Tonight, I went to Boston Market to grab some dinner. As I was walking up to the store, I noticed a lady sitting alone with a shopping cart full of stuff. When I went to order my quarter white with mashed potatoes and corn, my heart wanted to reach out to the lady who was obviously homeless. I asked the Boston Market employee to give me another order of the same.
I sat inside for a little bit and watched her. I wasn't sure if someone was coming to pick her up or if she was, in fact, homeless.
I was really nervous about what I was going to do. I've given beggars on the corner some coin, but I've never actually went up to a homeless person to provide a meal and, maybe, pray with her on the spot. I finally decided to approach the lady...
"Excuse me, miss?"
I had to call out to her twice because she had her head laying down on her arms.
"Excuse me, miss? Are you hungry? I have an extra meal that you can have..."
"No!" She yelled. She looked upset and shrugged her head to the side.
"Are you sure? I don't mind." I was really trying to help her...
"NO!!"
She didn't want anything to do with me. She was angry. Not at me, but at the world. I wanted to leave the food with her despite the rejection. I could feel the nervous heat fuming through my sweater... So I just left.
I looked back when I got in my car and she had put her head back down on her arms...
It's odd how it kind of hurt to be rejected when you just want to help someone. It broke my heart to see her alone like that. I'm not quite sure I'll fully understand the anger some homeless people have towards people that try to help. Perhaps they don't think they need the help? Or they don't want another person's pity? Or they were just burned so bad in life that they just don't want any part of it...
All I can do is pray for them... I don't even want to touch the extra meal that's in my fridge.
Oh well, next time I suppose... Count your blessings. If you're reading this, you've been blessed to even have the means to do so...
Do Widzenia.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Day 21 - 1,030 Miles
"I Would Walk 500 Miles"
When I wake up, yeah I know Im gonna be,
I'm gonna be the man who wakes up next to you
When I go out yeah I know Im gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who goes along with you
And If I get drunk, yes I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who gets drunk next to you
And if I haver whatever that means
I'm gonna be the man who's havering to you
But I would walk 500 miles
And I would walk 500 more
To be the man who walked 1,000 miles
To fall down at your door
When I'm working yeah I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's working hard for you
And when the money, comes in for the work I do
I'll pass almost every penny on to you
When I come home yeah I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who comes back home to you
And if I grow old well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's growing old with you
And I would walk 500 miles
And I would walk 500 more
To be the man who walked 1,000 miles
To fall down at your door
Trip to Arizona was worth it... Even if it was just for 40 minutes.
When I wake up, yeah I know Im gonna be,
I'm gonna be the man who wakes up next to you
When I go out yeah I know Im gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who goes along with you
And If I get drunk, yes I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who gets drunk next to you
And if I haver whatever that means
I'm gonna be the man who's havering to you
But I would walk 500 miles
And I would walk 500 more
To be the man who walked 1,000 miles
To fall down at your door
When I'm working yeah I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's working hard for you
And when the money, comes in for the work I do
I'll pass almost every penny on to you
When I come home yeah I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who comes back home to you
And if I grow old well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's growing old with you
And I would walk 500 miles
And I would walk 500 more
To be the man who walked 1,000 miles
To fall down at your door
Trip to Arizona was worth it... Even if it was just for 40 minutes.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Day 20 - Sometimes, it's your mindset
Emily and I had a conversation during our accounting class that really struck me. Accounting is one of my least favorite subjects in the world. I disliked the subject since undergrad and I it left a bad taste in my mouth.
Last trimester, I tried to take accounting and economics at the same time. I'm pretty sure I could have done it, but, for some reason, anything that was discussed never stuck or clicked in my brain. I just did not want to be there, so I dropped it. Taking econ and accounting was a little too much for me at the time.
This time around, I came in with a much more positive attitude. I still dislike the subject, but found that I am really retaining and understanding this material much more effectively than before.
"This isn't so bad... You can do this"
So, I guess it's all a mindset. I really do believe that anyone can accomplish anything much more effectively, if they try to have a positive attitude about it. You don't have to like it, but getting down on yourself about it will just hinder your ability to overcome the situation and, ultimately, become successful.
I know it's harder than it sounds and it takes a level of dedication, for sure... Believing in yourself is definitely a great first step. Take things slow and try not to let the situation overwhelm you. At least, that's my advice...
Anyway, I'm done reading my Marketing :) I surprisingly blew right through it all... See you tomorrow.
Do Widzenia!
Last trimester, I tried to take accounting and economics at the same time. I'm pretty sure I could have done it, but, for some reason, anything that was discussed never stuck or clicked in my brain. I just did not want to be there, so I dropped it. Taking econ and accounting was a little too much for me at the time.
This time around, I came in with a much more positive attitude. I still dislike the subject, but found that I am really retaining and understanding this material much more effectively than before.
"This isn't so bad... You can do this"
So, I guess it's all a mindset. I really do believe that anyone can accomplish anything much more effectively, if they try to have a positive attitude about it. You don't have to like it, but getting down on yourself about it will just hinder your ability to overcome the situation and, ultimately, become successful.
I know it's harder than it sounds and it takes a level of dedication, for sure... Believing in yourself is definitely a great first step. Take things slow and try not to let the situation overwhelm you. At least, that's my advice...
Anyway, I'm done reading my Marketing :) I surprisingly blew right through it all... See you tomorrow.
Do Widzenia!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Day 19 - A Letter a Day
Have you ever written someone a letter? Not an e-mail. A real letter that requires a stamp. Remember those?
For the past month or so a very dear friend and I have been sending letters back and forth. There's something very connecting and, almost, therapeutic about writing an old fashioned letter. At first, I was trying to write the letters as quick as I can type an e-mail. I can type about 80wpm or 90wpm, if I'm having a good day. So, you can almost picture my frustration and the chicken scratch that resulted from my furious "need" to finish the letter. Getting out the door and actually putting the letter in the "Outgoing Mailbox" was almost as bad, at first.
Eventually, I slowed down dramatically and took the time to write.
We talk about our thoughts, what our day was like, what we should do this year, etc.
If you haven't written to a friend, you should try it.
Sometimes I think that we all just need to slow down and reflect on our day. This blog is another great example of "slowing" down. Even though I'm typing (as evidenced by my occasional grammatical error) it gives me a chance to stop and think about things. Doesn't matter what it is...
Do Widzenia!
For the past month or so a very dear friend and I have been sending letters back and forth. There's something very connecting and, almost, therapeutic about writing an old fashioned letter. At first, I was trying to write the letters as quick as I can type an e-mail. I can type about 80wpm or 90wpm, if I'm having a good day. So, you can almost picture my frustration and the chicken scratch that resulted from my furious "need" to finish the letter. Getting out the door and actually putting the letter in the "Outgoing Mailbox" was almost as bad, at first.
Eventually, I slowed down dramatically and took the time to write.
We talk about our thoughts, what our day was like, what we should do this year, etc.
If you haven't written to a friend, you should try it.
Sometimes I think that we all just need to slow down and reflect on our day. This blog is another great example of "slowing" down. Even though I'm typing (as evidenced by my occasional grammatical error) it gives me a chance to stop and think about things. Doesn't matter what it is...
Do Widzenia!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Day 18 - Breaking the Habit
Yes, I know... 17 days into the blog, I've already broken the streak. Frankly, it was actually getting difficult to reflect on a blessing without repeating myself. It's easy to recognize a blessing when it's something small and that is not, necessarily, something I want to write about on my blog. Otherwise it would be a bulleted list of:
God thank you for x.
That's not what I consider really counting a blessing. Personally, if I want to count a blessing I want it to have a sense of depth and meaning. Should I really be thinking about blessings this way or do you think counting every single thing is just as important? Even the most trivial? What really constitutes a blessing anyway? Thank you for this DVD? Thank you for the ability to use Net Flix on my X-Box? Thank you for the X-Box?
Put it quite simply: counting a blessing is not easy. You can think about it in passing and in a brief whisper in your mind, but to really sit and reflect about what God has blessed you with... That can take a lot of reflection and perspective to even recognize. I'm asking God for the clarity of mind to show me what He's blessed me with and how I can be thankful. I almost want to pull my hair out because I just can't see them. I've written about my family, career, school... But there has to be more! This life He's given me is like a ball of yarn that I have to unravel.
This journey is taking a little bit of a turn, from what I've noticed. I'm taking the time to recognize these blessings, but in turn, He's turning me to pay more attention to Him instead of what He's blessed me with. He'll continue to bless me and through knowing Him, I'll be more likely to recognize them even if those blessings come in the form of what we might consider negative. That is what I want to know... That is what I want to understand... And right now I can't... So I call it "breaking the habit" of an unnoticing eye.
With that aside... I'm also trying to break another bad habit of mine which, I'm sure, many of you have or are suffering from... Procrastination!! I am a pro at this and it's not something I'm proud of. I definitely have to kick it, if I want to keep up in this MBA program! We all know what is keeping us from doing what we really need to be doing... For me (in order):
#1 - Video Games is my #1 culprit
#2 - Facebook and YouTube
#3 - Television
#4 - Overall laziness
I seriously need to kick this habit...
God thank you for x.
That's not what I consider really counting a blessing. Personally, if I want to count a blessing I want it to have a sense of depth and meaning. Should I really be thinking about blessings this way or do you think counting every single thing is just as important? Even the most trivial? What really constitutes a blessing anyway? Thank you for this DVD? Thank you for the ability to use Net Flix on my X-Box? Thank you for the X-Box?
Put it quite simply: counting a blessing is not easy. You can think about it in passing and in a brief whisper in your mind, but to really sit and reflect about what God has blessed you with... That can take a lot of reflection and perspective to even recognize. I'm asking God for the clarity of mind to show me what He's blessed me with and how I can be thankful. I almost want to pull my hair out because I just can't see them. I've written about my family, career, school... But there has to be more! This life He's given me is like a ball of yarn that I have to unravel.
This journey is taking a little bit of a turn, from what I've noticed. I'm taking the time to recognize these blessings, but in turn, He's turning me to pay more attention to Him instead of what He's blessed me with. He'll continue to bless me and through knowing Him, I'll be more likely to recognize them even if those blessings come in the form of what we might consider negative. That is what I want to know... That is what I want to understand... And right now I can't... So I call it "breaking the habit" of an unnoticing eye.
With that aside... I'm also trying to break another bad habit of mine which, I'm sure, many of you have or are suffering from... Procrastination!! I am a pro at this and it's not something I'm proud of. I definitely have to kick it, if I want to keep up in this MBA program! We all know what is keeping us from doing what we really need to be doing... For me (in order):
#1 - Video Games is my #1 culprit
#2 - Facebook and YouTube
#3 - Television
#4 - Overall laziness
I seriously need to kick this habit...
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Day 17 - Deja Vu Accounting
So, accounting last night went really well compared to last trimester. Dr. Briginshaw was either on his game or he has changed some things up. I attended a couple classes before I decided to drop and focus on economics. So far, almost everything is identical to last trimester: same homework assignments, same lectures, and even the same jokes at the same time...
I received some bad news, but... don't think this is the medium to talk about that.
I'm thankful that I actually have the first three homework assignments done already!
I received some bad news, but... don't think this is the medium to talk about that.
I'm thankful that I actually have the first three homework assignments done already!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Day 16 - Calm Before the Storm
I'm sitting in my hotel room after a long day at the office. This week has been a whirl wind and there are a lot of frayed edges at work. People are pulling their hair out and, sometimes, you can totally feel the tension in the air. It's a very productive week, and people are definitely putting in the overtime.
On top of it all, someone decided to come to the office and spread a lovely coughing virus that I just got over a week ago. I think I can totally beat it though... I just got over my sickness so my immune system is total rocking, I'm taking my vitamins, and I'm equipped with DayQuil.
Tonight, I'm reviewing my Accounting homework and chapters 1-3 because the first day of the trimester (for me) starts tomorrow! Hooray! Tonight is definitely the calm before the storm because this trimester combined with a crazy work schedule is going to be... Insane!
However, I need to remember how blessed I am to even be where I'm at. I get to go school and be at job that pays the bills. So I just need to focus and do my best...
On top of it all, someone decided to come to the office and spread a lovely coughing virus that I just got over a week ago. I think I can totally beat it though... I just got over my sickness so my immune system is total rocking, I'm taking my vitamins, and I'm equipped with DayQuil.
Tonight, I'm reviewing my Accounting homework and chapters 1-3 because the first day of the trimester (for me) starts tomorrow! Hooray! Tonight is definitely the calm before the storm because this trimester combined with a crazy work schedule is going to be... Insane!
However, I need to remember how blessed I am to even be where I'm at. I get to go school and be at job that pays the bills. So I just need to focus and do my best...
Monday, January 10, 2011
Day 15 - Bro, Make Me Fried Rice!
Today is definitely a case of the Mondays. A few coworkers and I are working in Anaheim, CA to perform regression testing on an updated version of our most recent enterprise software implementation. My eyes feel so heavy that I caught myself dozing off earlier and actually writing a sentence about "green ninjas" when documenting my actual test results. Just what the project team needs to read: failed tests and green ninjas.
Besides the sleepy-eyes, I've been thinking a lot about my brother, Phillip. My brother is living in Las Vegas, NV working at the new Cosmopolitan Hotel. He's the sous chef at the Wicked Spoon Buffet. It's no ordinary buffet, and I'm looking forward to trying it out someday.
My brother lived with me in the condo for about a year and a half. I really enjoyed living with my brother and miss having him around. We didn't see each other much since he usually worked the afternoon/evenings and I'm usually a 7am-4pm-ish person. I loved it when his girlfriend, Amii, would come over because that usually meant that my brother was going to bust out the pots and pans and make something totally awesome. I enjoyed having Amii around too! I'm just saying... When she was around, that meant there was going to be some yummy food! I'm pretty sure I took it for granted, but I always loved it when he busted out king crab, lobster, fillets, garlic mashed potatoes at 11:45pm when he and Amii got in from work.
I'm super proud of my brother. My brother is always telling me how proud he is of me and that I'm the "bread winner" or the family, but what he doesn't know is that he's the one that I look up. My brother has a huge passion and determination for what he does and sacrifices and takes risks to reach his life long goals. Since we were little, he was always cooking something in the kitchen. I remember when he first discovered how to make scrambled eggs and would whip them up for the family. Eventually, he graduated to fried rice and that's when our inside jokes started... My brother grew to become a talented cook, but I would always tease him to make me fried rice.
I miss my brother a ton. He'll always be my inspiration and my motivation to work hard.
Love ya, big bro.
Besides the sleepy-eyes, I've been thinking a lot about my brother, Phillip. My brother is living in Las Vegas, NV working at the new Cosmopolitan Hotel. He's the sous chef at the Wicked Spoon Buffet. It's no ordinary buffet, and I'm looking forward to trying it out someday.
My brother lived with me in the condo for about a year and a half. I really enjoyed living with my brother and miss having him around. We didn't see each other much since he usually worked the afternoon/evenings and I'm usually a 7am-4pm-ish person. I loved it when his girlfriend, Amii, would come over because that usually meant that my brother was going to bust out the pots and pans and make something totally awesome. I enjoyed having Amii around too! I'm just saying... When she was around, that meant there was going to be some yummy food! I'm pretty sure I took it for granted, but I always loved it when he busted out king crab, lobster, fillets, garlic mashed potatoes at 11:45pm when he and Amii got in from work.
I'm super proud of my brother. My brother is always telling me how proud he is of me and that I'm the "bread winner" or the family, but what he doesn't know is that he's the one that I look up. My brother has a huge passion and determination for what he does and sacrifices and takes risks to reach his life long goals. Since we were little, he was always cooking something in the kitchen. I remember when he first discovered how to make scrambled eggs and would whip them up for the family. Eventually, he graduated to fried rice and that's when our inside jokes started... My brother grew to become a talented cook, but I would always tease him to make me fried rice.
I miss my brother a ton. He'll always be my inspiration and my motivation to work hard.
Love ya, big bro.
 |
| My brother Phillip, Richard Blais (top chef contestant), and sous chef Drew Fortenberry |
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Day 14 - Homework and Polish
Today was pretty uneventful except for getting started on my homework. I read the first two chapters of my Marketing Management book, and it was a total bore. After that, I spent a few hours on Rosetta Stone. The first two lessons in Polish weren't that bad, but it's starting to get a little more difficult. Sometimes, it's not an issue of pronouncing or figuring out what the right answers are, as it is trying to figure out what exactly the concept is that Rosetta Stone is trying to teach you. You can pretty much figure out what the answer is by simple elimination or looking at the pattern the last two examples gave you...
In any case, it was a really quiet Sunday. I mostly did stuff around the condo: cleaning, laundry, studying, etc... A nice quiet day to yourself is always good for relaxation. Oh.. and no hang over.. woot!
See ya.
In any case, it was a really quiet Sunday. I mostly did stuff around the condo: cleaning, laundry, studying, etc... A nice quiet day to yourself is always good for relaxation. Oh.. and no hang over.. woot!
See ya.
Day 13 - King's Cup and Drum Corps
Wow! What a late night!
You'll have to forgive me, as I'm a little bit on the "had a couple of drinks" mode...
I had a GREAT night with some of my closest friends from drum and bugle corps. We played drinking games, caught up, and watched a really raunchy episode of South Park. We all went to Hunter's place where he made an amazing dinner. I'm not sure what to even call it, but it was pork, asparagus, broccoli, and some wine.
When everyone showed up, we got to playing drinking games: King's Cup and the 'H' game... I'm pretty blitz and really happy and BLESSED to still have friends from drum and bugle corps that I still hang out with. EVERY time we hang out it's like we pick up from our last conversation... We always talk about our days in the Blue Devils, but this time it was a debate on marching dot-perfect or guiding to the form. Lots of great conversation and an all around GREAT evening. Thanks to Hunter for putting all this together...
You'll have to forgive me, as I'm a little bit on the "had a couple of drinks" mode...
I had a GREAT night with some of my closest friends from drum and bugle corps. We played drinking games, caught up, and watched a really raunchy episode of South Park. We all went to Hunter's place where he made an amazing dinner. I'm not sure what to even call it, but it was pork, asparagus, broccoli, and some wine.
When everyone showed up, we got to playing drinking games: King's Cup and the 'H' game... I'm pretty blitz and really happy and BLESSED to still have friends from drum and bugle corps that I still hang out with. EVERY time we hang out it's like we pick up from our last conversation... We always talk about our days in the Blue Devils, but this time it was a debate on marching dot-perfect or guiding to the form. Lots of great conversation and an all around GREAT evening. Thanks to Hunter for putting all this together...
Friday, January 07, 2011
Day 12 - Dzien dobry świat
That's "hello, world" in Polish. I think...
That's right... I'm on my way to learning Polish. I know what you're thinking...
"That's kind of a random language, Carl..."
But, Mark speaks Polish and we're planning a trip to Poland towards the end of the year. I'm sure it will come in handy and it'd be nice to maybe speak to Mark and his family in their native tongue someday.
The first week in January has been a total frenzy of work. I definitely have my hands in a lot of pots, but as my boss told me today, "But that's a good thing. I always want you to be challenged." As much as my boss can really make my work week a complete.... *thinking positive* opportunity to excel... I am pretty lucky that my boss does, to some extent, see the potential that I might have at the company. She's always throwing me curve balls and putting me in situations where I might fail, but learn a lot at the same time. But sometimes she does open the fire-hose and tell me to say "ah".
I'm really looking forward to some of the challenges this year. I know... I say that now, right? I'm sure there will be blogs where I'm totally pulling my hair out, but for now... I'm thankful.
So here we go.. Lesson 1 in Polish!
That's right... I'm on my way to learning Polish. I know what you're thinking...
"That's kind of a random language, Carl..."
 |
| RosettaStone - Polish Lesson 1 |
But, Mark speaks Polish and we're planning a trip to Poland towards the end of the year. I'm sure it will come in handy and it'd be nice to maybe speak to Mark and his family in their native tongue someday.
The first week in January has been a total frenzy of work. I definitely have my hands in a lot of pots, but as my boss told me today, "But that's a good thing. I always want you to be challenged." As much as my boss can really make my work week a complete.... *thinking positive* opportunity to excel... I am pretty lucky that my boss does, to some extent, see the potential that I might have at the company. She's always throwing me curve balls and putting me in situations where I might fail, but learn a lot at the same time. But sometimes she does open the fire-hose and tell me to say "ah".
I'm really looking forward to some of the challenges this year. I know... I say that now, right? I'm sure there will be blogs where I'm totally pulling my hair out, but for now... I'm thankful.
So here we go.. Lesson 1 in Polish!
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Day 11 - The Flammers
No, not that kind of flamer.
Yesterday, I was having a bad day. And I was really surprised by the kind of support I received from my online friends at Lord of the Rings Online. I know that not many people and relate to this... Well, maybe in this day and age people could.
Have you ever built a close friendship with people that you have never met in your life?
After over 3 years playing LoTRO, I've developed pretty close relationships with a number of people. I'm so blessed to have great friends: Ane, Michael, Ed, Shell, Monica, and Ryan just to name a few. They always cheer me up and, for some reason, send me drunk text messages that make me laugh.
Thank you to the Flames of Arnor for making me feel so blessed and giving me great advice when I'm feelin' down.
I really hope we all meet someday! Everyone together in-person would be a great day.
Yesterday, I was having a bad day. And I was really surprised by the kind of support I received from my online friends at Lord of the Rings Online. I know that not many people and relate to this... Well, maybe in this day and age people could.
Have you ever built a close friendship with people that you have never met in your life?
After over 3 years playing LoTRO, I've developed pretty close relationships with a number of people. I'm so blessed to have great friends: Ane, Michael, Ed, Shell, Monica, and Ryan just to name a few. They always cheer me up and, for some reason, send me drunk text messages that make me laugh.
Thank you to the Flames of Arnor for making me feel so blessed and giving me great advice when I'm feelin' down.
I really hope we all meet someday! Everyone together in-person would be a great day.
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Day 10 Supp. - Better to Work Out Than Beat a Face In
It’s impossible to always have positive days. We all have our good days and we all have our bad days, and today was a bad day for me.
Have you ever hated someone so much that you wanted to inflict some damage and just cut a B----? These are old wounds but the hurt is still very much there. I’m talking about betrayal of trust, friendships, and relationships.
This is a problem with me… Being a Christian and very much a forgiving person, this has really perplexed me and hurt me… Why do I hate this person so much? I know the reasons, but WHY can’t I get myself to forgive this person? As much as I try to give this problem to God I can’t seem to resolve the feelings inside. Sometimes I have really good days, but some days… The feelings creep up and it just hurts…
Just forgive and forget, Carl… Be a better person… Give it to God and everything will be fine.
So instead of beating someone’s face in, I decided to go to the gym to let off some steam. I feel a lot better, but it’s still somewhere in there…
I’ve got to turn this around and recognize that I am really blessed with someone that will continue to love me and continue to build on the relationship we have. I also have great friends to lean on to encourage me and to help me realize that this “friend” wasn’t worth my time…
Yes, I know this is vague… But I think you understand at some level.
Happiness is my choice and it my choice to spread it and make others happy… NOT cut others down for selfish gain. Unlike other people, I like to put others before myself and make this world a better place to live in. I enjoy and love to flourish the friendships others and I have… NOT manipulate and dissolve relationships...
So that’s still a little bitter, but… At least I’m getting there…
Have you ever hated someone so much that you wanted to inflict some damage and just cut a B----? These are old wounds but the hurt is still very much there. I’m talking about betrayal of trust, friendships, and relationships.
This is a problem with me… Being a Christian and very much a forgiving person, this has really perplexed me and hurt me… Why do I hate this person so much? I know the reasons, but WHY can’t I get myself to forgive this person? As much as I try to give this problem to God I can’t seem to resolve the feelings inside. Sometimes I have really good days, but some days… The feelings creep up and it just hurts…
Just forgive and forget, Carl… Be a better person… Give it to God and everything will be fine.
So instead of beating someone’s face in, I decided to go to the gym to let off some steam. I feel a lot better, but it’s still somewhere in there…
I’ve got to turn this around and recognize that I am really blessed with someone that will continue to love me and continue to build on the relationship we have. I also have great friends to lean on to encourage me and to help me realize that this “friend” wasn’t worth my time…
Yes, I know this is vague… But I think you understand at some level.
Happiness is my choice and it my choice to spread it and make others happy… NOT cut others down for selfish gain. Unlike other people, I like to put others before myself and make this world a better place to live in. I enjoy and love to flourish the friendships others and I have… NOT manipulate and dissolve relationships...
So that’s still a little bitter, but… At least I’m getting there…
Day 10 - Even the Homeless Are Blessed
I think this video clip says it all. God is so good and I'm so thankful He is always in control and looking out for us. I know things don't always have a happy ending and it can be difficult to see the purpose in things, but if you believe and trust Him... Everything will work out for the best (even if it's not what you personally want).
Ted Williams has such a great outlook and, I think, everyone should have the same appreciation for life he does. This is just awesome.
Ted Williams has such a great outlook and, I think, everyone should have the same appreciation for life he does. This is just awesome.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Day 9 - Pepperdine and tacos
Taco Tuesdays before class has become a little tradition that some of my Pepperdine friends started this past trimester. Today before the start of the Spring trimester, a bunch of us got together. I was really surprised that Jason made it out. He's usually out of town or something and hasn't attended any of our "extracurricular" get-togethers. I was really happy to see Spence show up too! He was in our Organizational Behavior (or the "feelings" class according to Jason) class and left to attend Colorado University (or something like that). I'm glad to see he's back at Pepperdine.
I'm thankful for having awesome (and super smart ^_^) friends to hang out with. I've met some of the most brilliant minds at Pepperdine and they all motivate me to push myself and shoot for the stars.
School starts up next week and I'll be working in Anaheim, CA for the next few weeks. I'm actually looking forward to the trimester and glad I'll be in Anaheim. My commute to school will only be 15 minutes opposed to the 1.5 hours.
I'm thankful for having awesome (and super smart ^_^) friends to hang out with. I've met some of the most brilliant minds at Pepperdine and they all motivate me to push myself and shoot for the stars.
School starts up next week and I'll be working in Anaheim, CA for the next few weeks. I'm actually looking forward to the trimester and glad I'll be in Anaheim. My commute to school will only be 15 minutes opposed to the 1.5 hours.
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| Emily, Chelsea, and Charles |
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| Jason, Theo, and Sandi |
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| Emily can't feel her face and Spence is looking way too excited ;) LOL |
Monday, January 03, 2011
Day 8 - Big Sis' the Nurse
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| Big sister, Vanessa, and her son, Ethan |
I never really appreciated the amount of patience and kindness it requires to be a nurse. What really changed my perspective, was when I went to visit my sister at work. My sister works with special needs children: health issues, autism, etc. The way I saw my sister talk to those kids really made me proud. I didn't tell her that day, but I am so proud and blessed to have a great big sister. It really does require a special type of person to care for a perfect stranger.
Tomorrow, my sister will attend National University to work on becoming a Registered Nurse. Nursing programs are becoming increasingly competitive and I'm really proud that she stuck with it and finally got into a great program.
Go Big Sis!
Day 7 - Mom's Here
My mom is going to be spending a few days over at the Casa' de Carl. Usually when my mom comes to visit, it prompts a little cleaning of the condo:
I'm definitely blessed to have my mom around. She's always been there for me: helping me through college, financing my drum and bugle corps years, and just being so loving and supportive. I've noticed that since I got my own place, my mom and I have grown a lot closer. Anyone else have the same experience? My mom and I talk at least once or twice a day, and I'm really loving how close we're becoming. One of the biggest surprises is asking my mom for relationship advice and the amount of wisdom she actually has. It's one of those... "Wow, my mom really isn't that naive..."
That sounds so TERRIBLE to say, but I'm sure you felt that way when you were growing up.
"What do parents know... They just want to keep us from what we really want to do..."
But, behind all that "sheltering" comes a lot of wisdom and experience. I'm sure...
G'night.
- Vacuumed the carpets
- Dusted around the house
- Did the laundry
- Cleaned the toilets
- Cleaned the kitchen
- Cleaned the shower
I'm definitely blessed to have my mom around. She's always been there for me: helping me through college, financing my drum and bugle corps years, and just being so loving and supportive. I've noticed that since I got my own place, my mom and I have grown a lot closer. Anyone else have the same experience? My mom and I talk at least once or twice a day, and I'm really loving how close we're becoming. One of the biggest surprises is asking my mom for relationship advice and the amount of wisdom she actually has. It's one of those... "Wow, my mom really isn't that naive..."
That sounds so TERRIBLE to say, but I'm sure you felt that way when you were growing up.
"What do parents know... They just want to keep us from what we really want to do..."
But, behind all that "sheltering" comes a lot of wisdom and experience. I'm sure...
G'night.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Day 6 - Welcome Home, Grandpa!
Whoa! I almost missed a day...
Personally, today was pretty uneventful. I had a chance to chat with Mark for a little while and get in an extra few hours of shut eye. I stayed home all day except for a trip to the grocery store to pick up some necessities.
However, today is a GREAT day for my Grandpa! I'm so happy that he was let go from the hospital and is back home with his loved ones. I'm very thankful for that. I'm also really happy that he might have a nurse that will come visit him to see how he's doing.
Anyway, short blog today. Have a good night!
Personally, today was pretty uneventful. I had a chance to chat with Mark for a little while and get in an extra few hours of shut eye. I stayed home all day except for a trip to the grocery store to pick up some necessities.
However, today is a GREAT day for my Grandpa! I'm so happy that he was let go from the hospital and is back home with his loved ones. I'm very thankful for that. I'm also really happy that he might have a nurse that will come visit him to see how he's doing.
Anyway, short blog today. Have a good night!
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