The family and my two doggies are almost in town!!!
I'm so excited!!!
we get to leave work at 1pm tomorrow. YES.
I bought shower curtain rods and shower curtains last night since I wasn't sure where the family would want to stay...
The poolman cleaned up the pool yesterday. From black to pretty spankin' clean!
yayyyy
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Don't miss now
on Downhere's new CD:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXDL7OhdEpA
Don't miss now
The life you chose -
There's never a list for it
Of cons and pros
You find what you love, and you commit
And you're looking so far down
The road so well
That you could forget your crown
Isn't just somewhere else
You get bumped and bruised and worse
For choosing the road less traveled
You know the reward is rich
If you persist through the darkest battles
Open your eyes,
Your prize is right before you, somehow
Whatever you do, just don't miss now
You're on a bus
Don't notice the miles and months fly by
To the rest of us
You're living the highest kind of life
And though the price you pay
Is costlier than it seems
It's worth another day
The end justifies your means
All that you're working for
Could blind you to the treasures all around you
So don't miss these moments, please
The joy before the crown you seek
Martel/Germain
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXDL7OhdEpA
Don't miss now
The life you chose -
There's never a list for it
Of cons and pros
You find what you love, and you commit
And you're looking so far down
The road so well
That you could forget your crown
Isn't just somewhere else
You get bumped and bruised and worse
For choosing the road less traveled
You know the reward is rich
If you persist through the darkest battles
Open your eyes,
Your prize is right before you, somehow
Whatever you do, just don't miss now
You're on a bus
Don't notice the miles and months fly by
To the rest of us
You're living the highest kind of life
And though the price you pay
Is costlier than it seems
It's worth another day
The end justifies your means
All that you're working for
Could blind you to the treasures all around you
So don't miss these moments, please
The joy before the crown you seek
Martel/Germain
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
almost done!
My dad needed to fly to New Jersey so he left on Monday, and my mom drove down same day so she could watch over the workers during their last days here.
Yesterday after work and after my doctor's appt, I drove to the house to see the status.
IT"S ALMOST DONE!
well... except the wood floors and the kitchen of course.
we're putting in the floors tomorrow.
and the kitchen? we're going to put togheter the cabinets ourselves.
we're changing all the windows some other time. probably shortly after the new years.
they finished all the tile work, paint, walls, doors, bathrooms. i love it!!!!! i love the vanity i chose for the master bathroom. even though it's alittle small.. but i love it.
there's little things here and there they still need to do. like putting in bathroom lights or door knob.
i'm so excited.
they want to leave by today. i don't know if they can do that... since the little things might add up to take a while... but we'll see.
Yesterday after work and after my doctor's appt, I drove to the house to see the status.
IT"S ALMOST DONE!
well... except the wood floors and the kitchen of course.
we're putting in the floors tomorrow.
and the kitchen? we're going to put togheter the cabinets ourselves.
we're changing all the windows some other time. probably shortly after the new years.
they finished all the tile work, paint, walls, doors, bathrooms. i love it!!!!! i love the vanity i chose for the master bathroom. even though it's alittle small.. but i love it.
there's little things here and there they still need to do. like putting in bathroom lights or door knob.
i'm so excited.
they want to leave by today. i don't know if they can do that... since the little things might add up to take a while... but we'll see.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
The Lab.
In the computer lab with Vicky. Oo. I should study but I'm tired and lazy. We ate at a buffet earlier in the night and I have not recovered yet. I just keep staring off into space. Ah, food coma + lab memories.
At least I get romantic, but chilly walk with Vicky on our way back to our cars.
Too bad these computers don't have DotA.
At least I get romantic, but chilly walk with Vicky on our way back to our cars.
Too bad these computers don't have DotA.
Friday, December 12, 2008
wasted
last night we were gonna go to LA to have dinner with my dad, but then we started talking about lobster... so we decided to take him to TODAI's
oh my freaking goodness. the food wasn't even that good and it was like 25 dollars per person. disgusting....... on the way out i told justin to remind me NEVER to go back there EVER again.
on other note. after that, we wanted to walk around.... so we decided to go to my dad's favorite- LOWES! hahaha.
we ended up buying most of the paint we need there..... (me ending up to re-choose paint colors all over again @@) and stayed until like 10:30 when they close at 10.....
it looks like it might start raining soon.. and we still need to paint the exterior since there are some bare wood......
oh my freaking goodness. the food wasn't even that good and it was like 25 dollars per person. disgusting....... on the way out i told justin to remind me NEVER to go back there EVER again.
on other note. after that, we wanted to walk around.... so we decided to go to my dad's favorite- LOWES! hahaha.
we ended up buying most of the paint we need there..... (me ending up to re-choose paint colors all over again @@) and stayed until like 10:30 when they close at 10.....
it looks like it might start raining soon.. and we still need to paint the exterior since there are some bare wood......
Thursday, December 11, 2008
new things
The new sliding door is ON yessss.
the ceilings are sprayed with that thing where it's not entirely smooth
the shower walls are installed
the wall that divides the 2 baths are built
lights and vents in the baths are installed
paving the layer that goes underneath tiles
still has lots of work to do!!!!!!
the ceilings are sprayed with that thing where it's not entirely smooth
the shower walls are installed
the wall that divides the 2 baths are built
lights and vents in the baths are installed
paving the layer that goes underneath tiles
still has lots of work to do!!!!!!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Day 10 & 11
click here to see the BEFORE pics of the house:
Gresham
some pics of the progress
My dad is making a shelf for one of the holes in the walls for where the medicine cabinet used to be in the master bathroom
master bedroom
we divided the master bathroom into two- a small hallway 3/4 bath with shower, and a smaller master bath... this way every room has a bathroom :)
below the window is where the sink would be, left is where the stove would be
overhead, the ledges used to be thicker because they had kitchen cabinets. it made the kitchen looked really small so the new kitchen won't have those cabinets, and we made the beam thinner
This is the view from the kitchen overlooking the family room and sliding door to the outside. THere used to be a half wall that divided the dining room with the family room which had built in bookshelf.. but we tore it out
this is where the bar used to be. I really wanted to keep it but it was in a really bad condition
this is from the family room looking at the kitchen and dining room...
this is the front entrance
Gresham
some pics of the progress
My dad is making a shelf for one of the holes in the walls for where the medicine cabinet used to be in the master bathroom
master bedroom
we divided the master bathroom into two- a small hallway 3/4 bath with shower, and a smaller master bath... this way every room has a bathroom :)
below the window is where the sink would be, left is where the stove would be
overhead, the ledges used to be thicker because they had kitchen cabinets. it made the kitchen looked really small so the new kitchen won't have those cabinets, and we made the beam thinner
This is the view from the kitchen overlooking the family room and sliding door to the outside. THere used to be a half wall that divided the dining room with the family room which had built in bookshelf.. but we tore it out
this is where the bar used to be. I really wanted to keep it but it was in a really bad condition
this is from the family room looking at the kitchen and dining room...
this is the front entrance
Friday, December 5, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
12/3/08
HAPPY 3.5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY, JUSTIN! :)
and as a side note, I have known you for almost 6.5 years. 6 years 4 months to be exact. =P
Last night, Justin came to school to pick me up to drive me to my car (since it's dark) and before I got off the car, he says Happy Anniversary :)
and I had almost forgotten, but it's today.
So he says, I noticed you haven't worn watches in a while.. so I got you one.
then I was like.. NO JUSTINNNNN. u shouldn't have... u should save that moneyyy etc etc.
then he asked me to close my eyes and puts soemthing on my wrist
I opened my eyes and it was a candy watch!!!!!!!!!
it's the cutest thing ever... and he knows me all too well.
It's truly a blessing being with him these past years.. and I'm glad we're best friends. He never ceases to surprise me even now.
Thank you boo :)
and as a side note, I have known you for almost 6.5 years. 6 years 4 months to be exact. =P
Last night, Justin came to school to pick me up to drive me to my car (since it's dark) and before I got off the car, he says Happy Anniversary :)
and I had almost forgotten, but it's today.
So he says, I noticed you haven't worn watches in a while.. so I got you one.
then I was like.. NO JUSTINNNNN. u shouldn't have... u should save that moneyyy etc etc.
then he asked me to close my eyes and puts soemthing on my wrist
I opened my eyes and it was a candy watch!!!!!!!!!
it's the cutest thing ever... and he knows me all too well.
It's truly a blessing being with him these past years.. and I'm glad we're best friends. He never ceases to surprise me even now.
Thank you boo :)
Day 8 and 9: out of the loop....
These past few days I have been really out of the loop on the house.... haven't been there... because I have tons of school stuff going on. I am trying to make sure I take care of that. since it's my priority right now...
On Monday I found out I had a hwk for the class I'm reallllllly behind on (circuits!!!!) due yesterday.... so I spend many hours trying to even understand the problem.
and last night, since after work I had school and after that I went back to work, then I had another class at 7-9:30 that I didn't get home until 9 something. Then I found out that I have a project for that same class due tonight at midnight. I have to go to school after work to meet up with a classmate and try to START this project I know nothing about. sighs..
Then next week I have finals and final projects due.
I haven't been to the house since Sunday... and dad said that the showers are half done and that we still need medicine cabinets.
The workers are going back to Vacaville this weekend since they haven't been home for 2 weeks. I really appreciate them because even other people we hired who work with them said they work really fast. Before we started the work everyone tells us that it would take a long time, because it has, for them. But I think in our situation it's a little different since they are away from home and they are being paid by the job and they want to finish it asap as supposed to taking on other jobs at the same time and splitting up the time between the jobs....
I think we made the right choice of choosing them... ppl who we have hired in the past, even though they are not from this area.
The next 2 weeks is going to be tough.. since school is wrapping up and work is getting busy and there's still the house. My dad is leaving in less than 2 wks.. and just hope I don't go insane when he leaves...... =/
On Monday I found out I had a hwk for the class I'm reallllllly behind on (circuits!!!!) due yesterday.... so I spend many hours trying to even understand the problem.
and last night, since after work I had school and after that I went back to work, then I had another class at 7-9:30 that I didn't get home until 9 something. Then I found out that I have a project for that same class due tonight at midnight. I have to go to school after work to meet up with a classmate and try to START this project I know nothing about. sighs..
Then next week I have finals and final projects due.
I haven't been to the house since Sunday... and dad said that the showers are half done and that we still need medicine cabinets.
The workers are going back to Vacaville this weekend since they haven't been home for 2 weeks. I really appreciate them because even other people we hired who work with them said they work really fast. Before we started the work everyone tells us that it would take a long time, because it has, for them. But I think in our situation it's a little different since they are away from home and they are being paid by the job and they want to finish it asap as supposed to taking on other jobs at the same time and splitting up the time between the jobs....
I think we made the right choice of choosing them... ppl who we have hired in the past, even though they are not from this area.
The next 2 weeks is going to be tough.. since school is wrapping up and work is getting busy and there's still the house. My dad is leaving in less than 2 wks.. and just hope I don't go insane when he leaves...... =/
Monday, December 1, 2008
randomness
I am going to try to not lose focus on the things that are also very important right now..
Even though the house is a big deal, but I can't lose sight of concentrating on work and school.
just a thought.... so I think today after work, instead of goign to the house, I'm going to go home and study and do homework.
Last night, We had HotPot at Justin's place. My mom went to Ranch 99 with him to buy all the ingredients, chopsticks (since the house is a caucasian household =P ), hotplate thingy, and the scooping things!
it was so very very good... teaching Mr and Mrs W how to make hot pot, how to make the sauce, how to eat it, etc. hehe.
My parents and I had alot of fun eating and playing with their 3 greyhounds. It's amazing how they used to race! and won a few first places :)
I went to bed at 10 and woke up at 6:30. My mom said I fell asleep soon after I laid down. I guess I was really tired.
Even though the house is a big deal, but I can't lose sight of concentrating on work and school.
just a thought.... so I think today after work, instead of goign to the house, I'm going to go home and study and do homework.
Last night, We had HotPot at Justin's place. My mom went to Ranch 99 with him to buy all the ingredients, chopsticks (since the house is a caucasian household =P ), hotplate thingy, and the scooping things!
it was so very very good... teaching Mr and Mrs W how to make hot pot, how to make the sauce, how to eat it, etc. hehe.
My parents and I had alot of fun eating and playing with their 3 greyhounds. It's amazing how they used to race! and won a few first places :)
I went to bed at 10 and woke up at 6:30. My mom said I fell asleep soon after I laid down. I guess I was really tired.
Day 6 and 7: done with exterior!
The house is coming together at crazy speed.
The roof is done
The trees are gone and the rest are trimmed
The termite work is done and the house has lots of new wood where the crappy old ones were
Today they will be putting in new plumbing system
Ceilings are smoothed and sanded down
walls are patched with some work left
The bathrooms are next!!!!
Tiles, paint, new bathrooms, kitchens, sliding doors, yeepee!!!!
The roof is done
The trees are gone and the rest are trimmed
The termite work is done and the house has lots of new wood where the crappy old ones were
Today they will be putting in new plumbing system
Ceilings are smoothed and sanded down
walls are patched with some work left
The bathrooms are next!!!!
Tiles, paint, new bathrooms, kitchens, sliding doors, yeepee!!!!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Day 5:
The roof is coming together... they started putting in the shingles today.
The trees are almost all gone! (Even though there's tons of noise during thanksgiving holiday... but I am certain the neighbors LOVE us. They come to hug us because we are getting rid of the trees that are causing them problems since day 1 they moved into their homes)
The termite work is almost done. Monday is the last day for both trees and termite work. They are refunding us some money because they made a mistake in their estimates. Yay more money lol.
Today Mark (my agent) came by the house to give me something to sign and I gave him a tour of the house in the middle of renovation =P
He couldn't recognize the house even from the side because of how bright it is now. Without the trees, it looks like a totally different house... He was really amazed by the inside as well.
We will be inviting him over for dinner for it's all done and pretty :D
Later tonight we gotta go pick up the kitchen cabinets. There were too many today we had to come back to get the truck.
The trees are almost all gone! (Even though there's tons of noise during thanksgiving holiday... but I am certain the neighbors LOVE us. They come to hug us because we are getting rid of the trees that are causing them problems since day 1 they moved into their homes)
The termite work is almost done. Monday is the last day for both trees and termite work. They are refunding us some money because they made a mistake in their estimates. Yay more money lol.
Today Mark (my agent) came by the house to give me something to sign and I gave him a tour of the house in the middle of renovation =P
He couldn't recognize the house even from the side because of how bright it is now. Without the trees, it looks like a totally different house... He was really amazed by the inside as well.
We will be inviting him over for dinner for it's all done and pretty :D
Later tonight we gotta go pick up the kitchen cabinets. There were too many today we had to come back to get the truck.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Day 4: SUPER busy and productive day!!!!
6:30am Wake up
8am Get to house, and trees people have already started cutting trees. It was CRAZY. there were guys on our TALL trees everywhere. and I mean those trees are gimongous. They're about 3 times the height of the house.. literally. These guys looked like monkeys on trees coz they're so high up.
The guys have to climb up there, using ropes, get rid of the skins of the palm tree with their feet and bare hands, start cutting one little section with chainsaw, throw it to the ground (HUGE thump- I think our grass has huge dents from those), then climb alittle lower, start the whole process again.....
9am Justin gets there. There were probably 20 Mexican guys working on the house all at the same time... (they aren't all together either. It was insane) We had the tree guys, termite guys, construction guys.
9:30am We get to Lowe's, pick up lots of stuff including bathroom vanity, tub, shower stalls. It was 2 truck trip worth of stuff
11:30am Justin and I went to check out Best Buy to look at what's leftover from BF then we ate at this sub place called Jersey Mike's. It was sooo good. Tons of meat, and they finished the sub with red wine vinegar and olive oil blend. Yum.
12pm Justin and I go to Target to shop for a bit, he bought a really comfy blanket
1pm get to the appliances place, met up with the delivery guys I found on Craigslist =p and they delivered the appliances while we followed behind.
2pm left for City of Industry to go pick out tiles, base boards, door casings, floors. We decided to not get carpet (sad) because my mom thought it was easier to clean and she's sort of allergic.
5pm ate at this Taiwanese restaurant (so good!!)
6pm picked up faucets for the showers
7pm Moved all 36 boxes of tiles to the garage. They said it was about 40lbs per box. THAT was a work out. omgoodness
8pm went to Home Depot with the intention to look at paint and microhoods. Ended up also looking at sliding doors, garage doors, and faucets
9pm FINALLY got home. omg. home freaking sweet home =P
so tireddd....
and seriously, just as the termite guy said, seeing different groups of people all working on the house at the same time.. is really not a common scene.... Lots of coordination, lots of orchestrating, lots of planning, and lots of organizing.
what's left:
tomorrow: pick up Kitchen cabinets (and look at granite countertops????)
8am Get to house, and trees people have already started cutting trees. It was CRAZY. there were guys on our TALL trees everywhere. and I mean those trees are gimongous. They're about 3 times the height of the house.. literally. These guys looked like monkeys on trees coz they're so high up.
The guys have to climb up there, using ropes, get rid of the skins of the palm tree with their feet and bare hands, start cutting one little section with chainsaw, throw it to the ground (HUGE thump- I think our grass has huge dents from those), then climb alittle lower, start the whole process again.....
9am Justin gets there. There were probably 20 Mexican guys working on the house all at the same time... (they aren't all together either. It was insane) We had the tree guys, termite guys, construction guys.
9:30am We get to Lowe's, pick up lots of stuff including bathroom vanity, tub, shower stalls. It was 2 truck trip worth of stuff
11:30am Justin and I went to check out Best Buy to look at what's leftover from BF then we ate at this sub place called Jersey Mike's. It was sooo good. Tons of meat, and they finished the sub with red wine vinegar and olive oil blend. Yum.
12pm Justin and I go to Target to shop for a bit, he bought a really comfy blanket
1pm get to the appliances place, met up with the delivery guys I found on Craigslist =p and they delivered the appliances while we followed behind.
2pm left for City of Industry to go pick out tiles, base boards, door casings, floors. We decided to not get carpet (sad) because my mom thought it was easier to clean and she's sort of allergic.
5pm ate at this Taiwanese restaurant (so good!!)
6pm picked up faucets for the showers
7pm Moved all 36 boxes of tiles to the garage. They said it was about 40lbs per box. THAT was a work out. omgoodness
8pm went to Home Depot with the intention to look at paint and microhoods. Ended up also looking at sliding doors, garage doors, and faucets
9pm FINALLY got home. omg. home freaking sweet home =P
so tireddd....
and seriously, just as the termite guy said, seeing different groups of people all working on the house at the same time.. is really not a common scene.... Lots of coordination, lots of orchestrating, lots of planning, and lots of organizing.
what's left:
tomorrow: pick up Kitchen cabinets (and look at granite countertops????)
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Day 3: Happy Thankgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
I am thankful for...
- the good weather today!!! We finally were able to open the roof up and start putting in new roof tomorrow and removing the trees! How exciting!
- my family! mom flew down yesterday and we're missing Charlie and Maggie and Mochi.... We miss Charlie a lot :( I haven't see him in 5 months!
- my boyfriend! Justin has been great in helping out with the house etc.
tomorrow:
buying:
tiles,
carpet
paint
vanities
shower enclosures
picking up:
kitchen cabinets
gas range
refrigerator
I found stainless steel at a excellent price!!!!! so excited! and I have washer and dryer now!!! woot!
I am thankful for...
- the good weather today!!! We finally were able to open the roof up and start putting in new roof tomorrow and removing the trees! How exciting!
- my family! mom flew down yesterday and we're missing Charlie and Maggie and Mochi.... We miss Charlie a lot :( I haven't see him in 5 months!
- my boyfriend! Justin has been great in helping out with the house etc.
tomorrow:
buying:
tiles,
carpet
paint
vanities
shower enclosures
picking up:
kitchen cabinets
gas range
refrigerator
I found stainless steel at a excellent price!!!!! so excited! and I have washer and dryer now!!! woot!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Day 2: busy busy
This will probably by far be the busiest thanksgiving.... not because of cooking turkey or making home made cranberry sauce.. but working on the house and straighening out all the kinks!
Yesterday when Mark called me and I missed his call, he left a msg. As I was listening to the msg: "title has been recorded, ... , it's official now, ... , you officially own the home, ... , CONGRATULATIONS"
omg omg omg haha I was at work when I heard it... so I whispered yayyy to myself.. giving myself a pat on the shoulder.
I did it! I am an official home owner!
that is pretty amazing.
Yesterday all the kitchen, some walls, and bathrooms have been knocked down. When I went to the house, there were wood cabinets (broken up of course) everywhere.
I am pretty excited to see more progress this wknd.
Today they're buying materials for the walls, roof, plumbing, etc. BUSY. especially before thanksgiving. but HOW EXCITING!
Yesterday when Mark called me and I missed his call, he left a msg. As I was listening to the msg: "title has been recorded, ... , it's official now, ... , you officially own the home, ... , CONGRATULATIONS"
omg omg omg haha I was at work when I heard it... so I whispered yayyy to myself.. giving myself a pat on the shoulder.
I did it! I am an official home owner!
that is pretty amazing.
Yesterday all the kitchen, some walls, and bathrooms have been knocked down. When I went to the house, there were wood cabinets (broken up of course) everywhere.
I am pretty excited to see more progress this wknd.
Today they're buying materials for the walls, roof, plumbing, etc. BUSY. especially before thanksgiving. but HOW EXCITING!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Day 1: and so it begins
Termite people are here
The construction crew are here
FINALLY closing escrow today (even though it was yesterday, unofficially =p )
Hopefully getting the gas range and microhood tonight
it's like conducting an orchestra... everything is coming together...
very exciting but nerve racking at the same time though!!!
I put this as Day 1 again since from now it's a new "chapter" of this process!
the days before this were preparation for today. the start of everything...
The construction crew are here
FINALLY closing escrow today (even though it was yesterday, unofficially =p )
Hopefully getting the gas range and microhood tonight
it's like conducting an orchestra... everything is coming together...
very exciting but nerve racking at the same time though!!!
I put this as Day 1 again since from now it's a new "chapter" of this process!
the days before this were preparation for today. the start of everything...
Monday, November 24, 2008
Day 6: wanted
Wanted:
gas range
refridgerator
microhood
washer dryer
bath vanity
tub
shower
shower rod
garage door
garage door opener
paint
base board
door casings
and the list is endless.....
gas range
refridgerator
microhood
washer dryer
bath vanity
tub
shower
shower rod
garage door
garage door opener
paint
base board
door casings
and the list is endless.....
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Day 4 and 5: shopping and bargain finding
Yesterday morning we headed to the house and took some more measurements of the kitchen. Then as we were heading out a girl who was walking her dog (OMG SUCH A CUTE DOG- jack russell and maltese mix. OMG OMG OMG). FOund out she would be our back neighbor (yay maybe Mochi's new friend?) and she told us that they have a garage sale going on.
We ended up getting a working 10 dollar DVD player, and missed the opportunity of getting a 25 dollar garage opener (usually 100 dollars) brand new too. it was my bad :(
Then we headed to City of Industry. We drove around to different warehouses to look at tiles, carpet, door casings, base boards, and granite counter tops. and finally ate lunch at 3pm. Then we headed to IKEA to look at more stuff and found a brand new (just out of the box) kitchen sink for 75 dollars! (normally 150 dollars at IKEA) I was glad we went to the "As-Is" section there and found out they also carry alot of just out of the box new stuff.
Today Justin and I went to this moving sale and bought tons of stuff (3 brand new games including CRANIUM!, surge protectors, christmas lights, a trench coat for me, jumper cables, and my happiest find was ceiling medallions!) they look like these:
ceiling medallions
all for 20 dollars. omg. such a good deal.
God truly provides since we are really on a HUGE budget for this renovation....
We ended up getting a working 10 dollar DVD player, and missed the opportunity of getting a 25 dollar garage opener (usually 100 dollars) brand new too. it was my bad :(
Then we headed to City of Industry. We drove around to different warehouses to look at tiles, carpet, door casings, base boards, and granite counter tops. and finally ate lunch at 3pm. Then we headed to IKEA to look at more stuff and found a brand new (just out of the box) kitchen sink for 75 dollars! (normally 150 dollars at IKEA) I was glad we went to the "As-Is" section there and found out they also carry alot of just out of the box new stuff.
Today Justin and I went to this moving sale and bought tons of stuff (3 brand new games including CRANIUM!, surge protectors, christmas lights, a trench coat for me, jumper cables, and my happiest find was ceiling medallions!) they look like these:
ceiling medallions
all for 20 dollars. omg. such a good deal.
God truly provides since we are really on a HUGE budget for this renovation....
Friday, November 21, 2008
Day 3: funding
So it's final that the closing of escrow is not going to happen today. *sigh* that means this wknd we can't do anything to the house.... that means all the work is going to be delayed and even more due to the holidays.
This morning I got to work before 7 since I had to leave for a bit to go sign the escrow documents. Justin picked me up at 7:45 he's such a good sport about it and everything that has been going on and we had to drive 30 min to go to the escrow office. Good thing it was AGAINST LA traffic. o man. we saw the traffic on the other side of the freeway.
I got back to work in 2 hours after signing like a million documents. My dad then drove to my work, picked up the wiring instructions, headed to the bank, did the wiring, then headed back to the house to meet with the retrofitter for final inspection. I don't know what I would do if my dad wasn't here. I think my stress level would be like 100 times worse. I am so thankful that he is here, and truly helping me every step of the way. And in the process, I (and Justin) have learned a tremendous amount of things... and gained experience for that house we will someday buy together :D
So. Got tonight and this wknd planned out. My dad and I and maybe Justin are going to Ikea tonight and probably eat at Porto's since we're in the area.
Then tomorrow we're going to City of Industry (such a weird name for a city right? When I think about the name, I think of a city with really bad air quality, haha) to check out flooring materials. Tiles, wood, carpet.
Then we are going to plan even more on the bathroom layouts and decide what kind of vanity, shower, etc.
But I'm still super thankful!!!! Despite the glitch we had with home insurance, we can still move on and ALMOST to schedule. Gotta thank God for that.
This morning I got to work before 7 since I had to leave for a bit to go sign the escrow documents. Justin picked me up at 7:45 he's such a good sport about it and everything that has been going on and we had to drive 30 min to go to the escrow office. Good thing it was AGAINST LA traffic. o man. we saw the traffic on the other side of the freeway.
I got back to work in 2 hours after signing like a million documents. My dad then drove to my work, picked up the wiring instructions, headed to the bank, did the wiring, then headed back to the house to meet with the retrofitter for final inspection. I don't know what I would do if my dad wasn't here. I think my stress level would be like 100 times worse. I am so thankful that he is here, and truly helping me every step of the way. And in the process, I (and Justin) have learned a tremendous amount of things... and gained experience for that house we will someday buy together :D
So. Got tonight and this wknd planned out. My dad and I and maybe Justin are going to Ikea tonight and probably eat at Porto's since we're in the area.
Then tomorrow we're going to City of Industry (such a weird name for a city right? When I think about the name, I think of a city with really bad air quality, haha) to check out flooring materials. Tiles, wood, carpet.
Then we are going to plan even more on the bathroom layouts and decide what kind of vanity, shower, etc.
But I'm still super thankful!!!! Despite the glitch we had with home insurance, we can still move on and ALMOST to schedule. Gotta thank God for that.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Day 2: blah
Happy Birthday, Dad!!!! He is turning 26 years old this year :D looking younger day by day!
Last night was a freakin' nightmare.
The escrow was supposed to close TOMORROW, but because of all the fires that have been going on around here, the home insurance companies are told to be put on HOLD on writing any new policies. Freakin' A.
so then my insurance agent (whom I had chosen because she's oh-so-nice and the rates are low!!!) calls another agent from another company who is next door to her and refers me to her. Then blah blah another procedure for a new quote, this time 400 dollars more.
don't really have a choice here since the only reason this new agent is not put on hold from writing policies is because they missed my zip code by one digit.
anyway, the whole night was phone calls between my main agent, the old home insurance agent, and the new home insurance agent while I was at the new house trying to take measurements for the new bathrooms, and kitchen.
Then today the retrofitter ditched us and said to postpone the inspection to tomorrow
Do you know what that means??? that means we probably can't even close tomorrow. That means everything else is delayed....
Those lazy people.
Ugh.
Last night was a freakin' nightmare.
The escrow was supposed to close TOMORROW, but because of all the fires that have been going on around here, the home insurance companies are told to be put on HOLD on writing any new policies. Freakin' A.
so then my insurance agent (whom I had chosen because she's oh-so-nice and the rates are low!!!) calls another agent from another company who is next door to her and refers me to her. Then blah blah another procedure for a new quote, this time 400 dollars more.
don't really have a choice here since the only reason this new agent is not put on hold from writing policies is because they missed my zip code by one digit.
anyway, the whole night was phone calls between my main agent, the old home insurance agent, and the new home insurance agent while I was at the new house trying to take measurements for the new bathrooms, and kitchen.
Then today the retrofitter ditched us and said to postpone the inspection to tomorrow
Do you know what that means??? that means we probably can't even close tomorrow. That means everything else is delayed....
Those lazy people.
Ugh.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Day 1: retrofitting
First day dad's here.
Have bought a power washer for windows and doors. goodie. the windows are gross at the house. bleh. and needless to say, we can always use that to clean in the future. maybe car wash???? :D
then bought toilets and smoke detectors and will also be putting on the safety film on the sliding doors. stupid house being a short sale. we have to do every freakin' thing!!!!! ugh. but it'll be a good experience for me too I guess.
oh the fun has just begun.
Have bought a power washer for windows and doors. goodie. the windows are gross at the house. bleh. and needless to say, we can always use that to clean in the future. maybe car wash???? :D
then bought toilets and smoke detectors and will also be putting on the safety film on the sliding doors. stupid house being a short sale. we have to do every freakin' thing!!!!! ugh. but it'll be a good experience for me too I guess.
oh the fun has just begun.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
My dad's coming today... and I cannot be happier!
omg, just feels like a huge burden lifted off..
of course, I shouldn't speak too early, with all the work we still yet to do!
Depending on what dad thinks, we might need to start the tree and termite work this weekend. (if they do weekends) so next week we can start working on the house.
I am super excited, but it's also so much work.
I am just trying to do it one day at a time......
omg, just feels like a huge burden lifted off..
of course, I shouldn't speak too early, with all the work we still yet to do!
Depending on what dad thinks, we might need to start the tree and termite work this weekend. (if they do weekends) so next week we can start working on the house.
I am super excited, but it's also so much work.
I am just trying to do it one day at a time......
Monday, November 17, 2008
weekend
Justin's dad arrived on Thursday so on Friday, we thought we were going to have dinner with him.
However, due to misunderstanding and miscommunication, we were waiting for his phone call while he was waiting for ours, so it became too late. We ended up driving 40 min to Pasadena and when we got to his hotel, he was asleep =P so Justin and I ate dinner some where near by so we didn't feel like we wasted our time
Saturday morning we picked up his dad and we drove to San Diego. In Justin's crappy little car (that someone in one of the parking lots in SD offered him 1500 dollars for), we dropped his dad off in San Diego's most expensive resort. Obviously we felt very out of place... haha. We then also picked him up in the person he had lunch with's mansion. and also had a tour of the home. it was really grande, and I cannot imagine myself living in a place like that, overlooking San Diego... with your own music room and a kitchen you don't need to cook in, and guest rooms that have their own balconies. crazy. Our dinner for 3 in La JOlla ended up being like 150 dollars.
Last night we went to eat at this Brazillian restaurant. I must say, their food is really not my thing.... but at least now, me, AND his dad can both say that we have now tried it. Justin obviously loved his black bean stew. He likes weird things. including me. =P
the fires have made the air pretty disgusting. I went to my car this morning and found a layer of sand sitting on the bottom of my windows. When I open my car door, there's ash flying around. It's pretty gross if you think about it... I am really praying for all the firefighters and the people who have to evacuate...
However, due to misunderstanding and miscommunication, we were waiting for his phone call while he was waiting for ours, so it became too late. We ended up driving 40 min to Pasadena and when we got to his hotel, he was asleep =P so Justin and I ate dinner some where near by so we didn't feel like we wasted our time
Saturday morning we picked up his dad and we drove to San Diego. In Justin's crappy little car (that someone in one of the parking lots in SD offered him 1500 dollars for), we dropped his dad off in San Diego's most expensive resort. Obviously we felt very out of place... haha. We then also picked him up in the person he had lunch with's mansion. and also had a tour of the home. it was really grande, and I cannot imagine myself living in a place like that, overlooking San Diego... with your own music room and a kitchen you don't need to cook in, and guest rooms that have their own balconies. crazy. Our dinner for 3 in La JOlla ended up being like 150 dollars.
Last night we went to eat at this Brazillian restaurant. I must say, their food is really not my thing.... but at least now, me, AND his dad can both say that we have now tried it. Justin obviously loved his black bean stew. He likes weird things. including me. =P
the fires have made the air pretty disgusting. I went to my car this morning and found a layer of sand sitting on the bottom of my windows. When I open my car door, there's ash flying around. It's pretty gross if you think about it... I am really praying for all the firefighters and the people who have to evacuate...
Thursday, November 13, 2008
wine making
it was def a fun experience. we will be returning in 3 months after fermentation is completed to bottle them up and taste and make labels. how fun.
this was the funnest department meeting week as of yet.
this was the funnest department meeting week as of yet.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
hi everyone! :)
This wk is Department Meeting Week... you know what that means??? Food Food Food!!!
Last night we had a cocktail reception at Macaroni Grill. and today we had our Thanksgiving Lucheon, and tomorrow is our SECRET ACTIVITY: wine making! I'm super excited.
But don't get me wrong. We get tons done during our Dept meetings. The fun stuff are just part of it :)
I was so frustrated with the GAS COMPANY yesterday.
I didn't have gas in my stove since last FRIDAY. that means I CAN'T COOK.
I called the gas company yesterday trying to get service request. The convo went like this:
lady: ma'am, the first appt we can get someone out there is next Monday (a week later!) and we could come anytime between 7am and 8pm.
me: ok... can you call my apt manager to get the door code because that's a long time for her to wait by the phone for your service team.
lady: no ma'am, we can't do that. So is next Monday ok?
me: uh... fine...
lady: is there anything I can help you with?
me: yes, um, can you guys call me when there's an earlier appointment available? because I DON'T HAVE GAS. I CAN'T COOK.
lady: no ma'am, we cannot do that. it's whatever time we have available at the time you call.
me: ok...
lady: is there ANYTHING ELSE i can help you with?
me: no.... *sigh*
lady: ok ma'am, have a great day.
me: yes.... thanks. *sigh*
I hate them.
Last night we had a cocktail reception at Macaroni Grill. and today we had our Thanksgiving Lucheon, and tomorrow is our SECRET ACTIVITY: wine making! I'm super excited.
But don't get me wrong. We get tons done during our Dept meetings. The fun stuff are just part of it :)
I was so frustrated with the GAS COMPANY yesterday.
I didn't have gas in my stove since last FRIDAY. that means I CAN'T COOK.
I called the gas company yesterday trying to get service request. The convo went like this:
lady: ma'am, the first appt we can get someone out there is next Monday (a week later!) and we could come anytime between 7am and 8pm.
me: ok... can you call my apt manager to get the door code because that's a long time for her to wait by the phone for your service team.
lady: no ma'am, we can't do that. So is next Monday ok?
me: uh... fine...
lady: is there anything I can help you with?
me: yes, um, can you guys call me when there's an earlier appointment available? because I DON'T HAVE GAS. I CAN'T COOK.
lady: no ma'am, we cannot do that. it's whatever time we have available at the time you call.
me: ok...
lady: is there ANYTHING ELSE i can help you with?
me: no.... *sigh*
lady: ok ma'am, have a great day.
me: yes.... thanks. *sigh*
I hate them.
Friday, November 7, 2008
This has gotta be the first weekend in like a year that Justin and I are not spending time together.
ok maybe that was alittle exaggerating... but something like that.
He's going up North with his brother leaving me behind.................... just kidding
I guess it's stupid that I'm even blogging about something like this.
But yesterday I was talking to a friend, and I realized something that's easier to do with a long distance relationship. Her and her boyfriend live 6 hours apart i know it's not THAT long distance. and they see each other once a month. but she was sharing with me how she feels like this way she can be her own person.
I think that's true in many ways. That's really something I need to work on, and I know it's not where I NEED to always make arrangements separately from Justin, but that when it turns out to be that way, I am still okay with it, and still supportive.
With Pre-engagement counseling ended, I am SO glad that we started so early.. but am always reminded how much we need to work on. but we're progressing! that's the important thing I guess....
ps. I'm eating strawberry cheesecake as part of my morning "meals". YUM. I forsee clogged arteries.
ok maybe that was alittle exaggerating... but something like that.
He's going up North with his brother leaving me behind.................... just kidding
I guess it's stupid that I'm even blogging about something like this.
But yesterday I was talking to a friend, and I realized something that's easier to do with a long distance relationship. Her and her boyfriend live 6 hours apart i know it's not THAT long distance. and they see each other once a month. but she was sharing with me how she feels like this way she can be her own person.
I think that's true in many ways. That's really something I need to work on, and I know it's not where I NEED to always make arrangements separately from Justin, but that when it turns out to be that way, I am still okay with it, and still supportive.
With Pre-engagement counseling ended, I am SO glad that we started so early.. but am always reminded how much we need to work on. but we're progressing! that's the important thing I guess....
ps. I'm eating strawberry cheesecake as part of my morning "meals". YUM. I forsee clogged arteries.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
counseling
our pre-engagement counseling sucessfully and officially ended this past Sunday. It was a good ending. But I'm so glad we're still unofficially meeting up once a month. God does provide.
I feel so blessed to have them as our counselors.
That reminds me of how it all first started
We wanted to start pre-engagement counseling when we first moved here
After filling out this huge packet of questions about.. YOUR LIFE, we turned it in to the secretary hoping that our counselors would be Tom and Amanda. However, since Ps David was the head pastor we thought it would be him.
this tied in to the convo about who was gonna marry us since we felt most comfortable with Tom and Amanda, but if Ps David were to counsel us, he would be most suitable to marry us.
Lo' and Behold, it is Tom and Amanda!
haha so there's that little story. it alll worked out.
oh btw, I didn't really finish the project that was due at 11pm last Wednesday, since I had another mt to study for. I ended up going straight to campus after work on wednesday and stayed until 11pm. It was insane. and it reminded me of college. I actually took Thursday off since i wasn't feeling spectacular, but i also studied while I was home. We'll see how I did on the mt today......... *nervous*
I feel so blessed to have them as our counselors.
That reminds me of how it all first started
We wanted to start pre-engagement counseling when we first moved here
After filling out this huge packet of questions about.. YOUR LIFE, we turned it in to the secretary hoping that our counselors would be Tom and Amanda. However, since Ps David was the head pastor we thought it would be him.
this tied in to the convo about who was gonna marry us since we felt most comfortable with Tom and Amanda, but if Ps David were to counsel us, he would be most suitable to marry us.
Lo' and Behold, it is Tom and Amanda!
haha so there's that little story. it alll worked out.
oh btw, I didn't really finish the project that was due at 11pm last Wednesday, since I had another mt to study for. I ended up going straight to campus after work on wednesday and stayed until 11pm. It was insane. and it reminded me of college. I actually took Thursday off since i wasn't feeling spectacular, but i also studied while I was home. We'll see how I did on the mt today......... *nervous*
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
breathe
BreAtHE
bREatHe
breAThE
bReaThE
BrEaTHe
I feel like I'm in one of those pregnancy classes that teach you how to breathe regularly. Or else my mind just races me everywhere and worries before I can even catch myself.
It's so sad. 2 classes a semester is not even that much...
but I think it's the sum of everything.... that makes me alittle overwhelmed.
I was overwhelmed in college during midterms and I didn't have work or house to worry about.
Last night I tried to complain to my mom, but I don't think she let me.
the conversation went alittle like this:
me: "Mom, I'm stressed. I have a midterm I haven't started studying, and I'm already doing bad. I also have a project due in less than 24 hours and I haven't started. There's so much stuff to do for the house, and this report, that report for this inspection, that estimate.... BLAH BLAH BLAH"
mom: "If school is so hard, maybe you should just stop. Or don't get a house"
it was something along those lines. THEN I complained some more about how she wasn't encouraging, etc. yes I complain alot.
but I think it has finally hit me alittle bit... IF I am the one who wanted to go back to school, or IF I am the one who wanted a house. I am responsible.
All this time I tried to blame Justin. poor justin. I think because he is closest to me. (therefore direct hit=victim) I need to take the responsibilities for the things I am doing. for the things I choose. It's a choice... and I did it.
so just like Justin said, I need to look around.... and be thankful already.
Tests
A few hours ago, Vicky was stressed about her upcoming test which she had no time to study for. I sat there befuddled. On one hand, I worried that Vicky was stressing far more than necessary. On the other, I wanted to comfort her. Then again, everyone always worries about tests. All my student's mom's do after all. And they sound like an "everyone." But what can I do for Vicky? Perhaps nothing more than a lesson on the nature of tests.
When I see a test I often become on par with Batman. I become the Joker and I quip, "Why so serious?" After all, the point of a test is to assess how far we've progressed in a subject. If we have not gotten very far it will reflect on the test as a low score... and nothing more.
Golly gee. Darn it. Oh no. The sky is falling.
If you haven't guessed, I am neither depressed nor stressed about a bad test. Why? Because life has a whole lot more of these tests ready for me where the consequence is exponentially more dire. And if I am panicking now... I would burst an artery later when the big stuff comes. So what now? Do I just go and skip to my lou and ring around a posie?
No. I simply pick myself up, dust myself off and toil on. And that is precisely what everyone should do. A low score signifies the need to get nitty-gritty with the class material and this can only be done by immersing one's self by that 99% perspiration that Edison loved to talk about. Sorry, no shortcuts. Either you chug away or bounce. Both are acceptable choices. If at some point you are unhappy with that you need only look to the left or right and see all the darn things you'd been blessed with. It is NOT as bad as you think it is. Drop your defensive barriers and listen to me. Take a look around.
... and around.
... and around.
Yep. Life is not over. The night sky is still beautiful and the people run still more on their hamster wheels. Another day goes by. Your God has not changed and neither, really, has your life. Thank God.
Take a deep breath and breathe out slowly. Ahhhh... life is good after all.
When I see a test I often become on par with Batman. I become the Joker and I quip, "Why so serious?" After all, the point of a test is to assess how far we've progressed in a subject. If we have not gotten very far it will reflect on the test as a low score... and nothing more.
Golly gee. Darn it. Oh no. The sky is falling.
If you haven't guessed, I am neither depressed nor stressed about a bad test. Why? Because life has a whole lot more of these tests ready for me where the consequence is exponentially more dire. And if I am panicking now... I would burst an artery later when the big stuff comes. So what now? Do I just go and skip to my lou and ring around a posie?
No. I simply pick myself up, dust myself off and toil on. And that is precisely what everyone should do. A low score signifies the need to get nitty-gritty with the class material and this can only be done by immersing one's self by that 99% perspiration that Edison loved to talk about. Sorry, no shortcuts. Either you chug away or bounce. Both are acceptable choices. If at some point you are unhappy with that you need only look to the left or right and see all the darn things you'd been blessed with. It is NOT as bad as you think it is. Drop your defensive barriers and listen to me. Take a look around.
... and around.
... and around.
Yep. Life is not over. The night sky is still beautiful and the people run still more on their hamster wheels. Another day goes by. Your God has not changed and neither, really, has your life. Thank God.
Take a deep breath and breathe out slowly. Ahhhh... life is good after all.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
close your eyes
This morning Justin woke me up around 6:20 and told me to hurry up for something and that he was going to drive me to work.
I felt something was fishy so I started getting suspicious. ESPECIALLY when he told me to go to the bathroom to get something but when I'm IN there he said NEVERMIND and that he'll be downstairs waiting in the car and he just left.
As I went downstairs, there was a car waiting... but it was a camry.. so I started guessing.. DID HE GET A NEW CAR??? lol. Then I saw a car coming towards me and one of the headlights was alittle messed up and pointing upwards, so I knew it was him.
He started driving and stopped at McDonalds. I asked him if we were going there. But no, we were just going to the drive thru to pick something up.
Then when we got closer to work, he asked me to close my eyes and count to 700 if I want to open my eyes early. I started counting in chinese... it seemed a way longer distance than from where we were to work.
Finally when I got to open my eyes, he told me to hurry up and get the food as he went to the trunk. He got out a sleeping bag, and he told me to start running with him up the hill. We ended up at "the cliff" where some of our friends like to hang out because there you can see the whole San Fernando Valley, and some of Los Angeles.
We sat down on the sleeping bag, he prayed and we ate breakfast as we waited for the sun to rise. It was beautiful.. with a LA weather of probably mid 70's at 7am...? lol. Then we prayed for our relationship and those close to us.
Then I realized that THIS is what defines our relationship. You gotta love that.
I felt something was fishy so I started getting suspicious. ESPECIALLY when he told me to go to the bathroom to get something but when I'm IN there he said NEVERMIND and that he'll be downstairs waiting in the car and he just left.
As I went downstairs, there was a car waiting... but it was a camry.. so I started guessing.. DID HE GET A NEW CAR??? lol. Then I saw a car coming towards me and one of the headlights was alittle messed up and pointing upwards, so I knew it was him.
He started driving and stopped at McDonalds. I asked him if we were going there. But no, we were just going to the drive thru to pick something up.
Then when we got closer to work, he asked me to close my eyes and count to 700 if I want to open my eyes early. I started counting in chinese... it seemed a way longer distance than from where we were to work.
Finally when I got to open my eyes, he told me to hurry up and get the food as he went to the trunk. He got out a sleeping bag, and he told me to start running with him up the hill. We ended up at "the cliff" where some of our friends like to hang out because there you can see the whole San Fernando Valley, and some of Los Angeles.
We sat down on the sleeping bag, he prayed and we ate breakfast as we waited for the sun to rise. It was beautiful.. with a LA weather of probably mid 70's at 7am...? lol. Then we prayed for our relationship and those close to us.
Then I realized that THIS is what defines our relationship. You gotta love that.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Why Guys Like Girls...
Old list. Just saw someone repost it... and re-reposted it.
1. They will always smell good even if its just shampoo
2. The way their heads always find the right spot on our shoulder
3. How cute they look when they sleep
4. The ease in which they fit into our arms
5. The way they kiss you and all of a sudden everything is right in the world
6. How cute they are when they eat
7. The way they take hours to get dressed but in the end makes it all worth while
8. Because they are always warm even when its minus 30 out side
9. The way they look good no matter what they wear
10. The way they fish for compliments even though you both know that you think she’s the most beautiful thing on this earth
11. How cute they are when they argue
12. The way her hand always finds yours
13. The way they smile
14. The way you feel when you see their name on the call ID after you just had a big fight
15. The way she says “lets not fight anymore” even though you know that an hour later you will be arguing about something
16. The way they kiss when you do something nice for them
17. The way they kiss you when you say “I love you’
18. Actually … just the way they kiss you…
19. The way they fall into your arms when they cry
20. Then the way they apologize for crying over something that silly
21. The way they hit you and expect it to hurt
22. Then the way they apologize when it does hurt . (even though we don’t admit it)!
23. The way they say “I miss you”
24. The way you miss them
25. The way their tears make you want to change the world so that it doesn’t hurt her anymore…..
Yet regardless if you love them, hate them, wish they would die or know that you would die without them … it matters not. Because once in your life, whatever they were to the world they become everything to you. When you look them in the eyes, traveling to the depths of their souls and you say a million things without trace of a sound, you know that your own life is inevitably consumed within the rhythmic beatings of her very heart. We love them for a million reasons, No paper would do it justice. It is a thing not of the mind but of the heart.
Friday, October 24, 2008
this wknd
This wknd will be busy... or should I say for the next couple of weeks? or months? or even year...
let's see..
Saturday:
- going to visit Caroline with Tom and Justin, and probably Calvin
- pm: pick up mom from airport
Sunday:
- church
- going to see some houses
Monday:
- termite inspection
- mom tour the house for the first time
Tues:
- House inspection
11/15: tenants move out
1/12: lease ends, need to be moved out before this
and more in the months after that
- renovation
- TW: banquet
- wedding
- Europe
I envision many sleepless nights coming lol
let's see..
Saturday:
- going to visit Caroline with Tom and Justin, and probably Calvin
- pm: pick up mom from airport
Sunday:
- church
- going to see some houses
Monday:
- termite inspection
- mom tour the house for the first time
Tues:
- House inspection
11/15: tenants move out
1/12: lease ends, need to be moved out before this
and more in the months after that
- renovation
- TW: banquet
- wedding
- Europe
I envision many sleepless nights coming lol
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
wow, I can't believe how many things I'm involved in for work nowadays.
I'm on a team within our dept that creates more trust and team building, and we're going to MAKE WINE at a winery!!!!
How fun is that?!?!
we're taking a bus and we have lunches and h'orderves.. get there, get to taste different blends, and each team decides on a blend..
3 months later come back, bottle them and make labels!! I'm so excited
I'm on a team within our dept that creates more trust and team building, and we're going to MAKE WINE at a winery!!!!
How fun is that?!?!
we're taking a bus and we have lunches and h'orderves.. get there, get to taste different blends, and each team decides on a blend..
3 months later come back, bottle them and make labels!! I'm so excited
Monday, October 20, 2008
the road to becoming a satisfied woman
lately there is much need to remind myself to be more content with myself, Justin, family and friends, and life.
asides from listing out why I should be content, I am going to try to become more encouraging.
I think in order to become more encouraging from the inside out (none of that fake encouraging crap), there's this process your head must go through.
First, I think I need to stop criticizing and COMPARING with others. If you compare with other people, you'll ALWAYS be disappointed and frustrated.
Second, I need to start looking for the good things that are happening around me. If I can spend more time in finding the improvements instead of the negatives, I will start noticing that there are many things to praise for.
Third, after I can stop comparing with others, start comparing with myself. Or if this pertains to Justin, start compare with his OLD self, or history. That way, I would start seeing how HE has improved instead of how he stacks up with other men.
Laundry list:
- He has been cooking more for us, and yummy meals too! He researches for recepes, and he also does the dishes while cooking--> not too much for me to wash, and sometimes he even washes the dishes after meal too.
- He has been losing a lot of weight, and is doing a good job in keeping the weight down. He started eating less and try to stay eating healthy.
- He would choose to not eat out soemtimes to eat at home.
- He has been buying most of our groceries and keep in check of how much we have spent on buying groceries this month.
- He would look at the discounts and the sales at stores for ingredients we need, and compare between different stores.
- He has been responsible with his tutoring, and makes effort to be available to students and to not be late.
the list can go on,
and now I need to focus on these things more :)
asides from listing out why I should be content, I am going to try to become more encouraging.
I think in order to become more encouraging from the inside out (none of that fake encouraging crap), there's this process your head must go through.
First, I think I need to stop criticizing and COMPARING with others. If you compare with other people, you'll ALWAYS be disappointed and frustrated.
Second, I need to start looking for the good things that are happening around me. If I can spend more time in finding the improvements instead of the negatives, I will start noticing that there are many things to praise for.
Third, after I can stop comparing with others, start comparing with myself. Or if this pertains to Justin, start compare with his OLD self, or history. That way, I would start seeing how HE has improved instead of how he stacks up with other men.
Laundry list:
- He has been cooking more for us, and yummy meals too! He researches for recepes, and he also does the dishes while cooking--> not too much for me to wash, and sometimes he even washes the dishes after meal too.
- He has been losing a lot of weight, and is doing a good job in keeping the weight down. He started eating less and try to stay eating healthy.
- He would choose to not eat out soemtimes to eat at home.
- He has been buying most of our groceries and keep in check of how much we have spent on buying groceries this month.
- He would look at the discounts and the sales at stores for ingredients we need, and compare between different stores.
- He has been responsible with his tutoring, and makes effort to be available to students and to not be late.
the list can go on,
and now I need to focus on these things more :)
Thursday, October 16, 2008
good morning los angeles
I got in at 6:30 this morning! It took me 10 min from the garage to drive to the parking lot at work. probably one of the faster times.
I wish I could chat on gtalk at work sometimes. gah. so stupid how pretty much every website is blocked. I guess I'm glad I can still write my gibberish on this and I could still check my personal email....
Anyway, I think my stomach flu kinda went away. But not the regular flu.. I have phlagm and still have sore throat. GR.
I wish I could chat on gtalk at work sometimes. gah. so stupid how pretty much every website is blocked. I guess I'm glad I can still write my gibberish on this and I could still check my personal email....
Anyway, I think my stomach flu kinda went away. But not the regular flu.. I have phlagm and still have sore throat. GR.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Corporate Ladder
I think Corporate Ladders are overrated...
even if they're kinda necessary =/
JIA YOU, VICKY!!!
even if they're kinda necessary =/
JIA YOU, VICKY!!!
i'm sick..
Justin made me chicken noodle soup last night... from scratch!
it's soo good... and I get to bring some to work today :D
I have decided that I should make more effort in school, since I get as much out of it as I want to (to some degree). I can't depend too much on asking Justin to study with me and other ppl since he doesn't really need to study to get decent grades. I need to be more independent and realize that I'm doing this for myself, maybe alittle bit for us, but definitely not just for him.
If I always complain nothing will get done.
VICKY DAY DREAMING AND IN SEMI DEEP THOUGHT from here on----------------------
I think God has really been good to me... when I do try, things DO happen.. and I don't think it's always because I tried. There are plenty of people who aren't so lucky. I need to be better... and I need to have a plan. Some people think life wouldn't always go your way either you plan it or not.. it's TRUE. but I think that I need to plan to have some expectations.. and I keep myself FLEXIBLE at the same time. so even if the reality doesn't go like my plan, at least I set a bar for myself, and I shouldn't land too far from that goal, right? (at least I hope not, LOL)
Sometimes I just want to be BOLD in life. I want to leave everything I have and go travel. I think I might do that with Justin if I change jobs in a few years. I'm so going to save up like crazy right now and when I do have a decent break, go somewhere. I would love to finally go on a missionary that lasts for more than a week. That does take alot of courage though, I think. But that's what I would aim for... none of that "what if I run out of money? what if I can't find a job? what if, what if..." crap. I am not gonna be tied down.. follow the social norm.. be one of the 8-5 crowd, and 10 years down the line wonder where my life has gone, and what have I achieved.. and be zombie like.. following the same routine and purpose-less.
it's soo good... and I get to bring some to work today :D
I have decided that I should make more effort in school, since I get as much out of it as I want to (to some degree). I can't depend too much on asking Justin to study with me and other ppl since he doesn't really need to study to get decent grades. I need to be more independent and realize that I'm doing this for myself, maybe alittle bit for us, but definitely not just for him.
If I always complain nothing will get done.
VICKY DAY DREAMING AND IN SEMI DEEP THOUGHT from here on----------------------
I think God has really been good to me... when I do try, things DO happen.. and I don't think it's always because I tried. There are plenty of people who aren't so lucky. I need to be better... and I need to have a plan. Some people think life wouldn't always go your way either you plan it or not.. it's TRUE. but I think that I need to plan to have some expectations.. and I keep myself FLEXIBLE at the same time. so even if the reality doesn't go like my plan, at least I set a bar for myself, and I shouldn't land too far from that goal, right? (at least I hope not, LOL)
Sometimes I just want to be BOLD in life. I want to leave everything I have and go travel. I think I might do that with Justin if I change jobs in a few years. I'm so going to save up like crazy right now and when I do have a decent break, go somewhere. I would love to finally go on a missionary that lasts for more than a week. That does take alot of courage though, I think. But that's what I would aim for... none of that "what if I run out of money? what if I can't find a job? what if, what if..." crap. I am not gonna be tied down.. follow the social norm.. be one of the 8-5 crowd, and 10 years down the line wonder where my life has gone, and what have I achieved.. and be zombie like.. following the same routine and purpose-less.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
It's that time of the year again
for the Santa Ana winds to blowww.
goodness.
118 fwy is closed since yesterday mid-day.
my school's classes were cancelled (how about today?? :D)
and this morning, SO much traffic for 6:30 on the local roads.
i feel bad for the ppl that had to go around the whole fwy to get home yesterday
and i guess they had to do the same to get to work this morning.
that must suck..
goodness.
118 fwy is closed since yesterday mid-day.
my school's classes were cancelled (how about today?? :D)
and this morning, SO much traffic for 6:30 on the local roads.
i feel bad for the ppl that had to go around the whole fwy to get home yesterday
and i guess they had to do the same to get to work this morning.
that must suck..
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Europe Trip
It might be alittle early but Justin and I have started looking into our Honeymoon in Europe next Sept.
we're doing some research on some of the festivals that are going on when we will be there, etc.
It'll be fun!
we're doing some research on some of the festivals that are going on when we will be there, etc.
It'll be fun!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
work and school
I have to say, working full time and even if it's just going to school part time.... is extremely difficult. Unless you are a genius, in other words, not normal. Homework, project, midterms, office hours...
someone help me.
I need a tutor :(
someone help me.
I need a tutor :(
Monday, October 6, 2008
Advantures this past wknd
I finally started a blog!!! (Liz asked me if I had one.. and I actually have been thinking about it.. since I closed my xanga account and all...)
A few weeks ago I purchased some Gold AMC movie tickets from the company store (8 dollars each!) just in case we want to go watch a movie spontaneously.
So Friday after work, we actually went swimming (kind of cold) and after showering we went to the movie theatre!!
We ended up watching Nick and Norah, and the Ghost Town. They were both really cute movies. but we liked Nick and Norah better :D
Also, Justin and I found this song we like:
Lucky by Jason Mraz
Lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
....
You'll hear the music fill the air
I'll put a flower in your hair
Though the breezes through the trees
Move so pretty, you're all I see
As the world keeps spinning round
You hold me right here right now
This is parts of the song. But I think it's cute because Justin and I were best friends for 3 years before we started going out.
Sat we went hiking with some friends out in the rain. On our way down there was an old guy running UP the trail and he said "you guys are crazy! it's raining" and we responded with "why are you going UP the trail then?! lol" 2 seconds after he passed us he changed his mind and started heading back down.
After we hiked everyone took a shower at Tom and Amanda's place. We had a feast after everyone changed into comfy clothes.
Even though it was raining, it was so worth it! Chex mix, trail mixes, Gilbert, mud built up on bottom of your shoes making you feel like you have high heels on, Hawaiian bread, fruit jello, spaghetti with italian sausage, YUMMMM.
Sunday for pre-engagement counseling we made Guacamole. Tom and Amanda made Tortilla soup and quesadillas. we have 2~3 more sessions left I think........ I wonder when we'll get to start planning for the wedding?!?!?!
A few weeks ago I purchased some Gold AMC movie tickets from the company store (8 dollars each!) just in case we want to go watch a movie spontaneously.
So Friday after work, we actually went swimming (kind of cold) and after showering we went to the movie theatre!!
We ended up watching Nick and Norah, and the Ghost Town. They were both really cute movies. but we liked Nick and Norah better :D
Also, Justin and I found this song we like:
Lucky by Jason Mraz
Lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
....
You'll hear the music fill the air
I'll put a flower in your hair
Though the breezes through the trees
Move so pretty, you're all I see
As the world keeps spinning round
You hold me right here right now
This is parts of the song. But I think it's cute because Justin and I were best friends for 3 years before we started going out.
Sat we went hiking with some friends out in the rain. On our way down there was an old guy running UP the trail and he said "you guys are crazy! it's raining" and we responded with "why are you going UP the trail then?! lol" 2 seconds after he passed us he changed his mind and started heading back down.
After we hiked everyone took a shower at Tom and Amanda's place. We had a feast after everyone changed into comfy clothes.
Even though it was raining, it was so worth it! Chex mix, trail mixes, Gilbert, mud built up on bottom of your shoes making you feel like you have high heels on, Hawaiian bread, fruit jello, spaghetti with italian sausage, YUMMMM.
Sunday for pre-engagement counseling we made Guacamole. Tom and Amanda made Tortilla soup and quesadillas. we have 2~3 more sessions left I think........ I wonder when we'll get to start planning for the wedding?!?!?!
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