I'm Goin' MAC!

I've been in a debate with myself for the past year about switching over from being a PC to Mac user...the debate has finally ended-by the end of this week I will be the proud owner of a Mac Notebook!

There were tons of reasons for why I made the switch (reliability, durability, performance, etc.),but I thought it important to mention the most important reason of all...

I want to be cool.

It really is that simple (kidding)...

But really, I will be way cooler by the end of the week, right?

Christmas Canciones

I love Christmas music...love it!

My usual Christmas playlist runs from the day after Thanksgiving until December 25th...every year.

This year I'm looking for some new, great music for the holidays. I know that nothing in the Christmas music selection is really "new". Everyone re-does the same songs over and over again...but even with that, I'd like to get some new re-done songs.

I currently have Mariah Carey, Relient K, Michael Buble, Amy Grant and a few others on my playlist...

Can you think of any others I should have?
Or better yet, which are some favorites on your Christmas playlist?

I Know

I haven't been the posting diva in this season of life as I've been in the past...

I apologize.

Some of the reasons for why I have been inconsistent are the following:

1. Lack of proper Internet at home.
2. Going back to school full time, while still working at the church full time.
3. Life changes (more on that later).
4. Little to blog about (well, lack of fun, interesting things to blog about-my life has been all work and little play lately).

This is my last week of instruction before finals and I would totally appreciate your prayers as it's also a busy season in ministry.

I will post updates soon...promise!

Kiddos

Today, I spent a couple of hours with some really great, hyper kids.

I've spent a lot of time lately making some pretty grown-up decisions, which has caused me to act very tense and stressed.

Hanging with these kids reminded me that life is not as hard as it seems. There are times when I make my life way more complicated than it has to be...sometimes all you need to have is a little fun and remember what a gift life truly is.

Hang out with a kid sometime...you'll see!

Library Fun

We're "studying" tonight...

My friend just shot crumpled pieces of paper into a waste basket at the library from several feet away and made every shot...

Productivity at it's best.

Poor me

I've had a consistent thought running through my mind for the last couple of weeks...

I am blessed beyond measure. And I complain about it.

I don't even know how I could define blessed at this point because it encompasses so much more than material possessions. But, I know that I have many things that other people in this world will never have.

Every time I catch myself saying anything negative about my job, I think of the people who are losing their jobs at that very moment...being called into an office and told that they are no longer needed.

Every time I complain about a homework assignment I think of the thousands (possibly millions) of people who will never have the chance to study at a university, and a private God-centered one at that.

I think it's strange that as Americans we make the very blessings we have into a fit of self pity every day.

"I have to wake up so early for work"
"This paper is taking forever to write"
"I am so tired of my job"
"Why do we have to read that book?"

I don't want to feel sorry for myself and my friends because we get to have jobs and study at amazing schools...it makes no sense at all.

The Stinking Rose

I spent the better part of my weekend at a spa and dining around for Roxy's pre-wedding celebration. All four bridesmaids (minus Anita)-Bibi, Priscilla, Damaris and I- took Roxy out to spend time together and relax.

After a great Friday night in Corona and full Saturday at the spa we drove up to Beverly Hills for dinner at The Stinking Rose...delicious! Here are a few pictures from last night:

Once I get more Glen Ivy (spa) pictures I'll post them...such a fun, restful weekend!

Politically Incorrect

I've never been too involved of even interested in politics...I even had trouble voting this week.

I've been a proud American since the day I was born and love my country. I am so grateful that I live here and have the opportunities that so many people around the world lack...I feel blessed to be an American...at least until this week.

I don't want to go on a rant...but I'm really sad and dissappointed.

I'm not dissappointed because we have a Democrat for a President-elect...I actually felt excited to witness history: the very first black man voted as President!

I'm confused by all of the negative comments I've heard...from Christians.

No matter who our President is or isn't, God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is in control and can do amazing things in our lives, regardless of who our country's leader is.

Speaking negatively isn't going to make things better and forcing others to think what we think is not going to help them see Jesus any better either.

I'm trusting God more than ever today and my prayer is that we, as the church, can demonstrate the love that God has demonstrated us to the rest of the world.

The Office

My office is downstairs, all the way at the front of the church...the rest of the offices are in the back, upstairs.

Because of scheduling conflicts, I only get to have someone in the office with me on Fridays...besides that, I'm alone every other day of the the week (Mondays and Wednesdays-I'm at Biola on Tuesdays and Thursdays). I can't stand it.

Today I got tons of things done before noon in my office (on my computer) so that I could go to the back offices for the rest of the afternoon and work on non-computer related work at Abby's desk (she's out on Mondays). I loved it.

The girls and I decided that I'd bring my laptop in on Mondays and work at Abby's desk all day...I'm so excited for Monday to come...really I am!

I Told You So

Here's a bit of advice for those of you who are young...

Listen to your parents.

My parents gave me tons of advice when I became an "adult" (when I turned 18) and began college and my own job.

Here's two:

1. Never let your gas tank go below the quarter mark. If you wait until after that, your car begins to scrape the gunk from the bottom of the tank and can cause damage to your vehicle. Plus, you never have to worry about getting stranded anywhere.

2. Pay your bills ahead of time. Not the day of or the day before...but in advance. It will help your credit score and also bring tons of savings when it comes time to pay late fees.

I didn't listen to my parents and spent the better part of my late teens and early twenties waiting for my gas light to go off before I'd pull into the gas station and sending in late payments. I'd always freak out and stress out and get mad when I had to pay extra fees.

I stopped doing that 2 years ago. I pay everything at least 2 weeks before it's due. I fill my tank when I'm at a quarter tank...not one drop less (okay, sometimes).

Trust me kids...listen to your parents, you'll lead a happy and stress-free life! At least when it comes to your car and bills!

I'll Be There For You

I work in youth ministry...in a church...in a community.

I share about community, love and belonging to the body of Christ.

And yet, I have never fully understood how important it is to have a community of believers with you, in the good and the bad, with all of your mistakes out there in the open, totally weak and fragile, no judgement, just love and grace...until today.

God has been processing me through some things lately...some things that have been the hardest I've had to face (up until this point) in my life. He's showing me a lot about who He wants me to be and how I need to do all that is in my power and rely on His power for those changes to become a reality in my life.

Tonight, for the first time in as long as I can remember, I was open and fragile before an incredible friend. It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do...ask for help, because I really can't do any of this on my own.

It was strange to feel selfish when I made the call. I felt as though I was being self-centered by calling to talk about me and what I was going through...strange, huh?

I know I'm not alone in this. That's something I'm thankful for.

I'm a Believer?

I just spent an hour in the car with a friend of mine sharing about her past relationship. This isn't the first time we talk about it...it usually creeps its way in every time we talk. I don't mind...but tonight, I made some observations...

After the heartbreak that the relationship brought her almost 2 years ago...
-she tries to find the answers to the whys that are left
-she sees dreams as God giving her signs/answers
-she reads books about moving forward
-she has hope that reconciliation will occur
-she prays about it constantly
-she makes connections and traces pertinent events to the relationship
-she seeks to have God show her why this has happened to her/them

When I got my heart broken years ago I could only see how hurt I was. I didn't look for reasons, answers, God's bigger picture. I just wanted to move on and forget...I didn't look for connections, I didn't sort through my feelings, or try to process it over the course of years. I didn't pray about it much after the break-up happened...I just wanted to get over it...

Did I react in a wrong way? Should I have talked to God more about it? Was I totally ditching out on God's message through it?

Not that I'll look back and try to squeeze a message out of it now...just asking, was I totally disconnected from God during that time, in that area of my life or are some of us girls, trying to see something, when nothing is there?

Scaredy-Cat

Halloween is right around the corner.

I couldn't be less excited.

Not because I don't like costumes and candy (I actually love those)...

but because scary movies freak me out and that's all that seems to be on cable this month.

I know what you're thinking,"just change the channel Jess"...that's just it...I can't. I get sucked in and then I get freaked out...I hate it.

Like right now, The Ring and I are having a channel flipping frenzy...once it gets too intense I change the channel, but there I go...flipping back a couple of minutes later.

Thank God for commercials!

It's a Small World Afterall

While checking emails, posting and making changes to my blog tonight, I saw a comment a stranger left me on a post I had written last month. When I first read the comment, I paid no attention to the person who had written it, but tonight I felt the need to follow the link to their blog.

Her name is Diandra and lives 15 minutes away from me (in Cerritos). She's 23 and is on staff at a church as their youth pastor.

When I read this I thought, "Cool, I could totally read her blog and relate, since we live in the same area and are the lead youth worker at our churches."

Then it got interesting...

Her co-youth pastor is a guy I knew at Biola. I haven't seen or spoken to him in years.

The church that her church recently merged with is the church that one of my best friends used to belong to.

My friend Nick seems to know her...I figure she linked to my blog from his.

These connections might seem like nothing to some people, but boy did they occupy a good hour of my night!

Back to More of the Same!

I recently posted about the "cold" weather...

False alarm, it was 92 degrees today...

Oh geez!

Seven

Neely tagged me...so here we go!

1. I absolutely love balancing my checkbook. It's not that I like money, or even like spending it, I actually think the world would be a better place if money didn't exist. I just love being able to pay all my bills on time and be super organized...makes me feel accomplished!

2. I once peed on my uncle. When I was 3, my uncle came to stay with us for a couple of weeks. I was taking a nap on the couch and he happened to be laying on the floor. I woke up with a full bladder and the first place I stepped was on him...you know how it ends.

3. I didn't learn how to swim until I was 22. My mom was super overprotective when I was little and never taught me how to swim. My friends Howard and Aaron taught me over a summer and then I took a formal class that fall.

4. I can't sleep with socks on. Even when I try, they seem to end up on the floor by the time I wake up.

5. I'm in love with the cold, underside of pillows. If I could choose one item to take with me on a deserted island, a nice, cold pillow would make the top ten list.

6. I only like it when people I really like (or really like me) call me Jess. I know, weird...I can't explain it. I just see that shorter version of my name as one that is reserved for those who I am special to or are special to me...I know, weird...

7. I love dressing up. I don't do it often because of my piece of the ministry at church, but I love getting out of my jeans and wearing heels and dresses whenever I can...I really love it!

I tag...Janette, Allison, Nick, Bethany, Neal, Josh and Wes.

soCal is soCold

I've been sleeping with one sheet covering me for the better part of the summer. There were nights when I slept with not sheets at all...it was so hot and sticky...gross.

About a week ago, I switched to using my duvet. It felt perfect, not too hot, not too cold.

Two nights ago, I officially pulled out my winter blankets...I'm talking heavy duty warmth.

It's felt incredible to sleep with warm, soft blankets and not be hot, sticky and sweaty...

The only bad part about the cold weather is getting up in the morning. My bed and blankets are so warm and comfy that I can't seem to peel myself out of bed.

Oh me, it's always something!

I Don't Even Notice

"Men go abroad to wonder at the height of mountains, the huge waves of the sea, the long coarse of rivers, the vast compass of the ocean, the circular motion of the stars, but they pass by themselves and they don't even notice." -Augustine

I wonder how different my love for others would be if I constantly reminded myself of the wonder that every person is?

Every person is a walking miracle, created by God, designed so delicately, no one like them has ever existed or will ever exist after them, God intentionally made them who they are...

They are unique, precious, marvelous, beautiful, amazing...

Even the people who bug, annoy, irritate me...they, too, are such a masterpiece.

I just hope to be able to live out this truth everyday.

Asian Jason

I'm taking a Biblical and Practical Theology of Evangelism class at Biola this semester.

Our professor places the chairs in a circle for every class meeting; which means we stare at each other for the entire class time (3 hours every Tuesday).

The guy that faces me is a twenty-something year old Asian guy...I still haven't gotten around to remembering his name. It took a couple of class sessions for me to realize that he is a carbon copy of my friend Jason. The only difference is...he's Asian and Jason is Hispanic.

He laughs like Jason, dresses like Jason, smiles like Jason, is short like Jason, has the same voice as Jason, sits like Jason, stands like Jason, walks like Jason, makes the same hand gestures as Jason...seriously...just like Jason...but Asian...it's kind of scary.

I felt like a weirdo because I found myself staring at him today...trying to see how many things he did reminded me of Jason...and evidently everything was Jason-like.

I only wish I could get them both in the same room together...that would be ridiculous.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words...

I have no words...

My camera won't turn on.

I used it two weeks ago at a birthday party and it was fine...

I charged the battery all night for a wedding last Saturday. Once I popped it out for the photo shoot it wouldn't turn on.

Seriously...nothing.

No response to the on/off button, no funny sound, no screen light...nothing...just off.

Sad day.

Back on the BlogWagon!

I fully accept and acknowledge the fact that my posting has been minimal this summer...

I feel ashamed and embarrassed, especially because I used to always complain when bloggers didn't blog!

But I am officially committing myself to hop back on the blog bandwagon this fall...

Good stuff is coming...just wait and read!

I Changed My Mind

Remember when I posted about a wedding I was invited to?

Well, I changed my mind...

I just got home from "said" wedding and I wouldn't mind being the bride...not at all.

Truth is, no matter how long it takes to find love, when you find it, it really doesn't matter how long it took. Does that make sense?

She was happy, excited, thankful, blessed, optimistic, joyous, in love...

I don't care how long it takes for me to find that with another person...as long as I'm lucky enough to find it...that's more than enough.

I Wish I Were Turning 2 in 2 days

Remember when your birthday was a HUGE deal?

When you counted down the days?

When everyone in your family was also anticipating the big day?

Can't it be like that when you're turning 25?

I'm not complaining...birthdays as a grown-up are great too, but all the fun and expectation leading up to your actual birthday seem to be watered down...

I'd like the 100% juice instead of the frozen concentrate for my birthday, please!

Nothing Better

I had an exam and paper due this morning (on top of all of my other work at school and at the church)...needless to say, I was stressed and busy all week long.

I came home this afternoon with a nap, meal and some TV on DVD (Grey's Season 4) planned...

Surprise, surprise!

I found two issues of Us Weekly in my mailbox (last week's and this week's).

I can't think of a better way to spend the afternoon...

Reading my two issues, while watching Grey's and having some linner...

and then off to small group...so great!

Don't Judge Me

I just got invited to a 42 year old woman's wedding.

This is her first marriage...

Is it bad that I hope to never be her?

I never want to wait that long, be an "older" mother (if being a mother is possible at all), be in the "single" stage of life for 20-plus years...

is that wrong?

Reminders

I almost had a panic attack this weekend.

I'm doing full-time school and full-time work (ministry) this semester.

I thought I could do it, but when I saw that a huge test and paper collided this week I almost freaked out.

It took everything in me to not cry and cry and just give up.

I know I have to make some adjustments and get through it...

But today I was gently reminded of how sovereign and caring God is. He sweetly helped me get all of my work done and allowed me to enjoy it.

Old Me

Here are a few thoughts I has today while listening to an old man talk...

When I'm old I'd like to be a great story teller
I'd like to have people sitting at the edge of their seats while I'm talking
It'd be nice if I made them laugh really hard too
I'd like to smell nice, maybe a sweet scent
Maybe have a great lap to sit on
Also, I want to be able to laugh at myself... a lot
I want to be a wealth of knowledge and wisdom
I want to still be cool
When I'm old I'd like to be a really great version of me

Crybaby

The past week has been tough.

I've had tons of issues here at the church and lots of life going on in general.

I can't really talk about it, think it through or analyze the why's and what's either....I feel like I've already done enough of that.

The only thing I've been able to do is cry.

No, I haven't been a depressed mess. There have just been moments of reflection where I just start crying, just like that...I start and then I stop, I'll laugh at myself and then later I start all over again.

It's just been a flood of emotions. And I have no clue what to do with all of them...other than cry.

Twenty-Five

My star birthday is coming up...

I turn 25 on the 25th this month!

When I was a teenager I always saw 25 as the officialy grown-up age.

Anywhere before that was still being a young adult, but after that, you were a grown-up.

I'm finding it hard to accept that I've come to that age so soon! I love being single and in my twenties. It's been the most fun, gratifying, exciting time of my life! I really love my life. But, I don't know if I'm ready to grow up yet.

My life is nowhere near where I thought it would be at 25...it's been totally different, and I'm so thankful to God for that! What I've done and learned has exceeded any expectations I had as a child and teenager.

Now that I'm coming into living a quarter of a century I know I'm ready for it...and really excited to see what kind of a grown-up I become...although I may not become one for a while, no matter what I said as a kid.

An Untold Tale

Here's a San Fransisco story I never told...

last week, while Howard and I toured San Francisco I begged him to take me to the Full House, house...he did!

Here's 1709 Broderick St. (the house used whenever the Tanner house was shot from the outside) The doors used to be red and are now black:

Here's me sitting on the front steps (I ran off, scared the owners would come out and have me arrested for trespassing!)...

Here's me standing in front too! I know, I'm a nerd.

Seriously, one of the best moments of the trip!

We do what we like!

I'm sitting next to Howard right now....in the "BuisnessLink" room of San Jose's Embassy Suites. There's no wireless here, so we have to use the onsite computers...or pay $10 for 24 hours of internet in our room. We chose free internet across from the lobby.

We spent the better part of the day driving...

driving north
to In-N-Out
to his mom's friend's house
to drop his parents off
to the hotel
to Red Lobster
to many restroom stops...

So far we've taken some time to plan the next two days...

GoCars!!!!!!!
Lombard Street
Chinatown
Alamo Square
The Full House HOUSE
Alcatraz
Winchester House

there's more, but we're still planning!

More updates tomorrow...

I Promise...

I love to post on my blog.

I've just been swamped with work...

Remember I told you about my busy summer?

I just came back from a fully programmed-packed camp at Cachuma Lake and am in the middle of VBS, 'till Friday.

Then I go on vacation for a week and come back to work and start at Biola that same week.

I'm still finishing up student leadership training, doing interviews for potential staff and have trips to Raging Waters and Knotts with student ministry teams...this all happens before September 1st.

And I won't even fill you in on all the planning I have to do for the next six months...

But once my life slows down I will post again...promise!

Much Ado about Nothing

I made a to do list today (we all know how much I love those)...

One of the things on my to do list was to make a to do list.

That's when you know you need to organize your life.

I Love Him More Now, Than Ever

Janette and I drove down to SLC last night to listen in on Francis Chan's talk on worship.

It was amazing...

I've always loved Francis. Ever since my freshman year at Biola. He's just so passionate about God and His purpose for men here on earth.

Last night he took a piece of chicken out of his pocket to illustrate a point. It was a drumstick.

Any man who can make me see God in a new way with a drumstick is, in my opinion, incredible.

Twitter

Okay...

so I am attempting to "twitter"?

And just as with blogging...it might take me a while to figure it out.

My phone refuses to cooperate, so patience would be greatly appreciated.

If you're currently "twittering"?...you might want to help me...because that would make me very happy!

"Oh my Goooood! You are SO Beautiful!"

A group of us from Student Ministries went down to San Clemente for a part of the weekend...

So much fun!

We started with lunch on Friday at Fisherman's Restaurant at the pier. Their clam chowder is delicious!

Best part of lunch was Janette telling the story of a man she and her team met while in Nicaragua. Some of the girls from her team met a man that knew exactly 7 words in the English language...and he used them while following them around: "Oh my God! You are so beautiful!".

The girls got scared when he attempted to give them his phone number by typing it on a calculator and following them around with it while the whole time repeating "Oh my Gooooooood! You are SO beautiful!"...the guys on her team saved the day by telling the man to stop it.

Needless to say...we repeated that phrase to each other all weekend. I especially loved saying it to Howard when he came back from his workout.

After lunch we hung out by the beach and relaxed.

We checked in to the hotel at 3 and just did nothing until more of the boys arrived. I love watching tv, checking email, laughing, taking naps with my friends...just doing nothing feels so good.

Once the boys got there we had dinner and rented a movie. We went back to the hotel for new school year planning (which went so well). Then headed to the pool and jacuzzi.

Went to bed after the movie at about 2.

The next morning was so great...slept in a bit and went over camp details.

We went out to Casa Romantica, which overlooks the ocean:

Had lunch at a little pizzeria that sold refillable fountain drinks for 93 cents! I was the only one in my group to be ridiculously excited by the price of our drinks...seriously awesome.

Then had more beach time where Howard laid out in hopes of tanning his arms...

he did so unsuccessfully.

Went to Saddleback to visit HSM and Wildside where Allison and Bethany gave us a tour of the Refinery...fun!

A really great couple of days with friends!

Sara Bareilles

I know I'm always the last to find out about a "good" musician...and I didn't miss a beat with this one!

I listened, for months, to Sara Bareilles on TV like many of you...on commercials and such but wasn't impressed (I don't think "Love Song" is all that great).

I decided to see if any of her other songs were good, so I took a listen...

My favorite is "Gravity" ("You hold me without touch. You keep me without chains. I never wanted anything so much than to drown in your love and not feel your rain")...

I also like "Bottle It Up" and "Love on the Rocks".

You should try her...I think you'd like her very much!

Remember when you had to develop film in order to see the pictures?

I do.

About a month ago, while cleaning my room, I found 4 rolls of undeveloped film. Immediately it hit me, they were from my trip to Spain in 2004...yes, I procrastinate.

I didn't there there was much hope...I always thought film "went bad" after a couple of years. So I procrastinated some more and waited until this weekend to see if they were still good enough to develop the pictures.

So, I went to the little photo shop down the street from my old house (just 3 minutes from my new house). The same shop my family and I always developed film at...since I was 9. I hadn't been there since digital cameras came into existence.

Once I walked in I was transformed into a 10 year old. The signs, the smells, the people...all the same. I looked up and a banner read "We've been here since 1990". I sometimes think 1990 is recent...then I remember it's 2008...

I picked my pictures up on Tuesday....

Pictures of my friends and I gallivanting through Spain, my nieces and nephews as toddlers, my small group students who are now adults as unfashionable, awkward freshmen...

I'll post some pictures up once I get a chance to scan them!

I love bridges. I hate bridges.

I've posted (on this blog) about how bridges scare me.

I always figure some massive earthquake will hit while I'm crossing one, or that a suicidal person will take a leap just as I'm looking over the edge and leave me traumatized for life.

But last week, while listening to Howard's iPod, I realized how much I love bridges.

Most of my favorite lyrics have been part of musical bridges.

I love that realizations are made in the bridge of a song, words of inspiration are sung, the climax of it all...

I wonder what would happen if I listened to a bridge while on a bridge?

Would I suddenly love both bridges or be altogether scared?

I want to write lines like these...

"The thing that separates you from the rest is greatness."

"I know I'm the villain in your story, but I'm a good man."

"I'm not done loving you."

"I think that we could be extraordinary together, rather than ordinary apart."

I just saw season 4 finale of Grey's Anatomy...

I don't think I've ever loved that show more than I do at this very moment.

Free book!

I got a gift card to Borders a couple of weeks ago and have been wondering what I should get with it.

I was looking into purchasing some poetry (love letters, love poems, pretty much anything love), but wasn't sure what exactly to look for (I'm not a huge poetry girl...but would like to be).

So, I set up a date with a friend (who happens to have excellent taste in poetry) to go into Borders together and have him school me on poetry, the good, the bad and the cheezy.

Today, while reading Allison's blog, I decided to forgo the poetry and buy this.

I'm so excited!

I'm going to Borders right after I leave the office today.

I'll let you know how it goes...

Long time no blog

Recovering from being sick, running an entire summer event this weekend and spending time with one of my best friends (who just returned from a month and a half long trip to Nicaragua) have consumed my life...

posts will follow shortly!

Sick

I've been sick (ridiculously sick) for the past two days...

having an infection bites...trust me...

the best part of my illness has been watching endless Jon and Kate Plus Ei8gt from bed and also having my niece tell me her mom has been sick too...

Her words exactly:

"Oh, you're sick...my mom's sick too, she's sick of us!"

Priceless.

Verbal Vomit

There's this friend I have...

Every time I'm around him I can't seem to shut up.

I just keep going and going...silence is really awkward with him...so, I just keep talking.

I'm usually okay with silence...just not with him. I get nothing from him. No response to questions. No laughter after my witty jokes. Seriously. Nothing.

After I'm done hanging out with him I'm exhausted. I can't even remember half the stuff that spilled out of my mouth.

We hung out this morning and somehow I ended up bringing up kissing, my future husband and this...

talk about awkward.

On My Mind

A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO
I couldn't get these lyrics out of my head:

Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart from what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdoms cause

YESTERDAY
I read this on Neely's blog...

and read this on another blog.

LAST NIGHT
As I prayed for three of my friends, who are currently serving people in different countries, my heart ached and was deeply burdened. I cried...for them and for those whom they've been sharing their lives with.

THIS MORNING
I read:

"If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor,
he too will cry out and not be answered."
Proverbs 21:13

and listened to:

It is not a human right
To stare not fight
While broken nations dream
Open up our eyes, so blind
That we might find
The Mercy for the need

I've always felt I was aware of the needs around me, the needs around the world. But now I feel as though its not been enough.

I know God is wanting to show me something I thought I already saw.

You're a 90's Kid If:

you remember...

Watching:
Doug
Pinky and the Brain
Animaniacs
Saturday morning cartoons

TGIF:
Step by Step
Full House
Family Matters
Disnosaurs
Boy Meets World

PBS:
Mister Roger's Neighborhood
Ghostwriter
Reading Rainbow

the WB

Saying:
Psyche
da Bomb
Talk to the hand

Eating:
Warheads
Splashers Gum
Ring pops

Also, if:
You just cant resist finishing this . . . "In west Philadelphia born and raised..."

You remember reading "Goosebumps"

You settled everything with rock paper scissors, bubble gum, bubble gum in a dish or ms. mary mack

Kick ball was something you did everyday

You used to listen to the radio all day long just to record your FAVORITE song of ALL time on a tape

You remember when Super Nintendos, Sega Genesis and game Boy became popular

You always wanted to send in a tape to America’s Funniest Home Videos . . . but never taped anything funny

You remember boom boxes instead of cd players

You made those little paper fortune cookie things and predicted your life with them

All your school supplies were "Lisa Frank" brand

You collected Beanie Babies

You remember silver dollars being were cool to have

You know what an original walkman is

You know the Macarena by heart

You had light up sneakers...and they were cool

You rented VHS tapes, not DVDs

You remember gas being $0.95 a gallon

You actually played outside until it was dark!

I saw a variation of this on myspace today...it made me smile more than once...

At the Beach

Gettyng Around

Yesterday, Chris and I spent the day at the Getty Center (well, part of the day).

We saw:
Imagining Christ
Photography: Basic Forms
Photography: People of the Twentieth Century
Greek & Roman Art
and the gardens too.

Saw "Made of Honor" at the Grove and browsed Barnes & Noble.

Such a nice day...

iHeart iTunes

I just bought 19 songs on iTunes.

Most of them love songs...

all of them, songs I spent hours listening to while laying in a hammock on my grandparents farm the summer of my sophomore year in high school.

Every song brings back a memory, emotion, boy, friend (notice it's not boyfriend but boy, friend)...

I heart the fact that I don't have to run around searching stores for all these songs...all I had to do was type in the search bar...and it ran around for me.

I really do love iTunes.

Delicious Music

I have really great taste in TV...

I have really great taste in food...

I have really great taste in movies...

I have bad taste in music.

Which brought this thought to mind:
How does one develop good taste in music?

I always wonder where people hear about a great bad, new artist, musical gem?

Every great musician I've heard, has been a direct referral from a friend who has great taste in music...

I'd like to be that person one day.

The one who burns CDs for friends and says, "Oh, let's go see this amazing band I heard" and everyone loves whatever music they choose.

If you're that person...how do you do it?

I am impressive

Our Student Ministry services were on break for the weekend...

So, during the second Sunday morning service, Bibi, Edgar and I decided to go over to the Garage and clean up...

I swept, mopped, cleaned a toilet (the whole bathroom, actually), moved large amounts of furniture, dusted and organized a closet...all while wearing an LBD (little black dress).

Yes, I know how impressive that is.

Exhausted...

I've been all over the place this week (feels like I say that every other week)...

I'll be blogging it up next week...

don't worry!

Tagged

I was tagged by Neely...

Five things on my to-do list today:
-Clean my room
-Call Rosalba
-Go to Staff Service
-Watch Grey's Anatomy season finale
-Make to-do list for next week

Five snacks I enjoy:
-Pop Secret popcorn
-Coke (does that count?)
-Breyers Vanilla ice cream
-Salt Water Taffy
-Japanese peanuts

Five things I would do if I were a millionaire:
-Pay off my student loans
-Buy a new car
-Travel
-Save
-Give to many, many charities/non-profits...can't choose one

Five places I have lived:
-Los Angeles, Ca.
-Pasco, Wa.
-Bell, Ca.
-South Gate, Ca.
-nowhere else...

Five bad habits I have:
-Chipping my nails
-Talking too much
-Correcting people's grammar constantly
-Cracking my knuckles
-not knowing what to put next...

Five jobs I have held:
-Student Store clerk (junior high)
-Albertson's courtesy clerk
-Personal assistant
-Tutor
-Student Minister

HOORAY...I did it!

I tag Allison and Damaris...

And this makes 500

This is my 500th post!

Took me a while to get here...but I did!

Hooray!

Wedding Lessons:

Here's Bibi, Cookie and I during the ceremony..I just got done with the second of three weddings I will participate in this year (this wedding is the one where I was J-Lo).

Here are a few thoughts I gathered after it was all said and done:
- Never let the groom do the decorating...unless he has an obvious creative touch.
- Blue and white don't go with a gold-themed wedding.
- Designer heels and standing up all day don't go well together.
- Make sure to tell your mother goodbye before leaving for your honeymoon.

I am proud to announce that I was able to clean up an entire reception in my 3-inch heels...

take that, 13-hour day!

Raindrops Falling on My Head...

I was desperately needed at the lot today...it was sometime around 1pm...

I stepped out of the church and felt a light drizzle.

I went into the building at the lot to try and fix the alarm ( I failed)...

once I stepped out I was soaking wet...

pouring rain, from one moment to another.

By the time I went back to the church the rain had stopped, but the asphalt was steaming...

crazy weather!

I am a murderer

Everytime I hear a new song I like...

I kill it.

I play it over and over again until I can't anymore...

this usually takes a good couple weeks to happen.

I love learning the lyrics by heart, memorizing every part, feeling the beat, loving what it says and why it's said, taking it all in...

and then, I love telling my friends about it and making them listen to it. I often speak the lyrics to them, just to make sure they are also taking it all in...

What do you do when you find a great, new song?

I Can See Clearly Now, the Rain is Gone

I went out to dinner with a new group of people last night.

By new, I mean people I usually don't spent any time with. It's those people I see at church every weekend, but never slow down to actually talk to or spent time with.

Strange thing is, they're all my age (most of them, at least), going through the same things I'm going through, watching the same TV I do, worried about the same things I worry about.

I always thought they were different. Thought they weren't like me...and I found that I was right, but also wrong...

Does that make sense?

All this to say that yesterday...

I had a really good time.

Chocolate Milk for Adults

Last year, while tutoring the Zandate kids, their mom, Laura, brought home frapuccinos for us. I'd never tasted that blend...but it was yummy. It had chocolate in it, chocolate chips too, and cream...super good!

Yesterday morning, I woke up with a strong craving for that drink. And I mean STRONG.

So before heading to work I stopped by Starbucks and described what I remember the frap tasted like to the barista...the girl said, "Oh, you mean the double chocolate chip frap?", my answer, "sure, why not?".

Once I took the first sip, I knew it was IT.

My friends laughed at me and said that the double chocolate chip frap is just a fancy, iced version of chocolate milk...

I don't care...I love it!

What Are the Odds?

I smacked my left elbow on the edge of my desk at the church on Sunday morning...

I smacked it again on the edge of Gaby's desk on Wednesday while looking for cheap flights to Mexico City...

while cleaning up last night I smashed the same elbow on my cupboard door...

boo!

First Night In

Tonight will be the first evening in over two weeks that I will be staying home.

I can't wait to organize papers, watch some good TV and update my planner.

I think some family is coming over too!

So good to finally rest from all the fun I've been having.

Naturally 7

I went to see Michael Buble in concert at the Honda Center on Saturday night.

So good!
Here's what's up though...

his opening act was a group called Naturally 7.

7 guys who do something they call "vocal play". No instruments, no backup music, no pre-recorded tracks...they all "play" (sing) the instruments you hear.


Very, very cool.

Check them out here...

and here.

Connect Four (minus 1)

At my small group last week we had a question and discussion night.
Students were allowed to write any question on a piece of paper that would be read aloud to the group and could be discussed.
Homosexuality was brought up...and was the most heated topic of all.

I've spent the last week praying through this coming weekend...we'll be starting a series on taboo topics and homosexuality is up first. I'm trying to find ways to program it without being offensive or cheesy.

This afternoon a person came into my office, someone I hadn't had an actual conversation with in a long time, and they confessed struggling with homosexual feelings. We spent a good hour talking, sharing, praying.

Strange how God connects it all together.

Here's why I haven't posted much:

FRIDAY
Dinner with Maribel & Gaby
SATURDAY
Jeremy's game, birthday party, birthday bowling

SUNDAY

The Little Mermaid with Damaris

MONDAY

All-you-can-eat Dodger Game

Damaris choking on a peanut

Singing "take me out to the ballgame"

TUESDAY

Disney

It's been fun!