The Californian and The Praguer

M: I must say, the whole living on opposite ends of the world is not as bad I thought it would be. The first few weeks of traveling were a little bit difficult but, with the extreme helpfulness of the international internet plan with my Kindle 2, I was able to get e-mails off to Ryan and my parents to let them know how I was doing and where I was. Finally, now settled in Prague, Ryan and I Skype for an hour or two every night!



R: Skyping is nice, but its strange to be starting my day when she is going to sleep. Oh, and its weird saying goodnight! I have to say goodnight at one in the afternoon! And Mayan doesn't say goodnight because... she's waking up at that time. I only really have one main worry so far...
M: What is that?
R: I'm not scared of losing you, because our love is too powerful for that, but i am scared that you will change and not be the same person. because I want to marry the person you are now... not saying that I wouldn't if you change but, you are perfect to me.
M: You are the cutest person in the world. It is a fact. I understand what you mean, but I want to change. I want to grow. I promise not to change into someone who is hard to love. I just want to absorb everything I can from this culture. I want so badly to be a Praguer.


R: Sweetie you can but you don't have a need to change who you are, right? I dont want you to change how you love me, and how you want to be with me for the rest of your life... i dont want you to change how you are happy being with me no matter what... i dont want you to stop thinking about me... i just love you, sweetie pie!
M: If anything, how much i learn, grow and change will help me appreciate you more! Our love is awesome. It is like my favorite music, or a really good pastry. Or pancakes. Our love is similar to pancakes.
R: Gross.

In love,
Mayan and Ryan

Leaving on a jet plane...

As we count our final hours together before Mayan flies off the Prague for the semester, we find ourselves wondering what will be the most memorable way to pass the time.

So far today we have:
1. Picked up Peet's Coffee on the way to Nordstrom Rack, where Mayan found three of her favorite brand of shirts and a new pair of ballet flats. Ryan dutifully helped her realize a pair of Ugg boots are not a stylish enough choice for Europe.
2. Picked up a Cheesehouse sandwich, aka the best sandwiches in the Northern Hemisphere, and returned home.
3. Packed Mayan's bag to head back to LA.
4. Realized that the shirts from Nordstrom Rack were too big, so went to exchange them.
5. Played a little baseball in the front yard. Ryan had to chase after a few of Mayan's hits.
6. Played 6 different sports in Wii. Mayan found out her Wii age was 46 today. Disappointment still lingers.
7. ...Which leads us to now, where Mayan is diligently blogging while Ryan watches the Giants game quietly.

It a good day, mostly because we've spent the entire day together. Still, there is a certain uneasiness that comes with not knowing what the future will bring. Sure, we hope to Skype everyday, but we know that might not happen. We hope that e-mail will keep us in touch, but we know we will still feel far apart. Still, we have about two weeks left before Mayan leaves the country. She will be working at CLU until she leaves. Ryan plans on pumping iron to pass the time. Video games also help.

Both of us hope that this blog might be our anchor, somewhere we can 'come home to.' We hope that you guys will stay with us as we venture on the journey of the next four months.

Love,
My and Ry

Fun stuff... FO' FREE!

If you are expecting financial advice, you might rather visit Bill Gates blog. BUT! If you would like to find out 5 of our favorite dates that cost (almost) nothing... then read on, my friends, read on.

5. Take a Walk
Okay, I understand this sounds boring. Fine, you can exchange this with biking. Or fruitbootin' (Ryan would like it to be noted that he resents that fact I refer to Rollerblading as fruitbootin'). Or running, if you're that ambitious.
We are simple. We love, love, love to walk around together. Just walk and talk. if you haven't noticed, this world is absolutely beautiful. Before Ryan stopped me from my mile-a-minute life-speed, I never took the time to notice the little things- the way the sun hits the buildings at dusk, how people watching can be the most interesting way to spend a day, that slowing down to enjoy a meal at the table is much more satisfying than eating a bowl of oatmeal while walking to class. So take a walk.

4. Picnic
Okay, so its not totally free, but we assume you eat sometime, right? Packing up the picnic cooler is half the fun! Spend a little time in the kitchen making sandwiches, potato or macaroni salad or a nice, green salad. Bring a blanket, a frisbee, basketball or soccer ball and head to a park, or even your own yard! People make the mistake of thinking you have to leave the house to have fun. Which leads me to my next favorite thing to do...

3. Stargaze
Points if you can get out of a metropolis, but seriously, stargazing is so amazing. All it takes is a couple big blankets and a watchful eye. You have a lawn, so use it! Or go to a close park.. you can walk there ;) Keep track of who can see the most shooting stars! (Ryan ALWAYS win this game).


2. Rent a movie (from the Library!)
Most people don't know their their stuffy old local library actually might offer a large selections of DVDs to checkout. Pretty cool. If they don't you can get a Red Box DVD for 99 cents at a local grocery store. Movies are fun because its totally relaxing and you can discuss what you liked/didn't like afterwards :)

1. Free concert in the park!
Most cities offer a "free concert in the park" during the summer. By now, you guys probably know how obsessed we are with music... and especially concerts. Look it up on your local city website and see what you can find! Or take a drive to get to one. Even if you haven't heard of them before, check them out! There are so many great unknown bands out there. And you never know, they could end up being the next big thing! (Ryan recommends San Jose's Music in the Park)

We sincerely hope you are enjoying summer and will stop by to leave us your favorite free date ideas! We love hearing from you :)

My love don't cost a thing,
My & Ry

The time we got new toys...

R: There is one giant reason I got an xbox: I won't be as bored when Mayan is gone.
M: Thats cute, bub. My amazonkindle is to keep my brain full and my mind occupied on my trips!

Today we got new electronics... and it feels like Christmas.

M: Why don't you tell everyone about your xbox, and what games you've got.
R: I didn't get any new games, I just have the ones I've already have. Basketball, football, hockey... all the sports games.
M: Well thats good, at like it will feel like your getting exercise...



It feels like summer has officially started, now that we have some brand new toys (or brand-new to you, in Ry's case)

M: I am so pleased with my Kindle. It was the most difficult day at work because all I could think about was getting home and exploring my new device!
R: Its very "you."
M: Haha! You're right, its an electronic book (or books!). I used to reject the thought of not feeling the weight of a book in my hand, but honestly, when you're reading on the kindle, it completely disappears! You are the book are off on your adventure! SO nice.

R: Its cute, and like a really thin pancake.
M: You're funny.
R: You're funny. Its really cool because its for you and your happy.
M: I hope your xbox makes you happy!
R: it keeps me happy when you're away.... (sad face.)
M: Well I guess this is one way of coping with it...


WE ARE GOING TO GO PLAY NOW BYE!
haha. but really. bye!

sincerely,
ms. white and mr. mdermott

The many faces of Ryan

M: Ryan makes funny faces. I take bad pictures. The combination is lethal.

That which is like unto itself is drawn- Music Edition!

Its the Law of Attraction. I'm not sure from whom this law came from or why is it that they should make this a law... all I know is that it is true.

Hey there. Its Mayan. I can see the Law of Attraction within the friends I chose to spend time with, Ryan (obviously) and, strangely enough, books. It never dawned on me that my musical tastes could reflect this same law!

I can't remember what I listened to before Ryan and I started dating, but all I know now is that we can flip on each others iTunes and be certain that whatever we turn on, it will be liked by both of us. Which is cool for, say, 6 hour car rides between LA and San Francisco.

JUST KIDDING! Wow, our lives would be so boring if our iTunes didn't have at least some slight differences! For the most part, our favorites are the same. As weird as it sounds, I listen to Linkin Park when I need to fall asleep. Ryan... not so much. I was really into punk and rock in high school, and although I have phrased most of that out of my library, I still like bands like Paramore and The Offspring. I realize that the musical standard for amazingness isn't often as apparent in these kinds of bands but there is something to be said for a Jimmy Eat World song that can make your day better. But, for the most part, Ryan and I are happy to listen to anything, especially awful songs that come on the radio because then we get to display our musical deterity by critiquing the crap out of Taylor Swift. I mean she's cute, but sheesh. Anyways...

I asked Ryan, the resident music expert of this relationship, to make a 'Top 10' all time albums of his musical taste (M: he doesn't like the Beatles. i know, right?) [R: I DON'T DISLIKE THEM! I JUST DON'T LIKE THEM!] (M: same thing). Its nice to have him write about something he is so passionate and knowledgeable about.


Here is Ryan's Top 10.
R: I had 20 albums... but I couldn't narrow it down past 14. I'm not sorry.



14. Eagle Eye Cherry - Present and Future
This was his second studio album; this one is probably one where most of the general population has never heard a single song on it. E.E.C's first album had two huge hits in the late 90's "Save tonight" and "Falling in Love again" neither of which were on this album... but listen to this album especially these songs ("feels so right", "burning up", "lonely days", and "promises made" and you will realize there is way more here than a 1 (or 2) hit wonder.
13. Matt Nathanson - Beneath These Fireworks
As matt nathanson would say himself "...This is the start of something beautiful". The album where his balls finally dropped into his voice... (M; HAHA. i love Matty.)
12. Ingrid Michaelson - Everybody
My favorite album that has come out in a long time, people can relate to Ingrid's style of music whether it is about a horrible break up or about living in a fairytale land, when you listen to her you feel like a kid again, and that’s something a lot of people desire. (M: Favorite alert)
11. Glen Phillips - Winter Pays For Summer
Great Singer/Songwriter here, lead man from the band "Toad The Wet Sprocket," another one of my favorite bands. Glen was the heart and soul of that band and it even comes out more in his solo stuff. Listen to all 13 songs, and try and think of one song you even thought about disliking... you won’t have one.
10. Dave Matthews Band - Crash
In my opinion the most talented band out there, the chemistry between these guys is unheard of... not to mention that they all are some of the best at their individual musical strengths. To be honest thought I could have put any of their albums up here. But to get a real DMB feel, you have to see them live.
9. Marc Broussard - Carencro
If I could steal anyone’s voice, it would be Marc Broussard... born and raised in New Orleans, he naturally has a very bluesy feel to his music, but in this album demonstrates just how versatile he really is as a musician, and this album is for all different types of music lovers.
8. Nickel Creek - (Self Titled)
The mandolin is my favorite instrument to listen too, if I could do it all over again I would have taught myself how to play it, instead of the guitar... and there is no one better than Chris Thile. Each song is just as strong as the next one whether it is an instrumental or a beautiful folk song mixed with blue grass and pop (a deadly combination). (M: I LOVE Nickel Creek. Love.)
7. Damien Rice - O
I could listen to every song on this album over and over and over again... Damien’s first full studio album, there is no better girl/guy duo whose voices blend perfectly together other than Damien and Lisa Hannigan. (M: I would die to see him in concert. Ryan is lucky!)
6. Gin Blossoms - New Miserable Experience
Nothing Miserable about this album, in fact I am a huge fan of the early 90's music and this is this album is the exact definition of what the 90's is all about amazingness (ha-ha). (M: Ryan likes 90s bands. Therefore, Ryan is gay. Therefore, this makes Ryan that much more desirable. I love my life.)
5. The Wallflowers - Bringing Down The Horse
The first CD I ever bought with my own money... oh wait, I’m sorry, it was actually not a CD but a cassette tape! Old School. Jakob Dylan is as good of a lyricist as his father, but a better singer making him that much more enjoyable to listen too.
4. Tom Petty - Full Moon Forever
The only two groups I can ever remember from my early childhood were Tom Petty, blasted by my dad, The Beach Boys, who had my whole family singing along. Out of all the Petty albums this one seemed to be my favorite, but really it was hard for me to chose from just one... maybe a greatest hits album would fit this better.
3. The Beach Boys - Endless Summer
Smiles all around, listening to them makes me a better person, ha-ha, okay, maybe not that far, but it does make me happier and enjoy life more. My mom was crazy over these boys, meaning my whole young childhood was spent singing these songs with her on our long drives where ever we were going.
2. Goo Goo Dolls - Dizzy Up The Girl
There is really nothing much to say about this, everyone knows how good this is, and if you have never heard it... well I suggest you do so before Mayan comes into your house at night and hits you repeatedly in the face with a pillow case filled with bars of soap... the end! (M: I will do it! How do you not love the Goo Goo Dolls! Ryan makes me laugh.)
1. Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds - Live At Luther College
This is the only live album on the list and in my personal opinion this is the best album ever created, once you listen to this you won’t want to this to anything else ever again... there is way too much I could say about this album so ill just request an immediate test run for yourself. (M: Enough said.)

M: Thanks, Ry! You're Awesome. And I hope everyone enjoyed getting to know us via music!

In other news, Ryan just started singing "Love me Sexy" and I am ready for bed. So You Think You Can Dance has started up again. This significantly improves my life quality. Also, I'm going up San Francisco this weekend! Keep you eye out for... dun dun! A blog where we write from the same room! Crazy.

Keep rocking in the free world,
Mr. Yan

The 'do-good' blog.

M: Ry, what kind of charity would you support if you had tons of money? What would be your 'cause?'
R: Like The Michael Scott... what was that? Michael Scott's Dunder Mifflin Scranton Meredith Palmer Memorial Celebrity Rabies Awareness Pro-Am Fun Run For The Cure? Just kidding.
M: Don't you have a cause, you know? Like music education? Keep music in schools?
R: I don't know... Its hard to pick just one! There are so many things people need, not just here, but all around the world.

Thats it. Thats the problem. There are so many problems that beg attention, and sometimes it can be overwhelming.
Pick a cause. Pick two causes. Pick it because you have an emotional connection with it, or pick it because you don't. Stay with them, support them whole heartedly.
My mom's company works with several non-profits, and I have friends who work for non-profits. I used to feel guilty because there were so many charities that I saw the good in, but was too busy or too poor to support them.
Lets rid this guilt feeling by supporting, with as much or as little as you can, a cause that really needs help. There are literally thousands to choose from.
Hunger, illiteracy, homelessness, children without families, sickness.
What blows my mind, and I guess it hit me harder this year, is that it is here. In the US. In California. Where we live.
Those are just the big concepts! What about the arts? Its proven fact that kids learn better when they play an instrument! School budgets are being cut? We're cutting the resources for the next generation. Somehow that doesn't make sense.
Maybe I will cause-hop, and change it up every year. Who knows.
This year, an amazing non-profit has come into my life, and I tear up just thinking about it. Aspiranet is a revolution in the foster care world. There are 75,000 kids and teens who need loving homes. In California. Not in the US. In CA alone. Aspiranet works with the youths by visiting them twice a week, supporting the foster parents and providing a support community for those involved.

I've been putting together a video for their "Hero" campaign, and, like I said before, when I see this footage of these kids... God, I'm tearing up even now. They don't know where they will sleep... or when they will eat. We all saw The Blindside, these are good kids. They just need love. Thats all. The worst was when we were interviewing these foster parents and when they told the child they were fostering that they wanted to adopt him, he looked up and said "Oh no, You don't want me. I'm unloveable."
They had us all in tears. When my mom was interviewing a young man, in his best shirt that had seen many days, who resides in a transitional housing project talking about how much having a foster parent can change a youth's life, she excused herself and had a breakdown in the hallway. Its so hard to talk about it, and it just gets me for some reason.

I'll get down off my soap box now, and invite Ryan back to the blog.
R: You can't please everybody. A lot of people feel overwhelmed with which cause or non-profit to choose, so they don't do any.
Don't be intimidated. People who work with non-profits are some of the kindest people I've ever met, and are overflowing with gratefulness when you just call for information. We encourage everyone who reads this to look into a cause that moves you. We swear that as much as you put into whatever cause you want, it will give back to you three fold. Sometimes even in the most unexpected ways.

Love, and be loved,

Mayan and Ryan in the Niiiightime (okay, thats going to have to change...)

P.S. Here is the Aspiranet video we just made. I just saw it finalized for the first time and I love it! I was eating lunch and starting crying... SO great. What makes this so great is that RYAN wrote and composed the music for it! Yay Ryan!

Aspiranet from Consortium Media on Vimeo.

Troy and Abed in the morrrrrrning.

As Ryan and I converse over Skype about job listings on Craiglist, I remind him that we still need to figure out our 'sign-off,' or how we are going to end our blog posts.

Ryan is for the 'Troy and Abed in the morrrrning' Good Morning America parody by our favorite on screen duo in one of our favorite new TV series, Community.

As funny as I think that is, I'll leave the comedic power to Troy and Abed. It might be Ryan's strength, but I am seriously lacking in matters of hilarity.

M "Lets get serious."
R "Are you talking to me? What are we doing? What is serious?
M "Our sign-off!"
R "Oh, I didn't know you were talking to me!"
M "I'm ONLY talking to you!"
R "You were just saying words and stuff, I didn't know you were talking to me!"



Through a smile, I sigh as Ryan puts a hanger in mouth and shakes it around. Everything is a little bit more difficult over Skype, but Ryan can still make me belly-laugh.

"I should apply to this place, right? That would be pretty cool to work for the company that cures cancer. It makes me feel smart. What if I ended up... curing cancer?" He laughs.

I laugh. We've sat for the past three minutes without saying anything, just hearing the hum of our computers and listening to each other's typing. Its nice to just be; to feel each others presence though we're hundreds of miles apart.

I could have stayed in that silence for hours, but Ryan broke it before I had to.

R "Okay, I sent my resume so you can look it over."
M "Okay. So whats our sign-off going to be?"
R "Mr. Yan"
M "What?"
R "m r y a n. Our names, combined. Mr. Yan. Or we can record a song and put it at the bottom."
M "No."
R "Wow. Okay good idea, Ryan, oh thanks, Ryan, good idea. Doesn't Shrek open tonight?"

These our our sticky moments, the glue factor. Our conversation is never about one thing. It starts with one thing and by the end (or pseudo end-its always still continuing) we've talked about 50 things we didn't even know we would talk about.

So we may have not figured out our sign-off tonight. So what? It'll come up in conversation in 4 days, anyways.

Until then,

Mayan and Ryan

P.S. From Community-