishing her own project, Cait learning notes at the same time trying to argue wih Lolo. Lolo about to pull a major dragon mom on Cait. Matt muted himself off of the call, “Caitlin. No. Listen to mommy!” the good American Jewish dad that he is. We’re not fooling anyone here. We are completely aware that as much as she is a little angel, she turns into a little devil as well. Yin. Yang. Life has it she was born out of two attorneys, if she is argumentative it is genetic. Life has it that she is half east half west, she is in every sense of each word… Bhagavad Ghita meets the Mayflower Compact. So everyone just breath easy, we’ll sail through this just fine!
Cait on Father’s Day
Los Angeles. One tries to fly away, one wants to stay and another wants to be here. Matt and I have a complicated yet friendly relationship with each other and with the city. I learned to love it and call it my own after years of being here. It’s a good feeling to finally found the places in LA we each love. Matt on the west side and I’m in downtown. We continue to be the west and east side people too different to be together, yet with a lot of compassion for each other that allows us the opportunity to raise and enjoy our daughter together.
downtown LA from the roof top of the Standard hotel
Dian McManus jokingly and lovingly called the Standard “Where it All Began”. She met husband, the very sweet Sean McManus, here at the Standard. A great story. But I’ll let Mrs McM tells you one day. To me, the Standard downtown is a story of friendship. I spent many days here with good friends for late dinners after concerts, quick lunches when I have nothing to eat at home, or for a drink and music with friends on Sunday afternoons. I have a very weird relationship with buildings, I love them. I am drawn to them and need to live in the middle of the jungle of buildings and be with the energy of people on the streets and then go home to my quiet loft to create and zen out. The roof top of the Standard offers the greenery Matt needs, the sight of the city I am attracted to and the view of the library and old buildings with beautiful architecture we both love.
Lo and Cait, that’s just my Asian side kicking in I have to do a V sign when being photographed
Happy Father’s Day!
From the bottom of my heart, to all you Dads out there… Happy Father’s day. I know many of you have pulled many many days and nights as Mr. Moms, all the days and nights we moms are not available or you simply out of your good heart wanted to give us a break from the little ones. I appreciate you. Your parenting. Your love to your children. Every single awkward explanation you made when your daughter turned to you and innocently asked, “How did you and mommy have me?” Every single bruise you accidentally acquired from teaching your son to play soccer. I think you guys are awesome to do what you do. Thank you Dads, for your amazing part in raising our next generation.
While this society speaks often of single mothers, let me as a single mother, acknowledges the single dads out there. This song is for you. Happy Father’s day to you Dads raising your children in this world.
“It’s OK, Keira. Gyan is just sitting on mommy’s lap. You can sit here, too.”
“NO! NO! NO! MINE MOMMY!!!”
“Sharing is fun, Sweetie Papaya.” (Sigh).
Happy Mother’s Day!!! Here’s to all the mommies, the moms, and the mothers all around the universe! Here’s to all the mommies who have a toddler or two or three, eight or…well, 14. Here’s to all the mommies who keep encouraging the words “Sharing is fun” at every playdate. Here’s to all the mommies who feel like throwing a tantrum while their two-year-olds are throwing tantrums in public. Here’s to all the mommies whose amazing five-year-olds are going on 16, simply overnight. Here’s to all the mommies who celebrate their very first Mother’s Day! Welcome to the club! Here’s to all the mommies who get work things done at coffee shops ten thousand times faster because their babies are napping. Here’s to all the girly mommies who love to dress up their live dolls to the pinky-fullest! Here’s to all the mommies who have survived the toughest first week in their lives of going back to work from their maternity leave. Here’s to all the mommies who have mastered the trick of checking AND answering emails on their phones in a blink of an eye and in full swing while their babies are on a swing. Here’s to all the mommies who once left their car doors open wide in a Target parking lot because they got too focused unloading their babies. Here’s to all the mommies who have embraced mommyhood with all your hearts, grace, wisdom, dignity and…strong arm muscles. Here’s to all the mommies who sometimes don’t remember or can’t remember where they left off their last sentence in an adult conversation because the baby just dropped his dirty diaper on the floor. Here’s to all the mommies whose little girls just suddenly demand a great need of your help because “Rapunzel needs her hair to be braided”. Immediately. Here’s to all the mommies who make Starwars pancakes for their little “Lukes”. Here’s to the mommies who put the detergent in the fridge by mistake. Here’s to the mommies who accidently have run the pacifier in the washer. Here’s to all the mommies who cannot remember for the millionth time where exactly the car keys are buried in their bulky purses. Here’s to all the mommies who love to stuff more stuff to teir bulky purses. Here’s to all the mommies who love to keep buying big diaper bags because they can carry more fun things for themselves and most importantly, the diapers and snacks for the babies. And their iPhones, Blackberries, the cameras and the Flips. Here’s to all the mommies who get extra tired (and extra strong) waiting in line at Disneyland because their toddlers want to be picked up during the whole 20-minute wait. Here’s to all the mommies who manage to stay sane and look decent in any time of the day (in heels or not). Here’s to those who always carry their sharp brains at board and client meetings regardless of a tough morning or night. Here’s to all the hard-working mommies in offices and home offices! Here’s to all the mommies who stay home and don’t stay still! Here’s to all the coffee-lover mommies! Here’s to the tea-lover mommies! Here’s to the beer-lover mommies! Here’s to the wine-lover mommies! Here’s to the coffee-tea-wine-beer-lover mommies! Here’s to all the mommies who still love to go out to balance their lifestyle (and balance their walk in those skyscraper party heels). With or without their babies.
Here’s to all the mommies who need to express themselves to the fullest, through words and images like…BLOGGING! Here’s to all the creative “momtrepreneurs”! Thank you, Mama Lolo for having me with you here! For giving me such a fun way to keep a great balance of being a mother and a person through Martini & Milk! Here’s to the Martini & Milk mommies! Here’s to saying “Enough juice boxes, I want a martini!”
Here’s to my darling Mama and Mom-in-law. Thank you for loving me so dearly and spoiling me rotten. Thank you for loving me the way I am. Thank you for loving my little family the way you always do. Thank you for all your endless love and dedication as a mother. Thank you for raising me so perfectly. Thank you for saying that you are never too tired to love and for inheriting me the love for pink and girliness, Mama. Thank you for loving me (and my fashion sense) the way I am and always wanting to hear about what and how I am doing, Mom. Because of you I can always express myself to the bubbly-fullest. I would not be here without you.
And here’s to Mama Irma for laughing with me tonight on our way home at midnight (with our babies – who just had gelato at 10pm) because…oops. We HAD FORGOTTEN that Mother’s Day was this weekend!!! We remembered the date last month when we were all looking at our calendars for May. But with all the excitement of back-to-back events earlier leading up to this Sunday, we simply…had been hit by a “mommy brain” moment. Oops. Things we do as mothers. We forget. Even when it comes to celebrating our special role as a mommy! One thing for sure: we forget things because we think of ourselves last. You come first. We take care of you first. We feed you first. We multitask and we master it (or least, we think we do). We love. We look at life from a different angle: “you were once a baby! kind of angle. You’re a product of the “miracle of life”, we want to nurture you because you are special. We love you no matter what, we pick you up, we tell you “everything is going to be just fine”. Endlessly till we are out of this world. We are forever grateful that we are mothers and that we got all those traits from our own mothers. Thank you for appreciating us. You make our day. Today and always.
Have a lovely day on this Mother’s Day, my loves. You know you are loved.
Mille tendresse (directly translated as…a thousand tenderness),
Mrs. McM.
It’s time to celebrate! I would love to have these candle holders on our lunch table! (Delivered straight from Anthropologie)
I could always “stumble upon” some pretty plates on the web! This time these darling babies are from Boat Mangeller.
Last but never least, we mommies love desserts to keep our energy up! Especially when they are…monogrammed! House Beautiful found these yummy little sweethearts on Flourpotcookies.com
And for those who love to shop for all things fashion and have a toddler! I suggest you read this book! My other bible. The latest book by Sophie Kinsella‘s Shopaholic series is so light and full of humor (just what mommies need!) that you can have it as your funny entertainment in the middle of the night, while sitting in traffic (JUST KIDDING!) or whenever the busy babe naps! (I swear this actually could be my own true story!)
