Happy Birthday to my Book Blog!

Books That Tug The Heart (aka Jinky is Reading) is one year old today!!  Woohoo!!!  It feels like a 4th child and in some ways it is!  It sure takes a lot of care, nourishing, and time but it's rewarding too.  The books take me to wonderful or not so wonderful adventures.  Certainly through them my horizon is broadening.  A fun hobby.  ~Yeay, Jinky is Reading!!

Head on over to the website (look on the sidebar for the link) for a chance to win a copy of the first book I reviewed, Ever After by Karen Kingsbury ... or stop by to wish me happy birthday. :)

I'll Go

Last Sunday I woke up convincing myself to skip church.  Just because of sluggishness.  But I couldn't think of a good excuse and the thought of skipping out on my Nursery leader and the Nursery children weighed heavily on my mind (I'm one of the Nursery assistant leaders, so I miss Sunday School and Relief Society meetings to attend to my calling in Nursery).  Of course the guilt of skipping out on Christ and punishing my kids for my sluggishness was a big factor too, so we went!  Then come this weekend I felt that sluggishness again.  Steven had a runny nose yesterday and I thought, well, that's a decent reason to miss church today, wouldn't want his Nursery mates to catch a cold, and it was going to be a day off for me from Nursery so I wouldn't be skipping out on my responsibilities there.  Oh, and the rainy weather was a motivator to stay home!  But I remembered my kids.  They need their church time so I kicked myself again and we went.  I'm so glad that we especially went today.  Being off from my Nursery duties I had an opportunity to attend Sunday School and the combined Priesthood and Relief Society meeting (our Nursery leader had arranged substitutes for me and another Nursery assistant so that we could attend the special 5th Sunday meeting).  I sooo enjoyed those last two hours of church!!  It was an awesome feeling attending Sunday School and discussing the scriptures.  It had been 10 months since I last attended one.  Then, the combined meeting was a nice treat as well.  Brother and Sister H. shared their testimonies, thoughts, facts, and encouragements about serving as Senior Missionaries.  They came back last year from serving a mission in Ethiopia.  After their talks, I wanted to sign up to serve!  But I need my other half to qualify and he doesn't qualify just yet.  Anyway, it wasn't until the closing song that I lost it!  The song was "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go ...(dear Lord)" and before I knew it, I was quitely sobbing with sleeping Steven in my arms (Nursery sent him back to me because he was crying too much!).  The song had affected me because I was where I should have been that 3hrs of this Sunday.  Heavenly Father wanted me to go to church and so I'm glad I was there!  In my sobs of realization and gratefulness, I recommitted myself to go and be where my dear Lord wants me to go.  ~My cup runneth over... my heart is full.  God is good.  I am happy!

Stressed

I don't know how this clip art might help me but it's awfully cute (right down to her smirky smile)!!  Anyway, I'm wigging out this week!  With the quick planning of David's baptism and a birthday party to add to that ... well, everything else goes in the back burner!!  I'm overwhelmed with so much to do yet.  So here I am venting.  Man, this goes to show that I would not be a good wedding coordinator or any party coordinator for that matter!! 

All right, I better go now.  I've got to put away the Christmas decorations, wash tons of laundry, pick up baptismal jumpsuit, finish up late invites, draft and send out request for a letter, buy pinata and candies, make party food list and order them, whip out my warmers, get party supplies, pick up after the kids (I already cleaned up pee on the floor, now I've just been informed Soph spilled a cup full of water --thank goodness it's not pancake syrup we just had for breakfast!), cook Dave's lunch for work, return phone calls, come up with party favors, CLEAN the house, etc. etc. !!  At this point, I would like I Dream of Jeannie powers and blink everything perfect, but that's not going to happen so perhaps I should order one of those huge moving pods and fill it with all the clutter in my house and hide them there!  And of course, hire a party coordinator that would do all this party stuff!!  Too bad I don't play the lottery so I'd get a shot at those millions and I'd be able to throw a stress free party.

But this will all be worth it because come Saturday evening, I'll be the happiest mom in the world!!

Congratulations my dear David!  I love you to pieces!!!

Proof ...

... that I'm loosing my mind.  Here's my conversation with Dave late last night:

Me:  (giddy) "Guess what day it is?"
Me:  (not waiting for an answer, just in case he forgot) " 12 years!.. our first date."
Dave: "No-oo.  What's the date today?"
Me: "Oh, I forgot again!  Why do I keep thinking it's the 21st today?"  (**see below)
Me:  "Wow, you actually remembered?"
Dave:  "Of course, I remember everything!"
Me: (smiling ... happy)
   
**See, we had a similar conversation this morning:
Dave: (regarding change in work schedule) "Maybe they'll give me an answer if I called them early ...though we should know by the 21st."
Me:  (ignorantly confident) "It's the 21st, you can call now."
Dave:  "No it's not."
Me:  "Yes it is!"
Dave:  (looking at his cell phone) "It's the 18th."
Me:  (looking at our kitchen calendar)  "Oh... that's why I went to the library today because my books were due on the 21st!"  (big embarrassing blush!)
Dave:  (smiling ... while continuing to read the morning paper)

Thelma and Louise weekend ...

...okay, maybe not even close but that title sounded much better than "my birthday weekend road trip". Anyway, a good friend of mine gave me tickets to see Saturday morning session of General Conference as a birthday present, so my sister and I drove to Salt Lake City last weekend to attend it. We left Friday night and ended up taking longer nap rests than I anticipated. We weren't able to swing by a friend of mine's home as planned to freshen up. We arrived Salt Lake around 8:30am, their time, so that left us an hour to be in our conference seats. We stopped by McDonald's for breakfast and used their restroom to change and freshen up as best we could.

Wow! The process to getting and being in the conference building was awesome!! Although there were long lines, they moved quickly and efficiently (even having to go through metal detectors and bag/purse peeks). Then I was at a personal awe for the realization of being in conference in person! What a sweet and wonderful feeling it was to be in the vicinity with the prophet! Next time, maybe I will be able to shake his hand. A truly special birthday (that day was my actual birthday). My sister enjoyed the experience as well.

After the session, my sister and I were ready to check-in to our hotel and take a much needed shower! After which, we met up with Mhai and her family for lunch at a nearby downtown cafe. It sure was a treat to see her again and finally meet baby Ella (their #4). The food was yummy and the company was even better! Then, back to our hotel to rest a bit and soon after drove around town looking for a Thai restaurant (was craving Thai for my birthday dinner). We stumbled onto a fabulous one! My SLC friends check it out here. After the delicious meal we just drove around and enjoyed the cool air and beautiful mountains, then back to the hotel to crash!! We woke up in the morning jazzed at my snow covered car! After a quick breakfast and another circle to temple square we were off homeward bound. Shortly after an hour's drive out, I got pulled over by a cop. I was caught speeding. Bad girl!! This time I made sure "my wife of an officer's badge" was in full view while I retrieved my driver's license. The cop saw it and asked if I was a cop. I said no but my husband is. He then said, "Well, we don't want your husband to get mad at you for getting a speeding ticket. Just slow down.". "Yes, sir" I replied over a racing heart! My funny sister shortly informed me that she had a back up plan had he pursued to give me a ticket. She said that she would tell the officer that I drove all the way here to see the conference and that I'm a nurse and helped people ... then give him her puppy smile. It would have worked too! That gal can talk her way out of anything!! Oh, I forgot to mention that my sister got pulled over too on our drive to Salt Lake in the middle of the night ... but for looking lost! Heart racing no less!! Anyway, the drive home was pleasant. We talked and enjoyed our sister time. The whole weekend was a great experience for both of us and a much needed mini vacation. Sure glad it didn't end like Thelma and Louise!!

P.S. That Monday of the 5th, my sweet family celebrated my birthday. I had cake with a 21 candle (lil David thinks I'm that old, so Dave played along and got the candles ... works for me!). I got the Star Trek movie and Just Dance wii game I wanted. That and the iPod touch I got from my sister, I'll be grooving my way to a slimmer me! Hehehe. ~Overall, being 41 was fabulous and memorable!! Thank you, my family and friends for your part in making this a great year. I love you all.

To wake up to a new calling

Late this morning I logged into Facebook and received a message from one of the bishopric letting me know that he needed to talk to me to extend a calling. Time's really changed! Land lines are going to be obsolete! Who calls from a land line anymore? These days you're more likely to get a cell phone text or e-mails ... or Facebooked!! Anyway, the kids and I got to church early so Brother M. took the opportunity to talk to me right there in the chapel where we sat. He extended to me a calling to be a Nursery Assistant. Had he asked that a few months ago, I'd be thinking to myself ... "Oh no, please Father, no!!". Well, since Steven's still quite attached to me I've been spending quite a lot of time in Nursery and have gotten to appreciate the fairly new Nursery Leaders and gotten to know the little cutie pies there, so this is welcomed.

I was surprised that the bishop asked for the sustaining vote for my calling right away. It must not have been more than 10 minutes since I was extended the call and I wasn't set apart for the calling yet (I do get set apart for that, right?). I wasn't released from the other calling as well, so in the meantime I am holding two callings. Anywho, I was put to work right away. Since, I had the sustaining vote of the congregation, I felt right to interact with the children and truly felt happy to. The only hang up was that Steven kept crying when I'd leave his side to tend to another child. In due time he'll understand that I'm there to stay and there for the other children as well.

I'm excited!! I've already fallen in love with the children and thrilled to be able to hang out with them. I'm one happy chick! :)

What is it like?

I pose these following questions to LDS wives reading this ... What is it like to have an LDS husband? What is it like to have the priesthood in your home? What is it like to be a full member family? .... you get the picture. I wonder if it's anything like the family in Leave it to Beaver? Probably not, but you get the idea there too. Anyway, these questions came to mind after the awesome Fireside last night that guest starred Sister Susan Bednar, an apostle's wife. She didn't strike me as an eloquent speaker but it was obvious she was humble and I adored her for that quality. She invited questions and towards the end I had a question in mind but didn't get around to asking. I wanted to ask her take on part-member families. Being in that situation, I wanted insight on the subject. I found myself hearing the churchie answers like: pray, live the gospel, be patient, be faithful, etc. What else? I know there's no magic answer but ...but.

What also drove me to ask those questions came from the sweet feeling I felt during President M.'s (didn't catch the name, one of the stake presidents in attendance) closing remarks. He struck me as an eloquent speaker. I sensed his righteous use of his priesthood. I liked that and so I wondered what life was like for his wife and thus your lives with your husbands.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying I chose the wrong man. Far from it! Dave's my man. He leads his life worthy of a priesthood holder ... just doesn't have it officially. I wouldn't trade him for one that does either. He's a keeper!

My spiritual blog

I have been striving diligently to better myself and have been making goals as a tool to accomplish that. The complete list is written in my journal. I will tell you of two significant ones. One, I made back on the third week of August when I renewed my temple recommend; I set a goal to go to the temple once-a-week and have only missed one thus far. The second, I made a few days ago and started it into action yesterday; setting a goal to do scriptures study for at least 15 minutes each day. Then, as I was watching the morning session of General Conference yesterday, the idea of blogging about my scripture study came to mind. My mind began to be exceedingly full of ideas of the process that it overwhelmed me! I finally reached a simplified program and so came the birth of my spiritual blog. Yeay! You are certainly welcome to visit and see my progress of transforming my weakness of scripture reading to becoming my strength. I look forward to my quest to be a better person for the sake of my family. I look forward to the day that I am sealed to my husband and children. May God bless me in this journey. These I pray in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

FYI: You can find the link to my spiritual blog at the side bar under "About me" titled "My other blog" for future reference.

Dying to be kicked

In light of the recent deaths, Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Micheal Jackson, and Billy Mays, I am reminded of my thoughts about dying. This during the latter part of my pregnancy with Sophia. I considered the thought that I might not make it through the c-section. I recall, while they were wheeling me to the surgery room, wanting to grab Dave’s hand and whisper my proclamation of my love for him and our kids and give my last wishes. I didn’t … thinking too movie drama-like. The thoughts again came when I was pregnant with Steven. Again wanting to grab Dave’s hand and share my fears and wishes. Needless to say, I survived the surgeries. I’m sure the anxiety had a lot to do with hormones but the fear was real. It gave me an opportunity to ask myself, “What legacy would I be leaving? What would family and friends remember about me? What would be their thoughts?” But above all, thinking “Oh crap, the house is a mess!”. People will think for sure that I’m cluttered in the head since I’ve got a cluttered home!

I am not ready to go! I’m embarrass to say so because … I am cluttered in the head!! Some of what people see is a face. I don’t have it all together. I’m an emotional eater, short tempered, a rat-pack, a procrastinator, hypertensive, scared, got the “only if …” syndrome, etc. But all this because I’ve got spiritual issues that need to be addressed. Someone kick me!! Hard. Maybe hit me with a frying pan.

Oddly enough, in the depths of me, I am grateful for Heavenly Father’s patience with me. I can’t help but feel his love and longing for me to succeed. He’s just waiting for me to do my part.

I Was A Criminal

Yesterday I mailed the $332 bail for a speeding ticket I received late February. It's been on the back burner, hoping it'd pay itself ... haha. The citation stated that I was going 52miles/hr on a 35mile/hr road. I seriously think he meant to write 42miles/hr but how do I prove it? I don't remember exactly where he stopped me and much of anything else but that I was nervous when he pulled me over. What a terrible feeling and a blow to my self-esteem. I committed a crime ... yuck! Perhaps now that I've paid the bail, it will be behind me and I can move on. Quite similar to the bail (atonement) that Jesus Christ paid for our transgressions/sins if we but in general repent, take responsibility for our actions, promise to not commit it again and therefore be forgiven and can move on. What a cool elder brother!

Pumped Up!

Believe it or not, according to my scale, I've lost 3 lbs already! It's a good chance it's wrong, but I weighed myself every hour and still the same! Perhaps my starting weight was wrong, either way, I'm soooo pumped up and movitated. There is something to this exercise and watching what you eat afterall ... figure that!

I'd like to share in brief a few things that seem to be working for me. Water, water, water! Purchased myself one of those 32oz jugs and set myself a goal to drink at least 640z. Also, I've been working out in the gym with weights, elliptical machine, and water exercise in the pool. I love YMCA! They have awesome programs and excellent gym equipments. Moving on, the diet part I mentioned before is the hard part for me. Sure enough it continues to be. I'm not following any specific diet meal. I don't think I can eat "healthy" food. I'd miss a lot of the Filipino food if I did that. Basically, I just eat less and trim the fat. I eat sweets, just very little and just so my stomach thinks I'm not depriving myself. So hard because I've got a closet pantry full of sweets!! Also, I've set up a diet blog (private for now). And of course my favorite (promoting this to married couples only!), making love ... hee hee :D. Well, that's it so far and of course your support ... namely my husband who has committed to babysit the kids so I can work out. I love you Honey!

I must add, I'm also going to work on my spiritual progression. My biggest fan is Heavenly Father and I don't want to let Him down. He's doing His part and I need to do mine.

It's a happy day for me. A turning point. :)

**Sidebar music: "I'm So Excited" by Pointer Sisters

Embarrassment Factor

I came across the following article today and found it interesting. From #4 below and taking inspiration from my friend Marque, I want to make public my quest to shed some weight and use the embarrassment factor. I don't have specific plans yet. I just have a goal date ... May 26th of this year, my wedding anniversary. I want to look hot for my Honey! I don't think I can do what Marque is doing ... pictures, detailed nutritional count, etc. So, what am I going to do? Well, I've been going to the Y for their water exercise, took a peek at dance exercise dvd, and failed miserably at the Healthy Habits program. With the first two and making use of the exercise equipments at the Y's gym will suffice for the exercise portion of this weight loss dream program. The hard part for me is the diet. I love food! I thought I was a food addict but I've been told that if I really were, I'd be 800lbs and since I'm not, there's hope. Well, I need your help ... support, encouragements, suggestions, specifics, etc. I'd like to lose 20lbs. Please, I need help quickly ... I've got 9 weeks!! Two pounds a week is doable. --That's it! I have to come up with a detailed commitment plan. I'll take your suggestions and let you know soon what I come up with. Wish me success and thanks in advance for your support.

I've chosen the Rocky theme song, "Gonna Fly Now" for the sidebar music because it has that motivating-underdog-win feel to it. My favorite parts in the movies were Rocky's physically gruelling training sessions so this song seemed appropriate there too. I need to work my a-- off!! Oops, I actually have a flat butt so that's going to be a problem ... hahaha.

Eat Right Without Thinking
Women’s Health
By Tamar Haspel, Women's Health
1. Always eat dessert. Yes, always. "A small amount can signal that the meal is over," says Barbara Rolls, Ph.D., author of The Volumetrics Eating Plan. She ends her meals with a piece of quality chocolate and she's a doctor.

2. Get help from a paper napkin. You can use it to blot a teaspoon of fat off a pizza slice. That may not sound like a lot, but multiply it by a slice a week, and that's more than a whole cup of fat you won't eat or wear this year.

3. Take the beltway. When junk food beckons, tighten your belt a notch. Not so you can't breathe, but so you have a gentle reminder of the size you'd like to be. "The scale isn't the only measure of weight," says Roberta Anding, R.D., a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.

4. Go public. Enlist the help of friends, family, and coworkers and know they're watching. "The power of embarrassment is greater than willpower," says Stephen Gullo, Ph.D., author of The Thin Commandments.

5. Milk it for all it's worth. Consuming 1,800 milligrams of calcium a day could block the absorption of about 80 calories, according to a recent University of Tennessee study. Jump-start your calcium intake by filling your coffee mug with skim or 1 percent milk, drinking it down to the level you want in your coffee, then pouring in your caffeine fix. That's 300 mg down, 1,500 to go.

6. Scrape by. Always order your bagel or burger with a plastic knife. Use it to scrape off the excess cream cheese and mayo. You could shave off as many as half the calories.

7. Spice things up. Capsaicin, the substance that puts the hot in hot pepper, temporarily boosts your metabolism. Just make sure you're drinking a yogurt lassi with that searing-hot chicken vindaloo. Dairy blocks capsaicin's sweat-inducing signals better than water.

8. Case the organic section. That's where you're likely to find bread and cereal with fiber counts that put the conventional choices to shame. Thought you were doing well with your 3-grams-per-serving Cheerios? Nature's Path Slim blows it away with 10 g. (And it really doesn't taste like a shredded shoebox.)

9. Increase your a-peel. Speaking of fiber, a lot of it's in the peel, whether it's potatoes, apples, or pears. Even oranges don't eat the whole peel, but keep the pith, that white stringy stuff; it's packed with flavonoids. More nutrients, more fiber, less labor. It's a win-win-win.

10. Spend lavishly on precut vegetables at the supermarket. Sure, they cost more, but you're more likely to eat them. "Make low-energy snacks as easy as possible," Dr. Rolls says. "Keep vegetables as near to hand as you can. Make it so you have no excuse."

11. Upgrade your restaurant selection. Pick a place where you'll actually want to linger. "When the meals are not hurried, the presentation is beautiful and the portions are reasonable so you can regulate your attitude," Anding says. That means your body not the empty plate will tell you when to stop.

12. Eat a snack at 3 p.m., no matter what. "Have a 150-calorie snack [now], and it can save you 400 calories later," Anding says. An ounce of nuts or two sticks of string cheese weigh in at about 170 calories.

13. Drink with your dominant hand. If you're circulating at a party, Dr. Rolls suggests keeping your glass in the hand you eat with. If you're drinking with it, you can't eat with it, can you?

14. Plate it. Whatever it is, don't eat it out of the container and don't bring the container to the couch. "Part of satiety is visual," Anding says. "Your brain actually has to see the food on the plate, and when you reach into the jar, or the box, or the bag, you don't see it." If it's worth eating, put it on a plate. Eat what's there, then stop.

15. Send back the bread. All it takes is a wave of the hand, a smile, and a "No, thank you."

16. Start with salad. It's the holy grail of dieting eat less by eating more. Dr. Rolls's research has found that eating a salad as a first course decreased total lunch calories by 12 percent. Avoid the croutons and creamy dressings, which have the opposite effect.

17. Go out for ice cream. Or an eclair. Or even guacamole and chips. Just go out. Don't keep your danger foods in the house. You can't eat half of a carton of ice cream that's not there in the first place.

18. Give yourself a hand. Find a way other than food to work off your nervous energy. "It's behavior modification," Anding says. "Instead of grabbing a bag of chips, you pick up your knitting. Art works, woodworking works anything that occupies your hands."

19. Wait a minute. Well, 10 minutes. When your mind strays from your desk to the vending machine, it could be hunger or it could be boredom or irritation with your boss. If you're still thinking about snacking 10 minutes later, then you're probably hungry. Think of it as a chance to have one of the nine servings of fruits and vegetables you need each day.

20. Go wild once in a while. Deprivation won't make you thin or happy. Designate a meal or two a week when you can eat absolutely anything you want.

101 Things About Me

I've had this on draft about 1.5 years now. I was going to post it on the 100th post but I didn't get around to it. Well, in Facebook, a few of my friends tagged me on "25 random things ..." so I thought I might as well finish the one I started. Here goes ...

1. I like the smell of rain. Don’t like the worms that results from it but the weather is perfect to be cozy in bed.
2. I met my husband through a blind date after much encouragement. Sure glad I gave in!
3. Sophia’s waddle run makes me smile from ear-to-ear.
4. I want more kids but even a turkey baster can’t help me now!
5. I knew early I wanted to be a mother but ended up being one just before 34.
6. When I realized that Dave was serious (during our courtship) about not having children, I sat him down to talk about the subject. I was balling that day ‘cause I didn’t want to lose him but prepared to because I wanted to be a mother. We ended the conversation with him agreeing to one.
7. No! I didn’t trick him to end up having 2 more kids!
8. I eat rice almost everyday but I don’t like it alone.
9. I stood up in a squat position on the toilet seat on my first bathroom experience in America. Hey, that’s how I did it in the Philippines. Didn’t know you could actually sit directly on it.
10. I’ve got a sweet tooth, hence the extra baggage!
11. If someone had video taped Dave’s proposal to me, you would have thought it was a business contract (those of you who know him can actually picture this). We had conditions made and shook hands. Little did I know that it was going to be sealed with a diamond ring! ;)
12. So glad that Elders Smith and Anderson found me. I’d be even a bigger mess if I didn’t join the LDS church!
13. I’m a sucker for sappy, love story movies -- and food!
14. I’ve got terrible memory!!
15. I am a loyal friend.
16. I had the hots for Mark Harmon in the mid ‘80s. I even received a signed autographed picture of him. For some reason I can’t find it! Daaavve!
17. I love spaghetti. I once ate 4 bowls in one sitting. You can imagine that ice skating later that day did not go over well.
18. Being a mother is my favorite calling.
19. I enjoy blogging and enjoy reading my friends blog even more.
20. I thought MySpace was cool but Facebook is quickly growing on me. It won’t be long until I join the Facebook addict 12-step program … hey, is there one?
21. I love my husband with all my heart and my kids too, I guess (being sarcastic! Are you kidding, they’re my life).
22. I was tired of people saying how cute my name was, so for a little while in college I went by the name of Vivian. I forgot once on a date and slipped and wrote Jinky on a miniature golf sheet. He got confused, didn’t get what he wanted, and gladly never heard from him again!
23. I don’t do pregnancy well.
24. I’m really not a snob. I’m just not good at saying hello. I’m working on it.
25. I wanted to grow up to be Wonder Woman. She was gorgeous, can make people tell the truth, and had that awesome invisible plane!
26. I’ve got a short temper.
27. I miss my brother in the Philippines.
28. I'm a rat pack.
29. I cannot pass a good bargain ... that's why I'm #28.
30. I love to eat. Did I say that already?
31. I was in psychiatric therapy for a couple years during college years. Still not cured ...j/k!!
32. I love missionaries! I declare, I think Elder Smith is one of the three Nephites roaming the earth!
33. HeMan was my favorite cartoon in my early years.
34. I don’t like needles. I can stick patients but even a butterfly needle makes me squirm.
35. My parents never gave me the birds & the bees talk, so when I was younger I thought I could get pregnant just by holding a boy’s hand.
36. I was a latch key kid.
37. I got food poisoning from eating squid. That was my first trip to ER.
38. I donated my hair to Locks of Love twice.
39. I talk to my sister everyday.
40. I’m trying to be positive about turning 40 very soon!
41. I wear contact lenses. I’d like to have a laser surgery done but …
42. I love my vacations in Hawaii. I wouldn’t mind living there!
43. Some people like butts, eyes, etc. I like men’s arms.
44. I only have one major regret. No! I’m not telling you what it is.
45. I pay off my credit card bills every month.
46. My favorite flower is carnation, because my first best friend Crystal gave me one.
47. I am incredibly blessed.
48. I love all my friends dearly.
49. I hate to vacuum so I’m glad I have wood floors now.
50. I came in second place in a talent show in six grade … I played the piano. A brother-sister team dancing to Tie a Yellow Ribbon beat me.
51. Crystal and I called ourselves “The Dancing Dolls” in the talent show (I was in 5th grade, she was in 6th). Matching outfits and shoes. So bummed they didn’t give awards, we would have won 1st place. Truly, we were awesome.
52. I’ve been a bridesmaid twice.
53. I have super dry skin and man I passed it on to my kids!!!
54. I love my Saturday classes when I was going to Cal State LA. … better dating selections.
55. I ran “Woman Running Wild” once.
56. I like school. I just don’t like tests!
57. I use to write poems and compose lyrics.
58. I’m falling apart … my memory, eyesight, etc.
59. One time I went to the men’s restroom and when I saw a man come in, I thought he was in the wrong!
60. I love my family and in-laws.
61. My close friends call me Jinx.
62. I am thankful to Heavenly Father for my wonderful life.
63. I drove a Datsun 260Z in high school a few times.
64. Was into Friends, Law & Order, now I like Monk.
65. I honestly thought I failed my nursing board exam when I was taking it. I called my sister during the mandatory break and was balling my eyes out.
66. I use to like Air Supply.
67. I’m afraid of cement mixers. My grandma told me to stay away from them cuz if I accidentally go into one, I’d turn into salt.
68. I'm nice most of the time.
69. There’s only 2 cookie recipes I can do. The rest I burn!
70. I took a cake decorating class a long while ago with a friend and wasn’t too bad at it but I became the family designated cake baker so after awhile my wrist hurt piping so I slowly went back to store bought icing then buying the whole cake all together!

71. Tried quilting and had a blast learning and was excited about it. Bought tons of supplies but like a kid into a musical instrument … the interest died.
72. My most memorable birthday was my 30th. My friends threw me a surprise dinner get-together. They even invited Dave!
73. My favorite date was a helicopter trip to Catalina Island. Yeap! with Dave.
74. I get motion sickness.
75. I believe in washing hands after everything! Another reason for super dry hands.
76. I get sooo happy watching the kids play and laugh.
77. I love playing and laughing with my kids.
78. My pet peeve is a clean toilet. Long story … don’t get me started!
79. Used to have to work every other weekend so the first job that allowed me to be off on Sundays, I took it! Been doing that for almost 8 yrs now.
80. Not very good at hair, make-up, or stuff like that.
81. Been an LDS convert since 1991.
82. I’m not cheap, just frugal.
83. Don’t think I’m rich because I have a Lexus, that was a gift for Valentine’s from my hubby. He’s rich! J/K. We’re rich in blessings.
84. I was into Lakers back in the 80s. Michael Cooper was my favorite player.
85. I intimidate easily. In jr high I tried out for basketball but seeing the truth that I suck at it, I didn’t go back for the second day.
86. My dream came true. I have a wonderful family!
87. In the Philippines we received post cards depicting sky rise buildings. When I came to America I thought that was going to be my house. I was disappointed when it wasn’t!
88. Totally enjoyed my wedding day. I woke up feeling like Christmas morning. The night before is a different story. I was a wreck!!!
89. I have too many strollers but I need a double jogging stroller … anybody want to trade?
90. I love Sophia’s cute sweet voice!
91. I get happy hearing David pray with every meal and invites his dad to say amen with him.
92. I wish I knew how to speak Spanish.
93. I love the smell of Steven’s baby breath … the whole baby smell.
94. I like the new car smell.
95. I use to be over-the-top sensitive, now I’m just super sensitive.
96. One time at the beach, the wave knocked me over exposing one of my boobs!
97. I want so much to be organized. I get so overwhelmed because I have too much stuff. I don’t know where to start!
98. I have terrible memory. Seriously, I wrote this twice in my draft.
99. I love being married to my dear husband. He completes me. He‘s my Superman!
100. I love my patients. They’re interesting.
101. I have a testimony of faith in Jesus Christ and how much Heavenly Father is eager to bless each of us as we do His will.

My Breakdown!

Yesterday before David's party I went to Walmart to pick-up some chocolate bars for game prizes. The trip ended up to be an ordeal! I briefly browsed before grabbing the chocolates and when I saw that the lines were long, I ditched the chocolates and headed out instead. Just before I got to my car I noticed that my purse was gone from the cart! We (Steven was with me) ran back inside the store and I just lost it! I was crying hysterically. Sobbing the words, "Someone stole my purse!" I couldn't stop crying ... feeling like an idiot and vulnerable. But somewhere in me, I was glad that Steven was safe with me. I suppose I needed the excuse to cry. I wasn't really too upset about the loss but that the stress had finally caught up with me and I just brokedown! The greeting lady just hugged me and called for security and manager. They came, called the police, and took information. I borrowed their phone to call Dave to come pick us up only to have him tell me that my parents have my purse. I was still somewhat hysterical so it didn't make sense to me. He was sweet to calm me down and told me that it's OK. Then, the manager comes back to me and says that she reviewed the video and I didn't even come in with a purse. After she said that, I realized that I had changed shopping carts at the parking lot 'cause the first one was too squeaky. It was coming to focus! I had left my purse outside and someone found it and used my cell phone to call my Mom. No one stole it, but someone found it. Oh, I was so glad to see my parents. It just happened that my parents was on their way to my house and was perfectly at the right exit to meet the gal who turned in my purse. So there's still kind and honest people in the world! Unfortunately, my parents didn't catch a contact information so that I could thank her. They're kicking themselves for dropping the ball on that one. But, Alana, wherever you are ... thank you for turning in my purse. What an angel.

So after the ordeal, I still had to pick up the Chinese food and pizza and asked Sheil to pick up some chocolates. I ended up at my "own" party very late! My sweet family/relatives pitched in to set up the party and had everything under control. I wanted to curl up in bed and stay there but I composed myself and the party was a blast! All forgotten ... sort of.

I Feel Better

The other day, Monica, one of my sister-in-laws said something that made me feel better. She had asked if I was ready for Christmas. I told her that I hadn't even started to wrap! She replied, "Well, then we know where your priorities are ...(looking at Steven)". "I'd be worried if you had everything done!", she continued. Oh, that was so good to hear. I had been feeling overwhelmed ... so late with decorating, sending Christmas cards, etc. Plus, this month is Dave and little David's birthdays so add stress about looking for "nothing" (that's what Dave says he wants for his birthday) and planning for David's party! This means the house again hadn't been kept up well ... clutter, dishes and laundry piling, on and on and on. Indeed, the kids and Dave are at the top of my list so the rest will have to wait when I can get to them. Glad to know that someone understands. Thanks Mon.

Lately my parents and sister have been great about baby sitting a few hours here and there so I can go to work or run some errands. Of course, Dave's been the biggest help. He's definitely putting his share in. I tell ya, he's Superman!

Thanks family! You guys rock!!!

Life Is Good

I've been in a grateful mood lately ... fitting now to mention since Thanksgiving is around the corner. Mainly, I think about my family a lot. How grateful I am to have them in my life. First, my husband. Our marriage is good. I'm seriously in love with him and not growing old without him is not an option. Beyond that and even say the old cliche ... together forever! I adore the way he love and respects me. I am grateful to his commitment of hard work to support and protect his family. I appreciate that such devotion to his family allows me to be a stay-at-home mom. In whole he is a great man. Then, my children. I can't describe the incredible joy they bring to me. I marvel at how life is full with them by our side. Caring for them gives me a glimpse of how Heavenly Father must feel about us all and why He strives so hard to direct us back to Him. Also, I think about how grateful I am for extended family and friends. Their love and support bring many fun and happy extras. Finally, the boundless little things we take for granted. To name a few, I'm grateful for: being able bodied to be up and going every morning; scriptures; music; art; earth; hygiene products; technology; amenities; opinions; and on and on and on.

Life is good. Really good. There is a god ... his name is Elohim. He makes gratitude possible. I thank thee Heavenly Father ...

I say this in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

My New 'Do

I'm going back to work in two days so I thought ... new baby, new hairdo ... next, new body! Hee hee hee.

I Need an Exercise Buddy

You might ask, how come there's no current pictures of me on my blog? Well, not only because I'm taking the pictures but I've got excess baggage still to unload! I gained 48 lbs with Steven and have only lost 28 lbs. You would think I'd loose more considering I carry him all the time and nurse him ... but I also eat like a horse still so there! It's terrible! Even with the little I do by swinging him in my arms (trying to work my obliques) hurt! I am so out of shape! I tell you ... you mothers-to-be out there, make sure you eat healthy 'cause you'll pay for it later if you don't. Look at me. I'm taking high blood pressure medication now and also anemic. Probably some other stuff I haven't been tested for!

So I need an exercise buddy. I can't do it myself. I suppose I can wrestle with Dave again with judo ... that's on the list. Right now I need to get on the move. Anyone out there willing to work out with me? I'll have excuses like: I can't wake up that early in the morning, it's too hot to walk, what do I do with the kids, etc. Help! Any suggestions or solutions out there? Any infomercials out there you'd like to try and need a buddy? ---Thanks.

Baby Shower

My dear sister threw me a baby shower today. She did everything! She made the yummy feast, did the decorations, and other details of the party. All I had to do was show up ... and that wasn't hard because it was at my house! Thanks Chick, you're awesome!! Anyway, here's a peek at the fun. --Again, my camera went on the fritz so I wasn't able to capture all the fun.

Locked Out And My Trip To The ER

Where do I begin? Yesterday started out normal enough. Woke up, had breakfast, then off to my NST appointment while Dave took care of the kids. Got home, made lunch and sent Dave off to work. Then the fun began! I ate my lunch but before I could finish it, I felt it wasn't going all the way down so my meal ended short. Several minutes later I found myself running to the restroom to ... you know what. Ended up practically living there throughout the rest of the day. It sure made it hard to function with things I needed to do. I ended up crying again and cranky with the kids. But I managed to gather us together to briefly visit a good friend. I had been cooking all afternoon to make her and her family dinner as a birthday present. I told her I'd have to do a "do over" 'cause the meal wasn't as wonderful as I wanted it to be (as you can guess, I just wasn't up to my game). So after dropping off the food, we went straight home. Then another fun began. I locked myself out of the house with Sophia in the house by herself!! So I went to my neighbor and used their phone to call Dave, hoping he hid an extra key somewhere. Nope! Luckily I had few windows open. Couldn't get anywhere with the kitchen windows but had success with the bathroom one. Little David was a trooper as my neighbor boosted him up to the window. David was then inside the house to open the front door. Little Sophia was like a puppy and had a ball messing up the house. She got to papers, pots and pans, ... Just glad we were able to get in without having to break the front door window or getting the firemen involved. OK, so did that end my day? Nope! Remember, things were coming out of me from both ends so my night felt long and I was so anxious to get the kids to bed. They were finally down by 9:30pm so shortly thereafter I called my sister-in-law to come over and take care of the kids. I was feeling so lousy! She and my mother-in-law came over and we waited for Dave to get home and from there Dave took me to the ER. Being pregnant and vomiting in their facility they took me in fairly quickly. I ended up on the OB triage room. Turns out I caught a viral bug which lead to the early contractions I was having. The IV fluids and nausea med helped with my GI complaints but those contractions were no picnic! Finally, the lab results came in alright and my OB doctor ordered meds to stop the contractions then discharge I could go. That worked but I still felt abdominal aches and the acid reflux feeling. Figured it was from the utterly uncomfortable gurney they put me in for those 5 hours (poor Dave though had a chair!). I wanted to go home to my comfy recliner so I didn't complain anymore. I was discharged and Dave and I managed to get in a little more than a couple of hours sleep until the kids woke up. Of course, I missed work but Dave's a trooper and went in to work his swing shift. My Mom came over this morning to help me with the kids while I rest. Hurray!