I love my life.
I am truly happy.

Merry Birthday

In about an hour I turn 23. It's exciting and boring at the same time. This is the first birthday I have spent alone for the last 4 years &I mean completely alone sitting here in my room in total quiet with not a soul at all -- I am not connected with anyone; I am here, and I'm pretty happy. I want to cuddle!

Simple gifts

It's not too late to get me a few things. Gift cards are great for me because I like to buy small things that add up rather than one big thing. I can do a Blick's Art gift card, windsor and newton 16x20 canvas, a pair of toms from val surf. I don't know, surprise me.

I want to paint <3


I recently found a painting done of me in 2005-06 by a friend.

Free.99

For the past few weeks, a few of my friends and I have tried to spend our weekends doing exciting things that are cheap. Of course this ends up with THE quick fix: booze, booze, booze.. In the kind of economy we're in, ideally, it'd be great to have a "money-free" weekend doing things that are simple, enjoyable and FREE without losing your personality!

Anyway, I found a website called The Simple Dollar: Financial Talk for the Rest of Us. Here, a husband has compiled a collection of one hundred fun ways to spend your weekends "money-free." Granted, some of the items on the list are a bit.. well, you just may lose your personality from doing THESE things, but the list definitely keeps it fresh for you and your friends and keeps your brain thinking!

100 Things to do During a Money Free Weekend
Take a look, and let me know what you think, what you like, and if you have other suggestions! I'd appreciate it!

*Sigh* (:
It's always nice to work on DIY projects. I miss it! Let's work on some!

Know your rights.

People need to stand up for themselves because we all, as human beings, deserve this: EVERYONE deserves to get their needs met. We all do. (:

Share expenses
Socialize with others
Be treated with respect
End the date at any time
Share in decision-making
Talk things out
Say "NO" to anything
Have your own opinion
Trust
Not be victimized by violence
Be free from expected paybacks
Choose whom you want to date
Be treated honestly
Be safe and feel safe
Break up
Have privacy
Control what you do with your body
Decide how serious you want your relationship to be
Be yourself/do what is best for you
Expect more than a physical relationship
Date other people
Be treated with courtesy
Express your feelings and emotions
Have an opportunity to explain yourself
Communicate openly
Defend yourself
Maintain other relationships and activities
Be treated as an equal
Be free from pressure
Change you mind

WE ALL SHARE
THE RESPONSIBILITY
TO RESPECT THE RIGHTS
OF OTHERS!

:)

California Science Center. "When are you cuming?" Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo. Jazz &Melo. Walks in the park. Street Fighter 4. Buying my first car. Learning to drive stick. Driving stick. fixing cars. Technology. EeePC. mani-pedis. Natalie Portman's Closer-wig. SUPRISE! "Jin Sang" 3yr old Star Wars Girl. San Diego vacation. Rick Roll in Vegas. Thumpper. Kisses for no reason. Cuddling. Ganesha Park. Scissoring (just kidding!). 2008 Valentine's Day. my Canon! Starbucks study shifts. Random visits to Martin's house. Random trips to Ryan's house. Daikokuya. Palm<3. Family game days. Thanksgiving. Late night cravings/adventures. Oktoberfest/PUKEfest. THINK Together. Sleeping in.

These things make me happy. So much more tooo!

Little girl, big imagination.

I just woke up from a great sleep.

I hadn't slept so great the past two nights. Come to think of it, I didn't sleep at all for almost 40 hours because of this overwhelming passion that I have. It's something so strong and so big. The strength that you see emanating from me is in fact strong passion for love, for loving people, loving my friends, my family, myself. That's all it is, I'm just loving all the time. This love is so overpowering it's hard for me to hold in, and for the past two years I'd direct most of my attention to who was (at the time) my S.O., so the frequencies of my thoughts and my emotions were traveling up and down large, pressured waves towards him.

We can say that this was bound to happen sooner or later or that our time has come to move on, and any other vague, cliche statements, but I honestly believe that it was the unbearable, suppressed issues and illnesses we had manifesting inside our souls that soon ate us up and tore us into pieces, and it surfaced into a searing sore that took control of us both and made its jurisdiction. It was the negativity that we masked under all the smiles and the laughter. It controlled us so we couldn't control ourselves. Now it's time to take control. It's time to fight for my life again. I will not die -- won't let this consume me.

Longest Stretch

Everyone needs to update. We know this, but we've all grown busy -- becoming responsible adults. While it's true that I have been very busy cleaning up a mess my parents created for me, I don't really believe that's the reason I haven't really written.

I think that I no longer blog because I have no confidence in my writing. I mean, how do I compare with my talented friends? It's the same reason why I don't use my Spanish, even though I'm almost, ALMOST fluent. I'm just not confident whatsoever in my speech, thus I tend to keep quiet.

It's an interesting connection I've made to explain this phenomenon of keeping quiet. It starts off in the beginnings of my life when I was just a shy, little girl that -- well, come on let's face it -- wasn't very social or known, rather. First of all, English was my second language even though Chinese and Tagalog (being the first languages I learned) are no longer a part of me. Also, I was taught to believe by the action of hitting (my parents to me) that I was below par from anyone else I'd known. And, if I ever felt a defying moment where I was confident enough to say something worth paying some attention to, it was deemed "talking back," and I was slapped upside the head to keep quiet.

So now even at the unhappiest moments of my life, I am cautious. I don't want to tell the stories of what I've gone through in part because I feel it is embarrassing, and mostly because I feel like others will judge me as some rotten, low life who deserves this punishment.

Anyway, as negative as this sounds, logically I know that feelings do not always tell the truth. So NO, I don't believe that I am in a lower position that anyone else, but it is really hard to keep moving when invalidating forces keep pushing so hard. The important thing is to continue onward. One step forward, ten steps back. I'll fall down 7 times, but I'll get up 8.

Having not written anything thought provoking has a lot to do with my desire to be a little ambiguous. The things I've had to experience the past 2 years is the equivalent -- I think -- of being molested by one of your parents. I am doing my best to push through this mess.

Inglourious Basterds is a 2009 revenge war film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino released by the Weinstein Company and Universal Pictures this past weekend. Italian director Enzo Castellari's 1978 film, The Inglorious Bastards acted as inspiratin to this motion picture; however the 2009 Title is not a remake of the film being set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II with plans to assassinate Nazi Leadership.

Despite its being a war film, Tarantino has constructed the film to be "his spaghetti western" with World War II iconography. I find it almost difficult to describe the movie without feeling the BIG O because it tickles my fancy to combine like with like. In addition to spaghetti westerns (as Tarentino's interest in Castellari's title suggests) he also pays homage to the World War II "macaroni combat" as well as French New Wave cinema.

Pretty much the theme that is most recognizable in the film is revenge. Taking place in an alternative history of WW2, in which the Basterds spread their popularity throughout Europe with a goal to assassinate Nazi forces. Simultaneously a second force, Shosanna (Melanie Laurent) aims to unite the higher ups of the party to defeat them as well. Both parties know nothing about their united efforts. The plot tangles itself into a beautiful masterpiece, and simply unravels at the end.

Go see Inglourious Basterds now! It will definitely blow you away.

Ubuntu

I've had the honor of hearing this word over and over: Ubuntu -- and I honor this recurring voice who keeps reminding me of the term because of it's cherished meaning.

Instances of where I've heard the African word Ubuntu:
1. Referring to the "Ubuntu" distribution of Linux computer software
2. My brother's graduation -- a kid gave a speech about the concept behind Ubuntu.

It is impossible right? for any word to have no meaning. For a good while, I continued on believing that Ubuntu was a catchy, made-up word having with no substance. I thought of it as many of us think our names have no real substance -- "It's just a name!" you say.

It wasn't until this past Friday, when a kid in my brother's class -- the Salutatorian -- gave a speech about the connection each person with each other. He talked about the impact each individual has on society because of our connection. We must not think of humanity as a formation of isolated individuals; rather, we are all connected by each other's influence, impact, frequency.

A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed.

One of the sayings in our country is Ubuntu - the essence of being human. Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can't exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can't be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality - Ubuntu - you are known for your generosity.

We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole world. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.

These ideas really caught my eye because in the midst of all these experiences I've been having, comes a solution. An answer. A definition of a word that I've heard before that I never ever thought about. It was a connection from first hearing the word from Soch, to finding out the definition from this kid, to my own research on the concepts behind Ubuntu.

Hearing about a concept when you're naive (and you've reached the bar of higher understanding) and then trying to piece it together with no way of understanding the concept. This is where we'll have problems with no aid -- I vaguely remember Dr. Drew from Love Line saying these (almost) exact words last night. It makes total sense to me today. Everyday, I learn about my flaws and my good traits as a study how I interact with certain individuals -- at work, at school, in public arenas, but finally, someone steps into my busy schedule to explain the meaning of all this. They explain the material. Make it easier for me to understand why I go through these life lessons. Why I am so important to others, and why (even when I think that I couldn't possibly learn from the "stupidest" of all people) those people are important to me.

I know we all don't get along. We've got wars going on -- big ones and little ones. We don't like x,y,z about girl#1. We don't understand why people criticize us, try to cripple us. Some of us are creeps, some of us are black, white, red, yellow, whatever. We're all different, and our differences should not make us feel we must isolate ourselves because we are all essentially human beings who will in the smallest of ways impact lives. And this is a perfect segway to end my discussion. I'll end it with a quote from Mother Theresa:

"Small things with great love... It's not how much we do, but how much love we put into the doing. And it is not how much we give, but how much love we put into the giving. To God there is nothing small."

Living or Existing?

It's either time or money -- not money &time.

I have been working 2.5 jobs to pay the bills. My social life has depleted. Someone asked me why I don't go out to make some friends: I don't have the time. I build contacts. I network, but I can't sit down to gossip about celebrities or whatever it is people do these days.

This is good, but I think it's also bad.

I booked a vacation just for myself. JUST for Myself. I am really scared to travel alone, but I think I need to get away and reset. I'm becoming a robot.


On another note: (and you all definitely will not know what I'm talking about -- it doesn't concern you) I am waiting.. I'm waiting. I want to take matters into my own hands, but the reality is that I think it's actually out of my hands at this point. I'm just waiting for my time with you to come to end.

I am definitely existing.

I've got to push harder

click it to enlarge!

A Few Visitors

David &Yetta Kane.
I was truly honored to have been visited by survivors of the Holocaust, David and Yetta Kane. It was in my Music and the Holocaust class that they came to visit me and my peers. There were 5 of us, and it was the two of them. It was so amazing to have that intimacy.

Their experience was so unique. The couple described how they suffered through torturous treatment and unbearable living conditions, from the beginning of the war in 1939 until it ended in 1945. The two also spoke about their lives after the war, when they came to the United States, met each other, married and lived a successful life together, raising their three children and enjoying their six grandchildren. It was a beautiful experience -- so touching.

If you've seen the film Defiance, that pretty much sums up Yetta's life -- but there was so much more that she endured that the film doesn't cover.

The couple taught us to love &the importance of forgiveness.

I'm all over the place with this post, but JEEZ Yetta came here to America in 1949, didn't know any English, and she landed a job doing some fashion. She made $100 a week! CRAZYYYY... It just really demonstrates their will to live..


The two have been married 114 years now, according to David -- 57 for David and 57 for Yetta. He was so sweet. God Bless the Kane family.



Serj Tankian.
Singer of System of a Down's Serj came to visit our class -- another intimate little Q&A about genocide since his grandparents were victims to the Armenian Genocide.
I know it's totally different from the Kane's visit. He actually looks so different in this photo! Of course, the band days are over so he came in very clean cut. He was very handsome. *sigh. And he does amazing work.. everything he does matters. Another lesson learned here: stay active, keep pushing, do what you love.

I'm really blessed to have met with these fine people.

In the Palm of my Hand

Palm has impressed me yet again. I am in love with this sucker. It's a blackberry, iphone, and palm COMBO. Love it. Rumor has it, it drops on the 17th.

Mental Note

Missed it by a day. Oh, watch out, Next Season.

The Bob

I got a haircut today that I think is the cutest. I feel like a kid again, but I don't want to look like a kid. I'm trying to make it work for me. HAHA. I really adore it. Yeahhh I went short AGAIN. NO really short. My hair was just getting too retarded, so off with it. :]

It was nice seeing familiar faces last night -- people I haven't seen in a while: Justin, Kris, Martin. The L&O hats are lookin siiiick.

Melo

Melo used her hammock for the first time today. Very cool. I'm proud of her. :D

Model Teacher

Michelle Babin. She had all the kids in my class going crazy today. For all of you who watch America's Next Top Model, this is for you. Haha. I actually don't keep up with it so I don't know her too well, but I got to talk to her for a bit. She was actually pretty cool. She's teaching after school like me for THINK Together!

Everyone got an autograph; I didn't feel right getting one since I almost didn't know who she was (until my class told me in which case, I'd talked to her like she was just like one of us -- which she is, but you know).

It was really entertaining actually.

Trip don't fall.

I'm purchasing bus tickets for a trip to Texas. I'm excited! This will be my first road trip (on a bus) minus the one Debbie, Scott, Natalie, Ramiro and I went on to Arizona. Oh, this one will be much longer. I'm not excited for the drive really, just the site seeing. We'll be in the bus for 1 day and 50 minutes! Gross. I'm already getting sick just thinking about it, but this will be exciting nonetheless. HAHA.

Dallas and Abilene, here we come.

a few things.

1. I now how 2 new friends -- Jazz and Melo (short for Melody). It's so funny because together they make a Jazz Melody. I didn't even think of that! I call them friends because when I went to get Melo, the Petco associate, Suzan asked: Is she Food or Friend? Odd question. I know, but without hesitance I said "Friend!"

2. I am finally done with school. The next two weeks are final weeks, but luckily, all my finals were cancelled with the exception of 1 -- art history. My Music and Holocaust class final is being substituted for a talk on genocide with focus on Armenian Genocide and the Holocaust with Serj Tankian from System of a Down. Awesome.

3. It's almost summer, and because I hadn't had much time to go to the gym, I STILL don't have my summer body. HAHA. That's okay. Starting today, I'm going to the gym religiously in hopes to lose 20lbs -- the weight I gained back the past two years. One step at a time.

4. I decided not to look for another job, and to stay with USC for a few more months just until I graduate. I can't afford taking time out of my schedule to drive and have limited availability with I need money the most.

5. I'm thinking about taking a short vacation to visit Soch's family and my family in Texas. It would be nice considering I've never travelled outside of this state besides going to Las Vegas.

That's all that comes to mind at the moment. I have been way too busy to sit down and write a nice, long, juicy entry so bear with me. I'll update soon.

Oh and
6. I love melee moves on zombies. I imagine I am Zoey from Left4Dead because I always end up being the last to choose.. and I think about killing zombies for days. I love it, but I love being an infected! Boomer is the best. I hate being Hunter -- I die too easily. Jenn Mac, you know what I'm talking about!

My Own Step

I can finally walk on my own to feet, thank you very much.

As far back as I can remember my parents have always had their hold on me. Not just any kind of hold, more like a Vulcan Death Grip. They were a strict pair always too involved in my business often suffocating me. Briefly think of the happiest place on earth. You’ve got people laughing so hard, they’re tearing up. No one is ever mad at each other, it is always sunny, and the good times never end. My life was nothing like that. Not even close.

I could never really do anything I wanted or get what I wanted. I vividly remember shopping for shoes as a child. Payless was the place to be back then, and it was quite a trip. Looking at all the shoes, I was flabbergasted. As a much protected child, I would assume that it was the same feeling as the saying ‘kid in a candy store.’ After drooling over the long isles of shoes, my parents ask me which one I want. In my hands are these cute sneakers, with red lining, tiny cut-out flowers and a rabbit on the heel. With my eyes beaming with happiness, and my body jumping up and down, my parents express signs of doubt. “It’s not the right size for you,” or “The material isn’t sturdy enough,” and more often then not, “The shape doesn’t suite you. Find something more appropriate.” At a bobbing age of 5, how could these insanely adorable shoes not be appropriate? Should I be wearing high heels and a business suit? I was baffled, and did what any mature appropriate 5 year old would do - throw the most ferocious tantrum. Shoes were flying, my battle cry wailed throughout the store. The other kids were shaking in fear of me, I could smell it. My parents though? They got “that look.” The look that meant, “You’re safe now, but as soon as we get home, you get to see OUR tantrum.” Ultimately, on the ride home, I knew what was coming. I kept staring at those ugly constricting, corrective shoes, thinking about how much I hate my parents with all my might.


And, as if they hadn’t made my life a living hell already, I’m sure they were dedicated to making my high school life equally bad, if not more. I never could take place in any fun activities, like dances or outings. I just stayed home – sitting. Mostly by choice, but that’s because I was tired of hearing the word “No,” or having my phone ring like a sex hotline while I was out with my friends. There is one thing I decided I’d do: senior prom; however, everything about prom was really a bust. Everyone was excited with the very thought of our senior prom because this would be the last time that we would be able to play the wonderful game of, “I’m Prettier Than You.” It was the dance to end all dances. I finally got the okay to go under the stipulation of a curfew – 12AM. What astounding moments could possibly even transpire within a time restraint such as that?!

Upset at the time issue, I decided I’d alleviate myself with some well overdue shopping. The highly coveted journey to find the perfect dress was one thing I was glad to have my parents agree to. Finding a very eloquent dress at the mall this time of year was really difficult, and having your highly critical mother with you makes your choices even worse. Backless? “It makes you look like a whore.” Strapless? “Makes you look like a whore.” Let’s find another. Straight jacket? “I LIKE IT!” Honestly, at this point, I was 18. I’m on my way to becoming a full-fledged adult, yet I am still held back by something as trivial as clothing?! While it was an amazing night, regardless of how limited it was, it will always remind me of how much better I have it now.

Those miniscule, petty experiences became distant milestones in my life. The journey between being held down and becoming a free-roaming adult was an arduous undertaking, but the path has been traveled. I can proudly say I walk my own path, regardless of how narrow my parents made the trail. As I walk into the house with my cute, new $50 dollar pair of shoes, reminiscent of the flowers and red lining from my childhood, I await to combat my parent’s smart remarks with my very own witty and snide comments. I think they did a great job in raising me.




my new friend...

Stumped

I have 2 more weeks of school left before my summer break. This means I have to cram all my assignments pronto! I'm having trouble figuring out what moment of my "younger" self I want to talk about -- that is the naive, comedic, or pathetic story which involves a reflection of my "older" self or an epiphany for short.

Endurance &Wisdom

+



We make a perfect team.

Up ahead

The car, the insurance, the other various little bills I've had to pay had all bombarded me. As a result my account has pretty much crashed. Since I don't use my credit card anymore, I pay for everything in cash, and It's time to start saving again.

My pockets hurt, but they don't hurt as much as they used to because it feels good to know that it's because I'm actually taking care of my own sh*t.

This weekend will be very plain.

Bug Bite

(That's not me by the way)

I used to get bitten by mosquitoes and flees a lot when I was younger. It's not good to count how many bites you have on your body, but I secretly did. I counted over 40 at one time. I don't usually get bug bites too often anymore, but recently probably while washing my car, I got one that looks like a boob on the side of my right calf. It's darker pink in the center, and the venom has spread forming a circle of lighter pink. It's not pretty.

She's beautiful.

"Glittering. The sky is kira-kira because its color is deep but see-through at the same time. The sea is kira-kira for the same reason. And so are people's eyes."
- Cynthia Kadohata

I decided that my vehicle, sparkling ever so gracefully would be named Kira. It comes from the Japanese word kira-kira which literally means glittering/shining. The gleaming sky-blue color guided me on the name from which I drew from a children's fiction novel I read for my writing class.. I'm in love with the name; I'm in love with Kira <3

Enjoy the Ride.

Mr. Bucket

I'm buckets of fun.

I am on not wasting any time. I'm checking out two cars tomorrow (or sometime this weekend). I keep reassuring myself: it's a good buy and a good move for my career. I'm so excited, and I know I'll have buckets of fun with my very own car that I can play with :]

AppleOne

I'm saving up for more.

I'm aware that as an educator, my term is fairly short (especially having started in September). I will not know until June 1st whether plans to implement a summer program for THINK Together will be successful. Should I wait until they potentially dismiss me from work for the Summer? I think not!

Surely I can "fall back" on the familiarity of the "second job," but I am knowingly unhappy here -- being surrounded by such unprofessionals. I can not be paid to do nothing and sit on my ass all day. I have a willingness to learn new things, and frankly I am insulted everytime I am not given work to do.

I just e-filed an application for AppleOne this morning, and I am scheduled for an interview on April 10. A temporary job is perfect at the moment; it places me in my desired field and gives me work for the summer (which equals income) until I return to my position at THINK Together/USC. Hopefully at the jobs I'm placed, I will build a tower of contacts to help me in my pursuit to be a teacher/administrator.

The only problem: I mildly dislike interviews. I feel like I'm being observed by a huge microscope, but I invite you to take a look at what I have to offer.

Travel the Dell.

I finally did it. I purchased a Dell Desktop computer, and installed it to my new keyboard, mouse and speakers that I bought for less than $30 at fry's electronics. Altogether, I spent $80 dollars on the whole set so I am proud of myself.

Oh yeah...

Oliver got into USC yay!

No Easy Way

If there's one thing I've learned, it's that there is no easy way out of any situation. Since we believe that we are called for something great in our lives -- to make a difference in our lives and the lives of other people -- I think we usually jump the gun on ourselves. A lot of times I find myself wanting to better myself by finding instant results in the things that I do or want to do. I want to fly to Europe and forget about my life in LA; I want to move to Canada where it's cheaper; I want to get a cheap ass bucket for transportation even if it sucks; I want to quit smoking NOW. Fast. Pronto.

I've openly stated that I want to quit smoking for many reasons. The reasons that I have are good: be healthy; take care of the body God gave me; prevent myself from a higher chance of stroke and cancer. Granted it's not something that I've really put unimaginable efforts to accomplish, but I know that it's something I would like to do soon. Conveniently, my doctor had the perfect solution: Chantix. It's pretty much a drug that ultimately alters the brain; it psyches the brain out to the pre-smoking stages. Chantix (whose chemical name is varenicline) is a stand-alone quitting aid that doesn't call for support. Of course the first thing on my mind was "Great, something that's going to help me without me having to put in any effort." Frankly, I thought wrong. There's really no instant way to fix something that is "spiritual." And there's no way I should look for instant gratification in something that could potentially cause psychological, mental, and sensory problems -- not to mention hallucinating, having vivid dreams and nightmares, and potentially depression; the list goes on.

I know that this is something really specific, and I'm aware that not all people can relate to this "problem" and draw to the broader theme which is "there is no easy way out," but this is only one example.

Everyone has the potential of being someone, but what steps do we have to take? what moves do we have to make in order to accomplish that one thing we aspire for, and do we have to compromise a part of ourselves to successfully reach the goals we have?

Life needs to be worked out. We must constantly create an effort to reach our goals and expectations. There is so much time we have to utilize, but the realization and pressure of saying "life is short" continues to scare us making us want prompt and immediate results. There is no such thing as gaining something without working for it. If it's worth having, it's worth working for it. Such is life.

a letter to anonymous

I like the mystery that you have created for me. While I might not be able to engage you in my writing, I find you very interesting, and I hope that you will accept my apology for not being able to arrest your fascination.

A few things..

I have been working on so many things lately. Some of these things include: working on my new monitor/laptop connection, rearranging my room, helping my sister with her science project, selling some shoes, working on papers and my own projects for school, and helping Soch with his car, and other duties that just happen to land in my lap so to say.

In fact I felt the need to clean up my blog too. I'm actually in the process still because I took a break to eat at Round Table. LOL. This time I made sure not to order the regular which always left us with WAY TOO MANY LEFT OVERS. Ew.

If you're interested I've got some pictures of my new desk set up -- temporary until I get a computer. The best part: it all cost less than 30 dollars. Oh, and check out my BA's. Let people know that if they're down for camo and wear a size 7-8 Woman's shoe, I have got the answer.

Enjoy.

Tetris room.

I have been trying to fix the puzzle which IS my room. It is oddly structured and hard to work with, but I think I've tetrissed my room enough that everything fits -- maybe not perfectly, but nicely enough.









Here are some pictures of the progress.. mostly the progress of phase 2 of Tetris home.

Also, if you didn't notice the last picture, I have a monitor on my desk -- last night acted as the prelude to a wonderful NEW project. I'll esplain later (those of you who watch I Love Lucy will get that reference. :]

Cracking the Shell.

Let's rave.

about Lee's
1. It's my last name
2. It has free wi-fi
3. I don't feel weird when I'm sitting in one
4. Their menu of french baguettes are my favorite
5. I finally tried a Vietnamese sandwich with EVERYTHING in it and loved it
6. Did I mention free wi-fi

I went to Panera Bread -- my favorite place study because of the music, the atmosphere, and the delicious food. I booked it from there within minutes because I just felt out of my element. It wasn't the same (the one I went to). It was extremely busy, noisy, and worst of all, I felt like everyone was staring at me. It was the one in Irvine right on the border of UCI. Boy, that was an experience. I'm so glad I ran out and drove around for a bit because I drove by a Lee's Sandwiches and remembered that they usually offer a very open area to think, study and just relax..

I still have half a pickle and left overs for later YAY.

meowmeow

I've babysat before, but tomorrow starts my first day on an actual permanent babysitting job. The kids are adorable too.. I'll let you know how that goes. Until then, I've been pretty motivated to save as much money as I can. For valentine's day, I worked my ass off to make $150. Any side jobs I can get, I will take (besides prostitution).

So now, I'll be working 3 jobs AND 16units at school. I feel like superwoman.
My name is Justine. I'm a student, teacher, office assistant, baby sitter, and go-getter. HOLLA!

Simple woman

i like simple things.

Dream Car:


I've been thinking about getting a car.
I also want to get inked. i'll let you know about that when it's done.

:]

Will you Miss Me when I'm Gone?

Okay so by the request of Debbie Tan, I have decided to elaborate on this thought:

Firstly, I've been pretty good with my money. Granted I'm still not making enough, I've been able to save up about 1k. It's not much, I know, but it means something to me. Hopefully, if I continue thrifty spending, I'll have enough to purchase a used car soon.

Actually, I have a few things in mind that I'd like to have by the next 2 years. After I graduate in December this year, I'd like to have a big celebration. LOL. Secondly, I'm thinking about taking some time off after graduating and maybe working as a substitute in a nice school district.

I've set a few goals for myself and I feel I need to lay them out:
1. buy a car by the end of the year
2. buy a house within the next two years
3. move to canada sometime after graduation
(which means finding a place, finding a car, and finding a job over there)

I'm actually really excited about all these things. It does seem a little tough to do all these things and to think about all these things at once especially when I'm not sure which of those things I want to accomplish first. But all these things don't seem very unlikely to me. I think it could bring me a lot of happiness, and it never hurt to be ambitious.

Until then, you'll find me working my ass off, but it's all worth it.



Just for you.
(now why don't you update!)

My Comeback.

The business about getting high.

http://blip.tv/file/1356143/
It's an awesome video with pretty good points about the arguments you rarely hear about weeeed :]

This is my invitation to the showing of the Inauguration at the Bridge in Los Angeles. If you'd like to view it on "the big screen" (and bring a guest), let me know so that I can send you the link.

Come Spring

After a highly anticipated return to school, I am finally back and ready to kick ass. It's a great first day of school considering the weather -- nice and warm. A great reminder that Spring is coming even though winter is only half way through its course. Also, it has been really exciting to see knew and familiar faces roaming around campus. One more year.

My confidence is high, and I feel great about this new semester let alone new year. This might definitely be a tough year, but that only calls for a lot of fight, and a lot of growing up.

On another note, my abs, triceps, thighs, and delts are sore. It makes me feel amazing. Having a good work out definitely makes you feel like a super hero.

Brace yourself for this question.

A few actually.
How many people have experienced debt?

How many of you have had a debt so great that your lifestyle had to change?

On a much grander scale:
How much do you think our country is in debt?

What would you say if I said a stupid amount like 500,000,000,000,000 oOooo look at all those zeros. That's right, 500 trillion dollars.

Now how about this: Do you believe 500 trillion dollars even exists in the (whole) world?


You know those movies where some annoying character knows some truth to something and goes around warning people, but everyone just ignores them? Let me be that person and tell you that our whole world is about to change. Where do you think the government is going to try to find that money?

I suggest we all prepare for the worst.
If you think you've seen it, well.. brace yourself because a huge shoe is about to fall on us.