while waiting, read

As of today

2012-02-10T00:20:00.000-08:00

my goal for the rest of my life is to be honest in my feelings and opinions, to not regret it, and to mean every damn word that will be said.

artist

I've been letting life pass by because I just wanted to be an observer, but now I'm about quite done observing. I want to do something with what I've taken in. I may not have experienced much compared to the wise old men on this earth but I think I've got a hold on what I need and should do. I've learned to be passionate in the things I do and love the people around me despite our differences. I've learned to dislike certain rules and obligations that I don't align my own morals with. I've learned to accept the people that I don't get along with. But I've learned that I won't like everyone in this world even if I tried my hardest to force myself to like them. I'm human I have flaws. I was an over thinker seeking everyone's approval, when I should only be seeking an approval from the one who matters most. I've been constrained too long in this space where I'm being tied to a rock, the only problem is I'm the one with a pair of scissors in my hand to free myself. No I won't have sex with just anybody. No I won't be doing drugs. Yes I will be listening to rock n roll. I'm only freaking 22 and I'm going to live. Here's to you mr one ball sac who dooesn't have the courage to man up and climb up the freaking tree and reach for the best fruit to pick. Another one goes to the insecure one who couldn't get over the fact that I was the only one who stayed by your side. Lastly, to the one who I saw it coming the spoiled, privileged, and will never experience the hardship we went through. My parents warned my about you all. P.S.You're in my way, move. I'm trying to live.

2012-01-29T23:07:00.000-08:00

Whenever i'm working this song plays in the store and I always think it's Kings of Leon, but it's Gavin Degraw! I'm glad he's still making music.

Have you met my

2012-01-09T17:33:00.000-08:00

future husband? I can't wait to travel again. I'm getting ideas though :)

oh my gosh im bawlin up right now.

I hung out with my mom

2012-01-05T23:01:00.000-08:00

So my Mom had a day off today because she was fasting for a hospital visit tomorrow so I kept her company. We went to LA to visit my Dad's work and just walked around Melrose. I learned a lot things about myself and why I do the things I do. Baby where'd you get your attitude from? I got it from my Mama! While we were shopping for DVDs my Dad wasn't around so we couldn't get the prices that employees get the discount for. So my Mom asked the worker there what his name was then being all charming and out of nowhere she asks can you help me get the discount? I was like straight-up don't even waste time gotta get that discount. It's cute she does this when she bargains when she shops. Friend can you get me a better price? I'm no good at this and I wish I could learn how to do it like my Mama. No beating around the bush and be straight up can I get a discount? Sigh 22 years and still got a lot to learn from my Mama. :)

Robots

2012-01-04T13:56:00.000-08:00

Behind the Cardboard Curtain from ARTHUR S. MOR on Vimeo.

Devon was my painting teacher and the other guy is so f#$%&*^ awesome. It makes me want to make robots.

First Tears of the New Year

2012-01-03T23:59:00.000-08:00

I love the piano in this song and when the boys harmonize.
Today I showed my big I was weak and it took a lot of strength to do it.
Thank you for being there for me even though I don't say it enough or show it.
I cried because I was so happy for her and because of that the tears never stopped flowing for about an hour and a half.

Never too late

2012-01-02T23:29:00.000-08:00

To say Happy New Year!
2012 is goin' be a crazy year. I'm excited though so much to be thankful for, so much to be praying for, and so much things needed to be done. Gotta practice writing 2012 now. There's so much to look forward to and Graduation is a big thing for me because I mean my parents always told me to finish college. It may not have been exactly what they wanted for a degree but it's what I chose and for that I am thankful for them supporting me. It's been quite a ride, 2011. I pictured myself in a different situation from last year but our plans and views are always going to be different from what God has in store for us. All I can remember from 2011 was my Thailand/Philippines trip because it was just that memorable. But for sure that's not the only thing that happened. I remember getting my passion back for Aphio and just wanting to make my last year in college significant. It's been up and down but God is still more awesome than I know. Life is hard and the things being thrown at me always have a purpose. I just know that 2012 is going to be an exciting year for many people not only me. Marriages, engagements, graduations, and maybe new life. On a side note I finished Being Erica which is one of the few series I actually watched till the end. I thoroughly enjoyed most of the episodes learning a lot about myself and about regrets. One of the last quotes from series was pretty awesome and a great way to start my new year.
"Everything that as a beginning has an ending, just as every ending creates space for something new to begin." -Being Erica

In the Words of Satan

2011-12-28T23:24:00.000-08:00

Ever since I learned about the devil when I was little, I chose to keep myself from looking or reading further of anything that dealt with him. I chose to learn more about God and forget about all the bad stuff that happened. Like when I was little I was afraid of the boogey man in the closet. I would just shut my eyes and prayed to forget not let the thoughts linger. It would work most of the time but it was my fault for letting myself watch scary movies or just letting all the possibilities that could happen to me run back in my head. Till now I still sensor myself from watching anything that'll prevent myself from sleeping alone and having crazy dreams. So today I was reading a blog and ran across this video. All I saw was Words of Satan. I was like who is this demonic blog chic trying to promote the words of the devil?! I started to see some bible verses near the video so it hit my curiosity. Why would some chick write bible verses and post a video about Satan? Then I let myself filter everything I misread. So I pressed play and lovely tune started playing. It's a wonderful message transposed into a song. So dear reader I urge you to press play and kill that curiosity of yours just like I did with mine.

God couldn't have picked a better song to rebuke with me today.

Know No

2011-12-27T01:43:00.000-08:00

"Pressure makes diamonds"

-General George S. Patton

I heard this quote today while watching Being Erica. This show from Canada always has the best quotes. Anyways this quote is definitely going to be kept in my mind when I work on future deadlines,projects, or whatever situation I will be in.

Christmas has past the end of 2011 is near. I'm grateful for what has happened this past year. New friendships, traveling, love, hate, tears, fears, but best of all growth. There's just so much to be thankful for and I am very thankful for the things I have and what I don't have. God has a purpose into why we have certain experiences and why we can't always get what we want. God knows what's best for us. I need this reminder. We may not get the things now, maybe we will, maybe we won't. Just trust that He knows exactly what He's doing. We live to learn from our mistakes and that's what gives us character. There's the rejection from what is good now because there's acceptance from what is greater later. That folks is a quote of my own. It probably exists somewhere but I'm claiming that I just made right now at 1:29 AM on December 27, 2011. There's a lot of maturity (I mean I hope) from that quote because it has gone through no's from arguing countless times for moving out, to no's in not letting me add a class, to no's in sharing the gospel to a friend, to no's in bargaining for cheaper prices in Thailand, to no's in career related pathways, and to no's in relationships. I'm still learning to accept the no's but I know someday in the future those no's will be yes's and when the time comes hopefully I'll be ready.

Godwilling

Countdown till undergrad is over: 5 months

till I see my older brother: who knows?

till I turn 23: 7 months

till Jesus comes: hopefully soon

till 2012: 5 days!

God's Science

2011-12-25T00:23:00.000-08:00

This image was from the Louie Giglio's Indescribable and it struck me like lightning. God uses science to demonstrate how creative he is and how significant we are in such a huge universe. Giglio's next part of his series had another hook and it's mind blowing just like the first.

Men go abroad to wonder at the height of mountains, the huge waves of the sea, the long course of rivers, the vast compass of the ocean, the circular motion of the stars... but they pass by themselves and don't even notice.

-Augustine

This past Thursday I was blessed with some of tito Vic's famous steak and Louie Giglio's second part of "How Great is our God" message. God made us to be such intricate human beings with a purpose bigger than ourselves.

LAMININ!

"And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Colossians 1:17

AMAZING GRACE.

beautiful tragedy

2011-12-18T23:41:00.000-08:00

i finally watched crazy stupid love
i thought it sounded like mumford and sons when it played during the movie
winter break i'm very excited you finally came along.

tea with honey

2011-12-07T23:46:00.000-08:00

i requested some tea while i was painting and my mother brewed a fresh cup for me. it's even in a fancy holiday cup. oh so festive! trying to get ready for finals by not getting sick and catching up on a bunch of homework. it's gonna be a busy weekend i can't believe finals are already next week. 5 months till undergrad is officially over. :)

baby b

2011-12-05T22:49:00.000-08:00

this makes me feel all good inside. michael jackson vibe with beyonce's spice. this girl knows wassup.
i love love love beyonce and the way jay-z cheers for her in the end.

Everything's TOEkay

2011-12-02T13:09:00.000-08:00

Note to future radiologic technicians:

It's always awkward when you are trying to hit on someone when they're lying down. Wait till they're sitting upright.

My toe isn't broken praise Jesus but the doctor said the pain and the bruising can last up to two months.

hmm.

big toe

2011-11-28T19:19:00.000-08:00

my volunteer job for today consisted of filing paperwork and getting trampled by a filing cabinet. Yes, I said filing cabinet. Everything was in slow motion it felt so unreal. You know when people say my life flashed before my eyes? Well that didn't happen to me but the whole slow motion of things happened. I closed the bottom drawer in order to open the top drawer because I thought that's how the cabinet worked, apparently not. To my knowledge I had closed the bottom drawer properly so I decided to put the last folder in the top drawer. All of a sudden in slow motion the cabinet came tumbling down on to my fragile body. I was nonchalantly saying in my head, "why does the drawer look like it's tilting?" I was seriously so calm about the whole situation that all I could say after the drawer was taken off of me was I'm so sorry. I felt a little bit of pain in my leg but I could still function. I never thought that in that moment I'd be the person to just do nothing. You know like in movies where you scream at the characters to run but they stop, stare, and scream at the villain? I did that, except scream at the villainous cabinet. It was seriously the last few minutes of my volunteer shift and I just had to have a little scar for remembrance. I was saying bye to the workers there and they asked if I was okay. I was like yeah I'm totally fine but they insisted to check my leg. So I hesitantly did. I pulled my pant leg up and saw that the cabinet had tore a nice piece of skin and left my shin purple. All I could think of my head is "dang I'm going to miss time for doing my homework." They told me to file a report or statement of what happened so I did. I kept saying I was fine but my toe started hurting so I finally took off my shoe. There was a nice red spot on my white sock. It was as if my foot had a period. I took off my sock and there was my big toe gushing out a red river of type O. Okay maybe it wasn't a river but at that moment every injury I had looked ginourmous in my eyes. The workers there did some emergency first aid on me and offered to drive me to the hospital. I refused because my toes were moving I could still walk. So I left and drove back to school. I decided to call some people and see what their take on whether or not I should even go to the hospital. At the same time the pain poured all over my right leg. I was shaking as I was driving to school and tears just flowed out of nowhere. At that moment I felt so alone. No one was answering their phones to listen to me cry or know of what just happened to me. The pain kept coming as I pushed the gas petal. I was scared of passing out or no one ever knowing the reason if I did pass out. I finally reached school and people started responding but my good ol' friend Phil came to the rescue to accompany me to Kaiser.

There's more to the story but I that's the essential of how I managed to injure myself on a day where I needed to finish up things. It reminded me of what Aarika told me, "Want to know how to make God laugh? Tell him your plans." I had so much plans that day of finishing my paperwork, getting paintings done, doing my research paper. It was a little reminder that ultimately God has a plan that's different from mine and that I need to trust in Him more because He knows what's best. Even if little injuries like this happen I still have think at least I'm not with a broken foot or a bigger problem. This is what happens when I do things last minute. God is reminding me to do things on time and not to procrastinate, oh my life long journey. Well thank you God and thank you everybody who happened to help, call, or even be concerned just a little of my well being.

Update on my toe: it has black blood.

Take care of your big toe everybody it happens to affect how you walk if you injure it.

Albers

2011-11-27T22:07:00.000-08:00

One fights for
what one doesn't have
oneself

fights those
who are
like us

let's love in peace
that which belongs
to all

and peacefully enjoy
our being
unlike each other

To design is
to plan and organize,
to order, to relate
and to control

In short it embraces
all means opposing
disorder and accident

Therefore it signifies
a human need
and qualifies man's thinking and doing

-Josef Albers

i dare you

2011-11-23T17:54:00.001-08:00

can't get enough of adele.

don't forget me

2011-11-19T00:37:00.001-08:00

santana. daaaayum

the scientist

2011-11-02T21:37:00.000-07:00

i love talented musicians that can sing live.
i didnt learn to appreciate this song till now.

cbr

2011-10-30T22:43:00.000-07:00

my gewdness.
her emotions are penetrating my heart making all my tears want to come pouring out
such a strong soul.
mmhmm

current

2011-10-29T22:24:00.000-07:00

I want to re-live the month of June again.
So broken and so ready to do your will.
What's happening to me? Is this real life? You have four eyes!

discouragement to encouragement

2011-09-07T01:07:00.000-07:00

DO IT ANYWAY

Written By Mother Theresa        People are often unreasonable, illogical,
        and self-centered;
        Forgive them anyway.
        If you are kind, People may accuse you
       of selfish, ulterior motives;
        Be kind anyway.
        If you are successful, you will win some
        false friends and some true enemies;
        Succeed anyway.
        If you are honest and frank,
        people may cheat you;
        Be honest and frank anyway.
        What you spend years building, someone
        could destroy overnight;
        Build anyway.
        If you find serenity and happiness,
        they may be jealous;
        Be happy anyway.
       The good you do today,
        people will often forget tomorrow;
        Do good anyway.
        Give the world the best you have,
        and it may never be enough;
        Give the world the best you've got anyway.
        You see, in the final analysis,
        it is between you and God;

It was never between you and them anyway

passed on along to me by Sarah and I thank God everyday that I've met such a wonderful friend like her.

Only in the Philippines...

2011-08-25T16:35:00.000-07:00

There's many things you can and cannot do in a country and while I was in the Philippines my favorite saying was, "Only in the Philippines..." The situation ranged from loading a motorcycle with 5 people to a simple relaxation on the beautiful islands. Here are some of the simple pleasures I was able to capture.

Only in the Philippines... will you see a jeepney fully loaded inside and out.

Only in the Philippines...I was able to finally ride a banana boat (that really looked like a pencil) with my cousins.

Only in the Philippines...you can enjoy a legit lechon at every party!

Only in the Philippines...I can hold my cousin's gun while driving!

Only in the Philippines...you can buy some delicious balut off the street!

Only in the Philippines... you can sit in a duyan and really feel relaxed.

There's so much more things you can only do in the Philippines but that's just a few I was able to enjoy.

I <3 the P.I.

Reminiscing

2011-08-19T03:36:00.000-07:00

So I can't sleep so I've decided to finally write about some of my adventures in the lovely islands of the Philippines. I went to two islands the main island where Manila is and Mindanao. If you haven't heard Mindanao is one of the scariest islands to visit. I would say it's pretty risky to travel to but definitely worth the scare. There's probably people that are in the ASG wandering in the mountains and that's why my mom would always pray for our safety. I didn't really understand why she would say that she feels more safe when she sees people walking on the streets, but I did understand when I finally got back to America and Googled everything. Hopefully that doesn't scare you off from visiting the beautiful island of Mindanao. I think that's what makes it the more enticing because of how untouched it is. I was able to see the Little Niagara Falls, Filipino style, called Tinuy-an Falls. There's also this Enchanted River where everybody has to leave before 5 PM because there's this ghost that apparently haunts the location. There's gold mines with bats lurking to try and scare you. An abundance of rice fields is present to your left and right side whenever you are driving on the island. Oh and did I mention there's numerous surf spots to check out! Visiting all these places made me appreciate more of how beautiful and rich (not monetary wise) my country is. I miss it so much already I can't wait to go back to visit more wonders of the Philippines.

Tinuy-an Falls

Enchanted River

Siargao, Cloud 9 surf spot

Locals shredding at Cloud 9

Till next time. Catcha later brah!

just like that

2011-08-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

and it was all a dream.

-biggie

cloud 9, siargao philippines

missing you too much so much very much right now thailand and philippines!

in less than 36 hours i will be goin goin back back to cali cali God willing.

Gonna see my pops, hershey, and errbody and their mommas.

can't wait!

in love with

2011-07-25T03:48:00.000-07:00

this photo

source Meu Eu Hilario

I'm very proud to be a single lady and I most def work it like this statue fo' sho.
But for reals thank you God for allowing me to travel the world and enjoy life without the worries for a significant other but when that time comes, I'll love like they've never been loved before.

Cow Tot Ka

2011-07-15T05:21:00.000-07:00

Wow cow tot ka (I'm sorry) I haven't been able to blog consistently once I started teaching because I decided it was better for me to spend time with my students rather than blogging on the computer. Now that I've finished I shall give a quick summary of teaching and the rest of my adventures in Thailand. I can't believe that month flew by so fast. I miss Thailand, my students, and my friends so much. Missing them too much, so much, very much right now ;). God really opened my eyes to the ministry out in the 420 zone. I love the ministry here in Santisuk because not only do they learn English but stories about Jesus too. A lot of the ministry is about relationship building so students can learn not only through the books but real life examples of Christians. I may not be the best example at times but I thank God for just using me. I was able to talk to my students about their views about Jesus. Some of them may not believe in Him now but God has planted seeds in many of their hearts. I can see their curiosity with God's power and just all the miracles Jesus did. I was trying to explain the trinity to them but that's also a little difficult for me to understand as well. I'm so glad to have met so many polite and sincere Thai people. I really encourage those who want to teach to come out to Thailand because you will be blessed so much. Ugh I miss my 30 baht meals with my daily iced green tea with milk. Thailand I may not come back in a year but give me maybe two years and I'll give you my time. :)

Some things I will miss:

English time Praew is ready for any picture.

Studying so diligently

My student's restaurant.

Level 2 class minus Jar (that's what you get for missing class 5555)

My Filipinos who like to jam.

Random spotting of cute Thai seals ;)

Outings with my students.

The water taxi

Adventuring in Thailand. Two years time God willing I will be back.

Chan rak kun Thailand!

Live video

2011-06-28T21:55:00.000-07:00

First Week of Teaching

2011-06-23T02:28:00.000-07:00

So my first week of teaching was very interesting. It as definitely an awesome week full of blessings. The first day was nerve wrecking because I didn't know what age I was teaching and how much English they would be able to understand. I was fortunate enough to sub for Whitney for a day to have a little taste( as Hazel would say) of teaching a class. I'm teaching Level 2 and Level 3 English so it's a level up, so I expected for the students to know more conversational English. My students are very quiet for now compared to the Level 1 students. Maybe it's because I joined them the last week where they all knew each other and were comfortable. I love my students though they all have great sentences for their homework, "My teacher is pretty. Will you go to the mall with me? I went to the mall with my friends." A+++ for those students just kidding! One of my favorite moments this week was when we were playing a game and naming animals. The students said a word that sounded like shock. I asked them to repeat it like five times until I just finally asked to spell it. They spelled s-h-a-r-k and in my American accent I said oh shark! They even copied me and my American accent I kept laughing at myself and them. It was funnier if you were there. Anyways when the other American teachers ate dinner the other day we all had funny stories about our students and what happens in class. I can't wait for more stories to tell but that's all for now. Teaching abroad is a lot of fun I can understand why people want to do this. Working abroad in general is probably so fun. Dear God please if it's your will, could you help me find a job abroad? Thanks! In Jesus' name, Amen! :)

Here's a little video I made with some of weekend outings two weeks ago. I'm so behind on updating videos. But do enjoy, hopefully you can watch it. :)

Koh Larn

2011-06-19T22:12:00.000-07:00

Today my cell group and I went to Koh Larn which is an island off Pattaya City. It took us a 2 hour drive and a 30 minute ferry. The beaches here are beautiful because they have a green scenery in the background unlike California beaches where we have sand, water, and beach houses. The beaches here have mountains filled with so much green that I'm actually starting to retract my hate for that color. Their little vendors for souvenirs remind me of Venice Beach and their beach chairs and umbrella duo remind me of La Jolla.

Why are America's waters never as clear as the ones in Asia? Well maybe Hawaii but I've never been there I've only seen in pictures. The water was so clear while I was waiting for the ferry to come I saw so many fish in the ocean. Here's a funny story. While I was walking to feel the water's temperature I saw little poop-shaped sand objects. I was hesitant to walk further because my experience in the Philippines two years ago was not a good one because the beach where I went little kids would poo right on the beach. So anyways I kept walking and I finally told my friends Tina and Nie, "Is this poop!?!" They laughed at me and said to me that they were made from crabs. When crabs dig the sand somehow turns into poop shape. I can't believe crabs can do this, maybe it's their escape tactic. Don't step on me there's poop!

Anyways it's only been the second Sunday I've been here and my cell group has been such a blessing. It's not a normal Sunday for me because instead of going to church on a Sunday I attend a more intimate setting with five to eight people. We share things we learned in our Friday message, what we learned in our time with God, and how God has answered our prayers. I thank God for placing me in this certain cell group because I am very blessed by them. They have such an amazing relationship with God and even though I cannot understand them half the time I can see God working in their lives. When I get back to America I think I'll use this setup for the Bible studies that will take place at school. I am being blessed so much by God and it is because of Him I can enjoy Thailand and all of His creation.

Food

2011-06-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

This week I didn't do much except what I'm guessing the locals here do which is eat sleep, work, and go to the mall. I've been eating lots of Thai food and boy I will tell you the best darn side street food ever. Mom and Dad sorry it's my only option because I ain't about to spend over 200 baht for lunch. Even though thats about $6.00 I'd rather just spend $1.00 on food that's like 10 times better. Some of their food is spicy some sweet. They really like to put either sugar or chili and it makes a very interesting taste of food.

Patsiyo (Pad See Yew) & Chayen (Thai tea) My first meal

Pad Thai

Some sweet soup I forgot what it's called.

Crunchy mussel/scallops

Even their fruits here are amazing. I mean we have rombutan in the Philippines so it was nothing new to me but my aunt introduced me to Mangosteen. I've only heard of Mangosteen because my mom would drink it religiously like three years ago. It supposedly prevents cancer or something like that so I thought it was just a name of a drink so I only found out it was a fruit when I saw it. Anyways it's so aroi ma (delicious)!

Well all the other tasty Thai food are on my cellphone which I have no idea how to transfer because my bluetooth on my computer is being dumb and won't work. So I hope you enjoyed having your mouths watered and hopefully you are as hungry as I am now.

Time for dinner!

Bayoke Tower

2011-06-12T22:50:00.000-07:00

A lot of what I've been doing lately is touring around Bangkok because I have one week before I actually start teaching English. Once this week is over my weekends are the only time I'll actually be doing tourist-y things. Well it also depends on my students if they want to go with me during the week. I've been observing Whitney's class and spending some time with her students. I really can't wait for my own batch of students.
So today we celebrated Sarah's goodbye lunch at MK, which is in Bangkapi mall. Our lunch was kind of like shabu shabu but Chinese-Thai style. I don't know how to describe it but they were just putting stuff on my plate. It was so delicious even if I ate tongue and a piece of heart, it's probably better if I was oblivious to what I was eating. Hopefully, I'll have another chance to eat here again.

อร่อยมาก

Next stop was Platinum Mall but the way they pronounce here is Pratina. I was so confused for about 5 minutes to why they call it that but it's because the L sound is hard to say for them as well as the end sound. There are so many cheap clothes, shoes, bags, anything you want for probably less than five dollars! God help me! It was really hard to control myself but I managed to resist to buy the entire mall. Phew!

Next to Pratina is the Bayoke Tower which is the highest point in Bangkok and it is a magnificent view as you can see. You can see the river on the left corner but I forgot the name of it. Their freeways are so nice here. When we were driving on it I felt like I was in America. I am so blessed to have this experience in Thailand. God is so gracious in bring me here, protecting me, and giving me sight to enjoy His creation. Ahhh doesn't this just make you want to come to Thailand? I hope it does because you need to!

Rung!

Sunset love with Heidi.

Well I hope you enjoy reading, do have a cup of tea with me while you wait.

Weekend

2011-06-11T20:39:00.000-07:00

I started the day at 8 am and it was a packed day of lots of tourism. The first stop was at Ayutthaya to visit a temple where King U-thong proclaimed this the royal temple. There were lots of cool ancient buildings and lots of statues of Buddha. The sky was clear it was beautiful but the sun was blistering hot! Imagine walking fifty or more steps to the top of the temple and having 99 degrees of Sun hitting your body. It was worth it though because I learned a lot about their religious practices and saw so many types of Buddha statues. We visited more temples and they were so intricately designed wall to wall. Some of the doors were carved wood with gold detailing. In one room there were tiny Buddha's inserted in little nooks in the wall. There were about 6,000 little statues in their little nooks. In the middle of the room there is this giant Buddha that is made of gold and what they do is they cover it with gold colored cloth as a symbol of their sacrifice.

I have never seen so many statues in my life and as a Christian it makes me sad of how much statues are made in order for them to worship. I am so thankful for the gospel that has been shared to me. Here is what I believe. God is the only God and He is the one that created this earth. He is perfect but I am but a sinful being who deserves eternal death. But God sent His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, perfect and blameless to receive our punishment instead. Who ever believes and trusts in Him as their personal Lord and Saviour shall have eternal life. No works and no statues involved. It's all grace and mercy given to us by God. A free gift given to us by God and we don't even deserve it. You can choose to believe it or not but I just want you to know that God is so good. I am so blessed to see this part of the world and enjoy their culture it's definitely an eye opening experience. I can see God's glory through His creation. Hopefully you dear reader can enjoy and experience Thailand one day.

My next stop was the floating market which is such an exotic way to shop. They have little vendors on boats some selling food some other types of products. You can even ride on a boat for less than a dollar. They even had an elephant ride but I chose to wait for another location because it was also a bit pricey. I just took photos of them because it was $free.99!

Here is the group I went with. It was Whitney's class that I will be sub-ing on Thursday. I was so blessed with them because they were so friendly and polite. They met me that day and even paid for my trip. Wow! I can't wait to meet my own class that I will be teaching so I can spend time with them and build close friendships.

Bangkok has me now

2011-06-09T23:45:00.001-07:00

So I finally made it to Bangkok and the weather is just as I expected. Thank God I made it here safe and sound. I think the only thing that shocked me the most was that people drive with the steering wheel on the right and drive on opposite lanes from those in the US. I'll probably get so used to it that when I get to the Philippines I'll be shocked then realize and be like too many changes going on!
On my flight to Bangkok I met a new friend named Earl from Australia which made my flight a lot less boring than my 15 hour flight. He was going to Thailand for vacation and Sri Lanka to help with an orphanage there. I totally forgot the rules my parents told me not to talk to strangers but after 15 hours of being by myself I couldn't help myself but talk to strangers. I guess that's what happens if you travel alone. I was cautious though so don't worry parents! I know now you are reading this. I miss you and love you very much!
Back to Thailand stories I'm just all over the place because I'm just so excited. My aunt made me stay awake because she didn't want me to have jet lag. She took me to this gigantic mall near her place and even took a water taxi to downtown. It was pretty awesome! So i stayed awake for so many hours by 6 PM Thailand time I don't remember how I got to bed.
It's only been one day and I can't wait for what else adventures are to come! I hope you enjoy my little video. Thanks Dad for letting me borrow your Flip! Enjoy watching and reading!

4 hour layover

2011-06-08T16:08:00.000-07:00

current mood: gassy
Just don't tell the next person sitting next to me, I mean at least my farts don't smell. On my 15 hour flight to Manila the person to my right decided to take their shoes off and let the whole world smell their disgusting feet. On top of that they decided not to brush their teeth. It's an experience to test my patience I mean there's far worse things people go through. I'm still learning not to complain. I guess I'm just kind of laughing at it now because I have a funny story to tell.
So here I am on my four hour layover waiting for my flight to Bangkok. As I wait here I'm hit with realization that I'm in Asia. There was a warm welcome of the heat right when I stepped out of the airplane, the pungent smell of wet cement, and many ma'am sirs. It's kind of weird not having a traveling buddy with me which made me kind of think about a lot of things, and I mean A LOT. So my breakfast this morning is a chicken sandwich, water, and reading a gospel tract in Tagalog. It's pretty cool how there's just some random white guy handing out these tracts and sharing the gospel. So bold he's probably a missionary going to some country that's like illegal to share it so might as well share it now where he can't get in trouble. Or maybe he's just that bold wish I was like that.
Well that's a mini update of my flight. I can't wait for more adventures to come. Did I tell you there's a little sparrow flying around in the airport? I love the Ninoy Aquino Airpot.

ready or not

2011-06-07T16:00:00.001-07:00

Here I come, you cant hide gonna find you and take it slowly. Since many of you are asking me to update my life while I'm off in Thailand or the Philippines, I've decided to just let you all know through blogging. I already know I'm terrible at this because in the past few months I've only done two or three posts. This time I'm really going to try hoping that one there will be internet where I'm at, two I'll have interesting stories, and three people will actually be reading this. Well I'll write anyways for my own memories. God has answered my prayer for preparing my heart to serve and just taking away all my fears for this trip. I'm in His hands now so family and friends don't fret just pray for me and my two month journey in Asia.
The last time I was out of the country for this long was when I was 11 and living like a queen in the Philippines. I'm joking I was young, hated the heat, and had no choice. I don't remember much from that trip except sleeping, actually playing with my neighbors, and eating the most delicious dirty ice cream I have ever had. Now that I am twice that age full of wisdom (I hope) and yearning for adventure I just can't wait to see what God has in store. I can't wait to ride elephants, shop, eat amazing Thai food especially the side vendors (don't tell my parents), get dark and sweaty, meet lots of people, teach, and most importantly share the good news. So please keep me in your prayers and send me yours too! Twenty hour flight here I come.

miss

2011-06-06T15:14:00.000-07:00

"Don't ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody."
-J.D. Salinger

Too late I already am.
i miss you and you and you and you. :)
Why must packing be so difficult?
For me it's because I have a mother that is a giver and wants to give Thailand all the goodies from America. Just kidding. But seriously half the stuff I'm putting in my luggage isn't mine, that's okay though because I love my relatives reaction when they're like, "For me?" So precious. Here's a little preview of my own stuff. Mostly clothes for now.

Finally got one of those neck pillows. After years and years of traveling I finally got one.
There's other luggage filled with who knows what but mother is packing it. I'm ready to sleep on my 20 hour journey.

To do list before I leave:
+get zucchini fries smothered in ranch
+buy benadryl
+empty SD cards/ upload videos to HD
+hmm something else but i just don't know what

xx

3 days

2011-06-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

Less than three days till I board an airplane by myself without the help of my mother, brother or a friend. I'm so nervous for this trip because I have no idea what to expect and people keep asking me if I'm ready. To be honest no. A few months ago I was so excited booking my flight and thinking about doing mission work. But something happened during the first week of April where I started to get mixed feelings. Well it was mostly because trials hit and it hit me hard. I know parents want the best for us and all but sometimes I wish they would just let me go and let me fall. Then I realize that I should be thankful for whatever they do for me now because most parents won't even support their own kids. I have so much to be thankful for and here I am complaining about how my parents won't let me make mistakes.
Blah. ungrateful kids. cant wait to have some of my own someday x_x
Anyways thank you mother and father for this wonderful opportunity and letting me go by myself to a very foreign country. I appreciate all your struggles and hard work you've gone through so I could have a better future. I know I always complain about how I wish I could've done this or done that. The truth is I wouldn't have it any other way. God meant for whatever plans He has now for me and that both of you supporting me in whatever I do. Thank you thank you thank you times infinity. God-willing I will see your pretty faces in a month but for my pops two months. :/

source ( miss Yolkina)

17

2011-05-21T23:32:00.000-07:00

meg and dia you write the weirdest lyrics but when you sing it, it somehow makes sense.
i like this song. sorry if ive ever done this to you. (mom)

im procrastinating even in packing. :)

realizations

2011-05-15T00:18:00.000-07:00

where do i even start.

23 days till Thailand. Boy i'm trippin so much things needed to do before i leave. I have to do my laundry but my washer is broken. and yes i'm scared of going to the laundromat. i have my personal reasons. I have three bags full of laundry. :(

my semester end sickness has come once again. super itchy throat never ending mucus. just a nice sign of congratulating me for the end of the semester.

i have had many consequences for not organizing this semester. my planner was not put to use. therefore i failed in life this semester. not really but i could've done better.

books. i love it when i get into the character of what i'm reading unfortunately the book im reading right now is very depressing. Ronald told me to stop reading it but its so good and so easy to read. i need to read my bible more though.

professors. i've learned to talk to them and email them so they can help me pass my classes.

school. ive realized its not for me but i just wanna make my moms proud because she wants me to get a diploma and gosh darn it i might just get it. just give me another year.

my standards i really need to reevaluate what im doing with life. i need to set higher goals and become a better example. im so proud of those people who are straightedge. makes me feel bad about myself but i admire them for their courage and perseverance.

i love seeing old high school friends. it's because of them i didn't hate high school as much as i would have. <3 congrats to those who graduated, graduating, and are graduating this year! so proud of all ya'lll

lately.

2011-05-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

(this picture made me laugh because of what i've been struggling with lately)

i'm trying to learn to not store my treasures on earth but in heaven.

although i do wish sometimes i had the brain of my father. it would make life so much easier...or maybe not i would over analyze every litttle thing. i guess i'm trying to learn to appreciate what i do have.. can't always get everything you want.

things i like.

2011-04-25T00:30:00.000-07:00

looking for some inspiration for advertising.

and a little bit of love. cant wait till schools over so i can celebrate in asia.

what im doing

2011-04-18T05:03:00.000-07:00

.

bahaha story of my life.

home

2011-04-16T20:33:00.001-07:00

one day when im married and have a daughter i hope they have this type of relationship with their father. ahh :)

monday shmonday

2011-04-11T22:13:00.000-07:00

my power color is red.

my friend pointed out i like to match my outfits.
its not that i just own a lot of the same colored stuff like red glasses a red backpack and red shoes.
i once had red hair. then i got over that phase of dying it every two weeks.

today i got nervous because i had to speak in front of my class about my project. i hate public speaking i'm terrible at it and i forget what to say in front of a crowd.

i got some grades back from my class. im definitely not an A student. nor am i willing to try. but God please give me at least one A this semester? please please please!

i asked people if i can draw their feet. their reaction was "eww gross, why?" "uhm no" "but my feet are ugly!"
im overcoming my fear of feet by drawing them. but i mostly have drawn my own and benzers without his knowing. i shall post them once ive finished. 19 more drawings to go :(

I will wait for you

2011-04-10T23:44:00.000-07:00

So many lines that are so good.

He wont even come close, our fingers wont even interlock, we wont even exchange breath 'cause I have thoughts I have saved, that I've saved that our father God has only equipped for you to open.

I will no longer get weighted down from so called friends and family talks about the concern for my biological thoughts when I serve the author of time. Who is not subject to time, but I am subject to him he has the ability to stop fast forward pause and rewind at any given time. So if we could role play you would be Abraham and I would be Sarah or you could be Isaac and I could be Rebeccah a servants answered prayer. I am bone of your bone flesh of your flesh made out your rib Adam and once we meet like electrons I will be bound to your nucleus completely indivisible atom. we even speak the same math one plus one plus one equals 3 but really equals one if you add him.

So convicted in church today so many great messengers of the word. Truly blessed and to top it off with this vid. Happy Lord's Day!

kindergarten

2011-04-03T23:36:00.000-07:00

all my life i've always been afraid of caterpillars because in kindergarten my friend and i were playing with this green caterpillar and she just ate it.
then later on i saw a black caterpillar and my teacher said it was deadly. i hope my friend didn't eat that one.

then a monarch butterfly flew in my classroom. my teacher freaked out. i wasnt afraid of butterflies till then. she said if you ever touch a butterfly dont ever touch your eyes or else you become blind.

oh the things ive learned to never touch in kindergarten.

i want a dj roomba

2011-03-31T19:18:00.000-07:00

oh my gosh my entire spring break has been taken over by parks and recreation.
i
love
it.
that is all and i am sad to say that im returning back to reality after the weekend. ahh well what a tease.

take me out to the ball game

2011-03-29T23:47:00.001-07:00

i was the blue among the red sea and i enjoyed it because it made the game more interesting.
i love the doyers even though they lost tonight. haven't watched them since i was 8 and the only stadium ive watched a mlb game was the dodgers stadium. man i miss that stadium. the angels stadiums nice but i love the good ol dodgers stadium.

we payed for $5 nosebleed tickets and scored some sweet seats right at the 1st inning and enjoyed watching and screaming at the players. after watching i do miss playing this sweet ol ball game.

torn

2011-03-27T23:47:00.000-07:00

i like long hair because it covers my boobs.
i like my short hair because i use less shampoo.

ahh wells.

chop

2011-03-26T21:47:00.000-07:00

mom's suprise a strawberry shake!
and then new do.

held my breath for the first chop.

buhay

2011-03-25T11:11:00.000-07:00

i don't even know where to start.
God answered my prayers and is leading me to where I should go.
My teachers are so encouraging yet they want to give me a bad grade.
I'm so anxious.
I have feelings that I can't get rid of and I don't even want to express but I think theyre mostly stomach problems.
I have a daily battle with procrastination.
I wanna drink some framboise and paint.
When it rains I get frustrated.
I just can't wait till June 7. Please hurry and come faster.

I'm building my collection of rainboots. I've got two but I really like this color. I'll wait for it to be on sale.

2011-03-17T04:05:00.000-07:00

82 more days of living comfortably.
9 more days till spring break
36 hours till portfolios due.
i need to gain a new perspective and just be nicer to people. lately ive been so mean. im sorry if ive offended you. i just got a feeling of being high and mighty i guess its the pressure and stress of things right now that i need something to handle.

God give me patience and wisdom in your decision for me. I need to trust in you through the good times and the bad times. Ish hard tho. But theres so much stuff laid ahead of me. I'm so excited like the little girl from despicable me that got the unicorn!
AH.

i found my new favorite youtube artist. so cayooote.

:=3

mind

2011-03-11T09:56:00.000-08:00

8.9 earthquake on my mind.
heaven on my mind.
unsaved loved ones on my mind.
reality on my mind.
i'm a bit nervous.
God please grant us your grace and mercy to the believers and nonbelievers.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-japan-quake-20110312,0,2015595.story

mummra

2011-03-10T05:30:00.001-08:00

on repeat. i need to stop distracting myself. sigh.

iniisip lang.

weekender.

2011-03-06T19:35:00.000-08:00

This weekend I stayed in my hood. I'm a little bit tired of driving so many miles. So with that I finally started my skull drawings. I also caught up with old friends and laughed. I sorted out some portfolio pieces. Then I sold a painting. It's been quite a busy weekend but I'm still feeling anxious about March 18. I wish it were March 22nd already so I can get things moving.

I've been doodling about my childhood days in el segundo. It makes me smile and get all giddy. I'm gonna write a book.

I've been listening to Amy Winehouse a lot. You might see my hair turn into a hive. She's taken over my projects therefore I'm trying to encompass myself with the likes of her. Don't worry I won't do the nasty nasty and definitely ain't going to rehab.

au revoir

2011-02-28T21:45:00.000-08:00

I'm planning to give up certain things in my life. It's been on my heart in the beginning of this year to change certain habits and the way I look. My parents have been bugging me about it and God definitely used someone I barely met to say it straight to my face. My piercing. It's only been over a year and it means a lot to me. It was symbol of my defiance and curiosity 6 months before turning 21. After I got the piercing I felt the urge to be rebellious not only to my parents but to God. I was totally passive and immature in my thinking. I've learned a lot throughout the year and 1 month. I personally like the piercing maybe one day I'll get it pierced again who knows but I am taking it off in respect to my mom. I love her to death and I wouldn't want her to be mad at me with time I still have with her. Another incident happened to day while working, some guy asked me how I was and I answered "I'm okay." He replied, "oh just like last week" I giggled and asked him how he was. He said, " I am very blessed, very blessed to be here, very blessed to be alive and talking. I got a concussion this past weekend and had 10 stitches placed on my head. I thought I wouldn't make it but I did and I am so thankful for being able to see my family again. My words to my friend before I passed out was tell my parents I love them. I'm glad I had this encounter with this person who I don't even know their name. But Mr. Anonymous you've impacted my life with your thankfulness. I don't want to be in the position where I have to tell my friend to tell my parents I love them. I want to show it and say it through my actions. Hopefully this is a start of showing more respect to them. Respect your parents if they're still there for you. Your mom said yes and did not abort you. She endured all that labor pain. Dear parents I love you dearly and I am very blessed for God to have chosen you as my caretakers on earth. Hopefully I am able to not only say it but to show it. :)

goodbye mr. industrial

First Thursday

2011-02-25T00:08:00.000-08:00

This is the first thursday since school started that I did not go out. All my friends decided to go clubbing tonight and have fun. But guess what I did instead?
Homework. Wow such a nerd. Well not really because this girl decided to procrastinate and leave all her homework unattended until it was due about 9 minutes ago. I'm quite the professional at this. I have a logo and letterheads due monday (partly finished) I need 3 illustrations of alligators done by Tuesday, 2 drawings of skulls with a layer of muscles due Tuesday, and I have a talent show to attend tomorrow, as well as a habitat restoration on saturday with a little spice a piano recital that includes a little boy named benzer and I've got eyebags I need to get rid of.

SIGGGHH.

I'm not saying I can do this alone because I most definitely cannot and I will not. God please help me. Well maybe it's another one of His lessons where I learn the hard way. It's gonna be an eventful weekend. Sorry if I looked stressed, its that and I'm also on my time of the month.

want

2011-02-23T22:46:00.000-08:00

BABOON

warning: graphic descriptions

2011-02-23T22:20:00.000-08:00

So today I didnt wake up for my first class which is kinda sad because I do like going to my art history of graphic design class. My professor is from England and whenever I hear him speak I just miss my brother a lot. I decided to sleep in because it was so freaking cold to get up plus I was having girl problems. Then two hours later when I wake up I realized that I had started my period. That was the mark of what was going to be a bloody day. So I get ready well I run first then watched glee while I was running. Then off to school I went. I walked to class and when I got there I was all sweaty but whatever it felt good because it was like I worked out. It was an hour into the class where I stood up and realized something was wrong. I felt really gross and wet. I go pee and then realized I bled everywhere. My I think there is problem with sitting down for a long time because the blood goes all sorts of places. I'm just thankful for wearing black pants and being saved from all kinds of embarrassment. AH and then cramps were all up on me during my entire work shift. Felt like i was giving birth not like I know what that feels like and I dont even want to imagine. And now I'm eating like if I had 5 stomachs. I'm going to have to work out 5 times that I usually do because this is making me feel gross in all sorts of ways. Ah boys aren't you glad you don't have to go through this?

tuesday

2011-02-23T03:08:00.000-08:00

overwhelmed and beginning to feel it.

final ideas and designs always come at the end of the stretch and you just cant help but stay awake and let the juices flow. my i think the acids in my stomach are flowing for sure. i'll close my eyes but i'll still be dreaming of what i'm doing. i think art has finally consumed me. eeks.

graphic design is so frustrating sometimes, most of the time. that's why i love illustration more.

angel

2011-02-13T22:59:00.001-08:00

this weekend consisted of getting fat due to the girly time of the month just in time for single awareness day. yeee. i love stuffing my face with love.

im so full i just wanna lie in bed for days. oh my gash. :)

future kids

2011-02-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

i hope theyre this dope.

i finally got my chinese food fix from happy wok, rowland's finest.

:)

in ode to vday

2011-02-11T13:11:00.000-08:00

i will never love you more than singing in my shower
i will never love you more than my mac computer

Faith

2011-01-28T12:05:00.000-08:00

An Atheist Professor of Philosophy was speaking to his Class on the problem Science has with God. He asked one of his new Christian students to stand.

Professor: You are a Christian, aren’t you, son?
Student: Yes, sir.
Professor: So, you believe in God?
Student: Absolutely, sir.
Professor: Is God good?
Student: Sure.
Professor: My brother died of cancer, even though he prayed to God to heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But God didn’t. How is God good, then? Hmm?
(Student was silent)
Professor: You can’t answer, can you? Let’s start again, young fella. Is God good?
Student: Yes.
Professor: Is Satan good?
Student: No.
Professor: Where does Satan come from?
Student: From.. God.
Professor: That’s right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?
Student: Yes.
Professor: Evil is everywhere, isn’t it? And God did make everything. Correct?
Student: Yes.
Professor: So who created evil?
(Student didn’t answer)
Professor: Is there sickness? Immortality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don’t they?
Student: Yes, sir.
Professor: So, who created them?
(Student had no answer)
Professor: Science says you have 5 senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son.. have you ever seen God?
Student: No, sir.
Professor: Tell us if you have ever heard your God.
Student: No, sir.
Professor: Have you ever felt your God, tasted your God, smelt your God? Have you ever had any sensory perception of God, for that matter?
Student: No, sir. I’m afraid I haven’t.
Professor: Yet you still believe in Him?
Student: Yes.
Professor: According to empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, Science says your God doesn’t exist. What do you say to that, son?
Student: Nothing. I only have my Faith.
Professor: Yes, Faith. And that is the problem Science has.
Student: Professor, is there such a thing as Heat?
Professor: Yes.
Student: And is there such a thing as Cold?
Professor: Yes.
Student: No, sir, there isn’t.
(The Lecture Theatre became very quiet with this turn of events)
Student: Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don’t have anything called cold. We can hit 458 Degrees below Zero which is no heat, but we can’t go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of Heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.
(There was a pon-drop silence in the Lecture Theatre)
Student: What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?
Professor: Yes. What is night if there isn’t darkness?
Student: You’re wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have Low Light, Normal Light, Bright Light, Flashing Light… But if you have No Light constantly, you have nothing and it’s called Darkness, isn’t it? In reality, darkness isn’t. If it is, You would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn’t you?
Professor: So what is the point you are making, young man?
Student: Sir, my point is, your Philosophical Premise is flawed.
Professor: Flawed? Can you explain how?
Student: Sir, you are working on the Premise of Duality. You argue there is Life and then there is Death, a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, Science can’t even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor, do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?
Professor: If you are referring to the Natural Evolutionary Process, yes of course, I do.
Student: Have you ever observed Evolution with your own eyes, sir?
(The professor shook his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument was going)
Student: Since no one has ever observed the Process of Evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a Scientist but a Preacher?
(The class was in uproar)
Student: Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor’s brain?
(The class broke out into laughter)
Student: Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor’s brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? .. No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established Rules of Empirical, Stable and Demonstrable Protocol, Science says that you have no brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures?
(The room was silent. The Professor stared at the student, his face unfathomable)
Professor: I guess you’ll have to take them on Faith, son.
Student: That is it, sir.. exactly! The link between man and God is Faith. That is all that keeps things alive and moving!
----------------------------------------------------
That student was Albert Einstein.
Brilliant.
--
found this on a tumblr and i actually understood those science terms because of my physical science class :)

New Soul

2011-01-22T23:49:00.000-08:00

I love this song and its simplicity of instrumentals and lyrics.

I came to this strange world
Hoping I could learn a bit about how to give and take
But since I came here
Felt the joy and the fear
Finding myself making every possible mistake

I'm very thankful for my lymph nodes because they save myself from serious diseases. My mistake was to pluck my armpits then wet them says my mom. I guess I'll just trust her on this one. Then I looked it up on google. Lymph nodes are so cool they are all over my body and they are the size of a bean when they aren't inflamed. Cool stuff. I guess I just need to by careful and hope this goes away in two days or else I have to pay a visit to the doctor.

Lakas ng Loob

2011-01-21T13:17:00.000-08:00

It means courageous or gutsy in tagalog.
My mom has been telling me that a lot lately. I realize that's part of who I have become growing up. I've always been adventurous to a certain point. I guess I've always been one of the boys because that's who I wanted to be around when I had my playtime. I chose playing sports instead of dollhouses. I blame it on my brother but then again I always had fun. I remember playing tackle football with him so he could practice. He'd wrap me in pillows then I just stood there, this 4'5'' little girl with a fragile frame. I have been learning to be independent from the older sibling because he's always been there for me. It was a gradual process from him moving to Diamond Bar then going to China then to Chicago then to Virginia and now all the way to Europe. I'm ready though to fully take on this role of being the eldest around and to be the boss of Benzer. Just kidding I want to be able to be this role model for him and have him appreciate this older sister role I have been blessed with. I guess that's why I have been so mean to him lately because he's not like me. It was true what Aarika said during Bible study about her and her sister why they are disciplined in different ways because they are two different people. Benzer is just not as adventurous yet, but I will make him! Well if I try hard enough. We'll see what happens in the next few years. But seriously it's hard to find someone to cope up with this Fort Knox. Haha but God has a plan but in the mean time I'm having fun. :)

Driving home from Big Bear

part of line

brothers.

Despicable Me

2011-01-17T02:20:00.000-08:00

Just finished watching Despicable Me and I know I'm a little late on watching it but I just couldn't find the time to. I am kinda glad I waited to watch it on DVD and not pay the ten bucks. The plot wasn't too exciting and kind of predictable. The character design was pretty fun and soundtrack sounds cool because of Mr. Pharrell Williams. I recognized his voice once the main menu on the DVD started playing and it made me twice excited to start the film. I think I've been able to appreciate soundtracks more now because I've been learning how to choose songs myself for certain videos. So it's nice to be able to notice songs in movies, shows, and even elevators. Do enjoy a bit of Mr. Pharrell Williams.

Friends

2011-01-15T21:57:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful conversation with Aarika over some fries and wings. It was nice.
Friendships are worth investing time in.

So India supposedly is the best place to fly a kite. Anyone wanna come?

Frank Chimero

Gunshots

2011-01-14T23:52:00.000-08:00

So my family and I (minus my brother who's in the east coast) watched The Taking of Pelham 123 starring Denzel Washington and John Travolta. It was pretty intense and a little complicated for me well mostly the stock market stuff. You see I didn't pay much attention to Economics back in high school and not too much in college either, so that part of the movie my dad had to explain a whole lot of blah blah blah to me. I did enjoy whole cop investigation and gun shooting. I remember when I was seven I wanted to be a cop when I was older because in El Segundo they were so friendly. They would be doing their rounds in the neighborhood so often so I really wanted to be one of them. Also due to the influence of movies I wanted to be real bad a** and beat up bad guys. Anyways this movie made me really want to be a cop again but I'm probably just dreaming. Then after watching the movie I was reading and heard some real gun shots. I heard about four or five but it was loud and scared the freak out of me. My heart started racing and I ran downstairs to my parents. They heard it too but then I got over it as soon as I saw they were okay. That was not funny. But it's a funny story to tell. That's all hope you enjoy the movie as much as I did and maybe you'll hear some real live gun shots as well.

Manners

2011-01-13T17:11:00.001-08:00

As I was driving home today after I picked up my little brother, I stopped at the stop sign and saw two little boys. They both looked like they were 8 or 9 years old and brothers. They looked at me to make sure I stopped and don't run them over. One smiled at me while the other mouthed "thank you". It's the little things like that where I have hope for the future generation. We are so sucked into our technological gadgets sometimes we forget how to deal with people. I mean that's how I feel sometimes and especially the kids I am surrounded with. They don't know how to interact with people and I feel like they don't know their manners. Those kids seriously made my day and they don't even know. I'm just proud of their parents and I'm pretty sure they are too of their children.

So I don't buy a lot of Hello Kitty stuff I just usually get it for my birthday but this is totally rad. I would so buy this. But if someone would like to get this for me too that'd be swell. I still haven't seen Tron but I'd really like to. Hopefully before break ends.

Parents. Boiling Crab.

2011-01-12T16:16:00.000-08:00

I don't think I posted a picture of their wedding stuffs.
I'd want my future marriage to be like my parents
filled with laughter
Christ-centered
and a bunch of other gooey stuff.

Yesterday I trained for my job at school realizing that it's only going to last for three weeks but it's okay God will take care and provide after it's over. Then I had dinner with some of Nu class plus Kristen to fulfill my craving for Boiling Crab. It was wonderful. I miss them even though only half were able to show but they responded quick. There's a week and a half of break left hopefully I'll make use of it because this coming semester is kind of what will determine my future. Not really but I'd like to know if I'm ready for the real world. One more year of undergrad left after this semester. I'm just kind of over school but when I get back to school I love it. I have big plans for these last semesters and I'm praying maybe they will happen. May your Word be known. And yeah I'm part of the 5 year plan I love college so much I'm staying an extra year for the parties. :D

Bistro 39

2011-01-02T01:08:00.000-08:00

I've never really heard Sean sing seriously before and I found out his voice makes me melt inside. Great show!

10End

2011-01-01T02:25:00.000-08:00

As I wait for my tea to cool down I shall tell my ending of 2010.
I cried my way into the year 2011 and reminisced of the good times and bad times of 2010. God is still so awesome through it all and I am quite sure He will continue to be even awesomer through 2011. The last few days of 2010 were such a blessing to have family be with me, to see God's goodness in 25 years of marriage, to be bathed in lavish things I did not have to pay for, and the encouraging talks with a dear friend. I sure forgot what happened this past year because it felt so long. But here are some things I am thankful for in 2010
- Y2 ministry these kids are my prodigies and reminders of living a Christ glorifying life because 14 eyes are watching me
-Illustration I don't know what I'm going to do with you after I graduate but I do enjoy it.
-opening my ears and listening to a talented Christian rapper
-Being able to enhance my cultural knowledge of South America. Pura Vida! I miss you Costa Rica
-Appreciating the World Cup, well mostly Cristiano Ronaldo ;)
-Did more photoshoots. I'm kinda getting the hang of it. Gimme more models!
-Turning 21 and feeling like an adult
-Missed my older brother more than ever but due to that I was given the chance to visit
-Chicago!
-My Almond gave birth to three cuties but only one survived, Ms. Hersheylicious
-Appreciated the animators and their works.
-Inspired by many artists
-Meeting new people and catching with the old friends.
-Engagements
-Weddings
-Birthdays
But most of all answered prayers and unanswered prayers that are still in the process of being answered.
God show me what you want me to do this year and help me to rely on you through it all. Be my rock and my deliverer. May you be glorified in all I do. Help me to love you like you love me.
2011 here we go.

knitted shorts

2010-12-01T23:09:00.000-08:00

man oh man. can someone make me some knitted shorts? or teach me how?

Happy first day of december. 16 more days until winter break! 18 more days till east coasts comes home. 24 days till christmas. 25 days till marriage. 30 more days til 2011. ahhhh

day back from break

2010-11-29T23:03:00.000-08:00

the well needed break is over
and now time to work my butt off for the next 3 weeks.
time to pull it together and not get sick.
unfortunately, ej sneezed and did not cover his mouth and I breathed in his sickness.
yeah i caught it and i called it too.
dear vitamin c, tea, honey, and water. you're gonna be my best friends for the next few days.

I want to be where this guy is in 10 years. prease prease prease.

or i guess just meet the guy. his work is so awesome.
Bryce Wymer

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T21:46:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for Jesus, family, friends, and art.

Last year my family went to Alex Hong's family lunch because he was kind enough to share his family with us. Then for dinner my mom didn't want to cook because my brother was in China. So we went to Coconut Bay to eat and watched some Filipino Movie that made us bawl our eyes out.

This year we were invited to the Alura's residence for the Ormeo Thanksgiving Lunch Feast. I really am an unofficial Ormeo (I called it like eight years ago). Then for dinner my mom cooked!
I'm very thankful God has provided my family an extended family here in the America. I do miss all my blood family from around the world I thank God for the church family and just love they smother us with.

type

2010-11-21T20:17:00.000-08:00

Matteo Civaschi

it's that type love.
i went to LA this weekend with my mother to look for some wedding stuff and I just wanted to sit on the top of the parking garage and just gaze at the city buildings while she shopped but I couldn't. Well first because I had to help her and second because they rapin everybody out there. So hide yo kids hide yo wife. JK but LA can be a dangerous place if you ain't aware.
i love looking at different logos or advertisements or just looking at the different types of architecture.
i'm so glad i live in the city of angels to have that variety of architecture and typography to look at.

jelly

2010-11-14T23:19:00.000-08:00

katie barron
19 and oh so talented.

want

2010-11-14T01:14:00.001-08:00

leggings leggings and more leggings.

they feel like sweats but cuter. i want those hokusai's!

marriage.

2010-11-11T16:07:00.000-08:00

it's almost time.

mother. father.
my dad looks funny. my mom looks the same.

Kidnap

2010-11-06T23:10:00.000-07:00

oh my gaaaaaash
story of my life.
i attended the asifa hollywood student animation festival today and i fell in love with this. it's by luo, sijia
watch watch!

rainboots

2010-11-04T10:14:00.000-07:00

stellamccartneykids

outfits to match my yellow rainboots. inspired by kids. hahaha
why do they only look like 5 and still look older than me?

Threaded

2010-10-29T06:37:00.001-07:00

So yesterday was my first time to get my eyebrows threaded and let me tell you this, I cried like a baby. The tears wouldn't stop and hurt like a mother. I was holding my breath through the first few threads because that's what I usually do when I do something ridiculously painful I know not a very smart idea but it usually helps me and then all hell broke loose. The lady told me to hold my eyebrow and then a flood of tears fell out of nowhere. My mom came right in time to save me from my embarrassment. Good thing we were the only customers around that time!

So as you can see they make me really gangster looking, real hood, like i'm-about-to-sock-you-up-if-you-touch-my-man especially if I don't smile.

Now I have to smile even harder around people so they don't think I'm doggin them.

who wants to get theirs threaded with me next time?
NOT! jk maybe I'll just stick to waxing.

tis the season!

2010-10-28T00:03:00.000-07:00

ain't gonna lie boston and lakers played terrific last night and thats all ive got time to watch so far. i'm so excited for more lakeshows though! ahh the sacrifice for entertainment, not doing animation homework. oh well it was worth it.

Lost Things

2010-10-21T22:37:00.000-07:00

i wanna do something like this.

He who drew Genie

2010-10-21T11:27:00.001-07:00

So yesterday we had a special guest lecture at school in the university theater. My animation professor personally knew him and probably has a lot more important connects like these. I had the chance to listen to Eric Goldberg speak and to even see him draw. I was in awe and inspired by one of my favorite childhood movie's animator. He's such a character and even looks like one of his drawings. Even though he's gotten older he still has the ability to come up with such brilliant ideas. It gives me hope that I won't be sucked out of creativity when I'm 50 or however old he is. I do have a confession to make, I only came to know who he was recently. Ever since my animation classes started I have grown my knowledge and appreciation for the animation world. It's completely a whole different realm and sometimes I don't understand most of them. God has gifted them greatly and He has allowed me to admire them. After listening to Mr. Goldberg's lecture I am really thankful to be studying traditional animation for one of my classes. What I do need now is a mentor, not just any mentor but one that will help me to be a better illustrator or animator just like how Eric Goldberg studied under Richard Williams. One day, one day...

staring

2010-10-16T13:37:00.001-07:00

Here I am staring at my painting, will I finish it?

I always tend to think about the stuff I'm going to do later instead of what I have to finish right now.
I'm anxious but I need to focus on the now part.
My stomach doesn't help at all either it's got the butterfly feelings but I think it's because of the burgersteak from Jollibee or it could be something else.
So many little things happening in my life right now.
I get into a car accident so does my brother.
Two of my dogs died and one just got bit pretty badly but a pitbull and their legs seem to be broken.

He laid under a tree covered in ants, my friend Cardy said, "That's a depressed dog." I took him out though because I wanted him to comfort him. He only lets me carry him and cries whenever anyone else tries to. He stares at me and uses all his strength on his front legs just to walk to me. I never knew dogs would have such emotions. It's like having a child. I always liked him more because of his defects and now he appreciates me because I cared for him.
The weather is not letting me finish my experiments for my class. I'm falling behind. I don't understand chapter 8 in my physical science book.
but thats life.

24 hours

2010-10-10T03:42:00.000-07:00

So one of the things I wanted to do this semester was get more involved with illustration stuff at school other than the classes. I'm taking Aubry's Animation class this semester and I'm so glad I took it. Oh the world of animation I have more respect and more wonder on how those animators do come up with everything. So there's this 24 hour animation contest at school that Aubry hosts every year and I decided to do it. After 24 hours of drawing, painting, eating, peeing, and staring blankly into space. My group of six created our version of
"Why did the chicken cross the road?" Do enjoy!

good job team 24hourhotwheelers7series!
:)

quote

2010-10-07T19:48:00.000-07:00

"You can't spell painting without pain."
-some guy
yeah, i feel it painting the 99 squares project. i found this on some blog and it reminded me of it. the warms, cools, brights, dulls, darks and lights! :)

favorite photographer

2010-10-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

so i finally found one.
watch this and see why

i like its a combination of all the photographers i currently like. mad props for being able to work and spend time with his children by photography.

in the meantime while waiting for my own pair of kids i'll be playing with this little poopy

and watching her fart clouds. :)

knitting time!

2010-10-02T17:49:00.000-07:00

let's all knit for a good cause!

save

2010-10-02T13:37:00.001-07:00

just scanning before i lose them in my house.

my studies of P.Eddy

studied

2010-09-29T00:50:00.000-07:00

from 11am-11:30pm straight.
im trippin.
the fun i had the first two weeks...

now i do this. :)

man i love college, i wished i taped it. but i think photos are quite enough. ;)

sunday night-all nighter

2010-09-27T05:20:00.000-07:00

trying to control space through color using 10 hours and gouache x_x
here is the final outcome.

i did one previous to this but it would've just shot me in the head.
i finished the first frame of the previous one but i decided there was just too much detail. i kinda wanna make this into a shirt for our new church building fundraiser.

yeah im too tired to write anything else.

赤ん坊

2010-09-25T12:04:00.001-07:00

i have a slight fetish for the Japanese culture ;)

I want my own baby like this. hahaha

kawashimakotori

lazy saturday

2010-09-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

i should be doing illustration homework but i'm editing photos and looking at designers work at the same time. :/

[metal sugar]
let this be my wedding band.

first blog for the school year

2010-09-16T23:44:00.000-07:00

So here I am a fourth year pre-illustration, still indecisive whether to apply yet or even stick with illustration. I love doing it but I tend to always get into these conversations that lead to what are you going to do with it? Well I don't know really, I have ambitions and dreams but I really just want to learn the things now and trust in God with what He wants me to do later. I get excited though after hearing what my professors have accomplished and what they are still doing now. One has been commissioned from the National Football League, one has done animation for the Mummy, and another has collections in several art museums. It's comforting to know people do get jobs off of this major and not just any regular job, but and awesome one! As Mika said to me, "I'd rather be carrying these heavy animation books rather than those bio or chemistry books." True that. That's a little glimpse of my school year thus far.

So to improve myself I've decided to post some of my school work and learn to critique myself because I hate doing that and also critiquing others. Here is my project for Anatomy for the artists where we create a cartoon character and depict them in three ways: normal, nude, and their skeleton.

I'm going to start with three things I like about it.
I like the details in certain areas like the feet and skeleton (but that one could use a little more work).
Even though it's smackdab in the middle of each frame I like it, and I do enjoy it being repeated in the same position.
I also like the color of the legs it came out how I wanted.

Three things I don't like
It seems very outlined and shouldn't depend on it for the shape of the camera.
I think some of the shading is incorrect and the perspective in the second frame is a little off. There could be more going on in the background but I just couldn't figure out what.

There's more things I don't like but after telling you it'll definitely convince you that it isn't good.
I'm dealing with my worst critique, myself.

quote

2010-08-23T17:04:00.000-07:00

"Life is 10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we respond to it."
-Charles R. Swindoll

I saw this quote on an illustrator's website. Cool beans.

last week

2010-08-22T23:51:00.000-07:00

I can't wait for school to start and be back in Long Beach. I miss the cool breeze and my peeps.
I wish school started tomorrow so I could feel productive.
This summer has been quite the experience.
Full of tears, growing up, learning, reading, contemplating, experiencing, reuniting, building, and praying.
God's blessed us too much to be stressed.
I hope that I won't get too stressed during the school year and be inspired.
Last week of break I need to make this count.