Change-aphobe

I've been thinking a lot about change lately.

I have grown so used to being in familiar places, with familiar faces and having little to no challenge face me, that I see myself as a change-aphobe.

I'm afraid of change.

So afraid that, last week as I prayed through the possibility of moving to Florida, I cried for two days straight...and threw up a little too (okay, I threw up a lot).

There's tons of stuff that scares me, but the idea of doing something I've never done before, by myself, in an unfamiliar place- freaks the heck out of me.

I've prayed a lot, been in God's Word, listened to Godly counsel...my conclusion:

God has a plan for my life, I'm not exactly sure what that is, what it looks like, where it will take place for this portion of my life, but what I do know is that I don't want to be afraid anymore.
I don't have to be afraid because the more I render control of my life over to God, the more secure I am in His perfect will for my life.

There is nothing like being in the center of God's will.

This might sound crazy, but I really love God so much more today than I did a week ago and I really want him to take control of every detail of my life even more than I did yesterday.

And if all this stuff was to teach me to trust Him and show me how to love and draw closer to Him...

then even the throw up was worth it.

What happens when you take your small group to the beach?

Our small group...

A day at the beach...

Cute girls!

Some puppies hanging out on forbidden territory.

German...preventing sunburn.

More cute girls.

Bibi "tanned".

Baywatch German.

The girls land sailing.

Titanic...minus the ship.

Practicing for his next issue of "Sports Illustrated: Swimsuit Edition".

Cuties!

The grand finale: German jumps over Bibi.

did a little tanning, a little shopping, a little eating, a little swimming...

a lot of fun!

Jenn Graduated!

One week and one day ago Jennifer Price celebrated her last day as a high schooler!

Janette and I made our way out to Rosemead and boy was it fun!

The graduate!
Class of 2007.

Talk about upscale fireworks!

Jenn and her adorable parents.

Here we are!

We even got to congratulate Jassiel!

Sammy went too! (nah, but this guy looks SO much like him!)

Thumbs up for all graduates!

The night was topped off with some amazing burritos from King Taco...simply delicious!

We had so much fun...I don't remember when I laughed THAT hard!

Highlights:

• Janette F.
• Sammy Part 2
• Playing the celebrity game...giving Janette the answer...and her still getting the wrong answer!

We are so proud of Jenn.

She's making the long treck to northern Cali and attending Stanford in the fall.

YAY!

A Salute to El Capitan

I understand that this post is SO late...but bear with me.

Last Tuesday night, instead of going to small group, I went to see "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" with my family (everyone except for my dad...he had to work).

It was so much fun!

The very first thing we saw when we drove up to the El Capitan Theater was the Kodak Theater to our right hand side. I got chills just thinking of all the famous stars that have walked down the red carpet right in front of that theater!
The inside of the El Capitan is beautiful and makes you feel like you are in Old Hollywood.

A special touch was an organist playing classic Disney songs as we waited for the movie to begin.

The entire theater was decked out with "Pirates" stuff...check out this huge skull above the screen.

Lili and I waiting for the movie to start.

The beginning of the movie wasn't a movie at all, it was a live opener. So cool. The front stage appeared to look like the mast of a ship with water and sky in the background (as if WE were on a ship) and then a huge blast of pirate themed music blasted form the wind pipes of the theater and the grand finale was a huge poof of coin-shaped confetti that came down over all of us!

Awesome.

After the movie we went around the theater looking at the real props and costumes used.

Here are the kids by the bell (Jeremy is the one inside the bell).

Here I am outside the El Capitan.

I love this picture!

Look who's star I found?!

Classic Hollywood.

We also crossed the street to visit Gromman's Chinese Theater!

Here I am with John Wayne's prints! The ones Lucy stole on "I Love Lucy".

I love Hollywood.

So much fun!

Cristina Won Because She's the Best

Well, Janette, Bibi and I finally played the Grey's Anatomy Board Game the weekend before last, at my house.

I was Meredith...
Janette was Izzie...
Bibi was Cristina...

(We decided to call each other by our aliases the entire night)

We played three rounds and Bibi...or should I say "Cristina" won all three games!

No joke...it sucked.

Especially because Bibi said that she wasn't surprised Cristina won because Cristina is the best at everything.

Watch out Bibi "Cristina"...I'm coming after you the next time!

A BIG day in a BIG way

Today something happened that...was really major in my life.

My day was filled with work, friends and this really BIG thing.

So this is why I am posting so late into my work day.

Please pray for me. That God's will would be done in my life. Not mine, but His.

And I really mean it. Really, I do.

I know God wants to mold and teach me in new different ways, I'm just not sure how that will play out in my life...but I think I'm ready to know.

I know I'm ready to know.

Good Blogging Material

I am filled with good blogging material...

BUT, I'm short on time today as I have to run errands right after work and also go to Jennifer Price's graduation!

I promise to blog my butt off tomorrow!

Just a question: What do you consider a good blog/post to be? In other words, what must a blog/post consist of to be considered a "good blog/post" in your opinion?

Please comment...I'm really interested in finding out!

Walking With Walt*

Yesterday at lunch I shared with Bibi, Janette and Edgar about my next financial venture--I use the word venture lightly as each of these things costs less than $200, except for the computer.

A couple of months ago my venture was getting a digital camera...

About a month ago it was getting a laptop... (which I'm not sure about anymore--that's more of a long term goal)

A couple of weeks ago it was getting Michael Buble tickets...(which is in the works)

And the latest and greatest venture is going on the "A Walk in Walt's Footsteps" guided tour through Disneyland.

Here's what the tour comes with:
A guided tour through Disneyland® Park where I will fully understand the vision, challenges, hard work and excitement that went into creating everything that is associated with the name, and the man, Walt Disney.
1. Lots of fun facts and trivia.
2. A ride on the Disneyland® Railroad.
3. Hear Walt Disney talk about Disneyland® Park in his own words.
3. A unique visit to the first attraction at Disneyland® Park featuring Audio-Animatronics®, Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room.
4. A peek at the Lobby of the exclusive members only Club 33.
5. Enjoy a private lunch on Main Street, U.S.A. — the land patterned after Walt's ideal version of small town America.
6. An exclusive, collectible "A Walk in Walt's Footsteps" pin.

**The items in bold are the ones I am MOST excited about!

Annual pass holders get an amazing discount...which makes me even more excited!

I've already talked to Evelyn and my sister about it so hopefully we can make it out there pretty soon.

*Don't you just love my good use of alliteration?

WANTED: Good Friend

I am spoiled.

As much as I may complain about things in my life: JOB, CHURCH, PROBLEMS, FINANCES, ETC.

There is so much that I have, that not many other people can say they have.

One of the things I have the privilege to have in my life are GOOD FRIENDS.

I know many people that want good friends, yet fail to get amazing, trustworthy, loving, supportive, non-egotistical people in their lives.

They struggle to not let these kinds of people into their lives; yet once they're in...they can't get them out.

I don't. I don't struggle to get the negative out. I have little to no negative. I have amazing, loving, encouraging, WOW people in my life.

I thought about this so much this week. And came up with a list of criteria/recommendations of what I think a good friend is. Of course this list is completely subjective and is in my own personal opinion, based on my friendships up to date. I may leave things out...but I will try my best to make the list concise, not repeat myself and do justice to my AMAZING friends-past and present.

A GOOD FRIEND SHOULD BE:

1) HONEST: there is nothing like a friend who can tell you the truth...in the good and bad.

2) TRUSTWORTHY: a friend should be a vault...unless you are doing something really wrong!

3) FUN/FUNNY: to be a good friend you've gotta' be fun and make people laugh...if not, you only deserve the title of acquaintance.

4) ARGUE-ABLE: a person you can argue with about something you don't agree on, yet can still love you at the end of the argument.

5) TEAR WORTHY: you should be able to cry in front of a good friend without fear of criticism, condemnation or being made fun of.

6) COMPASSIONATE/PATIENT: it should be okay to tell your friend a really bad thing about yourself without thinking that they might judge you or see you differently because of your mistake or lack of good judgement.

7) SUPPORTIVE: even if you don't do what they want you to do.

8) LOVING: how big a difference one hug or smile can make!

9) FLEXIBLE: any time, any place...they are there.

10) SELFLESS: always looking out for the people around them before themselves and willing to just listen.

This is a short list...there is so much I have yet to write. So let's just consider this a PART ONE.

SOMETHING FOR MY FRIENDS: the ones who inspired this post.

HOWARD: When people say you are a quiet person it reminds me of how lucky I am to be one of the few that gets to listen to you when you really let it out. Thanks for arguing with me and still loving me the day after...sometimes there's no need to "clear things up" because we both know it's okay. You accept me, mistakes and all. You inspired #4 and #6.

JANETTE: We are definitely on the same wave length...and I can trust that...always. You never judge be based on my stupid comments but try to look deeper into my heart of hearts. Thanks for looking deeper, because the outside of me isn't always the greatest. You can also make me laugh like no one else! You inspired #2 and #3.

BIBI: You are one of the most giving people I've ever met. You listen to my madness to no end...and still find some way of helping me make sense of it all. I am so thankful that you're not afraid to help me see the truth and sometimes tell me, when I refuse to see it. You believe in me when I don't...that helps me move forward. You inspired #1 and #10.

DAMARIS: You have an amazing ability to love...just love and keep loving. When I'm with you I feel so loved, not only by you but by our Heavenly Father too. No matter what I chose to do with school, career, my life you always seem to be on my side. Encouraging me every step of the way, praying for me, thinking of me and that means so much to me. You inspired #7 and #8.

EDGAR: It's been a rocky road, but you've remained faithful to our friendship even through that road. You've been with me in the midst of tears and laughter, yet still you've never judged or changed your perception of me. Although a million other things/people have wanted your time...you've found ways to make me important to you. Thank you for that. You inspired #5 and #9.

Reading this sounds so cheesy...but it's true.

You all have these characteristics, but the ones you inspired, I think, are so REAL and unique to each one of you.

Thank you for being my friends.

More Michael

Michael Buble has been on my mind lately (this is why I'm posting about him twice in a row).

"WHY?" you ask.

Because:
#1 He's adorable.
#2 He's so talented.
#3 His music is so romantic.
#4 He's coming to LA.
#5 I recently got his new CD.
#6 I joined his fan club on Sunday morning.

Bibi and I have been scouting out tickets to go to his show, but every time we'd search online we'd get jipped. Every ticket was sold out and then we'd find that they'd be on eBay being auctioned off at ridiculously high prices.

One day I noticed that there's a thing on Ticketmaster where they'd have pre-sales on event tickets for all fan club members, so Bibi and I figured that the best way to get cheap, good tickets was to become part of his Bungalow-B Fan club.

Sunday morning, in-between services we came into the office and did it!
It cost each of us about $40. The membership came with certain privileges and a pack of little Buble goodies, that should be arriving at Bibi's house anytime soon!

As I pushed the "FINISH" button on the computer screen I felt like a teenager again. The last time I was a part of a fan club was when I was 17 and joined the Audio Adrenaline Junkies Club.

Ah, there's nothing like coming back to my groupie ways...

"He's as big as my pinky!"

I went online to day to see if there were still any Buble tickets available for his Greek Theater-August 21st performance.

There were...in row "B" of the BENCHES section...which essentially means we'd be all the way in the back of the Greek Theater. Please view the Greek theater seating chart above.

Not sure what would bother me more:

a) Sitting on a bench for an entire concert--Ouch!

OR

b) Saying things like, "Geez, Michael is as big as my pinky from way back here!".

Either way I know I'd have a blast with Bibi, no matter where we sit. Tickets go for $60 each after all fees and charges...what do you think? Should we go for it?

A Popular Post

On Monday I posted about my new Grey's Anatomy Board game...

On Tuesday I checked if there were any comments on my posts...

There were! FIVE to be exact!

It's been the fastest that anyone has ever commented on any post on my blog. And in record numbers too...all of my blog friends commented!

Thank you Howard, German, Bibi and Janette for making post #188 so popular!

I Met Brad Arm Yesterday!

Yesterday Marlen, my sister, and I spent the day (or at least part of it) at the Disneyland Resort.

Don, my brother-in-law, had offered to watch the baby and the kids after school so my sister and I could ride the "grown-up" rides...and just spend some time together, minus the little ones. (I must admit...he's a pretty cool husband!)

Once we showed up we got the "Our park will be extremely popular with our guests today...." note at the entrance of the parking structure. Of course, the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage just opened on Monday.

The first thing we did was ride a double-decker old fashioned car down Mainstreet and got dropped off at the entrance of Tomorrowland. We'd never done that before...it was fun--here we are on the car! We rode on the top deck.

All we did at Disneyland was ride Space Mountain. All the lines were so long!?!

While in line we were hit with a terrible B.O. smell. We realized it was the junior highers behind us and couldn't stop laughing.
All we did was laugh and tell stories the entire time...so much fun!

We cruised the shops and then headed for lunch at the Rainforest Cafe.
They sat us at a small, dark, cave-esque corner (since it was just two of us) where the "storms" got quite scary at times.
See...here we are:
Our server Brett AKA "Brad" was amazing! He was so spunky and fun. Every time he'd come around to check on us I'd forget to look at his name badge to see what his name was so I conveniently named him Brad, so that I could make comments about every time he left our table.
At the end of our meal I admitted to Brett that I named him Brad...he joked that he didn't mind me confusing him with Brad Pitt...I joked his last name must really be Arm (Arm-Pitt...get it?). We laughed...it was fun!

After lunch he rode California Screamin' and Tower of Terror twice! Spectacular.

It was so great to spend the day with my sister. We have SO MANY jokes that I almost forgot how alike we are....it was amazing...she is amazing!

A Pharmaceutical Find

Last Saturday night my sister, Marlen, and I went to Walgreen's to buy Baby Don some formula and to buy me some Us Weekly.

As we trotted down the isles looking for some junk food to take with us I ran into a Grey's Anatomy Trivia Board Game! Two of my favorite things in life packaged together so nicely-board games and Grey's!

Truth be told, the first thing that made my eye catch the game was the $9.99 bright yellow tag hanging under it.

Maribel had told me about this game (said Becky had gotten it), but never did I think I'd find it at Walgreen's! I bought it on the spot!

And just in case you're wondering I did open it to see what kind of format the game was in...but I didn't even peak at the question/answer cards...I'm still waiting for a Grey's marathon night in...I want to play fair.

Who's up for some serious Grey's Anatomy butt kickin'?

*My game is in a cardboard box...not in a nice tin box like the one pictured above.

Unofficial List: Cities of the World I'd Like to Visit

1. Paris for all the sights and romantic locations.
2. London to see what Sinatra was singing about.
3. New York on new year's in Time Square.
4. Orlando for Disney World of course.
5. Berlin because Jason told me to.
6. Capetown to see what I can help with.
7. Venice for the food and gondolas.
8. Jerusalem for obvious reasons.
9. Athens for the rich history.
10. San Fransisco so I can walk through Lombard Street.

Pending Movie List

KNOCKED UP
**Will undoubtedly make me laugh.

WAITRESS
**Will undoubtedly make me cry.

Who's in?

Clear Sunshine at Midnight

Last night Bibi and I saw "Little Miss Sunshine".

I bought it a couple of weeks ago but never had the time to sit down and watch it. So yesterday at 11pm we saw it.

It was GREAT!

Bibi warned me to not have such high expectations, fearing that I would end up disappointed. But I did have high expectations and all of those were met.

I love the fact that it resonated so deeply with the family. What an amazing reminder of how amazing families are. With the quirks, problems, shortcomings, twists and turns that life takes...your family is there...like it or not...and they are a source of faithfulness and stability in your life.

One part almost made me cry...when the Grandpa was telling Olive she was beautiful.

P.S. Watch "Little Miss Sunshine", it will make your day brighter! I'm watching it again tonight.