from where i stand...

Friends are Friends Forever...

2010-11-14T17:32:00.000-08:00

....if the Lord's the Lord of them. Michael Dub, you couldn't have said it better.

There are certain people in your life that you categorize in a group titled, "People in the world you can't live without." I'm pretty sure I have the best ladies in my life who are just that for me. We're spread out among 5 states, but when we get the chance to all get together, I swear time stands still, the world stops turning, and epic-ness explodes on earth. We laugh, we cry, we embarrass each other, we encourage, we build up, we're real, we love. We're ourselves with no inhibitions.

Between all of us, the personalities couldn't be more diverse. We're crazy, we're reserved, we're loud, we're quiet, we're sweet, we're blunt, we're ridiculous, we're calm, we're dreamers, we're logical, we're risk takers, we play it safe. All put together, we're a well rounded person...and that's why our friendship is thicker than blood.

Jamie and Erin planned on running the Rock N Roll 1/2 Marathon Sunday so, of course, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Cali had to come out to support and ensure that chaos erupted in Texas. We spent some time in Gruene, TX, we danced a little downtown Austin, we ate on the River Walk, and ran/cheered at the marathon. I heart these girls with all of me.

Not sure how many of you know this, but I'm a rising photographer who has mad skills that have yet to be discovered. Or, I like to play around with the buttons on one of Jamie's cameras while she takes legit photos. Whatever...same difference. Either way, here are some of my masterpieces of the weekend with the girls. (Minus, the 2 that I'm in.)

My attempts to be a pho-dawg.

LOVE you girls forever and ever!

A Christian

2010-11-04T17:59:00.000-07:00

I do not hesitate to say that a Christian is one who has fled for refuge to Jesus Christ. Having fled to Christ, he has identified himself with Christ completely. His identification has become such that wherever Christ is he wants to be. Whatever Christ stands for, he wants to stand for. Whatever Christ is against, he wants to be against. Whoever is Christ's friend, he wants to be his friend. Christ's enemies, he is willing to have as his enemies too. The work that Christ is interested in, he wants to do. What Christ is not interested in, he takes very lightly and gives little attention to. He has identified himself with Christ, and Christ has given him life for this - spiritual life.

A.W. Tozer, Living As A Christian

Tis the Season

2010-10-13T05:14:00.000-07:00

If this doesn't put a smile on your face AND get you in the October spirit, then I don't know what will.

Happy Halloween-ing!!!

Me and Leo are tight

2010-10-09T13:59:00.000-07:00

I may or may not be one of the coolest people I know. Let's just preface with that.

As I get on with my years of life, I'm realizing more and more how much I am like my mother. I've caught myself standing like her in the kitchen. I've been told that I make the same "sounds" as her when conversing with others (although I think it's just a Japanese thing). I don't like being bare foot outside and getting my feet dirty. I love cooking things in bulk so I can eat it throughout the week.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

One of the things my mother ABSOLUTELY loves are puzzles. Growing up I remember her taking on several big puzzles and sometimes framing them. Puzzles were her thing.

I too have found myself thoroughly enjoying the process of putting a puzzle together. It's a time where my mind can wander and process life as I do such a menial task of finding pieces of cardboard that fit with other pieces of cardboard. I love it.

I haven't done a puzzle probably since I lived with my parents because of the chaos of life, moving, and working. I would randomly check the puzzle aisles at times when I would be at Target or Hobby Lobby, but didn't really find any that I thought would be worth putting a significant amount of my time into.

Over Labor Day weekend, Jamie and I went to Fort Worth to explore what the town had to offer. We visited the Kimball Museum of Art, which, my friends, was pretty stinkin' cool for being a free museum...highly recommend. We got to experience some awesome art, almost get kicked out (ahem, Jamie....), and roam the gift shop where, whatta ya know...they had puzzles.

There were ones of all shapes and sizes of different art pieces. I found this particular one and thought it would not only be a good de-stresser in my life to assemble, but also make me seem really cultured...because, ya know, that's really what's going to get me far in life. ;)

I would be embarrassed to admit that, A. I spent most of my evenings the past month in front of the TV putting a puzzle together, B. I documented the entire process, and C. I put together a slideshow of my documentation. But lucky for me I have no shame.

Remember, I'm probably one of the coolest people I know.

So, folks, I give you Leonardo's Vitruvian Man, by your's truly.

**To save the man's dignity, I neglected to display his "particulars" until the very end...I felt like that was the least I could do for him. Although, Jamie gave me H, E, double-hockey-sticks for this. Apparently Jamie's more scandalous then I thought. Something to take note of, internet.

Let Us Love

2010-09-07T18:45:00.000-07:00

A child has the capability to get you to love them so much without even trying. They grab hold of your heart and run with it, and as this summer has shown me, they can run out of your life with your heart still in their grasps.

I am blessed with a job where I am able to interact with kids of all ages everyday. It involves working with kids in child protective services and providing care for them for a temporary amount of time. When I started the job, I thought the most difficult part would be learning the situations the kids are coming from. Don’t get me wrong, that part of the job has brought me to tears and infuriated me through the past year, but I learned that there was more of this job that would bring me more pain than I knew how to deal with…along with some of the greatest joy ever.

My work encompasses the echoes of the kids that have come through in the past and the ones to come. So many faces, so many pasts, so much pain, and yet so much joy to be found as well.

Kids are my life. All ages, all types. I was a nanny for several years for 2 different families. Fell in love with those kids and still love them to this day. I led youth groups for several years. Little ones are easy to love; teens break your heart to the point of having no choice but to love them.

Earlier in the year, my job was pretty rough just with the work load. I didn’t know how much longer I could do it. I lost the focus of why I was doing this and was struggling with it. All I can say is that God is faithful.

…for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Matt. 6:8 He knew what I needed when I didn’t know what I needed.

With some minor changes at work, the removal of some distractions, and some AMAZING kids coming through, I began to love going to work everyday. My job entailed hanging out with this group of kids who brought me consistent laughter and joy. I loved being around them. I wanted to spend every moment of every day with them.

There was a particular group of 3 siblings that I just grew to love more than I ever knew I could. If I had a husband, I would have taken them in as my own. Their interactions with each other, the relationships built with each of them, and the desire to provide them with the stability and love that they had lacked in their past brought me to love these kids like crazy. When you’re with the kids during their high and low times, the fun and hard times, the bond just becomes that much stronger. I was attached and I didn’t want to ever let go. I wanted them to be mine.

I knew the time for them to leave would come near and I was absolutely dreading that day. I shed tears beforehand. The day came. I was a terrible mess. The hugs were tight and I didn’t want to let go. I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep in touch with them due to the circumstances and that tore me up. I didn’t realize my heart could hurt so much. I’ve had a couple emotional good byes in my job, but nothing compared to this one.

I want invitations to their high school graduations. I want to know what they’ll be majoring in. I want to be invited to their weddings. I want to get their Christmas cards. But I will get none of that.

I was a little “miffed” with God. Why did You allow me to grow so attached? Why did You allow my love for these kids to grow so deeply when You knew I would never be able to be a part of their lives again? Why did this happen? I don’t see the point in my pain.

The following week after they left, work didn’t feel the same for a bit. They weren’t there. My heart ached so badly.

It’s been a couple weeks now. A lot of tears have been shed, but it’s definitely lightened up. The Lord and I have had several convo’s. And He’s always faithful.

I had a good talk with a mentor figure at work and, although it was very emotional on my part, she helped me see things they way I needed to see them. I started thinking to myself that I can’t do this anymore. I can’t keep getting attached to these kids and loving them with everything I have just to say bye later down the road and have my heart shattered again. I can’t do this. It hurts too much.

People had said, “It’s a part of the job.” I said, “Screw it.” This pain is unbearable. It’s not worth it. I can’t do it anymore.

She told me that I’m a piece of the puzzle for them and can’t be the whole picture. It was true. I wanted so badly to be their solution. To be the one who made everything all better. I wanted them to know that people would still love them even if they had a crazy past.

The Lord has shown me so much this summer by bringing the perfect group of kids through. He re-focused my heart on my love for them. They are the reason for what I do. They bring me happiness and joy. They make me smile.

He has shown me how to release control. To trust and believe that he loves these kids more than I do and He wants them to grow deep in love with Him more than I do. He wants the best for them more than I do. I will never know how their lives will turn out, but by praying for each of them I will put more trust in the Lord that He is taking care of them.

After my tear shed of the 21st century and finally bringing myself broken and raw before His throne, I was able to get the focus off MY pain and onto what God was teaching me. It wasn’t about me. It was about them.

He has blessed me with this amazing opportunity to love on kids that have had all forms of evil in the world inflicted on them. They each come through at different stages and with their own uniqueness and I get to love on them.

In the middle of all the pain and hurt from saying bye to those kids, I swore it wasn’t worth it. I tried to figure out ways to prevent this from happening again. How to not get so attached. But then I realized that I was missing the whole picture. Loving these kids with all I am to later experience excruciating pain is worth it because they need to feel loved. My job is to love on them for the temporary time they’re with me. If I can do that, everything else will be worth it.

I pray for those siblings everyday. I will never forget them. A part of me thinks that future good-bye’s won’t ever be as bad as that one because I just don’t see myself falling for a group of kiddo’s like I did with them. They were special. But I will continue to love each child that comes my way with all that I am and I will face the deep heart ache and pain that follows. It’s not about me. It’s about God using us to shower His love on the broken and hurting. I thank the Lord everyday for using them to teach me more of His will.

So my lesson learned from my amazing summer, besides the fact that I don't do well with change and like to live in the past: you should never hold back the chance to love with all you are even though the pain of loss will be that much greater. It's all a part of a bigger picture.

What a day....

2010-06-02T19:44:00.000-07:00

May 27th....what a day.

First, there's gonna be a wedding in the Barnes Family next year!! My little brother proposed to his girlfriend, Amanda, while visiting Cali for a couple weeks. He flew out there to surprise her for her graduation and they both knew it would be coming the next time they saw each other.

The story...They've known each other since kindergarten, but hadn't hung out till after high school. They shared several classes together growing up, including Mrs. Seymour's 4th grade class. Andrew recommended that they stop by and visit Mrs. Seymour and her class just to update her on how they're doing. They make a trip to our old elementary school. Mrs. Seymour introduces the class to her former students and then asks if her former students would like to say anything to her class. Cue Andrew and his proposal.

Andrew, you have grown from that adorable, mischievous, happy child to a handsome, loving, and hilarious brother. I can't be more proud of you in your decisions in life, from joining the Coast Guard to now finding your bride. Congratulations to you and Amanda! Love you!!

Here are some more engagement pics of them. Can't help but just be sooo excited for them!

Around the same time as the engagement, the world welcomed little Cannon. Drew and Donna are good friends from community group and it's been such a blessing to have been a part of the anticipation of Cannon. At 36 hours old, he was just absolutely adorable and perfect in every way!

Last, but DEFINITELY not least, in the emotional day of May 27th....In-N-Out is coming to TEXAS!!

That morning, my Aunt Maryann sent me an article with the best news of 2010...In-N-Out expanding to Texas. (Thank you, Aunt Maryann....you know you can't take the CA out of me.)

See, foreigners, us Californians have an obsession with this heavenly establishment known as In-N-Out. It's like the Chik Fil A of burgers. 2 words: Animal-Style Fries....actually that's 3 words....get over it. Folks, not gonna lie when I say that the news of In-N-Out's migration east to the great land of Texas, may or may not have brought as much tears as the news of my brothers engagement and Cannon's birth. Okay, maybe I'm not that over-dramatic, but it was pretty close.

So I'm thinking the Lord REALLY wants me to stay in Austin...so much so that He brought In-N-Out to me. Now if we can just get the west coast beaches over here....

Song Crushin

2010-05-16T17:44:00.000-07:00

Lee and Crystal sang this on Idol this last week. I researched to find out where it was from. It's from the movie Once, which I have not seen nor have the urge to see, but this song is awesome.

I be rollin HIGH class...

2010-04-27T17:30:00.000-07:00

Well, this past week my Toyota (Stew or Bolt, depending on who you ask) decided to add more complications to my oh-so chill life. I was driving, went over a speed bump and my radio decided to stop. That's cool. I was at work and just had to stop by somewhere on campus for a bit. When I got back in my car, music was playing again. I actually think it's the speakers that were going in and out, radio worked fine.

I went to pick up Jamie at the airport on Sunday. Music was not playing at all the whole way there. Thought, "This could be it. The death of my speakers as we know it." I just don't have the money to put into that right now so I prepared myself for a life of no music in my car.

I pull up to Jamie at the airport, I open the trunk for her, she closes the trunk, aaaaaaaaaaand music is on. Of course.

So apparently my music will go on and off when driving over any bumps or if someone opens and closes my trunk and/or car doors. This results in me hitting speed bumps at mach 8 or pulling over to randomly open and close my doors.

Be jealous, folks, be jealous....

The Concrete Jungle

2010-04-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

"These streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you..."

You know it, Alicia!

I mean how many people can say that they made it on a billboard in Times Square...the FIRST day of being in New York?! What can I say...we know people who know people.

The second day of NYC 2010 was a GORGEOUS day that we couldn't help but spend it in Central Park. Carousel ride = $2. Picture at the amphitheater = free. Epic moments with friends = priceless.

Definitely had a calorie deficit from the non-stop laughter that is always present when this group of gals gets together, so had to replenish at Carnegie Deli with a sandwich they've deemed the "Woody Allen." Oh my word, peeps, the divine stack of corn beef and pastrami on rye was one of the most incredible things I've ever tasted. I recommend...

We finished off the day with a little previewing of a Broadway show that was actually opening today called Promises, Promises. It starred Sean Hayes (Jack from Will & Grace...hysterical fella!) and Kristin Chenoweth (Pushing Daisies and Glee...WAY gifted singer!). It was fun being able to see a Broadway before it releases...again, we know people.

...to be continued...

Bittersweet-ness/NYC '10 Part 1 of 293

2010-04-19T12:28:00.000-07:00

I love, love, LOVE taking trips. There's really nothing like going somewhere with your best friends because, really, you could place us in the middle of nowhere and we'll still have the time of our lives. The one thing that's tough for me and vacations is that they all have to come to an end and I have to come back to reality. Cue Soul II Soul, "Back to li-ife; back to reality..."

This trip to NYC was unlike any other trip with the besties because it was a surprise for our Lena's 30th birthday. =) If it wasn't for the surprise part of it I would have had a 4 month countdown to April 14, 2010 on here. Work has been so draining right now so anticipation for this trip was like anxiously waiting for my wedded bliss to a certain Criminal Minds stud muffin. (I've been wanting to insert a reference to him for awhile, but didn't have an appropriate time till now...he's so dreamy...) This trip will have to be divided into a few posts due to all the pics, the random adventures, and the abundance of laughter-inducing moments, so I'll begin with this video of the actual surprise, but first here's the background details that lead up to this moment...

We all have been trying to brainstorm about what to do for Lena's big 3-0 since last year. She's the first of our group to hit the big milestone in life so we wanted to do something BIG. In January, we decided NYC would be awesome. Most of us had been there already, but not all together so it seemed perfect. Then we decided to make it a surprise: Lena wouldn't know where she was going or who was going. Besides her and Erin, all the rest of us live in other states so she wouldn't really suspect we would all be able to take time out of crazy life to go somewhere. Little did she know that we got on board: Sheena from Wisconsin, Jaci from OKC, and me and Jamie in Austin.

So exactly a month from April 14, Erin gave Lena a letter that said that she needed to take this amount of time off on these days, she can't ask any questions about it and Erin would let her know what to pack when the time came. The letter mentioned that she could either be flying, driving, or boating somewhere...she wouldn't know anything till the day of. Sneaky us would randomly email or text Lena to throw her off a little and get her thinking that we have nothing to do with it and that we're excited for her and that she's gonna have a great time.

Wednesday, April 14th arrives. Erin and Lena wake up pretty early. Erin's mom is waiting outside to take them to the airport. Lena still has no idea that she's going to the airport and Mom McGee did a great job confusing her even more on the way. They get to LAX...Lena now knows she's flying. Erin checks them in and then shows Lena her ticket. Lena gets super stoked: she's going to New York and will get to hang out with our friend Nicole who lives there. Awesome...Just wait, Lena, it's gonna get radder... 30 minutes before landing in NYC, Erin gives Lena a card from Sheena that reads, "See you in 30 minutes!!" Lena is shocked and super happy. Erin, Lena, and Sheena meet up at JFK airport.

Lena thinks that's the last of her surprises...

In the mean time, Jamie and I met up with Jaci at LaGuardia airport a couple hours before the other crew landed. We went to our hotel, checked in, and informed the front desk of our plan: our friend Erin would be coming in to act like she is "checking in" and requested that they play along. And they did so convincingly.

Scene: Mariko, Jamie, and Jaci, in hotel room waiting. Erin, Sheena, and Lena, just arrived at hotel and walking to room....

New Limits

2010-04-12T17:31:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning out running errands with Jamie I remembered that she was doing the Capitol 10K the next day. I also remembered that she hurt her knee during the half marathon in February and hasn't really ran since then. I continued to remember that our friends that were running the Cap 10 also were probably going to run it to make a good time and most likely not want to walk/jog with an injured-knee Jamie.

I should have just stopped remembering and kept my mouth shut at this point, but compassion decided to spew out of my mouth and I sort of said something like this, "Well,......I guess.....I mean......I don't want you to run by yourself........And I wouldn't know where to go to cheer you on........and I have been running 2.5 miles a few times a week.........I mean........if you wanted.......I could.......maybe........jog/walk along with you, OR maybe at least for part of it."

Jamie: "OH MY GOSH, MARIKO, YOU SHOULD TOTALLY DO IT!!!!!! DO IT, DO IT, DO IT!!!! I'M NOT FAST!! YOU'RE GONNA DO IT!!!!"

Next thing I know I'm waking up at 6am on a Sunday morning to run 6.2 miles. Folks, I'd like to re-iterate that I DON'T LIKE running. I do it only because I need exercise and, again, it's only for a couple miles or so. I have NO desire to run more then 3 miles. And we definitely ran most of the 6.2 miles and made pretty decent time.

It was definitely an experience and there were some fun characters to run with out of the 20,000 other people there. One thing that was really cool for me was running through the heart of one of my favorite towns. I love Austin and our downtown is a mixture of history, nature, eccentricity, and friendliness. I love it!!! So running through all that was just heart warming and sentimental. =) Yes, I'm a geek.

Running 6 miles was more than I have ever done at one time and there was definitely a sense of accomplishment in that....especially since I only had 1 day to prepare for it. Here are some pics from my momentous run. =)

So I didn't register for this run since I decided the day before it that I would actually do it, so friends Bart and Jessica gave me one of their bibs from when they ran last years Cap 10.


As you can tell, I was sponsored by Guaranty Bank while the 20,000 other runners were sponsored by HEB.

And since we're on the topic of "new limits," Maximus just discovered his aquatic siblings this morning...

The Allens!

2010-04-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

I can't say enough of how blessed we are to have so many of our Cali friends have come out to visit us in Austin. It's not even just Cali friends, but friends all around too.

Lisa and I met in youth group at church when I was in junior high. We didn't really hang out much until after high school in college group. During college we just realized we had tons in common. I have memories of late night talks till 2am while getting up at 5am for my 7am class the next day. We shared adventures ranging from using fake ID's while I was consumed with paranoia and was convinced that the FBI would come in and bust us to watching the ball drop in Times Square for New Years. No matter what there was always laughter.

In 2005, I had the blessing of being apart of her wedding as she married Mr. Nate Allen: hilarious, talkative, outgoing, adventurous...PERFECT for Lisa. And a few years later she gave birth to an adorable boy, Blake. It's so weird when you think of how you were in junior high and never thought that you would reach the age when your friends would be moms!!! Crazy, but awesome.

This last weekend Lisa, Hubby, and Baby came out to hang with the coolest gals in Austin. We had a great time with the Allens and loved touring Austin with them. They really enjoyed Austin and we're praying they decide to live here and not Dallas. No offense, Dallas, but you just got nothin' on Austin.

Thanks for hanging, Allens, and hope to see you guys soon!!!....with your U-haul right behind ya!!

My attempt to get all of us in the picture but instead got just our food...let's be honest, that's the best part of Rudy's anyways.

There we are!

Blake loved Rudy's....I promise.

Me with the little lady stumbler!!

New Roomie

2010-03-28T20:01:00.000-07:00

Meet Maximus Meridius Decimus Optimus Prime...or Fang for short. =)

He's the new addition to 1028 and is the BEST roomie we could have asked for. Snuggly, playful, soft, "helps" with the house work, and affectionate. He enjoys long walks on the beach, listening to Louie Armstrong, and waxing his DeLorean. =)

A friend from our community group forwarded an email from his friends who were looking for a good home for their precious feline as their ADORABLE baby was allergic. Attached were pictures of the little stinker. His pictures pretty much made up 98% of the decision to snatch him up. So cute! We set up a time to go and visit with the little guy to see how he was in person. I wasn't able to make it, but Jamie went and next thing I knew I got a text that read, "He's ours!" I worked 21 hours that day so coming home to such a loving and sweet kitty was such a blessing to my long day!! And what's more awesome is that his former owners live right down the street from us so they can keep close tabs on him still.

Thank you guys and PLEASE come visit anytime!!

New Love and Old Love

2010-03-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

If I could re-live the night of March 7, 2010 everyday, I would.

I had been waiting for that evening months in advance. Needtobreathe aka Best Band E.V.E.R. would be playing in Austin. Not sure if I've raved about them enough on here, but they truly are awesome and, if possible, even more incredible live. Love 'em!!.....old love.

I hardly ever recognize opening bands and it was the same for that night. BUT, opening bands tend to find their way to my heart and ears quickly. (That's exactly how I came upon the amazing treasure of Needtobreathe). Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers were no different. They'll probably never replace N2B's place in my heart, let's be real, but they were AWESOME!.....new love.

Here's a snippet of each. I dare you to NOT find your lips singing along and your foot tapping away.

Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers

Needtobreathe

Gobble, Gobble '09

2009-12-05T14:08:00.000-08:00

Hanging with the rents and bro was so great. Andrew brought his girlfriend, Amanda, to spend some time with us too. It was nice having her there and getting to know her better. She's a sweet gal and great for my brother. Still so strange to think that he's growing up so fast!!!

We ate, we played games, shopped, watched a movie, and just spent some awesome time together. It's always hard to say bye though, but at least I'll see my parents in a few weeks for Christmas.

I know, I know....

2009-11-24T14:57:00.000-08:00

Yes, David, I know, I know....

This blogger hasn't been doing her blog duties: reading blogs and posting blogs. When I open up Google Reader after neglecting it for so long and seeing I have over 500 new posts to read, I admit, I move my little mouse to "Mark all as read" and try to do better next time.

Let's sum up what's been goin down since the last time I was on here:

Job....new position, exhausted, rewarding and yet also tough.
Cali.....cousins wedding, reception had sushi bar=awesome.
Thrill the World.....yep, sure did.
Hair....chopped it.
Glee......my new most absolute FAVE show right now.
Phone....upgraded.
Christmas tree.....already up.

Tomorrow I fly out to NC to visit with my parents, brother and his girlfriend for Thanksgiving. They live in a small town outside of Raleigh and it's absolutely beautiful there. I'm so excited to just spend time and rest with my family while playing games and eating some goooooood food.

Hope you all have a GREAT Thanksgiving!!!

You need this

2009-08-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

Angel Fire, Albuquerque, and AWESOMENESS

2009-08-29T14:40:00.000-07:00

I've been failing in blog land. There's just been several things taking up my time lately and having epic times with friends has been one of them. We headed to Angel Fire, NM to enjoy some mountain time and then went to Albuquerque to visit with some of Em's friends. It was such a blast climbing a mountain, (falling down a mountain), taking pics, laughing hysterically, and meeting new peeps.

My Home...or I have too much time on my hands

2009-08-06T18:36:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile. Shame, shame on me. To make up for my lack of posts, here's a long one.

I've been super obsessed with home design blogs. I have no decorating creativity whatsoever, but I'm GREAT at replicating. So, after spending an embarrassing amount of time looking at blogs and HGTV type blogs/sites, I've accumulated pics that would make up my ideal home. Please, come in....

When you walk into my humble abode, you'll most likely cross a foyer such as this.
Love those double doors and the splash of yellow and purple on the table.

Then I'd lead you into my living room.

Sit down, relax, take a load off, and let's chat.

Help me in the kitchen? Well, sure...let's go.
Option 1: I absolutely dig these colors. White, baby blue, green, and yellow=awesome.

Option 2: Add the colors from above to this kitchen and BAM that's my perfect kitchen. Lovin' the space, the windowed cupboards, and chair style...and the stinkin TV above the stove!!! Holler!!

Option 3: Kay, very small piece of the kitchen, but you just can't say no to a yellow chair and windows that over look trees.

Well, now that dinner is ready, let's head into the dining area.
I think wherever you eat, it needs to be bright and cheery, because eating is a joy and makes you happy....at least it does for me. Minus the monstrous seahorses and hard liquor cart, this is exactly where I want to satisfy my tummy.

I just thought this was a very cute color combo...again, the yellow chairs.

This was just such a cute, eclectic nook I thought I would throw it in.

What? You have to pee? Let me show you to the guest powder room...
A bright bathroom is just as awesome as a bright dining room.

Of course you can see what our master bathroom looks like! It is one of the most important rooms in the house!
Bathroom 1: Love the space and windows. My perfect house can have average rooms everywhere EXCEPT the master bath. The master bath needs to be the size of a small kingdom.

Bathroom 2: I've always wanted a bath tub with feet. How cute is this?? Loving the high ceilings. Now combine this somehow with Bathroom 1 and, VOILA, perfection.

Well, since you've already toured our bathrooms, might as well take you through the rest of the home.
This is my study. This is where I....don't draw, work on my novel, or finish my doctoral dissertation,.....but where I stalk blogs, do an occasional puzzle, and have my quiet time with Jesus. Don't you love my blue oil lamp??? (Is that even what an oil lamp is?)

Where would you sleep if you were to stay over? Come this way.
Guest Room 1: Great for your kiddo's. Hope they like earth tones!

Guest Room 2: Here's where you guys would stay. Cozy, right?

Guest room 3: If you don't like the first room, feel free to move to another room!

The master bedroom is right this way.
I love a variety of colors. Ever since Home Alone, I've always thought having a fireplace in your bedroom was so cool. And that plasma above it...radness!!

Well, we've gone through the whole house. Why thank you; I like it a lot too. Let's head out to our patio and share in some more convo's and possibly some drinks.
Option 1: I mean, just look at that view and openness!! I could spend many a night out there.

Option 2: Oh, Cabana Boy!!! My Pina Colada, please!

Option 3: Awesome festivities are foreseen to go down here. Fun and funky.

Well, there ya have it. Hope you feel like you know me that much more now. Our friendship/bond has grown to a deeper level. You're welcome. =)

All pics were from House Beautiful. I encourage you to mosey on over there and create your ideal home when you're bored, don't want to do work, or have nothing better to do with your time!!

Friends make me smile

2009-07-20T19:24:00.000-07:00

So I gave both my roomies a hard time for being out of town on my birthday. I mean, I can't believe they didn't have that day marked on their calendars with a bold Sharpie, highlighted, and outlined in sequins. Well, lucky for them, I ended up having a great birthday thanks to a Ms. Casey. Dinner with the Lipscombs at Maudie's and then to the movies, it was just the relaxing kind of birthday I wanted. I can't say enough how truly blessed I am at the people God has brought into my life since moving here. Thanks mucho, Friend!!

Well, Roomie Jamie came back from Cali bearing gifts from friends and pretty-much-family there and I just wanted to share with you guys what they were:

These gifts, my friends, are so completely and utterly ME. Do my loved ones know me or what???

Top left: Target gift cards - these pretty much have the same significance to me as diamonds. My future hubby could just as well put a Target gift card on that platinum band and I would be a happy camper.
Top right: TOMS shoes - For every pair you buy, they give a pair to a child who needs it. Besides having an awesome purpose, they are uber comfy too. These will be my second pair...ya just can't have too many TOMS.
Bottom right: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith - I heart Jane Austen novels. Throw in Zombies and it could only make it more rad. =) Thank you, Kevin and Elaine, for knowing me and my humor SO well!
Bottom left: Dewey by Vicki Myron - Love books. Love cats. Combine the two and it will equal a sobbing Mariko.
Underneath it all: "I Need Africa More Than Africa Needs Me" t-shirt - Africa has a special place in my heart. Mocha Club put out this shirt as another way to raise awareness and funds to help bring aid to the orphaned, starving, uneducated, and disease inflicted of Africa. I love sporting things with a purpose!
Not pictured: I also got some cash and since we all know what that looks like, I decided it need not be in the picture. I have a love/hate relationship with cash. When I have it, I feel the need to spend it right away and never for anything I really need. Go fig... Jamie's also ordering me one of her prints that she did awhile ago and I've always loved it. And since I am her protege it only makes sense that I have one of her prints put up somewhere. =) Can't wait to get it!

It wasn't so much the gifts themselves that made this birthday special, but what they represented. My friends know me sometimes better than I do! It just meant a lot to see that reflected in what they gave.

Thank you so much, Austin-friends and Cali-friends!!! You all made ringing in year 27 special!!

Lovin the Lobby

2009-07-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

One thing that Cali is missing out on that could re-define the entire state as a whole is Hobby Lobby. This store is one of the greatest stores of all time. No joke. And what makes it uber rad is that everything is always on SALE. When have you walked into a Hobby Lobby and not seen those beautiful such-and-such percentage off papers everywhere??? ...Never, exactly.

I made the bad mistake the other day of venturing into the Lobby while they had the mother of all sales. 50% off of EVERYTHING. That's pretty darn close to free in my book. So, I give props to myself for only walking out with just 2 super awesome relics instead of 23,893 super awesome relics.

Cost: $1.99

Story behind this: I am absolutely in love/obsessed with skeleton keys. My eyes have radar for these puppies. I have a small collection of keys that were gifts or I've purchased. I love venturing into antique stores to go on my own search and rescue for these awesome pieces of history. 2 main reasons for this love: first, they just look really cool, and second, it's like holding a piece of someone else's history from generations ago. Where did this key lead to? What did it unlock? Who owned it? And for that, I treasure these little pieces of radness.

Cost: $2.60

And this was just an awesome frame and with that price, you just can't go wrong.

A video, of course...

2009-07-09T18:28:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...he's gone, he's been mourned, and he's buried, but this post should be part 2 of my last post regarding the MJ sing-a-long. I mean, what event/adventure do we have that is not accompanied with a video/slideshow???

Sha-mon!

2009-07-04T17:45:00.000-07:00

It's 7:45 pm on Saturday evening and I am fighting the eye-lid gods in keeping them open. Exhaustion has hit...HARD. Why, you may ask. Well, last night, or I should say way, way, way early this morning, my friends and I partook in one of the greatest tributes to the Legend we lost last week. The Alamo Drafthouse had put on a Michael Jackson Tribute Sing-A-Long last weekend and this weekend. Needless to say it was the best way we could've celebrated the life of one of the most talented people to walk this earth.

The festivities began at 12:30 AM (yes, folks, AM as in "Mariko is usually in REM at this time" AM). We sang hard. We danced hard. We dressed hard...core (fedora hats and all). We did it all for MJ.

The signature Michael pose:

Girls just wanna have fun

2009-06-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

My e-Harmony profile pic...what do ya think???

Lovin' on: church, leaders, and albums

2009-06-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned several times on here that I love my church so much. I've never been more encouraged, challenged, and blessed by a group of people in my life. The leaders at the Stone shepherd with passionate love for Jesus and His people. They motivate the church to action through scripture and leading by example. They chase and grasp for God's heart and He has blown me away at how He works in and through a people who offer real, honest, willing hearts.

Aaron Ivey is one of the worship leaders at The Stone. What I appreciate about him is his sincerity and ability to be so real when on stage. I think Ivey's one of the most amazing musician/song writers out there...and I'm not just saying that because it's my church. =) What I've come to love is his raw-ness of lyrics and how they are so genuine of the heart. The words are simple, alive, and true. There a few songs on his new album that we sing in church and I truly feel that the lyrics were Spirit-weaved (...woven??? weaved???....) God's favor and annointing is on Ivey and I am grateful that he has recognized his gifting and is using it for God's glory.

With that to say I think YOU should download his new album, Between the Beauty & Chaos, on iTunes by clicking the banner above. Let God rock your world through the words.

Another super rad thing about Ivey (and his crew) is his heart for justice. As I've been reading through Psalms lately, I've been convicted of how highly God desires justice; hand-in-hand with righteousness.

"The Lord loves righteousness and justice..." Ps. 33:5
"He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." Ps. 37:6
"For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones." Ps. 37:28

The list goes on. We are called to be righteous, holy, and to do what is right. Be the voice for the voice-less. To embrace the broken and the hurting with compassion. To let Jesus shine through our actions of love. To "distribute what we have that all may taste and see." The lyrics to one of his songs has been resonating in my heart and prayers and that is what I'll leave you with...

LET YOUR KINGDOM COME
Aaron Ivey, Matt Carter. ©2009 IVEYMUSIC. (ASCAP)

Give us a love for peace
Move us to brokenness
Our generosity
release from poverty
Your Kingdom here and now
To the least of these
Distribute what we have
That all may taste and see

Let Your Kingdom come
Let Your will be done
And all the Earth will say
And echo angels’ praise
That You are God

So, let the sick run free
The orphan find her home
The captured man will know
Release from slavery
Your Kingdom here and now
To the least of these
Distribute what we have
That all may taste and see

Let Your Kingdom come
Let Your will be done
And all the Earth will say
And echo angels’ praise
That You are God

We pray and ask for hope
We pray and ask for peace
We pray and ask for justice
We pray and ask for You

Be rad and buy the album!!!

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

2009-06-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

I want to wish a very Happy Father's Day to the man who has loved me so much that he raised me by instilling the most valuable truths in my life from the beginning. My dad has one of the most solid faiths of anyone I know. After knowing my dad for one week, there would be no doubt in your mind Who he lives for, and I just pray that someday I'll have a faith that shines so brightly as that. He has put God first, his family next, and everything else following.

My dad has told me that since the day I was an infant, he would pray over me in my crib every night. In every decision I've had to make and every path I had to choose, he would always re-affirm that he would stand by me 100% if he knew I was seeking God's will and guidance. I know that I wouldn't be who I am today or where I'm at if it wasn't for him giving me to the Lord from day one.

Dad, you are a greater father than I could have ever asked for! I love you and thank you for everything!!

Happy Birthday, Li'l Bro!!!

2009-06-20T08:27:00.000-07:00

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was 5 (one month away from turning 6) when I woke up one morning at my babysitter/nanny/neighbors house. She took me to the kitchen and asked which did I want, a brother or a sister. I had never really thought about it. "Mmm...a brother?" To which she replied, "Well, you got your wish then!" That was 21 years ago today.

Being an only child for 6 years of my life got kind of lonely after awhile so when I was getting a sibling I just remember being beyond elated! I had someone to do whatever I wanted all the time! I remember loving that baby brother of mine so much. I thought he was the cutest baby ever (I mean look at the above picture!). I couldn't wait till he grew up and could actually play with me.

Through the years, I did the typical older sister stuff: dressed him up in my dress-up clothes (all girl clothes), always telling him he was too young to put together his Lego sets because I really wanted to do it, tried to convince him that he was found in a cow pasture, embarrassed him in front of his friends. It was great.

I loved watching him grow: taking his first steps, teaching him to swim, going to all his little league games, going to all his high school football games, and then watching him go off to boot camp and join the coast guard. He went from annoying little brother to someone I can laugh the hardest with.

I love you much, Andrew! Happy 21st Birthday!!! (be good!!!!)

What's new???

2009-06-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

Exactly a week ago today I almost died. Jesus had His hands of protection on me as I drove in our Lightning/Tornado/Down-Pourage fest last Thursday. I was in the St. Johns area having a girls Bible Study when one of the leaders, who lived at the house we were at, came in and told us that we should probably leave now because there is a pretty bad storm coming; like REALLY bad. Didn't think too much of it.

Go downstairs, one of the girls says that a tornado hit down on 183. Awesome, the highway I need to take to go home. I walk out and lightning is lighting up the sky in a horrifically beautiful show of purple and magenta. I've never seen lightning and thunder just go non-stop like that. No rain so I'm thinking I can drive home no problem if it's just the light show.

Hit the road and 30 seconds later, Noah's flood gates open. No joke, it is raining HARD and SIDEWAYS. I call Roomie Em and she's at the gym in like a "lock down" as they wait out what this storm is going to do. As I'm driving I see cars parked in the under pass of the highway and realize that I have absolutely no idea of what to do in a tornado or drastic weather.

So I keep going. I can't explain the fear and panic that arose in me as I kept driving home in the largest storm I have ever seen. Lights and stores are completely dark as the power goes out everywhere. I'm being blinded by the lightning it was so close. I can't even see 3 feet in front of me because the rain is just pouring down. Tears were verging and I was praying the entire time. It was horrendous.

I finally pull up to our complex. No street lights on, obviously with no power, but that also meant our gates are closed. Rad. I have to park in front and run to the back of the complex to our place in the downpour of '09. After a little bit of running, my jeans were so soaked that I couldn't run anymore because of the weight.

I get to our apartment building. They've shut the storm doors. !!!! I scavenge my purse for my phone to use as light. Open storm doors. Get into apartment. Flip light switch and quickly realize how dependent I am on electricity. I find my laptop on the couch and open it to use as a greater source of light. Brilliant, I know. Run around apartment with laptop open looking for flashlights. Found them. Called mom to debrief my almost death experience. Let Roomie Em know I'm home. Roomie Em gets home, drenched. We scour our place for candles. After we find 5 candles, we sat down, watched the lightning show, and discussed how we need to really put an emergency kit together...and buy more candles.

After a couple tornadoes hitting our area, storm sirens going off all over Austin, many friends spending a good hour or so in their bathrooms, all is now well in Tejas! Why did I leave Cali again???

In preparation for the 6th movie of the Harry Potter series coming out in July, I've dedicated myself to re-reading the whole series again. Loser, yes I know I am. So, most evenings (and weekends) you will find me with my face in one of the books and I WILL finish by the time the movie opens.

New at work: We now have to keep our office doors closed at all times, even during the day when working. It kind of stinks, but it would suck even more if you didn't have an office with a window...oh wait, I don't. So, the fire marshals believe that it is safer for me to be in my office, in the middle of the building with no windows, with the door shut so if there is a fire, I'm barricaded in my little room with me and the copier to fend for ourselves. Swell. So stoked.

No worries, I am not slacking on my rowing skills. This last Monday our instructor included some fun circuit exercises into our sliding routine. Second time in my life when I felt like spewing after a workout. Means it was good, right???

That was my last week in a nutshell. Have a great Thursday, Folks!!

the small things

2009-06-10T10:42:00.000-07:00

I absolutely LOVE wildflowers. Now this is just an example of how rampant the sunflowers and other beautiful wild flowers grow here in Austin. I'm just so enamored by them. I think my Texan friends think I'm loco, but you just don't see wild flowers growing on the sides of the road in SoCal, or at least not in Orange County.

Austin is filled with amazing things from being the live music capitol of the world to small things like wild flowers.

Row, row, row your boat

2009-06-09T05:46:00.001-07:00

Me and this contraption met last night for the first time and will continue to meet every Monday night at the Rowing Dock on Town Lake. My good friend Linda told us about this rowing workout that's held down there...for FREE; the magic word. What's so awesome about this is that your exercising on the dock with the beautiful lake all around you. It was so refreshing as well as butt-kicking. I'm so excited about this!!

After conquering one rowing workout, the obvious next step is to start our own rowing team. So, folks, next time you're out on the lake, don't be intimidated when I zoom by you at lightening speed in one of these suckers:

Pee your pants HILARIOUS

2009-06-07T09:10:00.000-07:00

Don't watch unless you have sound. It makes that much more of a difference with sound. =)

Can't say it enough

2009-06-06T20:45:00.000-07:00

Tonight I did something that reminded me of how much I'm absolutely IN LOVE with my city. A few friends and I went moonlight kayaking on Town Lake to go watch 4 million bats fly out from under Congress bridge. We are blessed to have a beautiful lake in the middle of an awesome looking city to experience some of the most rad adventures.

I heart Austin...I can't say it enough.

Wedding Shinanigans!

2009-06-04T16:52:00.001-07:00

Rehearsal

My FIRST pedicure! Not going to lie, it was kind of awkward. Had to focus on a magazine so I wouldn't have an anxiety attack.
The beautiful bride...GORGEOUS.
Being sassy in front of the Hummer limo...sweetness.
The youngin's of the wedding party
Groomsmen
Bridesmaids
Mr. and Mrs. Brimhall!
Dancing with your peeps; there's just nothing else I would rather do.
THE Posse, I love and miss you guys!!

Back in A-town

2009-06-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

I got back safely into Austin late Sunday night. My whole trip in Cali, from the moment I landed and was picked up by the gals and then off to eat In-N-Out to the moment I boarded the plane at Orange County to come home, was absolutely incredible. It was one of the greatest "vacations" I've had in a long time. There's just something really cool to be on vacation in your hometown. My week wasn't packed with tourists spots to see (besides Disneyland, but it's the Happiest Place on Earth so you're just automatically drawn to it; tourist or not), but my time was just filled with hanging out with all those I love there and last minute wedding errands.

The wedding was perfect. It did come with a few glitches, but overall it turned out to be awesome and fun. Lisa was a beautiful bride and I'm so happy for her and Tim.

Pictures will come a little later, but I'll leave with this bit of scripture that has been stuck on my heart and has encouraged me lately that my God LOVES me.

Commit your way to the LORD;

trust in him and he will do this:

He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,

the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Psalms 37:5-6

Happiest Place on Earth

2009-05-28T23:08:00.000-07:00

...and it really is.

Wednesday we spent most of the day at D-land (as us OC-ers call it). I honestly felt like I was 7 again. Saying I was ecstatic to go seems like an understatement. We spent the day hittin up all the rides that we grew up loving. We ate over priced food. We took pics at every Disneyland landmark. We were tourists in our home town. I loved it!!!

Here's a pic of Jamie, Caitlin, and I on Thunder Mountain. Note: 3 adults do not fit in one booth on Thunder Mountain.

Until next time, Disneyland...

Elijah, meet Auntie

2009-05-26T17:14:00.001-07:00

I fell in love over a picture text message on May 10. I have fallen in love all over again today. Elijah, you are so stinkin precious and even though our relationship will be long distance, you have my heart. I love you!!!

Thank you to Auntie Jamie for the pics. =)

Lisa's Bachelorette!!

2009-05-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

Saturday night was so much fun! We started the bachelorette with some wine and cheese festivities. We munched. We sipped. We mingled. We enjoyed company.

Next we were off to Carino's for some real food. Some real GOOD food. We stuffed our faces a little more. We sipped some Sangria a little more. We walked away with full tummies.

Afterward, we split the group in 2 teams and sent them on a video scavenger hunt around Orange County with tasks that dealt with Lisa: past, present, and future.

We concluded the night back at the Lap household with an ice cream sundae bar and we watched the footage that the teams brought back. Hysterical! These gals are awesome.

Lisa had an amazing time and was thrilled with how everything turned out. Props to the Maid of Honor, Jamie!!! It was great to have some girl time with her before the big day!

Me and the Bride-to-Be!

In N Out

2009-05-23T08:43:00.001-07:00

Now "that's what a hamburger's ALL about."

exhaustion

2009-05-17T14:35:00.001-07:00

I wish I looked this adorable when I'm exhausted, but the truth of the matter is I don't. This was the exact posture I had the last 3 nights in a row, but WAY different appearance.

The only thing that is left to do now is deep clean our old apartment and we'll be done with it forever. It was a great place to experience my first year in Austin. It holds with it very special mems that will live on forever. But tis the time for new beginnings and fun adventures in apartment 1028!

We're in!

2009-05-16T08:36:00.000-07:00

My body is screaming "what the heck!!!" My hands seem to be swollen; not sure if that's good or bad. There are some moving injuries; a few scratches and bruises...minor flesh wounds.

But...we are finally MOVED IN.

Our gas doesn't come on until Monday so it's a good thing we still have access to our old place to take showers.

I love the adventures of a new place! More pictures (and possibly even video footage) are on it's way once it is all done. But for now I leave you with a view from our new patio which overlooks our old patio.

Have a "Stay Dry" Saturday!

whatever...

2009-05-14T05:15:00.000-07:00

Well, we already know my feelings on the show, the judges, the contestants, and the money that is going back and forth paying off the appropriate people to sway the votes. I've come to the point of wanting Adam to win so that he's the one stuck in the Idol contract/label and the other 2 amazingly talented boys can go on to do something greater.

I won't complain from here on out about the ridiculousness of the judging and voting.

One last thing, though:...anyone else wish that Kara would go running into a steel wall at mach speed face first???

I like to move it, move it

2009-05-13T15:18:00.000-07:00

Today was moving day for me...two fold...sort of.

First fold, I got my office at work (which is also the work room where the copier is) re-vamped! I was using scraps of table pieces, that didn't really match up, as my desk since I started last July. They took all that out, took out the divider in the room and put in an actual desk...and that puppy is massive.

(Yes, folks, that's my workspace. It looks a little atrocious, but there's still a lot more work to be done.)

Granted I didn't actually move, but it's a completely new set up with completely new furniture so it's kind of like I moved. Whatever, it's justified in my head.

Second fold, we got the keys to our new apartment today! We are staying in the same complex, but are moving into a 3 bedroom as our good friend Emily is now moving in with us. It's bigger and that much awesome-er. I can't wait to be completely moved in!!

So there ya have it. A little bit of moving, some new adventures, and a whole lotta radness. Stayed tuned....

Mama's, you ROCK

2009-05-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

Seriously, where would we be without our mothers. I am convinced I come from a line of AMAZING moms. No really, I think God definitely spoiled me with the women He put in my family.

My mom has gone above and beyond the call of motherhood in my life and my brother's. I wouldn't be who I am today without her Godly example and motherly guidance. I can't say enough how grateful I am to the Lord for her life. I love you, mother!!!

Another amazing woman is my grandmother, Shizuko Ohashi. She is one of the most hard working, strong, caring, healthy, and wise women I have ever known. This woman is in her late 70's and jump ropes 75 times a day!!!! I'm in my late 20's and can't jump rope 10 times a day! I don't get to see my grandmother enough since she lives in Japan, but I am so grateful for her life as well.

To all you mothers out there, whether to children, surrogate children, or pets, I hope you have a blessed day celebrating what you mean to the world!!!

I would like to introduce to you...

2009-05-10T06:37:00.000-07:00

Elijah Edward Hill

At 10:52 pm on May 9th I became the proud Auntie to this 8lb 9oz peanut!!! I am so excited to meet this little guy when I go out to Cali in a couple weeks so I can just love on this stinker. See you soon, Elijah!

Oh, and the proud parents of this little bundle of joy are good friends of mine back home, Kevin and Elaine. =) Here's a the maternity shoot that Jamie did for them just a couple weeks ago when we were out there.

Elaine, I hope you have an AMAZING Mother's Day!!!

smiles

2009-05-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

It never fails. I am always smiling after hanging out with the girls at the Reagan Bible study Friday nights and the reasons are sometimes different.

When I first went to the Bible study, it was on one of their pretty intense nights. There was a lot of discussion on the issues and struggles they are going through or have gone through. It was a lot of talking them through decisions they were in the process of making. Most of it is stuff I've never had to deal with. I never encountered some of the circumstances that these girls live in. If you base their age on their experiences, they are extremely mature. I walked away that first night totally blessed by their honesty, their realness, and their ways of just being...raw. They just seemed so much older than 14, 15, or 16.

But as I continued to be around them, I noticed that they are still kids. They may deal with grown up situations, but that doesn't mean they aren't teenagers. It doesn't mean they can't act like kids. These same girls find intense humor in doing silly, kid things like sticking marshmallows up their noses while their friends whip out their phones to take a picture.

That made me smile. It still makes me smile.

There is still an innocence in these girls. They won't let their circumstances take away from the joy in being a teen.

Last night, we took the girls to Ebenezer church in St. John's to help fold all the clothes that had been donated for the people who lost their homes in the apartment complex fire. We walk into the room where they had mounds and mounds of donated clothes to Mexican Christian hip hop music BLARING and these girls, not even missing a beat, just start gettin down with their bad selves. And let me just say, these girls can bust a move!

It made me smile. =)

So, we spent about an hour last night folding and sorting clothes all while they kept their groove on. Now you tell me what teenage girls willingly spend their time with grown ups on a FRIDAY night to help fold clothes?! God loves these girls and He's doing something crazy in their lives and I'm so blessed to have them in my life.

I can't believe I'm saying this...

2009-05-07T07:02:00.001-07:00

When did this happen??? How did I let this happen??? What in the world??? How could you guys let this happen??? Why didn't you stop it??? What kind of friends are you people???

So it's happened: I have now come to enjoy John Mayer's muzak.

I feel as though I've betrayed my blog as I posted a while back my confession of not following mainstream America in being a fan of JM and how he actually annoyed me. Maybe it's because he's come on my Pandora often and his voice has brought me soothing comfort throughout my work day as I encounter frustrations and a "thorn in my side." Or maybe it's because his songs have relaxed me to the point of not taking my life in my own hands during the hours of 7-4, M-F. Whatever it may be, JM, I don't cringe anymore when you sing. Consider that a HUGE compliment....you're welcome.

Adios...

2009-05-07T05:45:00.000-07:00

Idol - it's rigged

2009-05-06T05:17:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry, but I am almost appalled at how much the judges are pushing Adam. I will say, he has a great voice, but as far as blowing the others out of the water...definitely not. It's getting to the point of me wishing I could be there to take the mic on stage and start screaming and saying, "See, I can do it too!" AAARGH...

From the blog i hate green beans, here's a post adequately titled I spy a pair of gay pirate pants. These are thoughts out of my own head; words out of my own mouth. Hilarious, yet so accurate at what went down last night.

Adam, you need to go home, but I have a sick feeling that you'll probably win it because America can't think for themselves and are easily persuaded by the judges.

Allison, you can sing, girl. Keep rockin.

Kris, you have zoomed to my top 2 at lightning speed. I thought you did awesome at making the song your own and the duet you did with Danny was kickin.

Danny, you are such a sweetie pie. I love your voice. Keep it real.

La Giggles is 29 years YOUNG today!

2009-05-04T05:30:00.001-07:00

I hope everyone will join me in wishing my great friend Lena Marie Dix aka "Nena," "La Giggles," "Lena-Nena-BoBena," and "Lener" (if you're British) a very, stinkin awesome happy birthday!!! Isn't she just the cutest, folks?? =)

Lena, so glad our friendship has grown so much the past several years and I think you being part Japanese has a lot to do with that. =) I hope you have an awesome day celebrating you!! I love ya!

29 cheers to Lena today!

Dog-sitting

2009-05-03T07:32:00.000-07:00

This week we're dog sitting for a friend of mine, Melanie, from work. We've survived day one with little Macey crashing our place and it's been a hoot. I say that because I wasn't the one who stepped in her piddle and had to clean it up...twice. =)

Macey, cheers to being on our best behavior the rest of the week!!

Ah Heck No...

2009-05-01T05:04:00.000-07:00

WT... Shut up. Panic. Shock. Creeps. Heebie Jeebies. Paranoia.

That's what went through my mind in that sequence within the first 1 minute of walking out my door this morning. I walked out my door to head to work and am greeted by satan...or in layman's terms, a snake. !!!! Snakes aren't supposed to be outside of the amazon unless they are in glass cages at zoos so why it was chilling out by our front door is beyond me. Yuck...

I never thought I had an issue with snakes, but that wasn't until they tried to devour my house and home and all that is within it. If I see one of satan's spawns in my home ever, I'm getting on the highway and heading back to Cali where snakes are confined in their natural habitats of glass reptile aquariums. Ew...

I could barely breathe let alone take out my phone to snap a pic of Lucifer, but he looked just like what this fella is holding...and pretty similar in size too. Almost positive...

Busy..."up in here, up in here"

2009-04-29T04:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I've neglected Blog for a few again. Many apologies.

What's been going on lately....

I was in Cali from Thursday till Monday visiting friends and doing some bride celebration for my friend who is getting married next month. Mr. Earthquake decided to welcome me even on our first evening there. That was sweet. As always, my trips to Cali are just too short and I definitely don't feel like I fit everything in those few days that I would like. If I missed you this time around, I'll get ya next month for sure!! Pics will come later of that trip.

Works been keeping me on my toes. =) I'm learning patience like I've never had to before, so that's good, right?? The Lord brought the right people in my life at work to keep the giggles going during stressful times, so for that I'm way grateful.

During my spare time lately, I've been: re-reading Harry Potter so that I'll be done with the series when the next movie comes out; catching up on Lost episodes online from season 1 (guess I'm now on the Lost band-wagon); enjoying the bright colors that come with spring taking over Austin...BEAUTIFUL; and trying to grasp moments in the time flying by to embrace the love of God and live it out.

So I leave you with a picture of Laguna Beach that was taken while we were at the beach this last weekend. There's nothing more soothing then the ocean, I think. Ahhh....

dabbling...

2009-04-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

I am by NO means a photographer, but I think it's fun to play around with a camera. I absolutely love looking at a range of pictures done by all kinds of pho-dawgs. The creativity these people have with a camera and how to capture life events (weddings, engagements, births, everyday happenings, etc) is just so appealing to me.

One day Jamie thought it would be a grand idea to teach me the ways of the camera and attempt to make me into a possible pho-dawg. I kind of told her it would be a lost cause, but whatever...I'll try. I personally think she wants to teach me so that she can get a shirt that reads "I have a protege" which that's totally fine with me. =)

Pho-dawg Jamie has also been expanding her pho-dawg skills and getting more into solo photo shoots of individuals so when she was going to take pictures of our friend Emily, I decided to tag along and see what I could produce with a camera. Em is way awesome and we had so much fun doing the pics with her.

Here are the few of mine that came out somewhat decent out of the many I took. Let's just say I have a looooooong way to go, but it was way fun playing with the camera nonetheless. =)

Ms. Pho-Dawg herself doing her thang...

The Big Picture

2009-04-17T18:22:00.000-07:00

You may have heard of the site, The Big Picture, and seen the way it catches the news in some awesome photographs. I'm intrigued with all their posts of what's going on around the world and the way they capture the news...it's just incredible.

Today's post was titled "Scenes from the Zoo" and I just fell in love. These little furry stinkers are just too adorable to not share about.

If you want your heart to turn into putty, check out the photos and you'll be wanting a baby ring-tailed lemur too.

Bloggie fun

2009-04-16T05:28:00.000-07:00

I have some faults. One is that I'm probably the most indecisive person known to man. Don't ask me to make executive decisions because my answer will most likely always be, "I'm good with anything." Hopefully when I'm being proposed to I get that fixed and those words don't come out when he pops the question. When I was a teeny bopper and my friends and I would go to the store to stock up on candy for a movie, they seriously could've got their goods, went to watch the 2 hour movie, come back and I would still be walking up and down that candy aisle trying to figure out what I want.

Another fault of mine is not sticking with one thing for very long. This only applies to materialistic things in my life. Routines, I don't like to switch up. Purses, shoes, blog backgrounds, these all need to be changed up on a consistent basis. Hence my new background. Found a cute blog, Simply Chic Blog, that has way cute backgrounds and they're FREE. The magic word.

Anyway, if you're like me and just can't "sit still" with the same blog background for a long period of time, check them out!!

Your patience shall be rewarded!

2009-04-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

Here it is, folks! My Boyz doing their thang and making me drool. I apologize for the shakiness and non-clarity, but I'm sure you'll still feel the ambiance they exude.

As promised...

Motownphilly in Austin from Mariko on Vimeo.

A Great Friday

2009-04-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday was the official ending to 40 days of Water which means that I had a very special breakfast date today with a Mr. Joe...Cup O' Joe, that is:

This morning has been perfect so far: woke up late (well, later than normal), brewed some Foldgers sweetness, ate breakfast while reading Miller's Searching For God Knows What, the sun is shining and birds are singing praises, had some one-on-one time with Jesus, and it's 9:45, I'm still in my PJ's and I haven't even made my bed yet!! I'm living on the wild side, I know, I know...

What I am attempting to accomplish the rest of today: clean apartment, lay out (only if the chill goes away), watch last night's episodes of The Office, and go to the Round Rock Express game later tonight with some community group comrades.

Whether you have today off or not, I hope you spend time reflecting on the significance of today and what it means to you. We were bought with holy blood. We were rescued. What was done a couple thousand years ago today was done for you and me. You are loved!

Have a Great Friday!

There is a Fountain

2009-04-07T20:08:00.000-07:00

I have let everyday life and petty tasks consume me lately and have completely forgotten the significance of this week. The sacrifice that was made this weekend about 2000 years ago is beyond a mystery. It was awful. It was painful. It was unfathomable. It was beautiful. For Someone to take all the sin of the world on Himself, be separated from God and killed so that I could spend eternity with Him. How can you comprehend that? How can you try to grasp that kind of love?

What do I do with that?

"Till all the ransomed church of God be saved to sin no more."

My church does a First Tuesday Night Prayer once a month when we come together and go after the heart of God in song, prayer and communion. I absolutely love this. A body of believers coming together to surrender everything, to lay it all down before God, and seek His rescue. It's amazing. We sang this hymn tonight that we have sung before, but it's fairly new to me. I think it's become one of my most favorite hymns though.

It was written by William Cowper who happened to be a good friend of John Newton, author of Amazing Grace. Cowper struggled severely from depression and attempted suicide several times. He wrote this song after coming back from a major depression attack when he realized that there was no sin too big that God couldn't wipe clean.

This song reflects what God's spirit was teaching Cowper. Soak up the words. It's beautiful.

There is a Fountain

There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel’s veins;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.
Lose all their guilty stains, lose all their guilty stains;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.

The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day;
And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.
Washed all my sins away, washed all my sins away;
And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.

Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood shall never lose its power
Till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more.
Be saved, to sin no more, be saved, to sin no more;
Till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more.

E’er since, by faith, I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.
And shall be till I die, and shall be till I die;
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.

Then in a nobler, sweeter song, I’ll sing Thy power to save,
When this poor lisping, stammering tongue lies silent in the grave.
Lies silent in the grave, lies silent in the grave;
When this poor lisping, stammering tongue lies silent in the grave.

Lord, I believe Thou hast prepared, unworthy though I be,
For me a blood bought free reward, a golden harp for me!
’Tis strung and tuned for endless years, and formed by power divine,
To sound in God the Father’s ears no other name but Thine.

Blessed, Chemistry, and Boyz

2009-04-06T05:10:00.000-07:00

Let's sum up my weekend, shall we...

Blessed
I spent Friday evening with a group of high school girls who have gone through and are still going through situations that no one should ever experience in their lives. They have met pain, evil, sorrow, cruelty, and abandonment face to face. They are broken. They struggle. They fall. They get back up. And they try to be better next time. Without a doubt, these girls love Jesus with their whole heart. They sometimes make mistakes, just like me. But their mistakes come with bigger consequences. These girls are loved. They are beautiful. They are made to do great things. They are daughters of a Mighty King. Being among them Friday evening sharing their stories, their struggles, their honesty, I walked away overwhelmingly blessed.

Chemistry
Let me just begin this by saying I barely passed chemistry in high school. Barely. My teacher was young, hip and felt sorry for us retards that just couldn't figure out the equation for momentum. So when asked to help tutor chemistry at Reagan high school Saturday morning, you can imagine what was going through my head. @%$&??? But I was told by the chem teacher that really my presence is all that matters to these kids. Get there on Saturday morning and there are several lab stations set up that each kid needs to finish. I put myself at probably the most simple chemistry lab ever. Physical and chemical changes. It turned out to not be as bad as I nightmared it to be. =) I'm just hoping I didn't confuse these poor students more.

Boyz
Now for the highlight of, not just my weekend, folks, but probably my lifetime: BOYZ II MEN!!!!!!!! Jamie told me on Friday about the Urban Music Fest going on with special guests being none other then our fine Boyz from Philly. I about peed my pants upon hearing this news. Only $15 for a dream to come true?!?!?! Heck stinkin yes!! We went down to Auditorium Shores Saturday evening and experienced epicness beyond my wildest dreams. They came out doing their thing to Motownphilly, they grooved Motown hits with suave, they swooned me with On Bended Knee, and they made me want a husband with I'll Make Love to You. That may have been too much information, but DANG, it was THE BOYZ! They still have style, class, and smooth moves. Nathan, Shawn, and Wanya, you guys brought it and I can now die a happy gal. And no worries, friends, I have like 7 minutes of Boyz footage on it's way. =)

Song Crush #3

2009-04-02T07:28:00.000-07:00

I've had this song's chorus as a ringtone for text messages on my phone for awhile and I NEVER get tired of hearing it. There's something about this song that is epically beautiful. And I think the video was well done too.

These boys will be in Texas this summer!!

Coldplay: Fix You

Coldplay - fix you
Uploaded by fujisol

Tice's are in Town!

2009-03-30T17:26:00.001-07:00

My good friend Jamie and her husband Doug came to Austin from Nashville to spend some time with the raddest Californians in Austin this last weekend. I've known Jamie since junior high, back in the good ol' days of Rose Drive youth group and it's been awesome to have stayed in contact this long. She moved to Nashville in '07 and that is where she met her future hubby Mr. Doug Tice. They wed last fall in CA and their wedding was such a hoot, if I do say so myself.

Jamie (Lap) and I tried to show them some good Austin fun and what better way to do that then...go out to EAT!! While visiting, the Tice's were able to experience the awesomeness of Pok-E-Jo's, Mighty Fine, Juan in a Million, and, of course, Chuy's.

Only in Texas would they put "Texas Take Out" on their take out boxes.

Sunday was such a beautiful day the outdoors were just calling us. We spent most of the afternoon walking around town lake and just soaking up the warmth of the sun's goodness.
Doug had heard about Austins killer roller derby program, the Texas Lonestar Rollergirls, and really wanted to go watch so we got tickets and got to experience a roller derby, live and in the flesh, Austin style on Sunday evening. Let me tell you, folks, the crowd at these shin-digs are a breed in and of themselves. Never knew that there really was such a thing as a roller derby and definitely had no idea of what kind of "girls" participated in them. I quote "girls" because there were a few I was almost positive were males and pretty much all of them, you just don't want to run into on the streets on their bad days.

When I arrived there, I felt very out of place as I was lacking: several tattoos, innumerable amount of piercings in socially awkward places, holey fish net stockings, and a taste in hardcore metal music. Oh, and my neon green mini skirt and brass knuckles. I'm pretty sure Willie Nelson's cousin was sitting in front of us, Marilyn Mansons fan club was a few rows back, a large population of Rosie O'Donnell's exes were surrounding the rink and bar, and everything else in between were present at the derby. The MC of this roller derby was a 58 year old man with hair that looked like clay molding, a face that radiated from it's spray tan, wearing a red sports jacket and baby blue alligator skinned shoes. I think EVERYONE should experience the Texas Roller Derby at least once in your life and if my synopsis isn't good enough to persuade you, if you go on your birthday, you get have both teams give you a birthday spanking!!!

And there's nothing better to finish off an awesome weekend then a pizzookie at BJ's. Cheers to Tice's and rad times in Austin!!

Idol Sum Up

2009-03-25T18:56:00.000-07:00

Matt - Let's Get it On: took PHENOMENAL to a new level. Nuff said.
Chris - How Sweet it is to be Loved by You: made it your own, good job.
Scott - You Can't Hurry Love: you have a special place in my heart, just not sure if tonight was your best.
Megan - For Once in My Life: I just don't dig you...at all. I'm sorry.
Anoop - Ooo, Baby, Baby: amazing voice. Anoop, I heart you.
Michael - Ain't too Proud to Beg: you got vocals, Mike, but I have to agree and it sounded a little like "Vegas lounge music."
Lil - Heat Wave: LOVED the Motown look to coincide with your song. I thought you made yourself Motown Queen tonight.
Adam - Tracks of my Tears: a million times better than last week's catastrophe. You have a great vocal range, but you're still not my fave.
Danny - Get Ready: you always rock the stage and I love your voice.
Allison - Papa was a Rolling a Stone: rockin vocals that kicks butt!!!

Rocked Tonight's Idol: Matt
Peace out: Megan

Hail Storm '09

2009-03-25T17:13:00.001-07:00

I've seen hail once in my life and it was more like ice chips the size of rice falling from the sky.

Tonight, I about soiled myself. I'm sitting at my desk in my room and it's pouring rain. No biggie. Then I hear the wind pick up. Wow, it's really blowin. All of sudden it sounds like rocks are being thrown at my window. What the...??? Get up, walk to window, and then...there, that's when it happened, that's when I soiled myself. White golf balls are falling from the sky!!! It's like the end of the world as we know it... and I feel fine. (REM shout out.)

So what do we do anytime there's something even quasi-exciting going on?? Get the camera!!!

And here's what we saw...

Hail Storm '09 from Mariko on Vimeo.

I love Austin, but...

2009-03-21T13:58:00.000-07:00

...I have moments of missing California like no other.

Since living out here in Austin, the one thing I realized I took for granted was the close proximity of everyone and everything I loved back in Cali. Growing up you never think that life will separate you from all that you love. I never imagined my family would be living in different states. I never thought I would be living out of California. I never thought my closest friends would be too far to hang out with on the weekends.

I miss my mom's amazing cooking. I miss my Friday nights and often weekend times with The Peeps. I miss my Japanese markets. I miss the beaches. I miss the mountains. I miss Angel games. I miss Disneyland. I miss Pacific Standard Time.

I truly, madly, deeply (a little Savage Garden for you guys) miss not having my tight peeps and family close by. I pray on a consistent basis that God will bring my BFF's and family all around me again...preferably in Austin, TX or some other cute, quaint, small town in any of the other places I could live in (Nashville, Alpharetta, or the-non-snow-towns of Colorado). I want to have Sunday dinners at my parents home. I want to be able to walk over to my friends house and have "tea time" with them. When we get married and start having children, I want our families to be in each others' lives. I want our hubbies to be BFF's. =)

I know now more then ever that God wants me in Austin, TX at this time of my life. The people He's brought into my life are some of the most incredible people I've ever met who have encouraged me immensely. I am a part of a church that has challenged me beyond measure and has showed me what it looks like to put your love into action. I have learned so much more about myself and who I am during the 9 1/2 months that I've lived here through the crazy times I've come across. I love this town and everything it has brought me! I wouldn't trade living here for anything else right now.

Austin, I love ya and I'll be here for awhile! Cali, you will always be my first love! =)

Last Nights Idol Faves

2009-03-18T05:08:00.000-07:00

My friend Jaci does a great summation of Idol nights on her blog, so I won't be redundant and re-state everything, but I will list my faves on here.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T05:04:00.000-07:00

I think I came to work today looking like a hobbit....

...but that's besides the point. It's St. Patrick's Day!!

Back home in Cali, one of my friend's family had this tradition every St. Patrick's Day called Green Dinner. And it's exactly what it is: a meal where EVERYTHING is green. As friends of the McGees, we got to partake in a few as well and I LOVE it! Sadly, this year I wasn't able to join in the festivities as there were 3,000 miles separating me from my corned beef.

Here are some pics from last year's Green Dinner!

I missed ya, McGee Ladies, but there is always next year!

Lord's Prayer

2009-03-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.

(The Message)

Phobia

2009-03-12T05:43:00.000-07:00

I have a handful of fears in my life. I am afraid of heights. I am afraid of the dark. I am afraid of all my eye lashes falling off. And as I went through the Phobia List I realized I had more fears and there are actually scientific names for each one. Awesome. Now I have a fear of phobia lists. I also noticed that many of my friends have fears that are listed and I'll probably end up emailing them each what kind of phobics they are. Ya know, just to brighten their day up.

Here are some of my faves:

Fear of...
-Air swallowing- Aerophobia
-Bathing- Ablutophobia (let's just say I wouldn't want to be around this person)
-Pope- Papaphobia
-Names- Nomatophobia
-France or French culture- Francophobia, Gallophobia or Galiphobia
-Eating or food- Sitophobia (I wish I had this fear...)
-Heredity- Patroiophobia (Not quite sure how this fear could develop)
-Memories- Mnemophobia
-Knees- Genuphobia (that's the closest to large calves that I could find)
-School, going to school- Didaskaleinophobia (let's be honest...who didn't suffer from this)

Check out the list and see all the phobias you have!

Happy Birthday, Mom!!

2009-03-10T05:37:00.000-07:00

Today I send birthday wishes to one of the most amazing people to ever walk this earth! My mom is seriously the most compassionate, loving, caring, and giving person that I know. I'm not just saying that either because she's my mother. I remember being a child and wondering why does my mom have to be so stinkin nice to everyone when other kids' moms aren't that nice to me. Ask anyone that knows her and they will say she doesn't have a mean bone in her body...except, of course, when disciplining her children. =) If she knows of a need, she will do anything in her power to fill it. She puts action to her love. Her faith in the Lord is unshakable. She is my prayer warrior. She has a giving spirit that pours God's love into so many lives. She is everything that I try to model my life after. God spoiled me with giving me a mother like her that I feel so undeserving of. And today I praise Him for her life!!

Okaasama,

Tanjoubi omedeteto!

I love you!

(My mom with her favorite child...he's not dead, just on cloud nine.)

I was doing so good!

2009-03-09T05:17:00.000-07:00

March 1st started the 40 Days of Water and I gave mucho props to myself as I suffered through a neglect-of-caffeine-induced headache the first couple days (at least I'm pretty sure that's what caused it) and came out of that a stronger person. I feel as though I now understand how it must feel like coming off of acid. I'm pretty sure they have the same side effects...

Drinking just water is really hard. One of my favorite things about the weekends are the mornings: taking my time waking up, drinking my coffee and eating breakfast in the kitchen at a lax pace, enjoying the morning brew. I just survived my first full weekend without my Cup o' Joe in the morning and I'm not going to lie...it was brutal. I don't know how people do it.

I was doing great, though. I didn't have to concentrate on ignoring my coffee pot too much since it was a pretty busy weekend and I wasn't alone with the cause of my demise for very long moments of time. In the morning, I went to Reagan High School again and helped paint signs to put up around campus. I then went to meet up with a friend and we went to the mall, the movie theater (saw "He's just not that into you"), and then to dinner.

I was having such a good time and I was really excited to see the movie since everyone had good things to say about it. We walk into the theater, without even thinking anything of it, we head straight to the snack bar, and I order popcorn and.......an ICEE. !!!! At this point, I still don't realize the atrocity I've just committed. It isn't until about half way through the movie that I get this light pulsing headache....and then it hits. I suck at life. There in the Gateway movie theater #6, third to last row, about 6 seats in from the right, I wallowed in my guilt. In my defense, though, it wasn't a conscious choice during a moment of weakness, but a stupid slip up during a moment of retardedness. Nonetheless, I still deserved the caffeine induced headache.

I know this isn't anything trivial or majorly significant and you probably think I'm being very melodramatic here, but I just felt like I had to confess that since I did make a commitment to drink only water and I failed on day 7. Argh....

So with that off my chest, I say shame to you, Icee, shame on YOU...

Old Man Crushes

2009-03-06T17:54:00.000-08:00

So I have a few Old Man Crushes in the celebrity world. These men hold a special place in my heart. My affections for them have grown mainly due to the fact that I am an avid viewer of their shows. Granted they are at least 20 years my senior, but DANG, they sure keep my heart twitter-pated on a daily basis, with much thanks to the USA network.

And here are my boys:

NCIS Agent Jethro Gibbs

Dr. Gregory House

Detective Elliot Stabler

#13

2009-03-06T05:05:00.000-08:00

My vote for Idol this season:

Anoop Dawg

Anyone who can rock Bobby Brown's "My Perogative" like he did is right up there with Wiki in my heart.

Switchin things up

2009-03-05T07:13:00.000-08:00

So my workout the last few weeks has consisted of jogging (mostly on the treadmill) and weights. I love consistency and it's sometimes hard to move my workout regime around even though I know that is highly recommended. I just want to find the workouts that will show results the fastest...remember, I'm impatient.

These last several days I have been in a battle with one of the most annoying headaches and it has kept me from being physically productive. Yesterday afternoon I actually felt good enough to workout, but I didn't want to jump into running a couple miles. So I decided to try the elliptical.

Now, I have friends who much prefer the elliptical to the treadmill and vice versa. My elliptical sessions in the past haven't lasted longer than 5 minutes. I don't know what it is, but my legs can't handle the elliptical so I have always preferred running. Until now.

My friends, I did the elliptical yesterday, on the "weight loss" program, for 30 minutes!! I perspired like madness, couldn't feel my legs when I got off, and my knees were not sore at all! It was beautiful!

So I went to Ask.com to see what the major differences between the elliptical and treadmill were. Throughout my research here's basically what most had to say the differences were:

-On the elliptical you workout more of your body (legs, arms, chest, shoulders, back)

-The elliptical is easier on your joints.

-As a result of being lighter on your knees and such, you tend to do more of a workout on an elliptical, but feel as though you are not doing as much.

-Both treadmill and elliptical are good aerobic exercises.

With all that said, I've chosen to switch to using the elliptical as it won't harm my knees and I'll be getting a better workout in the long run. I'm all about faster results!!

What do you guys prefer? (I'd like to note that I feel stupid asking questions on here like I'm going to get an over-pouring number of responses from my 3 readers, but hey, just thought I'd throw it out there)

Save Reagan

2009-02-28T11:04:00.000-08:00

Missional Community-Reagan High School from The Austin Stone on Vimeo.

When I heard that the state is planning to shut down Reagan High School, I was shocked. It broke my heart watching this video in church, hearing the statistics of the low number of students that would continue with school if Reagan is closed, and seeing the students pouring their own efforts into saving their school.

I'm a professional at seeing or hearing about a bad situation, having my heart break, start feeling sorry, and then do nothing about it. That is awful. I hate that about me. I wanted this to be different. When I saw the several ways to get involved to help save Reagan, I knew it was just too simple to not do anything. There were things like tutoring, going to sporting events, cleaning up around campus, and adopting a teacher...whatever that looked like, but it sounded simple yet significant.

When I first signed up, they said that the major needs for the weekend was tutoring and cleaning up around campus. Then I received another email saying that due to the TAKS testing this week, they will mainly just need tutors. To be honest, I was leaning more toward the cleaning since it has been a very long time since I have done anything educational. I could picture how the tutoring would go: I'd be sitting with a kid who avoids eye contact and would have the enthusiasm of a water heater as a result of having to be in a library studying on a Saturday morning, while I stare blankly at their studying materials and create awkward silence...for 3 hours.

It turned out to be AWESOME. Not only were the students I was working with eager to learn and anxious to do well, I actually knew what I was talking about! Apparently I'm decent at revising and editing! ...who knew.

The particular boy I was helping out with improved his revising and editing from getting about half right on the first story to everything correct on our fourth and last story! And he said that he was failing English! I was so proud and I pray that he continues to improve.

These kids were an encouragement to me. I knew their family situations may not be that great yet they were motivated to try and do better in school. They were receptive and comfortable enough to joke around with us throughout our time there. As we were leaving they even asked if we would be there next Saturday!

Again, the Lord showed me that whenever I go into something with the mindset of hoping to be of help, I always come out feeling that I was the one that was blessed by the experience. I am very excited to continue tutoring and serving at Reagan High School in whatever way is needed to help this school stay open for these awesome kids.

Confession...

2009-02-26T17:58:00.000-08:00

I have a fear of getting large calves. This fear is so so deeply rooted that I've had nightmares of having huge calves. It's ridiculous, I know, but it's a fear.

Incidentally, when Google-imaging large calves for this post, this image came up:

I mean, aren't these just the cutest legs you have ever seen?!?! Now if I had legs that were similar to these, I just don't think I would get the same reaction.

LIVID

2009-02-26T05:04:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I randomly became overwhelmingly LIVID.

Here's what was going through my mind when this LIVID-ness entered my body.

America is in a bad economic crisis right now. I'm pretty sure most will agree that's the case when your nation is $700 billion in debt.

California is pretty much almost bankrupt with a $40 billion budget deficit.

Due to this budget crisis in America, where's one of the first places this money is going to come out of??? The school system. I have several teacher friends back home and all of them don't know if they will have jobs next fall.

BUT, no worries,....the highest sports contract ever in history was just given to Mr. A-Rod. $275 million. I'm LIVID. I repeat: I'm VERY LIVID. What is wrong here?!?!?!?! Anyone?!

Now, let me make it clear that I love sports and sporting events. I grew up going to California Angel games all the time...back when there were only 8 of us in the stands and 4 of them being my fam. I love watching sports live. I do. And I really do believe that sports has a way of bringing community amongst a group of people, whether it be by location or obsession.

What I can't seem to wrap my mind around is why we are paying more money to entertainers and athletes and taking away from those who are actually making a difference in this world by molding and shaping the future of our nation.

I'm not a political person nor do I know much about government and economics and all that fun stuff. I'm not sure how it all works with how, when, where our money is spent. I don't even know if there is someone who is in a position to be able to say, "Ya know, maybe this isn't the wisest use of money right now with our country in a $700 billion debt crisis."

I just don't get it. All I know is that A-Rod and way too many more pro athletes and celebrities are sitting on more money than my mind can ever comprehend just for entertaining us, while my friends who work their butts off to raise up children who will do great things in life, will be out of jobs in a few months.

...thus, my LIVID-ness...

...patience...

2009-02-24T17:46:00.000-08:00

I lack it. Extremely.

I want everything done now. I want things paid off now. I want to see results now. I'm not one to be gung-ho about seeing the fruition of my labor 23 years down the line. You might as well shoot me now if that was the case for something in particular in my life. This is really not a great mentality to have or a characteristic to be immensely lacking. Hence, my confession here.

There has been a major thorn in my side as of late. A thorn larger than any other thorn before. It's one of my credit cards. The amount I owe on it is quite larger than I would prefer and it causes me to enter a minor panic attack. I hate that it has that impact on me. I see that amount and I want it cleared NOW. All of it.

I started working out diligently a couple of weeks ago. I'm in a wedding in May and our dresses are strapless. Strapless dresses pretty much accentuate the areas of my body that need the most work done. This has been the sole motivation behind my running and doing weights 4 days a week and actually challenging myself physically. I am usually sore the next day, but I feel as though my body does not represent the results I want to see. Again, it's only been a couple of weeks, but I want to see the results NOW.

I'm not a patient person. I like to see results.

Today as I was going through one of those minor panic attacks about my lack of funds, a verse from a worship song came to mind.

"Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord."

I've sung this song numerous times, but never has the word "wait" stuck out to me like it did today.

Waiting involves patience. Me and my "I want answers and results now" mentality pretty much got showed what's up with that verse. Strength will come as I wait on God. As I'm patient. One thing I've learned in my 26 1/2 years of life is that my timing is not always, and usually never, God's timing.

I'm learning to give my burdens, my stress, and my impatience to the Lord and let Him have His way with me. I need to be patient and trust that God is doing a work in my life during this hard time. I need my eyes to see His guidance in all of this. I will wait upon the Lord.

Another Apology

2009-02-24T05:07:00.000-08:00

This time it's not to another person, but to my blog. I'm a blog stalker. I am. My daily routine consists for reading other blogs of people that I find way more interesting than myself. I love to hear even their ramblings of nothing in particular. Some people are such awesome bloggers and not because they are witty, hysterical, and have exciting things happen to them 24/7, but because they are just diligent little stinkers and blog on a consistent basis. Props to you folks!!

I, on the other hand, have been neglecting my blog. My amigo. My comrade. My shoulder to cry on. I guess I always feel like I should only blog when there is something that has happened in my life that is worth informing the world wide web. So I state right here and now that I will attempt to not neglect my BFF (2nd to Wiki, of course) anymore.

Since it's been awhile, I'll give you guys a snippet of what has been taking up my time lately:

This album is THE sweetness. This fine group of individuals opened up for Dave Barnes a couple weeks ago and their music has left my ears and soul changed for good. Check them out!

Went bowling Saturday night and my left lower extremities and right fore arm haven't been the same since. I'm getting old...OR I'm that good. You decide...

Pandora is one of the greatest, most convenient inventions to grace the internet since time began. It's a great way to listen to music at work and get introduced to artists that you will eventually fall in love with. Right now, Pandora is sending various doo wop sensations to my ear drums.

I truly love my church. To be a part of a group of individuals who find their purpose in the Lord and strive to live surrendered lives that give glory and fame to His name is so encouraging and challenging at the same time. Their heart for loving on the community is so humbling to me. I pray that I don't miss the opportunities to serve in Jesus' name and run with the heart of God along side my church family.

So birds aren't necessarily taking up my time as it is taking up all my wonder. I have never seen so many birds congregate in one place than I have here. Oh my word!! I'm surprised I haven't heard in the news of the hospital being packed full of people with empty eye sockets from these birds dive bombing the innocent and poking their eyes out. Yikes.

I love, love, love times quadrillion that the sun is starting to rise earlier now. I get to work at 7 and during these last brutal months of winter, it's been pitch black. But as of the last week or so, the sun has been coming out as I leave my place in the morning. It means summer is coming! (Let's be honest, there is no spring in TX). It means warm weather is coming! It means good-bye big, puffy, snow jacket and hello shorts, tank tops and flip flops! It means days and days of Shiny Happy People! I heart early sunrises.

I hope you guys have a great day today and try to get up early sometime this week and enjoy the sunrise!

An Apology

2009-02-14T21:31:00.001-08:00

Dear J-1 and J-2,

I would like to use this forum to state my utmost apologies for nearly taking your lives tonight. I want you both to know that I would never willingly or purposely put your precious lives in danger, let alone attempt to commit a double manslaughter. There were no doubt loss of years off your lifetime and some piddle in the panties due to the fear that resonated during the 27 seconds we were driving on the opposite side of the road with a center divider with no chance of moving to the right side of the road, but I would really appreciate it if you guys would accept my apology.

But if I may say so myself, I partly, no SOLELY, blame the Dallas road system for our near death experience. I'm contemplating writing our Dallas congressmen and explaining the situation. I plan on suing as well and walking away from this case with at least $20 million for our strife and a new set of panties. It's really the least I can do to help in the consolation. I just pray that our friendship is on the path of healing and we'll be back to frolicking in the midst of daisies to the tune of "That's what friends are for" in no time.

With Deepest, Most Sincere apologies,

Dallas: Day 1

2009-02-13T21:10:00.000-08:00

Honesty is the best policy...Dallas sort of sucks.

Granted we have only been here for a few hours, but not a great first impression. We left our hotel around 6:30 to find some dinner. We found food at 8:30...and no, we didn't come back to Austin for dinner. First, we get lost among the back streets of Dallas and found the watering hole for the adult stores of the city. Awesome. Next, we find the highway and there are NO food places that are written in English along the way. Didn't really feel like experimenting with food that could possibly disagree with our tummies so the search continued.

We find ourselves going toward downtown. We find ourselves going through downtown. We find ourselves going pass downtown. Everywhere we got off along the way, no joke, there were NO restaurants. @$%#!!!

After a ton of laughs and some peeing in the pants, we finally found food. You would think for such a huge town there would be several random food places close to all the hotels. Guess not.

Well, after our 4 hours of driving around the town, we are pooped. More to report later!

40 Days...you can do it!!

2009-02-09T07:59:00.000-08:00

One of the most smallest things we take for granted here in the US of A is our accessibility to clean water. When the slightest hint of thirst reaches our throat, palate,...wherever it reaches us, we walk to the frig, the sink, or just pick up our Camelbacks and take a swig of our PBA free water and our thirst is relieved.

There is a vast population in this world where their only option for quenching their thirst is water infested with bacteria, worms, disease, dirt, and sewage. A few have the option of walking miles to the nearest fresh water well to carry their weight in water back to their homes. This is unimaginable to me.

Around 2 million people die each year due to illnesses caused by unsanitary water. 90% of that population are kids under the age of 5. !!! This is insane, Friends!

Blood:Water Mission is another great organization that I have followed for awhile now and their whole purpose and passion is to bring clean water to Africa by raising enough money to build 1,000 wells within that continent. One well can bring water to an entire village so think of how many lives will be saved due to access to clean water through all this!

One of the campaigns that they are running is this 40 Days of Water. Starting March 1st through April 9th they want to encourage people to only drink water and for every time you would buy a drink other than water within that time, put that money aside and use it to bring clean water to Africa and help save lives.

This is kind of hardcore for those of us who don't drink much water to begin with. I do drink a lot of water and it's still going to be hard for me. BUT if not drinking anything but water for 40 days will save even one child's life in Africa, it is totally worth it.

So, Blog Friends, I really, really, really want to encourage you guys to join in this with me. Starting March 1st ONLY drink water for the next 40 days. Any money you would spend on anything other than water, just save and give to help populate Africa with wells that will save so many lives by supplying clean water.

You guys have 19 days to empty and put away your coffee pots, tea pots, and non-H2O liquids. Time to get out and polish your Camelbacks, Nalgenes, or plastic water bottles and get ready to become BFF with them!

We can do this! I know we can!!

A Letter

2009-02-06T05:13:00.001-08:00

Dear Neighbors living above me,

I'm no relationship therapist or intervention specialist or a warden at the insane asylum that you folks apparently should be institutionalized at, but if I were, here is some advice I would give to you guys:

First: 1 am on a weeknight is NOT an appropriate time to have an argument that excels to a full blown out yelling profanity-fest....I'm speaking mainly to you, Mister.

Second: to you, Miss Thang, if my significant other ever referred to me (screaming at the top of his lungs) as "You Stupid F-ing B*tch" you can bet his @$$ would be drop kicked to the street as I get in my car and run over his ankles while I drive away.

Thirdly: If my woman was using all my money to get so sloshed at bars that she slept with heaven knows how many people, Sir, I would politely pack her things, put them in her car, change the locks, and keep the puppy because we know pets don't deserve to be exposed to such irresponsibility. You sort of didn't do this at all and decided to shut her whining apologies up by screaming choice words...obviously that didn't have much success.

Fourthly: Missie, if he's yelling (most likely because he suffers from voice modulation) "I don't f-ing care!!!! Go ahead and marry him!!!" I'm guessing he just doesn't consider what you two have together as that special. This is just a guess, but I'm wondering if it's because you have the characteristics of a traveling alcoholic whore house. But again, that's just my guess.

Fifthly: Back to you, Mr. Hot-Temper Pants, after you and the little lady's verbal brawl and she left the room/apartment, the considerate thing to do would have been maybe to wash your face, brush your teeth if the foul language left a dirty taste in your mouth, and get into bed to sleep it off. Now, here's where you went astray and decided, instead, to practice your shot-putting with 43 lb ice blocks, knock down refrigerators that you apparently have in your bedroom, and make as much noise as you possibly can, ya know, to just let us peeps downstairs know that you are alive and kickin still. I just don't know if the way you handled it was proper etiquette for this situation.

Sixthly: I am more than willing to adopt your doggie as you folks are most def not capable of being pet-parents. From the looks of it, the poor thing has been eating it's weight in puppy chow to deal with the stress of having owners who can't even keep their relationship alive much less a dogs. I would name him Pudge the Pug.

Seventhly: What's up with the vacuuming at 11 pm at night?? What kind of nocturnal fiends are you people??

I have not met you fine folks ever, but all that I have gathered about your relationship merely comes from your guys' lack of using your inside voices. I have seen you guys walking Pudge so I am aware of who you are and what you look like, and it's true: people who look completely normal can be psych ward patients.

You guys will probably never see or hear my great advice, most likely because I don't think you would ever take heed to it. So all I can do is pray: that you break up and one of you moves out, that you both move out, or that you seek extensive counseling.

Best of Luck...

The Redneck map

2009-02-04T11:20:00.000-08:00

Saw this in an email one time and thought it was hilarious.

Song Crush #2

2009-02-03T09:12:00.000-08:00

There are a few songs from these folks that I really dig. This is one of them. The video is classic of everything that was birthed in the 80's: big hair, feathered bangs, FANTASTIC acting...just awesome. Enjoy and giggle a little.

Song Crush right now:

Poison: Fallen Angel

i'm pissed

2009-01-28T06:07:00.001-08:00

first off, because i'm at work and it is BEYOND freezing. my car door was frozen shut this morning. had to pull really hard to open it. ice was stuck to my windshield. had to sit in my car for 7 minutes with the defroster on so it would melt. as i got on the freeway the gas light goes on and it is now bumper to bumper. my panic increases to a psychotic mess as i'm begging Jesus that i don't run out of gas on the freeway in this freeze from hell. not sure why in texas some exits or 1/4 of a mile apart and others are 5 miles apart. oh texas, the little things you need to work on. i finally see an exit after 15 minutes in normal time of traffic, but 5 hours in "i'm freaking running on empty" time. get off...no gas stations on my side of the freeway...of course not, why would there be? ah, I see one on the other side. i flip a u-ie to get on the otherside and pull up to the shell. pull lever to open my gas door thing. rad...frozen shut. go inside to find help and finally a sweet old country gentleman helped me. fill up and get back on the freeway. completely miss my exit. awesome. and now i'm finally at work exactly where i did NOT want to be in this weather.

this weather was cold enough to cause all the calamity of my morning YET not cold enough for work to close down. i'm not a happy camper. i'm a pissy camper.

S.e.v.e.n. Dollars

2009-01-27T06:47:00.000-08:00

If you are followers of this blog, you will know that I have a huge passion for the nations and specifically Africa. I don't know when the love brewed in me for this continent, but I believe God put it there for a purpose and I want to live my life sharing this love with others.

You don't need to go there to know that Africa has poverty and disease taking the lives of their people at a rapid rate. There are some who choose not to recognize what's going on so that they don't have to feel bad or guilted into giving money. But I truly believe there are a good handful of you who are aware of what goes on, see the injustice being done, and are broken by it. You may want to even help in some little way, but not sure how. The number of organizations out there who are dedicated to helping out Africa can be overwhelming.

There are a few that I support on a consistent basis and Mocha Club is one of my faves. Why? Because they make it so simple. $7 a month from you can...feed, educate, save, and provide. $7 a month. Is that too much to ask for to help Africa??

So I just wanted to provide an opportunity for anyone who has been looking for a way to send a little bit of money to make a HUGE difference. My friends and I have a team called Love Connects Us and if you would like to be a part of Mocha Club and join our team, you can click HERE! Teams can be made so that the money from that team goes directly to a specific cause, so our team's money goes to supporting orphans in Africa.

I want to encourage you guys with the thought that your $7 a month can do something so powerful in a nation and ultimately show love to others across the globe.

Welcome, Mr. President!

2009-01-20T10:51:00.000-08:00

Caitlin from Cali

2009-01-19T15:46:00.000-08:00

Thanks again for hanging with us, Caitlin! Now you've experienced radness. =)

Toured UT campus

Walked around Town Lake

Ate some P-Terry's (Almost as good as In-N-Out)

Watched the African Children's Choir (SO stinkin cute!!)

Africa

2009-01-19T08:28:00.000-08:00

I went to Africa the summer of '07 and I haven't been the same since. There are so many amazing places in this world that are cool to visit, but Africa is one of those places that needs to be experienced by all. Not only are you overwhelmed by this vast canvas that God used to paint the land with His glory, but you will encounter beauty in the things you never knew possible. In the midst of the slums, conditions you could never fathom existed let alone inhabited by people, you will find children and women singing and dancing because they have an inexplainable joy that can't hold them still. You will have a conversation with a man who has found healing, forgiveness and love in His Savior and has turned his life around to devote himself to minister to others in broken places.

You will also look into the faces of children who have lost either one or both of their parents. You will pass by many who are infected with diseases that could have been prevented. You will encounter young women who have been brutally taken advantage of at an early age so that a man could "cure" himself of AIDS. You will see a nation living under corrupt leadership and the fear that goes along with that.

Amongst all this, these people end up teaching you more than you could ever show them. I went with the intentions to serve them in whatever way they needed and to be a blessing in some way to them. I came back overwhelmingly humbled at the hospitality these people lavished on us and I was inspired by their lives.

I say all this because I believe EVERYONE could use Africa in their lives. Mocha Club is a non-profit organization that I've supported for awhile and have fell in love with their heart for sending help to Africa where it's needed. They have trips going to Africa this year and are looking for people who have compassion and love overflowing from their hearts to join them. If interested, you can go HERE. If you have never been or are looking for who to go with, this would be the perfect organization to go with.

I'm so excited because one of my good friends, Lena, is actually going to be going on one of the trips to Africa with Mocha Club this year. I can't wait to hear how God rocks her world through this experience.

Africa is almost addicting. While I was there, I was already planning my next trip to go back. It is a life changing experience and I pray that you will each have the opportunity to "need Africa."

We are loved

2009-01-18T15:22:00.001-08:00

I have been so encouraged by the number of our friends that have come out to visit us since we've moved to Austin. So many of our friends and family have shown their love for us just simply by buying a plane ticket and taking time out of their busy lives to come hang with us gals. Whether it be for a long weekend or a week the time we spend with them is always awesome and filled with memories. Since we've been living here, we've had peeps come from Oregon, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Cali, and most likely by the end of the year, more peeps from Tennessee and Florida will have visited...crazy!!! I feel loved beyond words.

This weekend Caitlin came to hang with us to have some rad times in Austin. She was in youth group when we were helping out at our old church back home and it's been great to keep our friendship tight now that she's in college. Pics will be up soon of "Mariko and Jamie as Austin Tour Guides."

Visitors, past, present, and future, I want to thank you for your precious time that you take out of your busy schedule to spend with a couple crazy gals in the best town ever. Thank you for showing love!!!

Things I've realized about myself:

2009-01-14T11:12:00.001-08:00

I love watching kids eat their food - they can make ANYTHING look yummy.

I drive big cars better than I do small cars.

I don't have a favorite color.

I need to work on my patience.

I am not meant to be at an office job for the rest of my life.

Every 3 months, practically to the day, I get an insatiable urge to get a new purse.

I put myself in other people's shoes a lot.

My pride is the hardest thing to get rid of.

I miss Japan THIS much.

community

2009-01-13T05:12:00.000-08:00

I have been praying about going on a missions trip this year for the past several months. I was overwhelmingly excited to see that there were so many opportunities to go serve all over the world through my new church here in Austin. I thought my main problem would be to choose which one to go with.

As I have been asking God for wisdom with decisions regarding not just missions trips, but with every aspect in my life I have been sensing a theme that has continually popped up lately. Community. More specifically, the love that is shared within a community. This theme has popped up in the most random ways too; movies, sermons, family, friends, and even tough circumstances. I've been seeing the importance of community and the love that is shared among the people.

My family, in this country and in Japan, are a part of my community. My tight friends who are spread across the U.S. are my community. My friends here in Austin are a part of my community. Work peeps are a part of my community.

I have a close friend who is a great example of someone who has always placed the people in her life above all other material things and circumstances. Wherever there is a friend or loved one in need, you can guarantee she will be there in a matter of a day or 2. Whether it's being support for a friend going to a funeral or a friend who has a speaking engagement, being there for friends giving birth or going through a tough time, or just being there for the sheer giggles of it, she's always up for it. I am so encouraged by her portrayal of love to her community of family and friends and I am blessed to have her as my friend!

I have served in other countries and I know that will continue in my future. I'm drawn to go and touch the nations with God's love. But I'm realizing that I can do that right where I'm at now for the time being. I feel that the Lord has been showing me that I need to look around at my community and focus on loving them and spending time with them. I'm in a stage of life where I don't have a family of my own that I need to tend to and I want to take advantage of this time to spend time with those close to me.

What does that possibly look like for me this year? Going to CA for weddings and friends, going to Portland for a girls weekend, going to Japan to visit my grandparents, spending more time with friends here in Austin, visiting my family in NC and Florida, and just being available to my community.

God created us to be in community, to share our lives with others; the good, the bad, and the ugly. To do that, you also need to be available to the good, the bad, and the ugly in others and love on them.

So, friends, I dedicate this year to loving you with all that God's given me! Cheers to 2009!

No Mo' Joe

2009-01-12T05:46:00.000-08:00

I haven't really made any New Year's resolution because, let's be honest, they're usually broken within the first 5 seconds of the new year. That word "resolution" sounds so definite and legit that if broken it makes you feel as though you've broken the 11th commandment which leads to depression and then you just screw it all and go back to living life before the goal setting of losing 50 lbs or consuming less alcohol or budgeting your money better. Then by the end of that year you're broke, 500 lbs and an alcoholoic. No thank you. I don't appreciate guilting myself to feel like a useless waste of space so I choose to make general "aspirations" and if I fall back on them it doesn't cause the depression-fest and I'm more apt to overcoming my moment of weakness and continue on the path of pursuing that aspiration.

So, one of my aspirations is to wean myself off of coffee...this sort of derived from my aspiration to be healthier. I've attempted this probably 5 other times before. It usually goes somewhat okay, but then I get a whiff of that creamy brewed cup of divine radness and then...me and my cup-of-Joe are BFF's again.

I am now substituting tea in the place of where my BFF Joe would fulfill my every need. So far so good...it's also only been one day. =)

So, Internet friends, I need you guys to hold me accountable to this...all 3 of you, that is. I give you permission to ask me, "Have you and Joe hung out lately?" and if I say "uhhh, yes" then I fully allow you guys to publicly berate me.

Fredericksburg, TX

2009-01-11T14:09:00.000-08:00

Saturday we decided to drive down and explore the cute little German town of Fredericksburg. I loved the old architecture and cute boutique shops all along the main street of downtown. Besides it being -22 degrees with 80 mph winds, we had a great time strolling around, feeling as though we were apart of a small town with quaint shops filled with southern hospitality.

Thank you, Fredericksburg...

Wife Making

2009-01-09T09:59:00.000-08:00

During her visit with us, Lisa wanted to make us a home cooked meal as practice for her new role as wife come May. Heck yes! I'm always down for people wanting to cook for me!

The menu:
Mal's special chicken
corn on the cob
mashed potatoes

And what better to top of a yummy meal than a yummy dessert.And, yes, this is a delicious confetti cake in the shape of Texas. Now, I know what you may be thinking, and the question shouldn't be why do we have a cake pan in the shape of Texas, but the more important question is, why does a cake pan in the shape of Texas exist?? (Oh, and if any of you have seen one of these puppies in the shape of the great state California, please let me know. I'm all over that!!)

Great meal, Chones! And let this also be an opportunity for me to volunteer myself for any of you who are to be future wives and would like to practice your cooking skills...I would love to help with that. =)

I just can't handle it

2009-01-07T05:03:00.001-08:00

I sat in the chair as the tears streamed down my cheeks, down my neck and soaked the collar of my shirt. I gripped 4 tissues in my right hand while using my left hand to dry my neck with my jacket. My body is heaving from repetitive mini convulsions of sobs. What caused all this??

...and this is what I looked like this morning: (and, no, my eyes are NOT normally that puffy)

I've come to the conclusion that I handle human deaths way better than I handle pet deaths.

Lonies is in Town!!!

2009-01-05T20:14:00.000-08:00

Lisa (Jamie's sister) came into town last night and is staying with us for a week. I've known Lisa probably as long as I've known Jamie and she's grown to become a great friend of mine. She truly has a giving spirit and beauty that shines from the inside out. I'm so happy she's decided to vaca with us and I'm excited for some rad girl times with her as she prepares to tie the knot of wedded bliss this May!

Tonight, we ate at Mongolian Grille in Round Rock. Can we say Scrumptious with a capital SCRUMP! I think I ate my body weight in beef, but it was so stinkin worth it.

After we attempted to walk off our dinner while doing some shopping we came home and watched, my new fave show, Jon & Kate Plus 8. I have never seen a more adorable family in my life! I mean, just look at them...

Pee-Ewwww

2009-01-02T05:01:00.000-08:00

As I arrived in the parking lot of work this morning I saw for the first time in my life a real-live skunk! Well, I've seen skunk carcasses and sure as hey smelt them before, but never seen one alive and skuttling around. It ran across the front of the building into the bushes where I believe it will gather it's munchkins there and put them to bed.

Skunks are actually cute little fuzzy suckers that have kind of a snuggly appeal to them, but I won't attempt to capture one as a pet for my own...and apparently according to this picture, it's possible!

Where did '08 go?

2008-12-31T06:53:00.000-08:00

Let's sum up my 2008 in pictures, shall we...

January: Celebrated beginning of '08 with the fam in NC February: Lisa got engaged!

March: Happy St. Paddy's Day

April: Epic Road Trip May: Aloha!!! June: Said good-bye to Cali...single tear

July: I met the 26th year of my life August: Ladies Reunion in A-TownSeptember: Disney Wedding in Cali October: Snyde/Tice Wedding in Cali

November: Fam visited Austin for ThanksgivingDecember: Visited the Fam in NC

2009, Bring it!!!

Pho-Dawgs Rock

2008-12-30T05:57:00.000-08:00

Confession: I stalk blogs. I stalk mainly photographer blogs. I think I started appreciating the art of photography probably several years ago. 2 of my close friends (one a roomie and one expecting a baby in May!!!) are photographers so I guess having it around a lot helped me develop the appreciation. So now, I stalk photographer blogs. I have a few faves for different categories of life.

Jasmine Star - Jasmine is going to be my wedding photographer...if/when that joyous, momentous day ever comes for me. I don't even have the male part of the wedding, but your darn tootin I have the photographer. She's rad, real, Californian, and loves Jesus too...can't beat that!

Amy Wenzel - Amy mainly photographs kids. Granted, I won't need her till even awhile after I've hired Jasmine for my wedding, but I LOVE looking at her pictures. She's got this vintage style splashed with bright, vibrant colors. Love it!

Jeremy Cowart - Cowart has a unique way of capturing pictures. He has shot a lot of celebrities and media pictures, but he's also shot all over the world capturing faces and scenes of people just like us, but in completely different situations. Not only is he an incredibly unique photographer, he has a passion for justice and helping those in need, and uses his gift of photography to bring awareness to that.

Jamie Lynne - How can I list great photographers and leave out Jamie Lynne Lapeyrolerie. =) Jamie's one of those close friends I mentioned who is a photographer. It's been fun to see this side of photography and all that goes into a career like this. She's passionate about what she does and you can tell that in her photos. SO, if you or anyone you know is planning on getting hitched, you need to contact her. She does an awesome job and I promise you won't regret it!

Jessica Lynn - Jess is a newfound Texan friend and coworker. We are in the same community group and she helped me get the job I have now. She's super awesome, artsy, and fun! She insists that she's just starting out, but I personally think her work is incredible and just exudes her personality!