And You Dont Stop...

"Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul..."

FINDING PEACE: Everything from all the talks today related. They all kinda overlapped on each other, confirming the need to let go and to love. To contemplate the face of Christ in errone you meet, and share w/them that love, joy, and peace that only Christ can give. I can tell you this its only been day 1 of SCRC and I felt tested. Talking bout trying to find peace when you come out of mass frustrated and irritated at people. Agh! Self giving can be so difficult to do especially when you get screwed over. Ah thought that's probably exactly how God feels time after time w/me. There's this one story I heard today that I thought was inspiring. Id tell it, but I'd probably end up butchering it but anyway when I get the CD Ill put it on here. Tonite's homily bout being a hero was great. Being a true hero isnt necessarily having powers or doing extordinary things but its bout saying 'yes to God' no matter what he gives you. Wow.

SKOOL STARTS: Next Wed. skool starts and I'm not even ready to go back yet. Talk bout new beginnings, there's going to be a lot of changes this skool year. New Principal, new teachers, it's going to be real different. Hopefully errthang runs smoothly this year and there's no drama. At the end of the year I was kinda hoping to start somewhere brand new but obviously that didnt happen. Part of it is my laziness on not really pushing to really search for a new job. Normal routines are slowly going to go back into order. The only great thing coming bout the fall is the season premiere of the new fall line up on tv ha!

HEROES: Ive gotten myself into a new show. Heroes is awesome, it's become one of those shows that I've added to my list of favs. In the beginning I could never really get into it cuz it seemed a little slow, but its actually real good. This entire week I spent watching the whole season 1. There are some episodes that are real slow where there are others that are pretty action packed. Its one of those shows where you have to watch from the beginning to understand cuz errthang juss over laps, juss like lost. If you watch in the middle you're not going to understand and get lost. At the same time you can get so many life lessons out of the movie. Now I cant wait for season 2 to start.

OKTOBERFEST: As the months go by, I'm getting more and more anxious for the festival to come. Im looking forward to the entertainment line up that I've got going on. Then I finally get an email from that Gabe Bondoc guy expressing interest in performing at festival. We'll see where that ends up going. However I got great performers coming out this year. All I gotta say is that Friday and Saturday performers are going to be crackin! Im hoping since they're planning on extending the ride hours, that we can do the same w/entertainment cuz there's a couple more performers Id like to try and add. The word is getting out bout Passion coming to holy fam too which is pretty exciting.

LOSS OF FRIENDS: I was getting really irritated cuz I was starting to loose myspace friends. Errtime Id log in my friend count was going down! So then I saw Tom's special announcement bout dont fret if youre loosing friends they're working on getting rid of these 'phantom profiles.' Well all those phantom profiles were getting on my nerves so I ended up deleting all of them myself. In the end I ended up loosing 140 friends! oh why?! Which means that 140 people have deleted their profile within the past year or so. Id like to say it probably evened out being that 80% of the time people who delete their profiles end up coming back and remaking a new one. Oh man if my profile ended up getting accidentally deleted I think I'd end up crying. Only cuz I worked so hard to find all those foos, especially ones who I went to hs with and all the comments too ahhh! Its fun looking back at old comments, its crazy how time flies though.

SUPERBAD: Last Saturday I went to go see Superbad and wow its extremely funny but yet extremely explicit. For some reason I didnt know how explicit this movie. This movie really isnt for kids cuz of the strong laguage and content of the movie. The character's personalities are funny cuz it brings back memories of how there were people like that when I went to skool with. Its one of those movies that is stupid but you juss gott have a sense of humor for it otherwise you wont enjoy it. I couldnt stop laughing throughout the entire movie juss thinking wow.

CAR WASHES: So I survived putting on 3 car washes throughout the past couple of months. It was extremely rough and tiring but I pulled through. For that I am proud of myself for accomplishing the goal ha. I must say though, I'm not ready to plan another car wash for a long time. It makes one really long day and then to stay on top of people to make sure errone is being productive and doing their job, yeah no Im good for at least a year. However, though the parishioners have been extremely generous and giving helping us getting one step closer in our WYD fundraising goal. The beautiful thing is when you say 'free' donation only, people contribute more rather than if you put a set price on it. Ahh the joy of giving...

BONFIRE: Last monday was the first time I've gone to a bonfire in a while. The youf had their annual beach bonfire party at bolsa chika. The car ride was killer only cuz I had these kids who talk too much. However, it was pretty crackin for the most part. I actually liked it better then the one we had last year. There's this new kid named JR who has been coming for the past month now and he cracks me up like no other. He has this sense of humor that juss keeps you laughing with his corny jokes, his off the wall comments, and other stuff. Then the praise & worship was pretty coo with the whole fire going and errthang. It brought back memories of when I use to have those end of the summer jamboree bonfires back in the days...well it was only twice that I had it but those were crackin! There was this random kid who was at the beach at another bonfire and came up to me during praise & worship asking if he could join. He goes, 'I dont know the songs.' I told him to juss follow along then he ended up leaving ha.


A fun weekend ahead!

"Its too late to apologize, its too late..."im done, im out God bless!

Jesus I Trust in You

"If the Angels could envy, they would envy us for Holy Communion..."

FIXED: So on Friday the Dell IT tech came and fixed errthang up like it was brand new again! THe funny part is, I didnt ruin the mother board at all. What happened was there's this little connector piece that had to be connected when I had removed the top part after putting in the keyboard. Though he did put a new motherboard in anyway, cleaned up the entire system internally, man I didnt realize how dirty was. That fan inside doesn't work so hard now cuz all of the dust is gone. It feels almost like I have a brand new laptop! I really give props to Dell cuz they know their stuff. Customer service like they have are really pleasing and makes people want to buy more of their products.

AT RISK: About 3-4 years ago Rob and I would hang out errother Friday we'd juss go to lunch or watch a movie or whatever. During that time I had told him this was kinda like one of those 'at risk' programs. Where there was some youf at risk and juss needed guidance. There's this kid named Evan, who use to my padawan last fiscal year. Funny thing is, we didn't become real close until the end of his core term. So now we've become real close all of a sudden where I do that whole 'at risk program' w/him too, juss once a month. He's a good kid, and we always have fun times together. In fact now he's working w/me on a volunteer basis, which is good cuz now at least I have someone to talk to at work. Last Friday, we went to the Promenade which was jam packed. Then again it was a Friday nite and its summer. The first wha half of hour trip was a waste cuz I went straight on the 605 instead of grabbing the 105 oh why?! They never really have any good acts out there anymore. There was this one time I went and there were this asian/filipino guys trying to do the whole r & b scene it was pretty cool. Sometimes I tend to forget how the drive is out there, not that its real far, but its still a drive...

HIGH SKOOL MUSICAL 2: I feel like errwhurr I go I end up hearing someone singing the songs from the soundtrack. The kids tonite were singing from left and right, then were singings the songs on the piano as well. Wow its like I cant get away from the movie. AFter missing the premiere of the movie, I got to watch it Saturday nite. Ill admit it was good, but it seemed cornier than the first one for some reason. The nice part was it wasn't in the theaters so I didnt have to go and spend money on it. I did buy the soundtrack today, though I've been hearing the soundtrack all day and I've barely listened to it. The final scene in the movie looks juss so freshing. Its one of those things where you want to do something like that with a bunch of friends of your own. Its funny how such a small movie on the disney channel ended up becoming so big.

CONFIRMATION: Its funny cuz usually after confirmation is over erryear, I always have my past students want to come out and help me. Which is a good feeling inside knowing they want to come back and help out. Its one way to help them stay some what active in the church. I like having them come back and share their own personal testimony with my current students to see how God has worked in their lives. Im excited again for another year of teaching, it's going to be a great one being too cuz Dani's going to be my aide along w/one of the youf from holy fam. My only prayer is that this year wont be as rough of a journey as last years.

RECYCLING: For the first time I went to the recycling place last week. I stood in a line in the sun for a whole 20 min. for a whoppin' $5! Some of these people bring in bags and bags of cans and what not to recycle its kinda crazy. Earlier I went to the crr & r in stanton to bring in more stuff to recycle, I like this place better than the first place I went to. Its nicer cuz they have these big almost like baskets to place all your cans etc. This time I got $16 woo! ha Though it was juss gross cuz there were so many damn bugs flying all over the place. Thas once place I would hate to spend 8 hrs. a day at. On top of that then you have these really weird people. There was this older man there and poor guy was soaked in sweat. Some of these people were bringing in hardcore stuff like tires etc. to recycle maan hardcore. The part I hate about going there is that I feel so dirty going there. Almost as if I've been rolling around in those dirty cans for a couple hours...it felt great to go home and take a nice shower!

PRAYER: This girl, who was friends with of the youth that I work with past away on Saturday. It's so sad she was coming on her way home from camp when the people she was with got into a car accident. The sad part was she's only 14, a upcoming sophmore at cerritos hs. To think this girl had no idea wha was going to happen to her. Apparently, they tried to bring her to the hospital but the time they got there it was too late. Life really is precious, every breath, every second, every person you come in contact with. Yesterday some of her friends got together and decided to put this prayer service together for her at the park. It was nice cuz there were all these young kids of different backgrounds coming together for love of their friend to pray for her soul. Well now she can live happily after...Eternal Rest grant unto Regina O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

TRUST IN YOU: Banne came by last nite and gave a really inspiring talk to the youf bout St. Faustina and the Divine Mercy. I love banne's talk cuz I learn and get so much out of it. There isn't too many people who I can still for during a whole talk but banne's I can. The Divine Mercy brought back personal memories for me cuz I remember on that eve before the feast day thas when I gone into 'exile.' That night I remember banne telling me it's not a coincidence this was happening being that it's right before the feast of the Divine Mercy. Ahh yes, 'Jesus I trust in You' was I was constantly trying to pray errday. Just asking for the grace to allow me to get through this struggle. And that He did, God truly is God of gentleness and compassion. I need to get back into praying that errday, like I use to do. I remember during that one summer I was religiously praying it @ 3pm errday. Time to get back on that prayer mode train again.

STILL: Im not too big of a Hillsongs fan, but there's this one song music min. was teaching the youf last nite and it was called, 'still.' I love the lyrics to song cuz they speak directly at me. When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God


GABE BONDOC: Last thursday, one of the youf called me saying she was able to get this performer, 'Gabe Bondoc' to perform at the festival. Gabe Bondoc is similar to the other performer, Passion except not as popular or well known. I had tried to get him to come before, but he never responded back to my myspace message, typical right? Well apparently, he responded to this girls. Anyway, I guess he agreed to perform at the festival under certain conditions such as a performance fee and other stuff, I guess. Well its funny how word gets around so fast cuz next thing I know I hear errone talking bout how Gabe is performing at the festival. Though the guy hasn't even confirmed anything me and Im the festival entertainment coordinator! I decided that if he wants to perform for free than its coo, but if he was some type of stipend, yeah no Ill pass. There's no point of having two of the same type of musicians come out. Im trying to get dancers to come out, like hip hop dancers I think that would be cool, I dont think we've had them before.


Two more weeks of summer left...

"Were going to have fun in the sun, now that all the hardwork is done..."im done, im out God bless

Get Ready

"Let it be assured that to do no wrong is really superhuman and belongs to God alone..."

NEW ONE: So I had said previously that I needed a new keyboard cuz my 'r' came off. Well my new one came in today! I called Dell yesterday and ordered a new one, maan I had gone through this whole process w/the guy over the phone. The crazy part was those dell folks have access to control your whole computer network. I had to give him permission to take over for a min. so he can show me how to access the directions on how to get the directions to put in the new keyboard. Maybe I'm typing too hard on the keys or something cuz this is the 2nd keyboard I replaced this year ha. Either that or dell has cheap keyboards? I love the smell of a new product when it comes in or juss the excitement when your thing you order comes in the mail! So now I can type and its all good!

TRAINING: Im suppose to go to this reading mastery training tomorrow for work. Its all the way in fountain valley but Im having doubts on whether to go or not. Personally, I think its juss too much of a hassle to do. On top of that Im not even getting paid to go this training, sounds a little selfish I know, I know. Though its juss the thought of having to sit and listen to someone talk for like 4 hours on some teaching tool. Im sure its going to be useful and interesting but its juss the hassle of. Agh! Im really thinking of juss not going at all and coming up w/some excuse down the line as to why I didnt go. We'll see what happens...

THE ASSUMPTION: Good thing I called sPv this afternoon to see what time their mass was today cuz I was counting it on being @ 515pm and I was wrong it was at 6pm. So I called all the local parishes to find a mass taht would be at 5pm so then this way I can be back at work by 6pm. Ended up going to St. John of God in Norwalk which was nice since it was only 10 min. away. Never been to mass over there before so it was pretty interesting, its a different feeling not going to your own 'home' parish. You dont feel that same 'homie' like feeling. People saying 'hi' to you or asking you how you're doing etc. Oh well, its not about the people its bout the mass. The funny part is during mass when father would say, 'the Lord be with you.' Then we all reply back, 'and also with you...'he would say, 'thank you' before he goes w/wahtever comes after. ha Ive never that said before during mass. During his homily he talked bout how people tend to think that thinking bout Mary is a distraction to focusing on Christ. However he said the Lord wants us to find ways or people to help us become closer to Him. The Saints were holy people and who best then Jesus' own mother to help us become more like Him. It was a pretty simple homily but it left you thinking.

PEELING: First of all I hate using sun tan lotion, I dont know why but I juss hate using it. Though the effects of me not using it are pretty bad. Being that I knew I was in the mountain area where its hotter, I should've used sun tan lotion on saturday. So I guess I learned my lesson that despite the fact if I may not like something I should do it anyway cuz it'll only benefit me down the line. With that being said, my skin is peeling, I feel like a reptile shedding my skin all over the place. So when I'm done shedding my face will become lighter and I'll have skin. My forehead looks so gross that I dont even want to go out cuz it looks like I got skin disease or something....Maybe this is God's way of teaching me vanity of vanity errthang is vanity! hahahaI had lunch today w/my parents and I started juss peeling all over the table...yeah who loves skin with the entree ! haha

BACK TO BACK: Last nite I had two back to back meetings, actually I had 3 different meetings going on yesterday. Maybe thas why I felt so tired and drained mentally that I couldnt blog. This World Youth Day really is a lot of work, and a part of me begins to wonder if its all really worth it. Though then I come to realize the experience will be fun and its once in a life time opportunity. The stories I've heard bout people are so exciting that I get goosebumps listening to them. Then to share w/people taht Im planning on going to Australia next year is pretty exciting. So I guess overall it is going to be worth, however it's juss taking soo much planning and effort to raise the $. I mean it would be juss nice if someone decided to juss donate the $100k that were looking to raise between now and next year. On a more positive note, I'm planning the San Lorenzo Ruiz skit for the feast day next month. I didnt know what I got myself into, but Im kinda excited to do it.

WEDDING PLANNER: In Oct. imma be subbing in for the wedding coordinator, which is going to be kinda fun. Even though it may sound a little on teh gay side, I dont care the $ will be worth it. I pretty much handle all the behind the scenes stuff as it, I mine as well juss go all the way. On top of that it's always good learning experience to know more stuff bout certain liturgies. There are some couples who are juss so nice and chill, then there are others who become a cross to carry. I understand its a special day but maan some people are juss too much. Demands, demands, and more demands is all I heard sometimes. There this man who called today who wants his kids to get married at the church but they dont live in the boundary area they lives I dont know some where else but he's insisting they get married at holy fam. However it seems like he's doing all the pushing for them rather then the couple themselves doing it freely.

FLYING BY: Summer is slowly drifting away I cant believe were already in Mid-August. Which means in 2 weeks is SCRC then after that is the first day of skool! Oh why?! I was hoping to find a new job by that time, but apparently maybe its not the best time. There are some things that Id still like to do before summer is over. On top of taht finish some summer reading as well. When I was younger I remember kinda looking forward to the fall cuz all the new shows would start up again. Its almost like a catch 22, you like summer cuz no skool, things are pretty easy and mellow, but at the same time there are things you look forward to happening in the fall like the return of all your favorite shows. Speaking of shows I found this website last nite on old '90s retro shows. Its pretty tight cuz it has all the shows that pretty much ever existed in that area. When you click on it, you can see the opening credits to some of them. Man watching them brings back so many memories of when I was kid.

NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS: Remember how I was sharing bout my Vibe magazine? So they called me today and told me I've become almost like a VIP subscriber so for that they're going to renew my subscription for the next 3 years at a low price of $50 something. Well I went a long with it, I mine as well since I've been subscribing forever now. Oh I remember the point of their call was to see if I've been getting my Vibe in good condition. Actually what I should've complained bout was how it comes in the mail so late! Like usually I use to get it before the stores would get it, now its like I get it after they do. Makes me wonder sometimes if its even going to come in! Oh well, anyway, since I did all that they're going to send me a years free subscription to maxim magazine ha! I guess mine as well take advantage of it since it's a free. Im not big into the maxim though...Too bad it wasnt some other type of hip hop magazine, I would've been down for that.

IF ONLY: I can be as talented as they are and do this: ha!




Does summer really have to go?!

"Cuz you cant stop the beat..."im done, im out God bless!

Back in Business...

"To rely on our talents is a cause of great loss. When someone places confidence in his own prudence, knowledge, and intelligence, God, To make him know and see his insufficiency, withdraws from him His help and leaves him to work by himself. This is often why our undertakings miserably fail..."

SERVICE: My 'r' is broken on my keyboard...I gotta call Dell in the morning to send me over a new one. Ahh I really need a new laptop, maan I feel like this one I have now is so obsolete already. Anyway, I spent the days with my service padawans. I was thinking today on my way home, how when Jaime first asked me to become the service adviser I thought to myself 'service? I've never done that before thas kinda weird.' Yet looking at now, I'm glad I was put into that position. Withing the past year or so, these 4 boys and I have become real close. Its kinda like I consider them my own little brothers in a sense...or more like padawans. Being billy was in town for the week we finally were able to all go out and juss chill...well sorta. Then Raph was back as well from his vacation so it was like were almost complete. Spectrum was nice juss really hot which I was kinda surprise being that were close to the beach. You had these parents there with their kids in bathing suits playing in the shooting water fountains. Looking at the water made me juss want to jump right in. After a long day I'm juss tired...I felt like I was away from home all weekend long.

WHAT THE: The meeting tonite was pretty good, so it was better than expected. As the kids walked in we assigned them to different debate groups. That kid JR who I met for the first time last week came too which I was surprise to see. So we laid down the ground rules and the debates began...it was kinda like speech and debate back in high skool ha. The three teams I coached did pretty well for the most part. I myself really started to get into it as well. The last topic bout being obeying your parents was difficult being that I had to be against obeying your parents. The last topic was real deep bout 'should God forgive pedophiles?' Obviously it may seem like common sense that yeah of course but maan putting yourself in that position of having to forgive one...dang.

POOR GUY: On my way to the meeting I stopped by my office to pick up a couple of things. Well this guy came in to juss get a letter of permission to be a Godparent for another parish. The guy probably thought it shouldnt take that long and he'd be in and out. Well first off one of the staff members didnt even know what the guy wanted which probably started the whole thing. So then next think you know the other front office staff begins to the guy a hard time being he's not registered at the parish and blah blah blah. Well on my way out I told the guy that sometimes they juss like to make things difficult than they need to be so if he wanted I could give the permission letter for him tomorrow or whenever he wanted to. I think he appreciated that, I know I would've if I was told I needed to go through all kinds of hoops juss to get a permission letter.

VIBE MAGAZINE: This past summer I've been doing a lot of cleaning and rearranging. I took all my vibe magazines from my tub of junk as well from my closet and put them in the bookshelf in the hallway. So after doing that I realized I've got every issue of Vibe since 1998 except for 2 issues that Im missing from like 2003 or something like that. It looks kinda cool how I have it hehe As funny as it may sound Vibe is really the only magazine I subscribe to on a regular basis. I was getting that Complex magazine for a while but I dont know they stopped sending to my house, I liked that magazine too cuz they had fresh gear to check out that made you want to go out look for it, and buy it. Oh well...


High School musical 2 comes out this friday!
"Everybody stop look what's that sound everybody look what's going down..."im done, im out God bless

Looking through the Eyes

"Take a moment to think of everything you're proud of about yourself and your life. Then ask yourself if you would have any of this without God's permission and aid? Give credit where credit is due; praise and thank Him, not yourself..."

LIKE FIYA: I went Rock the Bells for the first time on Saturday and wow talk bout a long day. I came home with rashes and sunburns. THe place they had it was crazy space man there was so much walking cuz everything was so spread out. I wish were able to sit closer to really enjoy the performances thats one down part of the show. They had screens so you can see the stage but it wasnt dark enough to view it. oh why?! Errthang was major expensive, freakin $4.50 for a bottle of water! I spent $8 on a bowl of teriyaki chicken which was kiinda funnny cuz I was standing by the food juss checking things out trying to figure whether if its cash only or they take credit/debit. ANyway, so then the one of food vendors people working goes to me, 'are you next in line?' I was like 'uhh yeah, ill get a teriyaki chicken bowl.' ha so much for standing in line! I should've brought water bottles to fill up w/water at the fountain which I didnt find till later. The air quality sucked cuz of all the people blazin' it up. The best part was during wu-tangs performance people started to make bonfires on the grass area. All of sudden you'd see clouds of smoke starting from one end of the field going across the other side. Though our bonfire owned errone elses cuz these foos were getting boxes and trash bags and literally throwing them into the pile. Then to top it all off they were jumping through the fire too! I was standing around waiting to see if the sheriffs were going to come or security but they didnt! Security juss stood around and chilled! Anyway, it was a long day and crazy night, I couldnt wait to juss go home. I dont know if I'd go again next year...



CAR WASH: Waking up early this morning for the car wash was killer. My alarm went off at 515am so I could iron my clothes for mass and all I wanted to do was juss sleep! When I got out of the house it was cold! It brought back memories of waking up early to be at water polo practice. Spending another hot long day in the sun isn't any fun. Good thing there's only one more car wash left...ahh However on the bright side we had the help and we generated profit so thas a positive. It's always hard to get things started and going on the morning. During mass I kept nodding my head, cuz I felt so tired. Though it was either go to mass now or come back for 530pm which I didnt want to drive all the way back. Anyway, Im juss glad this weekend is over, its been one long one thas for sure.

IN HIS EYES: Fr. Alby, who this visiting priest that came in to talk bout this mission appeal today was sharing me a story bout St. John Vianney. I love hearing stories bout the saints even if they're juss small short ones, there's so much you can learn. Anyway, so Fr. was telling me bout how one time St. John caught this farmer who was always spending time in the church in front of the blessed sacrament before and after work. When St. John confronted the farmer wha he was doing, the Farmer said to him 'I look at Him and He looks at me.' That really inspired me cuz Fr started to share the comparison to a mother and her child. The same concept, the mother looks at the baby and the baby looks at her. Fr. started to share w/me the thas how God is w/us, no matter how sinful we are or what we've done, we can always come back to Him. We look at Him and He looks at us. So Fr. encouraged me to spend time in the blessed sacrament whether its for an hour or for 1 min. but to sit there and think 'I look at Him and He looks at me.'



Busy, but an eventful weekend indeed...

"French-vanilla, butter-pecan, chocolate-deluxe, Even caramel sundaes is gettin touched..."im done, im out God bless!

There You'll Be

"Love is inventive until infinity..."

CHANGING TIMES: Wow this is a first, actually being inspired or having the motivation to blog. This feeling is kinda nice...its funny the past couple of days I would look back and my old entries then think to myself, 'How did I have so much time to blog?' or 'How did I manage to write bout so much when my life was so routine?' Perhaps it was cuz I took advantage of my life at the time, to look outside the box and see all the blessings that came w/that day. Whether it was bad or good, I still managed to try and find or see something positive that came out of it. Now a days, I dont even have the motivation to blog or say anything. Sheesh I'm lucky to even start something and finish it w/o clicking on 'save now' and come back to it later. So I hope I can make an effort to try and revive this thing again, talk bout my day and how it went, and share it. Gosh I've put so much effort into this blog already from entries to pictures to even printing out entries and turning them into books there's no way I can stop now.

REFOCUSING: This week has been draining but it allowed me to see things differently. Hmm I've come to realize that I've been focusing a lot of my energy on vanity of vanity things(ha)that I've missed out so much on juss focusing on becoming a better person. Back in the days I'd take time out to go the blessed sacrament and juss pray for a little bit. Laziness has definitely taken a toll on my spirituality. Maybe I'm doing too much? Maybe I'm juss thinking I can do it on my own and not really asking for God's help. This guy called me tonite postponing his wedding that was suppose to happen next month. It was kinda sad to hear. In the same token the same thing has happened w/my best friend. However, I guess its better to realize things now then wait till after you get married. The other thing I've come to realize that I come from such a loving home. I was telling my aunt yesterday how lucky I am that I have such loving parents. Parents who support me in what I do and what I'm involved in. Parents who say they love me and let me know all that I'm loved. Last weeks gospel shared so much bout storing your treasures not in monetary things but in things like love. Fr. JOhnny asked last sunday, 'what identifies us?' is it our car? our clothes? the things we have. I liked how he said when we 'up' our needs and desires we have to work harder, which means less time w/our family. Bottom line what should identify us is our faith in God translated into good works. This is what should be important to us.

WORKED OUT: Today I actually took the time and worked out worked out. Oh man I left w/my arms feeling sore. At the same time it felt good cuz I haven't worked out like that in so long. Now the hard part is trying to make that a daily routine and to focus on loosing weight again. Ah if only I had the perseverance to stick to a reasonable diet and build muscle and loose fat at the same time. BEing that 24 hr. fitness is closer to the house now, it'll help so much more.

FAVORITES: One of my favorite praise & worship songs has to be 'hungry.' I dont know why it juss the lyrics of the song are so wow. Its juss all bout humbling yourself before God and coming before Him w/all that you have. No matter how you feel whether you're broken or juss tired He's there waiting for you. Whenever I hear that song I cant help but to think of the blessed sacrament. You know that feeling when you Jesus exposed and you juss fall to your knees in adoration with so much love for Him. Its like you cant wait to tell and give him everything...Hungry I come to You for I know You satisfy.

SMALL THINGS: Last Friday I had met up w/will from SCRC. We had a good chat, who would've thought we end up chillin? Its amazing the different people God places in your life. The people you come across and end up becoming friends with. Anyway, it was juss inspiring cuz we were talking bout looking for the simple things in life. On Tuesday, I went to SH and errtime I come back to 'room b' it brings back memories. All this week the ol skool action song medleys have been stuck in my head. BAck to beginnings is what it really was all bout. I saw the old name tags in the box and began to wonder what happened to all those people? Where did they go? Praying community was nice again, it's been such a long time since that's happened. HFYA is nice and so it UTC but its juss not the same. Nothing can ever replace those days in room b. So much took place in such a simple room. All in all there the spirit was there and it's always been there. Its funny cuz so much healing has taken place in that room. God has definitely been with us. So I've realized a certain event that trigged me to be really upset, but now has become a blessing in disguise. Despite the fact that errtime the topic or subjects comes up I get a little sad, it's one less thing on my plate that I have to worry about. I guess it juss really took time to surrender and offer it in prayer.

TEN STEPS: So Imma close with this, I found this on an old blog entry and I thought it was good so I'd repost it...

We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly.

1 Corinthians 4:12-13a

Ten Steps To A Blessed Day

1. TODAY I WILL NOT STRIKE BACK.

If someone is rude; If someone is impatient; If someone is unkind, I will not respond in a like manner.

"Love is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs"
(1 Corinthians 13:5).

2. TODAY I WILL ASK GOD TO BLESS MY "ENEMY".

If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask God to bless that individual. I understand the "enemy" could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker or stranger.

"For God so loved the world, He gave His one and only son
so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life"
(John 3:16).

3. TODAY I WILL BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT I SAY.

I will carefully choose and guard my words, being certain that I do not spread gossip, slander or malign anyone in any way.

"Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres"
(1 Corinthians 13:7).

4. TODAY I WILL GO THE EXTRA MILE.

I will find ways to help share the burden of another person. I will find ways to make life more pleasant.

"Greater love has no one than this
that he lay down his life for his friends"
(John 15:13).

5. TODAY I WILL FORGIVE.

I will forgive any hurt or injuries that come my way. (I will also work to forgive injuries that have been inflicted upon me in the past).

"God is love"
(1 John 4:8).

6. TODAY I WILL DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE, BUT I WILL DO IT SECRETLY.

I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another person. We always thank God for you mentioning you in our prayers.

"We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ"
(1 Thessalonians 1:1-2).

7. TODAY I WILL TREAT OTHERS AS I WISH TO BE TREATED.

I will practice the Golden Rule - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"- with everyone I encounter.

8. TODAY I WILL RAISE THE SPIRITS OF SOMEONE WHO IS DISCOURAGED.

My smile, my words, my expression or support, can make the difference to someone who is wrestling with life.

"If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink"
(John 7:37).

9. TODAY I WILL NURTURE MY BODY.

I will eat less; I will eat only healthy foods; I will thank God for my body.

10. TODAY I WILL GROW SPIRITUALLY.

I will spend a little more time in prayer today; I will begin reading something spiritual or inspirational today; I will find a quiet place (at some point during this day) and listen to God's voice.


So I hope rock the bells is worth it tomorrow...

"I want my love to be beautiful..."im done, im out God bless!

Feel The Flame Burn

"True repentance is to cease from sin..."

SUMMER DAYS: Summer has been pretty good so far, its been pretty productive. This past month in particular has been an exciting month. Its been back to back outings going on from retreats to birthday parties. On top of that I never realized how many birthdays going on during the month of July. I always thought november and june was the crazy birthday month, naw it's actually July. Anyway, last week I spent a week working summer with SDC kids. After a week though I had to give up. I'll admit I couldnt hang at all. Ive had experience working with kids of all ages from pre skool all the way up to high skool. Though kids with disabilities isn't my gift I realized I dont have the time and energy for it. I have more respect for those teachers who dedicate their lives in helping these kids. I always thought I had it hard working with kids who are below grade level but maaan this is a whole different story. Though it was a good experience and I'm glad I took on the challenge.

BIRTHDAYS: So as I was saying there are tons of birthdays in July. Happy anniversary to Rob and Em as well as to Gary and Banne. Maui was awesome, it was probably one of the best vacations ever well next to new york at least. Abby's birthday was on the 10th, she's become my 11am mass friend ha. She's one of the teachers who has the gift of working w/those SDC kids. I give her props for that, its not easy. Coy's birthday was on the 11th, I miss working w/that kid. I remember when he was only a sophmore in hs dang now he's going to be sophmore in college. The 13th marked my lolo's one year death anniversary. Ahh it's still hard to believe he's gone. The 14th was Jei's birthday and the 15th was reirich's who ended up getting the iphone like me! ha The 17th was parent's anniversary we had a fun day chillin at the OC Fair w/the rest of the fam. Then yesterday was heif's 26th birthday.

WITNESSES: Last weekend I spent the weekend up in Running Springs for our youth core retreat. It was definitely spirit filled it was great growth and bonding for everyone. Even though they're a lot younger then me, their energy and faith inspires my own personal growth. It reminds me of when I was juss beginning in my own road of faith. To share the passion of the faith and my own personal experiences with them is exciting cuz it helps me remember of those good times. Anyway, during the consecration praying over each one of them and seeing them pour their heart outs juss was wow. It goes to show you that despite that negative things that is happening in the church, the church is still alive. The church is still strong because of these young people giving their hearts and their hands ready to serve in this world. They are ready to be that light unto the world.

EYE OPENER: Last week I had attended a funeral and it was kinda crazy cuz at the same time it felt like a reunion. The guy who had past away, went to kennedy and he knew a lot of people that I knew. In fact I had ran into this guy who I had gone to elementary skool with and hadn't seen in geez I dont know how many years. He went into the navy after graduating hs and has been in since. Anyway, he looks all gangstad out it was funny. The point of this story was the guy was only 24 and had past away from bone cancer. Total eye opener to think this guy probably had dreams of doing big things when he was younger. Maybe traveling the world going to places he's never been to before. Its sad that his life was cut short by cancer. Events like these help you to really appreciate the life you have the people you have in it. Makes you thankful for the things you have in you life at the same think bout your own funeral. I started to wonder wha mine would be like and if there would be a lot of people there. My friend who went w/me asked me who I think would be the most hurt? It posed an interesting question that I had to take a little bit of time to think. At any rate, its so sad that he had so much to live for, but at least he isn't suffering anymore. Eternal rest grant unto Him O Lord.

SUMMER ROUNDS: This past July I've been able to make my rounds and chill w/some of these guys who I consider my little bros. Its coo kinda catching up and seeing how they're doing. Last week I took francis to the promenade in Santa Monica and this kid was like a kid in the candy store-all over the place. Anyway, it juss coo hanging out, spending time, and catching up outside the normal setting. Ive come to the realization that there's only so much you can do in cali before you run out of things to do. Maybe it seems like I've done it all already...the block, promenade, spectrum...Oh well I guess its not the location but its the quality of the time spent that counts ha.

MANMANA: So Rob and I were talking bout this old muppets character called 'Manmana.' Well I dont remember the old skool version but the new one I remember. Anyway, he's this random little guy who juss goes around and says 'manmana' now it sounds real simple, but its freakin funny as heck! Its one of those simple things that make you laugh so hard cuz it's so random but hilarious at the same time. Look him on youtube and you'll see too why its so funny. I loved watching the muppets and sesame street growing up. Those characters were a trip. I like the little insecure beaker who when he talks he juss mumbles. ha Ahh the memories of being a kid again...

SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT: If you havent seen the simpsons yet man you're missing out. Its one of those movies that I could sit and watch over and over again. And for me wow that's big...ha yeah I couldnt believe how packed the theater got on friday. APparently errone must've really wanted to watch the simpsons. Hairspray was another movie that I could watch again, in fact I am tomorrow. I think its the music that really got me, its so jazzy ha makes you want to jump on a stage and dance. The soundtrack has been sold out pretty much errwhurr. It was suggested to go to borders cuz it wouldnt be sold out there. I guess the music really is that good. That new show the singing bee is freakin solid! I love that show, its become one of those shows that I must watch now all the time. Common's new album is pretty mean, I was playing that inside my car for two weeks-I was lucky enough to get the hook ups! Last thursday there was a free neyo concert that I wanted to go to at Venice beach but yeaaah...Ill juss stop there with that one. Next weekend Im going to rock the bells w/my friend, I've never been there so it should be cool.

I love the summer days...

"Receive the power of the Holy Spirit..."im done, im out God bless!