Colorless View

2012-01-18T09:59:00.000-08:00

Happy new year!! (well 17, 18 days late)

Alas, it is alreadyalmost a month in to 2012! Where did that time go? It’s been awhile since I haveblog, and it’s been a while since I’ve exercised. I blame it on the holidays,the return of the NBA season, and my intensive interterm class.

Don’t get mewrong, I love them all dearly! But something had to suffer, and this time itwas the blog.

How to ring in the new year? With resolutions of course!Usually, I avoid resolutions. I know I won’t keep them and I can’t stand notcompleting what I set out to do.

But this year, I’m doing it. Afterall, you only get 2012once, and according to the Mayans, this is the last year of earth’s existence!!Must make the most of it.

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Resolution 1 // Start an Etsy Store

Thisone has been on the back burner for months. I have a few items to sell, butstill have some work to do before a store launch.

Resolution 2 // Finish Harry Potter Series

I’m onbook five. Almost there!

Resolution 3 // Fit into those Jeans

Yes, those jeans. I have a pair of blackjeans from oodles ago that I would love to fit back into. Almost there, but notquite. Hoping to reintroduce them into my wardrobe sometime in the spring.

Resolution 4 // Give up Coke for a month

Easiersaid than done. I actually did this last year for about 3 weeks when we were inThailand.It was much easier to give coke up in country that offers alternative freshfruit juice options. Perhaps I’ll give it up on our Philippines/Thailand tripthis year.

Resolution 5 // Finish Highschool Scrapbook

Yes,you read that right, highschool. Last completed scrapbook was from 11^thgrade. Still working on my senior year. 2012, eight years later, might be theyear that I finally put highschool on the shelf.

Resolution 6 // More Compassion, More Patience

Lastbut not least, I’d like to be more compassionate and patient. Not necessarily a2012 resolution, but a life’s goal. Luckily, I have a man in my life who is adaily example of both and a Savior who epitomizes compassion and patience. (Slowto anger, and abounding in love. Ps 86:14-16)

Routine of Studying

2011-11-03T12:19:00.000-07:00

Studying is not easy. There are so many ways that I find myself gettingdistracted (writing this post for example). But I think I have finally figuredout a routine.

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1// Calm

It needs to come out. The antsy-ness of wanting to check mail, facebookand anything else online needs to be flushed. I start off by at least 10-15mins of getting it all out of my system. Check, check, check.. Until there is nothingnew to check and I finally get bored and move on.

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2// Music

A good song, or two, or three, helps me wind down and focus.

Current music of choice – FernandoOrtega with a tad of Coldplay anda touch of Jars of Clay.

(Usually Fernando Ortega onrepeat x10 will do)

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3// Quiet

If the lawn is being mowed or the leaves being raked, it is reallydistracting. Unfortunately, those are the cons of living in an apt complex (avery well-manicured apt complex, might I add). But for the sounds I can help(running the dishwasher, tv, radio..etc) I usually turn them off. It helps tohave a spare room that I can retreat to with a good desk and a nice view.

In college I was able to do homework in front of the tv. Now, it’s adifferent story. Perhaps my brain needs a little more will power andconcentration than before, or I just get distracted more easily.

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4// Breaks

Last and most important I take breaks. I read somewhere that your braincannot retain any more information after 2 hours of studying. Breaks are necessary.So an episode of Law and Order:SVU every 2 hours or so stimulates mylearning..(or that’s what I tell myself).

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I’m off to attempt to study..

Sing to Jesus

2011-10-26T14:40:00.000-07:00

I’ve been seeing a theme in the blogs I’ve been reading.

It’s this theme of letting go.

Each person has their own take and perspectiveon it.

How they do it, how they don’t, and why to let go.

Letting go has been fairly easy for me. I find that the memories/experiences that I have that were negative or painful are often the ones that I least remember.

They are hidden in the deepest depths of mysoul… occasionally a conversation or new experience will bring them back up,and I’ll cringe and reflect on how painful they were.. then breath a sigh and move on.. thankful that it is in the past.

Sometimes I wonder if my selective amnesia is ablessing or a curse. I mean, who would want to remember a bad experience? Then again, isn’t it those experiences that shape us the most?

All I can say is I’m thankful I do not have to re-live them..

They are of the past..You live, You learn..

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Sing to Jesus, Lord of our shame

Lord of our sinful hearts.

He is our great Redeemer.

Sing to Jesus, Honor His name.

Sing of His Faithfulness, pouring His life out unto death

Come you wear and He will give you rest

Come you who mourn, lay on His breast

Christ who died, risen in Paradise

Giver of mercy, Giver of Life

**Sing to Jesus byFernando Ortega

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I love these words. In our weakness, pain and suffering..

We can sing to Jesus. He is the Lord of our shame.

"'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus"

2011-10-17T10:03:00.000-07:00

I love hymns. There is somethingso beautiful about them.

They are gentle, kind, compassionate all wrappedup together.

Slow but steady, strong and meaningful at thesame time.

The following hymn was written by Louisa M. R.Stead. She wrote these words after watching her husband drown and die trying torescue a drowning boy. She later became a missionary to

South Africa

Beautiful words filled with so much faith. If itwere I, would I have that much faith?

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"'Tis So Sweet toTrust in Jesus"

’Tis so sweet to trustin Jesus,

Just to take Him at HisWord;

Just to rest upon His promise,

And to know, “Thus saysthe Lord!”

O how sweet to trust inJesus,

Just to trust Hiscleansing blood;

And in simple faith toplunge me

’Neath the healing,cleansing flood!

Yes, ’tis sweet to trustin Jesus,

Just from sin and selfto cease;

Just from Jesus simplytaking

Life and rest, and joyand peace.

I’m so glad I learned totrust Thee,

Precious Jesus, Savior,Friend;

And I know that Thou artwith me,

Wilt be with me to theend.

Refrain

Jesus, Jesus, how Itrust Him!

How I’ve proved Him o’erand o’er

Jesus, Jesus, preciousJesus!

O for grace to trust Himmore!

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“In You our fathers put theirtrust; they trusted and You delivered them.” (Psalm 22:4-5)

Alanis and Me

2011-10-16T21:36:00.000-07:00

Today, I had the urge to listen to some good old school Alanis Morissette. I remember listening to her in middle school and being told by my youth pastor that she was of the devil and that I should burn/destroy all her albums.

Lets just say I'm so glad that I didn't.
She helps me unleash the inner independent women in me!

Not only that I have very fond memories of her music. Especially her "Jagged Little Pill" album.

It always strikes a chord ::Ding:: You Oughta Know.

I am not a huge music person but there are those few artist and songs that invoke emotion in me.

Among the top invokers ::

Alanis Morisette
Regina Spektor
Ramones
Smashing Pumpkins
Jars of Clay
Fernando Ortega

**I know.. They are quite different musical genres represented above.. It's about the memories

"After all..memories are all we have" - K. Ngaihte

O America, Land of the Free and Home of the.. Wait What?

2011-10-04T15:38:00.000-07:00

Currently, I am taking a class called “InterculturalCommunication.” It is definitely an interesting class and has provided me withincredible insight to the many question of.. why? Through the lectures, discussionsand readings I have been able to really evaluate myself ..

What does it mean tobe a part of many cultures and none at the same time? This was an issue Istruggled with as I did my senior art show at Biola.

The class got me thinkingback to my freshman year at Biola. I was, for lack of a better term, FOB (orFresh Off the Boat), although I wasn’t entirely oblivious to American culture,I didn’t have a funky foreign accent or looked like I was straight from a HelloKitty magazine, walk barefoot or wear clothes decades old. I thought I would beable to blend in with American society, but it was in the subtleties that I wasmost confused.

For example:

1\\ Tips (A good 15% will do) \\ It was hard for me to graspthis concept at first. Why would I pay more than what was listed on the menu?And tipping varies from customer to customer.. there is no way to regulate it.Just tell me how much, so I won’t be surprised when my $15 meal turns into $25.

2\\ Surprise! You’re been Taxed \\ I guess this goes hand inhand with tipping. Why can’t they just tell you how much they want from the getgo!?! It’s like an unfriendly surprise when the 99cent soda ends up being $1.07and you just do not have those extra 8cents on hand!!!

3\\ HonkHONK \\ Honking is a pretty common sound to hear in Asia. There’s a honk honk here, and a honk honk there,here a honk, there a honk, everywhere a honk honk.. old macdonald….(you get thepoint). But here no one honks unless you are about to have an accident EXCEPTwhen they are an impatient driver who insist that you step on the gas themoment the light turns green. Apparently, taking longer than a mili-second justifiesa good HONK!

4\\ Sue You! \\ The idea of suing someone for yourincompetency appalls me. Yes, there are times when suing is justified. But onthe other 99% of the time when suing someone for stepping on a crack that youwere able to see with your two God given eyes hardly seems justifiable.

The list goes on...

Captain America anyone? Perhaps he has some answers...

School Supplies Anyone??

2011-09-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

Found these absolutely amazing hand made "school" supplies on a blog I read. There are also notebooks, pencils and those awesome pink pearl erasers!

This just made my day! Practical for class.. I think so!

{See other images at site listed below}

http://www.sayyestohoboken.com/2011/09/embroidered-school-supplies.html

For the Love of the Game

2011-09-20T11:59:00.000-07:00

Or in this case.. Class // For the Love of the Class
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Last weekconcluded my 4th week of classes and all I can say is AMAZING! I've had 2of my 3 classes so far and both have been pretty much the bomb!

I did notthink that I would be able to feel this way about a lecture class, but it’shappened ///

This ex-art student loves sitting in lectures, taking notes and beinginvolved in discussion.

**(Oh and I love being early on assignments andreadings!!)

What isthis amazing life changing class/classes?

//// Intro. to InternationalDevelopment ////

//// History ofthe World Christian movement ////

The more Ithink about it I realize that not only IS the subject matter really interesting,but the professor are interesting.

They reallybring it to life!

I love gradschool! I don’t even mind that the next 3 weeks I have no weekends because Ihave classes!

For thelove of the class.. right? Huzzah!
(I have no clue where I got the expression from but I think it might be from my friend Josi)

Life as of Late

2011-09-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

I realize it's been a decade (or a couple months) since I have posted. Honestly, I kind of forgot about blogging.

Life has been a tiny bit hectic. Since classes started (and the month before, because I'm a nerd and like to get a head start) I feel like I have not had a moment to relax, sit down, and breath..

Today I was sitting in my office, looking out the window (wishing I was outside), and I really felt the urge to blog.

Nothing much to report.

\\ Things I'm currently obsessed about \\

\\ Excercising \\ Zumba + Turbo Kick = One Happy Nem. I really enjoy the two group exercise classes that I have joined. Although I have no rhythm in Zumba, I think I'm pretty decent in Turbo Kick. Both are definitely great stress relievers and you feel great after them. (Average calories burned in 1 hour class :: 600-1000, That's reason enough!)

\\ Coke \\ The coke itch is back. When we went to Thailand, I had a vast array for drinks to pick from, mainly FRESH fruit juices, and I lost my craving for soda. Unfortunately, it came back. Oh coke, You are my vice!

\\ Oliver \\ I'm always obsessed with Oli, but he just switched from night to day shift and it's been great to have him home at night. More time together = One SUPER Happy Nem. (Hopefully he doesn't get sick of me)

My desk. Yes it's a mess.. I was too busy looking out the window!
Can you spot the Laker's mug?

The UPS Man and Me

2011-07-20T16:20:00.000-07:00

I have this awkward strange relationship with the UPS man at work. After sharing my experience my friend told me to blog about it so here goes.

Problem // The UPS Man

Well he’s just awkward. Tries to make small talk and looks at me so awkwardly as if longing for me to say something back. Perhaps it’s cause he meets lots of people everyday as he delivers and picks up packages, and it has made him social. I just see it as awkwardness x100000 and he can’t take a hint. (I guess my short abrupt replies don’t mean anything to him.) He just lingers, and lingers.. then finally leaves. Awkward you say? Most definitely!

Solution // Hide From Him

The benefit of a large window in the office is that I can see his gigantic truck pull up and park hap-hazardly in front.

Most of the time I’ll catch it out of the corner of my eye but on occasion it is too late and I’ll already hear the slam of the door signaling his entrance into the office.

This is where I must divert to plan B.

Depending on time, I’ll dart to the break room, bathroom or any other room. Wait.. wait.. then return to my office.

Today, time was tight. So I did what anyone else would do and I jumped under my desk. I have never been so thankful for my big solid mahogany desk before.

(Lucky for me, I found 2 paper clips.)

P.S. The FedEx guy is not too bad. But anymore chummy-ness and I'll be avoiding him too.

World Cup Champions : Japan

2011-07-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

For as long as I can remember I have had this slight obsession with Japan. I remember being asked at my senior dinner in high school what I wanted to do with my life and I replied, "Be a missionary to Japan." I realize now it was a little ambitious but my sentiments are still the same towards the nation.

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Congratulations Nadeshiko Japan

2011 Women's World Cup Champions

"Live Your Goals"

2011-07-12T13:56:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been obsessed with, FIFA Women's World Cup.

Soccer/Football has always been dear to my heart. I enjoyed playing on teams and travelling to tournaments... just the overall culture of soccer. However, I was realistic and knew that I've never be no female Pele, but every time I watch this sport I can't help but dream the dream!

My family, much like the rest of the world, has watched the men's world cup religiously. We hardly even knew when the women's tournament was on. This summer with the end of the NBA season and a possibly lock out looming for next season, I decided to give the women's world cup a try... And it's been AMAZING! Not only is it surprisingly fun to watch, it's been exciting with twists and turns .. Wowza!

So this is what I've learned so far from my short month of fan-dom of women's soccer:

The Brazilian Bombshell - Marta (Brazil) is the best female player winning the FIFA World Player of the year award 5 times. aka "The Female Messi" (If you know anything about men's soccer this is a huge compliment.) She's amazingly talented!!

The German Tank - Birgit Prinz (Germany) is the FIFA Women's World Cup all-time leading scorer with 14 goals.

The Asian Sensation - Homare Sawa (Japan) is amazing to watch and also one of the older players at 32. She's already scored a hatrick, 3 goals in one game!

The American Rockstar - Abby Wombach (USA) is also really entertaining to watch. She has an amazing header! Wowza!

Other notes: 4 teams left - Japan vs Sweden, France vs USA.

I'm cheering on the Asians!

True Love is a Big Deal

2011-07-04T23:21:00.001-07:00

Yes it is, and I am so glad that I found it.

Back to the Basics

2011-07-03T23:15:00.000-07:00

I'm back.

It has been about 2 months since I blogged and I have the bug again. Don't get me wrong I haven't not been blogging because I don't want to but because I have just been so busy.

What have I been busy with you ask? Well.. VACATION! Yes, vacation made me super busy and super tired. When I got back I felt like I needed a vacation from my vacation.

Buena Park --> Bangkok, Thailand --> Chiang Mai, Thailand --> Buena Park --> Santa Barbara --> Buena Park

I was able to return to the country of my youth, Thailand. A place that I have not been to in 10 years. Some things stayed the same and others changed, but it was great to be back and to show Oli where I grew up.

Yup. That about sums it up. 3 beautiful weeks of traveling and spending time with my parents. Oh what I'd give to be back on vacation again..

Be Nice

2011-04-12T10:54:00.001-07:00

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I found this on another blog I was reading this morning.
Food for thought.

Just Be Nice Dammit :: It's Better for Everyone

Update :: Out with the Old and In with the New

2011-04-08T19:53:00.000-07:00

In January, I wrote a post about purging :: Out with the Old and In with the New :: It's been about 3 months and here is my update on that.

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First // Closet Clean Up

(Yes, my clothes are arranged by color :: It makes my wardrobe more fun to look at)

The closest clean up turn out to be very successful and ended up being quite addicting. Now when I look in my closest I see all my "favorite" shirts or pants. Each article of clothing is something that I would currently wear, not something I might wear in the future. It is a good feeling.

Purging resulted in 3 boxes and 1 bag of stuff to donate :: The small brown box is Oli's stuff. (He got the purging bug too)

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Second // Facebook Purging

Purging Facebook friends was awesome. What was not awesome was when those friends kept sending friend requests. Get a hint!

You can see from this blurry attempt at taking a photo of the computer screen, my friend count is down to the 500s from 800s :: Woot.

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Third // Reading My Heart Out

Last but not least, I read my heart out. Unfortunately they are all books for class but at least I've been reading. Although these particular books sometimes tend to put me to sleep I have learned a lot from them.

Blessed Be the Name of the Lord

2011-04-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

Death has not hit me directly. I have a some friends who have had a parent pass away, a sibling and even a child. A couple of my Aunts and Uncles have passed away but I was not close to them (and in all honesty I do not even remember their names) so I could say that I have not yet to feel the impact of the death of a loved one.

On Friday (or was it Saturday) Oli and I received news that his 13 year old cousin who was in remission from leukemia, was in the hospital and eventually passed away. That same weekend I found out that one of my missionary Aunts (Not a blood related Aunt but one that my family has known for over 20 years, so she is in some aspects closer to me than any real Aunt) was in the ICU due to cancer as well. She too was in remission and had previously shown no signs of relapsing.

On Wednesday, March 30th, I found out Auntie Paula had passed away.

Like I mentioned before, even though she was not related to me her death has impacted me, because her life impacted me. Auntie Paula and the Dinkins were my family's first friends on the mission field over 22 years ago. She was the one who threw me my 3rd birthday party. When I was 8 she taught me how to sew. When I lived in the dorms and then to college, she was my mom. When I got married she threw my wedding shower.. and so on and so forth. The memories continue. And although this time should be a hurtful painful time, it really is not. I see the peace and comfort her husband and children have with her passing that I can not help but feel the same. Death is really just the beginning. In Christ we can celebrate.

That same day, my dear friend Hannah called me and told me that she was pregnant.

How ironic.

It's hard to understand God's timing. People often ask, "Why Lord?". But God's timing is not for us to understand (otherwise we would be God). We need to trust in God's wisdom, just like a child trusts their parents. As children we did not understand or comprehend the decisions of our parents, all we knew is that they did what they felt was best for us, their children. How much more then can we trust in God, whose wisdom is perfect and far more infinite than those of our earthly parents?

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Job 1:21 "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Molly & Me

2011-03-28T14:20:00.000-07:00

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For my dear friend Molly's 25th birthday, which also happened to be her Golden Birthday (if you don't know what this means, it's when the age you are turning is the same as the date of your birthday :: Molly had to explain that to me too), I made her some personalized stationary.

We had both been talking about writing notes and I took this opportunity to design her something of her very own.

Happy birthday dearest! May your 25th be filled with much note writing!

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Molly's note set :: Front and back view of the notes
I also designed some stickers that are to be used to seal the note
(See below for a bigger version of the sticker)
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Close up of stickers :: "Written from the desk of Molly E Lewis"
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Birthday Card :: "from the bottom of our hearts HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOLLY LEWIS"

Blog It Out

2011-03-22T18:13:00.000-07:00

Two blogs in two days - Can this be true? Oh yes sir!

In an attempt to get the ball rolling again I am on a blog mission :: Blog it out.

Today in class our professor asked us to discuss what characteristics a person needs to be a missionary. We got into groups to discuss and two of us quickly pointed out the obvious, adaptability, culturally aware, flexible so on and so forth. It wasn't until one guy shared that a person needs to be Kingdom minded or filled with the spirit that I stopped to think about what he actually meant. It sounds so simple. Duh, of course you need to have spirit within you. But it was more than that. A person needs to exude the spirit in all aspects of their life so that not only are your words speaking for you but your actions are dually doing the same. Both equally important.

This reminded me of when I had first started at my current job. A co-worker once commented that I was always smiling and so happy. Like I was filled with joy all the time. Almost two years later and ironically this co-worker is now the person that I have the most hard time to get along with. I'm pretty sure he would not say the same about me now.

I've lost it. Lost the "sparkle". The joy that fills, well at least outwardly. And although from the moment I step into the doors at work my first thought is "when can I get out of here?" it really shouldn't be.

So again to the turning of the metaphorical leaf. (This leaf has turned so many times it's spinning) Oh well. Lets give it another shot. Let the goal be to be joy-filled and joyful.

After all :: Work's not THAT bad. I get to chat and make these awesome little paper toys... It's the little things.

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The Quarter Mark

2011-03-21T16:29:00.000-07:00

It's been exactly a month today since I wrote on this blog. Time sure does fly.
It's almost the end of March which means the 1/4th mark for the year is almost reached.

Where did 2011 go? Wasn't it just yesterday that I struggled to will myself to stay up til midnight to usher in the New Year? Or is that now pack away in archives of yester-year.

Another day, Another dollar...

1Month // - Til San Francisco
2Months // - Completion of the first semester of Grad School
2Months + 2 Days // - Til Thailand
9Months // - Til Christmas

*Update :: In our household, DVDs (specifically pirated ones, I know tsk tsk) are a thing of the past and off they go to the trash. The select favorites are now on a list awaiting their Blu-Ray existence into our movie library.
Out with the Old and In with the New

Read Me a Textbook

2011-02-21T10:59:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I've blog. So long in fact that I had to look on my blog to even remember what I wrote about. Don't get me wrong it's not cause nothing has happened, it's cause so much has happened.

Now that I have semi-settled into the part-time work, part-time student role, I am able to juggle the line between the two and give myself a breather. Before I started classes I was so excited. I must have blocked out the homework, reading, reading and more reading that comes with it. Oh well :: No pain no gain :: Fortunately, I have really enjoyed the reading so far. It has been awhile and sometimes I feel like my grammar is not up to par, but I just keep telling myself that it will all come eventually.

Out with the Old and In with the New

2011-01-25T16:05:00.000-08:00

Lately I have really wanted to flush un-nesscary things out of my life. A little re-purposing, a little "Out with the Old and In with the New". Life needs to be more than what I wear, or the number of friends I have on Facebook or the amount of time I sit watching tv. It should be more about quality than quantity.

Quality in things or clothes, quality in friendships and quality in time.

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First // Closet Clean Up

I started with going through my wardrobe and discarding clothing that I have not worn in over a year. A majority of those clothes were given to me, freebies that I gladly accepted.

• New Rule :: Do not accept everything that is free. Those things just pile up. Free does now mean you need it. Free is usually because a person or company is trying to sell you something more or it is junk they are discarding.

Unfortunately they are still sitting in a large garbage bag in our spare room waiting to be donated.

• To Do List :: Donate Items!

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Second // Facebook Purging

I have or should I say had over 800 facebook friends. A good chunk of those people I either, talked to once, do not talk to anymore or have never met. (They added me because I was a friend of a friend's.) This all really got to me when I received a friend request from a customer at work that I had never met but had worked with on a project. My first reaction "Umm.. We are not friends."

* Friend (Defined by Dictionary.com) " a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard."

• New Rule :: Only accept friend requests from REAL friends. Ignore everything else!!

• To Do List :: Still need to filter through the people I have left. There's got to be more "friends" to delete.

Let the friend-deleting being. I am not at 552. (I added a couple after purging.

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Third // Reading My Heart Out

This third one goes along with my new year's resolution. Read, read and read. So far I am almost done with book one and have a billion more to go. Not to mention since I am starting grad school next week I am also adding 7 books to my reading list. These ones not only have to be read but I will need to write a book report on them as well.
No worries. Slowly and surely I will get there.

• New Rule :: When bored, read. Don't turn on the tv and let it's mindlessness consume you. Some of the shows that I end up watching tidbits of are ridiculous. (Example: Toddlers and Tiaras)

• To Do List :: Just read.

I think the words of Elizabeth Barrett Browning describe reading very well.
"No man can be called friendless who has God and the companionship of good books. ~Elizabeth Barrett Browning"

New Year's Resolution

2011-01-07T21:05:00.001-08:00

My New Year's Resolution :: Read all the books I own.
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This resolution sounds pretty simple and in the span of a year it shouldn't be hard. Unfortunately I have been stuck on the same book for about four months. Break that up in a year and it is about three books a year. Not good, especially since I received nine more books for Christmas to add to the number of books I own that have still not been read. So here goes. Can't hurt to try.

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This is the year :: I can feel it.

2010

2011-01-05T11:23:00.000-08:00

It's 2011! Oh how time flies. It seems like it wasn't too long ago that we were entering the new millennium and here we are a decade into it.

A number of the blogs I read have a "Year in Review" post, just looking back on 2010. I figure I'd take a look back as well.

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Highlights // 2010 had a lot of blessings in store for us. Here are a few of the highlights.

:: New Apartment :: We found a better deal on an apartment closer to both our work places. I really hope we don't move again for awhile. It seems the older I get the more stuff I accumulate and moving is not fun.

:: Parents in CA :: My parents took a mini-furlough from the mission field so that my dad could write a couple books. I have been so used to not having my parents in the same country as me that I forgot how nice it is to have them close.

:: Grad School :: I got accepted into grad school at Biola. Higher Learning here I come!

:: Two Year Anniversay :: I can hardly believe that Oli and I have been married for 2 years, which means we've been together for 8 years! We celebrated by going to Pantages Theater and seeing the musical "Phantom of the Opera". It was beautiful. What a blessing it is to be utterly in love with your husband after so many years! I love you Oli.

:: Church Membership :: We officially became members of our church, Grace Presbyterian in Yorba Linda. It has taken us a few years to find a church that we really feel comfortable with and that also shares the same doctrinal values. We are very blessed to say the least.

:: Birthdays :: Oli turned 26 in December, I turned 24. We feel like we are getting old but we are just getting to the prime of our lives! There is so much ahead of us!

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Travels // We love to travel. Unfortunately this year we didn't get to travel outside of the country, except for shore excursions on our cruise to Mexico. But that doesn't really count.

:: Indiana :: My dear friend, Hannah and Ki young, from high school recently moved from California to Indianapolis area. Oli and I went to visit them for a week where we went camping and fishing. It was definately nice to enjoy the slower pace of life.

:: Catalina :: We took advantage of having my parents here so along with my parents, my brother, Oli and I trekked over to the beautiful island of Catalina. Definitely want to go back sometime.

:: Mexico :: We went on a Malabuyo family reunion cruise to Mexico. Oli and I had never been on a cruise before. We definitely have converted to cruise vacationers! It's the best way to relax.

______________________________________

Events // Oli and I decided to dive into each opportunity we get. Needless to say we were able to do numerous fun things this year.

:: Galaxy Games :: While my parents were here we went to a Real Madrid - Galaxy game. Oli was not able to come but we did end up going to another MLS game this year. Viva la Football!

:: Lakers Game :: We went to a Lakers home game with some friends. It was really fun and even though our dear Lakers lost we still love them very much! Go Lakers!

:: 49ers Game :: Through his work, Lem was able to get us tickets to San Francisco 49ers game. This was our first NFL game and it was a good one. 49ers have a losing record this year but we were able to go to one of the few games they actually won.

:: Barnum and Bailey Circus :: My family went to see the Barnum and Bailey circus show. It was spectacular! Definitely worh seeing, even if you don't like animals like me.

______________________________________

As we enter 2011, Oli and I have so much to be thankful for. We both have amazing loving families, steady jobs and a great community of friends.

Thank you 2010!

Psalm from My heart

2010-12-29T22:54:00.000-08:00

When my parents left India to become international missionaries way back in the 1980's my grandma, Dad's Mother, "gave" us a life psalm. This passage has always been a part of my family. It is probably one of the first chapters of the Bible I memorized as a child and also one of the few that have stuck with me through adulthood.

It is a beautiful psalm that reflects on our lives as children of God.

_________________________________

Psalm 121 :: A song of ascents.

¹ I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
² My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

³ He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

⁷ The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
⁸ the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

_________________________________

Although the future maybe uncertain and frightening, we can rest in the comfort that the Lord watches over us, now and forever more.

:: Thank You Grandma ::

J :: A :: D

2010-12-21T14:43:00.001-08:00

Project Number 7: Embroidery

This year I decided to go crafty and embroidered bags for Christmas gifts. I believe the three recipients that I sent them to have already received their gifts so I'm going to go ahead and post them on here.

Ashely M. Young

2010-12-20T10:39:00.000-08:00

My dear Friend Ashely M. Young (Yes her name is legally spelt with the "e" and "l" switched) is coming to visit!! I have not seen this wonderful lady in about 2 years!

Although my memories of our college years together consist of late nights, Will and Grace and consistent teasing of bear claw paws or peachy hair (there is a good explanation for this) I am thankful for this friendship that has span years and space :: Nor-Cal to So-Cal.

:: 6 years of friendship ::
:: Can't wait til you get here Miss Young ::
:: Haste, Haste my dear! There are memories to make ::

Summing Up December

2010-12-20T10:20:00.000-08:00

It's December and the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season has caused me to neglect this blog. I apologize for that, but between work, eating, sleeping and Christmas shopping, nothing much has been occurring. So to sum it all up here are the highlights of the past few weeks.

-----------------------------------------

1. December 6th mark my dear Oliver's 26th birthday. To commemorate this momentous occasion from which he leaves his early twenties and moves forward into the count down to his thirties, I put my non-existent cake decorating skills to work and baked him a cake with his favorite NFL team's logo on it, San Francisco 49ers.

Happy Birthday My Oliver :: I love you more than a fat kid loves cake!

-----------------------------------------

2. Each year I design Christmas cards and a calender and we send them out as Christmas presents. Here is this year's card. (Calender images to follow)

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3. "Rain, Rain on my Face". Lastly it's been raining for about 3 days, and although this might be normal for some people in sunny So Cal it's definitely a downer. Not seeing the sun in days makes everyone a little cranky but I do love that it makes the weather a little cooler and more "Christmasy".

Bad

2010-12-03T17:06:00.000-08:00

Today was bad. Actually this week has been bad.
I have to admit there isn't much in my life that is bad except things/situations that pertain to my work. Work makes me feel __________.

But bad means bad, and it can only get better, right?

Lets just say TGIF!! For sure. I think God made Fridays to make up for the bad Mondays, Bad Tuesdays, Bad Wednesdays and even worst Thursday.

Lord, Thank you for Fridays, Saturdays and amazing Sundays!

Growing Santa

2010-11-23T17:11:00.000-08:00

:: It grows ::

Growing Santa has been easier than I thought. Add sun, a little bit of water here and there and *poof* It Grows! There is hope for this aspiring gardener after all.

Tis the Season

2010-11-18T11:40:00.000-08:00

Every year I go to Target's dollar section and I get a little potted plant and I attempt to grow it. And like clockwork every year it fails. Actually, one year I grew a tiny sprout. But this year is different (like it is every year).

:: This year I have Santa. He'll grow my plant ::

_______________________________________

My first Christmas decoration :: More to come.

Mini Recycler

2010-11-11T15:36:00.000-08:00

This mini- trashcan made my day.
After all, isn't anything in mini awesome?
:: I think so ::

Eat, Pray, Love

2010-11-11T15:34:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it feels more like Work, Sleep, Repeat. I'd like to do more eating and praying and loving but often all that gets shoved under the "rug" to make room to the imaginary rat race.

My work is not hard :: It's not time consuming :: 6pm hits and I'm out the door, running, sprinting.

So why the heck does it stress me out? Why am I frustrated half the time and the other half of the time I'm reviewing mentally why those words of frustration came out of my mouth.

Work makes me turn into a different person.
A person that only comes out in this atmosphere :: A person I do not want to be.

Giving it your all every day is hard. It's draining and sometimes it feels like a losing fight.

Embroidering Back

2010-11-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

Project Number 6: Embroidery

Life has gotten so busy that I have not had time to embroider as much.

A few weeks ago, my wrist began hurting quite a bit. I figured it was a combination of all the typing at work and embroidery at night, so I took a break.

Now I'm slowly easying my way back into the embroidery-saddle.

Here's my latest project.

Election Day

2010-11-02T12:11:00.000-07:00

All I know is Carly Fiorina sent millions of jobs to China, and Meg Whitman paid herself a lot of money while laying off workers.

Is this information enough for me to make an informed voting decision?

:: Fortunately, I can not vote because I'm not a citizen.
:: Unfortunately, this is all the information most of Californians know who do vote.

Day and Night

2010-11-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

When Oli became a cop we knew his schedule was not going to be a "normal" 8-5 schedule and honestly I do not think Oli's an 8-5, five days a week kind of guy. He is able to stay up late, get only 4 hours of sleep and still function the next day. So I have to say his job is about near perfect for him, and for us :: That is until he got switched to night shift and we ended up having almost opposite schedules. It wasn't too hard, more inconvenient than anything...

Starting next week (or DP, deployment period), Oli will be working day shift. He's been on the 630pm to 630am schedule for awhile now and I"ve gotten used to eating my make shift dinners and going to bed alone. It was hard at first (especially the months after Oli's accident) but I made it work and my friends at Bones quickly became my nightly companions :: Nothing like a good glass of home-brewed ice tea, Bones on tv and my embroidery in front of me - Wow! I sound like an old lady!!

Now Oli will be on a to 600am to 600pm shift which means dinners together! Although switching to days means he might encounter more traffic to and from work I'm sure the pros far outweigh the cons. I'm glad that we'll be at home together at night and that Oli will be able to have a "normal" sleep schedule where sleep is done when it's dark not when the sun is out and lawn's getting mowed.

"Say You'll Share with Me One Love, One Lifetime"

2010-10-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

Today, Oliver and I celebrate 10 years of friendship, 8 years of dating and 2 wonderful years of marriage. Happy Anniversary Oli! Thank you for loving me.

:: December 2002 ::

:: October 2008 ::

:: September 2010 ::

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

" Then say you'll share with me
one love, one lifetime
let me lead you from your solitude
Say you need me with you here, beside you...
anywhere you go, let me go too
that's all I ask of you.."

- Phantom of the Opera

The Shelter

2010-10-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

I, like many others, go through phases where I listen to one CD on repeat for days into weeks..and occasionally months.

This weeks obsession Jars of Clay's new album :: The Shelter

This album is amazing. Not only is the music fantabulous (Yes, I just made up that word.) the lyrics are well written.

-------------------------------------------------------------

One of my favorite songs on the album is // Out of My Hands
The lyrics of the chorus of this song especially are quite lovely. It expresses the depth of what God did for us. Nothing we did or could do, only what God has done.

And it's out of my hands
It was from the start
In light of what You've done for me
In light of what You've done for me
You lifted my head
Set me apart
In light of what You've done for me
This is what You've done for me
It's out of my hands

-------------------------------------------------------------

Another favorite is // Shelter
The music and voices in it remind me of a whole chorus of angels singing together. Perhaps a tiny glimpse of what heaven will be like when we stand in front of God and praise him. It's really beautiful.

3 Vacations in 1

2010-10-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

It's October 15th. About two weeks since I was on vacation.

My skin has just stopped peeling and I finally have stopped feeling the rocking of the ship. Those two glorious weeks of vacation were wonderful. I did not rest much but being able to take the time away from work proved much needed.

Our schedule was hectic. We basically had 3 vacations one after the other.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Vacation :: 1 :: Indiana With the Kims (Sept 18th - Sept 22nd)
We went to Indianapolis to visit our friends from high school. Hannah and Ki Young Kim. The moved from LA to Indianapolis earlier this year and we haven't seen them since. Our time consisted of camping, fishing, meeting up with old friends and overall just enjoying each others company.

:: Camping in Indiana ::

:: We did some fishing ::

:: Met up with Oli's old friends from Davao::

:: Hannah Kim, my dearest friend for 10 years + ::
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Vacation :: 2 :: Catalina with Ngaihtes (Sept 23rd - Sept 24th)
Catalina is just off the coast of Long beach. We went to Catalina with my parents and brother for just one night. It was short and but nice. The town is really quaint and has a number of things to do and see. I would love to go back again.

:: Us patiently waiting for our boat ::

:: We rented a Golf Cart to drive around the Island ::

:: Khup, Oli and I went Para-sailing ::

:: My Parents got to go along for the ride ::

:: My family with Catalina's bay behind us ::
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Vacation :: 3 :: Mexican Cruise with Malabuyos (Sept 26th - Oct 3rd)
The much awaited cruise. This cruise was planned for about a year and a half. It was a blast! We had about 25 to 30 of the Malabuyo side of our family on a one week cruise to Mexico. I have to say that I have been officially converted to cruise vacations. It really is the best way to vacation with family. We are definitely doing this again!

:: Our ship, Carnival Splendor ::

:: Dinner was always in the dining room. I miss the Melting Cake ::

:: Some of the cousins took a family portrait ::

:: The whole Gang ::

:: We did an ATV shore excursion in Mazatlan ::

:: There was mini golf on the top deck so we played a round ::

:: The ship had music playing in most of the rooms with areas to dance ::

:: Senor Frogs in Puerta Vallerta ::

Vacation 2010!! Thank you for 2 amazing weeks! Can't wait til Christmas!

The Miyagi in Me

2010-10-15T11:42:00.001-07:00

I got a bonsai Tree. A Juniper bonsai tree to be exact.

I came home one day to find a tiny box in front of my apartment. It had a return address for "Lou and Sheryl's Bonsai Garden" and my first thought was "What in the world did I order from them?". After filtering through the million little foam peanut things I found a little bonsai tree nestled in the bottom. It came with a care note from the owners and a description of the tree.

The tree was a gift from Josi. A random gift I must add. It's not my birthday or Christmas and unless we celebrate Columbus day with gift giving there are no other holidays around this time.

//Thanks Josephine Hwang// I love my tree!

Now I need to learn how to care for it. All my bonsai tree knowledge is from Mr. Miyagi in the orginal Karate Kid, which is to prune it every once in a while. Hopefully it does not end up with the same fate as my other plant caring endeavors have.

P.S. I emailed the owners to requests more care instructions. They were very kind and personable. Let me know if any of you are interested in getting a bonsai. I'll send you their information.

Back!

2010-10-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

I'm back! Tan and peeling but still alive.

Vacation was awesome, but between Indiana, Catalina and Mexico I have to admit that I'm pretty worn out!

// Will update more soon //

TGIF - Finally

2010-09-17T17:31:00.000-07:00

It's Friday. I'm off work in 30 minutes which means my vacation starts in 30 mins!!!

Off I go to the far away lands of Indianapolis, Catalina and Mexico! I can't wait. The long await vacation has finally arrived. Unfortunately, this also means that it will come and go all too soon. Sigh. But lets not dwell on the negatives and focus on the positives!

// Life is Good. // Happy Friday to all!

Stitch, Stitch, Stitch.

2010-09-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

Project Number 6: Embroidery

On nights Oli works I have been embroidering a lot. I started off tracing or transferring designs that I found but have concluded that it is much faster to free-hand draw everything. This way I'm exercising some level of creativity and the designs end up becoming my own. The process is actually really soothing. Some times designs and ideas come flooding in in multitudes and other times I feel like I'm experiencing a 7 year drought.

Nevertheless I've really enjoyed the almost Leave-It-to-Beaver housewife stereotype I've become. // Husband at work. Wife at home sits down in the living room, after finishing up chores, and turns the tv on and... Stitch, stitch, stitch.

Weight Be Gone

2010-09-02T16:08:00.000-07:00

Oli and decided to proactively lose weight.
Like for reals this time!

We've both don't eat bad but we don't eat healthy either. My downfall is soda. // I heart Coke // And I'd have to think Oli's is probably desserts.

Both of us exercise about 3-4 times a week at the gym, but that doesn't seem to be enough. We have both noticeably gained weight. Solution // More gym, Less food.

My aha moment came when I went to the doctor last week and realized that in the last 3 years I have gained about 25lbs! That's ridiculous! What makes the weight gain even worse is not being able to fit into my favorite jeans or shirts.

So this past Tuesday I went to Target with one goal in mind, to buy a scale.

Goodbye soda my old old friend. We have had many good years together and I will visit occasionally but for now this friendship needs to be put on hold until a more opportune time.

Thanks for the memories!

Target Goal // Fit into favorite Gap Jeans.

Work Frustrations

2010-08-26T17:03:00.000-07:00

Today was a very frustrating day at work. I really don't want all the drama here to get to me. But it does.

For some reason, getting something designed, printed, and delivered becomes an "End of the World" fiasco in this place. If something is not done in time or right the whole world is going to burn in hell. (Or that's what I feel like this job makes me feel.) My boss once told me, "It's just work. It's not the end of the world. Don't let it get to you." I have tried not to let it bug me but when other co-workers are constantly complaining and playing the blame game until they get their "pat on the back" and affirmation, it's extremely frustrating.

Halfway through the afternoon I decided to focus on the happier things in life. The part of my life that is rewarding and that I enjoy. The part that has nothing to do with my work. Life is not about work.

The clique is so true, "Work to live, Don't live to work."

Rebekah:: Oli's cousin's kid. These are the things to live for. ..

(Photo taken from Timches.com.. I don't think Tim or Chesney read my blog but if they do thanks for unknowingly letting me use your photo.)

Accomplished

2010-08-22T14:20:00.000-07:00

This weekend I ...

:: Survived the work week - Thank you Jesus! Some days it doesn't seem like there is an end.

:: Did laundry - Only colors though. Whites are still waiting for me.

:: Cleaned the shower - Something I've been avoiding for so long, but after I pulled a foot of hair out to the drain it had to be done.

:: Went grocery shopping for the week - Amen to cooking at home. It's so much healthier for you.

:: Baked banana bread - I added more bananas this time and it turned out so nice and moist! Pat on back!

:: Made crock pot chili - Well it's still being made. Smells delish!

:: Went to the gym - Gym was hard but it felt SO GOOD.

:: Got a manicure and pedicure - I'm not a huge fan of mani-pedis (The abbreviated forms sound weird to me) but I got them done in the spirit of friendship and bonding. I have to admit they do look nice.

:: Updated my blog twice - With this post three times!! Woot woot.

:: Finished my application for Grad school - Yes..! With lots of help from Oli it's complete and ready to be submitted.

:: Emailed references for Grad school application - I've been avoiding emailing my references and I really don't know why. But now that my application is done I had more motivation!

:: Set up my Etsy account - FINALLY.

:: Posted something on my Estsy account - Cross your fingers. Etsy world here I come!

And last but definately not least

:: Oli and I officially joined our church membership today - Well the certificate said "Ollie and Mem Malabuyo" but same thing right? Yay! Thanks Grace Presbyterian Church of Yorba Linda.

We are so excited to be part of the covenant family!

What To Do

2010-08-21T14:50:00.000-07:00

Project Number 5: Notepads

I love making lists. Lists of things to do, list of things to buy, list of things I've done and so forth and so on. I designed some "To Do List" notepads so that my pads are little bit more colorful and fun.

After all it's the little things right?

Write Me A Recipe

2010-08-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

Project Number 4: Recipe Cards

Oli and I have a couple weddings coming up. Instead of buying a wedding gift for the couple off their registry I decided I should take advantage of my resources and make something that is a little more meaningful and personal.

I designed 2 sets of recipe cards. One is more contemporary and colorful. The other one a little more traditional and antique looking. I got these printed at work and order a couple recipe boxes online and Tada.. The end result ::

Note:: I also added a couple little knicknacks for one of the boxes to personalize it to the couple

Recipe Cards 1: Eat Drink and be Married::

Recipe Cards 1: Antique::

Note:: Each recipe card comes with a "Second card" which is a extra card to continue the recipe on in case it takes more than one card to write it out on.

Think Pink

2010-08-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

Project Number 3: Embroidery

Another embroidery project. This one is a birthday present for a friend.

This is the Life

2010-08-16T17:22:00.001-07:00

Oli and I first met when I was 14 and he was 15. We both played volleyball for our school's JV teams. His coach and my coach were high school friends and so both our teams did a lot of activities together. We had practices at the same time and would often share a volleyball court.

My very first memory of Oli was his serve. He is right handed but does some things with his left hand, one of these things was serve. And quite honestly I thought that was way hot! Yes, I found it attractive that he could serve with his left hand. Oli doesn't believe me but it's the truth.

We talked a little that school year but it wasn't until my junior year, when I was 16, that we began to hang out more. We had the same circle of friends and one flirty comment lead to another and it was all fireworks from then..

So 8 years and a billion and one movies later here we are.

Some times it feels like we are still in high school and other times I'm thankful we're past high school, but most of the time I think, "This is the Life", this is my life and what a wonderful life it is.

2 Strikes and It's Target

2010-08-16T16:52:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Oli and I decided to go out for a little date. We made a delicious tocino dinner at home complete with asparagus and rice. After that we went to down town Brea to have dessert at the fake French crepe place. (I forget the name.) But before the crepe place I wanted to stop by Costplus World Market. We got to the door and were turned away by a store worker because it was closed. Strike one. Oh well.

Off we went to the crepe place. The crepe was good, my mocha was not. So after inhaling the dessert we proceeded to take a stroll around and noticed that a lot the stores there were closed or closing or had been replaced with other stores. I guess this area has a high turn-over rate. Too bad. It's a lovely place to walk around at.

Five minutes later we found ourselves at Old Navy. The lights were on, the manikins were dressed, the workers were working but the store was closed. Boo. Strike two.

So what did we do? We went to Target. You can always count on Target.

Our Apartment Complex and Pregnant Women

2010-08-14T20:26:00.001-07:00

Our apartment complex is fairly large. It has lots of trees and lush landscaping that you kind of feel like you're in a park. Some of the lanscaping is unnecessary, like a patch of grass with a rock formation or a small stream but alas those details are what make this place nice to walk around.

I think that's why there are so many people who like to take quiet littler strolls around the complex. Actually let me re-phrase that, so many pregnant women. I feel like I've seen at least 3 pregnant women who regularly walk around with either their husbands or friends or other pregnant women. At first I thought it might be the same woman but last month I saw her walk around with a newborn in her stroller and concluded the baby had arrived. Then I saw another pregnant woman, then another. So there are at least 3.

Today I saw one walking arm in arm with her husband and a older lady who looked like her mother walking ahead of them. It was like a mini little parade with proud grandma in the front leading the way.

Those women are probably basketing in the quiet before the storm. Taking a few last peaceful walks around the block.

An Omelet Morning

2010-08-14T20:16:00.001-07:00

I woke up this morning craving an omelet, actually I wend to bed last night craving an omelet and woke up this morning still craving it. So I attempted to make an omelet.

As you can see I have yet to master the fine art of omelet making. It turned into "scramble egg and vegetables". Oh well.. It was delicious.

Note to self: Get someone to teach me how to flip an omelet so it does not break into a scramble egg dish.

My Distant Cousin the Phone

2010-08-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

The phone and I are not friends. Well not good friends at least. I can't decide if this is a result of my job where I have to talk to irrational, rude customers or if it's just me. But I think I'm leaning towards that it's just me.

I'm just not a phone person. When my family calls or I call my family it's usually short and to the point. I rarely talk to my friends, in fact the friend I talk to the most is probably Molly and she and I rarely talk on the phone, we just chat during work. It helps past the time by. Some times on his way to work Oli will call me and we'll probably talk max 10 minutes, which I don't mind. Due to our schedules sometimes I won't see him for days at a time so it's nice to catch up with him, and lets face the facts, Oli trumps all.

Strangely enough in high school I remember talking on the phone for hours. One time Oli and I talked for 6 hours straight. Ah Young love. And it wasn't only with Oli. I'd talk to my friends on the phone almost everyday even if had seen them that day at school. What's it with high school and talking on the phone? Perhaps it's because life was less complicated and required minimal of any responsibility.

I think I"ve just become a "I'd rather see you face to face" person, but when a good chunk of my friends are out of state or country it's kind of hard to do. So maybe I've become a facebook/text person or maybe.. Who knows.

So don't be offended if I don't call. If you know me well enough you should already know that you're friendship means a lot to me, I just don't feel the need to call you and tell you about the sandwich I ate today.

The phone and I are more like cousins, distant cousins twice removed.

This Life

2010-08-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

I was looking at our fridge this morning and thinking how it seemed not so long ago that I had graduation announcements and engagement photos up and they have slowly turned into wedding invitations and now baby announcements. It's hard to believe that 2 years ago this May I was sitting in the sun waiting for Jon Anderson to call my name up so that I could shake the hand of the new appointed president of Biola and officially graduate. It seems like an even shorter amount of time ago that I was in high school playing soccer and taking AP art classes, two of my favorite things.

I miss the "hard" life of a high schooler or even college student. Looking back at those times it is funny to think that the things that were so horrible and "the end of the world" are so trivial now. They were nothing compared to getting a good job, or paying rent, or buying a house..etc. There are lots of things that I sometimes wish I had done differently. I should have become a nurse or gone to a less expensive school, or been more involved with art or this or that. But that is the benefit of the years. Most things, if not everything has a "better way" to be done. In the end it doesn't matter how it happened or when or with who, that's life. We make choices and we live with them. So just like everyone else I want to warn the me of my youth, "Don't do that, or stay away from her, or yes go there" but what fun would that be? As the clique phrase goes, "I wouldn't be the person I am today if not for the experiences I had." How true are those words.

I feel like I should be an old granny yelling out to the youth of today, "Don't waste you life. It's so short" while waving my cane with one hand and rubbing my aching back with the other.

Life passes us by so quickly.

Blogging Therapy

2010-07-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in a long time.

Part of it is cause when I feel like blogging I'm not near a computer and the other part is when I have something I want to blog about it's usually negative towards work. I will write up my whole post and end up erasing it. And between the time it takes me to think and write I've already let out steam about what I was frustrated about.

So I have attempted to post but have failed but my attempted blogging has turned into therapy. Let some steam off here and there, a bad word here and there... then hit the "Backspace" button and *Poof*, I feel better and no one gets hurt.

4th Of July

2010-07-04T15:36:00.000-07:00

Today is the 4th of July. A day that Americans celebrate because of their Independence from the Brits! What it means to me? Nothing really. Just that I get a day off work which is more than enough to celebrate. Unfortunately this holiday weekend Oli is working. So I'm left to celebrate my day off by doing errands, baking and watching lots of Bones! (Thanks to Molly, I have grown a little obsession with that show and its intellectual banter. Half the time I feel like I missed something.. but then I just comfort myself and say that it's all part of the show. How clever or how un-clever of me.)

Anyways, I have been struggling to keep up with all the books that I am half reading, so I figure today is a perfect day to do it. Just made myself a good 2 pitchers of old fashion brewed ice tea and I am about to sit in bed next to my sleeping husband, (He works nights so he's still sleeping at 3:30 in the afternoon) and do some reading. Book of choice, "The Happiness Project" (Of course).

Thank You Americans for fighting for your freedom and British for losing .. .

Ugilicious

2010-06-22T17:27:00.001-07:00

Ugilicious = My new favorite word.
It describes what I feel most of the time.

Filled

2010-06-21T22:40:00.001-07:00

Have you ever felt soo much that it hurts?

It feels like your heart is hurting, literally. It is either full of joy or full of hurt. Full of love or full of hate. The feeling ends up encompassing ever aspect of you. Your mind through your thoughts, your body through your pain. You feel like you are overflowing, so incredibly full. So full that there is dull pain within you, within your heart.

It hurts even if it loves.

To Write or Not to Write

2010-06-20T17:32:00.000-07:00

Some people start blogs with themes or ideas they want to share. I started this blog with no clue what I really wanted to write about. I figured the more I wrote the more my goal would reveal itself to me, or I would end up with random un-related posts that would eventually make sense.

So far no such luck. I think my issue is that I do have a lot of ideas that I want to write about but as soon as I sit down to write my mind goes blank. My first thought usually is "what?". The truth is I fear blogging. I fear that I have nothing worth saying, or that no one is listening or that I'm a complete hypocrite, but worst of all I fear having bad grammar. The most common criticism I used to receive on papers in college was that I had used my tenses wrong. I had mix up past, present and future tenses.

Some times my mind just feels so ESL (english as a second language) that it is hard to get out what I really want to say. I probably spend a quarter of my time writing, another quarter of my time thinking and the other half of the time checking my grammar and occasionally I will still end up finding a mistake in a post after it has been posted! Damn it. That one sentence snuck in there.

I often I wish I had my own little English major room-mate at my beck and call to proof read for me like I did in college. Unfortunately, an art degree does nothing for the grammar.

Hello Introvert

2010-06-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

This week has been a bit overwhelming even though I only worked 3.5 days out of the week. I took a half day to go to the doctor, and another full day off cause my in-laws are in town. They are here for about 6 days and it is day 5 and I feel tired. Don't get me wrong I get along fine with them. I think it's just I've realized that I'm becoming more and more introverted as I age. Being around people all the time is really taxing and to have people stay with you really seems to drain me. I remember a time when I loved being with people. I was often dubbed "the social butterfly." Now I come to the point in my days where I feel so tired that I don't even want to answer another question or talk at all.. I like to retreat to place alone and just recharge. I think that's the definition of introvert, or at least that's what I remember from the numerous Biola personality tests we were forced to take. I was always extroverted. What now?

Come friends. Come hang out with me before all my extroverted-ness is completely diminished!

The Happiness Project

2010-06-13T15:13:00.000-07:00

For my birthday I received the book "The Happiness Project." Although I had not heard of the book my first reaction to the title was "Oh great, is this one of those "be a better you" kind of books?" I have to admit I am not a big fan of self-help books. The idea of bettering yourself and it's about me me me, seems a little overwhelming and frankly, selfish. But honestly the past few months I have felt so discouraged and frustrated that even the title of the book made me think that I've got nothing to lose.

So on this quiet Sunday afternoon, with the sound of Oli sleeping peacefully in the background I decided to give this book a try and I have to say, IT'S AMAZING! I have read two chapters and I love love love it. The first paragraph alone hit me right where I was feeling it. I felt like, well besides the daughter watching tv line (since I have no daughter) the author, Gretchen Rubin, had felt and wrote about feelings I could relate to.

Basically this book is a project, kind of like "Julie and Julia", where the author's end goal is to be happier. Sounds easy enough, right? But it's amazing to find that most people do feel the same way she does. Well at least I do. It is one of those situations where you have so much in life and you are happy but you question, "Why am I not Happ-IER?" Gretchen goes on a 12 month systematic mission to tackle happiness and goals that can make her happier.

I just finished reading January and I'm already inspired to go on, to do my own happiness project. Gretchen's first month focused on boasting energy, whether that is exercise, getting tasks done or sleeping earlier. All little "chores" that combine to improve overall happiness. Off to the gym I go!

Thanks Davina! This book is awesome and exactly what I needed right now!

Embroider Me

2010-06-11T16:00:00.000-07:00

Project Number 2: Embroidery

When I was in elementary I used to cross stitch a lot. It wasn't even cross stitch it was embroidery, crocheting, sewing, knitting..the whole works. Recently, my creative urges have come back and I have been itching to do something more than just sitting in front of my computer and moving a mouse around, so I decided to start embroidering again.

I ordered some canvas tote bags and off I went..We'll see what this new "hobby" takes me to. So far it has been a good way to keep my hands busy.

(*This bag I'm embroidering for my sister-in-law's birthday. She is a big Disney fan. Still in the process but I'm working on it.)

What do you want?

2010-06-01T17:37:00.000-07:00

Oli asked me what I wanted for my birthday.

All I could think of was this KitchenAid pot and pan set that I had been coveting for the past few months, ever since I accidentally toss my pots in the give away pile when we were moving. But unfortunately my parents already bought that set for me.

So once again Oli asked me "What do you want for your birthday?"
I replied jokingly "A new job." (But not really joking.)

But as I thought long and hard about it, I realized that the things that I really wanted this year were things that Oli, as much as he wanted to, couldn't give me. I want a new job, I want the Lakers to win the championship, I want the holidays and Christmas to come..I want I want I want. In the midst of my child-like mind tantrum I realized that those where things that at this stage are some what out of my control.

I have all I need, and I need all I have (well maybe not entirely, I didn't need that new shirt, or those shoes or that soda..you get the point). But regardless I think the reason it's so hard to think of what I really want this birthday is cause I really do have everything I want, everything that counts in life, my Oli, a loving Family, amazing Friendships, stability, a home, a reliable car, clothes, delicious food, my health..and the list goes on.

So Oli for this Birthday I've concluded I want you wrapped up in wrapping paper with a gingantic bow on top! Truth is that's all I need.

Farewell to Summer

2010-05-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

It's the end of May which means that summer and heat are slowing making their way along. I remember summer being such a joyous time of the year. It mean that school was out for 2 to 3 months. No homework no teachers no nothing! It was the most anticipated time of the year. And even though it's been 2 years since I've had a summer vacation I feel like it's been longer and right about now I should be getting it back. But alas...summer is gone. It's no longer vacation but just a season like spring and winter. Regular routines will continue such as work, and weekends with the AC blasting this time. I do miss those summer days where your family plans a huge vacation or you just lay around at home eating good food, going to the beach or catching up on shows that you're missed because you were been too busy with school. Fact of the matter is..it's gone. Might as well say Farewell to "Summer" and hello to the summer season.

Oh Friday!!

2010-05-28T16:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!

I think everyone who works can agree that Friday is the happiest day of the week (well the end of it) and Monday morning is the saddest. I find myself super depressed some mornings at the thought of going to work. The day drags on and once it's past 5:30pm and there's only half an hour left till the end of work, the day seems to move at an even slower rate. But as sure as the sun rises, 6:00 pm comes and I'm out of there!!

So for all of you at jobs you dislike waiting for the end of Friday to come..Here's to a TGIF!

P.S. This weekend also is Memorial Day weekend which means Monday is a holiday. An even better Friday!

Doghouse

2010-05-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

Notes Galore

2010-05-12T14:31:00.000-07:00

Project Number 1: Note Collage

Throughout middle school and highschool my friends and I used to write notes to each other, every day, every hour, almost every minute. I admit, I have a small issue with letting go of sentimental things and have kept most, if not all of these notes, and trust me there are A LOT. So two months ago when we moved apartments and I found all these notes stuffed in 3 boxes, I decided that it was time to get rid of them. It's not like I would go through and read them again, I just wanted to have them.

So...my creative brain engine started working and I decided to rip them up, paper mache collage them together, frame them and use them as art. This turned out to be the perfect solution to creating art for our apartment's barren walls as well as preserving the memories.

Create, Creating...Created!

2010-05-12T14:20:00.000-07:00

Recently, as a result of my dislike/stress of work, I've been itching to be more creative. I really miss creating stuff and having an art studio, so I decided to turn our second bedroom into my own mini studio. A place that I can spread out and work on projects and not have to worry about cleaning them up at the end of the day.

First stop: Ikea! (3 weekends in a row actually)
= Ta da, my mini art studio!!

P.S. I love that I have a window to look out from. And yes everything from the lamp to the trash can to the desk, chairs, drawers, boxes, shelves..etc is Ikea! Woot Woot for Ikea.

Oli + Egg Salad = Love

2010-05-11T14:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was really craving an egg salad sandwich. So I decided to make a batch of it. A huge batch. I boiled the eggs, peeled, crushed, and mixed it with other ingredients and it was ready to go. It was only after going through all that work that I realized we were out of bread! Dang it, no egg salad sandwich for lunch tomorrow! I figured I would just buy bread at tomrrow and have it for lunch the next day. This is where my dear Oli comes in. When He got home from work I told him all about my egg salad fiasco, since there was nothing else interesting that had happened that day, and he replied with "Oh I'll just go to the store and get some bread." Now this seems completely normal except Oli got home from work at like 11:30pm and he was going to go to the store at midnight! I told him, no it's ok and I'll just get it tomorrow. But Oli insisted and ended up going to 3 stores before he found a store that was open and had bread.

So today when I opened my lunch I thought "Ah..what an amazing husband I have." Not only was he willing to go to the store but willing to go in the middle of the night after working a whole day! This isn't just a random act of kindness either. Oli wakes up with me every morning when he doesn't work, and on the days he does work (and gets home at 8:00am-ish) he makes me coffee for my tumbler. Prepares my lunch in my little blue lunch box and sends me off to work. How many wives can say that their husbands do that for them? This got me thinking about how much Oli does so much for me and how thankful I am.

Oli...I don't know if you read my blog or not. But this is official "Oli, You are Awesome day!" Thanks for all you do for me. I love you.

Love to Hate and Hate to Love

2010-05-05T16:00:00.000-07:00

There are many things in this world that I love, and a few things in this world that I hate. But there is distinctly one thing that I Love to Hate and Hate to Love, and that is my job. I feel like the term "love-hate" relationship is too mild for this situation. There are some days where I feel "Hey, today went fine." Those are usually the days when no one at work has had an emotional melt down or has decided to let their personal life affect the way they work.

The best way to describe work is high school. Usually you'll find someone complaining about a relationship or pointing out the faults or mistakes of other co-workers. It's just frustrating to work with people who do not seem to trust each other. This company is small and I understand that things will fall through the cracks but we are here to work as a team. I feel like when I started I really did try hard to "go the extra mile". But since I've worked here and experienced certain situations and worked with certain people, I have realized that I have accumulated a lot of resentment and bitterness it has been affecting my attitude and work here.

I think I really need to get out. Maybe I'll take up golfing or cross-stitching. Honestly, anything!..well maybe not "anything" because people say that then they don't mean it, so lets just say it's time for a change. Something other than here. First I got to figure out what it is..

Oh apartment.. How I love thee.

2010-05-01T22:07:00.000-07:00

One of the things I love love love, about our new apartment is that we are no long in "college city." Our last apartment was close to Cal State Fullerton and although it has only been 2 years since I graduated from college I already feel like grumpy grumperson the old lady on the block! Not only were our previous neighbors pot heads, they were loud and many of them had noisy pets. Our upstairs neighbors (four college guys) were considerate enough to give us their numbers "in case we needed to call and tell them to be quiet", but when they are loud constantly from 10pm to 2am..there really is no point. We just decided to give in. It wasn't that long ago when we were in college and we were loud and inconsiderate ourselves.

Our new place has a older vibe. Not old, but older. There does not seem to be many college-age students here but more young adults and young families, which is great. Another great thing is instead of being in a three story building with about 24 apartments in one building (with a hallway that reminds you of college) we are in a two story building that consists of only 8 apartments. Two apartments share one entrance way or stairway which is so nice. So we basically only have one neighbor on one side and none on the other. And we are on the top floor so no more annoys noises from college parties above us!

But nevertheless an apartment is an apartment. And even though we do not hear a lot of neighbor noise we do hear water pipes running, lawn mowers and leaf blowers blowing and all the other joys of community living. But ... When it comes down to it, I LOVE our new place. I love having an updated apartment. I love having updated fixtures, updated appliances (actually having appliances included period), water that doesn't smell, being closer to work, neighbors that are quiet and the list goes on. But mostly I love paying less for more.. Don't you?

Oh Internet..

2010-04-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

The internet was cutting in and out for about a month. I had sign on to the wireless and try to log on to my email and poof, the internet would be disconnected. It reminded me of a time not so long ago, when the only way to connect to the internet was dialing up with the phone line, and once someone calls the internet would cut out.

I was so frustrated that I decided to call our dear internet/cable company, Time Warner to see what was up. The nice man on the phone checked his side of things to see if there was any, what they called, "intermittent" connection. He said everything looked fine on his side and since our router was not Time Warner's there was nothing he could do. He suggested that I restart the router... so I did.

Long story short in order to install our router I needed to hook a computer up to the router. I couldn't use the wireless. It had to be through the eternet cord. Problem was, the desktop was in the bedroom and the router was in the living room, and our dear struggling laptop kept crashing when I tried to install the program. Ugh! SOOO...I finally gave up fighting the internet gods and dragged the desktop and all it's limbs out to the living room and install the router. It worked and so far the internet has not cut out ...yet.

Ah, the internet. I didn't think I was the type of person to NEED the internet. Maybe it's because I use the computer and the internet all day at work or maybe just because I really don't feel the need to update my status every hour or check other people's, but in those few moments where I wanted to sit down and read an email or two and I couldn't, my internet-needing beast came out. I guess I'm a little embarrassed that I couldn't even spend one evening at home without using the computer or going on Facebook. The internet wasn't always around..

A New Year's Resolution..4months in..

2010-04-20T23:04:00.000-07:00

So I've been inspired to start blogging again. A semi new year's resolution, or you could say more of a New quarter resolution since it's the 4th month of the year already. It's amazing how fast time flies. Christmas WAS literally not that long ago..or so it seemed and now it is April.

So here it goes..wish me luck.

Tis the Season

2009-12-09T17:07:00.000-08:00

Tis the season..So this year since I work at a printing company I decided to design and print my own Christmas cards.

Quote Worthy Friends

2009-05-28T15:48:00.001-07:00

Just a few quotes from friends that still make me laugh.

“If you get preggers, I’ll be pissed!”

“Welcome, Welcome Mat!”

“I pretended to be Japanese and spoke bad English (“Mo molly? I havoo no molly. Hey touch?”)”

“One of my profs “isn’t so easy on the eyes””

“I hate Horatio and his crooked neck. Just doesn’t make sense…”

“You never know when one will pop out and ruin all your youthful dreams and ambitions.”

“I had a dream about you last night..I don’t remember what it was about…but there were toothbrushes involved. :|”

“Basically, we were supposed to be tissue and snot. You look so lovely as a nerd!”

My Pictorial Autobiography.

2009-05-23T15:43:00.001-07:00