the perfection of imperfection within me.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-23T13:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Belated Thanksgiving!

2007-11-23T12:40:00.000-08:00

It's been a bit hectic since my last post.

First the fires and evacuation...
did a lot of praying, thinking...
having to deal with losing one whole week of school
&trying to figure out how the heck we're all supposed to catch up, meet deadlines &whatnot...
trying to get back to going to the gym on a more regular basis...
Dee's Bday...
Khristine's Bday...
Halloween...
Trish's Bday...
Anne's Bday...
prepping for Show Choir's first solo performance...
Soldier Boy comes to Otay Ranch HS
Church choir...
praying...
prepping for St. Michael's 50th anniversary concert...
GRADES =( ...
Audience reunited minus Airman GP (miss you geeps)...
Congrats Dee&David on your engagement...party...
CUSH's transimission goes bad and having to buy a new car...
praying...
auditioning more people for Show Choir...
district mtgs...
faculty mtgs...
planning and prepping for December performances...
got the flu but better now...
praying...
Thanksgiving was great...
camped out at Frys again this year...

And that's been my life in a nutshell.
So I've been really bad about returning phone calls again this month!
I'm so sorry everyone.
Really I am.
I trust you're all doing well..in the Lord's Gracious and Giving Hands.

But can I just say that I AM SUPER EXCITED FOR CHRISTMAS!!!
May we all walk the good walk this Advent season!

from Canada

2007-10-27T00:08:00.000-07:00

here are pictures from Canada...
some are from the West Edmonton Mall
some are from the rehearsal
the rest are from the wedding ceremony and reception.
Aren't my nieces the CUTEST?!!!

2007-10-06T14:13:00.000-07:00

what is the point of being two-faced?
i suggest you stop trying to save face, and just be yourself...
ugly emotions and all.
no further comment. thank you.

2007-10-01T16:47:00.000-07:00

great job to all those who helped out with MOTP!!! =)

Only in God...

2007-09-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

is my soul at rest.
In Him, comes my Salvation.
My Stronghold, my Savior, I shall not be afraid at all.
My Stronghold, my Savior, I shall not be moved.

Sorry I haven't been around...

2007-09-20T10:52:00.000-07:00

Please pray for my Tita Belen, who suffers from Cancer of the Colon...
and her daughter, who just got a biopsy done.
Also, please say prayers for my grandfather...
and my dad.

I'd really really appreciate it. Thank you.

God said "wait".

2007-08-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

and so i'm holding on.

in a couple of hours...

2007-07-29T23:08:00.000-07:00

i'll be getting up and getting ready to go to Qualcomm Stadium for American Idol auditions.
i'm kinda excited.
i know it's gonna be a really long day....
but i'm gonna make the most of everything and really give it my all.
music has always and will always be a huge part of my life.
but i have soooo many fears and reservations.
it gets the best of me everytime.
but whether or not i get anywhere with Idol,
i hope that this serves as another stepping stone for me...
even in just being able to say that i conquered my fears and did it...
i'd say that's a huge accomplishment for me already! =)

what a day

2007-07-20T18:21:00.000-07:00

so i woke up and got ready to drop off syllabi, grading policies, and emergency lesson plans.
i've already been working at Otay Ranch hs for 8months now and there are still teachers i have never met, let alone seen before!
as i walk into the staff room to check my box and make copies (by the way they only have ONE COPY in the WHOLE entire school for teacher use), i say a casual hello to the lady who's using the copier. she turns around and in the peppiest mood ever greets me with a "hi! and how is your day today?" it honestly caught me off guard because for 1) i don't know her at all, and 2) not many teachers have that great of an attitude by the end of the day. hahha. she's the smallest thing too and i think she's a little younger than i am. so she probably gets mistakened for a HS student way more than me. anyway to make a long story short, we got to talking and she told me to come by the 200 building on my prep time or free time and visit! yay! i'm glad since my only friend and colleague at work was Jeff, who now works at Montgomery HS. =/
anyyywayyy...
it's been quite the reading day for me!!! i'm currently reading The Pursuit of Happiness, made popular by the recent film starring Will Smith, and finishing up The Memory Keeper's Daughter, the book everyone and their moms have been reading/read. i actually lost this book somewhere in between Vegas, Irvine, and coming back home (for kirs' bday). =/ but alas, i bought it again as part of a buy 3, get the 4th free deal! i'm also reading this other book...i'm gonna refrain from putting the title up on here cause i know i'll hear inappropriate comments from certain people, but it's about an plus-size woman who's had it pretty rough. its the story of how she deals with her losses, faces her past, and figures out who she really is and who she can become.

i'm pretty bummed that i stopped reading HP awhile back. I believe that i stopped reading in the middle of the third book. i drove by a bookstore on the way back from having coffee with a friend and i saw the HP frenzy. some dressed up like lord voldemort and professor snape too. =/ i would've liked to partake in all that jazz. too bad....

dee: shopping for NEW books is fun!!! i haven't gotten too far in Memoirs...but you let me know of any books you DO recommend! and of course i love teaching! despite all the stress, it's all worthwhile. so very worthwhile. and yes, we're year round. but i think this year it's an adapted calendar. i believe they're gonna try and move to traditional next year. but i'm not too sure, since we recently got a new superintendent. oh hey...i'm choosing between vegas or SF for the weekend before my bday. will you be home around that time?

enrique: hahha. you're a bully. do you recommend any motivationals? i picked up a book in the inspirational section. i think that would suffice.

ps- i can't believe people actually read my blogs. hahha.

i love borders.

2007-07-19T23:33:00.000-07:00

wow! i just spent over $100 on books!
that is some craziness.
but i'm super excited to delve into them.
one of the books is a self help book, recommended to me by Father Pat.
He loves Dr. Phil. but to be honest, i've never even seen an episode of his show.
so we'll see...
but i'm definitely in the mood for both a motivating, self-improvement read and a "feel good" read.
so this weekend....i may be the usual home-body.
i'll be in my room making a calendar for myself, prepping some more, and reading all my books! yay!!!

ps- what should i do this year for my birthday?

happy new year!

2007-07-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

ok ok...so it's not january 1st....
but on monday, i DID have my first day back to school at work.
i have to admit that i was excited.
but it was all too overwhelming.
especially with last week and all the district, school staff, and departmental meetings.
it's actually my first FIRST WEEK.

for those of you who don't know...i got hired at Otay Ranch HS' choir director last year, smack-dab in the middle of the year.
that came with its own struggles, being that the students were expecting their "Mama B" to come back from medical leave.
she turned in her letter of resignation, without any warning to the principal and to her students.
so the it was quite challenging.
but i have to admit that starting off the year with new students, new schedule, an eye infection, no cellphone, printer and internet issues, having to travel to a different location for 3rd period, no key to the theatre (which is where i have my 3rd period), and only ONE school copier machine has presented unsuspected challenges as well. what a really long sentence that was. hahha

but i still, despite the challenges and obstacles i've faced within the last week, am really really excited for this year.
i have made many goals for myself, the Vocal Arts program as a whole, and for each of the choirs individually.
and i can't wait to delve into the music...the theory...the choreo (which i still have to make hahaha)...EVERYTHING!
it really helps to know that the Administration at ORHS is so supportive of our choirs...
AND so is the Director of the Board of Trustees!!! i recently had the pleasure of talking to her 1on1. that's created such an impact in my thinking.
i'm in shock still. but i'm gonna use all of it...as momentum to keep me going, to push me forward.

what a trip.

2007-07-10T07:01:00.001-07:00

look at that cool banner that stef made for me!!!
thanks sis. i'm not too sure what to do with it...but cool!
hahhaha.
i was telling her that i think that's the nicest my eyes have ever looked.
hahah. yay!

so i went to Vegas with kirs, kathee, meechy, marites, mel, chris, joe, janice, cristina, derrick, gp, cressa, and jenny. so fun...but boy, was it something else.
my jeans ripped! and thank God Marites noticed and saved me from further humiliation. =)
it was hot as a mother, dude. that kind of humidity really gets to my eyes.
the Mirage buffet was good. yummy cocktail shrimp, crab legs, and shomai (sp?)
clubbing at Tao at the Venetian was a wild one.
derrick, marites, and i left a wee bit early for a bite at McDonalds. it was REALLY good to catch up, vent a little, and all that good stuff.
marites and i dropped derrick off at his house. and she somehow maneuvered us out of harm's way. stupid guy who decides to make a right turn from the middle lane into a gas station, not checking to see if there's anyone next to him. idiot!
in the morning i played roulette for the first time! and I came up, only a little less than $60. i was scared to play more than that. =/
major traffic on the way back to irvine. thanks mel for driving back.
oh and thanks marites for driving there!

went to 6:30pm Mass at interfaith.
we surprised Father Pat with a cake.
and guess what!? I caked him!!! I thought I'd have to face his wrath after...but he wasn't even mad. hahahha. *whew*
then in n out with ang, janice, adrian, mel, cristina, chris, dean.

thanks for helping me clean my house Krissie! i love you.

new book

2007-07-06T20:15:00.000-07:00

i was so compelled to buy a certain book because of my two good friends, francia and dianne.
i bought The Memory Keeper's Daughter last night.
i started it earlier this morning, but was interrupted.
i'm bringing it with me to vegas in case we have down time. hahhaha

i was able to hang out with an old friend from HS.
she was actually my best friend.
it was really good.
we talked for a really long time.
it's so good to hear how everyone's been doing.
and that i didn't miss out on too much by not attending my 10-yr HS reunion.

got to hang out with great company last night.
ashley, arlene, seachelle, shelby, fran, and john
it's been awhile.

and i've realized that i am sooo rusty at the whole "social life" thing.
hahah.

Happy Independence Day!!!

2007-07-04T22:24:00.000-07:00

I had an amazing day!
Spent time with family.
The whole day actually.
Played volleyball and i sucked.
Played badminton and i kicked butt!!!
But my right arm is so sore.
Even played with my left-hand...sucked.
hahhaa
Ate a grip of food... carne asada, burgers, bbq ribs, bbq corn, watermelon, canteloupe, bts cake.
Gluttony galore!!! HORRIBLE!!!

It's crazy.. how much my cousins have grown.
I still can't believe it... *sigh*

ps-i'm soooo excited for kirs' vegas trip!!! yay!!!!!!!

eh.

2007-07-03T13:39:00.001-07:00

sometimes i REALLY think i let my insecurities get the best of me.

be brave, joyce.
be brave.

some things never change..

2007-07-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

as far as i thought i've come...
i'm still the same scared, self-conscious, nevertakechances girl i was in high school.
=/

watch out now!

2007-06-27T08:43:00.002-07:00

LOCATION: YMCA in Chula Vista on Paseo Ranchero

2007-06-25T23:30:00.000-07:00

hello world

i really need to get this off my mind/chest

2007-05-09T07:10:00.000-07:00

hi.
so wow. they are offering me another year of teaching as the vocal arts director.
oh my gas.
i have some major issues with it though.
please don't get me wrong, it's been a great 7months.
wow i can't even believe it's already been that long.
it's been my dream job for awhile now.
i've learned alot.
i've failed.
i've succeeded.
i've been hated on.
i've been given appreciation from my students.
i've persevered.
i've been apart of positive change.
i've trusted.
i've been disappointed.
i've cared.
i've changed.
i've grown.

but in the process, i'm sad to say that some student relationships have changed.
you see, i knew some of my students prior to working at Otay.
i know them through my service at Mater Dei Parish.
and i have been serving at Mater Dei with some of these students for 3+ yrs now...
well, i can honestly say that i've done the best job i can of not "playing favorites" or not bringing any of that into the classroom.
but kids will be kids.
and just last week, I found out that to this day...
some of them still get grief from their peers because they knew me prior to becoming their teacher. =\
it's tough.
i mean i could care less about them talking about me behind my back and whatnot.
we ALL know what it's like to be in HS. come on now.
but the fact that my presence has affected others really bothers me.
it's really holding me back from accepting their offer.
everyone might be better off if i worked elsewhere.
but it's ALWAYS difficult to find positions as a choir director.
those are normally the ones that never really leave.
hahhahah.
well at least in the SD area.

please offer your prayers up for all my students.

janice j: wow!!! it's been forever!!! i miss you. are you ever around the OC???
mingsa: i miss you sis. i will try and call soon! +BIN

2007-05-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

I am feeling so very crappy today.

and today You're making miracles in me

2007-04-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

i think i ate bad sushi yesterday.
=/
so i took the day off.
did little sleeping, lots of throwing up...
need i say more?!

yesterday was a tough day.
but i'm not gonna let the sadness, guilt, regret, and pain get the best of me.
what we often fail to remember is that all these things are NOT of the Father.
He doesn't want us to live that way.
but our flesh is blinding.
So here's to leaning on faith, on hope, on love, on GOD!

Adonai

One single drop of rain
Your salty tear became blue ocean
One tiny grain of sand turning in your hand
A world in motion
You're out beyond the furthest Morning Star
Close enough to hold me in Your arms

Adonai, I lift up my heart and I cry
My Adonai
You are the Maker of each moment
Father of my hope and freedom
Oh, my Adonai

One timid faithful knock
Resounds up the Rock of Ages
One trembling heart and soul
Becomes a servant bold and courageous
You call across the mountains and the seas
I answer from the deepest part of me
From age to age you reign in Majesty
And today You're making miracles in me

2007-04-15T23:20:00.000-07:00

happy birthday derrick and reg.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

i feel horrible.
i'm so sorry.

You said I'd have no more than I can handle
But everyday seems to be getting harder to make good
Through You, You said that I could do anything, oh anything
But sometimes, I feel like I can't do it at all

I've been knocked down and dragged around
And now I don't know which way to go
All I need is one small sign to put me to where,
Where You want me
I'm confused so I'm calling on You

Cause I, I'm broken
And I'm ready for you to pick up the pieces
Won't You direct me, hold me, accept me, and mold me
Put the fragments of my life back together again
Cause I'm broken...

to friends of old...i miss you dearly.

2007-04-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

i'm realizing that many of the friendships that i held so close to my heart are slowly diminishing.
and a couple of them are long gone.
i hate it.
but honestly, i feel a little helpless
against the odds
due to circumstance
not enough time
not enough effort
due to the chaos of life
too much distance
not enough understanding?
laziness

i know better than to dwell on my loss.
especially since it's Easter!
i need to focus on this new life.
that's the only way.

keep moving forward.
keep walking.
keep your chin up.
keep on keeping on.

2007-04-05T23:20:00.000-07:00

we are a priestly people.
and it is our call to serve one another as Christ has served us.
may we all seek forgiveness through confession,
and nourishment in His Body and Blood.

my Lenten walk

2007-04-04T10:17:00.000-07:00

This Lent has proved itself to be just as challenging as it was last year.
I've noticed that with every year, the trials seem more and more internal.
But you know what?
I'm learning alot more about myself.
About my wants and needs.
About where I should to take my life.
I'm finding it easier to be independent in the parts of my life where I have always been dependent on others.
You know, it's important to understand your independence as a woman.
I recently spoke with my sister about this.
And we both agree that to be able to go to a movie or eat dinner in a restaurant by oneself is truly a liberating experience!
I urge you all to try it. I do admit that it DID take alot of nerve to do it though. =)

i really like today's bible geek....

Let there be light.

“…the LORD my God lightens my darkness.” - Ps. 18:28

Situation Explained
What’s your forecast look like this week? What’s the seven day outlook?
Are you having spiritually sunny days or spiritually dark days, these days?

...there are two types of darkness

Solution Offered
Something very simple but quite profound hit me in prayer recently: there are two types of darkness, God-made and manmade.

Let me offer an example. In the morning, my bedroom is dark, first because it is prior to sunrise but also because I have chosen to draw the shades and eliminate any trace of light from my room.

God brings light to the darkness in His time, but whether or not I allow that light in, and the amount of light I allow into my life and reality…that is my decision.

Sometimes we go through “dark times” in our lives, moments in which we can’t see or hear or feel God’s light. Sometimes those dark times are because in that moment God’s allowing the darkness, in time He will reveal His presence again. Those are the times of darkness that God permits – they are God made. We might grow cold or feel out of control, but God is very much in control, we just need to be patient to feel the warmth of His light, once again.

Sometimes, though, we go through “dark times” in our lives, dark times that are manmade. These are a result of our decisions, actions or pride. Times such as these, of difficulty or pain, suffering or anxiety are not a result of God’s plan but a result of our sin. We wind up in these kind of situations because we seek to be in control, to control “how much light we let into the room”. We draw the shades to our soul, diffusing and eventually expelling God’s light completely, until we are left out of controland sitting in the darkness: cold, lost and alone.

Sometimes we draw the shades to our soul quickly. Other times we draw them slowly, one blind at a time until we are left spiritually blind. We reject the light because it hurts our eyes. We gravitate to the darkness over time and slowly lose all perspective of what it’s like to live in the light. Again, for some people it’s gradual, for others it’s drastic…and for others, it’s a constant spiritual struggle, to live and to stay in the light.

So, how about you? Have you drawn the shades to your soul? Are you choosing to eliminate or control the amount of sunlight that enters your inner room, the Son’s light?

Ponder what God has to say about this tension between light and darkness, pray with me:

“God is light and in him is no darkness at all.” - 1 John 1:5

“For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness.” - 1 Thes. 5:5

“He who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in the darkness still. But he who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” - 1 John 2:9-11

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” - John 1:5

“I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” - John 12:46

Scripture, in a sense, dilates the pupils of our souls. It opens our eyes wider in times of darkness and allows in more light, helping us to see more clearly as darkness encircles us. Prayer does the same thing.

One of the tools of the devil is to make you believe that your darkness is God made (the lie) instead of manmade (the truth), that way, we’re left wanting to blame God for the darkness rather than ourselves. Thus, we refuse to act and we are left, stuck and trapped in the darkness.

Ask yourself this day – how bright is your life?
If there is darkness, where is it coming from?

If it’s from God, don’t worry the sun will rise soon.
If it’s from you, stop what you’re doing, fall on your knees and rip open the shades to your soul. God is waiting to shower you with light.

Salvation Given
“…the LORD my God lightens my darkness.” - Ps. 18:28

God’s first command? ”Let there be LIGHT” (Gen. 1:3).

my show choir kiddos

2007-03-23T11:12:00.000-07:00

at our very first performance...

a great getaway

2007-02-21T10:13:00.000-08:00

with all the stress from work, i needed a weekend away.
so dino took me to Las Vegas for the weekend.
i had such a great time.
it was a rocky start to the weekend.
too many people cause of the long weekend AND NBA All-Stars
we stayed at the tropicana...
it was pretty ghetto.
i'm never staying there again.
the first buffet we went to wasn't worth the money,
even if i didn't pay.
but the weekend ended with a bang!
we watched mama mia!
we went shoe shopping. i didn't buy but i could care less.
i love shoes! =)
ate at a better buffet more worth the money.
i came up $40 on slots but spent it all on games at circus circus. =)
we even ate at a local hawaiian place.
AND we went to church. =)

2007-01-27T16:15:00.001-08:00

something pretty amazing happened to me yesterday! =)

American Idol at ORHS?

2007-01-17T06:52:00.000-08:00

forgot to publish a previous post...

but it pretty much said that American Idol was at Otay Ranch HS.
and all of my first period was on the show.
they were doing a promo for the first episode of the season
and they kinda did a mock contest with some of the HS students.
3 of them were my HSchoir and Mater Dei kids!!!
and the winner was a girl in my first period...
she's actually also in my Mater Dei choir. =)
yay cyrene!
if you want to watch... paul. and
darwin & cyrene. =)

soooo...ive been doing really well.
i will be ending my employment with ACES soon.
i've notified my supervisor.
i'm really bummed about it.
but i don't think i can pull it off anymore.
im getting burnt out.
and im losing focus.
plus, i can't really give my all to my kiddos...at school, church, or ACES. =/
i've just been too tired.
pray for me on this one.

hope you're all doing well.

ps- it was yet another amazing weekend. all thanks to my best friend.

what an amazing weekend

2007-01-15T11:06:00.000-08:00

so on Friday i spent the evening with friends. Jelyn & I were able to do some catching up.
i love that girl. i can honestly trust her with my heart. +BiJ.

on Saturday i packed up my bags and left for Irvine.
got to hang out with Steph, Mel, and the Beejster.
got boba and did the Best Buy thing.
bought another car phone charger cause i left mine in SD. =/
my mom phones me and tells me that my cousin's debut is starting in an hour.
so i take off and make my way up to LA.

i had the directions printed out and everything.

but they had the wrong address on the invitation! =/

so i get lost. the debut was supposed to be off elysian park ave.

which goes right to dodgers stadium.

but it was way past the stadium.

luckily there were those trusty green signs pointing the way to the venue.
and thank God i saw them. and thank God I bought a car charger.

cause of that i was able to call my parents to guide them there. crazy.

so the debut was a nice one.
very simple...but it really nice.
gave her 2nd cousins from SD, including me,
the chance to know her better.
i was called up to give her a little candle speech thingy.
(i didn't know. no one knew if they were gonna be chosen for the candles&roses. different huh?)
i was nervous.
but KJ guided me. =)

spent the rest of the night with an old friend,
catching up over coffee. that was really nice.
we went to some really cool coffee shop.
the setup was nice. the art displayed was good.
even had a pool table. and this lounge area with couches.
i dug it alot. except the coffee was really strong. hahha.
after that i made my way to the hotel and got some shut eye.

sunday morning:

i met up with dino at Hollywood&Highland.
it's this shoppng center in LA. i think it's a shopping center.
i was really impressed by the design of it.
hahhaha.
im weird like that.

we walked around and did some catching up over lunch and coffee.
had a nice time. =)

dino, if you ever read this, which i highly doubt...
thanks.

so after that i left LA and went to cerritos to meet up with steph.
good catching up. =)
you are too cool steph!

then off to irvine for 6:30pm mass.
on the way there i was able to catch up with stef over the phone.
i love that girl. she's too cool. really. i mean we barely talk but i trust her and allan.
i really do. she does crack me up though. =)

so i went to 6:30pm mass and it was beautiful.
there's just something really nice about going back to a place that was your home...
and seeing the changes and reminiscing when you hear a familiar song.
and seeing faces both old and new that reveal this beautiful image of His Son.
i held back the tears. but i really do miss it. i feel called to come back and help but i know that time will come someday just not now. =/
ended the evening with sushi&friends and a long drive home.

i love weekends spent like this one...with family, friends, catching up, and nice surprises.

Thanks for spoiling me this weekend, Lord. =)

seeing a little light.

2007-01-12T18:01:00.000-08:00

"can't you see the sun peaking through those clouds over there?
can't you see? it's right there", as he points to the sky.
that's what my ACES kiddo said to me today!
what a nice reminder from the big guy in the sky. =)

so...i got off work early today. =)
visited Tatay and he's slowly recovering.
my tita's all joking around about how he's gonna get remarried. grrrrr!!!!!!
i dont know if i'll ever be ready for that to happen. =/
it's my cousin's debut tomorrow. exciting stuff.
but i hate dressing up. bleh to dressing up! bleh!

thank God for kind souls who return stuff to lost&founds. =)
thank God for friends who pray for friends.
thank God for a good day.

2007-01-11T20:40:00.000-08:00

i've been on a roll with all this blogging.
but gp says that my blogs are boring or something like that.
i dont remember.
i miss that guy.

so i wasn't able to visit my grandpa today. =(
but my parents said that last night he got up AGAIN from his bed.
and by the time the nurses heard it and ran over there
he was at the bathroom door already!
what the heck are the fricken alarms on those beds for?!
thank God he didn't fall or anything like that...
apparently the nurses found him WITHOUT his walker. =/
and to top it off...my uncle fainted and was rushed to the ER.
turns out his blood pressure is very high.
and HE was trying to take care of my grandpa too! =/

highlights of my day:
-finally finishing Rock With You.
-praying with the MaterDei kiddos.
-got a haircut. =)

PS- please pray for a friend's uncle who just passed away today and for his family who is in mourning. thanks.

thank you

2007-01-10T06:58:00.000-08:00

HE WALKED YESTERDAY!!!
he was able to muster the strength and walk a couple feet with a walker.
and he remembered me and my childhood memories. =)
the doctor said that his condition will be fluctuating day after day but it will even plateau.
so some days will be better than others.
but i'm happy to see that he's using all his extremities
and that the critical stages have passed.
praise God!
thank You Lord.
and thanks to all of you who have been praying...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Friend,

thanks for trying to break through my stubborness.

you keep trying to show me that i'm better than what i see in myself.

but i realize that one day you will get tired of doing so.

so i will try my best to see past these walls.

i promise.

-thankful

good morning world

2007-01-09T05:07:00.000-08:00

woke up extra early to finish arranging "Through the Fire" by Chaka Khan for Show Choir.
it's the women's song. yay!
i like it alot and i hope they will too.

2007-01-08T07:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Friend,

Thank you for listening to the cries of my heart.
You have been an angel to me, a definite Godsend.
And I don't think I would have pulled through these past days without you there.
Each time I lose hope, you find it and give it back to me.
And thank you for bringing each day to a perfect end. ♥
You may never read this.
But I'm happy with where we are.
Really. I am.

Thank you.

In awe of you,
one very grateful somebody.

2007-01-07T07:08:00.000-08:00

his fever has finally passed.
praise the Lord. =)
please continue your prayers for my Tatay

2007-01-07T04:57:00.000-08:00

it turns out his fall was caused by a seizure.

the neurologist says the cat. scans are looking alot better

but ive been monitoring him all night

and his fever isn't going down any.

im worried.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

thank you for all the prayers.

please join me in prayer

2007-01-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

i'm sorry i haven't returned any phone calls or texts.
on wednesday around 4pm my paternal grandfather was rushed to the hospital.
he had forgotten his cane somewhere on new years day
regardless of that and being as stubborn as Advientos are..
he decided that he was gonna walk to a nearby 7-11 and buy lotto,
which if you know my Tatay is a part of his weekly routine.
on his way home he fell on the street asphalt.
luckily some of the neighborhood people witnessed this and came to his aid right away.
one stayed with him, another called 911, and i think two others went off to look for his relatives..
apparently they knew that he lived on the cross street,
so their kind souls knocked at every door to find his family.
he lives with my tita who was out of the house running errands, my uncle who was napping i think, and my tito who has mental retardation and speaks a little tagalog and a little english...
but praise God they were able to communicate and understand each other.
my tito did good. he called my dad right away
and within the next 20 min after roaming the area and a couple of calls
we found out that the ambulance has taken him to alvarado, since the 2 other nearby hospitals had full ERs.
my grandpa suffered a hematoma...i believe it's called an intracranial hematoma...and a big bruise to his face.
since then his vitals have been fluctuating.
his first night was fine. thursday seemed to be going well.
i mean his bp had risen to 182/99 at some point but it didn't stay there for long.
but he was even up and walking with a walker. he was moving all extremities.
friday morning he was eating, although it was only soft solids and thin liquids.
then friday around 12pm we noticed that he had a temperature.
his fever was 102.6.
it took some meds for it to go down.
around 7pm, he was awake and aware.
he was able to name everyone.
at around 7:15pm while i was assisting him with his dinner
he suffered a mild seizure, lasting for no more than 2 seconds.
he was fine afterwards.
by 9pm, his bp had dropped significantly to 97/57.
at around 9:05pm, he woke from sleep coughing.
and again he had a mild seizure, this time lasting five seconds.
he still had a slight fever.
but he went back to sleep.
we monitored his breathing for the rest of the night.

my family forced me to go home and rest, since i had been there since wednesday at my grandpa's side every moment i was able to be.
i think im typing this blog so that i can remember...
and to ask for prayers as well.
when i was younger, Tatay lived with us.
when my dad was overseas and my mom was at work, it was my paternal grandparents that raised my sister and i.
so he's really close to my heart.
my sister is his eldest grandchild...but im the eldest in SD.
i've tried hard to keep it together.
in the moments when he's awake, we pray.
he taught me my very first song. and we sing it together when the hallucinations start.
slowly im giving him to God.
im trying not to be so selfish...i want so bad to keep him here with me.
but im praying for courage to accept His Will.
my heart is weak.
my body is tired.
my mind is set on him.
he's even wearing my Days cross cause before he left his house he forgot to wear his cross.
so we've been saying BiL together.
im a mess.
but i have served him, cleaned him, washed him, fed him, prayed with him, and loved him these past days.
i know not what lies ahead.
but i humbly ask for your prayers.

Happy New Year!!!

2007-01-01T21:36:00.000-08:00

happy new year everyone!!!!!!

i trust that you all had an eventful stroke of midnight.

mine was spent in bed sleeping.

this year my parents and i did not do the usual clanging of the pot and pans, jumping up and down with change in the pockets, wearing polkadots for good luck.

apparently, and i just found this out, my parents had fallen asleep too! hahha

well the rest was much needed for all three of us. =)

my day was a good one though.

Today marks the 3 birthday of Mater Dei Parish!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! =)

So the bishop of the Diocese of SD officiated the mass.

Bishop Robert H. Brom was the one who gave me my sacrament of confirmation, so I was excited to hear his homily.

It was a good one indeed. very VERY meaningful for me.

he talked about distractions and getting caught up in work.

how funny ...'cause that's been the story of my life these past couple of days.

he talked about how we often lose sight of our mission.

and that we need to stay focused.

he talked about Mamma Mary.

and how Mater Dei (the Mother of God) was devoted to the Lord.

she knew her mission and was focused on that mission.

such a great example for us all.

then he began to talk about Mater Dei and how it's easy for us to get caught up in the work of the church and all the fundraising. but that we ARE the church.

this is what he said...

"the Church needs a mission. and the Mission needs a Church."

so much truth in that.

we need God. but God needs us too.

we must submit ourselves over and over again.

that His Will may be fulfulled through us.

that we may be used by Him as intruments.

that He may send us out and we may be His Physical Hands here on earth.

and that my friends is why he's the bishop. hahha.

the rest of the day was spent with family!!! =)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

did some catching up with an old friend.

that was awesome.

one goal for this year is to patch up broken bridges.

still thinking about what else i want to do.

2006-12-26T23:24:00.000-08:00

i didn't think pulling back was gonna be this difficult.

on a better note...
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

"you need to slow down"

2006-12-21T10:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning around 12:30am, I fell asleep while driving home.
I was only 2 blocks away, only a street away from mine when I hit a parked car.
Im so glad that no one was inside. =\
And I woke up right before I rammed into that old Hyundai.

I've never fallen asleep on the road like that before.
And to be honest, it was the scariest thing in my life.
I've been waking up in the middle of the night because of the replays in my head.
my body aches in different places.
the meds help alot. i can walk. i can talk.
i can do everything, except for jerking my head, doing anything that lifts up my left shoulder (whiplash)
and walking for long periods of time (my seat belt didn't lock. so my body went forward. & my knees rammed into the interior of the car. ).

"You need to slow down", said Dad.
"But I wasn't even driving fast.." I replied.
"No, i'm talking about your life. You need to slow down your life."

after a talk with my dad which surprisingly turned out to be of a calm and "im worried for you" tone, as opposed to a "yelling my ears out" lecture, of course..
i realized that i can't live my life like this anymore.
i really need to lessen my plate.
and i realize it now more than ever before.
Thank You God for Your Message. I received it loud&clear. no sarcasm intented.
i work 2 jobs. and i have Mater Dei.
i thought i could pull it off. i mean i have God at my side and my parents are superheros.
and i have different support groups. i'm very blessed.
but lately, it's definitely taken toll on my body and mind.

My dad turns to the doctor. He goes on saying,

"she spends about 14-18 of the 24hours on those 3 jobs."

I watch him speak of the reality of my life.

"She goes to sleep well after my wife and I...and wakes up before we do."

Thanks Dad for the reality check.

& to be honest, I think God has been trying to tell me all this for a really long time now.

But i wasn't paying attention. I don't know if I just wasn't ready to let go of anything.

Or if i was keeping myself busy because it's healing for me.

Or I just like being busy. Or I can't say "no". Or maybe i didn't noticemy unhealthy lifestyle.

Any way you put it, I just wasn't listening.

But I am now.

I'm listening now Lord.

And I want to place all in Your Hands.

I want to give You back all the blessings.

Cause I make it mine sometimes and I fail each time I do so.

Help me to stand in Your Grace.

Help me to fix the choas in my life.

Slow me down.

More than ever before, I need to reflect.

Not many people read my blogs, but if you do can you please pray for me?

I need guidance in choosing what to hold onto and what to let go of.

And I need understanding to accept His Will for me.

I need courage and strength to follow through with it.

check it out!!

2006-12-03T09:43:00.000-08:00

Two videos
1) ORHS Concert Choir at Holiday Sing
2) the show choir boys messin' around. i didn't teach them that btw. =)

ps- if it doesn't work just double-click it!

so happy

2006-11-29T06:03:00.000-08:00

i never thought that i could be anymore passionate about music...
didn't think it was possible.

so i've had this new job for like a month & 2weeks i think.
and it took me awhile to find songs for Otay's Concert Choir to sing for the district-wide concert, entitled "Holiday Sing".
we actually had that concert last night.
we performed 2 songs. "Noche de Paz" and "Exsultate Justi In Domino"
we learned "Noche de Paz", an acapella piece, in ONE WEEK!!!!!! wow!
and we learned "Exsultate Justi in Domino" in 3 weeks!
so i was a bit nervous about my first performance in front of the whole district.
aside from a couple of mistakes things went great!!!!!!!!!!!
and there was this guy, Dr. Doyle, who directed the district song, "Hallelujah Chorus"...
he kept coming up to my students and complimenting them!!!
praise God everyone!
after all my doubt, all my mess ups, every tear, every worry, every stress....
i know that i am supposed to be here.
things can only get better from here.
i am pumped y'all.
those kiddos are nothing short of amazing....

"ain't no party like an otay party 'cause an otay party don't stoooop"
...their chant of the evening. do those kiddos know how to do it right or what?!

anyways...i will put up videos of the performance later!!!

ps- thanks to Assistant Principal Quillen for coming out and supporting! =) thanks to ashley and joe for accompanying us! thanks to leslie and danah for doing the students' makeup and hair. thanks to you all for your prayers and support! and thanks to the BIG GUY IN THE SKY for allowing me to put my best foot forward, for giving me strength to carry out your will, for breaking walls down, for putting angels in my life, and for LOVING ME!!!

a celebration of the giver

2006-11-26T09:02:00.000-08:00

May we ALL be thankful for the givers in our lives, most especially the BIG GUY IN THE SKY!!! soooo many blessings y'all. soooooooo much love. =)

So this weekend was nothing short of amazing!!!

Thanksgiving mass was sooo good. i didn't wake up early enough to serve...but i ended up receiving sooo much. don't you just love it when the homily goes straight to your heart?! *sigh* =) I had a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with my immediately family and all my relatives on my dad's side. Lots of eating though. =\

Camped out at Fry's Electronics with Mel. What happened to the night of games, hot cocoa, and coffee, people?! *sigh* =\ it's ok...i ended up sleeping for a huge bulk of the night anyway. sorry mel. =(

AFTERTHANKSGIVING SALE was crrrrraaaaaaazzzzzzy!!!!!!!
went to frys. old navy. best buy. and this warehouse that had shoes and clothes at 60% off (blends was selling shoes too! wow! oh derrick, you woulda had a blast here!) too bad the warehouse took cash only. booooooooo!!!!!!!! =(

Yesterday was a long, but fun day too! ironed out stuff for my cousin's montage video. then i spent the day with my cousin, krissie! yay! =) shopping again?! =D
then MASS!!! another great homily...a touching meditation. and dinner with good friends.

i love it!!!!

woot woot!

2006-11-19T09:59:00.000-08:00

MANNY!!!! MANNNNNYYY!!!!!! PACMAN!!!!!
3rd round knockout!!! wow! =)

long time no blog.

2006-11-18T11:00:00.000-08:00

so it's been awhile. and there's been sooo much change in my life.
but the majority of it all has been conquerable.
thank God for His abundant and overflowing grace.

you know, change is always good.
the struggle, the transition, the being outside of your comfortzone and element can feel unbearable,
but it's all CONQUERABLE!!
we can live our lives in hiding, in fear, running away...
but we'll never really get anywhere.
and that, my friend, is no way to live.

i've learned alot about myself this past month.
and i'm slowly making goals towards a better future.
i've been contemplating on this school thing...
Music Ed or Music Theory?
any advice?
i'd appreciate any you have to offer.

as stressful as this teaching thing is...i love it nonetheless!
if you want to listen to clips of last year's Concert Choir...
go here.
tell me what you think!
but this was last year under the former teacher's direction.

so i went to Liwanag's Benefit Concert last night.
that group is a beautiful one.
so many youngsters that i didn't know.
but the same love. the same ministry.
dang, it's nice to come back and witness the fruits of God's Labor through something that i was a part of long, long ago. it's really humbling. really.

Liwanag, you will always have a piece of my heart.
Nothing will ever, EVER replace you in my heart.
LOG Alums, be froud! hopefully, we can get more people to come back and chapport! =)

LOVE you all, joyce

2006-10-02T06:58:00.000-07:00

it's all coming together.
and I AM SO VERY EXCITED!
you know, i'm not too sure what this concert will be like
but Lord knows just how much i've poured into this concert
if anything, in all my weakness, I just put anything that I had left in me into this concert
I just hope that no matter what, you will see my passion through it all

We ran through the first half last night and it went pretty well.
We ALSO SOLD OUT FOR BOTH NIGHTS YESTERDAY!!!!!!!!!!!
I am sooooooo excited for these kids. They are pumped up!!!
it's gonna be crazy i tell ya!

IRVINE FAMILY: ARE YOU READY TO HAVE A PARTY WITH OUR LORD????

please continue to pray for the Voices of Mater Dei that we might live out His Will.

please pray for me on my walk on the Via Dolorosa.

my dream job!

2006-09-22T08:21:00.000-07:00

i just got hired as Otay Ranch High School's new choir director.
can this all be true?!

in awe.

2006-09-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you.
-Philippians 1:3

i give thanks for ALL of you.
especially those Mater Dei kids,
who help show me that everything in my could be worse,
but because God is so good to me
He has placed in the midst of His Faithful.
Amidst people who inspire me to make myself vulnerable to His Divine Grace
i have to admit...i'm scared.
i'm scared to love wholeheartedly.
i'm scared that in doing so i'll fall harder than the last time.
but these kids are amazing.
they're breaking down their walls.
they have a strong desire to serve and to give.
they're giving cheers of gladness and shouting out their praise through song.
they're moving mountains with their growing faith and they don't even realize it.
i love you Voices of Mater Dei for who you are to His Church.
but even more so, I love the Jesus I see and experience in everyone of you.

where joy and sorrow meet

2006-09-13T16:42:00.000-07:00

in the still of the night, i catch myself thinking.
reflecting on these last months, on my life

there's a place of quiet stillness, 'tween the light and shadow's reach
where the hurting and the hopeless seek everlasting peace
words of men and songs of angels whisper comfort bittersweet
mending grief and life eternal, where joy and sorrow meet.

and i just can't shake the fact that i am still standing, holding on by a thread.
my heart is broken. my mind is distracted. my soul is weary.
you know, when you're going through life's hardships...
it's the worst. so much struggle.
you can't even really hold yourself up.
and you search for something, anything to hold onto.
but often times, there's nothing tangible.

there's a place the lost surrender and the weary will retreat
full of grace and mercy tender in times of unbelief
for the wounded there is healing strength is given to the weak
broken hearts find love redeeming where joy and sorrow meet.

but you know when you take this huge step outwards and you look at it all.
there are so many blessings disguised in your midst.
with everything that i was dealing with emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically,
He gave me so much to show me that He is present and living with me
that there is so much more good that i am capable of
that i can truly love and give of myself
that He is there and He is always the Great I AM.
no matter how alone, tired, and hopeless i've been feeling...
there is ALWAYS Jesus.
i need only surrender to Him. all of it. my entirety.
place my hands on the foot of His Cross.
His Love is the only love i will ever need.

there's a place of thirst and hunger where the roots of faith grow deep

and there is rain and rolling thunder when the road is rough and steep

there is hope in desperation there is victory in defeat

at the cross of restoration

where joy and sorrow meet

2006-09-10T10:07:00.000-07:00

Everything's changed, and I want to believe
There must be a reason, there just has to be
Cause my faith is strong, till it all hits home
And it's not enough for me to trust
When it hurts too much
On the days I feel like I've failed you
The days I feel I've been failed
I need to praise You For I am Yours,
I'm Yours
Where is the power, to give what I gave
Give back the strength
Give back the faith I had yesterday
Cause you are my God
You are my Great I Am
And I know I have fallen but..
I have landed in healing hands
.........For I am yours, still yours
Cause I believe you lead me to something more
Something more, something more...

two of the best guys on the planet

2006-09-07T06:54:00.000-07:00

thank you to GP and Derrick for coming down and hanging out with me.
you know...i don't think many people would drive down that far only to spend a couple of hours with me.
i know it must've been the worst drive
and then on top of that i'm like so boring.
but it really did mean alot to me.
i thank the Lord for your presence in my life.
you are both such amazing guys.
you care so much for your friends, even me.
thank you thank you thank you.
i love you gp. i love you derrick.

2006-08-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

joyce -

2006-08-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

what a rough week so far.
but there is hope all around.
Help me to grasp it and hold on tight, Lord.
I trust in You.

Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord,
implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling
with which you have been called,
with all humility and gentleness,
with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,
being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
There is one body and one Spirit,
just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

-Ephesians 4:1-6

i am getting cable modem. =)

2006-07-25T06:44:00.000-07:00

i feel....

very tired.
stressed.
worried.
alone.
unworthy.
like crap.
like i am no good.
like im in over my head.
happy for noreen and michael.
giddy when i think about baby mikayla.
lonely.
sad.
like going to church.
like i have no one to talk to anymore.
like crying sometimes.
like giving up. completely.

i have....

so much planning to do.
God on my side.
a hard time dealing with my life.
like 15 arrangements to make for the concert.
to practice for daph/andy's wedding.
to make an attendance checkoff spreadsheet.
no time for myself.
not much time for rest.
to pray.
to practice.
to keep living.

2006-07-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

Trust in the Lord God with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

For a very dear friend of mine.....
You know I am here for you right?
I'm only a phone call away.
and I am praying. really hard. and asking MM for help.
I wish so bad that I lived closer.
I would visit, kidnap you and take you to KJ...
We could tell stories of our loved ones over some Jamba Juice.
And for ever tear that falls I would remind you that hope is at your grasp
and memories can last if we hold on tight enough.
I told you that that was one of my biggest fears...forgetting.
but you, you pay attention to detail.
and you capture with more then just the eyes of a camera..
you ingrain it with the eyes of your heart.
have no fear, my brother
for the Lord, our God, is a just and loving God.
and He has mercy for those who love Him and are faithful.
I LOVE YOU MY BROTHER!

for my beloved grandmother, Aurora Adviento...
recent events in my life have caused me to come back to the time of your passing...
i dont know why
but i miss you sooo much
i miss your smell
and the sound of your beautiful voice over a hot stove
i will always miss your cooking. no one cooks like you.
and your sweet embrace. the best hugs ever.
i miss your scolding me for running around the house and messing with my sister
i miss watching you as you were watching your favorites on TV
watching you as you slept
i love your kisses...more like you having your cheek to mine and smelling my face.
i miss you yelling at the dogs for messing with your plants
and how you would always stand outside and wait for grandpa to get off the bus from work
you always made baon for me, grandpa, and ate
you taught me LOVE and the meaning of selfsacrifice.
you carried me in your arms
you held me when i cried
you sang to me to cheer me up

and i want you to know that i love you
i love you soooo much, grandma.

2006-07-06T06:58:00.000-07:00

i am tired.

2006-06-10T12:10:00.000-07:00

thank you for your phone calls, messages, texts, and prayers.
i'm sorry i haven't gotten back.
but i hope you are all doing good.

2006-05-30T06:03:00.000-07:00

Please pray for a very dear friend of mine.
Thank you.

2006-05-28T23:16:00.000-07:00

thanks to all those who prayed for my family and the soul of my grandma.

it really means alot to me.

and it warms my heart to know that you cared enough to say a prayer for us.

-------------------------------------------------

Every saint has a past. And every sinner has a future.

2006-05-25T22:26:00.000-07:00

i visited my grandma today.
that made me feel better.
12th death anniversary

+RIP Aurora D. Adviento

pray for me.
may i have the courage to do what You want of me.

2006-05-25T00:07:00.000-07:00

+Aurora Domingo Adviento

May you continue to rest in peace, grandma.
You know I miss you alot.
But your presence still lives on in us...in me.
You taught me soo much while you were still with me.
Your actions spoke much louder than your words.
And by the way you lived and loved, I have learned so much.
I love you.

I know you're watching down on me from Heaven...
And I know eventually we'll be together
one sweet day.

2006-05-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

i dyed my hair.
dark brown!
and i love how i went to work today
and NO ONE noticed! how super cool is that?!
no roots anymore!!! yay!!! =)
anyway...i am sooo broke. and it's no joke. ;)

does anyone watch TFC?!
ooooooooh!!!!! who caught American Idol last night?!!

2006-05-23T16:05:00.000-07:00

i failed!
so much for boycotting myspace. bleh.
i signed on.
booooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-05-14T15:49:00.000-07:00

Shattered, but I'm not broken
Wounded, but time will heal
Heavy the load, the cross I bear
Lonely the road I trod, I dare
Shaken, but here I stand
Weary, Still I press on
Long are the nights, the tears I cry
Dark are the days, no sun in the sky, yes

Yet still I rise
Never to give up
Never to give in against all odds
Yet still I rise
High above the clouds
At times I feel low
Yet still I rise

Sometimes I'm troubled, but not in despair
Struggling, I make my way through
Trials, they come to make me strong
I must endure, I must hold on

Above all my problems
Above all my eyes can see
Knowing God is able to strengthen me
To strengthen me

Yet still I rise
Never to give up
Oh, Never to give in against all odds
Yet still I rise
High above the clouds
At times I feel low
Yet still I rise.

Butterflies in the skyyyyyyy...

2006-04-25T06:47:00.000-07:00

ooooh.... NAME THAT TUNE!!!!!!! =)

so i went to Mater Dei Youth & Young Adult meeting.
it was my very first.
and they switched things up a bit.
i guess they normally just read the gospel and do faithsharing
then announcements and info about diocese events
and planning for various Mater Dei activities.
BUT.....but last night they did BIBLE SKITS!!!!! woo hoo!!! =)
fun fun fun.
its only once a month...but i think i can do that.
i really like how Fr. Ven goes to every meeting.
dude, he was even in our group!!!
and at one point he was gonna act!
but he said he should just observe.

please pray for me.
i have to be honest...
i'm having difficulty surrendering.

everybody wants kung fu fighting...

2006-04-21T06:48:00.000-07:00

you KNOW you like that song!!
hahahha.

i'm getting back into the recording thing.
so expect changes on my myspacemusic.
yay!

what else?
i miss earvine.
alot.
i got my bowling shoes...
but there's half a size too small.
but thanks baby. you're the best.

Mass with the Bishop tomorrow.
50+ candidates ready to confirm their faith in the Lord.
and i can't wait for their "yes"
man, i LOVE EASTER!!! i do. i do.

happy EASTER!!!

2006-04-16T03:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my Tito Obet, Derrick, and Regina!!! =)

Congratulations to the newly confirmed mr Joe Devela!!!

Wonderful day today!!
Mass was only less than 3hrs long.
compared to the mass jonas attended, that's nothing. hahahha.
ummm....i met ryan cayabyab!!! really nice guy. great family.
and some of the Mater Dei kiddos sang for him! yay!
good eats at the Prudente house. lots of laughs with the choir. i love it!

this is some pretty good stuff. so read on...

Santa Claus versus the Easter Bunny?

"Christ came into the world to save sinners." - 1 Tim. 1:15

Situation Explained
Which holiday is most important, Christmas or Easter?
What came first, the reindeer or the (Easter) egg?

Jesus is happy for His birthday party (Christmas), but He wants you to celebrate your birthday party (Easter)
Solution Offered
As we approach Easter Sunday once again, I’m left with only one question, “What’s our brother gotta do to get some attention from secular culture?”

By “our brother” I mean, Jesus.
By “secular culture” I mean the bunny-crazy Easter fanatics…
By “attention” I mean a little bit of love for all the love He shows us…

Christmas might be the “biggest” holiday in secular society, the most anticipated, most commercial, most celebrated and, generally, the most observed, but it’s not Easter.

Sure, Christmas has all the fun songs, the presents, the snow (for some), the tree, the reindeer, etc. but it’s not Easter.

Sure, Christmas is supposed to celebrate (although many malls and stores don’t show it) the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ and that is an incredibly important, landmark event in the history of humanity. The Incarnation is love in action…but it’s not Easter.

Read the above verse again. Why did Christ come? To save sinners.
Christmas is the beginning of the story, but Easter is the end...and a new beginning. In short, the cross and resurrection are the point of His coming.

This isn't a competition between holidays. It's not like it's a showdown, a battle royal between Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. Far from it, those two would both be next to the manger, kneeling like they should be.

Do I have anything against Christmas? No way. I love Christmas, but it’s the beginning of the story, not the climax. Christmas is beginning of the movie when you fall in love with the characters, are intrigued by the plot, enraptured by the story and are on the edge of your seat to see what happens next. Easter, though, is even more.

Easter is that part of the movie when you are breathless with anticipation. When the truths you are experiencing are so real and so intense that you smile or laugh only to catch your breath between sobbing. When you feel your stomach turn, the lump build in your throat and the tear form in your eye. The story of Holy Week doesn’t “cancel out” the Christmas story it illuminates it. It sets it apart as even more special.

When I said, “what’s a brother gotta do”, I meant that reverently.

What else would Jesus have had to have done to draw people’s attention?

Live a completely selfless life of service and humility? Done.
Give a message of equality and dignity to all He encountered? Done.
Preach peace in a culture of war? Done.
Forgive when others refused to do so? Done.
Speak the truth with unyielding passion and urgency, but also with love? Done.
Reach out to the disenfranchised, the harlots, zealots, lepers and sinners? Done.
Stand “trial” before false witnesses, biased judges and spineless politicians? Done.
Hang before people spitting on Him and killing Him and forgive them? Done.
Helplessly look at His mother as He died? Done.

Rise from the dead…? Done.

What else could Jesus possibly have done to gain people’s attention?

More to the point, what else could Jesus possibly have done to gain my attention?

I love Christmas, but Christmas (while fun) is only the beginning of the story. It’s the second most important event in the history of the world. What happens this Holy Week-end is the main event. The manger lies in the shadow of the cross. The cave He was born in under the Bethlehem night sky is a foreshadowing of the cave He was resurrected in during a Jerusalem sunrise.

Christmas is not the holiday enemy of Easter, it is the same holiday, just at a different stage in life’s journey.

If you have a strong love for Christmas (more so than Easter), the goal should not be “how do I make Christmas less primary” but, rather, how can I make Easter, more primary, more special than it presently is in my home?

Jesus is happy for His birthday party (Christmas), but He wants you to celebrate your birthday party (Easter)…

Salvation Given
"Christ came into the world to save sinners." - 1 Tim. 1:15

And thank God He did...

Happy Birthday...Merry Christmas...and Happy Easter.

another wonderful day!

2006-04-11T22:46:00.000-07:00

and i stand in awe of You, Jesus.
Jesus, I am so in love with You.

Thanks to Dean, Meechy, Jill, and Mel for an amazing day.
Wow. I am sooo blessed.
i'm surrounded by the Love of God.
and it's sooo apparent.

God, You are sooo good.

thanks for a beeeautiful date

2006-04-10T08:12:00.000-07:00

Thanks kathee for a most awesome date yesterday!!!
This here post is for you cause you say i NEVER update.

it was a great day yesterday.
palm sunday masses get me EVERYTIME.
and i had a wonderful, spontaneous date with kathee.
we visited loved ones.
it was soooo good to just be with my grandma.
it's been so long since i've visited.
sorry grandma. i love you. i always will.

Liwanag Spirit Rally went well. just a little long.
but i was truly touched. the talks spoke straight to my heart.
the theme was fitting for the place that i am in in my walk.
and God was working ...He was teaching me even before the rally started.
thanks to those that were there for me! leo, adrian, cristina, derrick.

k...i'll post more when i know what to say.

2006-04-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

Oh let the Son of God enfold you with His Spirit and His Love.
Let Him fill your heart and satisfy your soul.
Oh let Him have the things that hold you
And His Spirit like a dove will descend upon your life and make you whole.

Jesus, Oh Jesus, come and fill your lambs.
Jesus, Oh Jesus, come and fill your lambs.

O come and sing this song with gladness as your hearts are filled with joy,
Lift your hands in sweet surrender to His name.
Oh give Him all your tears and sadness, give Him all your years of pain
And you'll enter into life in Jesus' name.

it's Lent, my brothers and sisters. it's LENT.
it's been more difficult lately for me to surrender.
and it often feels like my focus isn't fully there.
what is going on?!

but time is flying by.
i really hope i can keep up.
the MD kiddos have been so good to me.
they make me smile when i forget to.
they crack me up.
and Jesus reaches out to me through them.
i'm so blessed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

thanks to my wonderful boyfriend for planning the vegas trip.
thanks to derrick for sharing his home
thanks to all those that have listened to my whining and venting.
oh the drama! =)
thanks to my cousin, krissie, for never ever giving up on me. i love you.

happy belated to mendell alvarado and jillian garcia!!!

2006-03-05T07:31:00.000-08:00

Thank You for the cross, Lord

Thank You for the price You paid

Bearing all my sin and shame

In love You came and gave amazing grace.

Thank You for this love, Lord

Thank You for the nail pierced hands

Washed me in Your cleansing flow

Now all I know

Your forgiveness and embrace

Worthy is the Lamb

Seated on the throne

Crown You now with many crowns

You reign victorious

High and lifted up

Jesus, Son of God

The Darling of Heaven crucified

Worthy is the Lamb

during our Lenten walk with Jesus on the Via Dolorosa,

may we remember that HE DIED FOR US.

may the struggles we hold, the pains we have,

the obstacles we face, the heavy cross we bear...

may they all be made beautiful

may they live only to purify us

we are each faced with the call to strip away the "self"

and to be filled only with the Grace and Love of God.

may we be refined in gold for God.

may we be cleansed, be purified.

may we give of ourselves what we never thought we could/would.

may we give more of our time to God in reflection and prayer.

may we forgive and ask for forgiveness.

may we love and accept the love of others.

fast.

give alms.

pray.

and sacrifice.

the Lord is more than worthy.

none of it will be easy

but this is our cross, brothers and sisters.

may we bear it with pride, conviction, perseverance,

strong faith, and LOVE.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

dippydippydip

2006-02-27T15:48:00.000-08:00

so on saturday, Mel and I wake up early for his mom's prayer group's LSS.
this was the 3rd LSS that we've had the honor of playing for.
the talks were very good. i recorded like 2 of them.
and there were these two deacons that kept crackin' jokes at one another. pretty cool.
i had to leave the LSS early to pick up my cousin and go to Mater Dei for mass.
it was soooo good. =)
afterwards a whole bunch of us stuck around to help put stuff away.
then we all decided to visit our brother gene!
happy birthday gene!
after we surprised him...ISLANDS!!!!!!! yummy in the tumny.
played yes/no. played 10 fingers.
then i had to drop the cousins off.
and i met the MD peeps back at Starbucks to hang out.
it was sooo much fun.
we played the question game.
AND i taught them dippy dip! (awwwwww i miss you frany!!!)
we even made new moves! soooo good.

if anyone cares...
Mater Dei is planning their next concert for September!!!
we're gonna do it in a theatre.
dude, there was even talk of doing the concert in Coors Amphitheatre! wth!?!?!!!!
i'm soooooo excited! =)

Chris' Bday

2006-02-20T13:37:00.001-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS!!!!!!!!
i love you man!!!
and congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Naval!!!!
(pictures from the wedding will be up soon)

pictures from Hooters, for Chris' Bday:

Love's Saving Grace

2006-02-20T13:10:00.000-08:00

It was such an AMAZING night!
i was stressing so much about the bands that couldn't play.
but God proved to me that His Will is soooooo much more perfect than anything i could plan.
His Love was flowing freely friday night.
and the music was sooo uplifting.
Praise God for all those who move me to keep on truckin'.
Praise God for the countless memories, laughs, and the joy He blesses us with.
Every song, every smile, every tear, and every prayer is my utmost for the LORD above!!!

ps-
thanks to Jay and Wade for being our sound techs.
thanks to Eileen, Kirs, and Brenton for helping out with the powerpoint!
thanks to derrick for taking the day off and being with us!
thanks to all our prayer warriors!
thanks to all those who helped set up!
thanks to Joe and Nixon for hooking us up with a venue!
thanks to Dee's parents and Janice's parents for coming so far to support your children! they're truly an inspiration to many, esp. me!!!
thanks to khristine&noreen, my No Joke sisters! He always brings us back to Him! =)
thanks to dee and david for driving soooo far to be with us in this ministry. you really do give your all...practicing without us and trusting in the Lord with your whole heart!
thanks to janice and kirsten for singing with us this gig. you are sooo amazing!

and thanks to my brothers and sisters in AO1 for putting up with me. we can only do this with His guidance and protection. and no matter how far we are from perfection...we continue on with trust and conviction, desiring only to serve Him with our entirety. we submit it all to Him, yielding only bow our heads at the foot of His Marvelous Cross. my heart is moved by the fruits of His Labor through us. and i am soooo blessed to be in this ministry with people who love God and music soooo much. man, i love you guys.

Audience of One with our friends Kirsten and Janice!!!

reunited and it feels so good

2006-02-02T15:36:00.000-08:00

got a chance to reunite with some HS friends last night.
lorney, anne, and sheryll!!!
rose was absent...cause daughter taylor is sicky.
and we went to sushi deli for happy hour! yay!
so cheapy. and their hand rolls are pretty yummy.
but it's good to catch up and reminisce.
and to just see how we're all doin'.
good stuff.
we even planned our next outing!!! woo hoo!

...

2006-01-31T20:46:00.000-08:00

hello readers. i highly doubt anyone still reads this.
but wha-evs.
so things have been so good lately.
praise God for all the guidance, forgiveness, and love He has poured on me.

He's been giving me those constant reminders to come back to Him...
to work on my prayer life...
to serve more wholeheartedly...
to give of myself what i never thought i could.
He's given me time and courage to work on my life...
to heal wounds that were still scabby (didn't know how else to rephrase that)...
to reunite with good friends and build better relations with people...

i love my new friends! but i really miss my old friends!

so my sis was down in SD and guess what we did????
we threw a very small makeup party!!!!

here is ashley. leslie did her make up. but only on one side of her face.

this is me with two different looks on.

Happy 2006!

2006-01-02T07:37:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all!!!!

Happy New Year!!!

My mom, dad, and I did the usual.

We bought our 13 fruits for good luck.

Stayed up until midnight to watch the NY celebration on TV.

My mom made sure we all had coins in our pockets

And that we were all wearing polkadots?

And as soon as the countdown was over we yelled and screamed our lungs out

And immediately we opened all the windows to "receive the New Year".

we didn't hang any grapes up this year but it was still sooo much fun!

The archbishop came for the 11am mass!

Great homily. GREAT homily.

And I love seeing Mater Dei folk. so much love! so much fun!

Then we had an Adviento party at my Tita Babeth's.

FUN! FUN! FUN!

Good food. Great company. Lots of laughs. Pillow fighting. Mall Madness (it's actually a fun game if you like to shop). and reminiscing!

I LOVE IT!!!!

any New Year's resolutions guys????

way behind....

2005-12-13T19:20:00.000-08:00

hey all. i know i haven't really been posting.
umm...i blame it all on studying and laziness.
but things are going well...

i'm back at Mater Dei.
i am really excited to be back.
i just have alot of reservations...partially due to my nervousness...
i mean i'm pretty rusty.
and i think my guilt for stepping down 11months ago is eating at me.
but, i know God has a plan
i need to rest.
i need to think.
i need to lift it all up.
man, i just need to pray.
help me pray.

the Mater Dei benefit concert CD is ALL i've been listening to lately.
AMAZING, WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL images and memories keep popping up in my mind.
great voices...great hearts....great love.
but honestly, you know what? the recording off the mixers was HORRIBLE!!!
that sound guy really did WONDERS!
Crazy huh?
doesn't matter though cause i don't think too much about that.
im really holding on to the memories.

thank you to my fam for supporting me! you crazy Advientos!!!
and thank you to all you irviners and LoGgers that came down to support that night.
i'm in awe at just how powerful God's love is.

i am in love with the spirit of Christmas!
i am sooooooooooooo excited to celebrate His Birthday! =)
it's gonna be great!
i just really need to find some quiet time to meditate on the season of Advent.
i need to prepare the way for the Lord in my life.

brothers and sisters,

all things will be made new.

what a beautiful thing to hold onto.... =)

what a wonderful weekend!

2005-11-21T16:30:00.000-08:00

man....i am still letting it all sink in.
and lemme tell you...having no voice to spoke right now helps alot.
it's forcing me to think.
and i called insick today...so that's more time on my hands then expected.

but it was an incredible weekend.
i will blog about it soon enough.

but for now...thanks to all those who came out to support!
thanks for all the prayers.
thanks for all the love.
thanks for the heart to heart talks.
and thanks to those who shined His Light upon me...who were the Jesus in this time of my life.

i wish i had taken pics with my camera with the Liwanag peeps.
anyone got any fictures with Liwanag?!?!?!?

here are some pictures from Mater Dei Benefit Concert

i am almost obsessed!

2005-11-15T10:53:00.000-08:00

hahahhahah....

dude! i recently stumbled upon this awesome vocalist.
i love her voice. i love her style. i love how freely she sings. she's awesome.
she's like a female version of jason mraz.
and how ironic is it that they're dating too!
that's a cool.

it's like the first time in a long time that someone's made their way into my top5! wahhhh?!!!
it's crazy stuff....

buy her stuff. you won't regret it.
Tristan Prettyman.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

on a more personal note.

please pray for my family.

much needed.

and pray for all those who are carrying heavy loads.

sometimes i just need rest

2005-11-13T08:41:00.000-08:00

well last night was a God-send...and VERY well needed.
I just REALLY needed a rest from all the chaos.
all the prep for the Mater Dei concert and the Liwanag Concert AO1 and Alum acts, work, school, and just finding time to pray and make sure people are doing better. it all gets the best of me. and i get sooo empathetic to what others are going thru that i find myself falling too and sinking lower and lower with all the stress, negativity, and expectations placed upon me. it's hard to see LIGHT sometimes. =(
but i continue to walk....
i'm following the lines, looking for the answers to a prayer.
i fall looking for the signs, waiting for the signal that You're there.sometimes i can be so impatient for answers to my prayers.
and sometimes i look in ALL the wrong places.
but I MUST admit that God has truly revealed Himself to me.
And there's true beauty in finding Him within your friends
AND in those whom you don't know at all.
It's kinda like He's giving you silent reminders saying: I AM here.

it's really tough being there for others when your cross is heavy. i feel like i never know what to say. i don't know how or i can't seem to be the friend needed at the time. and it sucks to feel helpless.
i try figuring the time when miracles should happen to appear. but when it comes down to it, there's nothing more that i can do down here. i wanna place it in Your hands.
but He is soooooo good. cause in all the madness He is constantly fighting for me and for those who are weak and unable to fight the good fight. He is lifting so many of the burdens of our hearts. I testify to this for i have seen His unfailing Power at work. I see it in the Mater Dei youth and in the sacrifices of many, many people. i mean there's pure sacrifice...like having a family member in the undergoing surgery and choosing to still serve others outside of your family and for the concert. or being persecuted for your sacrifice, no matter how beautiful it is..and still continuing on without one complaint. or the mere turning of one's cheek. or just offering kind words to those who need it the most. i love it. it's just so inspiring.
you never know when life will turn around. and all i know...it's out of my control. you never know...
and this is why i continue to walk and run this race.

and there's none that compares to Your Majesty O Lord

apologies

2005-10-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

sorry it has been sooo long since my last riddle or my last post.
i have to say that i've been challenged in more ways than one,
and it's been a pretty tough couple of weeks for me.
God is truly molding and shaping me and though i may regret saying this...
MAY HE CONTINUE TO REFINE ME!!

in all the chaos, i was starting to build walls to protect my heart.
but i wasn't realizing that when you build walls...
well, not only are you protecting your heart from hurt...
you're also keeping it for yourself and shutting GOD out in the process.

ALL PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING to the LORD for sending me earth-angels.

He never fails to save me. He never lets go no matter how many times i've turned my back or built my walls.

I'm so lucky to be a part of His Family.
He is MY GOD. and I am HIS.
plain and simple.

I love You, Lord.
May I lift my voice in Your glory and honor.
And in the whisper of Your Sweet Name, may every knee bend.
You are King over all the earth.
May only You be the beat of my heart and the reason behind my song.

In Your Name, Jesus. In Your Name alone.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jack was close enough.

Answer:
You turn 2 switches "on" and leave 1 switch "off" and wait about a minute. Then enter the room, but just before you enter, turn one switch from "on" to "off". Once in the room, feel the lightbulb - if it is warm, but off, it has to be the last switch you turned off. If it is on, it has to be the switch left on. If it is cold and is off, it has to be the switch you left in the off position.

TOTAL POINTS:

gerard: 75
jack bauer: 95
khristine: 35
janice: 35
kathy: 30
noreen: 25
cherry: 20
melvin john (mj): 15
joe: 10
frany: 10
nixon: 10
kristin: 10
krystle: 10
angie: 10

no correct answers yet

2005-10-12T07:55:00.000-07:00

ok...i think you guys need a greater reward!

soooooooo 50points goes to the person who posts the correct answer.
you MUST now post yours answers to this post!

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PLEASE come to the MATER DEI BENEFIT CONCERT!!!

Nov 19 or 20
7/7:30pm (i don't remember)
Otay Ranch High School Auditorium

come to support and to enjoy in His beautiful music and LOVE!!!

good job, jack bauer!

2005-10-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

Answer: Melody was blind... she was reading a book by Braille.

TOTAL POINTS:

gerard: 75
jack bauer: 45
khristine: 35
janice: 35
kathy: 30
noreen: 25
cherry: 20
melvin john (mj): 15
joe: 10
frany: 10
nixon: 10
kristin: 10
krystle: 10
angie: 10

You are in front of a room with one lightbulb inside of it. You cannot see if it is on or off. Outside the room there are 3 switches in the off positions. You may turn the switches any way you want to. You stop turning the switches, enter the room and know which switch controls the lightbulb. How?

jack bauer's a winner!

2005-10-07T07:44:00.000-07:00

Answer: No it does not collapse. Because it has driven a half mile - you would subtract the gas used from the total weight of the truck.

TOTAL POINTS:

gerard: 75
khristine: 35
janice: 35
kathy: 30
jack bauer: 30
noreen: 25
cherry: 20
melvin john (mj): 15
joe: 10
frany: 10
nixon: 10
kristin: 10
krystle: 10
angie: 10

worth 15points...........

Melody and Nick where sitting in their family room one night. While Nick was watching T.V his wife Melody was reading. All of a sudden the power went out and Nick decided to go to bed, but Melody kept on reading. With no use of artificial light nor candle, Melody kept on reading. How?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

God help me get through all the struggles.
I'm trying to be strong, though I feel knocked down.
I ask for perseverance, guidance, strength, and Your Grace and Mercy upon me.
Help me finish this race, Lord.
Hear my prayer.

umm...

2005-10-04T07:35:00.000-07:00

Answers:

51 and 15.
42 and 24.
60 and 06.

you silly guys.
but jack bauer tried to get all creative with that step son thing.

so only two people won.

TOTAL POINTS:

gerard: 75
khristine: 35
janice: 35
kathy: 30
noreen: 25
cherry: 20
melvin john (mj): 15
joe: 10
frany: 10
nixon: 10
kristin: 10
krystle: 10
angie: 10
jack bauer: 10

next riddle is worth 20 pointations.

Riddle:
A bigrig is crossing a bridge 1 mile long. The bridge can only hold 14000 lbs, which is the exact weight of the bigrig. The bigrig makes it half way across the bridge and stops. A bird lands on the bigrig. Does the bridge collapse? Give a reason.

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COME TO THE MATER DEI BENEFIT CONCERT!!!!!
IT'S GONNA BE AWESOME!!!!

NOVEMBER 19 or 20
7pm

ask me for directions!!!!!!!

please come. we've all been working so hard. and i'd love to share this wonderful evening with you. all for His Greater Honor and Glory!!!

the vocalists, the choir, the band, the LOVE united in
ONE CHURCH, ONE VOICE

no one knew the answer

2005-09-21T07:47:00.000-07:00

Answer: His plan is to dig the tunnel and pile up the dirt to climb up to the window to escape.

so no one earned the points.

TOTAL POINTS:

gerard: 65
khristine: 35
janice: 35
kathy: 30
noreen: 25
cherry: 20
melvin john (mj): 15
joe: 10
frany: 10
nixon: 10
kristin: 10
krystle: 10
angie: 10

onto the next riddle.

The ages of a father and son add up to 66.
The father's age is the son's age reversed.

How old could they be?

There are 3 possible solutions.
the first person to give one correct solution gets 10pts.
the first one to give two correct gets 15pts.
and the first to give all three gets 20pts.

be the first to give two correct responses before any correct answers are posted and you'll receive 25points.
be the first to give all three before anyone is able to post a correct answer and you'll be 35points!

good luck!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

i'm a bit upset cause i lost a post! oh blogger.com.
aside from that....the concert prep is going well.
it's a pleasure working with such sincere and giving servants.
worked out some choreography for a song.
and still need to do some arranging but it's all good.
prayers would be much appreciated.
coffee too! hahaha

i miss irvine folk. and francia, christrish, and shelby too!

i'm also going for a position in the company i currently work for.
if i don't get it i won't feel that bad cause i love what i do!

k...byyyyyyyyyye.

great job kathy!!!

2005-09-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

Answer: First, the one minute person and the two minute person must cross the bridge, for a total of two minutes. Then the one minute person should come back with flashlight - total of three minutes. The five minute person and the ten minute person cross together next, making the total thirteen minutes. Now the two minute person goes back and (total now fifteen minutes) and gets the one minute person and they cross together bringing the total to seventeen minutes.

TOTAL POINTS:

gerard: 65
khristine: 35
janice: 35
kathy: 30
noreen: 25
cherry: 20
melvin john (mj): 15
joe: 10
frany: 10
nixon: 10
kristin: 10
krystle: 10
angie: 10

sorry Gerard. no extra points for commenting!

EDIT:
ok...30 POINTS!!! goes to the next winner

Riddle:

Two mongaloids are locked in a cell. There is an unbarred window high up in the cell. No matter if they stand on the bed or one on top of the other they can't reach the window to escape. They then decide to tunnel out. However, they give up with the tunneling because it will take too long. Finally one of the mongaloids figures out how to escape from the cell. What is his plan?

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anybody wanna help me arrange a song!?!?!??!?!!!!
i gotta do 2 by the weekend. and then another 3 by the end of the month.
YIKKKKKKKKKES!!!!!!!!!!!
i'm like stressing out just a little bit here!
help is wanted. apply now!

noreen won!!!

2005-09-20T08:08:00.000-07:00

Answer: A river

TOTAL POINTS:

gerard: 65
khristine: 35
janice: 35
noreen: 25
cherry: 20
melvin john (mj): 15
joe: 10
frany: 10
nixon: 10
kristin: 10
krystle: 10
angie: 10

next riddle is worth 30points:

Riddle:
Four monkeys of a circus band are walking to a night concert. They decide to take a shortcut, but must cross a bridge. Luckily they have one flashlight. Because of the varying size of their instruments, it takes each monkey a different amount of time to cross the bridge - it takes the first monkey one minute, the second monkey two minutes, the third five minutes and the fourth ten minutes. They must cross the bridge in pairs, travelling at the slower speed so if the one minute person went with the ten minute person, it would take a total of ten minutes. Since there is only one flashlight, one person must come back across the bridge, then another pair can cross. They only have 17 minutes to cross the bridge and still get to the concert on time. What order should they cross to get everyone across and get to the concert?

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gosh. luckily you guys are playing otherwise i wouldn't have much to do here for my hour-break! hahahha

wow gerard!

2005-09-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

Answer: An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away!

TOTAL POINTS:

gerard: 65
khristine: 35
janice: 35
cherry: 20
melvin john (mj): 15
joe: 10
frany: 10
nixon: 10
noreen: 10
kristin: 10
krystle: 10
angie: 10

onto the next riddle:

worth 15points.

What can run but never walks,
has a mouth but never talks,
has a head but never weeps,
has a bed but never sleeps?

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I had soooooooooo much fun last night with my family.
reunited and it feels so good
i told my Ate that she better come home in november!
i'm thinking that it all goes well i may be able to surprise her with a ticket
it IS over a month from now, so MAYBE!!!
i miss her sooo much sometimes.

i miss alot of people.
btw, janice and cristina: i had sooo much fun with you girls at madrona last friday.
i know i was only in town for that afternoon/evening but you made it more worthwhile.
i know i couldn't verbalize how i felt and i still have a hard time doing so...
janice, i feel like you've come sooo far. and i meant it when i said that i have ALWAYS wanted to sing with you! i still do. someday.. and i wish that my stay in irvine could've been longer cause i felt like we were finally getting to know each other so much better. but hopefully God gives us more chances to built this relationship through Him!!!! man, i hella miss you!
cristina, i hella miss our talks. dude, we were sooooooo close. and you STILL know alot more about me than most people! =P remember that summer...the summer of drama. hahhaha. jk. but really though.

dang, i miss all you guys.
i miss the laughs.
i miss our talks.
just EVERYTHING!!!

wow cherry!!!!

2005-09-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

Answer: SWIMS

TOTAL POINTS:

gerard: 55
khristine: 35
janice: 35
cherry: 20
melvin john (mj): 15
joe: 10
frany: 10
nixon: 10
noreen: 10
kristin: 10
krystle: 10
angie: 10

awww i miss you cherry

Riddle:

A doctor and a bus driver are both in love with the same woman, an attractive girl named Sarah. The bus driver had to go on a long bustrip that would last a week. Before he left, he gave Sarah seven apples. Why?

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yay!!!! my ATE is home! she's is in SD!!!
wooooohoooo!!!!!!!!!

nice job angie

2005-09-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

Answer: The man did exactly as he said he would and wrote "your exact weight" on the paper

TOTAL POINTS:

gerard: 55
khristine: 35
janice: 35
melvin john (mj): 15
joe: 10
frany: 10
nixon: 10
noreen: 10
kristin: 10
krystle: 10
angie: 10

this next ones worth 20points so get ready!

What 5 letter word typed in all capital letters can be read the same upside down?

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thanks for all the prayers.
they MUST be working.
time to drive back to sd for practice!

yay janice!

2005-09-15T13:51:00.000-07:00

Answer: ton

TOTAL POINTS:

gerard: 55
khristine: 35
janice: 35
melvin john (mj): 15
joe: 10
frany: 10
nixon: 10
noreen: 10
kristin: 10
krystle: 10

remember guys and gals some are easy and some are not.
hence the varying amounts of points yo!

Riddle:
A boy was at a carnival and went to a booth where a man said to the boy, "If I write your exact weight on this piece of paper then you have to give me $50, but if I cannot, I will pay you $50."

The boy looked around and saw no scale so he agrees, thinking no matter what the carny writes he'll just say he weighs more or less.

In the end the boy ended up paying the man $50. How did the man win the bet?

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people are waiting on me for like 6 arrangements!
yikes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

nice! good job krystle!!!

2005-09-13T13:38:00.000-07:00

Answer: Push the cork into the bottle and shake the coin out

TOTAL POINTS:

gerard: 55
khristine: 35
janice: 25
melvin john (mj): 15
joe: 10
frany: 10
nixon: 10
noreen: 10
kristin: 10
krystle: 10

worth 10 points:

Forward I am heavy.
Backwards I am not.
what am I?

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ok....i'm too old for this stuff.
no not the riddles and brainteasers.
i'm talking about the coming home really super duper late from practices/meetings.
but i'm not giving up.
and i have soooooooo much i need to do
from work to arranging music
to meeting up with people for the concert
to reading for escuela
but i'm not giving up.
i'm sticking by that commitment that i made.
but prayers would lovely.

awesome job gerard!

2005-09-13T07:46:00.000-07:00

Answer: Turn both sand-glasses. After 4 minutes turn upside down the 4-min sand-glass. When the 7-min sand-glass spills the last grain, turn the 7-min upside down. Then you have 1 minute in the 4-min sand-glass left and after spilling everything, in the 7-min sand-glass there will be 1 minute of sand down (already spilt). Turn the 7-min sand-glass upside down and let the 1 minute go back. And that's it. 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 = 9

TOTAL POINTS:

gerard: 55
khristine: 35
janice: 25
melvin john (mj): 15
joe: 10
frany: 10
nixon: 10
noreen: 10
kristin: 10

10 points goes to the correct response for this question:

If you were to put a coin into an empty bottle and then insert a cork into the neck, how could you remove the coin without taking out the cork or breaking the bottle?

yay for khristine!

2005-09-12T23:31:00.000-07:00

Answer: It is not possible to guess only three fruits correctly: the fourth fruit is then correct too! So nobody has guessed three fruits correctly and 123-43-39-31 = 10 people have guessed four fruits correctly.

TOTAL POINTS:

khristine: 35
gerard: 30
janice: 25
melvin john (mj): 15
joe: 10
frany: 10
nixon: 10
noreen: 10
kristin: 10

that one was tricky huh?
i really liked gerard's answer
hahhaha

this one's worth 25points:

Having 2 sand-glasses: one 7-minute and the other 4-minute.
How can you time 9minutes correctly?

kristin wins!

2005-09-12T18:46:00.000-07:00

Answer: NONE.
A second is a measurement of TIME. A Light Year is a measurement of DISTANCE.

kristin you didn't really say "none".
but you explained it real well!

TOTAL POINTS:

gerard: 30
janice: 25
khristine: 20
melvin john (mj): 15
joe: 10
frany: 10
nixon: 10
noreen: 10
kristin: 10

k...next one...worth 15points

In a contest, four fruits (an apple, a banana, an orange, and a pear) have been placed in four closed boxes (one fruit per box). People may guess which fruit is in which box. 123 people participate in the contest. When the boxes are opened, it turns out that 43 people have guessed none of the fruits correctly, 39 people have guessed one fruit correctly, and 31 people have guessed two fruits correctly.

The Question: How many people have guessed three fruits correctly, and how many people have guessed four fruits correctly?

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i have to studdddddddyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!

good jab, Gerard!

2005-09-12T06:24:00.000-07:00

Answer: He took the goose over first and came back. Then he took the fox across and brought the goose back. Next he took the corn over. He came back alone and took the goose.

wow! good job! now that I think about it that WAS a tough one!
so i'll give you a bonus 10pts.

TOTAL POINTS:

gerard: 30
janice: 25
khristine: 20
melvin john (mj): 15
joe: 10
frany: 10
nixon: 10
noreen: 10

next one worth 10points

Since there are 365 days in a year, 24 hours in a day, 60 minutes in an hour, 60 seconds in a minute, how many seconds are there total in a light year?

thanks gerard!
i think i have just as much fun awaiting the answers!
people get sooo creative!