Gift Giving - Let’s Break the Cycle of Awkward Gifts. Don't Guess. Just ASK!!!

Ah, the holiday season! A time for twinkling lights, cozy sweaters, and... let’s be honest, the annual stress-fest of finding the perfect gift. We’ve all been there: wandering through stores or doom-scrolling online, desperately hoping a magical, budget-friendly present will leap out and yell, “This is exactly what they want!” Spoiler alert: it rarely does.

But what if I told you there’s a better way? One that saves your sanity, reduces waste, and guarantees the recipient will actually love what they unwrap? It’s shockingly simple: just ask them what they want.

The Case for Asking: Why It’s Not the Grinch Move You Think It Is

Somewhere along the way, a rumor started that asking someone what they want makes your gift less thoughtful. Like, somehow, mind-reading is the gold standard of holiday cheer. But does it really?

When you ask someone what they want, you’re not being lazy—you’re showing you care enough to get it right. A well-chosen gift isn’t about proving your psychic abilities; it’s about making the other person feel seen and appreciated. And let’s be real, guessing often leads to epic fails:

• A sweater that’s two sizes too small.

• A kitchen gadget they’ll use once (if they even figure out what it does).

• A book they already own but are too polite to mention.

Now, instead of “nailed it,” you’ve got disappointment wrapped up in a bow. No one wins. Asking solves this! It’s practical, thoughtful, and yes, still full of holiday magic. Plus, it opens up opportunities for conversations like, “Hey, what’s on your wishlist this year?” or “What’s something you’ve been wanting but wouldn’t buy for yourself?”

A New Kind of Holiday Tradition

Instead of silently panicking about whether your gift will hit or miss, you ask your loved ones what they’d like. They’re relieved, you’re relieved, and everyone’s happy—what a concept! You could even turn it into a fun tradition:

• Wish-List Coffee Dates: Grab a holiday latte and swap ideas.

• Festive “Dear Santa” Jars: Everyone writes down their wishes and pulls from the jar.

• Family Group Chats: Create a “gift ideas” thread—bonus points for memes.

And if you’re worried about losing the surprise factor, remember: knowing what someone wants doesn’t mean you can’t get creative! Add a personal touch with thoughtful wrapping, handwritten notes, or pairing the gift with something unexpected.

Gifts That Aren’t Just “Stuff”

Another bonus of asking? It encourages people to think beyond material things. Some great ideas might include:

• Experiences: Tickets to a concert, a cooking class, or even a weekend getaway.

• Charity Donations: Supporting a cause they care about in their name.

• Acts of Service: Babysitting, helping with a DIY project, or a homemade dinner.

You’ll never know they’d prefer a spa day over a scarf unless you ask.

Let’s Break the Cycle of Awkward Gifts

Here’s the thing: The holidays are stressful enough without adding a game of “Guess What’s in My Brain” to the mix. By normalizing the simple act of asking, we can focus on what truly matters: the joy of giving and the excitement of receiving something you actually wanted.

It’s a win-win. They get a gift they’ll love. You get the satisfaction of knowing you nailed it. And you avoid the post-holiday return lines. Everyone wins—even your wallet.

So, Are You Team Ask or Team Surprise?

Alright, friends, let’s settle a debate: Do you prefer when someone asks what you want as a gift, or are you all about the surprise factor?

Are you Team "Tell me what you want, what you really really want" 🎶 or Team "Surprise me, I love the mystery"?

Drop your answer below—and if you're in Team Surprise, I hope you’re prepared for a random pair of socks or a fruitcake. 😜

(Asking for a friend. Definitely not trying to avoid last-minute gift stress… nope, not me at all.)

Mistakes Matter: Why Your Mistakes Are Secretly Your Greatest Teachers

I hate it when people say, “Don’t worry about your mistakes!” Sure, it’s well-meaning advice, but it kind of misses the point. Mistakes do matter—but not in the “beat-yourself-up-and-live-in-eternal-regret” way. There’s a fine line between learning from your slip-ups and letting them rent too much space in your brain. But dismissing them altogether? That’s a missed opportunity wrapped in denial.

Think about it: every mistake comes with a built-in lesson. Forgetting to double-check your work? Lesson learned—proofread like your life depends on it. Burned the cookies because you ignored the timer? Lesson learned—respect the timer. Went on a date with someone whose red flags were basically a full-blown parade? Lesson learned—trust your gut. Mistakes are basically life’s way of saying, “Hey, pay attention!” They’re not trying to ruin you; they’re trying to refine you.

The trick is not to dwell on the mistake itself but to extract the wisdom it’s offering. Ask yourself: What went wrong? What could I do differently next time? And, maybe the most important question of all, how can I laugh about this later? Because if you can’t laugh at your blunders, you’re missing out on the best part of being human.

Here’s the truth: nobody gets it right 100% of the time. Even the people you admire most—the ones who seem to have their lives perfectly curated on Instagram—have stumbled and face-planted more times than they’ll ever admit. The difference? They didn’t let their mistakes define them; they let their mistakes educate them.

So, the next time you mess up—and you will—resist the urge to brush it off with a casual, “It doesn’t matter.” Instead, take a moment to sit with it. Think about what went wrong, what you learned, and how you’ll crush it next time. Then, shake it off, laugh about it, and get back to being your fabulous, imperfect self.

Key Takeaways:

1. Mistakes aren’t failures; they’re feedback.

2. A little reflection goes a long way—don’t skip it.

3. Learning from your missteps is how you level up in life.

Life isn’t about avoiding mistakes; it’s about making better ones. So, go forth and blunder gloriously—you’ve got this!

The Wicked Truth About Perspectives: Lessons from the Land of Oz

Have you watched Wicked (the musical or the movie)? If not,  you’re missing out on one of the most captivating, heart-wrenching, and utterly relatable stories ever told. I fell head over heels for it the first time I saw it at the Pantages Theatre. (Full disclosure: my bank account didn’t appreciate the ticket price, but my soul? Oh, it thrived.)

Here’s the thing about Wicked: it isn’t just a spectacle of stunning songs and jaw-dropping visuals (though, let’s be real, “Defying Gravity” gives me chills every. single. time). It’s also a story that hits close to home for anyone who’s ever been misunderstood, misjudged, or painted as the villain without a fair trial. Sound familiar?

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been the victim of a rumor—one so twisted it made you wonder if people were secretly playing a game of “telephone” with your life. (I see you nodding over there.) Maybe someone decided they had your whole story figured out after hearing a single snippet from someone else. Or maybe you’ve been on the other side—assuming you knew the truth about someone based on hearsay. Either way, Wicked is here to remind us of a hard truth: there’s always more than one side to every story.

Why Perspectives Matter

Let’s talk about Elphaba, our misunderstood green queen. From the outside, she’s the villain—wicked, scary, dangerous. But as the story unfolds, we get to know her side: her struggles, her sacrifices, and the impossible situations she faced. Suddenly, the labels don’t stick so well.

Now think about your own life. How often do we make snap judgments about people based on partial information? Maybe it’s that coworker who always seems aloof (spoiler: they might be shy, not stuck-up). Or the friend who canceled plans last minute (what if they’re struggling with something they haven’t shared yet?).

It’s all about context, baby.

So, What Can We Learn from the Land of Oz?

1. Pause Before You Judge
   When you hear something about someone—good or bad—take a beat. Ask yourself: Do I really know the full story, or am I just filling in the blanks with assumptions?

2. Ask Questions, Don’t Assume Answers
   If you’re unsure about someone’s actions or intentions, ask them! Be the Glinda who listens, not the crowd that boos. (Bonus: this works wonders for relationships, too.)

3. Remember: Every Villain is a Hero in Their Own Story
   Even the so-called “bad guys” in life have their reasons. You don’t have to agree with them, but understanding where they’re coming from might surprise you.

Let’s Flip the Script

Here’s my challenge for you: The next time you feel yourself writing someone off—or when you’re feeling written off—channel your inner Elphaba. Stand tall, defy gravity, and remember that perspectives are never one-size-fits-all.

Also, maybe cut yourself some slack. People are complex. Life is messy. And sometimes, what looks “wicked” is just someone trying their best in a world that doesn’t always give them the benefit of the doubt.

So, let’s give each other a little grace (pun intended). Who knows? Maybe we’ll all walk away with a story worth singing about.

What do you think of Wicked? Have you ever been on the receiving—or giving—end of a misunderstood story? Let me know in the comments!

Why I’m Volunteering to Speak in Public (And Why You Should Too)

English wasn’t my first language—despite being born and raised in the U.S. My family really wanted me to learn their native tongue, so it wasn’t until I hit school that I actually started learning English. I distinctly remember the struggle—there was a lot of crying involved. If you’ve ever tried to learn a new language as an adult, you know what I mean. It’s like trying to untangle a knot that’s been there for years.

If you ever meet me in person, you'll quickly discover that I’m a bit of a potty mouth. Seriously, I have a knack for dropping monosyllabic words in every sentence. I’m talking about the kind of language that would make your grandmother clutch her pearls. No, I’m not proud of it—but it’s who I am. I'm looking at you Gary Vee.

It’s funny, because even my closest friends are completely shocked by how diametrically different my writing is compared to the way I speak. I know, "diametrically different" sounds a bit fancy for someone who drops "f-bombs" like they’re going out of style, but stick with me here. Writing me is like meeting a different version of myself—a version that actually knows how to string together more than three words without sounding like I just stubbed my toe.

In conversation, I tend to keep things short, sweet, and, well… colorful. You won’t catch me waxing poetic about the wonders of the English language mid-chat. Nope, I prefer to keep it casual and direct. If I need to get a point across, I’m gonna say it with all the impact of a wrecking ball—no fluff, no filler.

It’s as if my brain says, “Okay, we’re not speaking to a live audience here, so let’s try to sound…you know… smart.”

I know, I know. It’s a little odd. But hey, I’ve learned to embrace my quirks. I might sound like a sailor in person, but my writing voice is a different animal. Sometimes, it’s nice to have that extra layer of polish, especially when you’re trying to actually communicate a point.

So, while I may not win any awards for my sparkling conversation (unless there’s a category for "Most Likely to Make You Blush"), I like to think my writing makes up for it. After all, who says you can’t be a little bit of both? The best part is, I get to be me in both worlds—whether it’s dropping a joke with friends or writing a blog post that’s polished but still has a touch of realness.

Because of that, I’ve always been much more comfortable with writing than public speaking. Give me a keyboard and a glass of wine, and I’m in my element. I love having the time to let my thoughts marinate and then shape them into something that makes sense (and looks decent). Don’t even get me started on spell check and grammar functions—I sometimes feel like my computer knows more about punctuation than I do. Seriously, I can spend hours tweaking a single sentence just to make sure it flows like smooth peanut butter.

But put me in front of an audience? Different story. Suddenly, my palms turn into waterfalls, my brain turns to mush, and all I can think is, What was I going to say again? And don’t even mention eye contact—while I’m up there, my nerves are doing a full-on salsa dance.

Public speaking, to me, feels like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. Sure, it could go well, but there’s definitely potential for things to go horribly wrong. I much prefer one-on-one chats or small groups where the pressure’s off and I can focus on real connections without the fear a spotlight might make me spontaneously combust.

If we only stick to what we’re comfortable with, we miss out on growth. And you know what? I’m all about growth. That’s why I’ve decided to embrace the discomfort and start volunteering for more public speaking opportunities. Yes, you heard that right—I am stepping up to the mic, ready to make my mark (and hopefully not pass out).

I’ve been inspired by some amazing instructors I work with who seem to have public speaking down. They make it look effortless. Seriously, I’ve watched them hold a room’s attention with just a few words, and nobody’s even checking their phones... much! How do they do it? I need their secret sauce.

What I’ve learned so far is this: public speaking is a skill, just like anything else. And like any skill, it gets better with practice. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about connecting with your audience, engaging them, and making them feel something. Whether you’re speaking to a classroom full of students or a small group of colleagues, it’s not about you—it’s about your ability to communicate and share ideas.

I know—I sound like a motivational speaker right now, don’t I? But seriously, even though it feels uncomfortable, pushing myself to do more public speaking is already paying off. I’m slowly (read: very slowly) building my confidence, and I can now grab the mic without feeling like I’m about to faint. Progress, right?

So, if you’re like me and the thought of speaking in front of a crowd makes your stomach flip, here’s my advice: Just go for it. Volunteer for that next speaking opportunity. Yes, it’s scary at first, but trust me—being a little uncomfortable now will lead to big rewards down the road.

And hey, even if you completely bomb, at least you’ll have some hilarious stories to tell. Because really, what’s life without a little chaos, a little courage, and a whole lot of personal growth?

My Holy Wardrobe: How My Comfy Clothes Sparked a Family Drama (and Why I’m Never Giving Them Up!)

 So, you know that one shirt or pair of sweats you refuse to give up? The one that’s basically held together by memories and a prayer? Yeah, same here. We all have that ride-or-die piece of clothing that’s technically not appropriate for public viewing but feels like a warm hug. Mine just so happened to make a guest appearance in front of Sal’s parents the other day. Spoiler alert: chaos ensued.

Picture this: it’s a casual weekend, and I’m rocking my favorite "air-conditioned" T-shirt with some very well-loved sweats. We’re heading to the swap meet (because hello, thrifting is life), and I’m all about being comfy. I mean, who gets dressed up for a swap meet? That’s like putting on stilettos to go camping—completely unnecessary.

Anyway, while I’m busy digging through vintage treasures and scoring some sweet finds, Sal’s parents are, apparently, taking very detailed notes on my outfit. Fast-forward to today, and I find out they gave Sal a full-on lecture about how he’s "not taking care of his woman." 😂 Yes, you read that right—my slightly holey shirt was his fault.

The best (or worst?) part? They bought me new clothes. Like, actual clothes without built-in ventilation! Sweet, right? Except now Sal has declared war on my comfy wardrobe. He’s threatening to throw out all my “holy” clothes because he’s the one who does laundry. NOOOOO. My sweats! My T-shirt! MY FREEDOM!

So, now I’m here asking: do you guys have those favorite pieces of clothing you just cannot part with, no matter how many judgmental stares you get? Are you Team Comfy at all costs, or Team Sal's Parents, where holes = trash? Let me know in the comments—bonus points if you share a story of your own wardrobe drama!

Knott’s Berry Farm: Food, Fun, and Rides Without Getting Stuck (This Time!)

It’s time for another Knott’s Berry Farm food run! This time, Selene and Austin joined us—we were on a mission: maximum food, minimum regret. With our stomachs prepped and we aimed for a chill day at the park. We were determined to get every penny’s worth of our dining plan.

Double Cheese Burger with Onion Rings

Chili Cheese Dog with French Fries

First stop: Coasters Diner, where we indulged in double cheeseburgers and a chili dog. Were these gourmet creations? Maybe not, but hey, they hit the spot and paired perfectly with the theme park vibe. Then, like the dedicated foodies we are, we ventured to Boardwalk BBQ for their smoked tri-tip, which was so tender and flavorful, especially with the spicy BBQ sauce.

 

Smoked Tri-Tip with Mashed Potatoes and Corn Bread

But hold on—this wasn’t just a food crawl disguised as a theme park visit! This time, we actually hit the rides. That’s right: we rode stuff. And guess what? None of us got stuck, which feels like a solid win in the theme park achievement book.

Now, I’ll admit, I’m all about the thrill rides—bring on the drops, loops, and adrenaline rushes. But for Sal? Let’s just say his idea of “thrill” leans more toward finding the perfect churro than riding a roller coaster. We stuck to some of the slower rides, just for him.

First up was Jaguar, a smooth and surprisingly long coaster that gave us a mini tour of the park—bonus points for being a crowd-pleaser with zero whiplash. 

Jaguar!

Next, we went full old-school with the Calico Mine Ride, which is like stepping into a Wild West fever dream complete with animatronic miners and explosions (because why not?). Finally, we wrapped things up with a spin on Snoopy’s Tenderpaw Twister Coaster, which is every bit as adorable as it sounds. Think tiny drops, gentle turns, and a solid 10/10 on the “fun for all ages” scale.

Calico Mine Ride

Snoppy's Tenderpaw Twister Coaster

Last but not least, Sal wouldn't be Sal without a little bit of shenanigans. Yeah, he tried to break into the Drug Store, and then tried to take the train all for himself. Well, at least he keeps things interesting.

Why Midweek Dinners with Old Friends Are the Real Highlight of Adulting

Sometimes the best part of the week isn’t some fancy plan or wild weekend getaway. Nope, it’s those simple midweek dinners with friends where we swap stories, laugh at the absurdities of life, and unwind from the daily juggling act of work, family, and all-around adulting chaos.

Our friendship started years ago in Thailand, and even though we’re now in the U.S., each chasing different dreams, we’re still there for each other when we can be. It’s like a time capsule we can jump back into, full of shared memories, inside jokes, and a mutual understanding of our past and present lives.

As we get older, friendships naturally evolve. We may not stay in touch every day (or even every month), but who needs a friendship that needs constant babysitting? The beauty of true friendship is that it doesn’t demand 24/7 attention. We get that life is a balancing act, and no one’s keeping score. We all have to do our own thing, and that’s perfectly okay.

So, here’s to those midweek meetups that keep us sane, the friends who’ve been with us through the years, and the moments that remind us that while life may get busier, these small gatherings are worth making time for. Cheers to old friends—here’s to making new memories!