Taking one for the team

Last night we took the SURGE (junior high) students to the ice rink for a fun game of broomball. For those of you that don't know what that is, it is similar to hockey except you don't have skates, just your shoes, and you use a broom and ball, no hockey sticks or puck. It is funny to watch people try and run and then fall on their butts.

Of course my team won, no thanks to me though. I helped assist a few goals but didn't score any of my own. I did take a few falls though trying to get the ball away from the other team. I fell really hard on my knees and now I have a huge bruise and lump on my left knee. Oh well I am tough.

After we got back to the church, we were waiting for the last few parents to come pick up their children. I don't know how it got started, but we ended up playing four square on the church patio. The ball was hit into my square and I sort of had to reach for it. I lost my balance and fell into the tree. I am serious, I fell onto the tree and scraped my arm. What a great night. We had so much fun with all the kids. They really enjoyed it.

Props to Bruce Landon for taking two chunks of skin off either side of his face and Andrew Seely for eating everyone's leftover pizza crust.

Living Spaces

Oh my gosh.....I cannot believe I just did this. Nicole and I went to the apartment complex we were looking at to just drop off our applications. I was not expecting to be signing papers and planning on moving in next weekend. So ya, you heard it, we are moving into our new apartment next friday and saturday. Woohoo!!!! I felt so horrible for Anne (our new roommate) because we totally sprang this moving thing on her.

The reason we are moving so quickly is because we got a killer deal. Normal rent is $1550 a month, but if we move in within the next 10 days, our rent will drop to only $1395 a month for the duration of our lease. That is a killer deal and we couldn't pass it up. Anyhow, if any of you reading this are free next Saturday the 23rd, we could use some help moving.

God has blessed Nicole and I in so many ways lately. Thank you Lord. G'nite.

Blessings

I have been praying for something to happen and God has begun to answer my prayers. I don't feel like I am at liberty to say what is happening, but what I can say is that it has been a long time coming, and I am so happy that this day has come.

I am thankful for answered prayers and for the Holy Spirit acting/speaking for me when I don't know what to say. I am thankful for my sister Kim and her husband Donnie, and their two beautiful children Mitchell and Erika. I love you guys!!! Now come down and visit me gosh darn it!!

I need to get some sleep. I am still sick and have a western civ test tomorrow. Wish me luck. G'nite.

Good music

I am still feeling crappy and down in the dumps, but I was able to get my butt up and go to the Jars of Clay concert at Azusa on Saturday night. It was amazing.

I had never heard of the first group, "Small Boat Sinking" but they were pretty good. I wasn't too fond of the girls voice, but they were good. Check 'em out for yourself. Next was Tyrone Wells. What do I say about him? He was amazing. I love his music, he sounded so good. I was kinda ticked though because we were in the front row and there were a ton of people standing in front of us so it was hard to see. Thanks to Percy for saving all of us seats. Jars of Clay was awesome too. There were only four of them and all they had were two guitars and keys, but they sounded good that way. It was kinda of chill, really laid back but again I couldn't just sit in my chair and enjoy the music because of the people standing in front of me. That was disappointing, but we dealt with it. Good concert, all three bands were great, and I had fun. Period, end of story.

Death Becomes Her

I feel like crap today. My throat hurts, my nose is running, and I have a nasty cough. I guess it happens to the best of us and it is the season for sickness. My parents are both so sick they missed a week of work, and can't even take care of each other, how sad.

Prayers for Grandma would be appreciated. She had her blood transfusion this morning. Not sure how she is doing, mom has not called me.

Today I am thankful for Ruben. Happy Birthday!!! You are 21 now. Wahoo.

Check it out

Just to let you all know, I changed my comments thanks to Andrew. He spent a whole half an hour helping me change from crappy comments to Haloscan comments. So now my blog is cool.

If you decide you want to comment on a post, please click on the word comments, or the link on the left. The ones on the right are my old comments. Thanks Andrew, and everyone who reads this.

G'nite.

Fit for Life

I have recently noticed some changes in my body. Not huge differences or negative ones, but I have just noticed that my muscles aren't as toned and my abs have a thicker covering over them. I have been wanting to get a gym membership for some time now, but just can't afford the monthly payments, and I want to join a gym where I know one of my friends works out at. So of course I haven't done anything about it and just put exercising on the back burner.

I went running one morning about a month ago and it felt amazing to get out and do something physical. Although the rest of the week I was sore, I felt good. Now if I could only keep that up and go running more than once a month. I don't know what my problem is, I have become so lazy since high school and it sucks, I used to be so athletic (soccer and gymnastics) and now I just lay around all the time. Probably because my mother isn't around to get on my case and tell me to go do something, whether it be running or going to the gym.

I need to workout. I think that it helps me focus and stay alert, and plus, it makes me feel better about myself. We'll see what happens.

Maybe if I find a better paying job I will be able to afford that gym membership.

April Fools

I had this burning desire to play an April Fool's joke on my family, but I didn't want to be mean. My dad and I pulled one on my mom one time and she freaked out and started crying. I didn't want to play like I had gotten seriously injured because mom would have tripped out and wanted to come down right away (since her baby is in Cali and she is in Washington). So I didn't know what to do.

I kind of mentioned telling them that I had gotten engaged, but I wasn't sure how that would go over and I didn't think it would get them. So I decided I would be a nice daughter and not do anything. Then that burning got to me and I had to do something.

I talked to Nicole and we decided that I should just tell them that John and I got engaged. I had some pics from the beach that Andrew had taken, so I thought I would send those in an email along with my left hand with a ring on it. So that is what I did. I sent an email and explained "the story" and included the pics. My dad was the first to respond and just said congratulations and wondered why I sent the email without calling. I had him going for so long. Then he insisted that he call my mom and have her call me. So she did and then we 3 way called with my mom, dad, and myself. My mom was screaming and almost in tears with excited. All she could tell me was that she was happy for me and "OH MY GOSH, OH MY GOSH!!!" It was hilarious. I wanted John to hear, so I put my parents on speaker phone and Nicole used her phone to call John and put him on speaker phone. It was insane. Then the next thing I know my sister is on the phone as well, the whole freaking family was on the line. It was good times. It hurt so bad to have to tell them that John and I weren't really engaged. They were hurt and disappointed. And they called me a few names and told me I was in trouble. I was surprised that they weren't concerned that John and I have only been together for a month and that I am still in school. It was interesting to hear their reactions.

We played the same joke on John's mom and grandma later that night when we went out to Pasadena. His mom was more skeptical because this was the first time she had ever met me. John was disappointed that his mom wasn't more excited, but we understood. It was a good April Fool's this year.

Grapes...my favorite fruit

Here is sort of an addition to my blog from Wednesday night. After SURGE was finished and everything boiled over, the advisors were feeling like we needed some drinks. So we all headed over to Andrew's house to have some drinks and nachos (See Andrew's Ghetto Blog). I got the royal treatment and had a wine tasting evening. Now you have to understand that I do not like wine or beer. I just can't get over the taste. So I mentioned to Andrew that I had tried a glass of Shiraz and actually liked it, so then he brought out four bottles of wine and we sampled some of each. I really enjoyed three but the fourth one had been open for awhile, so the taste was off a little. I had a Sauvignon Blanc, White Zinfandel, Merlot, and the one I didn't like so much was Pinot Noir. Oh ya, I guess I tasted five wines because he brought another brand of Shiraz. It is weird, I never thought I would like wine, but it turns out I do. I just want to sample some more and see the different tastes. Maybe we will actually go to a wine tasting somewhere. Who knows.

I have also been wanting to go dancing. Not like club dancing, real dancing. I want to go to a blues or jazz lounge that serves dinner and drinks and also has a band that plays so you can get up and dance whenever you want. Do you know of anywhere like that close by? Let me know, thanks.

Also, please continue to pray for my grandmother, she is having some difficulties right now and may possibly have to have a blood transfusion. We find out today what is going on and what needs to happen in the near future. Thanks for the prayers.

Fear Factor here I come

So tonight was SURGE (the junior high youth group that I am an advisor for). During the month of March we do what is called "March Madness." And it is madness. We are split into four teams and we do many things to compete against the others. The teams get points for coming, bringing their Bibles, dressing up with the team theme, and many other things. They also are awarded points for what place they get in the game and crowd breaker. Which brings me to tonight.

Tonight was the last day of March Madness and we saved the grossest, nastiest things for tonight. John was talking about fear and dying (to ourselves and spiritually, not physical death). So of course we had to do something related to fear....what better than our own version of Fear Factor. For the game we took a gatorade water cooler and rigged a "contraption" from the ceiling and put glow in the dark bouncy balls in the cooler and hung it from high above. We turned off all the lights and then pulled the lid off and kids had to collect as many balls as they could. It was pretty insane with it being so dark and there were a lot of kids.

Then for the crowd breaker we had each team send up three reps and made sure they weren't allergic to any foods. We placed in front of them three plates of wonderful foods: 1-sardines 2- dried squid that was seasoned with something and also some dried anchovies 3- half a can of boiled oysters. It smelled so raunchy in that room, I thought I was going to puke. So I got up and started announcing the crowd breaker and we carried on. The kids actually did better than I thought they would. However, my team and "your mom goes to college" (one of the other teams) could not finish so Andrew and I took over. I wanted to eat something and show myself that I could. Andrew got the plate with the squid (which he liked) and the anchovies, and I got stuck with the nasty slimy oysters. You better believe I won. I swallowed those things whole, I couldn't chew them, they were absolutely disgusting. I don't know how people eat those and enjoy them. Anyhow, I started to puke in my mouth, but I had to get them all down. I did, and got third place for my team. As soon as I was done, I ran to the back and started coughing and spitting and ended up throwing up. It was lovely, I had the most wonderful smelling breath (NOT)!!!. So ya, that was my big event of the day. Hope you enjoyed it. Good night.

Oh by the way, check out Andrew's Ghetto Blog. I made a guest appearance tonight.

John trying to be Hee-Man and climb up the rock instead of going the easy route. Trying to show off for me.  

John and I in a rock at Montana de Oro on our trip up the coast. I pulled my butt and leg muscle trying to get up into this stupid hole. But it was worth it.  

Jono and Kelsey cutting up veggies for the pizzas and salad we made on Thursday night. I miss these kids.  

John and My footprints at the beach in Cayucos. 

Everyone else is doing it, so I thought I would

Check it out:

Where is the love??

It is right here in front of me. I haven't been so happy in a long time. Crazy times. Anyhow, sorry I have not been posting, Life has been keeping me busy and away from home. And I have to admit, when I am home, I am either preoccupied or just plain ol' lazy. You should know that by now.

So some frustrations have come up lately for me. I am frustrated with the living situation here on Devonshire. It is not the roommate (whom I love), it is just the surroundings. I am not feeling safe, we have been having problems with leaks in the windows, and the management has been kinda lazy with things and not so helpful. Here is the frustrating part: I don't think I can afford to move out of here and pay for a new place. Which leads me to my next frustration.

Frustration #2: not having money. I have never lived like a college student really until now. I have been eating peanut butter and jelly, top ramen, and tuna fish for like a week now. I am so poor and I am not working enough hours to make money. I need money, I have bills to pay and groceries to buy, but no money. Yeah I have a wonderful boyfriend who pays for me a lot, but I can't live off of him, he needs to pay bills and buy groceries too. I just hate worrying about money, and I know that I shouldn't but it is hard to do. I know that God will provide for me.

Some prayer requests:
- my grandmother is sick, she has been battling some things and the doctor's don't really know what is wrong. I just ask for strength and encouragement for her and her spirit, and for wisdome for the doctors.
- Donnie (my bro-in-law)- his grandmother died earlier this week. So just pray for comfort for the family in this time of loss.
- Myself, I have been having a lot of back pain lately. It has gotten to the point where nothing is comfortable and I am in constant pain. I think it is just a flare up of my spondyloarthropathy (a.k.a. rheumatoid arthritis), but I am not sure, the pain is excruciating. I am going to the doctor's in the morning, so we will see what he has to say.

Please keep me and my family in your prayers. Love to all who read. God Bless!!!

What a weekend....

The past few days have been amazing. Not necessarily in a good way though. A lot has happened and I really haven't had much time to sit and write about it. So now I am taking the time.

Let me start by saying that this weekend was already crammed with fun activities, that I didn't need any more. I am going to kind of go day by day.

Friday was nothing unusual, I had class in the afternoon and then worked. Friday night I had to rush home after work and get dolled up to go to Kerri and Sharon's mystery dinner that they were hosting. Had tons of fun there. When I came home John came over and hung out for a little bit and we watced a movie and just chatted. We stayed up until about 1:30 and were dreading waking up in the morning to go snowboarding.

On Saturday me and my fellow SURGE advisors had to get up early and meet some students at the church at 6:15 to go snowboarding. Now mind you, John left my place at 1:30 so I am already not getting a lot of sleep. Nicole and I both prayed that night that God would help us to get enough sleep and be able to wake up in the morning.

Let me just tell you that God is faithful and He does answer your prayers, sometimes not in the way you might have expected. At 3:45 or 4 in the morning I woke up to a car horn honking, nothing unusual for our building and area. So off to sleep I went. A few moments later I was awoken by Nicole screaming for me to get out of bed because there was a fire in our apartment building. YIKES!!! I started to freak. I didn't know what was going on and I was petrified. So I grabbed my shoes and my jacket and cell phone and ran outside. As I left our front door I looked to the left where huge orange and black flames and cloud were shooting up from the end of our building. I wasn't sure if it was in the parking area or if the actual building was on fire. We evacuated the apartments, or tried to and the fire department was there immediately. I am not sure exactly what happened, but all I know is that 4 cars were burned down the frame, unrecognizeable. It was the scariest thing in my life. So needless to say, we got our "wake up" call. I just can't believe how God works in lives. He is so amazing. I have been learning so much and I am going to have to continue this post tomorrow, because I am so tired.

I am going to sleep but check back soon for a follow up post.

Today I am thankful for the food God has provided for me and for friends to cook it for me!!

Yook it mommy!!!

I am so proud of myself that I have to write about it. I have been so bogged down with school lately and I also haven't been sleeping much. Needless to say, I am worn out and tired and a little weary, but I am hanging on to what hope I have left.

I am so happy and proud because I got an A on my western civ test. If you know me and history we don't usually get along. So I am very excited about that. Anyhow, I am off to class one more time today. Later.

Such a beautiful sunset to end the journey. This is just a reminder to me of how amazing and awesome God is and how much He has blessed me. Thanks John for risking your life hanging out the car window to take this for me.  

Walking down the strip you see some interesting people. This man was wearing a nice suit and riding a little girl's pink bike. After crossing the street he actually chained it up to a garbage can at Burger King. So funny!! 

The whole gang after a long night of dancing and drinking at Studio 54. Who's missing? Oh ya, Dad is taking the picture.  

We all had a fun night dancing at Studio 54.  

Hot dancer at Studio 54 that I gave a $5 tip to. Oh ya!! 

I have a good excuse

Ok so I know it has been awhile, but I have been so busy and then this weekend I was in Vegas celebrating my birthday with John and my family. Here are some pics.

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

Tonight is the eve of my 21st birthday. Yes I am turning 21, can you believe it? I sure as heck can't. I have been looking forward to this day for many years. Watching my brother and sister turn 21 and all of my cousins, now it is finally my turn.

I have this feeling of: now what do I do? I am not really sure besides drink some alcohol. Is there really anything special about 21? Hmmm, let me think........oh ya, drinking........umm oh and I can legally drive a rental car.....WAHOO!!! I don't know, I am just being stupid.

I am really excited, my boys and I are going out for my bday. I am glad to have friends that I can get drunk with that I know will take care of me and watch my back. I love you boys, and Nicole too. I can't forget about my roomie who threw some saltine crackers at me while I was puking my guts out the first time I got drunk. Thanks Nic. The anticipation is killing me. I want to know what is going to happen tomorrow night. Am I gonna get sick, silly, or sloppy? Not quite sure, but I am sure I will have fun no matter what happens.

I am most looking forward to this coming weekend, when John, Nicole and Andrew all go with me to Vegas for the weekend. We are going to be meeting Mom and Dad, Kim and Donnie, and hopefully Ted and Ann if they can make it. It is going to be crazy fun. Don't ask me how it was because you know, "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!" Just kidding, I am sure I won't be able to not tell what happens. Good times. Alright, well I am going to get some sleep, I am super tired from the long weekend. Later peeps.

Today I am thankful for the gift of life.

Am I drowning?

Lately I have had this feeling like I am falling behind in everything. Basically I think I am just getting overwhelmed with the schoolwork. I have so much reading and so much to think about and do for my interpreting class. It is only the third week and I feel like I can't stay on track with everything. It is not that I am not trying, believe me I am. I am reading and doing the assignments, but I still feel behind. I feel like things are just piling up in front of me. Maybe it is just because I have so many other things on my mind (such as my birthday). I am not really sure what is going on, I just hope I don't run myself ragged too soon. I know it will happen eventually.

Oh well, back to the studying and reading.

Today I am thankful for an awesome philosophy teacher.

It's that time of year...

All I can think about is my birthday (which is coming up quickly). I am so excited, I can't wait. I am mostly stoked about going to VEGAS the weekend after my bday and meeting up with my family and just having some good ol' times in Sin City. Although I am kinda nervous because I know how crazy my fam can be, I am sure that they will take care of me though.

I am really getting sick of this whole reading and homework situation. I was on target and now I just can't seem to catch up with any one subject. It is really discouraging considering it is only the second week of school. Oh well, that means I need to go read some more. What a wonderful Saturday night. Later.

Today I am thankful for hot tubs and friends. G'nite.

"I've got sunshine on a cloudy day"

It is humorous to me how quickly the weather changes. A few days ago it was bright and sunny and comfortable. Now, today it is raining, and raining hard.

I am not complaining by any means, I am just making a statement. Don't get me wrong, I love the rain, I grew in Washington, I have to like it. I love sitting in my room, specifically laying in bed and just listening to the rain pour down on the roof, and whatever lies below.

I am off to class. Today I am thankful for the rain.

Lent, not lint

So the lenten season has arrived. I can't believe it is almost Easter. It feels like yesterday was Christmas.

I have never really observed lent until I started attending First Pres. So this is somewhat new to me. Last year I decided to give up caffeine, namely Pepsi. It was so hard for me, and hard for Nicole having to live with me and deal with my bad attitudes. I went through withdrawal symptoms (such as migraines) and got really tired all the time. I was not a happy person for those 40 days. It was definitely a challenge for me, but I was successful.

This year I have decided that I am going to give up television in all its forms. I am not going to watch movies, dvds, tv, nothing. I think this will not only help me to focus on God and His Word, but also on my studies. Many a nights I sit in front of the tv thinking to myself about all the homework I should be doing, but am not.

In other news, I recently became a junior high school advisor at my church. The group is called S.U.R.G.E. (serving under a radical God everyday). So far so good. The first night some people thought I was actually in 8th grade, so I played along, and then when I was introduced as an advisor, they didn't believe me. I guess that is what I get for being short and young looking, and playing along with the joke. I am very surprised at the girls warmth and welcoming. They have all made a good effort to introduce themselves to me and really enjoy me being there. It is a lot of fun getting to know the girls, and the guys as well.

School is in full swing and I am already feeling the effects. This semester is going to be a doozie. I am taking western civ which explains everything. I hate history and reading and that is what this whole class is. I got my first job as a sign language interpreter at the school. It is a volunteer position, but I consider it a job because of the benefits I get (learning the setting, etc.). Today was the first day and it was intense. I am interpreting for a water skiing and wakeboarding class. I know I know, poor me, I get to be out on the lake everyweek. But it is hard work, there are more terms than I expected and they don't really have any signs so it is difficult. I am working at it and I think it will turn out fine in the end. I am just a little nervous, and hope that the two girls are getting everything they need. Not only do I have 16 units, jr. high advisor, and this interpreting job, I am also still working at the coffee shop.

If you think about it, please pray for strength, endurance, perseverance, and peace for the semester. Thanks to all.

Today I am thankful for the gift of sign language.

Its college

I am really getting frustrated with this school but more specifically my department. The deaf studies department has been unorganized and not helpful from day one. It is so hard to be a student and try and get help from them. So I recently wrote a dilemma I am having trying to get into a class. All I have to say is it is a good thing I didn't drop my other class, because I can't add the class I need to. If the teachers would just check their emails on a regular basis, maybe I would be able to add that class, but no, I had to wait an extra long time to even get a first response. So now I can't add the class and have to keep my class on fridays at 1. Not a big deal, I really like the teacher and the class is pretty interesting.

Not only am I having problems with that dept., I am also having problems with the University Corporation. Every semester we are supposed to receive these cards that say we are employees. The cards help us to receive 10% off on bookstore purchases as well as getting faculty parking passes. So I went upstairs to the offices and asked for a pass. They told me they were out. So then I asked for my employee card and the woman said she had already given them to my boss. So I went back downstairs and asked for it, and he didn't have one for me. So now I have to wait another week for them to get me a card so that I can go to parking services and get myself a parking pass. I hate being tossed around from place to place, and person to person. People need to get their s*@! in order and have it ready for people. I get so sick of it, and it seems to always happen to me. Lovely. Needless to say, after finding all this crap out, I had to work and was in a horrible mood. I was so upset.

Oh well, it is friday night and I am going to go enjoy myself and have some fun tonight. Doing what you ask? I have no idea. Later.

The O.C. (original crew of Discovery Elementary). Heidi, Sarah, Me, and Lauren. I miss these girls:( We have been friends since 3rd grade, love 'em. 

My sweet neice wearing a Cougar hat....this pic makes me smile every time I see it. 

These are a few of my girls that took care of me on New Year's Eve. (Heidi, Krystle a.k.a. Watson, Lauren, Me) 

This is my neice Erika (15 months) on our Christmas Eve family trip to downtown Seattle.  

Where'd they go?

With all of the travel and flying I have done in the past few years, I have met quite a few people. Some more interesting than others, but none the less I have met them. On this last flight from Seattle Tacoma International Airport to Burbank, I met one in particular. Here is the story.

I was in line to board the plane, and being a girl I was watching and looking at other people and noticed a pretty cute younger guy behind me. Of course after that I was wondering if he was going to sit near me or not. I was pleasantly surprised when he was sitting in the row in front of me. Hmm, this could be chance to talk to him. The plane was not even close to being full. In fact, almost every person was able to have their own row, very comfy and relaxing. So he was looking around before he sat down and made it a point to look at me and make direct eye contact and smile. Cute smile. So he sat down and didn't say anything during take off. As soon as we were up in the air and the flight attendants started their beverage service, he turned and started making conversation. We talked for almost the entire flight (probably about 1.5 hours). We talked about school living in California, versus the northwest. He is from Idaho. Conversation was easy and he was very entertaining, an interesting character. Then we landed, got our luggage and headed outside. He went to the shuttle area and I stayed by baggage claim and waited for my ride. As he was getting on to the shuttle he yelled across the street to me to make sure that I had a ride before he got on his bus to get his car. Such a gentleman, but John pulled up right then.

Basically, where I am going with this is: I can't help but think about what he is doing now. Where is he, does he remember me, does he think about me? I find myself thinking about random people I meet and never see again. Do they think of me, what are they doing now, where are they? Then there are those people that you don't really like, but they never seem to forget about you, and you wish they would forget you and move on. People are interesting and I find it interesting to meet different people from different places, and the airport is good for that. Maybe that is one positive of living in two different states half the year.

Also, there are those random people that capture your attention when you meet them through friends or at parties, or where ever, that turn into great friends, and possibly a significant other, under the best circumstances. I am very interested in studying people and learning about different people from different cultures and different backgrounds than mine. Maybe I should become a sociologist instead of an interpreter. Hmm, things to think about.

The year

I know I have been a bad girl and not posted for awhile, but it has been a crazy week or so. First off, I am now back in sunny California! YAY!!! Although it is a little chilly with all the wind.

Second, I started school this past Monday. It is already overwhelming. I am starting my interpreting classes and they are not what I expected, but hopefully I will survive. I am frustrated with the Deaf Studies dept. They told me I need to take this individual skills class but they didn't tell me until school started and I had my school schedule arranged with awesome teachers. Now I have to drop my good philosophy teacher and hope that he teaches again and that they offer it over the summer. Then I am trying to add this stupid class, and I can't get a permission number because the teacher is unavailable. Teachers nowadays are not responding to phone calls or emails. They tell you the best way to contact them, but it doesn't work. I hate it. Whatever, enough ranting.

Not only did I start back to school, but that means I also started back to work at the coffee shop on campus. JOY!!! Not only am I starting all these wonderful things, but I am also starting to be an advisor for the junior high group at my church. That should be fun, I hope. At least interesting and a change of pace.

Enough for now, peace.

I didn't want that anyways..

Here is a funny little story from my day today. Not really exciting, just funny.

Today was my day to take my grandma out to do some shopping. We always go to lunch. Usually drive thru or fast food of some sort, but today was different. We both had a craving for Red Robin, so off we went. We finished up our errands and arrived at RR. Neither one of us could decide what we wanted so I suggested two items, the rice bowl and the BBQ chicken wrap and we split them both. One of the other servers was bringing our food to us, when all of a sudden she walked around the corner in the kitchen and one of the rice bowls went crashing to the ground upside down, rice and veggies went flying for feet. She looked up at us (we were sitting right by the kitchen) and said, "you didn't want that did you?" I almost wanted to say no, because I didn't really, the wrap was enough. But I told her we did. So they made a fresh one and brought it to Grandma and me. Good times. Everyone was laughing and making fun of the poor girl. I felt bad for her, I know how it feels to be in a restaurant and spill or break something and everyone looks over at you. Embarrassing. So ya, that was a fun adventure today.

Today I am thankful for good eats.

What lies ahead, or behind, or hidden...

I have been thinking about the future a lot lately. What am I going to do this summer? Am I going to return to Washington and continue working at the same restaurant I have been at for almost 4 years? Or am I going to stay in California and build on friendships and relationships that I have started or will start this semester? And then I think about a career, what am I going to be when I grow up? And who am I going to marry? When will my wedding be? Then I sit back and think to myself, who cares? Why am I wasting my time thinking about these trivia things? I should have the faith to know that God is going to answer these questions for me when the time is right. Not on my time, or when I want to know them (now!), but when God is ready to tell me Himself, when He feels I am ready to handle the answers He has for me.

I am trying to be thankful for the answers I do have and for each day that I have here. I am thankful that God has blessed me with so many wonderful friends to help me through my struggles. I know that I can always count on them for a pick me up. I need to stop worrying about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34) and be thankful for the days I have now, and those answers. Good night for now.

I'm a what??

So there hasn't been much going on in the 'quah (Issaquah) for the past few weeks. It has been extremely boring being the only person left and not in school. I am so ready to go back to Cali and get back into my routine of school and work. I never thought I would be saying it, but it is true. I am actually ready and willing to go to Cali. Weird. But I guess certain things have changed and that is good that I can say that.

If there is any big exciting news I will post again, but I have a feeling there won't be. Good night.

Why me?

Last night I was bored and had nothing to do so my wonderful mother asked if I wanted to go see a movie. I wasn't really set on it but I had nothing else to do so off we went to Galleria. All the way there we were debating about what movie to see. I stopped at Taco Time to get some food because I was starving and we finally arrived at the theatre, still with no movie in mind. We got to the window and I asked the lady what time it was, 9:43. We could see Sideways, which got really good ratings, but started in 2 minutes (not enough time to get in, get drinks and popcorn and the necessities). Or we could see Hotel Rwanda which started at 10. That was the best option.

We were sitting in the theatre chatting during the previews and then it started. Oh my gosh, my body ached after watching this amazing movie. The story was so good. Briefly, it is about a hotel manager that basically has to turn his hotel into a refugee camp of sorts. It is saddening to see what these people had to go through, the tutsi people that is. It is a very good movie that keeps you holding on till the very end (which is why I had to pee so bad after, I didn't want to leave the theatre).

So now, after this wonderfully sad movie, I naturally had to pee. So off to the restroom we went. Sorry for the graphic details, but it is really funny. As I entered the stall I noticed automatic flushers on these specific toilets. I put a liner down, and proceeded to do my duties when all of a sudden to my surprise, the toilet began to flush. As I was peeing, my urine and nasty toilet water were being splashed back up at me with great force. There was nothing I could do except continue doing what I had to do. My mom was in the stall next to me laughing hysterically, which I was too. I was laughing so loud and snorting that I began to cry. It was humerous but absolutely disgusting at the same time. I couldn't believe it. Then when I wanted the stupid toilet to flush it wouldn't. So on the back of the toilet they have a little button that you can push if it doesn't go automatically. So of course, I reached to the back, and to my surprise, the movement made the toilet flush on it's own. So again, I was sprayed with lovely water, but this time all down the front of me and in my face. There was nothing I could do except run for my life. It was lovely.

So yeah, yesterday was not a good toilet day for me. I forgot to mention that I woke up yesterday morning to my bathroom toilet leaking water all over the floor. It was all puddled and I couldn't see it, so I stepped in it and got a little wet surprise. So I had to spend my morning taking care of that, mopping up the floor and draining the tank and everything.

Don't you just love toilets? Can't live with them, can't live without them. Anyhow, so yeah.

It's A Girl!!!

No, I am not pregnant, and no I did not just give birth, nor did anyone I know.

My parents just sponsored a little girl from Uganda through World Vision. She is so cute. She is 5 1/2 years old and her name is Agnes. Such a darling little girl.

She is an only child and lives with her grandparents because her parents have died due to the AIDS/HIV epidemic that has spread throughout Africa. Such a tragic story, but a real story. Here is a link to Ryan's blog for more about AIDS in Africa.

The lowest of lows

Do you know that saying that says you have to hit rock bottom before you can work your way back up? Well that is where I am at. I am at the lowest of low. I am deep on the canyon floor looking in only one direction, up. Up to the skies, up to the top of the valley, up to my one and only, looking up to God.

I have recently (within the past couple of days and nights) come to the conclusion that I need to make some major life changes, and start over. I have not been living the life I wished to live. I have not been living a good Christian life (whatever that may mean). I have been living a life of lies, cheating, and I have been one of those hypocritical Christians.

I have fallen into the traps of society. I have allowed myself to be pressured into things I thought I wanted when in fact I didn't really want them and I knew they were bad for me.

That is not the only thing on my heavy heart tonight. I have been feeling like I am only an object of men's affection. Many guys in my life right now have just wanted me physically/sexually. I am not going to take it anymore. I don't need that, nor do I want it. I don't want men looking at me and wanting to get with me (although I know it will still happen because that is just how some guys are), but I don't want to play into it. I am sick of guys talking about me and my body, I am tired of them not wanting all of me. I want and need a man that is going to love me and love all of me. I don't need sexual impurity in my life, and I don't need the temptation to stumble. I am ending all physical relationships as of now. No more!!!

Today and last night have marked a turning point in my life. I am moving forward, upward, and I am not looking back or down. I am making changes in my life so that I can live a better more fruitful life. I want to live as Christ-like as possible. I don't want to say one thing and do another. I want to be able to be trusted, I want to be able to be confided in and I know some people can't do that right now because of where my heart is.

I am going to start taking small steps. I need to talk to some people and straighten things out, and I need to ask for forgiveness from some friends. I have been praying for God's forgiveness and comfort and also for guidance in my new journey. I am also starting to read my Bible on a daily basis, no more excuses. I am going to try a few different ways. I have a book called, The Bible in One Year, and Andrew also gave me a link to his friend Adam's website where he has posted a daily reading schedule.

All I can do now is ask for your prayers. Please be praying for me and my journey.

Family Ties

I just wanted to take a quick minute to remember my great uncle John. He died a few days ago of numerous heart attacks. He was having chest pain and being the kind of guy he was, didn't want to go to the doctor, but his four kids made him. He denied having chest pain while hooked up to the heart monitor when the doctor told him he was having a major heart attack. He went into surgery to try and fix his heart, but when he came out he had other complications and his kids decided to just let him go. So they "pulled the plugs." Today was the funeral service. My parents drove down to Oregon, but I did not want to go. I was tired from the weekend, and just wasn't in the mood.

Uncle John was a great guy. At least what I knew of him. He was always hilarious, making jokes and making us all laugh. I will never forget his long Santa looking beard.

Uncle John, you are now with your sister, my loving grandmother. Please be with her and take care of her and tell her I miss her a lot. I love you both and miss you too.

Death is such a hard part of life. I myself am not scared of dying, I just don't like dealing with the loss and pain of losing someone special. I can't get over the fact of the person not being here and not being able to see them until I die. I have only been to one funeral (my grandmother's) and that was enough for me. I don't like it, it was sad and hurt so bad to think that she was not going to be here anymore. I love you grandma and I know you are watching over me. RIP.

News

So I was away this weekend visiting some high school friends that go to Washington State Univ. Very fun times, but not very productive. I miss seeing the girls on a regular basis, but I don't think I could handle living in Pullman. Too cold and too snowy. I miss the California sunshine. If you want details of the weekend call me or IM me.

Also, if you didn't notice I joined facebook, so check out the link on the right. Peace for now.

My tunes not I Tunes

Today I bought two of Jeremy Camp's latest CDs, one is a more worship one and the other is just his. I also bought the Casting Crown's CD which is amazing. Actually all three are really good.

I am spending too much money....oh well, I will kick myself later.

Bummin

Last night was just one of those nights where I was sad and lonely and longed to be held. Of course, that was not possible due to my circumstances of being single and being away from friends. I found myself talking to some wonderful men online, my co-worker Erik, and my good ol' friend Tyler, who both had some very kind words to comfort me, but it wasn't enough. I ended up laying in my bed listening to Mercy Me (my favorite band) and crying hysterically. It was one of those uncontrolable cries where you can't stop and you don't really know why you are crying. I do have to say that it helped me to fall asleep and helped to release some pent up emotions that I hadn't released up until then.

Ok, so I think I found some feelings about Garden State. First I want to start off by saying I had no idea that Bill Sperry knows Zach Braff (from college). Second of all, it took me two times of watching it to make it all the way through. The first time I fell asleep and the second time I stopped it and then restarted it because it was kinda slow and I didn't know how everything was gonna connect in the end, and I am still not really sure about the beginning. Maybe I am missing something. Anyhow, I think the movie really got to me because it is a depiction of the last few years of my life. I really identified with Zach's character. My life is split into two. My life back here in Washington (where my family and long time friends are) and my life at school in California. Zach is also split between his home town where he grew up and his life as an actor in Los Angeles. Even my friends and Zach's friends are similar in ways that I choose not to disclose. I just feel so many similarities to Zach as he returns to his home town. Especially when he talks to Natalie Portman in the pool, about what "home" is. I have posted about that previously. I am not sure what home is, is it where you put your things, or where your heart is? He also says that he may not have a "home" until he starts a family and makes a new home for himself and his family. I agree and feel the same way, I may not know for a few more years. Then of course comes the love story. Zach and Natalie fall in love, but they are going to have to make it long distance or end it because he is going away. This is what happened to me when I was dating Tim. It hurt every time I had to say goodbye after a visit to Washington. I can't really explain it any more than this. If you have seen the movie, you know what I mean and what I am going through and have gone through. If you haven't seen it, you better. It is a good flick, just a little slow. If you have any questions about all this, let me know via phone or comment space.

Today I am thankful for opportunities and friends to expand your mind and horizons. Peace.

Revelations

I just finished watching Garden State. It is a good movie, but I need some time to settle. Too many emotions were struck by that film. Stay tuned for my reactions. Peace.

BFF (Best Friends Forever)

Recently I have been hanging out and chatting with friends that either I have known since 2nd grade or with friends who know like we have known each other for that long, but just met a few years ago. I have noticed that I am very lucky to have such amazing friends. I don't know how I could get through life without them, they are there for me no matter what.

It wasn't until a few days ago that I really began to think about what my friends mean to me. I was talking with Bill (Mr. Amazing himself) and realized that I have learned so much from him. Then I was talking to John (Mr. Cool) and thought to myself, he is so much fun, and we are like brother and sister. I can't even thank him for being there for me all the time. So on and on, I kept thinking about each one of my friends, and realized that if it weren't for each of them, I would have a pretty dull life.

So the point of my rambling....I love my friends. I can't say it enough, I love you, I love you, I love you. I love you all. Whether I have known you for years and years, or just a few days, I love you. In the past few days and weeks, I have really been trying to tell each and every one of friends how much they mean to me, and that I love them and appreciate their friendships. I think it important to tell them what they mean to you. You never know when they can be gone from your life, and I want them to know that I care about each and every one of them. It is also rewarding and you get a good feeling inside, all warm and fuzzy. I actually had a friend tell me how much they appreciated me as well and that was special, you learn how they really feel about you when you open up to them like that. I love it (or maybe I am just in a lovey dovey mood).

To all my friends: I LOVE YOU!!!!

You are right :(

Ok so I was laying around watching tv instead of Sex in the City because the season premiere of The Bachelorette was on. As I was sitting there watching these men try and hit on Jen, and try to put their best foot forward, I couldn't help but think of conversations I have had with my friend Tyler.

Tyler and I have always had differences in the shows we watch on tv. Tyler usually watches sports, whereas I watch those, plus shows such as Dr. Phil (which Tyler hates), Oprah, any kind of makeover show, Perfect Proposal, etc. I am into some of the reality shows, but I don't always follow them religiously. Whenever Tyler and I get together we always watch something (usually a movie because we can't agree with tv shows). Whenever we talk about tv, he always tell me that I watch "brain pollution."

It wasn't until today that I realized, "wow, Tyler was right, these shows are a bunch of brain pollution." I never really thought about it, but these guys on the show, just really made me think about what I was watching. How could I sit through two hours and not learn anything (except that I would never go on national television to find my possible husband)? I just didn't understand how pointless some shows really are. So Tyler, I just want to say that you were right, I do watch a lot of brain pollution. But you know, if they aren't hurting me, why should I stop watching them?

The shows that I watch are never bad shows, they just don't help me, teach me, or stimulate my brain. Maybe that is why I like them, they are just shows that take up time, and pass the time.

Do you watch brain pollution? If so, what do you watch?

Reality sucks

This weekend was a much needed break/vacation from work. As always, good things must come to an end, and that is just what happened. Today, my first day back in town and I am scheduled to work a double. I worked from open to close, 9-9. What a wonderful day, NOT!!

It wouldn't be so bad if we had some good people working, but Coho has the worst staff they have ever had. It doesn't make working very fun. Oh well, enough venting. I am going to go rent the first season of Sex and the City and just kick back for the night.

Peace.

Thoughtful

I just want to start off by saying congrats to Justin and Amy on their wedding day. They are so cute together and today was beautiful despite the rain.

As most of you know, I have been doing lots of reading and thinking over the past month while I have been home in Washington. It has been very enlightening, but at the same time, very dark and depressing. I don't know what I am supposed to do with all this information and knowledge. Where do I go from here? Recently I have been just laying around feeling miserable, and I don't know the cause.

I have been feeling lost. I don't know my place in life, I don't know where I am supposed to be. My mind is blurred with thoughts of love, passion, romance, and many other feelings. I am torn between two wonderful places and I don't have a sense of belonging, a sense of "home." I love so many different people in both places that my heart aches everytime I have to say goodbye (which has been frequent lately). I am tired of missing out on things that happen when I am not in town, I am tired of coming home to an empty nest with no one around. I came to my apartment this weekend and felt like I was moving into the dorms for the first time. It all felt so foreign to me. I was lost, I didn't know what to do with myself except cry and be sad and lonely. Then I realized that I was home and that I needed to get over my wollowing and do something about it, and I did.

Basically, what I am trying to say is that I feel a lack of direction, a mixture of unpleasant emotions, and more that I just can't put into words yet and that I haven't figured out. All I ask is that you pray for me however you feel led. Thanks.

Winter wonderland, or is it?

I have been waiting for this day since I came back to Washington. Today is the first day of snow at my house. This winter has been extremely dry for this neck of the woods. The mountains barely have snow. What a wonderful surprise to wake up to this afternoon (yes I didn't get up until after 12), snow covered sidewalks and driveways. After a little while I got all bundled up and decided to go walking in the snow, but I was saddened. The drizzling rain had melted the snow in just a few hours. How sad. Oh well, it is supposed to continue to snow all weekend. Hopefully it will let me get out of town safely tomorrow, so I don't miss Justin and Amy's wedding on Saturday.

To all of you students that are heading back to school, travel safe, be safe, and have fun. I will miss you all.

Happy Birthday Bev (Tim's mom)!!!

Off to dinner with my daddy. Peace.

You're killing me smalls

I have been thinking and reading alot which has been nice, and I think I understand a few things better now. However, I still do not understand the "single life." Why would someone want to be unmarried for their entire life? Now I know some people choose it, and some it just happens to, but I just can't imagine being without someone significant in my life.

I have thinking about my journey as a single woman, and I have to say that I would much rather be in a relationship with someone I cherish and adore. That isn't the case right now, and I am in need of some affection. I have been single now for over two months and it is good and bad. I miss having someone to cuddle with at night, I miss the simple kisses, I miss the security and comfort you get when you are with someone.

I must say that I have learned alot through all of the single time, and I am growing in Christ. But that doesn't make it any easier.

There is a hole in my pocket

So now that I am working at Coho, I am making good tips (at least $20 a day). So I paid all my bills and rent and all that and am basically just living off of my tips. So I have had more money and it is just burning a hole in my pocket. I couldn't decide what I wanted to buy and then I remembered that I didn't get the CDs I wanted for Christmas so I decided to take my break today and go and buy them.

I purchased the newest album by Mercy Me "Undone" and Chris Tomlin's "Arriving." Both are good CDs, but I definitely have to say I am a huge Mercy Me fan and this CD is amazing. I love Bart's voice, so pure and amazing. Good times, I am happy now. Good purchase.

Today I am thankful for slippers and sweaters. It is so cold up here, it got down into the low 20s last night and today was cold again with no clouds in the sky.

I can't wait to come home to Cali this weekend. So excited to see everyone.

Time flies

Today I am thankful for the gift of hearing and sight. I was watching Extreme Makeover Home Edition and it really touched my heart. It was a family with Deaf parents and a hearing (normal) son, and the other son was blind and autistic. It is just amazing to me how they dealt with everyday occurences, yet had to worry about their son escaping in the night and not being able to sleep. It was hard for them to communicate with each other and I think alot of people take that for granted. It is hard to imagine being deaf or even blind. I look up to people that have high hopes despite their disabilities. That is why I am majoring in what I am. I want to help these people, I want to be a light in someone's life.

I cannot believe that it is already a new year. It seems like I just started school. I feel like I didn't go to school for the whole semester, it is amazing how time flies when you are having fun and enjoying life.

I am sad because this week all my friends are starting to head back to school and I am heading to Cali for a weekend, but I still have a month left here in Washington. How sad is that?

I have had such an amazing time while I have been home. It has been a mix of sadness, loneliness, but overall very fun and adventurous. I love coming home and getting together with the crew of girls and just having fun being together and catching up on life. It is weird how friendships never change. Good times girls.

My new year is going to be about having fun and not holding back. I am all about living life to the fullest with no regrets. I am tired of being that little girl who never takes risks and is always in the shadows. It is time for me to step out and live. I don't want to live how others want me to, I want to do what I want and I want to have fun doing it. It is a new year and I want to try new things, experience different cultures, and live out loud.

If you have something in mind that will help to achieve this goal let me know. I am all about doing these things with people and friends.

Peace.

New Year's Resolutions

I was just wondering what some of you were thinking about for your New Year's Resolution. I haven't really come up with anything, and I don't know that I will. But I am really thinking about getting a gym membership and starting to work out regularly. What better way than this: Bally's Total Fitness.


Have a happy New Year and give me a call on my cell at 12 if you want. Peace.

Favors

Do you ever feel sometimes that people only call you when they need something? Well that is how I have been feeling lately. Certain friends only call when they want something, to hang out or whatever, and then employers only call when they need you to work.

I have been an employee at this restaurant for three years now, and I am thankful that I always have a job when I get home on vacation. However, I do not like the fact that they always wait till the last minute to call me into work. This is what must go through their heads, "let's not schedule Val as much, that way we know she will not be busy and then we can always call her when something goes wrong and we need someone asap." I swear this is their logic. And it sucks, I hate it. I just keep thinking to myself, it could be worse, I could have no job at all and then I would be in trouble. So I am thankful for my managers and all, but it still sucks being called in an hour before they need you, or right when they need you.

Enough of my grumbling, I need to go get ready for work, because they just called me in to work. Peace.

I thought that was only for school?

When I came home for winter break, I was left without a job for some time. During this time I sat around and wondered what I should do, so Andrew told me to read and listen to what God was trying to tell me. So that is what I did. I went down to Barnes and Noble, and picked up a few books that he recommended. Also, for Christmas my parents bought me some Bible Studies. So I started reading the book, In the Name of Jesus, but put it down after Christmas and picked up the study of Ruth. I have always loved the story of Ruth, she is an amazing woman. So now, I am studying the book of Ruth as a whole, and not just the person. It is amazing to me how God can put certain things in your life just at the right time. The study is talking about love, not just romantic love, but love in all relationships, which is something that I have been struggling with lately.

So that is what I am reading/studying right now. But I also plan on studying King David and Elijah (the other two studies my parents got me).

Today I am thankful for long time, life-long friends. They are always around no matter what and are always going to be there no matter what. I love them.

Beliefs

Today I am thankful for differences of opinion. If everyone believed the same things, felt the same way about all issues, and had the opinion on every issue, this world would be very boring. I love being able to sit down with different people in my life, and talk about different issues. I also find interesting that I can have serious debates now that I am older and more mature. I used to get so defensive and upset when someone couldn't understand what I was trying to say, or when they told me I was wrong and didn't agree with me. But now I know better and can accept that they don't agree with me, and that is cool, that is a great thing.

I am not thankful for ignorance. I was listening to a conversation that was taking place in my living room today and I got very offended. A comment was made that a young man was "a loser." As the conversation progressed, I heard that this man was a firefighter who had moved to California and started his own life. Now I ask, how does any of that make him a "loser?" I just don't understand some people. I think that being on your own and providing for yourself as well as your community is something so amazing, and should be praised. Firefighters, paramedics, and police risk their lives everyday to save those around them including you and me when called upon. No matter what circumstances they are in, they should never be called "losers." I hate when some well-to-do person looks down on someone else because they can't provide the best for themselves, but they get by and they live happily, they are not losers. I just want to tell some people to get off their high horse and look at life from a different perspective. It is not about having the nicest, cleanest house, or the best/ newest car, or the biggest ring on your finger. What matters is how you deal with what God gives you. God will only give you what He can handle for you, and what you can handle.

Back to life once again

Today I had to return to work after a very fun and exciting holiday. This weekend was awesome getting to hang out with family (especially my niece and nephew). I love being able to hang out and chat and play games (such as pinochle). I am so lucky and thankful to have a wonderful like mine. It makes me sad when I hear of people whose families are broken, or not as tight knit as mine. I want everyone to be as happy as I was, and it breaks my heart to hear that some families to have the love and devotion like we do.

I am also thankful for Jesus Christ who came and died for my sins. If it were not for him, my life would not be the same. I am thankful that I found Christ at an early age and was not tempted by society. I am thankful that I can have relationships with Christians and non-Christians alike. It makes me happy when people see Christ through me, and my actions. Thanks be to God.

Happy Holidays

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, and to all a good night. I hope your holiday was all that you wanted and that you understand the real meaning behind the word CHRISTmas. May God bless you and keep you.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho

Well I finally got my butt in gear and got myself a job. I am going back to the restaurant I always go back to, Coho Cafe. YAY! I have to say that I am very thankful to them for always having a place for me, or making a place for me. It is nice to feel that they value my work so much that they would do that for me. And of course, I love the people that I work with. Coho is like my second family. I have a family friend that works there named David. He is like my second father. A lot of my friend's moms are my 2nd, 3rd, or 4th mom, but I don't have many other fathers besides my own. So David takes care of me, and makes sure that nobody hurts me. If you need more explanation just ask Bill about David.

So today I am thankful for work, and the people I work with.

Got to get ready to head to work. Peace.

Congrats

I was talking to Bill and I heard that Jono and Erin had their baby. Congratulations to them!!! That is so exciting. It sounds like everything went well and Erin and the baby are doing great.

If anything like that happens in Cali while I am gone and you hear about it, please call me and tell me or comment here or email, do something so that I feel informed and loved. Thanks. Peace.

Best Wishes

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TED!!!! Today my big bro turns 31. Oh my gosh....that means I turn 21 soon!!! Watch out!!

Rain Rain go away

I don't understand why little children always want the rain to go away. Why can't you go outside and play in it? It is more fun to play in the rain than it is to play in the sun when it is really hot, or at least I think so. Today as you can probably tell, I am thankful for the rain. I love WA rain, it is not like CA rain, where it either drizzles or down pours. Here it rains and it rains hard for days. The only down side is that it is very dark. It is only 12 in the afternoon but it feels like 7. Anyhow, rain does not need to go away. Although I do hope for snow soon. I really want a white christmas.

Yesterday was an adventure and a half. My mom and dad went shopping at Costco early in the morning, and then I met them around noon. From there, my mom and I went to a few local stores to check for gifts and then headed to the dreaded Toys R Us. Oh my gosh, it was insane. That store was packed with people, but the check out lines weren't too bad. Then we headed to another Toys R Us which wasn't as crowded but the lines were long. Then my mom had the wonderful idea of going to the mall. YAY, did you catch that sarcasm? I was not thrilled about going to the mall, but I did anyways to have some quality time with mom. It was fun, not too crowded and I even got some clothes that were not for christmas which was cool. So yesterday was a long day, my mom and I were shopping yesterday for almost 11 hours. That is crazy to think about. You can imagine all the money we spent. OUCH!!!

Peace.

Whistle while you work

Today I am thankful that my parents have an extra car so that I can use it when I come home.

Today I spent most of the afternoon driving around downtown Bellevue looking for jobs. So far I have applied at the Pine Lake Club (an athletic club near my house), Toys R Us, and a small little store called Lakeshore Learning Center. All three have taken my application and said that somebody would call me.

I really hate it when managers think they are too busy to step outside their office for two minutes and talk to applicants. I think that they need to get a first impression of all applicants. Maybe that is just me, but it really helps. Oh yeah, and Tim is also talking to his boss at Sears to try and find me a job. So now I just have to sit and wait to hear back from people. My next few days are probably going to be spent sitting around and waiting, or calling managers back that I gave apps to.

And all my friends come home this weekend. YAY!!! Peace.

Its a brand new day

Today marks something new on my blog. I want to use my blog, not only as a journal of thoughts, but as a journal of thanksgiving and gratitude. Each day I am going to give one thing that I am thankful for that made this day a little bit better. It might be a person, a group of people, an object, or something random. I think that this is going to help to stay accountable and humble and most importantly grateful for the things I have in life.

Today I am thankful for my time of solitude. Today I have been able to embrace it, and can handle it.

Reflections

Thanks to my good friend Andrew, I have been using my time of solitude to reflect on my life, and to really listen to what God is trying to tell me. Or maybe I am waiting for Him to tell me something. Whatever the case, I am all ears, I am going to spend my winter break working on my relationship with Christ and exercising. The two things I need most in my life right now. This is the perfect time, while I am stress free from work and school, and not distracted by people/friends. Hopefully, through all of this, God will provide because I still need a job in order to pay the bills. Please be praying for me during break. Thanks. Peace.

Where am I?

Today was my second full day back to Washington, and I have to say it feels very awkward. I feel like I am in a foreign land or something. I woke up this morning around 11 to head to downtown Seattle to the Paramount. "The Lion King" is playing and my mom wanted to get some of us tickets to see it but she couldn't get them at Ticketmaster, so I had to go down to the box office. YAY!! Driving in Seattle with the truck (a manual transmission I might add). Not too fun on the hills of downtown. All the Paramount had for tickets were individual seats so my mom said no thanks, and I was left with nothing to do and didn't want to just turn around and come home, so I drove around Seattle for a little bit and watched people from my car window and just took in the atmosphere of the holiday season. It is so pretty down there, with all the trees lit and people walking with big jackets and seeing all the store decorations. But I was lonely, I miss my friends from the valley and none of my friends from here are back from school yet. So I drove back to Issaquah and had lunch with Mommy, and then headed to Grandma's house to visit with her. She is lonely too. I sat with her and helped her cut out pictures to put in her Christmas cards and talked and caught up on life with her. Then I headed home. When I got home, I didn't just want to sit in front of the tv, so I tried to keep busy. I checked my email and my grades online, nothing. Ok, now what? So I went into the living room to turn on the radio but then that didn't help, I still had nothing to do. So I ended up just sitting in front of the tv trying to think of something to do. My mom came home and needed my help putting desserts on a tray and then she left again. So I was alone once again. Today has been a day of loneliness for me.

These are days when I sit and think about my life. I sit and pray and thank God for what he has given me in California. I thank Him for all my friends and family. I thank him for the wonderful world that He has created, and all of the amazing things he has given me to look at in Seattle. It really is a beautiful place and I do love it here, it is just that I am not sure if it is home or not.

What is home? I have been defining my home as: the place where I am not. This means that while I am living in CA, my home is Washington. If I am in WA, then my home is California. Is this true? Or is home, where the heart is? If that statement is true, than I have two homes but right now my heart is in California. Dictionary.com has a few good definitions of what home is. It can either be, The physical structure within which one lives, such as a house or apartment, or an environment offering security and happiness or a valued place regarded as a refuge or place of origin. The first one makes me thinks WA is my home, but then again I do have an apartment in CA, so I don't know. The latter definition makes me think of CA as my home. The environment that I am in down there offers me protection and security, as well as a lot of happiness, it is my refuge. The people that I am around in CA make me feel secure and safe, and protected, and that is what I love about CA. I don't know how I could live without those people (and hopefully they know who they are). They are amazing, and make me feel amazing when I am with them. Ok, enough blabbing, and enough sobbing.

I am going out to dinner with my dad and my bro. Peace:(

Nutcracker

Oh yeah, and I forgot to mention that my parents and I are going to see the Nutcracker today in Seattle. I am so excited, I have never seen it before. Should be cool.

Travel Woes

Yesterday was yet another day spent in the airport. I think I am becoming Tom Hanks in his movie, "The Terminal." I have spent more time in the airport in the last month than I wanted. I wrote about what happened for Thanksgiving, and yesterday was fun also.

I arrived at Burbank this time, at about 1:30 in the afternoon for my flight at 2:40. Not too long to wait, I could handle it. 2:40 comes and goes and the Alaska Lady (don't know her name or what they are called) comes over the PA system and informs us that they are delaying my flight because the brakes over heated during landing, and they need to call the mechanic, should be about an hour. Well, it took the mechanic almost an hour to get to the plane and then he still had to check it out. So now it is almost 4pm and still don't know what is happening. So I keep waiting patiently. Just after 4 the lady came on again and announced that our flight would be leaving at about 5:30 after the mechanic changes the brakes out. Not a big deal, I am not in any big hurry to get home. They were allowing people to change flights to one that left at 5, but I didn't feel like dealing with it, and it was only a half hour difference. It was 5, and the lady came back and announced that unfortunately the plane could not be fixed and we were all forced to get on the plane leaving at 5. It wasn't bad, it was just another day of sitting in the airport by myself for hours on end.

The flight wasn't bad, I sat next a nice man who had recently moved to Washington from Northridge, and his daughter went to UCLA I believe. Very interesting.

I love being home, except for the freezing cold weather. And when I say freezing I mean it, last night it got down into the 20s and today when I left for church it was only about 30 degrees. It sucks, but I love being with family again. HOWEVER, I do miss all my peeps back at home in Cali. Boys, it is just not the same without you guys to hang out with, and Nicole I miss you too, and I want a pedicure. Bill, thanks for the CD, it is awesome. John, thanks for the John Mayer CD.

Peace.

Wow, technology rocks

As you can tell I am still a little new to this whole blog idea. I just found out how to post pictures, which is very exciting. There will definitely be more pics to come.

My new haircut.  

What is up

Ok so I have been really bad about blogging, but it is to be expected. This week is finals week so I have been studying and stressing and haven't even thought about blogging. Actually, this is not totally true. On Saturday night I wanted to post some pics of my new hair do, but it wasn't working, so I have thought about it, and tried, but failed.

I mentioned I got my hair cut, it is so short, and there is a story that goes with it, but I don't want to talk about it here. If you want the story call me and I will tell you, I am just trying to get used to the shortness of my hair.

I can't wait for this week to be over, but at the same time I am not ready to go home on Saturday. I do this all the time, I always get so bummed when it comes to the end of the semester and then I never want to leave. It sucks, I want to go home and see friends and family, but I also want to stay here with friends. Such difficulties.

I just want to say that I love my friends, each and everyone of you. If you are reading this, I love you. You guys and girls make my life so much more fun and I am thankful that God has placed each and every one of you in my life. I love you and thank you.

Back to studying and taking finals. Peace.

I just can't get enough

Last week in my Deaf Culture class, we had a man come in who teaches at Columbia University in New York. He is a deaf man and teaches in the education dept. He was telling us about a master's program that they offer if you want to be an ASL teacher for grades 7-12. You go through this program and get certified and get your master's.

Basically, I think I am interested, but there are few road blocks. First, it would mean being away from my family for more time (2 or 3 years) and this time it is even further away, across the country. Second of all, is the money. I don't think I can afford to put myself through grad school. My parents informed me that I would have to foot the bill for that. Those are the two main issues, not including having no friends out there and being in an even bigger city than I am now. It is scary, but yet intriguing. So I don't know if I will persue that, but I am definitely considering it.

We have a weiner!!

Oh my gosh, I would never have guessed that this day would come. Miss Nicole has become part of the blog world. She set up a blog tonight. Check her out at her site. I am so excited for her. YAY Nicole!!

Vacation? I don't think so....

What an adventure. I left from Northridge and headed to Van Nuys to catch a cheap shuttle that drops you off right at LAX (thanks Sheila). It was a good investment, for only $3.50 they drop you off right in front of your airline check-in and you don't have to deal with the stress of driving into LAX. So I arrived at LAX at about 2:30 and my plane was scheduled to leave at 5:10.

I walked into Alaska Airlines, to which I was amazed! NO LINES!!!! I had checked in online, so all I had to do was drop off my bag. No line, and then I took my bag over to be checked for security, no line. Then I proceeded up the escalator to the security metal detectors, no line. By now, this has only taken me less than half an hour. It is not even 3 and I am sitting at the gate. What do you do in an airport for the next 2 hours? People watch....it is fun. They started to board the plane at about 4:45 at which they also announced that they were looking for people to take a "bump" onto a later flight because they were over booked. Of course, I took it because I got a FREE round trip ticket and a meal voucher to use. The only problem was that I had to wait for a flight that didn't leave until 9:30 at night. I had to sit in the airport for 7 hours total with no one to talk to, except those of you that I called. Anyhow so that was my wonderful adventure of sitting in the airport trying to keep busy.

Now I am home, and the madness has arrived. I got home to a peaceful house but was woken up Thanksgiving morning by my loud cousin Bert and my Aunt Sandy. I was so thrilled (did you catch my enthusiasm?). Dinner was wonderful because it was mom's and my Aunt Debi's jello salad was bomb as usual, and it was just amazing to get to hang out with the cous, and aunts and uncles I haven't seen since I graduated from high school. I love my family!!!

We are doing a family outing today to go bowling.....can't wait, I have wanted to go bowling for so long, and now we are all going as one big family. YAY!!!

Talk about last minute

I don't know what my deal is. I am always putting things off until the last minute. I have had to do this sign language video for so long, and I am just getting around to it because it is due tomorrow.

I have a problem with procrastination. I think it is just because I work better under pressure. The quality is better, I think, but I always get so stressed when I procrastinate. You would think over the years I would learn to start things earlier, but no, I haven't.

Late nights...almost all nighters

Oh my gosh, I cannot believe it is almost 4:30 in the morning. This is the second day that I have stayed up talking to a friend. It is just one of those wonderful things about friendships, you can talk and talk and never get bored or run out of things to talk about. How awesome is that? I love my friends.

I don't say that enough. I LOVE MY FRIENDS!!! I am so blessed to be surrounded by the friends that I have. You are all amazing and I love each and every one of you, even if I don't tell you enough or at all. Thank you for being a friend.

Good night, or morning.

You are joking right?

Last night I got a telephone call from THE Mr. Bill Sperry. He wanted to go out and shake his "tailfeather." I thought that would be a lot of fun so we were off. Only one little problem, out of all 6 of us that went (Bill, his friend from Fuller, Scott, Laura, and Miguel), I was the only one under age.

We started off waiting in line at the Avalon only to find out they are a 21+ club. No biggy, there was one just down the street. We walked the "few" blocks which ended up being like 6-8 blocks. The club was called "Floretine Gardens." Let's just say that it wasn't the most happening club in Hollywood, so the three girls and Bill took a cab ride from there to Hollywood and Highlands (Scott and Miguel walked). This just happened to be my very first cab ride ever. Very exciting. We got the club DV8, or what we thought was, and it turns out that DV8 is only on Saturday nights and on Fridays, it is 21+. Now what? That's right, we took a VAN CAB, back to Florentine Gardens. From here, it wasn't too bad except getting in, they wouldn't let me in with a tank and they wouldn't let Scott in with a white shirt, So we did a little clothes swapping and finally got in. Once in it was quite interesting, but we made the best of it. Yes, even Bill Sperry did a little pole dancing. Very good times.

It was a night of firsts for me. First cab ride, and first time getting turned away from somewhere. Oh yeah.

Single Life

I just have to say that this whole being single thing is really killing me. I just want to be with someone and love someone and feel loved.

But at the same time, I want to be single. Which is it, single or dating? That is my debate/dilemma.

How much am I short??

Andrew, this blog is for you.

I am a supervisor at work and at night when I close I have to count the registers. For awhile, the registers had the exact amount they were supposed to or they were just a few cents over or short. Recently they have been like $5 short or $10 short. I am not even the one that works on the register, I just report what the amount is in the drawer, but somehow I am still the one that gets chewed out by the managers for being short. I am so sick of being told that the drawers are wrong, I know that, I counted them. It is especially bad when I have just worked for 8 hours and I am extremely tired, and I just want to get out of there.

Enough ranting......off to study or sleep whichever comes first.

Children #2

These last few days have been all about children. It seems like everywhere I go, the subject of children comes up. What is the deal?

Yesterday I went to get my nails done with John and Nicole and while John and I were waiting, we were talking about how we would or wouldn't take our kids out shopping with us. Then the whole babysitting experience.

Today, I had my emergency procedures class. We talked about poisoning, and bites, and other emergencies, but then came the fun part. Can you guess what we talked about??? Yep, that's right, emergency CHILD BIRTH. We had to watch this lovely video of a woman giving birth. My class is so mature, everybody was making jokes and stuff, I felt like I was back in middle school or high school. I have REALLY decided that I am not going to have 4 or 5 kids just because of the birthing process. I don't know if I can handle all the pain and pressure.

It was so sad. This kid that sits behind me in class passed out because he couldn't handle the video. All of a sudden he just fell to the floor and seized a little bit and we all just stared at him, and then our teacher came over and helped him. You would think that all of us, would like rush over and be eager to practice what we have been learning, but we just yelled for the teacher.

Good times....not having so many children.

Children...God's little miracles...or are they?

I was just babysitting for the couple bible study at our church. They meet every other week in someone's house. This week we were in this immaculate, huge house. It was amazing, I want to have a house like this one day.

Anyhow, that is beside the point. We (Nicole and I) babysit for 8 kids. For the most part, they are pretty controlable, they listen and obey well. But then there are the few that have separation anxiety and scream the ENTIRE time. I am not exaggerating. This one kid screamed for his mom for two hours straight. It was awful, it gave me the worst headache.

So this made me rethink how many children I want to have as my own. I have always said that I wanted 4 or 5 kids. But now that I have been babysitting more often, I don't know how I could handle having that many kids running around screaming all day. But then again, my kids would hopefully been more disciplined and well behaved, but there is no telling before you give birth. Maybe I will only have 3 kids. We'll see I guess.

The freak comes out

Last night we had an awesome surprise party for my friend Liana from work. She had no idea, she was so happy to see everybody. We started the night off with some drinks and a birthday shot for Liana. This was enough to send me over the top. I was buzzing, and boy did the freak in me come out. I was ashamed after I looked back on what I did. It wasn't that bad, no worries, but still, if you know me well enough, I was not myself last night. Anyhow, I had a great time last night hanging out with all the girls from work (and Fred).

Friday Night Games

Andrew and I had this brilliant idea to play night games (such as capture the flag, kick the can, sardines) but nobody else wanted to play. So we ended up at the dorms at like 8:30 with Kerri, Sharon, and Brian M. trying to decide what to play. We couldn't really do much because if we had teams they would be uneven (since there were only 5 of us). We decided to call Brian Lewolt's roommate and force him to come play with us and he did. He wanted to play basketball so we did.

That was fun and all, but I didn't realize how out of shape I am. I couldn't breathe after the first few runs. I was winded and now, only a few hours after the game, my whole body aches. I can't believe it, I am the girl who used to be able to run forever during a soccer game, and now can't even run around the block. I am becoming a pathetic lazy old woman (or least that is how I feel tonight). I have decided that I need to start working out, either at the gym or at home to some wonderful tapes that I have. Maybe I should just start running again. Whatever the solution, I need to start doing something more active.

Is it over yet?

I am so ready for this semester to be over. I am so sick of reading, writing, and researching, I can't wait for winter vacation. Those 7 weeks are going to be well spent sleeping, relaxing, and doing a whole lot of nothing.

But until that day comes, I must press on with the reading and the rest of my homework. Wish me luck.

Why must you be so difficult?

Working at Freudian Sip (a coffee shop on campus) is really getting on my nerves. Especially Wednesday nights. Hence, I am writing about it to release the tension built up inside of me.

Our coffee shop closes at 9, and the 7-10 classes usually take a break at about 8:30 or 8:45. That means that they all come in and place special orders because we are the only place open on campus that late. I had everything cleaned and ready to go and then like 25 people came in and 5 ordered frappes (our version of frappechinos) and the rest ordered usual drinks. It is just frustrating because I want to get out on time and then I can't because I have to reclean everything. Oh well, that was just 20 minutes of my time at work, the rest was fun.

It was all girls working tonight, so what did we do but flirt with the male customers to try and get more tips (it worked we made $4 each). Of course we picked and chose our flirting customers. It was fun, and it passes the time.

When I first got to work my manager pulled me out into the hallway....I thought something was wrong, that I had done something bad, but I had just gotten there. It was so nice, he told me that we were going to be training the new people that are going to be working at other Freudian Sips when they open and that may mean an additional pay increase (but I am not holding my breath). Also, he told me that he was very thankful to have me as a "red shirt" (supervisor) and so he is taking me and the other red shirt (also named Val) out to brunch one sunday. How cool is that? I felt so good that he actually recognizes how much we do for him and that it is good quality work.

Enough about work, I am off now, now it is "me" time.

Wake Up

I have come to the realization that I am not over Tim yet. I have just been fooling myself.

Giving Thanks or Thanksgiving??

I am excited to say that I am going home to Washington for Thanksgiving. I give thanks to God for the opportunity. I wasn't going to be able to go because it was too expensive and I would be going home two weeks later for winter break....but now I get to go home and be with my family.

The majority of my family is going to come up to our house.....aunts, uncles, cousins and their families (with kids) and even my grandparents are coming up. I am so ecstatic....I love my family and I am thankful that I have a home to go to. And I am thankful for my grandpa whose birthday is on Thanksgiving day....he is turning 84 (I think).

College v. High School

Today has been a day that live on forever....I day and time that I am proud to be a part of. Granted my presidential candidate did not win, I am still proud to be witnessing these times.

So in my political science class we talked alot about what was happening, and what will happen. Naturally we would because it is pol. science. But then I went to my second class of the day, sociology. We started off talking about Kerry conceding and that sad stuff. Then we discussed where our nation was headed (way to the right). We got on the subject of abortion and the possibility of overturning Roe v. Wade. Which then led to a discussion on sex, leading to STDs, leading to prevention and the importance of women getting regular pap-smears. Don't ask. So almost 40 minutes into the class (which is 50 minutes) we were still talking about all these wonderful things.

My point being.....I love being in college because the curriculum is still important but teachers are more flexible in how they run the classes. It allows for some interesting debates, conversations, and discussions of what our nation is going through. Whereas in high school, teachers are so rushed to cram all this information into our heads, that one day of discussions throws off the whole curriculum so they don't acknowledge national issues that arise.

I never thought I would be saying that I love college, but it is actually not as bad as I thought.

Wow, that was a semi- long blog. Gotta go get my laundry out of the washer and into the dryer.

D-Day of the Elections

Duh Duh Duh!!! So the day has come when we all head out to the polls. I wanted to get it out of the way so after I dropped off my roommate at school I headed up to Granada Hills High School to place my vote. I ran into a problem though. About two months ago I went online to Rock the Vote and filled out the online form and then mailed it in to the Secretary of State. However, up until this date, they still have no record of me filling out the form and mailing it in. So I am technically not registered to vote so I had to fill out a provisional ballot (so it will count unless there are questionable voting issues like 4 years ago).

But the good thing is I still was able to go and cast an informed vote for the candidate of my choice (*cough, Kerry, *cough).

Down to the Wire

So I am not totally down to the wire, but I do need to make a decision quick about who to vote for. After talking to a few friends and relatives and reading some more articles online, I have made the decision that I am going to vote for..........Mr. Kerry. My faith makes me want to vote for Bush, but then I believe in separation of church and state and I am not one to force non- christians to conform to our beliefs. I believe that people have choices that they must make, and therefore, I am voting for Mr. Pro- Choice himself, John Kerry. I hope that you fellow christians don't think less of me or other christians that vote for him.

I hope I am making the right decision. I guess I just have to keep thinking that ultimately God is in control of everything, and His will is going to prevail despite how America votes at the polls.


May the best man win.

Choose to Lose

So tomorrow is the big day. It is election day. Who is one to vote for? Bush or Kerry, the question of the century. I am not sure, I am still an undecided voter and the elections start in about 11 hours. I don't really like either candidate, so I feel like I am choosing to lose either way. I agree with some of what Bush is doing or will do, but also with Kerry on some issues. And there are also some things that I don't like about both.

My question is: Is there/could there ever a/be president that people love 100%, or do American voters have to sacrifice for the candidates at hand?

I guess I will spend the rest of my night praying, and hopefully God will work in my heart and help me to decide who to vote for, because as of now, I am still on the fence.

If you have any suggestions, feel free to try and persuade me. But you better have a good argument. Don't waste my time and your energy.