So here you go…this manual really works.  If you need some troubleshooting tips, just scroll to the end.

My instructor’s comments are mentioned at the end as well (priceless).

Anyone going to take this manual for a spin? 

Comments:  Hi MoniQue.  A very creative approach to what some might consider, an arduous and difficult task.  Really fabulous job on the formatting, organization and implementation of the instruction set.    All aspects of the assignment  are fully addressed and exceed  expectations.  Great job too on the Introduction and the Purpose Statement.  The equipment list is also a plus.  The reader is immediately engaged and actively involved in the document from start to finish.  The pictorials and graphics are also very effective in helping to “reach and teach” the reader.  Excellent work on using sequentially ordered steps and a command voice throughout.  Nice sense of “humour” in the conclusion for the “chef challenged”!!

As a young girl, I looked up to Whitney Houston.  I wanted nothing more than to be a singer/songwriter when I grew up, just like her.  She was an extremely talented artist, someone I couldn’t ever get tired of listening to.  Her death is devastating for many, but for me, I remember the days when my cousin and I would pick up our microphones and sing along to her songs.  I’m sure many girls looked up to her and can include many of her songs as part of their life soundtrack.  I know that I can!

It’s a very sad day, but Whitney, may you rest in peace.  There’s no doubt that your music will live on, because you are definitely a legend.

How has Whitney Houston’s death affected you?

Allergies are horrible in general, but it’s getting in the way of my productivity and THAT makes me very angry.  These daily struggles that force me to consume even MORE coffee just to stay awake are not acceptable.  I’m on a mission to do something about it.  Thursday, I will be seeing my doctor and requesting a long-term steroid.  What does this mean? I will have A TON of energy, I will be hungry every five minutes, but I will be able to BREATHE.

Thursday cannot come soon enough.  Until then, pass the tissues…

P.S. I’d like to find someone who buys more tissues than I do.  Thank goodness for Costco!

Whether you need the assistance or not, a support system is crucial in achieving your goals.  I don’t care if your goal is to learn a new language, learn how to cook something, or change the world; you still need the encouragement from genuine people.

I am confident that 2012 will be a great year because I will make it a point to create an environment for happiness, love, success, and good relationships.

Do you have the reassurance that you need to get things done in 2012?  Don’t be afraid to ask; people who care will be there.

Cheers to the end of 2011 and to a happy and prosperous New Year!

Care about those you love.
Care about those who are less fortunate.
Care about those who are lonely.
Care about those who make your world a better place.

At the same time…

Care less about your brand versus his/her brand.
Care less about how much money you have, as well as material possessions.
Care less about showing others how much better you are.
Care less about fitting in with those who are superficial, yet popular.

Don’t forget to…

Care more about giving and respecting.
Care more about people.
Care more about how your actions or words affect others.
Care more about helping to change the world for the better.

Let’s make this world a better place. We cannot create peace and love without caring first. THIS is my holiday wish. Can you help me?

Some people celebrate their own birthdays with large purchases for themselves like diamonds, cars, or a clothing shopping spree.  As for me?  I am really going to do something for myself.  I have decided that I am going to commit to my health and wellness.  I will also redesign the way I have allowed negative events in my past define me.  This is just one of the many things that will make this next year great.

To some, this birthday intention may seem silly but in reality, it’s priceless in comparison to clothes that can fade, cars that can depreciate, or extravagant trips that can put me into debt.  I have never been so clear about what is truly important, and this is what birthdays should be all about.  That super duper smiley little girl is enough motivation for me to stay happy and well.

Spreading the positivity: Here’s a good song for today!

I don’t want to keep thinking about negative things like grudges, hatred, and why some people may not like me. Honestly, I am so ecstatic with several important aspects of my life, and I’ve been through so much hardship that I deserve this. I deserve to be happy and won’t let anyone or anything take it away.

My amazing husband and I have created a little family, and with them, I am completely content and need nothing else. At the end of the day, money doesn’t mean a thing, neither do our material possessions. Coming home and kissing my ohana is what keeps me going and my heart blissful, and I want to help keep them just as happy. Negative emotions can spread like wildfire if you let them. I’m putting my guard up; bearing hurt and anger is not worth even a penny.

So I ask you, what keeps you going? What keeps you happy? Are your worries worth it?

As much as you can, focus on being at peace. Free your mind, and your feet will follow.

I was scheduled to be at this tweet up at The Vig on August 5th, 2010. I was thrilled to finally meet the Tweeple that I had been tweeting with for over a year.  I was so excited, I got there SUPER early…like a couple of hours ahead of schedule (also because I got off of work & didn’t think it was efficient for me to drive home. Anyway, I digress…).  THEN, I get this tweet…

 ”Don’t leave! I want to meet you!”

This tweet was from @lafinguy, whom I was not even following. I had seen his name come across my feed a few times since we had several mutual friends, but I was not expecting this.

I was incredibly intrigued, and now I <– had to meet him! So I waited…people started showing up. I mingled with many awesome peeps, and then all of a sudden, Mr. Mike (@lafinguy) Shaldjian appeared. I extended my hand for a formal greeting, and he wouldn’t have any part of it.  He gave me this giant bear hug, and I was hooked!

We migrated to the bar and after some tequila shots (YUM), we began to chat and got to know each other (as much as two people can in a loud bar with tons of people around).  Tweeps were passing by and thought we were just two friends catching up after a long time apart.  The truth is, we had known each other in another life and were reconnecting, but this time for good.

I’m not kidding when I say that this day changed my life. I was so happy to finally find a caring, loving, sweet, and intelligent man who I loved spending time with, loved talking to, and absolutely adore.  Not to mention, we discovered that we share many of the same interests.

Six months later, this happened…

@littlebitofmoni became @lafingal.  Mike and I became Mr. & Mrs. Mike Shaldjian. I know that this is totally cliche to say, but THIS was the happiest day of my life.  C’mon. I married my best friend, my soul-mate. I thought, “it just can’t get better than this” (oh, but it CAN).

In the year that we have known each other, we have done so much together and have all of our memories captured in photographs…over 6,000 but who’s counting?  I am happy, WE are happy…I mean, take a look at us!

We greatly appreciate the support of our true friends. Mike and I are not afraid to express our love for each other over social media or even in public.  There is so much hatred and negativity going around in this world, it wouldn’t hurt anyone to see some positivity.

Spreading love, hope, and lafter is what we’re all about!  Happy meeting anniversary, Mike! Nice to meet you…I LOVE YOU!

I did not know this man who passed, Mr. Mike Machanian; he was a good family friend of my husband’s family.  Despite the fact that he was a stranger to me, the wonderful words of his family and friends depicted a man who was humble, strong, helpful, loving, patient, and most importantly, happy.  He served in World War II, and as we all know this changes the attitudes of solidiers after they come home.  Typically, they return detached, troubled, depressed, and distressed.  Fortunately, he was not tainted by all of the conflict and stress. In fact, this experience gave him a “code” to live by, and he stuck to it (despite the fact that every one saw this as being stubborn).  This code allowed him to keep a steady flow of love and happiness.

I learned a lot from Mike, from his life. I discovered that at my memorial service one day, I would like to be recognized as a happy person, a person that loved and was loved.  I was worried that I would never feel this way about my life, but thankfully, I do.  I am blessed to have an amazing husband who loves me.  He also has given me the opportunity to love him to my truest loving potential.  All of this added to my new outlook on life provides me with happiness.  I will continue on this mission for as long as I shall live.

Mike Machanian, you will be missed by those that love you, for the lives you have touched and for the memories. Your memorial service has shown me that death and funerals do not have to be a glass-half-empty experience.  You would be so happy to know that your life was celebrated yesterday, but I’m sure you were present in spirit.

For those of you who fear death or avoid funerals because they are too depressing, take a moment to look at it from a different angle of celebrating a life and memories.  Passing on does not need to be seen as someone’s spirit being diminished. Allow those memories to carry on the spirit of someone you love.