More FUN!!!

Okay Kari:

1. You have the tightest palm/hand muscles of anyone I know.
2. Viva la Vida, Cold Play and Alice in Wonderland
3. French toast!
4. Naggers!
5. This one is hard. I don't know which memory came first. I remember playing in Grandma's backyard and I think you gave me some Kari-bucks or something, but I didn't know what to spend them on because I didn't want to spend my money
6. A Vampire
7. When do you find time to read? You say you're so busy, but you also manage to quickly get through books.
8. You listen to what people say and you try to say something positive or encouraging. You're so supportive!
9. Now me!

Tina Baby!

1. You are the best hair curler!
2. Daddy's Son, from Ragtime
3. A roll, I know you'd want to clean up after, so hopefully that wouldn't be too messy
4. Yoo are mah-ee loorver.
5. I think I remember seeing you in Mrs. Finlays' or Nugyen's class
6. A mama bird, nurturing and taking care of others
7. Do you think you'll ever go back to live in the Phillipines, even if it's for a short while?
8. Your honesty
9. My turn!

Finals

I am in the midst of finals, but I was able to get through today.

I had a Music History final with a paper, Piano Proficiency, Ear Training presentation, and an ET final. It was intense. When I got back to my room and Mandii saw me, she could tell how relieved I was that the day was over. I feel as though I can let my shoulders drop. So now I must write my theory essay, study for the theory exam and Old Testament. I am so close, but so far away.

At least I can dream about sleeping in my nice comfy, well-supported bed back home. After the flight home, I'll be there.

Boredom, no more!

1. You like spooning more than anyone I know.
2. "Shut-up...please don't stop..blah blah blah till the sun's coming up..."
3. Maypo...maybe we could figure out what it is...
4. Sad baby!
5. Walking down the hall...
6. A giraffe
7. How is it you're better at origami than me? hehehe ^_^
8. You can take almost any situation, no matter how serious, and turn it into something that is AMAZING and Fun!!!

Oh what fun!

My roomie Mandii posted this on her last blog, and it looks like so much fun!

If you comment with your name:

1. I'll respond with something random about you.
2. I'll tell you which song or movie you remind me of.
3. I'll pick a food substance to throw at you in the school cafeteria.
4. I'll say something that only makes sense to you and me.
(if possible. If not, I'll say something that only makes sense to me.)
5. I'll tell you my first memory of you.
6. I'll tell you what animal you remind me of.
7. I'll ask you something I've always wondered about you.
8. I'll tell you my favorite thing about you.
9. If you play, you MUST post this on yours.

Winter Pictures

Snow

It is snowing. I got a call from my friend Kayla this morning telling me to look out the window. She had to leave a message because I was still sleeping. Because I heard the phone ring, I just laid in bed and listened to the message, I was awake anyway. She said there was snow. I thought to myself, oh, maybe a little snow at the sides of the road, like when Brittany and I rode up from New Jersey after Thanksgiving. Well, when I turned to move some of the blinds (and remember, I didn't have contacts or glasses on) I saw a blanket of white. I screamed, "Ahhhh. Snow! I can't handle snow right now!" I quickly got off my bunk to put on my contacts, still a blanket of white (For some reason I thought the snow would disappear if I put proper eye-gear on my face). The only difference with my contacts is that I could now see the individual pieces of snow falling, which contributed to my almost freaking out moment more.

Shortly after, my bestest roomie ever, Mandii called and asked if I had looked outside. "Yes! And I'm almost freaking out!" She was so cool about my little spaz attack and she's soon going to be here with me between 12:30 and 1:30pm. I can't wait! I need some instruction.

I'll add some pictures as soon as the battery charges.

Love to all you readers. Pray for me...PLEASE!

Talents

Sometimes it is hard to give up our dreams to pursue a different one, or another talent. At least, it seems like we are giving them up.

Sometimes we are faced with the challenge to choose between two, or more, passions in our life. How do we decide which one is the best choice? Which path is more financially stable? Which one will make the best memories? Which decision and its repercussions will I be able to face every single day, knowing I made THAT choice?

Why would God give us a passion and talent for something if He didn't have a purpose to use it to further His Kingdom?

He wouldn't.

In some strange way, God will use my love for music, teaching, mathematics, caretaking, crafting, and desire to love and serve others. He may not use them simultaneously, but he will use them. I'm not giving up any of my passions when I have to focus on one at any given time. But, I have to be patient and realize that God has a perfect timing to use me in multiple facets at full capacity in ways to best serve Him.

Patience, that's the trick. Also, trust. It is so difficult to trust God when we only see the key hole to open the door. But He gives us just enough light to see how to move forward, and we only move with faith in Him. The other option is to sit in the dark or become so flustered with other potential paths that we become lost and tired trying to develop our own way.

Listen, He will guide. Be passionate, He will guide. Wait, He will guide...

Psalm 143

Hear my prayer, O Lord,
Give ear to my supplications!
Answer me in Your faithfulness, in Your righteousness!
And do not enter into judgment with Your servant,
For in Your sight no man living is righteous.
For the enemy has persecuted my soul;
He has crushed my life to the ground;
He has made me dwell in dark places, like those who have long been dead.
Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me,
My heart is appalled within me.

I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all Your doings;
I muse on the power of Your hands.
I stretch out my hands to You;
My soul longs for You, as a parched land.

Answer me quickly, O Lord my spirit fails;
Do not hide Your face from me,
Or I will become like those who go down to the pit.
Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning;
For I trust in You;
Teach me the way in which I should walk;
For to You I life up my soul.
Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies;
I take refuge in You.

Teach me to do Your will.
For You are my God;
Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
For the sake of Your name, O Lord, revive me.
In Your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble.
And in Your lovingkindness, cut off my enemies
And destroy all those who afflict my soul,
For I am Your servant.

The Orange Chair

“Kay-kay, it’s almost time to go home.”

“But Momma, I haven’t had my story yet.”

Katie was sitting on the floor surrounded by her paper dolls. Her dolly’s clothes were spread around her on the floor, and the tin can where she kept her fragile treasures was turned upside down.

“Katie, if you want Grandy to read you a story you need to quickly clean up and pick a book,” Momma said.

Grandy was sitting in her usual spot, an orange reclining chair, working on her crossword puzzles. Within a minute, Katie carefully put her toys away and picked her favorite book and ran over to Grandy. She quickly climbed into the giant chair next to her grandmother; both of them small enough to fit snuggly side by side. Katie noticed her Grandy’s fine cursive carefully filled in the blank boxes on the page as she closed the puzzle book.

Like every night before she left Grandy’s house, Grandy took her red plaid blanket and gently tucked Katie and herself in the the chair. Then Grandy asked Katie, “What book the you pick tonight, Katie?”

“Guess, Grandy,” Katie giggled to herself, trying to disguise the cover of the book between her arms.

“Hmm...let me think. Is it...” Grandy was trying to contain her laugh, watching her four-year-old granddaughter trying to wrap her small arms around the orange book cover, “Goodnight Moon?”

“How’d you know” Katie squealed, as she smiled showing her teeth and her eyes turning into sideways crescent moons.

“I’m just a good guesser,” Grandy replied. “Besides, it is your favorite.”

Grandy took the beloved book from the child’s small hands and held the cover equally between them so Katie could see. “Goodnight Moon,” Grandy read, “by Margaret Wise Brown, and Pictures by Clement Hurd” Grandy always read the author of the book and the illustrator.

Katie sighed and snuggled closer to her grandmother. She loved hearing Grandy’s soft animated voice as she looked at every page. Sometimes Katie would even watch the words go by as her grandmother read them aloud. As each page turned, Katie’s eyes grew heavier and heavier. By the end of the bedtime book, Katie was almost asleep, like the bunny in the story.

“The End” Grandy read. “Wasn’t that a nice story?”

“Uh-huh,” Katie yawned.

Grandy put the book on her side table next to the lamp, and then she reached down to get her purse. “Are you awake enough for Hocus Pocus Grandy?”

Katie’s eyes opened. How could she forget about Hocus Pocus Grandy? She tried to shake off the sleepiness, and unsteadily sat straight up.

Grandy put the black purse between them on their laps. She let Katie look into her empty bag. Nothing. Then she placed her hands on the top of the bag, and Katie put her hands on top of Grandy’s. Together they tapped the bag in rhythm:

“Hocus Pocus Grandy,
Hocus Pocus Candy!
Sha-ZAM!”

Grandy pulled out an orange slice. Katie’s favorite! “Oh thank you, Grandy,” she cried out and gave Grandy a giant hug.

“Okay, Katie Bug it’s time to go home,” Momma said.

“Alright, Momma.” Katie slid off of her cozy seat on the orange chair and put on her shoes. Katie gave Grandy and Grandad goodbye kisses. Then Katie and Momma were walking hand-in-hand out the door, and when she looked back, she saw Grandy smiling from her chair back at her.

Preschool

For as adolescent as it may seem, I will never be able to give up Jana Alayra.  Her children worship songs have left a lasting impression on my heart, forever.  After helping with preschool music at North Hills Church for so long, there are some things that I will never forget: how excited the children would get when we'd sing Jump into the Light, watching the children's eyes as I'd teach them sign language to a new song, and the calmness the three year olds would have as we'd sing Mighty is Your Love.  

Coming to the Lord as a child is something magical.  This place in my heart and mind where I feel so lost and helpless.  I don't want to be anywhere but where His loving arms surround me.  I become fully dependent on the God of Israel, and my God.  My strength for each day comes from Him.

Great gifts for the On Campus College Student

1. Magnets: fun accessories for your fridge, locker, or any other metal unit

2. Magazine subscription: a sure way to receive mail every one or two months

3. Stamps: takes care of the financial part of keeping in contact with loved ones at home

4. Candy/snacks: really, this is great for any teen/young adult

5. Gift cards: whether it's for Target, groceries, Starbucks, or anything else we'll find a way to use it. (Especially gift cards to the college bookstore)

6. Quarters: necessary for laundry

October 17

A couple of things:

Yesterday was my half birthday!!!  YAY!  I'm officially 20.5 years old (and now plus another day).  My half birthday present to myself will be to buy a normal pair of shoes for cool weather because I've been walking around in flip-flops all autumn. Whoo-RAH!

A package in the mail came yesterday from my mommy!!! HOORAY!  I think it has my absentee ballot and chocolate inside. HooRAY, HOORAY!!!  I love my Mudgey.

I booked my flight back home to California for winter break. Phew!  I thought it would never happen.  I'm scheduled to leave Thursday, December 18 and arrive home later that day.  I'll be returning back to school Monday, January 12.  I'm glad to have another thing off my checklist. :)

Walk in the Woods

It is so beautiful here!  I went for a walk nearing sunset.

This flower intrigued me.  I love its shape.

Spirit Week!

This week was spirit week with the homecoming weekend.  Of course, during spirit week there are these crazy dress up days to show your school pride.  Unfortunately, I was not quite prepared for this.  The first day was okay; it was wear your class color.  I had lots of red, so it wasn't so bad.  The next day was tartan/plaid day.  I own two little plastic hair clips with a plaid pattern in lt. blue and pink.  So sad.  Now that I know, I will build up my plaid (or start, I guess) collection for next year.  I am beginning to plot.  I may want to borrow many a Scottish items from Jon and Raicheal.  

Anyway, my roommate Amanda, is a CRAZY-AWESOME spirit girl!!!  On the first day (Wed.), she scored 83 points.  An email was sent to the entire student body claiming her as the female spirit leader with the most points for the day.  The next day, plaid day, she got another 120 approximately.  Here are some pictures of Day 2:

Amanda sent out masses of emails to borrow plaid items.  This is only PART of her collection.

Since I myself could not "show" my school spirit, I decide to contribute my artistic abilities to one who could.  I painted Amanda's nails tartan.  They didn't come out as nice as I would have liked them, but each finger got a point.

Amanda even gave me a "thumbs up" for my craftiness.

The final day of spirit week was Gordon paraphernalia day.  Again, I don't have many "Gordon" things.  But Amanda went right to work collecting and buying as much as she could.  At the end of the day, I'd say she received approximately 275 points.  But someone else beat her.  How could that be?!!  I'm still very proud of Amanda for her school pride and creativity.

Floor Dinner! :)

Every Thusday at 5:30pm, Ferrin 2 East goes to Lane for floor dinner:

Me and Morgan

Morgan helps in Lynn, a nearby city, with ESL students.  She is a Spanish major.  She's also in my Old Testament class.

Katie and Lynn

Katie also works in Lynn, like Morgan.  She's a halfie like me, except she's half Chinese.  Lynn is an A.J. scholars student, which translates to very smart and ambitious and fun all at the same time.

Anh and Abby

Anh (pronounced Ang) is my amazing RA from out of the country and she lives directly across the hall from me.  Abby is a great girl diagonal from my room.  I was having a bad day and she left me a happy note with some chocolate.  It really does fix all.

Sarah Wright

I specify because there are too many "Sarahs" on campus.  She is a little bundle of joy and happiness.  Two of her most excellent obsessions include Scooby Doo and Donkey Kong.

I love having these times to spend with the girls on my floor.  Because I'm so busy, it's great to sit down and chat with people who live on the same floor as me.  Unfortunately, these are not all of the girls.  Some of them work and are involved in other sports or clubs that prevent them from joining us each week.  But there are other times and places for us to hang out, so hopefully that is to come.

Around Gordon

So today I completely failed my ear training exam.  But, I did accomplish many things during that time: 1) I did not cry in the middle of class, 2) I proceeded through the melody despite my embarrassment, 3) God showed me what humility is, 4) People are more willing to talk with me, and I am more willing to talk with others in my class, 5) I need to refine my ability to wrap my ear around the tonic of a key, 6) I can use this memory as a teaching tool to students in the future.

Now the fun stuff:

Sarah

On my way from my dorm to choir rehearsal in AJ Memorial Chapel.

More beautiful trees!

In the chapel, down the middle aisle.

Laura (who also lives on my floor in Ferrin :])

Sara: Choir secretary and floor mate!

From my choir spot.

Catherine and Cassandra (they glow)

I love the community here at Gordon.  So many fabulous people. :)

Apple Picking!

I went apple picking for my first time!!!  It was a great experience.  My friends Brittany and Christine made it especially enjoyable.  They kept me in high spirits.

Christine

Megan and Christine

In the grove

Brittany, Christine, and Me

Hay Ride!

A Cat!

The Doctor in Spite of Himself

I recently helped backstage with Gordon College's operetta, The Doctor in Spite of Himself.  My friend Diana and I helped paint, organize, and move props and sets.

Here's Diana:

This is a tree we painted:

Behind the tree are sticks that we found crawling through bushes and in the pouring rain.

Before the show:

During the show:

Tired and Almost done:

I thoroughly enjoyed working backstage with so many talented people.  Everyone was very appreciative of Diana's and my work.  It was also a great way to communicate more with my peers.  Overall, I'd give it a two thumbs up!

Concert

I went to my first Gordon College Concert today...well, I guess it's the second, but the first was like a memorial.  I almost didn't get in.  I wasn't sure what to expect for the student rush line.  I thought I would just go to the counter, ask for a student rush ticket, and go inside.  Nope.  I walk in, and notice the sign on the second set of entry doors: Student rush line up the stairs.  I looked ahead and saw lines of students up the stairs and curving around the corner.  That explains the students upstairs.  So I waited in line, nervously jabbering to the strangers in front of me explaining how I never had gone to a school where students ACTUALLY attend concerts.  And by this, I mean, most all of the students didn't attend.  At least it seemed that way.  So my classmate Kay comes behind me and we enjoy talking as the line slowly progressed.  Then I was third to the front.  "One more seat," the usher called.  Another left.  Now, second from the front.  I turned to Kay excitedly and announced, "This is a first!  I've never almost not gotten into a concert!"  Fortunately, the usher returned and said, "Three more!"  So both Kay and I got into the hall.  She was so excited.  

The concert was beautiful.  It was by some of the faculty at Gordon, Carol Ou on cello and Ya-Fei Chuang on piano.  The performed Beethoven's Sonata in A major, op. 69; Poulenc's Sonata; and Chopin's Sonata in G minor, op. 65.  I like to notice the different styles of the music due to the time periods.  I also really enjoyed sitting in that beautiful room listening to the acoustics and finesse of the musicians.  I look forward to all of the other wonderful performances I get to attend. :)

A-line skirts 2

I refuse to let the weather dictate my clothing today.  Although it does not look promising, I am wearing my red floral skirt.  So there, big rain clouds!

Blast from the Past

This entry will include great memories that I have shared with my family and friends.  If you think of any that you don't see, please add them on "comments."

1. Disneyland in the rain with Dad with hot cocoa and soup.
2. Mom and Me days, especially the times Mom let me skip school.
3. Going fishing at La Mirada and Pudding Stone
4. Late night ice cream stops with Raich, Kristina, and Monnie
5. Singing musical songs in math class
6. Family holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and Easter
7. Super Surprise Going Away Party!!! (I WAS surprised!)
8. More to come...

Book List Update

Recently read books:

Eclipse - Stephanie Meyer (7/30)

Boy Meets Girl - Joshua Harris (9/6)

It is RAINING!

I know rain isn't a completely foreign form of weather, like snow is, but I am so sad that it's raining.  My sunshine filled days are numbered.  I need a good pair of rain shoes.  I don't even have a rain jacket.  I suppose my umbrella will have to suffice.  I am beginning to imagine what my future fall/winter days will be like...stuck indoors.  

My imagination is getting the better of me.  I still have a couple months, right?

Gordon College: In the beginnning...

This is my dorm after move in day.

My roommate Amanda moved in on the following Monday.

And my desk and closet.

Bureau.

Bed.  With the little kitty.

Me at my desk, about three weeks later.  Hmm...find the camera.

This is outside my dorm on Saturday, September 6th.  Hurricane 

weather.

What's wrong with this picture?

Here's a clue.

Yes.  The leaves are already beginning to change color!  It is so beautiful.  But this is an early change.  The black-eyed daisies in front of Ferrin (the name of my residence hall) are already dying.  We're not even half-way through September.  I don't think I'll ever be prepared for winter.

 At least I can see the Chapel. :)