Congratulations are in order...

First to these two. I knew it was going to happen, no woman has made my brother as patient as you have Kristy. WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!! and... These guys. Like we didn't know it was going to happen, but now they're official. Yes, it's been long enough...my two favorite couples have gotten engaged!! (Besides, they don't check this--I'll promote them!!) Oh and yes, they did tag team engagements. Swear man, best friends do NOT have to do everything together! Heh, yeah it all started years ago at my Sadie Hawkins Dance when mom and dad wouldn't let me go unless Noel went...then the love affair of Howard and Noel began. Now they're engaged...to GIRLS!! REAL LIVE GIRLS!! heheh j/k guys. Howard is like a brother to me, Gen has been a part of our family for so long now--and now I get another sister-in-law! I even like this one! (Long story) CONGRATULATIONS!!! Welcome to the family! Oh and btw, I knew at least a week before they did it. I can't believe I kept my mouth shut for so long!!!

Something for the Ladies

Stolen from Bumbles. . . . 1. If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away. If he doesn't want you, nothing can make him stay. 2. Stop making excuses for a man and his behavior. 3. Allow your intuition (or spirit) to save you from heartache. 4. Stop trying to change yourselves for a relationship that's not meant to be. 5. Slower is better. 6. Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy. 7. If a relationship ends because the man was not treating you as you deserve then heck no you can't "be friends." A friend wouldn't mistreat a friend. 8. Don't settle. 9. If you feel like he is stringing you along, then he probably is. 10. Don't stay because you think "it will get better." You'll be mad at yourself a year later for staying when things are not better. 11. The only person you can control in a relationship is you. 12. Avoid men who've got a bunch of children by a bunch of different women. He didn't marry them when he got them pregnant, Why would he treat you any differently? 13. Always have your own set of friends separate from his. 14. Maintain boundaries in how a guy treats you. If something bothers you, speak up. 15. Never let a man know everything. He will use it against you later. 16. You cannot change a man's behaviors. Change comes from within. 17. Don't EVER make him feel he is more important than you are...even if he has more education or in a better job. 18. Do not make him into a quasi-god. He is a man, nothing more nothing less. 19. Never let a man define who you are. 20. Never borrow someone else's man. 21. If he cheated with you, he'll cheat on you. 22. A man will only treat you the way you ALLOW him to treat you. 23. All men are NOT dogs. 24. You should not be the one doing all the bending...compromise is a two way street. 25. You need time to heal between relationships...there is nothing cute about baggage...deal with your issues before pursuing a new relationship. 26. You should never look for someone to COMPLETE you...a relationship consists of two WHOLE individuals...look for someone complimentary...not supplementary. 27. Dating is fun...even if he doesn't turn out to be Mr. Right. 28. Make him miss you sometimes...when a man always know where you are, and your always readily available to him- he takes it for granted. 29. Never move into his mother's house. 30. Never co-sign for a man. 31. Don't fully commit to a man who doesn't give you everything that you need. Keep him in your radar but get to know others. Share this with other ladies..... You'll make someone smile, another rethink her choices, and another woman prepare. ----------------- Yeah, yeah....i'm guilty of more than one of those...workin on it! One question though, what if your intuition confuses the hell outta you?? You become Kerryish, just constant tug-of-war. I mean, at one point you're all gung-ho about going this one way...something set's you off...then something else, and you're trying to listen to yourself deep deep down and it starts to make sense--but all these other things start attacking you in your dreams. Neverending cycles, I hate them...it's like a battle inside.

Thanksgiving Fun!!

Most of my weekend was spent with this little dude (my godson), his momma, big sister, and the rest of the family... *click* *click* for pictures. So yeah, this weekend was fun with lan and family & some of the boys from back in the day. I don't have much time, just wanted to post these pic's up and say I had the bestest time ever guys. Finals in a week...wish me luck!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Turkey Day Everyone! Okay, that's about it...gotta finish getting ready cause Lan's on her way to pick my ass up and i'm already running late. Drive took us as if we were driving to Sac but whatever! We are home. I have celly. Call me if you wanna hang. But tomorrow i'm busy. hehehh. HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!! Oh and if Mr. Ver7igo Sir is reading this. Haffy gobble gobble, and welcome back!! Hopes flights was brr much so safe and all. *hug* Oh reals, I gotta go. Happy Turkey Day everyone!!

Early Thanksgiving

Before I get started...HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOEL!!! Now, on with the show... This weekend started off kind of rocky, yes, I left celly in the apt (found her on my bar table as soon as I walked in). So suffice it to say, if I didn't sync ipod, I would have been assed out...and yeah, everyone was calling Lan to get a hold of me (umm, sorry about Saturday--I heard). wanna see pictures? *click* *click* So yes, Thursday and Friday drinking was done, had, and over again. It was good to chill with the girls, and that's okay with some of the boys (ya'll are excused)--whatever to the other one. Saturday was kinda odd, the power on our block went out (even at Walgreens). So me, having no celly had to go to Albertsons to get change from a rude ass chinese lady who yelled at me for not having smaller bills for quarters for the phone--WHATEVER! I almost had it at that point, made my calls, picked up lola and headed over to my brothers. Of course when I went back home to unplug the fridge the power was back on...then after I vacuumed one part of the house the power goes out again...yeah, was one of those weekends. Actually, that day was very eventful after all that happened...got a lot of studying done, and my bro's girl and I worked on my personal statement (yes, I'm in the process of re-writing the entire thing). My dad was even impressed with my social issue section for NYU and Columbia, so I have hopes (and those sections are staying the same!). If all goes as planned, I will be the second person in my little family to obtain a Masters. Then today, of all days, for everything to go wrong. First, I got pissed off this morning because of "family" issues/arguments. So basically the entire morning was ruined, I looked like my eyes were gonna pop out or something (or extremely tired--but they all knew better). I hate it when we don't talk, but then again I kinda walked off cause I was so mad. grrrrrrr... THEN my plane got delayed like a whole hour. Grrrrrrr, from weather problems up in Vegas i'm told. That was just the cherry on top. Thanks Ben for the ride. =) Yes, rinse repeat later this week--except next time i'm driving. Yeah, i'm just bitching, it was good to see everyone though. Oh, the good thing is I found out where the family trip will be at end of July...we are going on a cruise to the Greek Isles. Yeah baby! We're going to Venice, Rome, and more! That's gonna be the best trip ever!! If all goes as planned, that'll be the last trip for a while...I can't wait!

No celly...

So in the rush rush of getting out of the apt the other day...I porgot celly. I *thought* she was with me, but she's not. It's okay though because--I am home. If you want to get a hold of me, call my parentals, or LaN-, or email, or IM (i'm on now). =) I need to start getting ready and study now. YEAH, I'M HOME!!!

Golden Rule

I'm going back to the Golden Rule, "treat others as you want to be treated." So i'm assuming, if you treat people in a certain way, that must mean that's how you want to be treated. Correct? Funny how people always expect you to be the one to bend, or be the ones to always do whatever they want, or be okay with their rules...

Foreseeing the future (possibly)

Capricorn Quickie: The finish line is right in front of you. One last push and you'll be there. Capricorn Daily extended: It looks like this may be the day when all of your hard work and effort finally pays off. Although others may have teased you for setting such strict rules for your behavior, they may have to eat their words at this point. It's true that sometimes you make impossible demands on yourself, but right now the results are exactly what you expected and hoped for. You may be in an ideal position to help others. Tact is your best ally. -------------- I'll be home soon. I can't wait. Finished up studying for my Policing Society Class (thank goodness), only one class to concentrate on now. For my first semester being back in school, I think I did pretty good. Well, the jury is still out on that one...but it's looking good. So yeah, pretty tired. Off to bed I go. G'NITE!

Crazy schedule...

So these next couple of weeks are gonna be crazy...CRAZY! Tomorrow is my last day at the shelter, then i'm home for two weekends in a row -- so i'm upping my studying. Basically, i'm gonna kill myself before I go home -- so when I am home ima chill with my peoples. Finals are creeping up, so that's why i'm staying on the up-and-up with my studies. Personal statements are coming *close* to final versions. Ordered and requested all the necessary documentations. So basically, I should be ready to submit everything beginning of January. On top of all that I gotta plan my 1st move, so my move after that will be even easier. So I retract my earlier statement, the next couple of months will be crazy! All of that, AND training for the race. (We WILL be one of the first 10,000 to cross the finish line!!) Oh and holiday's are coming up! At least i'll have a week off from work. *shrug* I'm tired just thinking of it...

Blog Explosion!

So because of Miss Yano, I decided to try this... Okay, now what do I do? hehe j/k! If you're visiting from Blog Explosion....WELCOME! I haven't really had a chance to visit any new blogs (but I will), just been doing too much school things and all that. So yeah, welcome & enjoy your stay! Actually, I REALLY should be sleeping...I just wanted to post this before I went to dream land. G'NITE!

Susan G. Komen, Race for the Cure

I just got my sign up sheet for the Susan G. Komen, Race for the Cure. It looks like I mail in the donations, soooooooooo would anyone like to donate for the cause? There isn't any specific amount that I have to collect, but i'd like to collect as much as possible. Yes, there are incentives to collect money--but i'd like to get as much as I can for the main reason that i'm running, to help find a cure. There are also prizes for the runners! The first 10,000 people to cross the finish line receives a commemorative Komen LA County Race for the Cure pin. Also, the top three male and female finishers will each receive a trophy. Good thing i'm going home, I can force Lan to go running with me, intense training in February. WE CAN DO IT!! So yeah, if anyone would like to donate, please let me know on here, or IM, or via email. It looks like I have to just fill out the form and mail it all in, but i'll call tomorrow to make sure. But most likely I just gotta mail everything in all together before February 19th, 2005, but i'll find out. So yeah, donate for the cause! You know you wanna! Oh and those that want more incentive than feeling really good? I'll give you a gmail email (I have 4 invites left). =) I don't have much to offer (or give away), but won't it be nice to have that nice feeling deep inside? I know I do, and man it'll be tenfold when I cross that finish line!

Jerry McGuire Moments

me: he had me at hello. a: AHAHAHAH a: oh my me: i'm retarded! I know, you don't have to say it--I already know...

The art of listening

I have come to the realization that no one ever *really* listens anymore. What people do is listen for key words--then mumble out a response, they're not *really* listening to what you're saying. They either make quick judgments, or they tell you what their feelings of what they "think" is really going on. They don't necessarily hear the words coming out of your mouth, or they don't ask why. That is the most important three-letter word EVER, why. No matter what I say no one ever *hears* me. They like to say oh you're saying this because of this or that, and you're not like that. Either that or they make a snap judgment and that is the be all end all of it. Do not question my authority! Makes me want to do a *High Hitler Fist* into chest slam. It disgusts me. Maybe it's because when i'm talking to someone I overanalyze things and like to find out why someone would ask that, or say that. It's just in my nature. I realize that people don't have time to do that anymore, you know, to actually listen. It's a lost art, I think. I was also once told that I turn words around in my head and hear what I want to hear, or I don't take words for face value. Which I think was odd, since the person I was talking to wasn't listening to my responses--only jumping to their own conclusions. *HIGH HITLER!* Maybe I over explained myself *shrug*, which I tend to do. --------------------- On making a big gesture. Ben: If you are scared then why do it? Anna: It's the things that scare you that are the most worthwhile. -Chasing Liberty --------------------- -------------------- So yeah, that was my day. Oh and yeah, once again ... all is right in my universe. =)

Let me feel, I don�t care if I break down.

Let me fall, even if I hit the ground. And if I cry a little, die a little; at least I know I lived. Just a little... I�ve become much too good, at being invincible. I�m an expert at play at safe and keep it cool. But I swear, this isn�t who I�m meant to be. I refuse to let my life roll over me. Let me feel, I don�t care if I break down. Let me fall, even if I hit the ground. And if I cry a little, die a little; at least I know I lived. I wanna be someone. I wanna be somebody who can face the things that I�ve been running from. Let me feel, I don�t care if I break down. Let me fall, even if I hit the ground. And if I cry a little, die a little; at least I know I lived. Its October again, leaves are coming down. One more years come and gone and nothings changed at all. -Parts of Haley's song from One Tree Hill ----------------- "Many people die with their music still in them. Why is this so? Too often it is because they are always getting ready to live. Before they know it, time runs out." -Oliver Wendell Holmes ----------------- Just kinda says what i've been feeling lately....

Time flies when you're having fun...

So it's been about six years that i've been away from home. Been through relationships, and about four different jobs in a field that I have learned to hate (although I seem to be pretty good at it). So much has happened, friendships have been strengthened, bonds created, or lost. It's amazing how time passes so quickly that we don't notice it till we stop and take a look around. So, after a lot of consideration (and the fact that my rent was raised AGAIN), I have decided that it's time to go home. I'm supposed to be saving money for when I go to Grad School, i'm not supposed to be spending it. So, at the end of January I will be back with my family and loved ones once again. It took me a while to get to this point, and LA was fun but i'd rather spend some time with my people before I start (hopefully) the next phase of my life. Why wait to go? School ends the first week of December, and I don't think I can organize a move with the holidays coming so soon. So most likely all my birthday money will be spent for all my moving costs. I'm really excited about this. Yeah, I won't have the security of a job (that I hate) but, i'll be able to chill and work temp jobs (i've always liked those). The most important thing about this? I'll be home. I can't wait. So yes, some people have been promised some of my things. Other things will be donated. I HATE moving, but at least i'll get rid of everything before I make the jump to the other coast. All my LA peeps, let's hang. Three more months, but i'll be back for the Susan G. Komen, Race for the Cure at the end of February. You haven't gotten rid of me yet.

Welcome to rush hour traffic....

LA STYLE!! Don't worry, I was dead stopped and I was trying out my "night shot" mode. Eh, I think I need to wash my car (at least do the windows next time i'm at the gas station). Yes, this is what I do to amuse myself in traffic. Hey, at least i'm not smoking right? As you can see it's not as pretty as it is in Collateral (even without the dirty windows). I thought this was cool too. Yes, i'm a nerd. Just go ahead and say it, I KNOW all of you are thinking it...

FOUR MORE YEARS!!

Heh. Yeah, I HAD to say that. He is NOT the Devil Incarnate, so all you Kerry lovers can go hug a tree. heh, yes...I HAD to say that too. Yes, we are the majority now, in the Executive, Legislative, and soon to be added....the JUDICIAL. Yes, this was a very important election, and if you didn't vote...sorry, not listening. You HAD your chance to speak your mind, too bad you blew it. So yeah, we all have our reasons for voting how we did. Elections are done and over with, now we all must move on. I have hope for the future, it's really sad to hear/read that some people can't get over it. You can't let this get you down, if you have a problem with it...DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Get involved, make a difference! I'm working on the making a difference part, I think obtaining my MSW will bring out the advocate in me, then I can REALLY start using that Poly Sci degree that I obtained six years ago. So yeah, hate the results? GET OVER IT! Now it's time to do something about it, stop bitching and complaining about everything--that does nothing but annoy. Talk to your Congressman/woman/person, letters do help, petitions even more...and please NEVER EVER tell me you don't have time to vote, that makes me wanna slap somebody (and I almost did). Get off your ass and do something about it! One person can change the world! heh, okay i'm done now. FOUR MORE YEARS!!!

GO VOTE!!!

Go out there and vote!! I did! *raises fist*

You Are a Liberal Republican

When you tell people that you're Republican, they rarely believe you. That's because you're socially liberal - likely pro-choice and pro-gay rights. You're also not so afraid of big goverment, as long as it benefits people and not politicians. You are the most likely of any Republican type to swing over to the Democrat side sometimes.

What political persuasion are you?

Middle of the road...

So okay, I got my midterm score. Low to Mid B. I'm so not happy. I know, I know...silver lining. Good score for the first midterm that i've had in five years, but still...not good enough. I got distracted, and you know...so NOT worth it. So, from now till my final i'm going to immerse myself in my studies, volunteering, training, and other things that I have to get done (i.e. application crap). I can't afford to be "de-railed" from my goal, I need to do the best that I possibly can (and I will NOT settle for anything less). ----- BREAK!!! (i.e. conversations w/ my peoples) ----- *Breathe* Okay, that is all. No more madness, no more sadness. Gotta do this, or I won't go to where I want to be (not that a B is bad, A is even better). Oh and yeah, go out and vote tomorrow!! I already did!