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It’s a Wrap! #10 [06.20.2009]

2009-06-20T06:34:28Z

It’s Saturday, the week’s a wrap, and here are the things that made me smile this week:

Although I was home in bed on Sunday not feeling too well, I have to be positive and just be glad I was able to catch up on some much needed sleep! I also had the opportunity to study for my midterms.

Monday was a great day because I got to see Favorite Dog after 3 days of not seeing her! Lucky for me, she was just as excited to see me — all crying and whining. Love it.

Tuesday was another cleaning day. It’s so much more relaxing to clean when you’re noticing such great progress. I used to have a mountain of junk I needed to take care of — now I’ve got a speedbump. ;)

I know I normally forget what was great about Wednesdays, but this time I didn’t. First day back in the actual office setting. Felt so good.

Thursday was a little rough because I struggled on my exam. I won’t know how I did until Tuesday, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I didn’t feel to good about it, but it is what it is. On the way back from school, I got to take Favorite Dog to the dogpark. I swear, she can’t get enough of that place and, with me back in school, she barely gets to go. Poor baby. Also got to score a lunch date with Favorite Guy. Not too shabby.

Slept in real good on Friday. AWESOME. And went to work. Feels so good to say that! My brother dropped off Summer Bummer because she and I will be spending the whole weekend together. Watch out world!

Saturday has finally arrived and I’m getting dolled up for some quality time with my favorite 6-year-old — favorite for now, anyway… Kayla turns 6 in a few weeks! Then I’ll have two favorites. Anyhow, Summer and I are heading out for some pottery fun at Color Me Mine to make surprises for the fathers!

What are you all up to?!

*This post is a variation of Friday Favorites by Janna. To read my previous posts, click here.

Flashback: 1998

2009-06-20T05:41:11Z

I’ve done quite a bit of cleaning in the last few weeks. (Yes, Lucy, you would be very impressed!) One of the many things I conquered were old papers and files and, in doing so, I found a lot of old schoolwork. You know, old homework assignments, notes, tests, papers, etc.

I found a paper that I’d written that made me cry — and no, not because I’m some amazing writer. I’m certainly not. I cried because of the memory of someone very special to me.

It was January of 1998, only the second day of a brand new year, and I had no idea that this day would change the rest of my life. When night began to fall, the telephone rang beside my bed and I reached over to answer it, not knowing the terrible news awaiting me. My boyfriend Jelani was in the hospital after being shot in the back of the head.

I was only 17-years-old — a senior in high school excited to be graduating in June of that year. Jelani was only 20-years-old with hundreds of aspirations and goals yet accomplished. When he was pronounced dead later that night, I realized the value of two very important things: life and time.

It was at this point when I realized how so many things in my life were unknowingly being taken for granted. In school, I was beginning to fall behind as my graduation date was nearing. My friends and family were suffering from neglect as I spent more and more time with Jelani. My future was stepping away from my desired path as college application deadline dates passed me by. Jelani’s death was not only painful because I had lost someone I really cared about, but it made me realize how short life may be and how little time we may have left.

Although grieving, Jelani’s death was very motivating. I knew I could no longer waste my time letting life pass me by. I had goals, I knew where I wanted to go, I knew what I wanted to be. But I had to start immediately and I had to start quickly. I realized that my future wasn’t going to start “later”, but it would start within days, hours, minutes, and even seconds. It became clear to me that everything I choose to put off until tomorrow will already be a day late. Sometimes I wish I knew how much time I really have left, but it’s impossible. I can only make the efforts and take the initiative to use whatever time I have left wisely and efficiently.

With Jelani’s passing, I was forced to grow up a little more. I had to focus on the goals I had set for myself. I had to live the life ahead of me — long or short — to the fullest and without regrets. I was living life so carelessly, demeaning its value and its potential.

Losing Jelani proved that death can come at any time. How and when I die, I can’t control. But what I’m doing with my life before I die will live on when I am gone. I don’t want to be remembered as having lived a stagnant and immobile life with no direction. I want to always be moving, heading in some direction, focusing on a goal that I have set for myself. Knowing that my life was headed somewhere good would establish a satisfaction in my heart that even death couldn’t take away.

You’re SIX!!

2009-06-16T00:21:45Z

I remember how stoked I was to have another baby coming into the family. With Alyssa already 3-years-old, walking, and talking, I was missing the tiny hands, tiny feet, and that baby smell that Auntie Gemma just adores. With five nephews (and two tomboys) under my belt by that time, I had no idea that a princess was about to be born… nor did I know that I would fall deeply in love with you!

You were born on the first day of Summer in 2003, hence your name. From the moment you came into this world, you were absolutely gorgeous. You were this half-Filipino, half-English, fully lovable bombshell and you knew it. People drooled (sometimes even slobbered) over you. Everyone wanted to hold you, kiss you, and make you smile! Oh, that irresistible smile!

Of all the kids, you were the one who fell in love with me just as quickly as I fell in love with you. As a baby, I don’t even recall you ever really crying when I’d kidnap you from your parents for a little while. In fact, I remember a few times when you cried when you had to leave me! For someone who calls herself the world’s greatest auntie, you sure do know how to boost my ego. And at six years old, you still love your little old Auntie Gemma. Funny how things change as you get older — now you’re the one always making ME smile!

I’ll never forget (nor understand) why the easiest way to put you to bed was to turn on the vacuum. I will never stop telling people how you have the best “bed head” I’ve ever seen in my life. I love that you’re such a little fashionista and immediately want to wear everything I buy you. Even more, I love that you compliment my boots, outfit, purse, or earrings every single time you see me. You have this way of making me feel beautiful even on days that I feel beyond fat and ugly.

I love that you call soy sauce “silly sauce” and that the Filipino in you has no problem just having it with rice on a regular basis. I love that you cry every single time that you and Kayla have to say goodbye — it reminds me of a relationship I once had with one of my cousins. I love that you love Snickerdoodles like me and I especially love that you like to eat the outer part of the cookie and give me the inner part. (One day you’ll realize that the center part is the softest and most delicious, but until then, I will gladly continue to eat the centers of your Snickerdoodles!) I love that you’re not shy — you’re the easiest to bring around my friends! Although, there was that one time at Six Flags Marine World where you randomly went up to this couple and asked them for some popcorn. Haha! Thankfully Auntie Gemma always watches you closely. :)

I love that you’re courageous and social, like me. You make friends quickly and you’re not scared to go down waterslides by yourself. You’ve got just enough tomboy in you for a six-year-old — enough to try and wrestle with your brother Anthony.

But ultimately, you’re my girly girl. You like to do your nails, fix your hair, and make sure all your clothes match. You love Barbies and playing dress-up. You even planned a wedding and made sure I got an invitation.

I love you, babygirl. Happy, happy birthday!

It’s a Wrap! #9 [06.13.2009]

2009-06-16T01:27:00Z

It’s Saturday, the week’s a wrap, and here are the things that made me smile this week:

Sunday was my Summer Bummer’s 6th birthday! She will get a special post very soon as I skipped out on hers last year. Naughty Auntie Gemma! When my brother and sister-in-law asked her if she’d rather have a birthday party or a family barbecue, she voted for the family. That’s my girl!! I was stoked to spend my day with the gang and their zoo of animals.

Had a GREAT interview on Monday and caught “The Hangover” later that night. Pretty funny movie!

On Tuesday, I brought Favorite Dog to the dog park, but this time with my nieces Alyssa and Kayla. Kayla seems to think she wants a dog, but she’s terrified of them. She had a hard time adjusting at the dog park, so she’ll clearly need a few more months before she’s ready to be a dog owner!

I don’t know what it is about Wednesdays, but I rarely can remember what I do on those days. Haha!

Thursday was Auntie Gemma Day AND Timmy’s 8th grade graduation! Lots to celebrate and, as always, a great time with the family. I also found out that I got the job I interviewed for on Monday. More info to come on all this “work” I’ve been briefly talking about!

Friday was, as usual, a pretty lazy day and spent the evening studying hard for an exam I have on Monday. Kinda nervous!

And now it’s Saturday! I’ve been studying most of the day, but now it’s about that time to get dolled up and head out with my boys for some partying! WORK HARD, PLAY HARDER!!!

Now that I’ve got a steady job, I’ll be able to blog a bit more since I won’t be job-hunting as much! Don’t give up on me just yet, folks! :)

*This post is a variation of Friday Favorites by Janna. To read my previous posts, click here.

It’s a Wrap! #8 [05.30.2009]

2009-06-16T01:27:16Z

It’s Saturday, the week’s a wrap, and here are the things that made me smile this week:

Sunday was my dad’s 59th birthday, so they came with me to church and then we went to brunch at Marie Callender’s. Nothing fancy, but lots of fun!

Monday was Memorial Day and my parents, my brother, his kids, and I went cherry picking in Brentwood. We used to do that all the time when I was a kid, but it’s been at least 15 years since the last time! Lots of fun and lots of cherries. YUM!

Woke up and took Favorite Dog with me for a run at Lake Merced. Spent most of the rest of the day working, but I must remind myself that it wasn’t too long ago that I didn’t have a job. Now, I have one that I can do in my pajamas. ;)

On Wednesday, I also spent most of the day working, but I did get to pick up my nieces and have them with me for a few hours. They crack me up!

Thursday was a big day for me and for Favorite Dog. I promoted her to the “big dog” section at the dog park and, despite her fraidy-cat tendencies, she did start to venture out from underneath me on the bench and play with the big dogs. That evening was the real celebration for my dad’s birthday. We took him to see Teatro ZinZanni in San Francisco. It’s a dinner show full of magic and other circus-like performances. A great show with pretty good food! We had a blast!

I spent most of Friday catching up on work that I didn’t do the previous day, but I also got 4 of 5 of my grades! Three A’s and a B. Naturally, I’m so disappointed about that B, but I did know it was coming. Sigh.

And finally Saturday is here! I’m heading up to Tracy to BBQ with my brothers and the kiddos. Depending on how the day goes, I’m hoping to make my way back to this side of the bay for a bowling party to celebrate Lyla’s “dirty thirty”! It’s going to be a long day, but I’m up for it because school starts again on Monday. Yes, folks — summer school. :(

Hope everyone else’s weeks were great! Still catching up on reading for the last few weeks. It doesn’t help, of course, that every day that I don’t catch up, the posts just keep piling up… but I’m trying!

*This post is a variation of Friday Favorites by Janna. To read my previous posts, click here.

It’s a Wrap! #7 [05.23.2009]

2009-06-16T01:27:42Z

I’m not even going to start with an excuse as to why I haven’t done one of these in three weeks. I’m ashamed!

It’s Saturday, the week’s a wrap, and here are the things that made me smile this week:

Sunday was fabulous because I made it to MY church for the first time in a few weeks. School has been keeping me busy, so it was nice to break away and see everyone. Not to mention, I love The Word. Woot! Also got to make some teriyaki chicken for Favorite Guy.

Monday was great because I had a final at 7:15AM which, as bad as it sounds, was nice because I was home by 9:30AM and had such a productive cleaning day. You guys wouldn’t even believe it… I’m talking a full 8 hours! What a job that was, but at the end of the day, I felt so accomplished.

Oh Tuesday! Another cleaning day, but this time at Favorite Guy’s. I tackled that bathroom of his because it was a bit gross. Typical guy. Yep, two cleaning days in a row. Lucy, you would have been so proud of me! :)

Wednesday was a good day — started off with a trip to the dog park with Favorite Dog. My parents had gone to Sizzler on Tuesday night and when I stopped by the house, they surprised me with an order of grilled shrimp and steak in the fridge. Had it for lunch and was so stuffed that I didn’t eat for the rest of the day. (And I actually didn’t eat the steak… Sizzler makes it dry!)

Took my last final for the semester on Thursday and was excited to be done! Well, for a week, anyway. Got a pedicure. (Had a gift certificate for those of you wondering how a starving college student can indulge in pedicures!) My good friend Jen was also visiting from Hawaii, so we got the girls together for a little dinner, some drinks, and a whole lot of laughs!! Not a bad way to end a semester, eh?

Friday finally came and I spent most of it in bed with my feet up. All the while, MAKING MONEY! Yes, folks. I have a job. A job that pays me while I’m in bed with my feet up. I should add “with my clothes on” for those of you with creative minds. Details will follow in case you’re curious! Also got to spend some QT with Favorite Guy and his brother from another mother, Pete. We rang in Pete’s 37th birthday with bells and whistles.

Now it’s Saturday and I am out and about all day! But where’d the sun go?! Hmm…

Hope everyone else’s weeks were great! Can’t wait to read about them when I have a moment to catch up!

*This post is a variation of Friday Favorites by Janna. To read my previous posts, click here.

It Ain’t Easy Being Awesome.

2009-05-06T04:44:04Z

You all know what that means, right? Hell yeah, another award!

Lucy was so sweet to honor me with such a fabulous award — the Awe-Summm Blog Award.

The “rules” for this award are as follows:
List 7 things that make you Awe-Summm and then pass the award on to 7 bloggers you love.
Make sure to tag your recipients and let them know they have won!
Also link back to the Queen that tagged you.

Well the best way to earn an award is to put in a little work… and when that work requires me to tell you all why I’m awesome, I am more than willing to do it.

Haha, I’m really not that vain. Promise! ;)

So here goes — you ready? Take notes!

ONE – I pride myself at being a great sister, aunt, and friend.
TWO – I am the complete opposite of selfish. I give even what I don’t have… and can’t afford.
THREE – I’m actually pretty damn smart.
FOUR – I can change a flat tire without a man, in a skirt, in the rain.
FIVE – I like to shoot guns.
SIX – I will learn to cook your favorite dish just to make you happy.
SEVEN – I have no problem causing a scene if one is necessary.

So whose blogs do I think are Aww-Summm?! I’m awarding: Tina A, Marjie, BIBI, Bingkee, Ria C, Janna, and (of course) Lucy

Pardon the repeats, but when you’re awesome, you’re awesome! :)

Thanks again to Lucy at Lucy’s Life in Suburb World for this award!

No related posts.

MEME: The Anonymous Countdown.

2009-05-04T05:24:28Z

I recently became a member of 20 Something Bloggers — I know, a little late, but I’ll try and make the most out of this last year. While I haven’t gotten too active on the site yet, I have found quite a few great blogs and bloggers. One of the blogs I’ve stumbled on is J and K, a Journey . K wrote this post and I thought it’d be fun to do the same and maybe have some of you join in on the fun!

- – - – - – 10 Things I Want To Say to Ten Different People

1. I love you, I do.

2. Don’t question what you feel because you aren’t assuming anything. Listen to the people who love you and actually care about you.

3. You have five kids and are as old as dirt. Grow the hell up. No one wants to see your plastic a_s up in the club anymore.

4. I miss watching football with you on the phone for hours. I miss one of my bestest friends in the world!

5. Your boyfriend is a douche bag.

6. You’ve been there for me through thick and thin. When I need you, you’re there in a heartbeat. You’ve always been real with me and we have so much in common — both good and bad. I love you like a sister.

7. You’re still single because you refuse to accept that there is so much about you that needs to change.

8. I have no desire to spend any time with shallow people. Sorry, but you’re far from real.

9. Stop indirectly directing your passive-aggressive Facebook status messages at me. It only fuels my fire! Muahaha.

10. I hope you’re happy with what you ended up with. I really do.

- – - – - – 9 Things About Myself

1. The idea that I no longer feel comfortable in my own bed freaks me out.

2. I usually only eat once a day… and it’s a binge.

3. Prior to this year, I was eating fast food maybe once every three or four months. Guess this is proof that I’m a starving college student who is always on the go. That’s my excuse, anyway.

4. I drool in my sleep.

5. I’m a workaholic.

6. I stare at gorgeous women probably more than I stare at gorgeous men… but I’m straight, I promise.

7. I like my feet.

8. I carry a Bible in my purse.

9. I’ve already started writing my book. :)

- – - – - – 8 Ways To Win My Heart

1. Be patient with me. I need lots of work.

2. Pay attention and then surprise me with something really simple and cheesy. For example, notice that I pick out the cashews in your mixed nuts and then buy me cashews.

3. Use an educated vocabulary. And use it properly. Such a turn-on!

4. Don’t be afraid to tell me when my friends/family members are using or abusing me. But support me if I choose to stand by them and then be there to pick me up when they kick me down.

5. Accept my taste in movies even though Big Trouble in Little China and 3 Ninjas are both on my list of favorites.

6. Cook for me. Or tell me that the things I’m craving are sooooooooo bad for me… then buy them anyway.

7. Read books.

8. Go to church.

- – - – - – 7 Things That Cross Your Mind Often

1. My nieces and nephews.

2. Chicago.

3. Favorite Dog and Favorite Guy. Usually in that order. :)

4. My bills.

5. Making a band. (Not to be confused with “Making The Band”.)

6. Joining the Peace Corps.

7. What happens after graduation…

- – - – - – 6 Things You Would Do If You Won The Lottery

1. Give back to God.

2. Pay off debts.

3. Save enough to get me through the next year of school without working.

4. Invest.

5. Buy a car.

6. Buy a house.

- – - – - – 5 People Who Mean A lot To You

1. My parents.

2. My brothers.

3. My nieces and nephews.

4. My favorite girl, Maria.

5. Favorite Guy & Favorite Dog combo.

- – - – - – 4 Things You Love

1. God.

2. Music.

3. Food.

4. The Internet.

- – - – - – 3 Things You Hate

1. Snakes.

2. Drama.

3. LIARS.

- – - – - – 2 Things You Want To Do Before You Die

1. Have children.

2. Be free of debt.

- – - – - – 1 Confession

1. I really need a co-signer for a student loan. Sigh.

If you feel so inclined to do this meme, go ahead and let me know so that I can check it out!

Not A Laughing Matter.

2009-05-04T14:52:21Z

…but how could I resist?

I saw this post by Elizabeth and had to share with everyone.

Pardon the vulgar language. Not my choice of phrasing, but I can’t say it’d have the same effect if it were censored.

No related posts.

MEME: Crazy Eights.

2009-05-04T05:23:31Z

I guess the best way for the blogworld to make sure I don’t disappear (again) is to tag me with a bunch of stuff to do — and it works!

Janna tagged me with this meme and, in doing this, I’m also sending her “Get Well” wishes and am hoping her wrists feel better very soon. :)

8 Things I’m Looking Forward To:
Eating fresh-made ramen tonight with Holden and Andy. Long overdue!
Spending Mother’s Day with the family. Potluck, baby!
Having a few weeks to myself after the semester ends and just before summer school starts!
Reggae Rising Music Festival in July.
Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival in August!
GRADUATING.
Working again.
My next vacation… which is TBD.

8 Things I Did Yesterday:
(WARNING: This one will be boring!)
Did QBA homework.
Worked on HR Management group project.
Did reading for Business Ethics.
Caught up on emails.
Blogged.
Had a bowl of creamy tomato soup with a fresh baguette. YUM.
Suffered a tummy ache on account of the creamy tomato soup with a fresh baguette. :(
Filled my gas tank. Sigh.

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:
Commit.
Win the lottery even though I don’t play.
Pay off debt (again) and then stay out of it this time!
Blog regularly.
Say “it”.
Apologize more often. (When I should, that is.)
Cook more than six Filipino dishes.
Convince my friends/family in Chicago that I’m worth visiting at least once in their lives. ;)

8 Shows I Watch:
(NOTE: I don’t watch any of these regularly, but I will watch them if they’re on.)
Roseanne (only because it’s the only thing on when I wake up at 5am during the week)
Cheaters (because it always makes me laugh)
Top Chef
Bad Girls Club (has become tradition with Favorite Guy)
Pretty Wicked (only because the Bad Girls Club season is over and this is what replaced it)
Iron Chef America
FOOTBALL (obviously it’s the off-season, but after the summer, I’m all about it)
Keeping Up With the Kardashians (because I’d be lying if I left it off the list)

8 Tags:
Bingkee
Michelle
Marjie
Ria C
BIBI
Nenni
Elizabeth
Justine

Enjoy!