NY, NY.

It's up and running...

Okay, I am getting closer to getting everything the way I want it, so please update your links to eileenjoy.com/index.html. After hours of losing sleep, and yelling at my lappy (sorry babygirl) I finally emailed Dreamhost. They're really quick with the getting back to you. So until I figure out how to make a "friendlier" 404 page (any suggestions are welcomed), eileenjoy.com is forbidden! heheh I like that. So enjoy! I like my new setup, i'll probably be on the hunt for more templates soon--but for now...ipod/apple it is! Enjoy! Hope you all are well.

Good night my little blog...

I sucked it up and am paying for a site. It's in it's infantile stages right now (does that sound right?) so please bear with me. Thanks for the tip Mike, and thanks for the site suggestions Dale. They were much appreciated. So on that note, please update your links to eileenjoy.com/blog.html. Enjoy! **I was just kidding. I have to re-do everything...

31 minutes and some seconds...

That's how long it took me to finish my very first 5k. *fist in air* I know, to some that sounds slow, but hey, it's my first race...I think I did good. The first mile I did in 9 minutes and some seconds, the second mile I did a little over 10, but that third mile...it killed me. Not only that, the .125 killed even more, it was like the death of me. I thought I was done, but no--they didn't have water at that point, just people cheering. Although, I'm sure we all appreciated the cheering, some water thrown on us would have been nice. I say 31 minutes and some seconds because Victor (Shan's man--did I forget to mention they ran with me?) told us that we have to take note of the time we cross, because it took us a little under a minute to get to the dude that took the bottom of our bibs to note our times. We also have to take off from when we first started and had to dodge through all the people in front of us, and those nice walkers that were in the runners line. So yes, I wasn't flying solo after all. Shan felt bad for me and volunteered her man to run with me (he does 5ks & 10ks all the time), and we thought it would be even more fun if Shan would run also. Yes, she bitched and moaned, but in the end she got her ass up before the crack of dawn with the rest of us. Oh and yes, my dumb ass forgot to bring my camera to the event--but good thing Victor is a tecky geek too, so he took pictures of us. Actually that worked out, he finished the race, ran to the car, and no less than two minutes he had to take my picture. I didn't even notice till he yelled my name. Apparently I was all into it, I think at that time I gave up on my ipod (she kept skipping)...pumping arms and breathing all hard...yeah that's right--I worked it. I kept thinking to myself, dammit when will this end?? Of course the entire time I was running I kept thinking of my Auntie Lina. This was for you Auntie, I did it. I was one of the first 4,000 runners (well, Victor, Shannon and myself). We all got our little pins and had to replenish....I think I got a bit dehydrated. Probably cause I didn't drink too too much on the drive down--I hate stopping for anything (pee breaks included). So next race, i'm flying. Therefore no reason to smoke before, and no reason to deny drinking too much water. It took me a while to recuperate, it was fun walking around and checking out all the booths...by the time we got to Roscoe's I was fine--I inhaled my food. Yes, you read that right *ahem*...I ate all my food and then some. So yes, if you people want me to finish my food--let me run a race, then I'll show you. So for now i'm on training hiatus. Well, not really...I went to the gym today--bi's, tri's, chest, back, abs and delts....tomorrow more arms--maybe a little cardio and most definitely abs (they are getting harder, let me tell you *snap*). After the hiatus i'm gonna put myself on a strict training regimen and yes, diet (good bye crispy creams), and no smokes (i'll try hard not to do it while drinking--but it will be hard). I have been invited to run another 5k/10k with Shan and Victor in May. I must beat 31 minutes. My Dad scoffed when he heard my time. Am I in the Navy? Have I ever been in boot camp? Daymn him! Thank you everyone who called, text'd, commented or IM'd me good/congratulatory wishes. I appreciate it. Thank you all for your support. Thank you for wearing the bracelet(s) I sent, and if anyone wants one I have 10 to give away (pink--breast cancer). E-mail, text, call, comment, or IM me and i'll send it your way. Thanks again, and as always, pictures to come soon (as soon as I get them from Victor).

48 hours...

Till my first ever 5k, the Susan G. Koman, Race for the Cure...and i'm flying solo. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond her control, Lan cannot run with me (I even offered to walk if we left Saturday at midnight). It's fine. I'm ready. I did a good run on the treadmill Wednesday night, and I ran in the rain on Monday. This entire month was training, all outside with the exception of Wednesday's run (30 day free membership at Golds [whooo haaaa--but Hayward sure ain't like Santa Clara back in the day]). I just hope they let me run with my ipod, i'm sure it'll be fine...if not--i'll sneak her in. =) Besides, i'm not doing this for me. Auntie Lina, this is for you! Also, this is for all the women who have passed away from this deadly disease, or who are currently fighting it. Thank you all for the donations, it's going to a wonderful cause. Wish me luck, the drive will be hell--i'm gonna try not to chain smoke (I know daymn well I won't make it down without smoking). For those of you who I sent bracelets to, please wear them on Sunday. Also, if you would like one, I have 10. I can do it! This is for you Auntie! *fist in air*

Is it that hard....

to spell my name? So i've been working this temp job for 3 days now. Everyone EXCEPT my boss can spell my name correctly. Must they all spell it phonetically? How many Eileen's spell their name Ilene? Seriously? Is it that hard? I've NEVER had people have such a hard time with my name before. It was either, do you spell it with an A or an E? Swear man, it makes me go crazy. I mean, I know i'm just a temp, but sh*t man...it's my name! I should just go by Joy, much easier...it is after all my second first name.

Getting to know you...

Stolen from Yano... ---------------------------------- Welcome to the February 2005 edition of getting to know your friends. What you are supposed to do is copy (not forward) this entire e-mail and paste it onto a new e-mail that you'll send. Change all the answers so they apply to you, and then send this to a whole bunch of people including the person who sent it to you. The theory is that you will learn a lot of little things about your friends, if you did not know them already. 1. What time did you get up this morning? 8:50 - 9:00 a.m. 2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds baby, just like my platinum studs up on my ears. *bling* (thank you lola) 3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? House of Flying Daggers (I think?) 4. What is your favorite TV show? Friends Re-runs, American Idol... 5. What did you have for breakfast? Mini Wheats w/ banana's. 6. What is your middle name? Est**** 7. What is your favorite cuisine? My absolutely fav? Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, anything Asian. 8. What foods do you dislike? Anything spicy, just can't eat it. 9. What is your favorite chip flavor? Sour cream & Cheddar (or is it the other way around?) 10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? I don't listen to *CD's*, I listen to playlists on my Ipod. Currently i'm listening to my 'alternative' playlist--I just added some Gwen, and BEP to my hip hop list (acid jazz my ass--sorry, inside joke). 11. What type of car do you drive? Honda Civic Coupe, DX, stick baby... 12. Favorite sandwich? Roast Beef on honey oat w/ bell peppers. Light mayo and sauces, pickles. Absolutely NO onions. 13. What characteristic do you despise? Ignorance. 14. Favorite item of clothing? My addidas running gear, or GAP jeans. 15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? I'm going where i've always wanted to go to, London, the Greek Isles, Mediterranean Isles, and Rome. Hurray for family trips!! 16. What color is your bathroom? White. 17. Favorite brand of clothing? Addidas, and GAP. 18. Where would you retire to? That's a good question. I want to say Europe, but most likely not. Somewhere on the Continental United States. 19. Favorite time of the day? Afternoon - Night, to later that night. 20. What was your most memorable birthday? This past birthday. First, I was able to spend New Years w/ my Family--so we celebrated my birthday also. Then one of my very bestest friends went through hell to spend my birthday weekend with me. We didn't do much, but we had so much fun. 21. Where were you born? Long Beach, California. 22. Favorite sport to watch on TV? Basketball baby!! 23. Who do you least expect to send this back to you? No one, i'm not sending it to anyone. =P 24. Who do you think will send this back first? Same as above. 25. What fabric detergent do you use? Tide, Cheer, and Woolite (for my delicates). I also prefer the liquids. 26. Coke or Pepsi? Neither, unless mixed with alcohol. 27. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Night Owl. 28. What is your shoe size? 5 1/2 - 6. 29. Do you have any pets? We have a dog, but she's my daddy's. I used to have a rabbit, but she passed away, she was my first pet ever. I miss her. *tears* We also used to have another dog (who I loved), but she passed away a few years ago. *tears* 30. Any good news you would like to share with family or friends? Not yet, but I hope to soon. 31. What did you want to be when you were little? A doctor, a navy seal, Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader (yes, like you Miss Yano), and a vet. 32. What are you meant to be doing now? Resting, I ran & worked-out earlier. 33. Which of the following could you live without if you had to choose- Sweet, sour, salty, spicy? Spicy, I cannot eat it at all.

Passing thoughts...

Yesterday, one of my favorite cousins called me to give me some sad news. One of my uncles passed. I was not close to him and their part of our family, but my parents (of course) are. The sad thing is (at least I think so) was that I wasn't really close to his daughter/my cousin, but we're around the same age... One of my first thoughts of her was, she's a deathrocker? She had all this white make-up on, red lipstick, long red nails and the blackest hair. I thought that was so weird. Then again, I wasn't living in Cali at the time...I was this little Island girl. I was so innocent then, can't say that now. When we moved back, most of my cousins live in so-cal, and we were in nor-cal. When I moved to so-cal, some of them moved up to nor-cal. I never really had a chance to get to know her side of the family. My other cousins, total other story--can't get rid of them! My brother got to know her, actually, the rest of my family got to know her. (My timing is always off.) I told my cousin to pass on our condolences. What else can I say? I never really had the opportunity to get to know my uncle, or my cousin. I saw her at family parties (sans deathrocker look), barely spoke to her. I guess its always like that. You have people that you're closer to, and you just stick to them. Of course, I found out some other stuff about my cousin (the one that called) that I never knew...so yesterdays conversation was eye opening. I'm glad we have that kind of relationship. It's just too bad that I never go the chance to get to know my uncle that passed, or their part of the family...

Something for me to do...& birthday wishes!!

I got the two week temp gig! Yes!! I will not be bored for a few weeks! It'll also nice to have some extra money to put in my bank accounts. =) Now only if it would clear up so I can go out and run. Rain rain go away, come again another day! Also.... Happy Birthday Grandma!! Have a most beautiful day!!

If you have the opportunity to play this game of life...

you need to appreciate every moment. A lot of people don't appreciate their moment--until it's past. -Kanye West ...my favorite quote from the Grammys

Happy Birthday Mamma!!

Instead of celebrating V-Day, I would like to wish my mommy a happy happy birthday!! Thank you for everything, and I do mean everything. I know I do not show it, and I do not always say it, but, I love you mommy!! Wanna see more? *click* *click* I know some of you are celebrating "Valentines Day", but I do not really celebrate that "holiday". Although, I do like that last year President's day fell after that "holiday", so Lan and I were able to get out of our area and visit the east coasters. Apparently, we were all each others "Valentines"--even if we (Lan & I) did not know about it at the time. heh. Anyway, whatever. Happy Birthday Mommy!! You look younger every year. I love you! *mwah*

Happy Birthday Alfrancis!!

*hug* Happy Birthday Big Brother. I know you cannot read this, but one day i'll be able to give you a hug fo'real. Wherever you are up there, I hope you're proud of us. I love you. Oh and, give Molly Dog and Bunny a pat and rub under the tummy for me. =)

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

WATER OX Horoscope Feb 6, 1913 to Jan 25, 1914 Feb 3, 1973 to Jan 22, 1974 Oxen in China are put on a pedestal. So it goes with Oxen people. Oxen are bright, peace-loving, often easy-going and trusting. But, on the other hand, they can also be stubborn, methodical, and fiercely competitive, with, shudder, fierce tempers to boot. Oxen are natural born mentors and life is filled with examples of people who have gone on to great success because of them. Mentally and physically alert to the point of genius, many Oxen belong to Mensa. They can create the most imposing structures, magnificent sculpture, and homes. They respond like poets to the beauties of nature and of solitude. Oxen are unique, they are The Flower that bursts through the crack of cement. Bird's Nest Soup and Bean Curd are among the keys to good health!! With Water Oxen you never have to sit around listening to boring lecturing and long-winded yada-yada. Through quiet self-assurance, they simply carry on with life, setting examples by deed, never by words. They make extraordinary leaders. They inspire others to do their best, through kind patience, knowing that even waiters finally come to those who wait. Realistic and open-minded about the foibles of others, they are rewarded with unexpected surprises when people turn around and show their best attributes. Tit for tat!. Their stable careers and "living right" give them the potential to be enormously wealthy, and they frequently are. For Oxen in general, love life is somewhat of a mystery, but immensely satisfying, interwoven very nicely with contrasts of quietude and passion, solitude and togetherness. Famous Ox People: Tung Chee-Hwa, Sukarno, Richard Burton, Napoleon, Charlie Chaplin, Peter Sellers, Margaret Mead, Jawaharlal Nehru, Eisaku Sato, Princess Diana Check out your Chinese Horoscope here, and yes, I stole this from ver7igo (but i'm sure he doesn't mind). =) Make sure ya'll eat your noodles today, but no chicken...it's ash Wednesday. I do not know what to give up this lenten season, so perhaps i'll just try to be a better person--and make my parents proud. =) **I haven't been home during Chinese New Year before--it's a little odd hearing the fireworks going off. But man, they're goin off like no tomorrow! Kung Hei Fat Choi!!

The rabbit, it's friend, wolves, and touch-tone registration.

I had the oddest dream. There was a rabbit, a furry friend (I think a hamster-but not a rat), a wolf, some friends, and touch-tone registration. I used to have a bunny as a child, perhaps that is why the rabbit came back. For this time, I think it's different. The rabbits friend was there first, lots of fluffiness--and I was watching them, making sure they didn't go down holes or get lost. I even had this perfect carrying case for them. Suddenly, a wolf comes along. He has something in his mouth--it's my favorite sweater (or scarf). He eyes the rabbit and hamster. I get into kempo mode, and kick the wolf's ass. I also get back my sweater (or scarf). He keeps trying to get my little furry friends, but I keep fighting, and keep talking to the little ones to make sure they're okay. Scene change. I'm walking around and I see some friends. My brother is in his old room doing touch-tone registration for CSUN (of all places). I start to get all worried, thinking I have to register too--someone tells me not to worry because i'm already registered for Rutgers, or i'm going to the east coast. The rabbit and hamster are still with me as i'm walking around. Now, I can only see the rabbit since i'm not so sure what the other furry friend is. I really like this rabbit, it's white, not like my old floppy eared bunny I had as a child. Then I wake up. After discussing my dream with one of my friends, we decided on the cast of characters. Interesting. Interesting way it came up when I had the dream too, but that's a whole other story...

Waiting game...

So Columbia received all my information, they emailed me this morning. I'll know in 4 - 6 weeks. *pulls out hair* I'm thinking it's gonna be that way with the other schools too... I finished filling out the financial aid forms this morning, apparently some of the loans aren't available to apply for till spring--so I don't have much to do, except wait (and pray). Pray for me please. Pray and send good thoughts my way. I also need that temp agency to shoot jobs my way. I do not like being unemployed. I'm also feeling sickly, but I have to practice songs tomorrow. *sniff* Anyway, I must rest. Have a good weekend everyone.

Stop Drive Through Mastectomies

Sign the pledge and make a difference! Lifetime Television continues to deliver millions of your petition signatures to Capitol Hill, urging Congress to ban "drive-through" mastectomies ? the practice in which women are forced out of the hospital sometimes only hours after breast cancer surgery. Sign our petition now to help end drive-through mastectomies once and for all. More than 10 million of you have signed the petition so far! Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) will re-introduce in Congress in 2005 bi-partisan legislation to end this horrific practice. This petition drive by Lifetimetv.com is a partnership with physicians, advocates and survivors across the nation. Lifetime Television, Rep. DeLauro and Connecticut physician Kristen Zarfos, M.D., have been fighting for this type of access to quality care for all women since 1996. The legislation would require insurance companies to cover a 48-hour minimum stay for mastectomy patients and a 24-hour stay for a woman undergoing a lymph node dissection. The legislation ensures that a doctor and a patient will make a decision together about staying at a hospital after a mastectomy. While both the American College of Surgeons and the American Medical Association believe that most patients require a longer hospital stay, "drive-through" mastectomies have become an unwelcome reality for women who are battling breast cancer. Against the advice of their doctors, women must leave the hospital while still in pain, groggy with anesthesia and with drainage tubes still in place. Rep. DeLauro and Sen. Landrieu are asking both Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate to join with them to ban drive-through mastectomies. The legislation is supported by the American Medical Association; American College of Surgeons; American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons; Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses; National Council of Jewish Women; Society for the Advancement of Women's Health Research; Susan G. Komen Foundation; Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization; and Families USA. If you agree that women require more than one night at a hospital after undergoing a mastectomy, here's your chance to make your voice heard. With the strength of these petition numbers behind us, we will get this legislation passed. Sign the Pledge Some of you know that my aunt passed away from Breast Cancer, which is why i'm doing the Susan G. Komen--Race for the Cure. Please sign the Pledge, and if you can click everyday. Those clicks go towards free Mammograms for women in need, so please, click. It only takes a few seconds to do, and for those up in the bay--i'm around. If you'd like to make a donation for the Susan G. Komen--Race for the Cure, let me know. You can also paypal it to me if you'd like. Do what you can, it's going to a great cause.

He's FREE!!!

Orlando Bloom, Kate Bosworth split Wednesday, February 2, 2005 Posted: 8:36 AM EST (1336 GMT) LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Hollywood couple Orlando Bloom and Kate Bosworth have split after dating for nearly three years, People magazine reported. "They did decide to take some time apart due to their upcoming work schedule, and they remain very close," the couple's representative, Robin Baum, told the magazine. "It was a mutual decision." The couple's split was reported Monday by People. Bloom, 28, starred in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and last year's "Troy." Bosworth, 22, who starred in 2002's "Blue Crush," played Sandra Dee in last year's "Beyond the Sea," about 1950s crooner Bobby Darin. The couple began dating in the spring of 2002. CNN.com Article ------------- YES! Dammit, and I left L.A. *snap* oh well, maybe i'll bump into him at the run. =) Everything is going as planned, Temp Agency lady was impressed by my MS Word skills--i'm sure i'll start working again soon. Off to run, my training has been put on hold cause of the move--i'm gonna be a tone tone, running machine (especially when I get my Winsor Pilates DVD's). =)

Good-bye LaLa Land...

I know i've said enough about leaving L.A., here's another version--via pictures...
Want more? *click* *click* ------- So far i'm mostly unpacked, stored the rest in the garage and patio. Tomorrow I go into the temp agency to interview and test so they can place me (and give me money). If you haven't guessed already, I was able to set up my wireless router with my bro's connection. Ahhhhh, it's good to be home...

Wish me luck peoples...

So i'm halfway finished unpacking, room looks decent--but I get to sleep on my bed tonight! Trying to fit a one-bedroom apt into my old room is kinda tough, but at least I have patio/backyard & a little bit of garage space. I really do have way too much stuff... Tomorrow I am submitting my applications to the colleges of my choice. *cross-fingers* Wish me luck! If you can, please pray for me--I need all the help I can get. Gotta finish that FAFSA form before the 15th. Sorry i'm being random people, my mind's all a mess. I'll be happy after i'm all settled and accepted. =)

Moving day...

Everything is going as planned. Packing went well--thanks to Lan. The u-haul drivers are asleep. Now we will too... Mobile Email from a Cingular Wireless Customer http://www.cingular.com This post enabled by airblogging.com. ------------- Next day we woke up hella early and surprisingly packed up the u-haul in less than 2 hours. Drivers were up with all my stuff by 5pm that night. After Lan and I took care of some stuff (unnecessary delays...) we were finally on the road at 6:30ish. We were tired as hell, but I am home. Okay, breaks over--must unpack...

The Classic IQ Test

Congratulations, Eileen Joy! Your IQ score is 108 This number is based on a scientific formula that compares how many questions you answered correctly on the Classic IQ Test relative to others. Your Intellectual Type is Inventive Inquisitor. You have the unusual distinction of being equally good at math and verbal skills. This means you are a creative thinker and are uniquely good at teaching others through experiences. You are also a great improviser and very good at handling change. Take the "test" IQ Range Classification 140 and over Genius or near genius 120-140 Very superior intelligence 110-120 Superior intelligence 90-110 Normal or average intelligence 80-90 Dullness 70-80 Borderline deficiency Below 70 Definite feeble-mindedness At least i'm average, I wanted to be superior. Oh well.

Commuter Train Derails in Glendale

10 Dead, Numerous Injuries GLENDALE � At least 10 people were believed to have died today in a chain-reaction crash between two Metrolink trains and a Union Pacific locomotive that apparently involved an SUV on the tracks, officials said. Los Angeles Fire Chief Bill Bamattre said about 100 people were transported to area hospitals -- as many as five emergency centers reportedly were involved -- and up to 200 may have been hurt. Most of the injuries were said to be minor, but at least nine people were said to have been hurt critically. An angry Sheriff Lee Baca said one of his deputies, a 23-year veteran identified as James Tutino, died in the crash while in uniform and on his way to work aboard one of the trains. According to initial accounts, one of the trains was headed south from the suburbs, and the other was going north. The outbound train's rear end apparently swung outward and clipped the inbound train. At some point a stationary Union Pacific locomotive apparently was knocked off the tracks by the impact of one of the Metrolink trains. Baca suggested that someone in a Jeep Cherokee was on the tracks and caused the disaster, though numerous investigations were just beginning in an attempt to sort out forensically what happened. A battalion chief could be seen holding a crumpled license plate at one point during the rescue operation. "The cause is someone on the rail in a private vehicle ..." Baca said. "You don't put your car on the track and put yourself in harm's way and all these passengers in harm's way. This is a complete outrage ... " He said the driver of the SUV is alive. Baca said there would be a coordinated effort to try to sort out what caused the crash, but "We do know this: there was a private vehicle initially hit on the track. We've seen enough evidence of that." The accident occurred about 6 a.m. near San Fernando Road and Chevy Chase Drive, on the border of Los Angeles and Glendale. Brian Humphrey of the LAFD said firefighters arrived at 6:03 a.m. Director Carol Meyer of the Los Angeles County EMS Agency, part of the Department of Health Services, said at least nine people were initially assessed as being critically injured, and 62 other "non-critical" patients were taken to area hospitals. That was a lower number than fire officials gave later. Meyer said physicians were seeing crush-type injuries like those encountered in traffic crashes. She said patients had head, chest and abdominal injuries. Humphrey said the vast majority of the injured were "walking wounded" with minor injuries. He said some may have even gone on to work from the crash site. Color-coded triage mats -- red for the most critically injured, followed by yellow, then green -- were spread out to sort the injured. Just after 8 a.m., Humphrey said the LAFD was already beginning to scale back its rescue operation. He said all of the cars had been "cleared," that they had been searched from front to back and that there were no more victims. But LAFD fire Chief Bill Bamattre said minutes later that a fresh search team with "new eyes" would go back over the wreckage again, to make sure no one had been overlooked. By some accounts, five "passes" had already been made through the wreckage. Victims who spoke with reporters said they found themselves flying through the air inside the cars after impact, then stacked like cord wood on top of each other. Passenger Dave Morrison spoke to reporters at the scene. He said he had caught a train at 5:19 a.m. in Simi Valley. He said most of the three cars on that train were about half-filled. He said he always gets into the rear car. "I was in the best car. There were no major injuries in ours." Morrison said his car did not overturn, that it simply left the tracks. He said he could see fire ahead of him in one of the derailed cars as he looked out the window. "We had just left Burbank or Glendale, or (were in) between," he said. Another couple said it was a scary experience. The man said rescue teams "did a great job. They were there early. They cut the fence. They got to us right away. That's why they're there." A large contingent of firefighters -- from Los Angeles, Glendale and Burbank -- rushed to the scene. Firefighters could be seen spreading the triage mats. Dozens of ambulances were parked nearby, waiting to take the most seriously injured to area hospitals. Glendale and Burbank firefighters approached the wreckage from the east side of the tracks to remove injured victims, while Los Angeles city firefighters did the same thing on the west side, said Los Angeles Fire Department Battalion Chief Brian Schultz. "We took the injured off of both sides," said Schultz. "We set up a unified command post out in front of the Costco here ... and we set up different groups. "We set up rescue groups, a fire group and we set up a medical group. And basically, we worked this on a large scale incident, like you would with an automobile accident, only on a much larger scale," he said. The Los Angeles Police Department, meanwhile, declared a citywide tactical alert, allowing commanders to keep officers on the job beyond the end of their shifts. The accident happened near a Costco and a Toys R Us store. "It sounded like thunder," Karen Mendoza, a Costco employee who called 911 after the crash, told ABC7 Eyewitness News. Jeff Vergeldedios, a passenger on one of the trains, told ABC7 Eyewitness News that passengers became aware of something wrong when "we felt a short jolt on the car." He said the impact threw him out of his seat. Not many people on his train panicked, Vergeldedios said, adding that those who could get out of the car did so in orderly fashion. Meyer said the accident "fortunately" occurred at shift change for the fire departments, enabling supervisors to keep personnel over to assist with 911 calls as their colleagues went to the crash site. Fire officials said their departments drill annually with the Metrolink for such an eventuality. The National Transportation Safety Board was expected to eventually take over the investigation into the cause of the crash. It usually takes the NTSB about a year to issue a final report on such disasters. abc local news.com ----------- All because of a daymn SUV! People died, and a bunch of injuries cause of a daymn SUV. I hope that person will go to jail, since he is still alive... *I'm not bitching cause I was stuck on the freeway since all the roads were closed off--i'd much rather go through 2 hours of traffic than be one of the unfortunate ones...

Airblogging.com

This is a test, only a test... Mobile Email from a Cingular Wireless Customer http://www.cingular.com This post enabled by airblogging.com. -------------- This is kind of a cool thing, however, it looks funny after I first post it--so i'll probably be editing it once I am able to. Kinda defeats the purpose, but I just thought it was something cool to do (since for now I can't blog at work--and its cool to post via text). New hotness should be arriving soon, just got the confirmation tonight! 2 to 3 days my ass, I betcha bottom dollar the fedex sticker will say overnight shipment. =)

Threes

Got this one from Yano: THREE NAMES YOU GO BY - LeeN - Leenie - Eileen Joy THREE SCREEN NAMES YOU HAVE HAD - sWeetPnaY - LeeNerZ - eileenjoy THREE THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF - my ability to adjust - my ability to hear anything (especially when people don't think i'm listening) - my ability to remember the smallest detail THREE THINGS YOU DON'T LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF - my temper - my competitiveness (only sometimes) - my always having to be right about everything THREE PARTS OF YOUR HERITAGE - Filipino - Hawaiian (my brother will confirm this one) - American THREE THINGS THAT SCARE YOU - not being able to do something that I set out to do (and work hard to do) - plane crashes - people that do not know how to drive THREE OF YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS - coach bag (it fits everything!!) - my ipod - my celly (even if i'm getting my replacement this week, old hotness will do) THREE THINGS YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW - tank top - burgandy flannel pj pants - my livestrong, and breast cancer bracelets (and my pony tail rubberband) THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE BANDS OR MUSICAL ARTISTS - Goo Goo Dolls - No Doubt - Madonna THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE SONGS - "Iris" Goo Goo Dolls - "End of the Road" Boys to Men - "Fairytale Lover" U.T.F.O. THREE NEW THINGS YOU WANT TO TRY IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS - running a 5k (Susan G. Komen, Race for the Cure on Feb 27th) - living out on the east coast - go to grad school on the east coast THREE THINGS YOU WANT IN A RELATIONSHIP - love - honesty - faithfulness TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE - I can eat a bag of chessmen in one sitting - I like complements - even though i'm from the bay, i'm all about the Lakers baby!! THREE PHYSICAL THINGS ABOUT THE OPPOSITE SEX THAT APPEAL TO YOU - hair (you must do the *do*) - abs (if possible, so I can lick them) ;) - eyes (it's always about the eyes) THREE THINGS YOU JUST CAN'T DO - learn how to speak ilocano (I can only say the bad words) - I can't say no (on particular things) - I can't stop watching re-runs & commercials (especially FRIENDS) THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES - working out - running (which is not the same as working out, i.e. step class, or weights) - learning how to do new things, or taking apart "gadgets" and putting them back together again THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO REALLY BADLY RIGHT NOW - move!! - finish packing - get accepted already!!

Hotness freaks...

So the new hotness freaked out on me, froze while I was playing with my AIM. grrrrrrrr. Gotta wait till tomorrow to talk to the e-store, apparently it's too new for Cingular to touch it... I'm back to old hotness, which by the way has never freaked out on me (maybe after I've taken her apart--but that's a whole other story). On the packing/moving front, everything is going as planned. Nabbed some boxes at Home Depot so all week i'll be packing up. So on that note, I must cook everything up in my freezer and pack it for lunches. This is going to be one long week...

It's all happening...

They took away my furniture & donations. It was so sad, but I know it's all in good hands. I know it sounds sappy and all, but I felt like crying. Standing on my street, outside, watching my friends boyfriend load up the truck--I wanted to cry. My downstairs is so sad. Come Sunday, I will have all the furniture I started out with when I first moved down to Tustin. A plastic shelf from Target, a futon, a folding table and chairs, and a bunch of boxes. The rest of my furniture will be placed with their new owners during the weekend. It feels so final. But I know it's the right thing to do. One part of my life is ending, and another beginning. My life in L.A. has been over for a while--my mind has been in the bay with my family and best of friends for the past couple of months. It's finally happening. Everyone's been scheduling a time to take me out to lunch. Happy hour for my last day (actually 2nd to last day) has been scheduled. I can't believe i've been here for 6 years, well, 1.5 in Tustin (O.C.), the rest in Burbank/Glendale. Worked in O.C., Downtown L.A., Santa Monica (office moved to Culver City) to finally Century City. All over L.A. I'm so done. This is break time. I'll be fully applied to grad schools of choice on January 31st. The rest of my paperwork has arrived in San Jose, and is waiting to be mailed away. I'm working with two agencies for long term temp jobs. My first option was contingent on me dating/sleeping with him (and I was so NOT going to do that--good thing I saw all the signs). Tell me to not be so professional? I think not. Honey, I do NOT need a job that badly. I'm done being "comfortable". I'm going for the gold. Taking a chance, this is Part 1. I hope Part 2 will be in 7 months. When that happens I might be shitting bricks, but I know i'll be at my happiest. Wish me luck peoples. I'm in hard core training!! On top of all this, I got a race in a month!! I have come full circle. 7 days...

New Hotness...

Arriving soon, 1 to 2 business days to be exact...thus I have set up my Text America account. heh, I love pictures. Camera. Bluetooth. AIM. Along with the keyboard that I fell in love with... What else does a girl need? A good deal? Yes, yes it was. Cheaper than that daymn 6800 that I already have, grrrrr.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

1929 - 1968 "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." "I HAVE A DREAM" (1963) I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation. Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity. But 100 years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we've come here today to dramatize a shameful condition. In a sense we've come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men - yes, black men as well as white men - would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check that has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so we've come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and security of justice. We have also come to his hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children. It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end but a beginning. Those who hoped that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges. But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating "for whites only." We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no we are not satisfied and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive. Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair. I say to you today my friends - so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification - one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together. This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day. This will be the day, this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning "My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my father's died, land of the Pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring!" And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true. And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania. Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado. Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California. But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia. Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee. Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi - from every mountainside. Let freedom ring. And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring - when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children - black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics - will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!" --------------- Remember the man, remember what he stood for, and remember what he did for us.

Something to do in the interim...

So all this morning I was obsessed with the info commercial for Winsor Pilates. I too want to lose more inches and have more definition. I know, I know. I've lost a lot of weight, and I should be happy--i'm not. I want a Jessica Alba body. I want to have hella tone arms, and a washboard stomach. Granted, you can see the cuts coming out, and the lines on the abs--I want more!! I'll probably work the "Winsor Pilates" with my regular workout regimen, i'm hoping to get a good deal at either Gold's or 24 hour when I move back home. Does anyone know if 24hr or Gold's is in the East Coast? I want to be able to not break my contract (since i'm leaving [I hope]), I hate those extra fee's that gyms love to charge. For instance, my current gym, although I was with them since 2001 charges a $35.00 cancellation fee. Can you believe that? It would have been more if I had to break a contract, thank God i'm month to month. But the dumb asses put it in the computer that I cancelled--even though I told them i'm going to continue going till the end of the month. Bastards. At least the guys at the front desk know me. So yes, I will try these Pilates. It looks like fun, and the price isn't terrible. Hopefully, this way i'll finally get the cuts that I have been working on for years. *fLex*

The finality of it all..

I just cancelled all of my services sans electricity, apparently they're not opened over the weekend. It just feels so surreal. I dreamed of this for so long. Well, it's temporary--but still. But I just had to share this, cause I think it's oh so stupid. Customer Service: Can I verify your address? Me: (Verifies address along w/ state and zipcode) Customer Service: What state do you live in? Me: Excuse me? Customer Service: What state do you live in? Me: CALIFORNIA I mean hello! I gave her my exact address, apt number, state and ZIPCODE. One would think she would have heard it the first time. Anyway, whatever...time to apply online to my top three! Wish me luck! ------ Edit: Dammit, gotta call Columbia to see how I can submit my personal statement (Separate by question? You got to be kidding, it's a 6 page document--that's how it's meant to be submitted!!) and NYU wants the application and all supporting materials to be submitted in the mail. Daymn you people!! Why can't I apply online, Rutgers has no problem taking my stuff online!! Grrr, must run.

2 weeks and counting...

It's the final two weeks of my stay in southern california, and my final weeks at that dreaded law firm (to hell with all of you!!). Tonight I have learned that i'm not the only one leaving in a few weeks, one must think something is wrong when all of the staff and associates are dropping like flies (is that the right saying?). I can taste my freedom *fist in air*. So far i'm on schedule. I can't do any more packing until my friend comes over and picks up her "purchases", then i'll have more room to box the rest of my crap up. I'm going to re-apply, and apply to schools this weekend. I'm so excited, I have almost all the needed paperwork. CSUN should have sent out my transcripts today, I hope it'll get to my house soon (then I could stop tripping about getting everything). I'll just be praying that God will convince the schools that I deserve to be in the program. I'm not a very "religious" person (I used to be), but I will be a good girl, I will go to church regularly, and I will pray more *gets on knees and begs*. I can't do much from this point on, just hope the schools will like the fact that i'm a much better person now than I was when I was in undergrad. What else? I just saw a friend of mine that I haven't in a while, well, we were more than friends at one point. It was nice to see you, and i'm glad we were able to talk about the past and move on. I hope things will get better, and if you need my help...let me know. My apt is a mess, just a huge pile of bags, boxes, and furniture turned upside down or on it's sides. I cannot wait till these next two weeks are over and done with. Bad side? I have to learn a tagalog song to sing by the 13th. I'm so not getting it! Usually I get it right away, but maaaannnnnn I guess these words are just more "complicated" than all the other songs i've attempted. I have to figure out what song I'm gonna sing for my brothers wedding. Daymn you people for asking, you knew I wouldn't say no! Hmmmmm. I'm so out of it. I can't think in complete thoughts. Maybe if my apt was more organized I would, but seeing that it's a huge mess--I am. It would help if I had a Harry Potter wand, i'd bust a Wingardium Leviosa (sp?) and sit on my ass and magically everything will pack itself! Wouldn't that be cool? Oh and I have pre-ordered book #6! I cannot wait. I'm going to be reading that on the flight to London...but that's another topic for another time. *sigh* I need help! I need boxes, I need some.....umm okay, bed time. Have a good weekend everyone! My ass will be cooped up in my apt getting ready for the move, either that or running my ass off...I feel so fat (shut up, don't wanna hear it).

Dreams...

I had the most oddest dream last night... We were at this "Gothic" Mansion at one of those grand parties. Everyone was dressed up very nice, in black and burgandy...very very gothic. Apparently the Vampire "King" had his eye on me, and all night long he was trying to make me his "Queen". I think there was a time he trapped me in one of the rooms (there might have been sex involved--to distract him so I can bust out) but one of his "guards" helped me (probably after the sex) to find my friends in the main ballroom. He never bit me to make me his--which I found to be odd. So the guard (who works on both sides) helped me find my friends (I do not want to mention exactly who, because I only remember a few people), they all formed a circle around me and we fought our way to hidden corridors and lower dungeons to eventually be free of the mansion. While we were in the ballroom, vampires were flying everywhere trying to snatch me up--but I had tall people to protect me. We all knew that the Vampire King would try to find me and my "friend" at our apt, so we went to a hotel (somewhere far--not necessarily out of the state [I do not know exactly what state we were in], just somewhere we do not normally go). He had 'till midnight to make me his Queen. Vampires were searching everywhere for me. I woke up sometime after that. I found it odd that the Vampire did not bite me when I was distracting him with sex. It wasn't even good sex, I think I just wanted to tire him out so I could escape. He never bit me, and he did not make me his "Queen". What does this all mean? Louie says someone is protecting me from something, but what? And who? Anyone? oh and btw, I did not watch any vampire movies the night before (or during the weekend).

Wonderful friends

Determination is the drumbeat to which you march. You're as true as a compass needle, pointing to your goal no matter what happens. Stick pins in your map or cross items off your list. It feels good to move. ----------------- This weekend I learned who my real friends are, the ones that are there for you no matter what. Can I tell you how much I love my best friend? Lan went through plane delays [not just an hour, but two hours and a half] and being searched--not just on the way down, but on the way back home. She also went to the wrong airport and had to get another ticket to and from...but she did it all so she could celebrate with me. I love ya girl! No ones ever done that for me, and I appreciate it so much. We didn't really do much since it was raining the whole weekend, but we were able to go to hustler and meet up with Lissa later for din din. Then today we moved all my furniture from upstairs to downstairs, and packed up most of my clothes--and put stuff away for donations. So the packing for the move home has begun. I can't wait till this is all over and i'm home, then 7 months later....I hope.

"If you want big rewards.

Take big risks."

2004 Review

Got this from Bumbles: 1. What did you do in 2004 that you?d never done before? Boarded down black diamonds at Mammoth! oh and obtaining a 4.0 at CSUN! 2. Did you keep your New Year?s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I stopped making them. 3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Sharon, my cousin's wife gave birth to Seneca. 4. Did anyone close to you die? My Auntie Lina passed away January 3rd. 5. What countries did you visit? None this year, but family trip 2005 I will...Europe here we come!! 6. What would you like to have in 2005 that you lacked in 2004? A sense of worth. 7. What date from 2004 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? January 3rd... 8. What was your biggest success? Obtaining my first ever 4.0. 9. What was your biggest failure? Not getting into Rutgers the first try, then again, I learned a lot going to CSUN. *shrug* 10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Nope. 11. What was the best thing you bought? Tickets to Jersey, The Alchemist by Paulo Cohelo, school books, books, books, books. 12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Lan, she has amazing strength. 13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Myself, for the times I was depressed and cried like there was no tomorrow (which made me mess up on my social work midterm!!) 14. Where did most of your money go? School, trips. 15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Trips to Jersey & my first trip to Mammoth. 16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2004? Dare you to move by Switchfoot, It's my life by No Doubt, and Welcome to my world by Simple Plan. 17. Compared to this time last year, are you: i. happier or sadder? Happier ii. thinner or fatter? Way thinner! *fist in air* iii. richer or poorer? Broke like no joke. 18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Putting more into my savings account. 19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Stressing over the made up things in my head. 20. How will you be spending Christmas? With family. 22. Did you fall in love in 2004? heh. I will not answer this... 23. How many one-night stands? None. 24. What was your favorite TV program? One Tree Hill, American Idol...without Friends I have nothing!! 25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? Anyone new? I hate some people more. 26. What was the best book you read? The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, and Psychic Diaries by Lysa Mateau. 27. What were your greatest musical discoveries? Switchfoot and Simple Plan 28. What did you want and get? I did not really "want" anything you could buy... 30. What was your favorite film(s) of this year? Harry Potter - Prisoner of Azkaban, LOTR - ROTK, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Kill Bill 2. 31. What did you do on your birthday this year? Helped Shannie paint her walls, ate dinner at Islands, and watched LOTR - Return of the King. 32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Getting accepted into Rutgers the first try & moving to the East Coast (this year I hope!!) 33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2004? Casual 34. What kept you sane? My trips & boarding...lots of boarding. 35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Jennifer Aniston, Orlando Bloom, and Jessica Alba. 36. What political issue stirred you the most? Elections 04. 37. Who did you miss? Antie Lina. 38. Who was the best new person you met? There was a ton! I kinda got to know people on different levels too, does that count? 39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2004: If you want something bad enough you've got to do whatever you can to obtain it. If you never get it, then you only have yourself to blame. 40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: Since Mike put Dare you to move, I shall put my other theme song by No Doubt, It's MY Life. It's my life, don't you forget. It's my life, it never ends. ------------------- Oh, and this birthday is turning out better than it started. I love birthday songs. *giggles*

"Defy the old dragon, defy fear"

There's a poem by Johann Franck that says it better than I will. "Defy the old dragon, defy fear. The world may rage and quake but I shall remain singing in perfect peace." Yeah, things happen -- things you don't expect -- or want or like. The world rages and you become someone you didn't know you'd ever be. And there you are, in your clothes, in your life, this is my future, this is me. This is me 'cause I want things I never thought I would. I want the possibilities a school like Princeton [edit: Columbia/Rutgers/NYU] can afford. A place to grow, to meet new people, a place to be surprised when life turns out to be nothing like I imagined. You have to be grateful for it -- in perfect peace. -From Everwood tonight [repeat] Defy the old dragon, Defy jaws of death. Defy the fear of them! Rage, world, and burst, I stand here and sing In repose most secure. God's Might holds me in awe, Earth and Abyss are struck dumb, Even if they growl. -Johann Franck ------------ Today marks a new beginning for me, a new year. New beginnings, new challenges and lots of adventure (I hope). The decade has begun, I hope it will only get better.

It's been a year to this date...

A year ago my Auntie Lina Coquia passed away from Breast Cancer. Today. She was a wonderful woman, a second mother to my brothers and myself. My mothers best friend. When my parents were in the Philippines my Junior year of highschool, I stayed with the Coquia's for Christmas. She always looked out for us. Always. I know over the years I saw her less and less. It was mostly because my cousin and I drifted apart (well, it's more than that--too complicated). I even swallowed my pride and went to my cousins wedding just so Auntie Lina wouldn't be disappointed. We all knew she would be if my brother and I did not show up. So we did. We got drunk, but we were there. That's what mattered. She was so happy when she saw us. I'll never forget that. I saw her a few times after that, I think on Christmas or something. But before she got really really sick, I did not see her. My mom did. Those were the days when I felt guilty for coming home, because someone was making me feel that way. Someone made me feel like shit every time I came home (for other reasons of course--but I hated being home regardless). Maybe if my cousin and I made up prior, things would have been different... Now look. She's gone. I did not have a chance to say good-bye. So in her honor I am running. For her I train. For her I bug people to donate. For her I buy shitloads of breast cancer bracelets and pass them on to friends and family (and those who donate). For her I push myself harder. I know I won't finish in the top 3, but I will be one of the top 10,000. I will get my pin, even if I have to push Lan in the process (we WILL finish together)!! I know you are watching us Auntie Lina. I honor you by running. I will never forget you. I love you, and I miss you so much.

NYE & Momma & Lola are home!!

So I got to the airport early on Wednesday night, and I hopped on the early flight! YEAH! I'm so glad the earlier flight was delayed and not full--I got home earlier! =) I got to see my Momma and Lola. =) They were gone for way too long!! I chilled with the fams--but Pops won't be back till mid-month (but he'll be home in time to help me move back!). It was a nice relaxing weekend with the family, with the usual stop at D&B's for drinks on NYE (and earlier today), and early celebrations. Wanna see more? *click* *click* I have less than 4 weeks before I move back to the bay. I cannot wait. I'll be back with my peoples, well, until I get accepted and move even farther away. It'll be a good break from the norm. Yay, soon, soon i'll be gone from this hell hole. *giggles* I cannot wait.