NOT SO COOL

To all the boys out there:

Here are a few things that are "not so cool" when it comes to interacting with a girl.

1. Do not email/chat with a girl that you haven't spoken to in months thinking that she's going to be jumping up and down with joy and running back into your arms. Not cool. Maybe you want to feel rejected and that's why you're doing it?

2. Do not start talking about being accused of something without knowing the whole story and especially via text/email/chat. Those things can never convey the true emotions and tone of voice. Not cool. Even I know that and I DISLIKE CONFRONTATIONS!!!!

3. When you do talk to a girl to try to smooth things over, don't act like a wuss. Not cool. Be a man and still treat them like a human being and not a piece of meat.

4. When you are doing #3, at least open the door and come out. Don't use the window. Not cool.

5. When you are doing #3 and #4 and you are talking about being degraded, please think what you are doing and accusing the girl of doing. Ummmmm....talking through a window? Yeah, that definitely doesn't feel degrading at all. Not cool.

6. When you are doing #3, 4 and 5, don't start fake coughing and acting like it's cold. You're inside and the girl is outside. Not cool.

7. When you do #3, 4, 5, 6 and then say that you're going to sleep, please make sure that you don't get caught lying. For example, turn off all lights, close curtains, not having your tv on so loud, etc...simple things like that will help. Not cool.

8. Don't act like you are still in preschool. In preschool, it's ok to be buddy buddy with one person and then the next minute to forget them completely. But when you are an adult, at least try to hear the other person out and work things out. Don't go and delete someone from Facebook only to regret it later. Not cool.

9. Don't say what you don't mean, especially giving false hopes to girls. Not cool.

10. Please do not forget about all the good things the girl has done for you and her redeeming qualities. If you are going to remember this girl by the last interaction you had with her, be glad that she's smart enough to end it.

UPDATE ON MY LAST POST

So....here's an update on my last post...

1. Normal routine. Didn't increase or decrease.

2. I have been working out. So far, I've done 4 days out of 7. My goal is to do 5 days out of 7. I still have 2 more days.

3. I've been going to bed earlier, but haven't been sleeping all that well.

4. Thought about doing my taxes. Talked about the need to do my taxes. Have it on my agenda to do my taxes tomorrow.

5. Who needs details? I did finally plan out how many days I'm going to be spending at each place. The next step is to book a hotel in each of those places. As for what I'll be doing...I'm going to wait till I get there.

6. Haven't simplified. But does it count if my friend is buying a Prius tomorrow and I get to ride and possibly drive it? For now, I'll just live vicariously through other people. :)

7. Budget?! Yeah...keep dreaming. I don't think I can do it. BUT I have to. After the trip. Can't start now. I really need to. So, if you want to eat out, either you are going to pay or you have to be someone extremely special. (Don't worry Ange...you're pretty special and we still have a lot to try out at Whole Foods!!!!)

8. Do you see a difference? Yeah. I can't find anything that I like. If you would like to help me revamp this site, please let me know! I'll treat you to lunch or dinner or something! PLEASE!!!!

9. Well. I'm trying, but my body has been craving EVERYTHING under the sun and I've been constantly hungry. I did go to Henry's today and bought some veggies and fruit. As I carried them into the apartment, I started laughing because I'm hardly going to be home to eat them!

10. No organizing yet. In fact, everything is actually in a laundry bag now. One for dirty clothes and the other one for clean. At least the floor is cleared. My shoes are everywhere though!!!

So, there. I'm being an open book. Help me. Someone!!!

There are things that I want to accomplish before April ends. Maybe by posting it here, someone out there can help me accomplish one, two or all these goals. :)

1. Pray and fast more.

2. Doing more exercise!!!!!

3. Sleep more.

4. Do my taxes.

5. Plan out all my logistics and details for my BIG ADVENTURE.

6. I want to simplify my life. I feel like I've already done as much as I could, but something inside of me is nagging me that I need to do more. I've been thinking about downsizing my car and getting a smaller one. What do you think?

7. Do a budget and keep to it. :)

8. Update, upgrade, remodel, whatever you want to call it, this blog.

9. EAT BETTER. Seriously. I know I've blogged about this before, but I really DO need to start eating better.

10. To organize my closet. It amazes me how my closet is still so packed even when I have 2 large bags of clean clothes sitting on the floor and clothes that I don't bother to hang up after wearing piled on top of one another...on the floor. Why is it still so jammed packed and yet I keep buying? Well...that will need to stop!!!

So, now that I've shared with you all of these, I'm going to ask you that you hold me accountable. Thank you!!!

THE ADVENTURE.

I'm taking an adventure this year. It's a pretty huge one.
I'm taking a risk and a HUGE step of faith in all of this.
It all started with a thought, a longing, a desire that I couldn't shake off. It depressed me to no end that I wasn’t pursuing it and I knew that I had to do it.
Then the question came, "Grace, are you willing to take this journey even though the outcome is unclear?" After much praying and thinking...my answer is "Yes. I am."
Things started to unravel. One confirmation after another.
I’ve been making efforts and steps to make this adventure happen, but ran into some stumbling blocks that made me wonder “Hmmmm…interesting. Maybe it’s too good to be true.” I felt a little bit defeated and start doubting this whole thing. Then…another confirmation came through just last night!
I’m excited and scared all at the same time.
I have no idea what the future holds.
I know I’m not sharing what this adventure is going to be because I’m still kind of scared to tell everyone. Please do not feel offended if you don’t know. I’m just not at that place yet to share with everyone.
But I am writing this on my blog for one purpose only…for you to pray for me. I guess you can say that “I’m rallying up the troops!” :)
This is going to be a BIG adventure and I need all the prayers that I can get!

I love you all!

DANGLING CARROT.

Being single isn't as hard as people think...not until someone comes into your life and shakes up your whole world. I will be 30 this year and although the majority of my friends are married, I do not regret not being married. Definitely in my early days, I wished that I was part of the "trend", but as I look back, I would not have the opportunities that I've had. I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything!

Anyway, so, we all know that my roommate and I moved into a new place in Ghettoville, Placentia. Well, our next door neighbor is a very handsome single man. He's the typical bachelor. He has a good job. Only has to work part-time. Comes home and sleeps. Goes to Startbucks at night. And repeats.

I met him one night after I came back from a run. I was sitting on the stairs to cool off and out he came. He started chatting with me. We were talking for about 20 minutes and then we decided to go out for coffee. Anyway, we had a good time over tea. I introduced him to Coffee Bean. :) After that night, we didn't see each other for 1.5 weeks. I was alright with that. UNTIL this week...

You see, this guy, who lives next door to me likes me. He likes me and wants to hang out with me. He looks at me even when I look the worst and smiles. He thinks I'm cute and can't believe that I'm not dating anyone. Sounds like a great guy, huh? But the problem is that he's not a believer. I feel like a horse with a carrot dangling in front of me. Teasing me of the thing that I want to have but can't. I am struggling so much with this. AND that is why I'm writing this on my blog. Because each one of you who are reading this...I am hoping that you WILL hold me accountable and be in prayer for me. Ask me how I'm doing. Be honest with me. Don't beat around the bush. I tell Elaine and Christina everything because I need them to slap reality into me.

Yes, I've kissed this guy. We've kissed for a long time on Tuesday and Friday.

I made a pact with Elaine this morning no more smooching.

As much as I like being liked and being looked with admiring eyes even when I am in my sweats, hair all up and messy and I smell like sweat, he's not for me. I can't have him. Why couldn't he be a believer?! Oh well.

So, please...HOLD ME ACCOUNTABLE!!!!!!!

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

EATING HABIT UPDATE #1

I was doing so well up until today. I am a stress eater! So, when I'm stressed, I will eat. It comforts me. Today wasn't a good day. Just wanted to let you know. :)

I need to start eating better. So, I'm blogging it to receive support and accountability. So, here are my goals. Hopefully, they are realistic enough for me to obtain.

1. Not eat out as much and to cook more. This will also help me save money. :)

2. To eat more veggies and fruits especially for my snacks.

3. To break from stress eating. I can eat a whole lot when I'm stressed.

4. If I am to eat fish or meat, I am to buy the "wild" fishies and organic meat. Cost a little bit more, but that will be covered by the savings of #1. This is only for when I'm cooking. Going out will be more flexible.

5. To lose 10 pounds. This will be my goal no matter how long it will take.

6. To try to not use the microwave whenever possible.

7. To try my hardest during personal training and not just mediocre work out. To really push myself and burn those calories!

8. To exercise on my own 2-3 times a week for 30-40 minutes each. This is for cardio.

9. To have 1-2 meals throughout the week where I can splurge. Hey, you just need to at times. But if I can avoid it...GREAT. If not, this will give me the option to have cookies, chips, ice cream, etc...so that I don't go crazy! :)

10. To have fun and hopefully to be able to keep it up as a lifestyle.

Thank you for reading this. I apologize before hand for those I will be going out and eat with...I might be one of those people who will take a long time deciding what to eat at the restaurant. :)

DID YOU KNOW...

That you're not suppose to put a child in a plastic tub? In case you didn't, here's a sticker that indicates the danger of it in case you were about to put a child in a plastic tub. Can you believe that it can cause suffocation?!

FOOD GALORE!!!!

So, yesterday we hosted a Superbowl Party at our ghetto apartment. The turn out was great and we had a fabulous time. Anyway, the day before I went shopping for food. I seriously surprised myself because I bought a TON of food! I still have 1/2 of the groceries left untouched and unopened sitting in my fridge. I kept thinking that it wasn't enough and would keep going to the store to purchase more. Isn't that silly? I guess my thing is that I rather have an over abundance of food than not enough. I never want people to feel like they are limited to what they can eat. Can you imagine if I had a sign saying "2 chips per person?" That would just be silly.

Anyway, all this to say that by the end of the day, after shoving all the leftovers back into the fridge, I was pretty much mesmerized and said to myself "Wow! That's a lot of food!"

I THINK...

• I'M BIPOLAR.
• The world is still out to get me. :)
• I still need more stuff or junk.
• Travelling is the coolest thing in the whole entire world! Now, I just need to think of a way of making sure that I have income coming in while I travel. Does anyone want to support me? I don't think my parents would fly with this one. :)
• I need to work off every calorie that I take in...which I know it's highly impossible.
• I need to move out and live on my own.
• I want to purchase a condo/house.
• I want a new car.
• I need to take more steps of faith.
• I need to grab opportunities when available and not shrink back and make excuses.
• I need to do something with the desires and passions that God has put on my heart and not let those pass by.
• I NEED A LOT OF PRAYER!!!!! Not think...I DO NEED A LOT OF PRAYER!!!!!

THE WHOLE WORLD IS OUT TO GET ME!!!!

So, do you ever feel like the whole world is out to get you? Well, I'm having one of those weeks. Ladies, you know especially what I'm talking about. ;) Here's my week so far....

Monday: Confirmed with my friend Ange that the world is out to get me...us...

Tuesday: Everyone that I had contact with said something to hurt my feelings. (Ange, this isn't anything against you, it's just worth mentioning because it's really funny. When you gave me the LU curriculum with all your marks on it, I almost started crying!) To make myself feel better, I went to happy hour at the Yardhouse and had a beer and very fatty foods. :)

Wednesday: People who are chatty and doesn't know when to stop should be locked up. I was in no mood to talk to people who had: (1) no common sense, (2) stupid things to say and (3) no idea when to shut up and leave me alone.

Thursday: Received ANOTHER parking ticket from the STUPID CITY OF PLACENTIA! I hate this city. I hate where I live. I hate it, I hate it, I hate it! I cannot keep making excuses and have to face with my true feelings. I HATE IT! See, the world is out to get me! After receiving the ticket, I went to personal training. I thought my trainer was out to get me. I quit half way through because in my mind (which is a dangerous thing), everything he was asking me to do were things that would make me look like an idiot and he knew it and wanted me to do it so that he can laugh at me. I couldn't stay because I wanted to cry. So, I quit and pretty much told him off. (Oops! Don't worry, an apology is on it's way!)

Friday (today): Woke up feeling pretty good about the day until I stepped out and almost fell to my death down the stairs. After that moment, I had NO DOUBT THAT THE WORLD IS OUT TO GET ME!!!!! I'll have to see how the rest of the day turns out.

Hope the world isn't out to get you and you're having a better week. :)

To be continued....

A NEW ADDITION!

Please meet

SAMii!!!!!!!

Isn't she a beauty?

Full name: Samsung

Picked up on January 19, 2008

42 inches

Weight...unknown...average

Proud parent: ME!!!!!

Sibling(s): Wii-bo, dvd player and maybe Bose surround sound in the near future

Distant relatives: all my friends :)

MY NEW TOY!!!

Please meet

Wii-Bo!!!!!

Isn't it a beauty?

GHETTOVILLE

So, my roomie and I are officially moved into our new apartment. It's pretty ghetto. It's the ghetto of Orange County. Christina and I can't help but laugh. It's the only thing that's keeping us sane living here. Oh well. What can we do. We are stuck for a year. We will make the best of it. We already have plans...BIG plans!

Here are a few pros and cons:

Pros:

-Close to the freeway. Cuts down 10 min. driving time to work.

-Close to Elaine!

-Close to church and Cal State (for Christina)

-Walking distance to In 'n Out and Pepe's

-No more weird smelling food cooking.

-Hot showers!

-No more smoke.

-It's quiet.

Cons:

-Parking sucks.

-Easy bake oven (will post picture later)

-Walking distance to In 'n Out and Pepe's.

-No more Target or Gelato across the street.

-G-H-E-T-T-O!

-No central A/C or window unit. It will be a very interesting summer!

-A great view of power plant!

Even though we acknowledge that it's pretty ghetto, we really do feel like God called us here for a reason. Not that we're trying to get all "Christian" or anything to try to cover up our dislike for this place, but a few things has already happened that makes us think that we're here for a reason. :)

That's it for now. If I think more, I will post them! :)

HE DELIGHTS IN YOU.

God speaks loud and clear at times. It's been an amazing journey with my relationship with Him this year. Finally finding a place where I belong makes such a HUGE difference. That is family.

On Sunday, God spoke to me through people I hardly know. I went up front in hope to hear a word of affirmation/confirmation that has been on my heart for awhile, but instead it went completely a whole different direction.

The whole thing was great, but the phrase that stood out to me the most was "God delights in you!" The girl kept saying that over and over again in my ears as the others prayed. I've never felt this way before. For the first time, I felt released and free from the bondage that I've been struggling with. Those words and prayers spoken on Sunday broke that for me. I feel totally different and can see the freedom that has set upon my mind.

This is such a whole new experience for me. To have people pray over you, lay hands of you, prophesy over you...ALL new. It's pretty amazing.

Have you ever experienced such an amazing thing before? Please share!

HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM....

An article I found that made me just wonder at times about the human species.

Click here to read article.

Let me know what you think.

SO HAPPY!

So, I've never been a BIG sports person. But for some odd reason, I'm really into USC football. I enjoy going to the games, watching the games on TV, reading about the games on the Internet and occasionally, if I'm not at the game or at home, listening to it on the radio. I may not understand every play, but I just love it!

Saturday was the BIG game. USC vs. UCLA. I couldn't get tickets to it, but I had the whole day planned out: Watch the game in the comfort of my own home and by myself. I wanted it this way in case...well...lets just say it didn't happen. :) So, I woke up, put on my new SC shirt, ran some errands, went to the church to help decorate for Christmas, came home, turn the TV on and watched the game. It was so great!

So, now my dilemma...should I fork out money to go to the Rose Bowl or watch it on TV? I guess I would probably get a better view and be much more comfortable watching from my couch, but being at the game is just so different. Maybe I'll get a big screen TV as a Christmas present. (Hint, hint.) Just kidding. :)

Anyway, I just wanted to say that it was a good weekend. My boys won. Got an apartment. Finished 2 lessons for a curriculum that I'm helping to write. Ate at Wahoo's. Exercised. Downloaded music from iTunes. Went to church. Life is good.

What did you do this weekend?

FOUND IT!

We found a place!!! It took less than a week. Thanks for all your prayers. Christina and I will be moving into a 2 bedroom, 1 bath in Placentia. It's very central to our church, school and work. It really is a God-send and the very last apartment that we looked at. So, now just pray that I have motivation to start packing up my junk and move.

Hopefully this is the last time I will move into an apartment. Next time I move, hopefully it will be a place that I purchase. :) I think it's about time I start considering that and maybe start saving...nah...life is too short. I'll just consider it for now. :)

I AM SPOILED.

Yes, I know. Many of you wouldn't tell it to my face, but I am no longer ashamed to say that I'm spoiled. :) But in all honestly, in lieu of Thanksgiving, I think back of all the great things God has spoiled me with.

Here are 10 reasons why I am spoiled by God...

1. His daily blessings

2. Family: not only do they support me in my crazy ideas/adventures, but they truly do spoil me with their love and making sure my bank account is never below a certain limit! :) For that I am truly grateful.

3. Good friends

4. A job that I love

5. His neverending love, patience, mercies, forgiveness on my life

6. Never having to go without: money, food, car, a roof over my head

7. Good health: especially for my parents and my grandmas

8. My oldest brother and his wife accepted God and has changed in tremendous ways

9. My church, Southlands. I've learned more in the last 3 months than I have in the last 4 years!

10. Peets Coffee, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, MEAT! (Yeah, vegan during the week, meat on weekends is my plan. :)) and GELATO!

What are you thankful for and how has God spoiled you? Please share!

I HEART MY JOB!

There are a lot of perks at my job and one of them is where I'm going to stay this weekend! It's for our major donor event and lucky for me, my friend Ange, is on the planning team, so I'm crashing with her in her room. PLUS, Brother Andrew is here! I'll post those pictures later. It's exciting and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it! :) Hope you'll have a great weekend as well.

Our room at the Four Seasons Aviara, Carlsbad

Our bathroom. :)

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION #2,3,4,5,6....

So, this week was full of fun! My friends at work spoiled me to no end and I spoiled myself today by going to the spa. I treated myself to a full hour massage with hot stone therapy. And then I spent 2 hours sitting in the steam room and jacuzzi. It was fantastic. I felt so relaxed that I spent the rest of the night with candles lit around the room and with my iPod in my ears listening to David Crowder Band. It was a great way to celebrate my birthday! I think I will be visiting the spa more often. I wonder if they have annual passes like Disneyland. Hmmmmm....

"Thank you" to all those who dropped me an email, left me a voicemail (and yes, I don't answer the phone... EVER), sent me a card, took me out for a meal or two, gave me presents, a hug and the list goes on and on. THANK YOU for making me feel so special during this very tragic time for me. :) You are a blessing from God and I am truly grateful for each of you.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION #1

I am having a really hard time this year acknowledging my birthday. I'm not sure why, but it's been really hard to think that I'll be turning 29. That means:

1. One year before I turn the BIG 3-0.

2. My last year in my twenties.

3. 11 years before I turn 40!

4. 21 years before I turn 50!

Yup! All those reasoning scares the H*** out of me. I am just having a hard time. I don't know what I'm going to feel when next year rolls around, but for now, turning 29 is crappy! As much as I refuse to celebrate it, my friends are needing an excuse to go out. So, here's pics from my bday celebration #1.

Ephraim, Shannon and Christina at All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ.

Meat. Yum!

Kimy (my other Asian friend) and me.

My very FIRST COACH anything! Thanks Kimy!

Good friends+good food+GREAT presents= Priceless good times.
I guess that's worth getting a year older. :)

AN EMAIL FROM A FRIEND...

So, I didn't get permission from my friend Kimmy Lee to share this, but I'm sure she won't mind. It's hilarious!

dear friends,

thank you for the wonderful night yesterday! when i got home i was so exhausted, i immediately went to bed! anyways, i am up early at 5 in the morning. i have made a "todo" list, taken a shower and am getting ready for the day that is ahead of me. first of all - i have many errands to run (things i haven't done in the last month), such as going to costco, trader joes, 99 cent store, staples etc. i have also projected the amount of $ i am going to spend so that i can take that out of my bank and won't exceed $80 (i have to purchase ink for my computer...bummer thats the most expensive!) and since many of these stores open their doors at 8, i am all ready (almost that is) to go and spear through my saturday errands! i hope to finish all of my errands by 11 am...

anyways, then i will come home - clean my room bathroom, kitchen and living room (since my mom is super duper busy with church today, i have decided to clean the house for her) and...maybe the garage (this is definitely a MAYBE because the garage is a MESS, mostly with my things...

well - during my cleaning process i will occassionaly check the washer and dryer for my clothes - b/c i will be multi tasking - i hope to finish all this by 6 pm tonight! also - during the "washing my clothes" process and after i have cleaned my house (some of it at least) i also hope to lesson plan for my week =D!!!

then, i would hope that the rain has stopped and the skies have cleared b/c then - i can meet you GRACE at disneyland for fireworks and/or fantasmic!!! sorry shan...=( thats of course IF i am finished with everything...

these are my sat. goals....i am up and ready to take on this task and i feel that i will be successful - i have sat down and done my quiet time and i feel ready to conquer the day with the grace of God at least!

well friends - i do not know when you will get this email (sorry i generally don't write such long emails) but i wanted to share with you my day...

have a magical day and may it be as wonderful as my errands and cleaning day!

love you gals,

Kim

So, my goal for today (notice it's not plural) is to get ready by 4 pm to go to Disneyland. She has informed me at 9:21 AM this morning that she's already an hour ahead of her schedule and $27 under budget. She will reward herself with this accomplishment by buying grapes and pasta at Costco, which she's waiting in front of since it doesn't open until 9:30 AM.

What are your goal or goals for today?

USC vs. STANFORD

It started with a beautiful day...

Jarrod, Eddie and Elaine

1/2 of me, Jarrod, Eddie and Elaine

At the cardio dog stand

So yummy!

Yummy to the tummy!

Elaine and I stuffing our face. So good!

Beautiful day. Beautiful stadium. Great seats!

Stanford's half time show. Yup. Scary christmas tree as mascot and penguin as conductor.

It's kettlecorn time!

Sad, sad ending.

Elaine looking sad. Me looking like I can kill someone.

Eddie and Jarrod...happy for the defeat. Whatever! (What they don't know is that they are going to a bad bad place. A place where child molesters and people who talks in movie theaters go to. *inside joke*)

Last but not least, we got stuck behind this truck on our way home. It's like pouring salt on an open wound!

Although, the Trojans lost, it was a great game. When the Stanford team walked back to the lockers, people started to clap for their victory. It was priceless and I was proud to be a Trojans fan. BUT, the best part was that Bruins lost to Notre Dame. So, I immediately felt better when I found out! :)

ONE MORE DAY!!

+

=

HAPPINESS.

I'VE BEEN TAGGED...AGAIN.

I've been tagged by my friend, Ange. So, here are my answers... Enjoy!

Middle Name: Hmmm...I don't feel comfortable sharing. I have this thing about people wanting to know my middle name or how to pronounce my last name. I'll tell you and then you'll try to pronounce it and butch it. What's the point? You just make it sound horrible, so I don't like sharing it. Unless you know how to speak Mandarin...maybe I'll share with you then. :)

Last magazine you read: Real Simple

Last crossword puzzle you finished: It was back in 2003. I don't like crossword puzzles very much. It's fun for about 10 minutes and I get bored.

Cell phone wallpaper/screen saver: An empty lounge chair by the pool.

Black & white or color pics: Sepia

The Office or Grey's Anatomy: The Office. Meredith gets too whining for me!

Travel to Sicily by air or boat: By Air...First Class. :)

Family BBQ's -- cool or stupid: Cool

Pierced eyebrow or nose: None

'Nooma' or 'Life Together': Oh ok. Have no idea.

Affleck or Damon: Neither.

Blog or not: Blog!

You find $20 in your pocket: Put it into savings. YEAH RIGHT! Go to Target!

Last place you traveled to: Spain :)

Movie or TV show: Movie!!!

Where were you...When OJ's FIRST verdict was announced: Economic class in H.S.

When OJ was arrested a few days ago: Probably at work.

9/11: At home, getting ready for work.

Feel free to answer these questions as well! :)

CAN'T WAIT...

For one of these...

This is a hot dog wrapped in bacon, topped with grilled onions. Take off the ketchup and mayo and it's perfect!

Counting down the days till I can eat one or two...9 more days. I will get one this time!

REALLY?!

Hmmmm...I wonder why some people think Christians are retarded?

I found this in the Christian Examiner newspaper. I'm sorry, but this is just LAME and STUPID. Why would Jesus need to call for auto insurance? Seriously people! Who did you hire to do your marketing?! I would call just to ask them why they think Jesus would need auto insurance but I would NEVER purchase insurance from them because of this stupid ad.

WHY? WHY? WHY?

Why do guys think it's cool to talk about girls as if they were a piece of meat? Yesterday night, we were at a USC football game and we got stuck in front a row of guys. With these guys, there were 2 girls. Anyway, throughout the game, they would make comments about the cheerleaders and how they wish they can see more. Why? Why do they make stupid comments like that in front of their girlfriends and in front (or in back) of us? We can hear EVERYTHING! It doesn't make them sound smart. In fact, it makes them sound STUPID! Do they think that it makes them sound all that? Because it doesn't. Who taught these boys that it's ok to say those things aloud? I'm sure everyone around them who heard their comments were disgusted by them. I really can't stand stupid people and these guys definitely falls under that category.

For all those who have little boys, brothers, boyfriends, husbands...please teach them to RESPECT girls. Teach them not to make comments or gestures that would make girls feel like a piece of meat or whore. Seriously, I've been meeting both married and unmarried men lately and I just keep being disappointed in them. So, my mission...to keep hoping that there are decent men out there, but I think my hope is coming to an end...

FOR NOW...

I'm not sure what happened to my blog template, but it just disappeared one day. So, this will have to do for now. Sad, sad, sad day.

YUP. STILL HATE IT.

I HATE TRAFFIC! I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY DO! It doesn't really matter what time I leave, I always end up sitting in it. I can leave early, I can leave late, I can leave in between. No matter what, I end up sitting in the stupid traffic! I can't handle it anymore. It's insane. Oh, the joy of working in Orange County.....

In order to help me get through this time of frustration, my friend Ange and I are trying to remain positive. We've text each other while sitting in traffic just encouraging one another and putting a positive light onto the situation. It's great. I also love sarcasm. It makes everything better! :)

MEMORY LANE

Usually I'll listen to my iPod or just have the stereo off in the car, but today I wanted to do something different. I actually pulled out a stash of old Cd's and randomly picked one and put it into the CD player. It was Out of Eden. It totally took my mind back to the good old Sigma days! It was great! Here are some of the things I remember:

1. Playing Nertz in our room...We would squeeze everyone in and it was crazy trying to keep track of all the cards.

2. All the birthday celebrations. It felt like we had one every week! I remember making posters after posters. Good times.

3. Brick making party at the beginning of the year to keep our door open at 45 degrees when guys are in our room.

4. Gathering in the hallway to go to Chapel, lunch and dinner. Remember how we would squeeze everyone around a round table because no one was to be left out? It was pretty amazing how we made it work!

5. All fitting into Brandy's car to go to church, beach, anywhere our freshmen year.

6. Late night chats. Lots and lots of those.

7. GYRADS. Too overrated.

8. ROTIC dinners. Loved it.

9. Saturday breakfasts and Sunday brunch. They were the best.

10. Whatever was left over from lunch and seeing it as "something something stir fry" for dinner. I do not miss those!

11. Singspiration.

12. Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

13. Common Ground and Eagle's Nest.

What are some of your memories? Please share!

LABOR DAY WEEKEND and RANDOM RAMBLINGS!

Well, I couldn't think of a good title, so I just thought I go with an obvious one. :) So, what's everyone up to this weekend? Let us know! I'll be driving up to Bakersfield and spending some quality time on the couch, eating and chatting up a storm with some of my favorite people in the world! I'm so looking forward to just a relaxing weekend away from Orange County!

So, I haven't ate in since I got back from Spain. I even made a trip out to Costco the day after my return to buy veggies and fruit, but only to find them all wilted and nasty this past Wednesday. Sadness. What is wrong with me?! So, my goal is to to eat as much as I can in and less out. This will not only save me money, but it will also decrease the amount of calories I consume when eating out! So, after Labor Day, I will try my best to do this. Please hold me accountable. Drop me a line asking how I'm doing. And when I'm out of line, you have the right to yell, scream, make me feel guilty, slap, whatever. I have to stop this insanity of eating out! It's a must!

Alrighty then. On that note, I leave you all with best wishes on your Labor Day Weekend! And no, I haven't worked on my pictures from Spain in over 2 weeks. Honestly, I really don't want to and I have no desire to do it. Maybe in a year or two. Sorry folks. And of course I can't just show you the unfinished product because that's just lame. So, the wait continues....TRUST ME, I want to get it done as well, but when I don't have the desire to finish, there's nothing more I can do. At least I know you still love me...maybe? :)

Locked Up.

Hi! Here's a video of the "Locked Up" simulation I blogged about right before I left for Spain. Hopefully it will give you a better picture of one of the many things we do at Open Doors. Enjoy! Oh, you might want to turn up the volume because the music is awesome! AND thanks Ange for putting this together!

CAUGHT UP IN THE MIDDLE

Mercy Me wrote a song called "Caught up in the Middle." This song came to my head today as I was driving home from church. It describes perfectly the way I feel right now. I have finally, after almost 2 years of church hopping, found a place where I can call home. A place where it is so filled with the Holy Spirit. A place where worship REALLY happens. A place where you sit back and watch as people embrace each other in love. A place where the auditorium is no longer just an auditorium, but being used for prayer, prophesy, healing and worship. It's been an awesome two weeks. I just love it. Here's the words to the song, but I do highly suggest downloading it as well. Enjoy!

Caught up in the Middle by Mercy Me

I've found a place

Where I can finally be a part of the story

I've been embraced

By the wonderful arms of glory

There is nowhere else I'd rather be

I believe Your spirit is alive and on the move

Oh I want to be caught up in the middle of You

I wanna be a part of what I know you're gonna do

Oh I wanna be caught up in the middle of You

I finally see

The very reason for my existance

I am complete

When I'm standing within Your presence

And now I know where I'm supposed to be

I believe Your spirit is alive and on the move

Oh I want to be caught up in the middle of You

I wanna be a part of what I know you're gonna do

Oh I wanna be caught up in the middle of You

You have called me all along

This is right where I belong

Caught up in You

Caught up in You

I believe Your spirit is alive and on the move

Oh I want to be caught up in the middle of You

I wanna be a part of what I know you're gonna do

Oh I wanna be caught up in the middle of You

SO EXCITED!

I get excited about a lot of things, but nothing gets me more excited than going to USC FOOTBALL GAMES!! I just purchased tickets for the Washington State and Stanford game. I am walking on cloud 9 right now. I can't wait to walk on campus, eat a "cardio" dog, sing the fight song, watching the band play, AND enjoy a good time with my friends! I am just so happy right now! Yeah!

I LOVE PB&J SANDWICHES!

I really do! The more I eat them, the more I crave for them. For some reason I can eat them every day! They are so yummy! Life is good. :)

**So, I haven't been working on my pictures lately. Does anyone want to work on them for me? I'll make you a delicious PB&J! Let me know!**

Spain Part II

So, I am currently working on organizing my pictures into a slide show. It's funny because I thought I took a bunch of pictures, but then looking through the pics, I've realized I didn't take enough. Oh well. So, please be patient as I've been having a really hard time adjusting back to normal life.

Here's a little lesson that I've learned about using a digital camera: Do not press any buttons that you have no idea what it does. It may just erase all your pictures! The day before we had to leave Barcelona for Madrid, we were sitting at a cafe and I was looking through my pictures. I took some awesome pictures too. Anyway, I started playing with the edit button and without realizing anything, I pressed the "ok" button on something and erased everything I had! Good thing that happened at the beginning of the trip, not toward the end. :) I'm glad that Becca took pictures too and is willing to share them with me.

So, I guess Spain is going to have many parts. Once I again I apologize for making you wait for the pictures. It will come....hopefully soon!

Love ya!

Spain Part I

Well, I am back at home from Spain! This trip, like every trip, had its moments filled with memories. I can share pictures (which I will once I can actually stay focus for more than 5 minutes) and videos, but nothing can truly explain the experience of sights, smells, tastes, sounds and feelings felt from the time I stepped off the plane in Barcelona to the time I left.

I've learned a lot from this trip especially about myself. It made me realize the areas of my life that I need to work on. I've also realized the passion I have for traveling and how I need to do it more often. I feel so lucky and blessed to be at the place I am in life. I shouldn't take it for granted but really pursue the things I have the passion for while I can. I have no attachments and no financial burden. I have the freedom to do whatever I want, whenever I want. This is truly a gift. So, why not enjoy life a little bit more? This is my time and I have to live it to the fullest or else I will have regrets. Now that I've shared it with you, I hope you can help me pursue my dreams and passions. Pray that God will keep showing me His will for me and that I will accept it with open hands and not make excuses to put it off.

So, for part 1 of my Spain experience, I'm sharing what I've learned. I will be sharing my trips in parts since there are so much of it. Hopefully it will only be 3 parts, total, but you'll never know! :)

Thank you for going along this journey with me. To end this session, I would like to share with you funny video. It's just a glimpse of the great time I had with Bex. She makes me laugh and hopefully she will too. :)

SPAIN!

Hello! This one is for you, Ange! :) We are currently in Cordoba. We arrived this morning via train. It´s gorgeous here and hot! Anyway, the last 5 days has been spent in Barcelona and Madrid. Let me just say that it´s pretty amazing here. We had quite the adventure from Barcelona to Madrid which I will have to tell you more in details when I return. But let me just say that it involved me driving. Yup, driving in a foreign country. :) Well, I wanted to say hi to all my friends and send my love from Spain! I will definitely be putting a link to all my pics and videos when I return. And there are plenty of them....I had to buy a new card for my camera, but well worth it.

See you soon!

P.S. Ange: I have two postcards to send. It´s all ready to go, but no stamps to be found. :( I will just have to bring it back to the office unless I find some soon. AND...LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of HOT HOT HOT HOT MEN here! :)

TWO MORE DAYS!

TILL I LEAVE THIS PLACE FOR 10 WHOLE DAYS! I AM SO EXCITED!

IT'S ABOUT TIME!

I WILL HAVE TO SAY THAT I DON'T THINK I'LL EVEN MISS THIS PLACE.

ISN'T THAT GREAT OR WHAT?!

LOCKED UP

Friday night we had a youth event at our office called "Locked Up." This is a simulation in which the youth and their leaders undergo to get a tiny glimpse of what being persecuted is all about. Of course none of us will ever understand the degree that others go through for their faith around the world, but this at least opens up their eyes and help them be aware of it.

The event was very successful. Everyone pitched in and turned our office from a newly renovated building to a dark, cold prison. God was incredibly good to us and worked out all the little and big details. It was truly amazing because you can just feel His presence throughout. When the night ended, we heard a lot of good responses from the kids and that made me so proud to be part of Open Doors. If you or know of anyone that would be interested in Locked Up, please check out the My Space account by clicking here or simply by contacting Open Doors.

This coming Thursday, July 12th, we will be presenting this simulation during one of the sessions to about 125 youth pastors and youth leaders at Saddleback Church. We have this great opportunity to present this during their Purpose Driven Youth Conference. Can you pray for us for the following:

-God will move the hearts of the leaders

-All the logistics, big and small, will fall into place...smoothly

-For the volunteers and the big undertaking it's going to take

-God's WILL will be accomplished

I have a great passion for this event. I am sad that I will not be there for it. I love my co-workers who has put in many, many hours to make this event work in such a short amount of time. I love what God is doing in the midst of this craziness. I love everything about this simulation. And I know, those who are reading this blog, know how passionate I can be about things and only a few make it on my blog. And this is one of them.

So, there it is. This is my little "plug" for Locked Up. :) Hope you enjoy it and will become part of this great event! :) I love you friends!

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!

I have 6 more days till I am out of here and baking under the sun in Spain! :) I am super duper excited. But until I leave, I feel like I'm going to fall over. Why is it that we work super long hours and super hard before vacation? There are so much stuff going on that I nearly had a breakdown yesterday.

Since Memorial Day weekend, I haven't had a full work week. We either had a holiday, staff day, or personal vacation days. But since the end of May, I haven't worked a full week! Isn't that crazy or what?!

Tomorrow is going to be a VERY long day. We have a youth simulation after work and of course I decided that I would help. And then this weekend I'm planning a goodbye party for my friend, Sarah. As of right now, there are 60 people coming! Isn't that crazy?! That's only half of the list that RSVP'd! And then I need to find time to prep for my trip. CRAZINESS! Oh well, that is what life is all about. What ever happened to those long summer days growing up? Why does each day feel shorter and shorter?

Alrighty then. With that all said and done, I should get to sleep for the long day! Good night! :)

HMMMMM....

I think I must have a big invisible sign on me that says the following:

1. Please take advantage of me.
2. Please hurt my feelings.
3. Please use me to accomplish your needs.
4. Yes, please honk/whistle at me while I'm walking down the street. I just LOVE that you disgusting men.
5. This one goes along with 1-4: Please treat me like a cheap piece of meat.
6. Yes, I'm ok with a one-sided relationship.
7. Oh yes, I love people who are shallow. If you have this quality, please introduce yourself to me. It's definitely the ONE quality that I'm looking for!

Yup. I think I have these sign invisibly tattooed on me somewhere. Really, what makes people think that it's ok to treat someone like that? I just don't get it.

Sorry this isn't my usual upbeat post but I needed somewhere to vent and what's better than my own blog?!

127!

Can you guess what 127 means? Yup, this is my official 127th post! I am so excited! Usually people celebrate their 100th posting, but I would rather not be like those people and celebrate my 127th! Wow. Thanks to all my friends who reads my blog. I really appreciate going through different journey with you. Ok, now that I just celebrated my 127th post, it is now time to get serious. :)

Last Thursday and Friday I had the AWESOME (can you sense my sarcasm?) privilege of going to a conference. It really was quite pointless but I was the LUCKY (sarcasm again) one to go. I learned really nothing. But that's ok. I had a fantastic view of the beach though. It was so beautiful! I stared and daydreamed all through the day. It was quite nice.

Anyway, the point of this story is that the day before I left for this conference, my boss prayed for me. She prayed that I will be a light to the people. She didn't pray for me to learn or retain everything, but to be a light, showing others that we are different. Although I was bored out of my mind at this conference, one thing made it worthwhile.

One of the guys that works for the company putting up this conference came up and started to talk to me. He asked me about my work at Open Doors and if I liked it. Then he proceeded to tell me that he's been to our office and he has noticed how different we function compared to all the other customers. He kept talking about how he can tell everyone working there loves their job and loves one another. It was a different environment. He just kept telling me things from what he has observed during his visit. After all that, I asked him when he visited the office and how long he was there. He answered that he was there about a year ago for about an hour.

I was floored. First of all, I was having a bad attitude about being at a pointless conference. Then that happened and reminded me of my boss's prayer: to be a light. In The Great Omission by Dallas Willard, he says "The people to whom we minister and speak will not recall 99% of what we say to them. But they will never forget the kind of persons we are." That conversation was the turning point to my bad attitude. Too bad it came on the second day and not the first.

The short, uplifting conversation made me realize how closely people are watching our every move and making mental notes. For this guy, within an hour of his visit he noticed the difference and it made an everlasting impression in him. That is pretty amazing. I only hope that I can be a "light" in this world that when other sees me they are able to see a difference and that it will make an everlasting impression in them.

TO ANGE.

In case you're worried about how your plant is doing, here are a few pictures

that will sure cheer you up. Enjoy!

Plant with new friends, Mr. Spudtrooper (someone to protect Plant),

Palm Tree Candle (someone to relate to),

Affant Communication mug (morning buzz) and CHOCOLATES (all day buzz)!

Mr. Spudtrooper is closely examining Plant with his super, duper potato masher weapon. He's making sure that there are no bugs attacking Plant. He loves Plant and doesn't want anything to hurt Plant. Mr. Spudtrooper does it with grace and a big smile!

Mr. Spudtrooper smelling Plant to make sure that Plant knows it is loved. I gave Mr. Spudtrooper a "lift" since he has no legs. :)

Don't worry. Even though I'll be gone the next few days, Plant will be in good care. I've made sure of that! See you in a few days!

ANNOYANCE!

So this morning I get on the freeway and there was a bunch of cars moving at a very slow pace. I was not in the mood to sit in traffic this morning. I wanted to get to work and start the day. Anyway, I don't know why but a car pulled up in front of me and her license plate frame just annoyed the heck out of me! It says "High Class White Trash." WHY WOULD YOU WANT THAT AS YOUR LICENSE PLATE FRAME YOU STUPID GIRL?! I couldn't stand it. I was behind her for awhile and I really wanted to drive up next to her and ask her why she thought that was "cool" because it's not. It's not good to be a Britney Spears wannabe! Why can't people just understand that? So, there it is. I'm annoyed today because I had to sit in traffic and drive behind this girl who's pround to be a "High Class White Trash." What is this world coming to?

*This isn't the only thing that is annoying me. Just got out of the wrong side of the bed I guess.*

UPDATE.

I know that you're probably wanting this to be an update on Boston, but it's not! Sorry! I've been trying to upload my pictures online and I'm having trouble. So, this is just an update to update you that it's in the works. Boston trip will be coming soon I promise!

But here's something funny...Last Friday my boss came up to me to give me a check for nannying her kids. She proceeded to tell me the her kids report on me. She said that her kids loved me! That was surprising to me since I had set rules and punished them. They thought that they could get away with things with me, but nooooooooooooooooooo I didn't allow that. I was quite mean I thought so to have such a great report was kind of nice. Anyway, the middle child told her that she really liked me but she didn't understand why toward the end I started yelling at her. Her mom just laughed when she told me that because she said "I know exactly what you went through! We deal with it everyday!" We both laughed.

Meet My New Toy III!

Yup. I bought a digital camera over Memorial Day weekend. Thanks to the encouragement from Dominic and Kim, I picked up the box at Costco and purchased my first digital camera! I am a big girl! :) I had 90 days to check it out so I brought it to Boston with me. I wasn't so sure about this camera because it's bulkier than the cameras I wanted. After using it in Boston I was in love. So, here's to my new toy. I will be posting pictures from Boston shortly, but I wanted to share this with you first. I will also be using this camera on my next adventure with Miss Bex in less than a month! I am super duper excited!

BOSTON!

I'm back safely from BOSTON. So, for those who were there, please comment to let me know that you've returned safely back home. :)

More to come...