2009 Givens & Leisures

In random order, I hope to accomplish the following in 2009:

The givens...

1. pray more (for continued blessings and the less fortunate)
2. lose weight (ideally 30 lbs, realistically 15 lbs)
   
3. exercise more (I ran last week so I kinda started early!)
   
4. get my M.A.
   
5. have someone help me organize my life
6. give/donate a LOT of my things
7. even though I don't want to, do more chores
8. spend quality time with family
9. follow up on my health (dental included)
10. be more financially responsible

Now onto the leisures...

1. take a photography/photoshop class
2. take dance classes
3. start up yoga again
4. become either a eucharistic minister or lector
5. scrapbook more
6. gtg more often with friends
7. keep in touch more often

Last few years, I told myself I wasn't going to do them anymore because I wasn't following them.  We create resolutions so that we can better ourselves.  Well this time, I am going to make every effort to follow them.  I know that I can only be a better individual for me and family, just by doing so, especially the givens.

Grown Up Christmas Wishes 2008

"I still believe in Santa Claus,

maybe that's just because I'm still a child at heart,

and I still believe in old St. Nick,

but then again maybe that's the trick we need,

we need to retreat to a world of make believe.

Let's make this Christmas last forever,

shine a little love along the way for the sake of all children

let love show us the way.

I still....

This time of year is for the giving,

this time of year is for the joy.

May joy and happiness be with you always this day.

I still...." ~ NKOTB *winkwink*

With that said (in random order)...

1. Celine Dion's My Love Ultimate Essential Collection
2. Flash compact card for my Nikon D40x
3. 5* VIP pkg to NKOTB (that's if they even do that again for a rumored summer tour)
4. Chick-Fil-A
   
5. Sprinkles
   
6. Organizer (of pack rats like me.. and that's saying more than I really want to!)
7. Housekeeper (bc I can't stand cleaning!)
8. A trip anywhere outside of SD
9. Scented candles
10. Uggs tall and black (size 6)
11. Photography and photoshop class
12. Dance classes
13. Hooded wool coat
14. Chanel purse
15. Black Juicy Couture bag
16. Premium annual pass to Disneyland & CA
17. Old Spaghetti Factory
18. Spa mani/pedi
19. Massage
20. Olive Garden
21. Buca di Peppo
22. Gourmet bagger
23. Daphne's
24. Surf city squeeze
25. Winchell's French Vanilla Chilla

That's quite a list, although I know there's more.

Thank you in advance Santa Claus!

I long to be a Woman of Strength

A STRONG WOMAN VERSUS A WOMAN OF STRENGTH

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape ... but a woman of strength looks deep inside to keep her soul in shape.

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything... but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear.

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her... but a woman of strength gives the best of herself to everyone.

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future... a woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be blessings and capitalizes on them.

A strong woman walks sure footedly... but a woman of strength knows when to ask for help.

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face... but a woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the whole journey...
but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong!

Chosen Scriptures of the day: "This is My beloved Son, hear Him." Luke 9.48                                                      

Word of the day: "Many times it is better to be kind, than  being right!"

food for thought; " When you limit yourself, you limit God; and when you limit God, you limit yourself !"

"This isn't it.  Fame is not the goal.  To look younger is not the goal.  Money is not the goal;  but to know how to get PEACE of mind; how to be HAPPY, how to be confident, is something you just don't stumble accross. . . . .   you've got to search for it and find it !"

Smiling <3 *Catherine

Literally Shopping til the break of Dawn

So she said, "You didn't hear it from me, but we're opening at 10p."  Then a thought popped into my head.  I'm going midnight shopping.  I assumed that I was going be there for just a couple of hours.  haha.. that was a joke.  Instead of go @ 10p, I decided to wait for my sister to get off work @ 11p.  

So I am going to share my interesting experience with my list of misconceptions of midnight shopping:

1. I was not the only one who decided to go.  haha.. what was I thinking?  Traffic was seriously bumper to bumper.  I had NO idea it was going to be this much traffic.  We parked in a dark lot across the shops.  Now talk about safe at midnight.
2. I just couldn't look at things.  I had to get in line to get IN the store before I could even look around and shop.  Then I had to get in another LINE to pay for it.  Wow, was I misled?
3. Parents swear we live in Alaska where they thought it was okay to bring their babies and children to midnight shopping.  It isn't winter solstice here in SD, it's two in the morning parents!
4. Food indulgence.  It was unbelievable to me seeing people eating at the food court.  I mean, we're talking full on meals.  Oh and they had to have FUNNEL CAKE!  I resisted the temptation when I realized it was 3a in the morning.
5. Patience is a virtue.. for some.  I heard about stories about black friday shopping going array, but I was fortunate enough to not encounter any of those.

With that said, I shall be shopping again.  Amidst the busy-ness, I still had a great time with my sister.  It made for a fun midnight shopping experience.  By the way, I didn't get home till 6a in the morning and I didn't spend over $300!

Have Hope

Today I had to get a smog check.  I figured I better do it now before I get penalized.  

Something happened today that made me think.  I met a man who opened a door to possible new adventures for us... 4 wheel off roading!  This man, Moose, goes off roading in Borrego Springs regularly.  There's a club/group of them that go together every now and then.  Moose got to talking and said that our Land Rover would be great on a run like this.  I actually thought this would be fun.  I'm just a lil hesitant though bc not sure how the kids would handle it, moreover how I'D handle it!  Haha

But Moose isn't really the purpose of this blog.  It's his coworker whose name I don't remember.  But let's call him Greg.  Moose was saying how Greg likes to go off roading,  Greg interjects saying he has a jeep and a bike but says he can't go on these fun runs because he can't afford it.  Moose continues to say, "Someday you will."  

"Now that we've got this guy as president, I'll never be able to.  I'm stuck in this deadbeat job as a mechanic."  He continues on to say that he can't go back to school.  He just continued on in such a fashion that really got me thinking.  He was very pessimistic.  He honestly felt that there was no hope for him.  

It made me think about how many others feel this way.  How many others truly feel that there is not much else they can do to improve their lifestyle?  That is just really sad to me.  I felt like whatever encouragement I gave, there was no solution to his problems.

I pray for all those people who feel they have no hope.  I hope they find that twinge of motivation to make things happen, make their dreams come true.    

Photostream LIVE

I know that I haven't posted a REAL blog lately. I have been going through some things. I'm better now so I will try to get back into the swing of things.

I do want to officially state that our photostream is LIVE (if you haven't already notice) and there you will find our updated and current photos of the fambam.

www.flickr.com/photos/blessedcatherine

You do have to be my friend to view most of them.. I think.. haha.. I forgot what my settings were on there.

Anyway, while I get my blogging back into business, go check us out on Flickr!

And if you aren't my friend on Facebook, be one. I hardly go on MySpace anymore.

Smiling <3 *Catherine

Tech Support

I received this in my inbox awhile ago.. Author unknown

Tech Support: Yes, how can I help you?

Customer: Well, after much consideration, I've decided to install Love.Can you guide me through the process?

Tech Support: Yes. I can help you. Are you ready to proceed?

Customer: Well, I'm not very technical, but I think I'm ready. What do I do first?

Tech Support: The first step is to open your Heart. Have you located your Heart?

Customer: Yes, but there are several other programs running now. Is it okay to install Love while they are Running?

Tech Support: What programs are running?

Customer: Let's see, I have Past Hurt, Low Self-Esteem, Grudge and Resentment running right now.

Tech Support: No problem, Love will gradually erase Past Hurt from your current operating system. It may remain in your permanent memory but it will no longer Disrupt other programs. Love will eventually override Low Self-Esteem with a module of its own called High Self-Esteem. However, you have to completely turn off Grudge and Resentment. Those programs prevent Love from Being properly installed. Can you turn those off?

Customer: I don't Know how to turn them off. Can you tell me how?

Tech Support: With pleasure. Go to your start menu and invoke Forgiveness. Do this as many times as necessary until Grudge and Resentment have been completely erased.!

Customer: Okay, done! Love has started installing itself. Is that normal?
Tech Support: Yes, but remember that you have only the base program. You need to begin connecting to other Hearts in order to get the upgrades.

Customer: Oops! I have an error message already. It says, 'Error - Program not run on external components.' What should I do?

Tech Support: Don't worry. It means that the Love program is set up to run on Internal Hearts, but has not yet been run on your Heart. In non-technical terms, it simply means you have to Love yourself before you can Love others.

Customer: So, what should I do?

Tech Support: Pull down Self-Acceptance; then click on the following files: Forgive-Self; Realize Your Worth; and Acknowledge your Limitations. !

Customer: Okay, done.

Tech Support: Now, copy them to the 'My Heart' directory. The system will overwrite any conflicting files and begin patching faulty programming Also, you need to delete Verbose Self-Criticism from all directories and empty your Recycle Bin to make sure it is completely gone and never comes back.

Customer: Got it. Hey! My heart is filling up with new files. Smile is playing on my monitor and Peace and Contentment are copying themselves all over My Heart. Is this normal?

Tech Support: Sometimes. For others it takes awhile, but eventually everything gets it at the proper time. So Love is installed and running. One more thing before We hang up. Love is Freeware. Be sure to give it and its various modules to everyone you meet. They will in turn share it with ! others and return some cool modules back to you.

Customer: Thank you, God.

Ill Babies

In the last two days, we have had to cater to two ill babies.  Does this come with the tuition to preschool?  

High fevers are scary.  Does this mean now they aren't going to get the flu later?  Should I take them to get flu shots anyway?  Hmmm.. it is no fun when your babies are lethargic.

I pray for better health in the morning.

Smiling because you're reading :D,

*Catherine

Fantasy

I love Fantasy!  Fantasy football, that is.  I'm one of those girls who dig watching good football.  I started a league with some of my Indies friends and I am in 2nd place.  However, I do have a 2nd team on there, but I am not paying to much mind to it because I realized how unfair it was for me to start another team in the same league.  My good reason is that I didn't want anyone to have a bye week because of the uneven number of teams.  But now I feel bad I did because DH says it's unfair.  I didn't realize that and now I think I should apologize to my league members.

Anyway, I love football and I love my Chargers.  I made a booboo last week and benched SD's defense.  What in the world was I thinking after last week's game?

Gosh I love FOOTBALL!!

Useless Facts

I borrowed this from www.anditisliz.com, Miss Liz Hernandez from Big Boy in the Morning Z90.3 (Power 106).

Useless facts that you can use to get the conversation going this weekend. Enjoy!

FACTS:
1. 40% of McDonald’s profits come from the sales of Happy Meals.
2. Chocolate can kill dogs; it directly affects their heart and nervous system.
3. American Airlines saved $40,000 by taking an olive from First Class salads.
4. The first CD pressed in the US was Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA.”
5. The name Wendy was made up for the book Peter Pan. There was never a recorded Wendy before it.
6. Bruce Lee was so fast that they had to slow the film down so you could see his moves.
7. It takes more calories to eat a piece of celery than has in it to begin with.
8. Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying.
9. China has more English speakers than the United States.
10. You share your birthday with at least 9 million other people in the world.

Royally PO'd

Before I indulge myself in Sprinkles cupcakes, I need to say how royally PO'd I am with today's unfairness of what they call referees!

It's worse for my brother, who was AT that game!

Dang refs, dang broncos.

A+!

I apologize for the major delay.

I just completed my 2nd graduate course.. Final paper A+, Course Grade A+!!  Whew those super late nights pay off!  But can I tell you that I am extremely exhausted right now.

I just had to come on here to say that I am going to Malibu tomorrow with the babes, my Mommy and my sis, who is the Malibu Triathlon on Saturday.

Oh and I adore Aga Muhlach.

K & N's Montessori

A little update on the babes and pre-school.. they're doing well!

Kai goes five days a week while Niki goes three days.  She only goes part time because Ms. Riffi (their teacher) doesn't have the capacity for her age group full time.

Mahal takes them in the morning (I prep their clothes for them) while I pick them up in the afternoon.  I love it when I get there because I wait until they've noticed that I've arrived.  And it is soooo awesome when you see that look, the element of surprise as they see someone they love.  Kyan's hilarious; he screams and runs right to me!  Nakia is shortly behind him.  I love it!  

I can't wait to actually see them bring some school work home.. hehe.  It'll probably be a bit, but I'm looking forward to it.

I know it costs a lot of money.  I mean, for Kai alone is over $10k in a year.  Nonetheless, I am very happy to have them there.  Riffi & Shermeen take good care of our bambinos and it shows.

Good and Not so Good

O m g . . . has it really been two weeks since I last posted?!

So sorry.. that was terrible of me. I have had many things going on. Good and not so good. I certainly need prayers for the not so good part, which in due time I will share. Btw, it has nothing to do with the other not so good, that yes I did not share. But I do appreciate all the thoughts and prayers.

So a few things that I will certainly elaborate on . . .

*First week of school
*First day of preschool for the bambinos!
*Not so good family news
*Almost done with 2nd graduate class
*Planning and coordinating three early spring 2009 weddings
*New hairstyle
*Events galore in the next 3mos... 4 to be exact!

Okay, well I certainly have work to do! I will post more often, I promise. I will leave you with this...

Pop Art Me thanks to my new MacBook Pro!!

Endless Inbox

We dropped off the bebes at Pre-School this morning. And they didn't even cry. Awww..

I totally trust her with the babes so I have no worries. I just miss them, but I have loads to take care this week.

*get a copy of my SS card (can't find it for who knows what reason!).
*get a MASSAGE
*get my NU transcript
*bring my transcript to my district so I can apply for my Filipino Credential
*go to the Town & Country suites to plan out our VIP Lounge for SDAFF 2008
*FINISH my paper
*do my homework (discussion boards unlimited.. ay yay yay!)
*go bowling haha
*buy tickets for Dark Knight IMAX
*prep for First Day of School on the 19th!
*finish unfinished blogs
*get my hair dyed and cut
*buy birthday gifts for my SIL, Tanya's son and Lee Ann

Oh it's endless.. my inbox will never be empty. And this is in addition to all the other million things that I have yet to do with the house. Unbelievable.

But it's all good. I'm not overwhelmed.. yet.. haha.

Okay, now I have to go and begin these tasks!

Bakery Foodie Review - Elizabethan

Okay I just got back from Encinitas after a morning at the Quail Botanical Gardens and a nearby park.

The very reason for my journey up there was this bakery, oh and of course to playdate with some sweet friends.. hehe.

So I picked up $26.20 worth of Elizabethan Desserts, which I rated below (*poor to *****best):

Red Velvet cupcake *

Black & White cupcake *

Diggity Dang cupcake **

Anything & Everything Cookie ****

Magic Bar *****

Btw, I asked the cashier why it's pronounced "eliza-bee-thann".  She didn't know.  Then later that day, I was telling my friend that Elizabeth is a thespian.  She then brought up that that might be reason for the pronunciation... is she right?

Feels sooooooooooo Good

I am @ the Canyon Ranch Day Spa at The Venetian and I am looooooooooovin' it! If only I had more time! I forgot how soothing the smell that emanates from a spa. There's that combination of mint, eucalyptus and spearmint aroma that fills the Spa. I have GOT to do this more often!

Tonight we are then off to see the Blue Man Group so that should be fun.

More about this fab vacay later!

Pamilya Update

I figured since I do an update on me, well then I should do one on my family! That way you don't have to wait to read it in our Christmas Annual Newsletter.

Mahal

• Still loves his Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds. There is no end in that tunnel.


• He plans to play basketball more, maybe join a league.

Kyan Xander

• This boy blows me away sometimes. Kai knows and recognizes songs and artists. Unfortunately, it's nothing like London Bridge or Twinkle twinkle. Kai will hear "In Da Club" and will immediately say "Usher!"... hahaha or Apologize by One Republic comes on and he'll say, "Gagawockeez!" (Jabbawockeez). And everytime, he will call and point out a hummer.


• Unlike his baby sister, which you will read more about below, KX is p-i-c-k-y! It is a challenge to get him to eat healthy. Sadly, he's more like me when it comes to eating.

Nakia Jordan

• Took her first step on June 10th (Hb JS!) and is now working the floor. NJ does occassionally crawl, but she's putting in some major footwork.


• Niki still eats anything and everything. This girl does NOT refuse food, well when she's full, but for some reason I see no end. Mahal calls her "double fisted" because seriously she has to have food in both her hands. Amazing, this girl!!


• Can you all say madaldal (muh-dull-dull)? That means talkative. I honestly think she started saying more words than her Kuya Kai. In addition to her babble, she says, "good girl, money, dirty, please, juice, tickle (her first word btw), up, bye, hi, wow, Mommy, Daddy, Mimah, Nana, Happy birthday to you (to you, sounds like "Dewey")", juice, thank you, Kuya Kai (to you, "Cookie").   I think that's just about it.

I know I can add more to this .. and I probably will later, but for now this will do.  :)

Opposite of Procrastination

Yes it is almost 3am and I am still awake.

I just finished my paper that is due Monday so I am soooooo relieved! Honestly, it is amazing when you don't procrastinate. I have the weekend to reap the benefits of proactivity! And if only I was a student like this in high school and college!

Anyway, I've started two blogs, but have yet to finish them due to priorities. *ahem* But I will get to them so not to worry! I love that I can do them on my phone. No, I do not have an Iphone. I love my Sidekick LX... so there!

Now after this weekend of rest and relaxation from school work, I have to get started on my final project because we are off to Sin City next Sunday for a one blazin' week!

The C.E. Update

Okay, I have got a few random thoughts that, instead of turning it into several blogs.. here's one:

• Over halfway done with my first class of the MATLT (Master's of Arts in Teaching and Learning in Technology) program and I'm getting an A!
• Went bowling the past two days and it was fun! I just might have to make it a regular activity. Even though I am NO good, I enjoyed it tons! Oh and of all things, I'm a goofy bowler. I'm better with my left arm!
• I also played two games of pool. Although I don't consider great by any means, I won both games! Yay!
• Loving my dance shows, SYTYCD and ABDC! It inspires me to get out there and dance again. One of these days, I will.
• I need an organizer. I have way too much stuff and I need someone to help me organize. Seriously, if you can help me, please do!
• I eat way too much junk food. Someone please remind me that even if Hostess is on sale, don't buy it! I don't even like the way it tastes. I really must stick to the higher quality of junk food.. hahaha.
• We are now a Pro member of Flickr... so I will be fading out Picasaweb. I'm still trying to figure out a good permanent url. Should I go with AshandCat or BlessedCatherine or Blessed_AshandCat or CatibogJaravata?? Decisions, decisions!

Okay, that's enough randomness.. Hope this finds you all well as you read my ramblings!

Btw, if you are reading my blog, would you say hi? I would love to hear from you!