My life...

Dedication, Priorities and Options

2010-06-21T07:42:00.001-05:00

It amazes me that God talks to us when we least expect it, and when He does, what He has to say is exactly what we need to hear.

I've gotten better with my quiet times and spending time with Him, but it's not too long till I end up in my old ways of having other priorities and making choices that affect my time with Him. Over the past couple some weeks at church, every message has applied to me somehow and my walk with God. Dedication, priorities and options have made an impact on me and built upon each other every Sunday.

Dedication:
We need to be dedicated to God and his direction for our lives. A big part of this for me is being and continue to be passionate for Him. Passion is not a feeling but a choice. Choosing to follow God and make the right decisions can lead to the right feelings. Personally, over the past couple years, I've lost some of the passion because of wrong choices, but God doesn't look at the past, and I shouldn't either. I need to look to the future and see how amazing God is and how my life has and will change by being dedicated to Him.

Prioritize:
A prioritized life is a productive one. Prioritizing my relationship with God is #1. This effects everything and my relationships with everyone. Prioritizing church. Making an effort every week to go is important and helps build us up. Prioritizing God's way of life. Reading His word, comprehending His word, and actually following what He says helps me make the right choices (passion) to follow God.

Options:
Following God and living His way is a no option life, but today, we make up options for the commands we've been given. It seems the options of everyday life has affected and distracted me from spending time with God. A no option life means loving God with everything we are, taking care of those who are less fortunate than we are, discipling those who come to Christ, and preaching the good new to all creation. Following this no option way of living for God will help me prioritize my life which will in turn, help me stay dedicated to Him.

These 3 things individually are good points, and put all together spell out the way we should be living for God. I'm grateful for my church, family and friends who have encouraged me and I hope to encourage them to do the same!

4:45 am

2010-03-13T04:49:00.003-06:00

The Lord will protect you from all dangers; he will guard your life. The Lord will guard you as you come and go, both now and forever.
Psalm 121:7-8

This verse came in really handy tonight (or should I say early morning), when I awoke from a terrible dream which caused an even worse feeling. I don't know if it's from random tv shows or the reality that the world we live in is becoming more dangerous, but I just couldn't shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen. And with me, once a thought like that pops into my head, I tend to expand and think of the possibilities of what could happen. All in all, not good.

My parents always said if I wake up in the middle of the night from a nightmare or not being able to sleep, it's the perfect time to pray for those you care about or read the Bible. It's just amazing how good that advice is. Flipping through the Bible (or in this case, swiping my finger across the touch screen), it landed on Psalms 121 which gave me an instant "whew" feeling. I don't need to worry because God will protect me and guard my life... forever.

I guess in a way, it's a good thing I was woken up by the dreadful dream because it brought upon a greater peace.

Late night thinking= overwhelming peace

2009-08-30T01:17:00.003-05:00

I know many people think late night thinking is a bad thing, but in my case tonight, it was an eye-opening and much needed wake-up call.

After being in the medical field for a little bit and watching people deal with life stress and even death, it finally caught up to me of what would happen to me if I died. Just the way I think, I think of those split second medical problems that could kill someone with them never knowing. Well here I am laying in bed at 1 AM, thinking what if something like that happened to me.

I've always believed in God and what He has done for me ever since I was little and always went to church, Wednesday night services and hung out in 'cell groups'. But I knew, even in high school, my faith wasn't as strong as most people thought. Once college came around, I could definitely feel myself backsliding with friends and just how I handled certain situations. Ever since then, I just felt like I've never really gotten back to that place. I guess I was drawn into the worldly 'hub-bub' of doing whatever I wanted and not really being accountable for what I was doing. And it's true what they say, I did kind of have that 'empty' feeling like something was missing. After I moved home after college, family and friends showed me how important it was to have that strong relationship with God and how things can just fall into place. Since that point, I have tried to get back into the Bible and quiet times and even joined 'lifegroups' which have been amazing in so many ways.

But tonight was kind of the thing that 'broke the camel's back'. I've never really given much thought of where I would end up. It was a feeling of confusion and fear I never want to feel again. As soon as I felt these feelings, I prayed for God to just forgive me for everything and it just woke up me to how important having a strong and meaningful relationship with Him can mean. It just made all these thoughts run through my head and knowing that He will help me through this time just gave me an overwhelming peace in an instant.

I know this is a very personal post, especially for those who do not know me at all. But what I'm trying to say is don't end up wondering where you'll end up, make an effort and know for sure. It's worth everything you put in to know where you'll spend eternity. It's something I just felt I should share.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Dream job (s)

2009-08-17T00:41:00.003-05:00

After starting my job as a nurse (which I love), I've never really thought about my 'dream' job. It never occurred to me after I started down my medical path, that I would ever think of doing anything else. Thanks to life group (which consists of a lot of amazing people), I started to really think about it. After spending hours and hours (ok, more like 10 minutes) thinking and contemplating of what I really wanted to do, I have come up with a couple options I would love to have done if there were endless supplies of money and resources.

#1- I have always loved animals. They spark a type of joy that reminds people of being little kids again. It helps when people are feeling down or sick. I use to bring my friend to the animal shelter to play with the cats/kittens when she was going through a period when she just needed a little pick-me-up. It just brings joy to my heart when I see a smile light up someone's face. For that reason, I thought owning a zoo would be awesome. It's definitely a place that is interesting and amazing to not only little kids, but people of all ages.

#2- Definitely something dealing with music. Everyone in my family has a nag for music in some way or form. I've always had that dream of making it big with the songs I've written and having my own music career. Being a worship leader or music pastor would be amazing! If that isn't a possibility, I've always found it interesting to create songs for musicals. I love love love musicals, so that would be a definitely amazing job to have!

#3 (which I am trying to put into action sometime in the future) - Travel the world with either my Dad or an organization dealing with medical missions. I've had an opportunity to experience a taste of what this could be like when I traveled down to Guatemala. It's another one of those amazing experiences that just brings joy to my heart when I'm able to help those who are in need. It makes me realize how blessed I am when I travel to those countries that are less fortunate and really puts into perspective how much they need not only medical attention, but spiritual attention.

Those are definitely the top 3 for now. I'm working on #3. It really was an amazing trip and definitely overwhelming. It's moments like that, for me at least, that make any job a dream job!

Freedom Anthem

2009-06-22T23:40:00.002-05:00

I see the walls around me have fallen
I am free
I'll sing in your freedom
I'll dance in your freedom
I'll walk in your freedom
I'll breath in your freedom
I wanna' be who I was meant to be
So tell me again who I am, remind me who I am
I'm not a failure
I'm victorious
I'm not a disappointment
I'm a warrior
I'll scream in your freedom
Shout in your freedom
Run in your freedom
LIVE in your freedom
FREEDOM!

This song is amazing and was sung by the RMC band at my church. I went to the impact night where they sang this live, and it totally put me in a different place then where I was before. While singing the song, I had a smile just come across my face and tears start to build up because of how these simple words meant so much. No matter what I've done in the past, no matter how many walls I have put up from situations and people, God is able to break them down so I can live a life for him freely. The feeling of God was just overwhelming that night and I now understand how people can be overtaken by the feeling of joy and peace.

A Life Remembered

2009-06-09T00:30:00.002-05:00

This was the title of my quiet time for today. It especially made a impact on my life because me and many other members of the community lost a friend to cancer this past week. Although his memorial service focused on the good times of his life, his family and friends will still feel the heartache and sadness of his passing. This particular quiet time focused on Psalms 139. Verse 16 is what really stood out to me.

Psalms 139:16: You saw me before I was born. Everyday of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

Basically God knows what our days consist of and how many of them we have here on earth. When our time does come to meet God in heaven, it's important to remember that God is in control of the situation and He wants us to comfort those who are grieving.

Not only can this apply to those who do go meet the Lord in heaven, but to those who turn from God, or put him on hold.

Psalms 139:9-10: If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.

I personally went through a time when God wasn't the main focus of my life. I, unfortunately, joined the bandwagon of not going to church, partying and other such situations. I learned very quickly how important it is to make God the main focus in life and no matter what has been done or how far I turned, God was always there to bring me back.

One of my many summer goals is to become closer and grow in my relationship with God. I have joined life groups, which are awesome support groups to help me stay on track and it's nice to be in groups where there are those my age facing the same sort of problems and situations. I am very GRATEFUL to have found all these individuals in my life groups! I am also thankful to be given another chance to restart with a clean slate and make things right with God.

C.HuYoung, RN

2009-05-27T21:56:00.002-05:00

This has been my life for the past 4 months. Orientation is only for another 7 weeks and then I am on my own to care for patients. It's kind of a scary thought to think that babes will be depending on me to survive. Eek! I'm able to gain knowledge and experiences in situations that I would never have imagined. Dealing with vents, oscillators, hypothermic therapies, BCPAP, and even just trying to bottle-feed the babies are many of the challenges.

After starting this career choice about 5 years ago, I never imagined that it would feel like this. Although the future holds dealing with super sick kids, parents on the verge of nervous breakdowns and even death, I am loving every minute of it. I always wondered how someone could get up and go to the same job everyday, and now I realize why. I find going to work challenging because of the different cases and also very rewarding when we are able to send the patient home. It brings a joy to my heart to be able to help someone (patient or family) in their time of need. It's an overwhelming feeling at some points but it's a feeling I wouldn't trade for anything in the world.

The Start of Something New

2009-02-15T13:22:00.004-06:00

It's a new year which brings about new opportunities, new friends, and new situations. I have officially graduated from college with a BSN and officially passed my nursing boards. So I guess, in a word, I am now officially a nurse! I was able to put my new found nursing skills to work when a group of us went down to Guatemala for a medical missions trip.

The whole group was amazing and we bonded from the very first moment we met at 3 am to catch our flight. We were able to use the skills God had given us to help give over 300 children physicals and help keep the schools open by fulfilling this requirement. It was very touching to see how important even a simple meal could mean to a child. We saw where the poorest of the poor live and how important the school was to the people in this area. We then later traveled to a smaller town near Antigua where we turned a home into a clinic for the local village. It was an amazing gesture for the family that owned the home because they were so generous. The whole week flew by and before I realized it, we were already headed on a flight back to the US. It's amazing how people can touch your life without even realizing it.

After that little vacation, I have started my new job at the local hospital in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). I love working with kids, so this job has been great from the start. It is awesome to see the patients years later knowing you had a major impact on that outcome.

Life in general has been great. I have been blessed with opportunities to share my love, skills, and heart with those in need of them. I hope someday, people will be able to have the same opportunities to make life changing impacts on others who are in need of it.

Time flies

2008-09-09T15:05:00.001-05:00

My how time flies! It seemed like it was just yesterday that I was starting school last year and moving into my apartment with Nato, Lindsay and Amanda. I'm not going to lie, these were some pretty awesome gals and I'm so blessed to have them in my life. They each brought something special to the game of life and I had a special relationship with each one. I do feel a little out of whack since I spent most of my time with them and now we've all separated to go on with our individual lives. If they ever read this, just know that I miss each one of you dearly and I will treasure the times we spent together.

Lindsay (my little Lambkins)- Always a good time and always made me feel better when I was down. You cared a lot about everyone's feelings and tried to make things better. It was fun with our crazy nights of movies and going out.

Amanda (schmeggers, baby bird)- Where do I begin? More importantly, what picture do I use? You always make that crazy face just before the flash and it comes out so glamorous that I need to retake it. My gal to go to for random problems and vise versa (especially with the opposite sex). You would always be the one to make me laugh like a crazy fool. You were also the one who shared my passion of food. Well at least the junk food and Taco Bell.

Natalie (Nato, Natokins)- Last but not least. I can't even put into words how amazing and exciting these past 4 years have been. From an interesting freshman year to and awesome ending of senior year, you have been there through it all. I'm so blessed in so many ways to have known you and I am real grateful you were put into my life. You were always the one to help me solve those tough life questions (and nursing questions).

I will always admire each one of these gals that were put into my life.

update

2008-03-24T11:44:00.001-05:00

Many things have happened since I last wrote here.

NIU- Hearts, prayers and thoughts are still with you after the tragedy of Fed. 14th. Its been over a month now and things still haven't gotten back to 'normal'. It still amazes me, though, how close together this community has become through this tragic time. It makes me proud to be a part of this group who support and comfort each other when we are most vulnerable.

Boys- Hate to say it again, but the person I liked this time around was again... a disappointment like all the others. Obviously the guy I'm suppose to find doesn't seem to be at school. Most of the guys there are focused on drinking and partying (especially in the last year). I've waited this long to find someone, I think I can wait a little longer.

Everything else in my life has been the same. Still can't wait to graduate in December. Started to look for jobs down in Tennessee and other places around here. Still don't know what type of specialty I want to focus on but I guess that's half the fun. Who knows where I will end up.

Spring cleaning

2007-12-02T01:35:00.001-06:00

Spring cleaning has come early this year (or is it later than usual?) Either way, I've done it. Cleaned out my room, cleaned up the car, and even cleaned up things from my past. I have finally done that thing that everyone has been telling me to do from day one. Erasing those people who aren't important in my life, or those who are effecting the way I see my future, from my lists. Figuratively and literally. There's no better way to start anew except to rid yourself of those from the past. It's just been a hard thing to do because I still try to see the good and possibilities while ignoring the reality. I mean if these people were important to me, or I'm important to them, they would make more of an effort to be a friend, right? Everyone knows I have tried. Since there have been so many failed attempts and letdowns, I can only do 2 things. Forgive and forget. I will forgive them for not being the people I thought, and right now I also want to forget them.

hopeless romantic

2007-10-05T00:39:00.002-05:00

Today I started thinking about relationships and soulmates. It's hard to imagine living life complete as one person, and then all of a sudden living another life complete with 2 people. It's kind of hard for me to imagine finding and being with one person who seems to "complete me" after everything I have seen in college the past couple of years. Relationships are hard enough with emotions and stress, but the break-ups are even worse. It puts a shadow on my way of thinking because I feel the guy I end up with will either be a liar or something to that sort. All of the TV shows out there have a couple getting along when they are together but as soon as they are separated, it's a whole different story. Everyone is dating, then breaking up. Everyone is getting married, then getting divorced. Everyone falls in love, then falls out of love. It amazes me how so many people fall in and out of love so quickly. It's taking me 21 years just to know what love is, let alone actually performing the action. Is it really possible to find that one special person that you're meant to be with that simple? It has gotten more and more complicated as time passes by and I'm afraid that when I finally join the game of life and love, there will be brand new rules that I won't understand and I'll be that hopeless romantic mess.

start of senior year

2007-09-23T17:24:00.001-05:00

Only 18 more months of school and training before I enter the "real world." I am very nervous on doing things on my own, but excited because I will be entering a new chapter in my life that defines who I am. I am thinking about a few different types of jobs I would like to pursue. One of them is being a traveling nurse. Since I'm single and have no strings attatched to anyone, I can travel (which I love to do) and see the country visiting different hospitals and getting paid possibly a little more than staying in one spot. If that job doesn't work, I have thought about doing pediatric nursing because 1) the kids are easier to lift because they are smaller than me, 2) I act like a kid sometimes so I would blend right in and 3) some of them remind me of how pure and innocent life can be which I miss.

For now, though, I am living with 3 fabulous gal pals who are wonderful in their own ways. I love Natalie, Lindsay and Amanda. They are so much fun to be around and I am so grateful I get to spend the last of the school years being with them. Each one has their special trait to them that defines who they are and what I can learn from them.

I think this is going to be a great year because of friends who will be there to make it wonderful. I don't know what I would do without them and I am so grateful they are in my life.

lazy summer days

2007-08-09T23:03:00.001-05:00

My summer has gone by pretty fast because I have kept busy with work and family things. Both of them were great! My internship took up the first month of my summer at St. Joes Hospital. I had a lot of great opportunities to do the "nurse" thing and what not. I also worked with really nice people who are great exmaples of who I want to mimic once I enter the medical field. I had all sorts of scenarios happen which all deepened my knowledge and critical thinking. Overall, I'd say the experience was pretty important. Plus I got paid for it. Wahoo for that!

This summer is also the summer of my 21st birthday. Yes, hard to believe I made it to 21 with all the worries and pressures dealing with life. The weekend after my birthday, I headed out to NYC to party like a real 21 year old. It was fun times with my best buddy bro and my favorite asian sister-in-law. They were so fun to hang with and were so generous with everything. I also go to spend a day with BFF Amanda.

When I came back it was July and time for working at Sara Grace and hanging out with the family. July wasn't as busy as June, which I was grateful for. I was able to relax and enjoy the lazy summer days. At the end of July, Ma and I headed out to Chicago for a night on the town with Thai food and Michael Buble. A great combination!

Now it's August and school will start soon. For now I'm trying to study before hand so I don't have to study extra during. I know that sounds a little crazy but it helps.

Dating... from Oprah

2007-05-02T21:36:00.002-05:00

I got this from someone else and it's pretty interesting. It can apply to both men and women, but she focuses mainly on the men. READ IT!

Oprah's thoughts on dating...

If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away.
If he doesn't want you, nothing can make him stay.
Stop making excuses for a man and his behavior.

Allow your intuition (or spirit) to save you from heartache. Stop trying to change yourself for a relationship that's not meant to be. Slower is better. Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy. If a relationship ends because the man was not treating you as you deserve then heck no, you can't "be friends." A friend wouldn't mistreat a friend. Don't settle. If you feel like he is stringing you along, then he probably is. Don't stay because you think "it will get better." You'll be mad at yourself a year later for staying when things are not better.

The only person you can control in a relationship is you. Avoid men who have a bunch of children by a bunch of different women. He didn't marry them when he got them pregnant, why would he treat you any different? Always have your own set of friends separate from his. Maintain boundaries on how a guy treats you. If something bothers you, speak up. Never let a man know everything. He will use it against you later. You cannot change a man's behavior. Change comes from within.

Don't EVER make him feel he is more important than you are... even if he has more education or a better job. Do not make him into a quasi-god. He is a man, nothing more nothing less. Never let a man define who you are. Never borrow someone else's man. If he cheated with you, he'll cheat on you.

A man will only treat you the way you ALLOW him to treat you that way. All men are NOT dogs. You should not be the one doing all the bending...compromise is two way street. You need time to heal in between relationships... there is nothing cute about baggage... Deal with your issues before pursuing a new relationship. You should never look for someone to COMPLETE you... a relationship consists of two WHOLE individuals... look for someone complimentary... not supplementary.

Dating is fun... even if he doesn't turn out to be Mr. Right. Make him miss you sometimes... when a man always knows where you are,and you're always readily available to him, he takes it for granted. Never move into his mother's house. Never co-sign for a man. Don't fully commit to a man who doesn't give you everything that you need.Keep him in your radar but get to know others.

*Something in this passage can apply to everyone. So read it, and take it to heart. I know I've felt this way about guys at least once in my life.

The SNOball

2007-04-23T01:20:00.001-05:00

I must say this weekend was pretty different. Saturday night (the night of the SNO ball) was a blast! I wasn't even planning on going but my friends, who are wonderful, got me in. Man, it was good times! It was a dinner/dance and it was very enjoyable. I ate (not the most delicious food), I drank (water because I was the DD), and danced (not very well).

The most surprising part was that for the first time in a long time, I was kind of happy I didn't have a significant other or date with me. Well of course my friends were my "dates" but I didn't have that one person I had to stay with the whole night. I was very happy to be single and mingle. Haha "single and mingle." That has a nice ring to it. Anyways... I got to hang out with my friends and jump from one dance group to another during the fast songs and during the slow songs, danced with my single guy friends. And I must say, I got into a dance off every so often with certain people which was totally fun! It was very nice not having to worry about taking care of someone or making sure they were having a good time. I just felt free!

That made me realize I shouldn't worry or be in a hurry about finding a "husband" right now because I only get to be single once (not literally, figuratively). I need to enjoy the years that I'm single and spend that time with friends and family.

It's nice to see good things from the point of view of being single every once in a while. Everyone who is worried about finding someone should try it! And you people know who you are!

2007-03-26T21:04:00.000-05:00

Here's the 411 update (because I know so many people care about how my life is going... especially you, Sarahhhh)

Nothing too news worthy has happened. I went down to TN for spring break and it was fun. Hanging out with the family and getting to see little Layla.

She was about the cutest thing I've seen in a while! She was such a good baby too! Awe and the entire first day, mom wouldn't let me hold her because she was that cute! But through out the week I got my chance (a little more than I wanted) but I loved it.

It was also fun hanging out with the nephew and neices. I played dress up and hand clapping games with the gals, and tried to play the Wii and a computer game with Brady. Everyone else pretty muched worked the days mom and I were there. I guess they can't all take a weeks vacation but it was fun to hang out when they were home.

I got to go with Dave the studio and see what and where he works. It was pretty interesting (although I don't think I could do it because of the hours). I also met some really cool and fun people down in TN which is one of the reasons I want to move there.

Now it's back to school and studying. I really enjoyed my time off. Now I'm hoping to visit the other siblings up in NYC for my 21st birthday! Should be some fun times if I can afford the ticket. I was sad they weren't around for spring break and I might not be able to see them for the family reunion if I get an internship for May-June. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens.

Well that's the update for now!

family

2007-02-12T23:44:00.001-06:00

A family consists of a domestic group of people, typically affiliated birth or marriage, or by comparable relationships.

This is an encyclopedia definition of family.

My definition of a family are those who love and support one another no matter how difficult the situation or hardships faced.

I've had my share of mistakes dealing with school and my personal life, and my family has always been there to pick me up when I'm down and help point me in the right direction. I am so blessed and so grateful to have been placed in such a loving home where everyone cares for me. I can't even imagine how my life would be like without my wonderful 3 older brothers and my loving parents. They have cared for me so much over these past 20 years and I don't know if I would be the person I am today without them. Even now, when we're all at different walks of life and places on earth, they are still watching out for me. This post is dedicated to those wonderful people, the 5 most important people in my life! I know no matter what I do or how my life turns out, they will always be there with open arms to encourage me to pick my life back up. I love them so much! I also love my 3 sister-in-laws who have helped me with those problems my brothers have no idea about and am so blessed to have them join my family!

florida

2007-01-14T14:37:00.001-06:00

I am sooo sad that winter vacation is over. I head back to school on Monday and I am sort of looking foward to it.

I just returned from a glorious week down in Florida where the weather was b-e-a-utiful and the food was delicious! Me and the parents headed over to Disney World 2 out of the 5 days and the other 2 I just stayed and relaxed by the pool at the resort.

We stayed at the Marriot resort and I got my own room! :o) So it was a pretty nice relaxing place.

Cousin Jenny came to visit too! And you know what that means! Whenever we have people come visit or something to that matter, that always means greaaaat food! ha I had my fill of cuban sandwiches up to my ears and I had my taste of cuban food for the next couple to some months. It was good times and eating was about 50% of the entire vacation.

So overall, I have to say that this was a pretty good vacation. I'll throw in some more pictures of Disney and what-not from vacation.

<-- Me and mom in Italy at the world showcase in Epcot!

Magic Kingdom!! -->

new beginnings

2007-01-01T22:35:00.001-06:00

2007.

New year means a new beginning for many things. Here are my 'resolutions' for a better year.
(These are in random order that I could think of)

1. Lose some weight.
I know that everyone says "Cari you're not fat!" but the reality of it is when they are looking, I am sucking it in! ha! Actually according to the weight and height chart, I am a little on the hefty side and it wouldn't hurt to lose some of that extra-not-needed baggage. It'll help me in the future to maintain a healthy lifestyle and it's better to start when I'm young (or younger) then I will be.

2. Get more involved.
It seems these past 2 years of college have been classes and then staying in my room or apartment. I never seem to go out and get into clubs or groups. This year, I plan on joinging some groups such as CRU and Circle K and also possibly joining the intermural softball team. It couldn't hurt to join a sports team (plus it'll give me exercise).

3. Get closer to God.
I have to admit, before college I was involved with the normal routine of going to Church every Sunday and having my quiet times everyday and since the beginning of my college years I have definitely been slacking. I hope this year to draw nearer to God and seek his guidance for my future dealing with school, jobs, friends, and even my future husband.

Those are the main ones so far for this year. I'm sure more will come as the year passes but these are the three I want to focus on.

On a brighter note, my parents surprised me with an early 21st birthday present! They are taking me down to Florida and I get to go to Disney World! I know that sounds real cheesy and all that jazz, but I'm really excited! I haven't been there for a while and I'm looking forward to acting like a little kid again! I think that is a great way to start of the new year.

finals

2006-12-06T04:38:00.001-06:00

The next 5 days are crunch-time days! Wondering why? Well next week happens to be the end of the semester which means...FINALS!!! Right now I think I am doing pretty well in my classes but it never hurts to study extra and spend more time on the subjects. I have a pretty good idea of where I stand in the classes now and what I need to achieve on my finals to fix the outcome.

Music 220- Yes I know this is a super easy class and yes most people should get an A. Well if I did my last 2 paper right (which I hope I did) and get an A on the final, it's a sure thing for an A in that class.

Medical Terminology- I just took the last test before the final and got an A on it. If I can pull off an A on the final (which is only missing 10 questions out of 150) then I should be golden with my glorious A!

South East Asia- I'm sorry to report my chances for an A in this class have be spoiled because I've gotten B's on the only 2 tests. As long as I can maintain with a B on the final I should be expecting a B in the class.

Pathophysiology- The class that I dread! So far I have a B in the class. We have an extra credit quiz on Thursday which is worth 10 points. If I can somehow pull of a perfect on that and a perfect on the final (which can be done!) then I could get an A in that class! GLORIOUS!

I know that my work is cut out for me for the next couple days and I need to study, but I feel I can pull off all the grades that I have predicted! Wish me luck!

changes

2006-12-04T02:36:00.001-06:00

Haven't written in here in a while! Well things have change for the better I think.

School: I think I did a whole lot better this semester compared to last. First of all, no C's!! yay to that. Second, I think I have learned how to divide my time properly in order to get enough studying time along with time for relaxation. Last semester was more being lazy and not doing anything, so I have definitely improved in that department.

Living in the apartment: It's been real fun living with Nato. Although there are times of drama I've learned to deal and move on. It's fun living on my own, but just in case home is 45 minutes away. It is a little bit of a hasssle having to clean up after myself when I'm used to my mom doing it for me. It is good though because it's getting me prepared for when I live on my own.

Relationships: I have overcome the biggest hurdle with this by getting over a certain someone. Although he was my main person for the last 2 years, I've finally moved on and I am happy. He found someone else and they are sooo adorable! Right now I'm focusing more on school than relationships because I only have 2 more years of school to enjoy and a lifetime of relastionships to experience. I've found right now in time that they are more of a hassle rather than a help. So although people are around me are finding relationships in the blink of an eye, I am find just taking things slow.

That sums things up in a nutshell about the last couple months.

I am so ready for Christmas! My entire family is coming home and it's going to be just like 15 years ago! I love spending time with my family, making Christmas cookies, and sharing the holiday spirit with everyone. I am so excited!

Adonai

2006-09-12T01:19:00.001-05:00

Adonai. This is another word for God. It really is an amazing word. I was just having my quiet time and happened to hear the song "Adonai" by Avalon. The way they describe God is really life-touching because it shows how great he is. "You're out beyond the furthest morning star, close enough to hold me in your arms." This is my favorite line of the song because no matter how big God is, He is always there to comfort me in my time of need (no matter how small I am). It just blows my mind away that He will always love me no matter what I have done and will love me no matter what happens in the future. I recommend that everyone grab a chance to listen to this song and I hope it will touch you like it has me. Because in all reality God is everything that we will ever need. He is our Adonai.

i am an adult

2006-07-21T23:28:00.001-05:00

I am officially an adult. People think age is what makes you an adult but in all reality it's something different. At least in my book. Today I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth extracted. There goes my wisdom and now it's all down-hill from here (just kidding). It was also the first time I've ever been under and I was sooo scared! Not only that, my doctor pricked me three time because he could find a vein that he could use for the IV. No fun. But I am up and about with no major problems or pains. Hopefully that'll continue until I get better.

Argh! Class starts next week bright at early at 8AM at Rock Valley. Whoop-de-do! At least the class is only for 3 weeks. My teacher seems really nice too so it won't be so bad. Well gotta' get some shut eye because I'm want to be a little better to go see 'Superman'!

a newfound accomplishment

2006-06-28T00:11:00.001-05:00

There comes a time in a person's life when they have achieved something huge in life. It may deal with work or it may deal with love, but this my friends, is even bigger. I have managed (don't know how) to make it to my 20th birthday! Amazing, yes I know. I wasn't too sure about making it this far when my 3rd bro chased me and my other bro around with a hatchet (good times), but I'm finally here. Now instead of being a small, scared and confused teenager I am able to enter the world as a small, scared and confused 20-year old. It's an odd feeling that somehow feels the same as before...

Anyways, I celebrated my birthday twice. Once with friends and once with family. The friends party was so much fun. Nato and Adam (Natamalie), Jen and Chris, Lindsay and Chris (yes another one), Aneta and Greg, Sarah, and Amanda were all there. We decided (well me mostly) to try Joe's Crab Shack. Yes, many people can imagine the disgusting jokes related with the crab shack but I will not mention them. The food was average but the atmosphere was wonderful. Near the end of the night, the Joe crew came up to me and had me wear a wig and ride a horse around the place. Not my finest moment in life but one of the exciting ones. Although a number of people were MIA that night with other things, it was still a rocking good time. The family party was the usual. Family came over, ate food, watched movies, ate more food, opened presents, and ate more food. I love how family events are always centered around food.

This is a shoutout to my favorite asian couple SARAH AND JAMES!!!!
*and I hate to mention this but you do kinda' look like siblings*

numb

2006-05-31T01:59:00.001-05:00

There comes a point in time where you feel numb to whatever is happening around you. This, however comfortable it may feel, is a not a good way to be with religion. Yes I whole-heartedly admit there was a time in my life where I became numb to the world and didn't mind what I was doing or spent little to no time dealing with my "quiet-times." I would even go as far as being a little "annoyed" when my family got on my case about going to church and spending time with God. For a while, I thought I could handle things on my own dealing with school, friends, and life in general. Of course, I was WAY WRONG with that. My family and I went to church on sunday in TN with my bro's and it was a little changing point in my life. The whole sermon talked about how Jesus is greater than anything that would stand in your way in life including school, relationships, and worries of that sort. This had a big impact on my life because it seemed this one sermon was directed towards me in particular and made me really think. I have been making all of my problems and worries be greater than the love that I have for God which really affected the way I acted. No matter what happens in the future, I can always count on God being there with me through it all and not ever giving me anything I can't handle. Of course, I think the famous 'HuYoung saying' is appropriate.

"Do your best and God will do the rest!"

180... or is it a 360?

2006-05-23T00:57:00.001-05:00

"You have go on a date before you're 21." Wow, who ever thought these words were ever spoken by a parent? Well, lucky me, my parents said this in a jokingly-but-really-meaning-it kind of way. You'd think me being the only daughter in the family (who happens to also be the youngest), they would be sabotaging my chances of ever leaving the nest. But to my dismay, my parents are trying to kick me out of the nest (or house in this sense). I think one of the main reasons I went to New York this past week was to start a life-long search for my future husband. Of course the MAIN reason was to hang out with my brother and sister-in-law and my bro graduating from law school (good job bro!). It's just an odd feeling that I was not allowed to date till I was 16 and now I'm being pushed (subtly of course) to find a date. It's funny how life just turns and does a 180 on you. Or is it a 360? I'm not one for using math numbers for these situations.

destined to be...

2006-04-05T14:41:00.001-05:00

Has anyone ever see the preview for the new show "Brian"? It's about a 2 couples and then Brian who is a little out of the loop. Well that's kinda' how I feel now that there are 2 couples in my dorm room and I think (not sure) soon to be 3. I am not really complaining or anything, just confused. After church on Sunday, it started to make me believe that it is ok to be single. 1 Corinthians 7:34,40 - "...A single woman or a virgin is concerned about the Lord's matters. She wants to serve the Lord with both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the matters of this world... In my opinion, she is happier if she stays single. And I also think that I am led by the Spirit of God in saying that." This makes me feel a lot better about life right now. Peter is saying people are destined to get married, while on the other hand, people are (believe it or not) destined to be single. So I'm not as worried now about finding my soulmate because he will come at the perfect time and now I should enjoy my life as a single person.

changing for the better?

2006-03-23T02:08:00.001-06:00

Spring break was a blasting good time. Went to China with everyone in the family. It was a good break for me to get away from school and people for week. Unfortunately that break has ended and it's time for school again.

It seems this past semester has been different and people have changed. I don't mean me in particular but it's just a little weird for the sudden type of change. What do you do when they seem to change for the worst? You know them for at least a year or two and you think you know them, then I don't know if something changed or happened in their life which makes them act out, but your whole perception on them as a person changes. I don't know what to do. I asked a lot of friends for advice, but they can't seem to give me an "easy" answer. I guess I'll just have to figure this one out on my own.

stress... enough said

2006-03-03T10:23:00.001-06:00

Did you ever feel you needed to just get away? I don't know if it's from stress, boredom, or just the need to be alone for a long time. Well that's how I feel, especially dealing with nursing school. After looking back, it probably is from stress. The need to do well in school, the need to impress my friends, the need to be the "good girl", the need to impress my teachers, and the need to impress my parents. Usually this isn't any stress at all, but it seems this semester has kicked my butt! I don't know if it's because the classes are harder, too much work, or if I'm just slacking off. I studied for 6 days for my patho test everynight and day, but it seemed my effort was nothing since I did terrible on the test. I just don't understand how I study as much as everyone else, understand the same material, and still end up with a worse grade then them. It kinda' just brings down my esteem and I feel like I can't do it. AHHH I need help!!!