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...