Holdin' Down the Fort

Today is one of those quiet days without the boss. She started her weekend a little early to go vist family in the desert. I was actually thinking of going up north to Morro Bay to see my grandparents too but I don't think it's going to work out that way. The Lord has opened the door to visit a few stores to show my merchandise today and tomorrow, which is still awesome! Hmmm maybe another time I suppose. I'd really like to make a trip up there again though, it's nice and cool and near the coast, which is a plus. I spent last night printing my hang tags and fixing them on my shirts and also sticking tags on my stickers and just getting them ready to present, so now they look a little more professional. I'll find out tonight more about the guidelines they have for putting them in stores. It's both a little scary and exciting too going forward with this and gaining this kind of experience! I've had a little help though thank God from a friend of mine who owns a store up in Rancho. He's actually someone that a classmate introduced me to who also wants to start a few brands of his own. He owns a children's clothing store called O-2-B-Me. I got a chance to visit him last Monday and got some great info from him as well as feedback and just good conversation. He even agreed to put a few stickers in his store on consignment to see how they'll do. So there you have it: the first official store to carry my stickers! Well, we'll see how they do up there.

It's so nice to have two 3-day weekends in a row. Too bad it only comes once a year. lol They should have at least one 3-day weekend once a month. They should make it a state-mandated holiday for all businesses. Cause seriously we need to relax a little more and stop pushing the envelope and live stressed out. We live 8 hours of our day at work. Who wants to live those 8 hours stressed and overworked and rushing every minute without any peace?? You know, we do it to ourselves and we're gonna make the market crash all because we need to push for one more cent off the price we pay vendors for our material, or push to lower it a few cents for our customers before the competition does. And who's gaining all the profit here? There seems like there's no honor for the 'little guy' anymore. It's all about being your own boss, working for yourself and being financially independent that's honorable. It's only like that because companies treat their employees like numbers and not like people. The fact is, corporations like Microsoft and other large businesses NEED those workers. If is wasn't for all the workers who work under Microsoft I highly doubt it would be a multimillion dollar company anymore. Bill Gates is not a billionaire cause he owns a home-based business by himself. He is what he is cause of other people. Other people are valuable and they should be recognized for their value, not treated like some part-time slave. And that goes doubly for Christians, cause I've heard too many stories of 'christians' running their businesses the same unhonorable way. The only problem with that is, those who are christians have a Master they will answer to about how they treat their employees. The bible is clear on that.

Anyhow, that's my little speil on that (is that spelled right?). Time to finish this huge sign and get another going and hopefully done also. Happy New Year! =)

More Open Doors

Well the Lord is continually opening doors for my business and it's pretty amazing just watching this all happen before me! First, my boss signed us all up to go to a screenprinting convention in Long Beach I believe the weekend of Jan. 20. I'm really looking forward to that as there will be many vendors and lots of knowledge to gain there to help me with my own business as well as my job. Then a guy is supposed to come in this week and show us a few tips on improving our silkscreening and getting better results. Then a customer of ours that I sat down with and went over some business card/vehicle decal designs lets me know that the aforementioned convention was a great place for me to ask questions and find the answers I'm looking for concerning my tees and all. I just praise God for His guidance and all the open doors He has provided, as well as the direction He's given me in using His gift. It's all for His glory!

As a side note, this month has been the busiest month for us yet! I can't believe how busy we got..sheesh...I thought this would be on of the slowest months. Boy was I wrong. Well, I'd rather be pretty busy then sitting there bored finding things to do, that's for sure. =)

Getting Very Close

I've been very busy with my business lately finalizing all my designs and choosing which one's will go to print. I have a ton of designs but only a handful will make the final list for the tees and stickers I'm making very soon here. Of couse I'd love to put out most of them but it can get costly, but I think these one's will do for now, especially in the times we're living in. I may go ahead and post them soon before they actually come out. I'm trying to get them done before my last class on the 15th so I can get them into the hands of my classmates. A few of them are hoping I get these finished soon so I'm aiming for that date! Hopefully hopefully...But the Lord is totally opening the doors for this. When I went to eat lunch at a Christian-owned pizza place last weekend called GPC a few guys saw the designs and gave me a few stores they said where I could actually sell them, so I was all jazzed about that! And the owner quoted me some prices for the stickers that were too good cause she knows I'm just starting out, so I thank God for that. Okay I better stop or I'll keep writing and I gotta work lol...More later. =)

Happy HolYdays

So since I've heard that many a corporation are diregarding the phrase 'Merry Christmas' for obvious reasons and replacing it with 'Happy Holidays' I thought I'd counter that with my own rendition by using a lower case 'i' with a lower case accent above to form a 'Y', hence 'Happy HolYdays'. Hmmm just not sure if this could be a bumper sticker or tee or what yet. If we cant change others, we can change ourselves and learn to counter things creatively. I'm learning that if we think deep enough and use the brain the Lord gave us, we can come up with some pretty interesting solutions. The Lord tells us to be 'as harmless as doves and as wise as serpents.' We might not be able to make a change by using a full-out direct approach...it might take being a little indirect and creative, going in the back door for that surprise attack. That's what I try to do with my designs anyways.

I thought it was pretty awesome the other day when I heard that the girls who came in to our shop looking for some signs were born-again Christians who used to be involved in porn! In what way, I dont know and I wont ask, but the fact that they are now missionaries for the Lord and looking to share their salvation with others caught up in porn in awesome! And you bet that I'll make their logo and design THE sweetest I can. And we just got an order for a large banner that will say 'Jesus is the reason for the season'...exciting stuff I tell you. =)

Quiet Friday

Had to come in today and work, but it actually doesn't feel like a work day. It feels like I'm here doing some extra work. It's interesting cause as I was on the way to work, I was wondering how many businesses would be open in our complex and how many would be closed. When I pulled in the parking lot I was shocked to find the parking lot completely empty! So that just made it seem even more like a day off. lol And the fact that I'm the only one here with hardly any calls coming in makes it pretty nice, and I may even get off a little early. I suppose it does help to get a few projects out of the way though instead of leaving them all for Monday. Hey, makes my life more bearable here. If I compare my work day to those poor retail employees who are being smothered by mad shoppers out there today...ehh...I guess I should consider myself blessed having a quiet, stress-free day!

So I hear pretty much every large retailer out there is omitting the phrase 'Merry Christmas' from their stores because a handful of people are terribly offended by it. Geeez it's not some kind of evil curse or satanic hand gesture or something. What's so offending about it? Because the word 'Christ' is present? That God loves us enough to send His Son to the cross to die for our sins so that we could have eternal life with Him in Heaven forever? Oh yeah...who would want that? That's terribly offending that a loving God cares about us. geeez. Well I hate to say that when you have a world who rejects a loving God who died for the world, you're gonna end up with a cold, dark world, and that's what it's coming to. I do not want to live in a world that completely rejects the Creator of all things. And who in their right mind would want to? Of course, all this to say that again, it's a spiritual battle. We don't wrestly against flesh and blood, but principalities and hosts of wickedness in high places. The whole world is under the sway of the evil one, and his tactic is to dupe people into rejecting the only One who can save them. But his day is coming as the bible says; he's not getting away with anything. Anyhow this world is heading toward a future that was already predicted by Jesus Christ 2000 yrs ago. I think all we can do is stand strong for righteousness and hope that the blinders are lifted off those who are deceived and living in darkness. Hopefully they will have ears to hear.

You know I think the best solution to avoid the madness out there at the malls and stores is just to stay home and shop online. How maddening can that be? I think that's the best solution not only to avoid the crowds and stress but also to avoid the possiblility of terrorism. If there's one good solution to sustaining life and business and keep the world going without resorting to being out in large crowds where terrorists hit the hardest, it's being behind a computer at home where you can shop, work and communicate in one place. I gotta admit to those minds who created the internet as we know it...they may have created a solution to keep us safe from terrorism in the world as we know it today. =)

Cruise control

This week started off pretty busy from the get-go but seems to be winding down already for me. We had some major projects that we just finished today so I was up Mon and Tues getting those done. Now I'm back at the computer back to designing for a bit. Thurs I'll be off of course for Thanksgiving with my brother's girlfriend's family, then Friday I'll be here but the owner wont, so I imagine it will be pretty slow that day. So actually Wed will sort of kind of be like my Friday and Friday will feel like I'm using a day off to come in and do extra work. lol On top of that we have no school this week so that gives me some leeway with homework and time do work on my designs, which is cool. So all in all it's been a nice week I'd have to say so far. so far. lol

We just finished a huge 8' x 16' sign for the city for a home development project. This will be our 3rd now. They said there will be one a month for us to do, which is good business for us! We also do smaller 4' x 8' signs also which are a little easier. I should post some of these sometime, they are rather huge. I might post them on my other blog however. Now those signs take ALL the energy out of me! lol They have to be done on the floor so it's pretty labor intensive...but worth it in the end. =)

Tiger Direct

I discovered a site where they have very low prices for computers and accessories. A guy is supposed to back up all our information pretty soon at work and overheard him mention this site as having pretty much the lowest prices you'll find on the net. So actually I didn't discover it...I don't know who discovered it, anyways that's beside the point here. lol I've seen a few accessories already that have impressed me so far but not everything. It's called www.tigerdirect.com. Also there's a pretty good deal at Dell right now for a basic computer desktop system going for $299 after a mail-in rebate. I think they're discounting all their items for the holiday right now. But who isn't? Right now it would be nice to get a flat-screen monitor for my desktop. I have one of those old 17" screens that take up the whole desk practically! But it was free so I'm not complaining, not at all.

Anyways, where did this week go?? I can't believe it's over already. Geeez...Well I just hope this weekend goes by fast so I can look forward to another fun-filled week of labor! =)

Feeling the Pinch

This week was a very tight week financially, I mean especially tight! Normally I have at least some to spend at my leisure...not this week. Well thank God I made it through and got paid today, although the banks were closed today. :( Oh well...there's always tomorrow. And I got a nice surprise near the end of the day too! The owner came over to me around 3pm and told me we were going to go ahead and close at 4pm, an hour early, since it was Veteran's Day! Yes! That was nice I'll say. So I got to head out to Newport where I am now to hang out, study a bit...do whatever I want! lol Man...it was nice and peaceful a second ago in here, meaning Starbucks...they have the classical opera blaring now!! geeez what's with that? Someone back there loves it. lol Hey I love classical but not blaring in my ears. I suppose it's because they just got a huge rush in here. Funny how things can change in a matter of minutes. I must say it can be fun observing people, waiting for coffee, chatting, arm wrestling (yes, a few kids were arm wrestling the next table over! lol), sitting alone, like me, reading, talking on their cells.

So the Subway down here at Fashion Island now have these touch screens to order your sandwiches! They said it'll pretty much take over customer service. All they have to do is make your order once they get the printout on their end. All I do is take my receipt to the cashier and pay, and I'm ready to go! Pretty cool I thought, but at the same time I didn't want to order from a screen, I wanted to talk to a 'live operator' here. It felt...impersonal. Nevertheless I went ahead and tried it out...pretty cool I must admit. I guess...lol

Anyhow I think I'm gonna change gears here and do a little work. Until next time...=)

Different

Tonight's class was quite different I should say, combining two classes into one without our usual instructor or prof I should say. I got a good taste of pure lecture tonight! Yes I was a bit uncomfortable...our class usually interacts quite a bit with the prof's we've gotten. I don't think any of us were ready for that! lol I could tell we all had a bit of a struggle sitting still without being able to actually do the talking. Well after the break I was quite fine and more attentive actually, busy writing notes, asking questions. He actually was quite knowledgable and fascinated with the discussion of ethics, almost matched by our own prof Rae! He knew when he was going too far with a subject...after a certain point of driving a question into the ground it doesn't make sense any more..lol...but he was full of info and I was able to get something out of the discussion tonight.

As a side note I only have 19 more free plays on my Rhapsody...better pick and choose a little more carefully here...lol...how bout Enya...oooooh...well actually I can go to Borders and listen to the full length of each song which is unusual cause usually it only plays like 30 second bits..hmm

I used to really be into Yanni when I was younger. I remember putting on particular CD on and playing it over and over while I drew at night. I think it was very inspiring at the time. Since then I haven't really heard much of him...none of his recent music attracts me much, but Enya still does though. I used to listen to alot of classical music too when I was in my teens. Don't ask me why but during the day I would put blankets on all the windows, put classical music on as well as a few candles too and just draw to my heart's content! I think I know only one other person who did that, a brother I think I go to church with. Hmmm...maybe its a guy thing I don't know. Hey at least I wasn't covering the windows to do anything bad! lol

The path of terror

"Thousands of Jordanians rallied in the capital and other cities shouting "Burn in hell, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi!" a day after three deadly hotel bombings that killed at least 59 people."

You ever wonder where all this terrorism is going? Are we going to conquer it as Bush is so confidently aimed at doing? Will Iraq ever have rest again, or will it just get even worse? Sometimes I think that all this terrorism is actually setting up a worldwide security system that will be so precise and high-tech that every person will be accounted for and eventually be a system that the antichrist will use to his advantage as he takes his position as the world leader. I believe this as being highly probable because the bible says that when the world leader rules there will be a peace like never before, for 3 1/2 years, due to the peace treaty that is enacted. Of course he will use peace as his 'weapon' since he's trying to mimic THE Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. Unfortunately it will be a short peace and end after those 3 1/2 yrs, when his deception is revealed. Hmmm...why did I say 'unfortunately'? I should be saying fortunately!! Cause then his true identity will finally be revealed, that serpent of old, the devil or Lucifer, the fallen one. Speaking of Lucifer, it's scary to think that there are many people caught up in some UFO cult out there who's name escapes me who actually use a technology to 'communicate' with who they call Lucifer, yet to them he's an alien entity who has all the answers. That is very unfortunate to see so many deceived by his devices, but the bible does say that the 'the whole world is under the sway of the evil one', meaning satan, or Lucifer. How can people not see this? Especially when the bible lines up perfectly with the current events we are now living in??? Hmmm

New Habits

For some reason I've been getting into the habit of posting more...how curiously unusual of me. I'll need to spend time analyzing this abnormal behavior of mine. hmmm...they are some serious blogs going on around here too as I'm finding out...some people like myself keep it pretty simple, but others are posting serious political issues and what not that are sooo long I don't have time to sit and read that much!! lol I wonder if anyone does?? Well I'm sure they are advocates of those kinds of blogs who make time in their life to sit and read those articles. And to think that people actually take the time to sit and write that much too! Wow...that's some serious writing time I'm telling you...unless they're using some voice system to write, that's highly probable.

I'm trying to think of some seriously applicable ways to use car magnets and decals in a new way, as a way that conforms to one's car. I think that as car's evolve there will be a departure form your ordinary vinyl sticker applications as a way of avoiding cheapening a car's appearance, although it probably wont disappear completely. I've been dabbling in some new plastic/metallic designs similar to the dove and fish symbols you see on alot of cars. It would certainly by nice to invent a new application that catches on, an application that starts in the Christian market first. I can think of one invention that would certainly catch on yet would be very expensive and still in the making...that would be motion graphics on paper thin applications, which is either in the making or already on the market in retail locations. I did see a Carl's Jr about a few months ago who had a menu with that concept going! It was a menu where the images would change often and would even show short video clips. The whole menu had to be a digital image of course, and something like that is ideal for changing menu items and prices! But when I drove by later on I think they took it out...hmmm...too expensive?? not sure...

Well I for one am thankful it's Friday tomorrow...the week has been okay it's just that too many late nights is taking it's toll on my body. If I didn't have these darn allergic reactions I could bet that I wouldn't need as much sleep, cause my lack of sleep seriously comes from lack of oxygen due to these God-forsaken allergies! I'm not breathing clearly so I don't get a full night's rest every night, and even when I do I still feel like I'm not rested! So irritating...gotta get to the Dr and get it taken care of unless I like suffering...lol. =) nite

Created by a Higher Power

It's hard to read this statement made by critics of the newly voted for standard in Kansas schools that will allow for Intelligent Design to be taught with evolution without getting a little upset:

Critics of the new language charged that it was an attempt to inject God and creationism into public schools, in violation of the constitutional ban on state establishment of religion.

Oh yeah...I forgot that this nation was founded with the belief in evolution that was being taught in every school in the nation, and now suddenly people want God in schools. I forgot about that. Ummm...did I miss something here? This nation and it's schools, including those of Yale and Harvard mind you, were founded upon biblical principles that were actually at the forefront of education! All other education as I recall was secondary. And these critics have the audacity to make a charge like that? No, it's not an attempt to inject God and creationism into public schools, it's an attempt to bring him back into the school system where He was in the first place, a school system that you polluted with your THEORY of evolution that states there is no purpose in life! If you would read up on your history and think a little here it should be obvious who's making the attempt here to violate who you ignoramaces! I would say it's a sad day when people try to twist the truth, especially the truth of factual history.

It's so sad that people would put their faith into a man who claims to have the anwers to life's beginnings, and then use that theory as THE basis for the existence of man and teach it as the only truth that there is to life in every American school. Very sad indeed. Ummm...there's about a billion if not more people on this earth here...how completely narrow-minded, if not outright inconsiderate of everyone else in this nation for those who advocate evolution to think that their precious theory is the ONLY answer to life! Talk about intolerance! I'm beginning to believe that those people who push so hard for tolerance are the very ones who are the most intolerant. They're only tolerant if you believe and accept what THEY believe. For example, those activists who push for the legitimacy and legality of homosexuality also push for tolerance, tolerance of the homosexual lifestyle. Yet, if you approach them with the proven fact that homosexuals CAN change and live a heterosexual life, they won't hear it and are totally against it. Translation: they are INTOLERANT! They can't accept the fact that they CAN change. And that is sad indeed, especially for those who do want to change. Sadly, their so-called 'leaders' are liars.

On a lighter note here (I hate having to start like that), today was actually a good day in design, albeit a little busy at the end though, but not hectic busy. An online friend whom I haven't spoken to in ages it seems has suddenly appeared again! That was pretty surprising. I got an IM message from her a day or two ago just saying HI so it seems she's been coming around slowly. I think it's actually been about ohhh...I want to say 6 months or more, I think since last year. We were talking for a while, I was actually calling her here and there, then she kind of disappeared for a bit, mostly cause she was in the middle of alot of changes in her life and very busy with her business. Well, hopefully she'll be around a bit more.

Anyhow I do need to read a bit...blah...I'm so unmotivated this week for some reason. Got things to do like watch live concert DVD's that my brother has! lol bad I know. Very bad. I guess I'm not too motivated to read...hmmm...don't know why...maybe because I didn't understand a word I read of that ethical argument last time!! lol well, I guess I could skip to the next one. In fact I think the reading on that one is more my kind of reading...easy and to the point and not full of flashy uncomprehensible symbolisms and what not. Well I'd like to just go on and on here but there's always tomorrow...or at least later tonight. =)

The Myths and Truths

The following are just some interesting points I found on the issue of homosexuality and the gay lifestyle from NARTH.


The Three Myths About Homosexuality

Myth #1

Homosexuality is normal and biologically determined.

The truth...

There is no scientific research indicating a biological or genetic cause for homosexuality. Biological factors may play a role in the predisposition to homosexuality. However, this is true of many other psychological conditions.
Research suggests that social and psychological factors are strongly influential. Examples include problems in early family relationships, sexual seduction, and sense of inadequacy with same-sex peers, with resulting disturbance in gender identity. Society can also influence a sexually questioning youth when it encourages gay self-labeling.

Myth #2

Homosexuals cannot change, and if they try, they will suffer great emotional distress and become suicidal. Therefore, treatment to change homosexuality must be stopped.

The truth...

Psychotherapists around the world who treat homosexuals report that significant numbers of their clients have experienced substantial healing. Change has come through psychological therapy, spirituality, and ex-gay support groups. Whether leading married or committed celibate lives, many report that their homosexual feelings have diminished greatly, and do not trouble them as much as they had in the past.
The keys to change are desire, persistence, and a willingness to investigate the conscious and unconscious conflicts from which the condition originated. Change comes slowly, usually over several years. Clients learn how to meet their needs for same-sex nurturance and affirmation without eroticizing the relationship. As they grow into their heterosexual potential, men and women typically experience a deeper and fuller sense of themselves as male or female.
If some homosexuals do not wish to change, that is their choice, yet it is profoundly sad that gay-rights activists struggle against the right-to-treatment for other homosexuals who yearn for freedom from their attractions.

Myth #3

We must teach our children that homosexuality is as normal and healthy as heterosexuality. Teenagers should be encouraged to celebrate their same-sex attractions.

The truth...

Scientific research supports age-old cultural norms that homosexuality is not a healthy, natural alternative to heterosexuality. Research shows that gay teens are especially vulnerable to substance abuse and early, high-risk sexual behavior. It does far more harm than good to tell a teenager that his or her attractions toward members of the same sex are normal and desirable. Teens in this position need understanding and counseling, not a push in the direction of a potentially deadly lifestyle.
A 1992 study in Pediatrics found that 25.9% of 12-year-olds are uncertain if they are gay or straight. The teen years are critical to the question of self-labeling, so the facts must be presented in our schools in a fair and balanced manner.

-brought to you by NARTH, the National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality

Monday Make-up

My makeup class was actually quite nice, when I finally got there that is..lol...it was further than I thought it would be actually, almost an hour. I thought it would be less. But I liked it cause it was alot smaller than my own group, around 8 people total, and we each had our own small desk, which were all fitted together though so we were all still together, and the prof ended up being prof Ching who I had for my HR class! So that was a nice surprise. He's a great guy, not to mention quite humorous. And we were able to finish a little early so that was nice considering the drive I had ahead of me. I think a few of the girls in there also had to drive a ways to since they were from the La Mirada group, so I'm sure they lived up that way somewhere. And the people were very friendly also. They were a bit more mature sort of folk, I must say, who's company I quite indeed enjoyed over the course of our discussions that eve. Hey I think that rhymed! lol

Well that's one step closer to graduation, albeit a small step however. But I am excited that I'm in my last class for the program this year. Then I'll get a much needed break for about 3 weeks or so until I start making up a missed term. But thank God I got in one right off the bat in January huh? I was quite pleased with the results that were born so perfectly from a much needed meeting with one AB in sync with the meticulous deeds wrought forth from one B. I appreciate all their effort truly.

Can anyone help me understand what this sentence means:

The executive and the artist are equally tempted to identify and articulate a higher rationale for their work than their work itself. But only in the improved human consequences of their efforts do they find vindication.

It's an argument about the morality of advertising, and the argument this man is making can be very confusing to me. His language is something beyond me and almost seems to be in a language all his own actually. First, what is the difference between 'work' and 'work itself'? I don't see any difference here and I don't see his point either. Second, what in the world is the 'improved human consequences' of their efforts?? huh? Improved human consequences. I still cannot make sense of that. Is he missing something here, like 'improved' human consequences, possibly implying that the consequences of our mere human effort that we deem as improved are the very thing we try to justify? Is it a sarcastic reply to the supposed improvement of human effort by way of evolutionary thinking? Again, this is just one instance where the author loses me. Some writers seem to get so wrapped up at creating a language all their own that they think is creating some profound intellectual and symbolic statement when all they're doing is losing the reader altogether! Then again maybe it's just me, who knows. I think I can just make things more complicated than they are...lol.

Anyhow this is getting long, wow. I like short and sweet. Actually I like aggressive, especially when it comes to women. I like women who are very aggressive and very outspoken and speak their mind with power and prestige and who are at the same time very beautiful. They aren't intimidating to me at all...cause deep inside they're just little fragile teddy bears who have built up a huge wall and all they really want is a gentle man to simply love them and support them. That's all. When it comes down to it, it's exactly as Nat King Cole says in Nature Boy: "The greatest thing you'll ever learn, is just to love, and be loved in return." All anyone wants is just to be loved. It's true. And btw, I do not like aggressive women eh...no that's not true! lol I love them short and sweet. My blogs that is, not women. hehe


Overcome evil with good!

I'd like to destroy a heinous invention that's been propagated by those who want to destroy purity. The acronym LGBT will NOT stand for Lesbian, Gay, BiSexual and Transgender. To me it means 'a Loving God who Brought the Truth'. That truth appeared in the form of Jesus Christ who payed the penalty for sin. But I can only say that these individuals have twisted many things, including the word 'gay' which initially meant 'happy' not 'homosexual', and the meaning of the rainbow which is the symbol God gave us in His promise to never again flood the earth catastrophically, which they use as a symbol of pride, which is completely contrary to the character of God, but instead, personifies the character of Satan instead. Well satan's fall was due to his pride, and the Word of God has many things to say about those who are haughty and their fall due to pride. Homosexuality is a self-destroying lifestyle and doesn't move me a bit. I don't have to say a word against them to hurt them whatsoever cause the truth is, they're already hurting themselves. They can call us Homophobic, they can call us intolerant. But if inolerance mean standing in God's truth, then yes, I am intolerant! Cause they're caught in a lie, and the only thing that can save them is the salvation that Jesus Christ offers them, if they are only willing to believe in Him. And all I can do is be a light in the world. Cause it's not worth arguing, it's not worth fighting. But it is worth striving for excellence in Christ and pursuing righteousness and simply being an example of that righteousness in the world.

Listen to what the Lord says: "If God is with me, who can be against me?" "Do not fear those who can destroy the body, but fear Him who can destroy both body AND soul in hellfire!" If I tell the truth with unwavering persistence in the face of threats, just as God told Jeremiah, "Do not be afraid of their threats though they give you dirty looks," the absolute worse that can happen is that someone will be offended enough to want to kill me. And? Yeah? So? That's not doing to do squat to my eternal salvation with God. Nothing. My spirit will be with God forevermore! No man can touch my eternal soul. No one can touch yours. So why do those who follow Christ shy away from being a witness as though man has some authority over them? Man does NOT have authority over us except for those authorities God has placed, and those authorities for the most part are looking out for our best interests. If we have a Father who created the Heavens and Earth, who has all power over all things, who's sons and daughters we are, then why aren't we acting like that?? Sometimes we can act like complete cowards as though we serve a useless idol. We don't serve some useless idol...we serve an Almighty God who has control of over all things! We need to remind ourselves of that! We serve a God Who's prophecies are REAL, Who's power is undeniable, Who's precense is within us!

Ufortunately many are falling for the lies of the enemy in these last days, many are falling away from the truth, and we need to stand strong in these last days. We need to call what is evil, evil, and not sugarcoat it! We need to endure these dark times and endure to the end, for the Lord says 'those who endure to the end will be saved.' We need to be a light, we need to stand in truth! We serve an Almighty God who's promises are true! He WILL come back for us as He said, and while we wait we need to be busy about His business, in the ministry He's called us to. I heard a very sobering sermon the other night about having a Vision for our lives, having a purpose. He asked, "What do you want to do for the rest of your life?" I myself truly want to serve Him in the ministry He's called me to, to use the gift He's given me. He said 'great sacrifices have to be made in order for your vision to be great.' This convicted me greatly, cause I have the tendency to goof off, to be idle, to even act foolishly and be about lollygagging and wasting time away, instead of building on the foundation of the ministry He's called me to be in day by day, little by little, and contributing greatly to the Kingdom of God. Procrastination, foolishness, laziness, idleness...it all needs to go. If I don't crucify this selfish flesh, it will end up crucifying me. By His power, it can be crucified. =)

Busy week

Well this week will be quite busy...tonight makeup class in Laguna, Tues FLM practice, Wed finish homework, Thurs class, and Friday is finally free! Then Saturday night we're having an FLM event at the church, like a game night for married couples. Should be fun.=)

Maintaining Order

Man, some days can be trying. I thought I handled things pretty well while the owner was gone for a few days due to a small injury and I feel like I made things worse. Well, at least that was how I was made to feel cause I know I kept things as orderly as possible with all our invoices and what not, but the owner can be very unorderly and tend to lose things within the piles of paper covering her desk! And that's not exaggering either, there are literally piles of paper and notes all over the desk and I even get frustrated when I can't find something I'm looking for. So when something is missing I almost feel like I'm to blame for it, although there's no logical reason for me to feel this way cause it's not my fault. And for the last few days we were all looking for her keys and they were nowhere to be found. lol

Yesterday I was a little upset about an incident concerning using her computer. I needed to use her computer to find the file that she uses to type up quotes to fax to other vendors, and when she got wind of it from her son who works here that I was using her computer, she got all upset and went on about it's against the law to use her computer cause there's files on there I shouldn't be looking at and I'm like 'I just needed to type a simple letter for quoting'...geeez. I'm not here to snoop around and would never do that, but when you're doing your best to keep the business going and instead of being commended you get the third degree I almost feel like saying why even bother...it makes me feel kind of untrusted and almost worthless to her. If that's how you feel Mrs. O then hire someone else then honestly. Anyhow, I usually don't rant and rave about work here but I just needed to get these things off my chest. It actually helps to put it in writing although very cautiously.

Although it can be trying here, I try to stay positive and examine myself to see if there's something I might be doing that is confusing or questioning in my actions. If I'm doing things right however I know and God knows I'm doing things right or at least to the best of my ability. So I don't worry too much about it.

Well I hope tonight's class for Ethics is a little more interesting than the previous three. It's just that the prof doesn't really lecture...at all. He just sits with us and goes over the homework. I mean that's great but not for the whole 4 hrs! It's nice to here him lecture about things we don't know, about things that are interesting to here and what not. Usually every prof does it that way, and there's a balance to it. No other prof has just gone over the homework the whole time. It's almost as if he wants to here more from us than he wants to lecture to us...hmmm...anyhow I hope it's interesting. =)

QuickNote

The owner may be gone for a few days due to an eye injury...ouch! Apparently one of the plants she was watering poked her in the eye, or something fell into her eye rather and scratched it. So she's home recovering for a few days. I'll be alone til Mitch comes in later. The phone was ringing off the hook this morning too which can be a tad irritating when I'm trying to get my own work done here, but then again I guess it's all a part of my work here so I might as well face it. lol I really need to get these allergies checked out badly cause I think it's really been affecting my sleep and my body in general, feeling tired and out of it sometimes. I think pretty soon I'll be getting one of those air purifiers for the apt to help me breathe a little better. I found some for under $100 at BestBuy. Hopefully one of those will do the trick. =)

More later...

Sweeet

I finally decided to rent Napolean dynamite and see what that was all about. Very unusual, very cut & dry. Almost tooo cut & dry! I had to take a break from it here and there it was so cut & dry! lol I thought it was still amusing though. I thought it was going to be set in a modern kind of setting though. It's practically a movie of the director's life in Idaho while growing up. Other than that just the usual...work and homework. yay. =)

Enjoying Dell

I finally decided to purchase the Dell Latitude, which has turned out to be a nice investment. I take it almost everywhere I go now! lol It's just so nice to have the freedom to be on the computer whether I'm at home or out. It's actually faster than my desktop for some reason. I'm thinking it's because the laptop has 512MB RAM compared to 256MB on the desktop, cause that's the only difference between the two. So now when I go online, I use my laptop cause it's amazingly faster. My desktop will sit there, even though we have DSL, and eventually get me online. Not sure what else might be causing that. McAfee possibly? Hmmm...Anyhow, the only other thing I want to get is a wireless modem and card for the laptop, so I can get online anywhere in the apt as well as when I'm out. I found a great deal at Circuit City for a package that will cost less than $50 after the rebates! But...that will have to wait a bit. Hopefully I'll be able to find a good buy like that when I'm ready. And I'm not about to charge it either! no way man! I've learned to be patient, believe me, after being in debt for over 10 yrs, it's worth the wait! Not going there again.

So I read an article this weekend begging the question whether cell phones would ever replace computers eventually. Well I didn't read the article, I just read the headline. lol But it got me thinking about that, and my answer is...no. I doubt it, cause businesses will always need some form of computer to do it's business, whether desktop or laptop. It's just more efficient to use a computer than a cell phone. I can't image using a little cell phone to do everything I do at work, creating, setting up artwork and cutting material. I just don't think it will go that far. I think cell phones will evolve into incredible little portable machines with enormous versatility at your fingertips, but i seriously doubt I'll be sitting there designing logos on a little cell phone looking at a little screen! Not gonna happen. Now could it replace the personal computer as a means of simple communication, music and video applications? That is possible yes, but for businesses, no I seriously doubt it.

Anyhow I'm getting together my marketing plan for my business and designing and fine tuning all my designs which I'm hoping will soon be in production. I am truly hoping to get them out before the end of this year, because I'd like to get them into the hands of some of my classmates at school who are looking forward to them and also into the church, since that's where it's truly applicable to the mission I have. But unlike school which ends soon, at least our group, church will still be there. In fact, they are very close to getting the bookstore open at our church from what I've heard personally from those who run the outside store for now on Sundays, and that's very exciting for me, and I'm sure for many who miss having a bookstore for the church. =)

Graphic Designer?

Man, I've had about the most intense day today as a 'graphic designer' here. I really think 'graphic designer' is an incredible understatement for everything I do here! lol I just got done applying a huge digital graphic that had to be done in pieces for a huge 8' X 16' sign, and we have one more to do still. I had a feeling this sign would take most of the day, which it has. We had to do it in four sections. This is the largest sign were done yet, and the vendor we get them from is planning on doing one each month, which is a nice profit for us, but a hard day's work too.

While I was trying to get it done the phone was ringing off the hook, which wasn't helping my progress here at all. My 'coworkers' were out to lunch at the time so yes, it was a little frustrating there. Oh and before I went to lunch, a guy came in to put an order for about 100 t-shirts! so yes...its been quite a day. =)

Happy Endings

In spite of my pity party, I do have a few things to look forward to actually! My phone should finally be turned on again very soon here cause I just made a payment. That'll be nice...it's been almost a month now without it. Horrible I tell you! lol I also found a used Dell in the recycler last night and went to go check it out. It's a Dell Latitude with 512MB, 40G, CD/RW/DVD, wireless capability, 1.2 GHz Pentium processor, and she's giving me a carrying case with it. I looked it over and it looks like it's in good shape. She had another one that was a step down from that for $350, about 1/2 the memory as this one. The one I like is $425. So...if all goes well, Lord willing I'm going to pick it up right after work. New would be nice yeah, but right now I don't mind having a used laptop. But yes I pray that all is well with it of course.

So I won't be so alone anymore, with my cell and laptop with me, I just might smile today. lol
Honestly, the Lord is always with me, and I'm so thankful for that. =)

Utterly Alone again

I'm utterly alone. That is my fate. This is my destiny. I must accept it as fact. Only then will I be able to watch a movie in the absence of all company, void of companionship, with void as my comfort. Only then can I make popcorn for myself and eat it...utterly alone.

A Trying Day

Today was one of those 'want to get up and quit' days. Honestly today's events were very trying and tested my tolerance, and I was seriously contemplating quitting, even writing a letter of resignation and just leaving it on my bosses desk! That's how fed up I was today with the miscommunication that happens quite often between us. In the midst of this event I had the opportunity to talk with a friend to help me retain some sanity without doing something I might later regret, since it was obviously an impulsive desire to just leave. It truly helps just giving and getting input from someone else as opposed to being all alone in utter frustration. I was very thankful.

Well thank God little by little we resolved all the miscommunication and got all the specs and details laid out right and cut out today. And in fact by the end, things were very good again, also partly due to the fact that she did voice the fact that we can both lack communication and need to make a great effort sometimes to be on the same page. And yes, I do realize she has enough on her mind as it is getting jobs for us, going to meetings, appointments, and on top of that she's in the midst of moving, which has been a nightmare for her sometimes due to many an incompetent contractor who have done less than satisfactory work on her new home. I'm sure that's been very frustrating, especially when you just wish you had your bed to sleep in! So after thinking on all these things I've realized that there is still work to do on my end of both communicating and clarifying the details of each project, and also of consideration and concern. I thank God and those He has put in my path to help me realize these things. =)

Taking Ownership

I've had to hold the fort down alot lately at work because my boss is in the process of moving and has ALOT of things going on right now. Looks like tomorrow, or rather today, Thursday I may be alone for the most part again. But it is truly stretching me in a good way and getting me used to keeping things going in this small company and handling all of our new clients and customers. Funny...not too long ago, all I wanted to do was be in a position where I was able to be creative with my drawing abilities and sit at my own desk in my own area. Now I'm doing exactly the opposite: being creative is the least thing I do at work! I'm too busy being in charge of everything else BUT my own little creative space. I recognize that the ways that I'm being stretched are the things I truly need work on though, because I have the creative part down, no problem. I need work on other things, like communication and leadership skills that will prepare me down the road for greater things. My job has become a great compliment to my schooling, too, since I'm learning about leadership at school. I truly thank God for where He's put me.

Well tonight will be my first class for Leaders & Decision Making. It has alot to do with Ethics, actually, particularly Christian Ethics. So far it's pretty good. I didn't realize that it would only last 3 weeks though! Wow...so short, especially for an Ethics class. In my opinion, in preparing Christians to go out into a world that is so 'anti-christian' these days, I would think this class would be one of the top classes to focus on! seriously. I would have given alot more time to a class like this, more like 5 or 6 weeks, but at least 4. I just think it's so vital in these times. We live in a very weird time where people are so blind. Looking back at the past 100 yrs, it's not surprising at why we have so many problems in our nation. People wonder why young people are killing each other, why child molestation is getting worse, why families are falling apart. Well let's see...what happened the last 100 yrs. We slowly took God out of the picture and continue to do that still...pornography is at an all time high...we are redefining what is right and wrong and teaching evolution in schools, a theory which basically gives no meaning to life...the gay lifestyle is recognized more than ever today...I mean I wish someone would put all the figures together and compare 1900 with 2000, look at all the statistics, the variables, the info and do a little research into this. I know it would reveal alot about WHY our nation is declining.

I mean I understand why this is happening...it's pretty obvious why. But those who don't understand just try to fix it with things that will not fix it, like with drugs, for one. Taking medication is not going to fix it. We need to get to the root of the problem here. For example, taking AlkaSelzter will relieve upset stomachs temporarily, but it's not going to take care of the problem of bad eating habits. You have to eat healthy to cure it altogether. That's what I'm talking about basically. But seriously it would be interesting to see some research into this and see 'ok, what did we do differently in the 1900's compared to the 1800's? What did we introduce? Did it help our nation? Did it weaken it? What were the consequences? What did this action cause, or what did taking out this thing result in?' And when the results are in, PUBLICIZING IT on national television for everyone to hear where we messed up!! lol But seriously, wouldn't that accomplish something? I could just see one of the researchers coming to the mic and saying "These are the results of the actions we took concerning the removal of the 10 commandments from public schools: increased violence and lawlessness, school shootings in several States, disregard for human life increased, and a disbelief in God." That's what we need: a serious wake up call! But God will do it His way, cause His ways are above our ways, and His ways are also merciful. =)

Allergies or Cold?

Well lately either my allergies have been acting up pretty bad or I've come down with a cold, cause the night before I was sneezing nonstop practically, and today my nose is stuffed up on one side so...it's really hard to tell sometimes. I'll know in a day or two. If it goes away then it was my allergies. If not then I'm sick! blah Well at least it's not too bad, just a slight headache and stuffiness. And this morning in the shower I did something to my right shoulder/back area cause it got sore all of a sudden and now it's tight, that feeling you get when you've slept on it wrong and have a sore neck...that's how it feels right now. Man...what's with all these ailments all of a sudden!? Is this it? Is this the end of me? Well...I did ask the Lord to break me lately and have a heart for Him alone, so I suppose this could be Him cause man, I'm truly calling out to Him right now for healing and soothing of these old bones! lol

You know I think I might have had my so-called 'mid-life crisis' early in life, like in my late 20's, cause now that I'm 34, things are looking up, I'm going forward with a clearer vision and the Lord has given me more focus in my life at this point. He's been doing a great work in my life and I know that He always will be. That's the benefit we have as God's children, that there's a continual refining of our souls from day to day, and this is just the beginning! This life will eventually end, yes, but a new one will take it's place, in a place where there will be no pain, no suffering, and new bodies that are perfected in Christ! Thank God for that!

Other than that, tonight is the last class for HR Mgmt, which came pretty quickly actually. I learned so much from this class about HR and about valuing people. And the professor was very insightful and I enjoyed his lectures alot. Now on to the next! Not sure what it is at this point (bad I know) but I just know it'll be exciting as the rest! lol Plus, it's just one step closer to graduation. =)

Who's the terrifying one here?

I just happened to come upon a site tonight called DEFCON (http://www.defconamerica.org/). Disturbing, I tell you. They are doing everything in their power to make sure that religion does not interfere with their 'agenda' of preserving the Constitution and American rights. Hmmm...wait a sec. Wasn't America founded on Christian (religious) values in the first place? Weren't people like Alice Bailey and others slowly clawing away 'religious rights' by taking out the Ten Commandments and prayer in school? Wasn't the Separation of Church and State, which is NOT in the Constitution mind you, meant to protect RELIGION and to protect those who practice religion and the freedom to practice it? So who is the dangerous one here? Who is terrorizing who?

It seems to me that this organization is merely continuing with the anti-religious agenda of making sure that religion is kept out of federal, state and judicial matters and does not interfere with their own selfish 'religiosity', which honestly is only causing more division in this nation. They call out people like Tony Perkins as having a 'far-right agenda'. Well hey, in my mind this organization is not different, having a 'far-left agenda'. So what's the difference? This nation isn't going to go anywhere until we accept who we are as people and accept what we believe. This nation was started as 'One Nation Under God'. Soon I'm sure it will be just 'One Nation', but not under God, but under MANY gods, beliefs, divisions, hatreds, violence and bloodshed. How's that for a pledge of allegience?!

The truth is, as a Christian myself, I don't believe in a far-right or a far-left agenda, cause I don't have an agenda to oppress anyone into any one belief! But I'm only here to share with others, not oppress, the love that Christ has for us and the salvation that's available through God's Son Jesus. If you don't want Him, fine. That's your choice. I wont force you. But if organizations like DEFCON and those associated with it want to spend their entire lives devoted to standing against religion and arguing for it til' they're red in the face, go ahead, be my guest! Hey, if that's what makes you happy in this life, go right ahead. But it wont affect me or my future or my beliefs, not a bit. =)

First Day of Autumn

Ahh...the first day of Autumn cometh upon us. I just wish the weather worked according to our calendar. I'm sure it'll still be at a high of 95 or so, at least for this week. I can handle dry heat, but humidity? yuck!! Hate it. It's just unbearable to me. The last time it rained a few days ago, I thought for sure it would cool things down. Wrong! It just made it worse! lol Okay I'm done complaining. Come Autumn Come!

I actually went down to Fashion Island to study for awhile after work. It actually only took 35 minutes to get there! Nice. It was pretty nice...and cool. I didn't realize the shops stay open til' 9pm. I found some really nice shorts for about $95, and a nice sweater for $150 in one of their men's stores. Yes, it was just a little bit out of my budget there. lol But when you go in and look at prices, you have to look cool and look at the price and just nod confidently. After you exit the store then you can gasp in utter disgust!! lol

Hey at least Starbucks prices are the same...wherever you go! =)

Utterly Alone

Feels like I've been having to hold down the fort here at work lately, with my boss and her son gone on installs so much. But it can be nice I admit when it's quieter, although sometimes the phones drive me crazy when they ring nonstop! Arg! But...I'm trying to build on that weakness of mine of wanting to avoid the phones, and instead focus on helping customers and giving quotes. I guess I get apprehensive about it cause it's all new to me. And there's plenty of new things here for me to work on and get experience with, cause I was so used to just sitting at my computer and designing to my heart's content. Now I design, cut, weed, install, answer phones, give quotes, help walk-in customers, silkscreen, order products, you name it. Oh and take lunches. I've gotten pretty good at taking lunches. lol I wonder if I should put that in my resume. hehe Man I think that would be funny.

Well it seems that things are changing in my life all around me. Stacy and I decided to let go of the relationship because we felt that the Lord wasn't giving us a peace about it. But since we go to the same church I'm sure I'll see her again, in time. I'm okay, but it's been hard though the last week or so. This past weekend was particularly hard for some reason. I actually called her mom this morning (when Stacy wasn't there) just to say Hi and see how she's doing. I got pretty close to her family during that time and we all still feel pretty close. But we're all just keeping it in prayer and letting the Lord guide all these things. Then the weather's been changing quite a bit, from scalding 100 degree weather one week to like 75 degrees the next! My kind of weather! Nice and cool. Although today has been somewhat muggy, which I do NOT like. eww.

Geez last night it seemed like the thunder was never going to end! It went on for a good hour at least, over and over. I think Shadow was a little freaked out. I wonder what cats actually think of when they hear thunder, that loud deep roar in the sky. Hmmm I don't know. A lot of that will just remain a mystery to me til it's revealed probably in Heaven. Like sometimes I'll see something on tv that's really cool and tell Shadow "Check that out! Look! look over there...on the tv! Shadow look!" And he just stares at me, maybe meows once, then walks to his bowl. They just have no clue sometimes what we're raving about! Although, I must admit, and this has happened, that when I cry in front of him, which has happened, he just stares at me with a very peculiar look, like a stunned, confused look. Do they understand at all? I wonder...

Well tonight it's onto the Family Living Ministry. I actually wont be playing with the worship team tonight cause Cynthia decided to use the same people who are playing in the prison ministry, just for last month and this month. So I'll be on the soundboard instead, which is still a good thing, cause it's been awhile since I've been at the controls, probably 5 yrs or so when i was actually training at the one in the main sanctuary, one that's like twice the size of this one! So it's nice getting my hands back on the soundboard and tweaking the EQ and volume controls ever so slightly and discernfully in a pitch and frequency that hits the ears of it's listeners in a tone that is ever so sweet to their ears as they praise and worship the Lord. You know, I found that tweeking the mid-frequency on the EQ for the background vocals to 1.5684 Hz gives it just the right brightness and tone that's perfect! Let your sound people know. You wont be sorry. =)

$1 Day

Well this days seems to be going by pretty quick, mainly due to the load of work I'm engrossed in. That's cool cause tonight I'll be off to the fair with my mom, Stacy and her family. Good thing it's only a dollar cause I'm close to broke! And it shouldn't be that crowded cause like...umm..I told everyone that...uhhh...Elvis is appearing at Angel's stadium...yeah...for uhhh one night special engagement...standing room only. yeah. lol =)

Usual Day

The nice thing about 3 day weekends is that it's followed by a 4 day week. =) Nice. Well I have to say last weekend was very nice for me. Saturday Stacy invited me to her friend's wedding which was nice. No sleeping in that day.=( I spent most of Monday with her at the Pike in Long Beach near the Aquarium of the Pacific. I've been to the Aquarium before and never noticed how much more there was around there! man...but that was about 3 yrs ago so, who knows if all that existed back then. We walked quite a bit too. We ended up eating at Chili's later on over there. I think that was actually my first time eating there. It was pretty good! I guess for me, once I find a good restaurant, I'm reluctant to go experimenting with other places. But I have to admit it was pretty good food. Who knows...I might go again! I might. hehe

Anyhow, Sunday her family had a BBQ that I went to later on after visiting Isaiah. We all watched Back to the Future Part2. She really wasn't getting into it so we decided to just take a walk outside. No prob...I've seen it like 100 times already. My calves are actually sore though from all the walking we did this weekend. lol I wish I had one of those little gadgets to measure how far we walked. I'm sure it was in the neighborhood of 5 miles or so altogether.

My cat has really been getting on my nerves lately. He's been biting me sporadically for some reason when I least expect it, like a few times when I just wanted to lie on the floor and relax for a sec, he bit me on the arm! And he knows what he's doing cause right after that he'll take off...brat! One time he ran out to the patio, so I closed the door for awhile. Then last night as I was on the phone he bit me again on the foot. And right before he did he was making those annoying meow sounds, not loud but enough to hear. That got me pissed cause it was unexpected and scared me, so I put him in my mom's room. But I'm like both puzzled and annoyed at what he's doing. Could it be jealousy? Wants attention? Not sure at this point. hmmm...I do know that last night I was NOT feeling very fond of cats anymore! lol weird...

Anyhoo, back to work. =)

Blogging is Neat

Hi. Like, blogging is really cool huh cause like, you can like share umm different...uhh...things on it huh...like umm pictures and stuff that like...relate to your..umm life and like then everyone can like look at it and can make like comments to it like if they agree or not or like just what they're like feeling and stuff. That's so like rad huh? Isn't that like so rad? And like some bloggers, as they call them, like they post cool things like about their....their cat and stuff or like just like frustrations that they're like dealing with at work like with their boss and stuff cause like maybe the office is like too small or something ya know. And then like...er but sometimes they get comments that are like..ya know like not...good..like they're just not real encouraging and that's like..bad. very bad. =)

Hmmm...

Lately I just haven't had any motivation to post, even though much has been happening in my life. Pretty ironic. Well...I'm hoping I did well in Mgmt class which ends tomorrow. I'm just finishing up my Summary essay and need to finish reading a case study for In&Out tonite and type up a SWOT analysis for that. Weird but ever since I've learned how to do a SWOT analysis for a company, I find myself doing it internally wherever I go! Like, going to restaurants and just analyzing what their strengths and weaknesses are and observing how things are run. I mean I don't do that constantly. Usually I'm focused on who I'm with, not everybody else. But it almost comes naturally now. Just taking all these business classes lately has put my mind in 'business mode'. Ho hum...

Well tonite other than homework I'm just doing my wash. Exciting stuff!! lol Oh..here's some news that had me quite irritated today. My boss informed me that my paycheck bounced...AGAIN! This is twice now, and it's just frustrating when I'm trying to balance my own finances, only to find that the money was never there! So of course I got a ton of fees against me because I made purchases during the week. The good news is, she IS willing to cover the fees, so it's not a total loss there. But still, I don't like those kind of surprises at all. Who would?! lol But I should be okay for now. I just pray that this does not keep happening. I mean I wonder what my bank must think by now, depositing checks that are bouncing. Man...well I just hope I don't lose credibility with them. I was thinking of opening an IRA soon with them possibly and start building a better relationship with them. I guess all I can do is be faithful on my part.

Well I must be off for now. Homework awaits me...until then, night. =)

Another fun-filled week!

Yes, it's Monday *sigh* Not always the greatest day so I'm always praying that each day will be interesting and new, learning and growing. Lately I've been having to learn to balance my life better, now that I have someone in my life to share it with. That's been quite a challenge with school and all, but thank God she's totally understanding about that. She's somewhat busy with ministry herself so it works out well. We spent Saturday at Fashion Island (yes, again, I know. It's quite an addiction). We hung out at Rodger's Garden this time, just walking and talking about many things. Sunday was spent with the boys at Tom's Farms. I think I spent quite a bit there on them, which is too easy to do with kids. I'll have to go somewhere free next weekend! =)

Busy Morning

Well this morning we were up and running again, getting a few projects done that are due today. It's been busy, but not hectic, thank God. I don't like hectic and it shouldn't be hectic. I think that usually results in either taking on too much work at the same time or just bad planning. We shouldn't be trying to fit every single person who wants a sign into our schedule if we can't make good on our promises, otherwise it's going to show. But busy is good though.

I should be getting off a little early too cause I stayed later yesterday to finish cutting a job, so that will be nice. Thank God I made it to my class in time too, only because the professor is pretty strict about being on time. I usually have more than enough time though to get to class and even get something to drink though. Man, I only have about 2 weeks left of Mgmt class! Wow, it went fast. But I have a major project that I need to get done for our group this week! I need to put together a Powerpoint presentation for our group to show on Thursday. Well, WE have to put it together, but I need to bring it all into PP and dress it up and all. So I can count on being busy this week, but because I'm learning something new it'll be well worth it.

This weekend will be nice. I should take full advantage of it knowing how busy the rest of the week will be. I'll be up in Malibu on Sunday with Stacy, her brother and his girlfriend. This will actually be my first time up there. I hear the waves are pretty big up there. I've heard both good and bad things about it, but hopefully it'll be nice. =)

Monday Printing Dilemmas

Today started with some printing issues that was getting a little frustrating. What happened was, we need to print quite a number of large prints f0r PE for an upcoming event. Well, when I loaded a new roll of vinyl-backed adhesive for our HP 5500 large format printer to start printing again, which was the same material I just used and finished on the last roll, the ink was laying on way too thick and spreading more than usual! Because it was the exact same material I just used and also the same printing profile, I was really confused. We've been getting alot of our banner and vinyl material from Hexis lately and find them to be pretty consistent. I did some printing tests to try to solve the problem, from using different profiles to lessen the ink to changing the profile in the printer. I was going to just take down the ink levels on one test when the owner suggested using the other roll we had to see if it might even be the material. Sounded good to me. So I loaded the new roll, printed it, and voila! We found the culprit! It ended up being bad coating on the roll that was messing the print up. When I called Hexis they confirmed the problem, saying it does happen here and there. We were fortunate enough to get a replacement and trade in the bad roll for a new one.

Need to go for now...more to come...=)

Relief

I'm actually glad the owner is back today because the two previous days were very busy and a little hectic and i was ready for a break! But it was a good stretch for me and is helping me to multitask, which is an understatement, cause by multitasking I basically mean running the place. lol I'm being stretched in other ways in my personal life, trying to balance things in my life right now. I've been getting a bit slack with school recently, mainly because something (or someone) has occupied my time lately.=) I realize that I need to keep my priorities in order though and keep things balanced, so it's been a bit of a challenge lately. I will say that it's been a real blessing and everything seems to be going very smoothly, which is nice.

Well after work I'm supposed to meet Stacie for dinner along with her friend who also just met someone recently, so that will be interesting. I'm somewhat acquainted with her friend from years back when she was actually engaged to someone, but sadly didn't work out at that time. I'm not sure if she remembers me though. Funny how people come round about right back into your life again. Crazy I tell ya. But when you're part of a church for so long it's bound to happen sooner or later, running back into people you once knew long ago. =)

Holdin' down the fort...again

I didn't realize I would be alone again so soon taking care of the shop. Patty went on a small vacation to the lake, just until Wednesday. But it is a blessing knowing she trusts me enough to watch over things and put them into my hands. Today did start a little stressful ordering some materials that were going to have to be shipped from other states, which Patty wasn't happy with. But luckily I resolved that by using another vendor and got the materials here today! Whew! Cause we have an order due tomorrow so that takes some of the stress off of tomorrow.

For the first time this weekend I was actually cold when a friend and I went down to Newport! Man I wish I lived down there...so much cooler compared to up here. blah. And here in Riverside it's about 5 degrees hotter than Chino! Yes, the summer is not really a season I enjoy much. Although this summer seems more humid than others in the past. Can't wait til it gets cooler.=)

Post-mortem Evaluition

"Was on the moby at my gaff with ole moggy sitting by when I got the call. Sounded a bit wellied to me." ~Geordieland

Tonight was our first class of Principles of Mgmt and Supervisor class. It went well and we had plenty of interaction tonight, more so than even my Interpersonal Comm class and just in one night! I was a little dissapointed by that class cause of the lack of activities actually in communicating. Alot of it was more theory than application. But tonight was full of activities. We got into groups twice to answer questions together in our reading, then did a one-on-one activity with a partner discussing how we were both effective and efficient in the workplace, a focus of chapter 1. If it continues like this I think this class is really going to be both fun and educating for me, since I need that kind of skill and experience. Not that I don't get that at work! I spend a good amount of time answering phones and talking to clients both on the phone and in the shop where I work, so I get plenty of experience where I am. I'm hoping to improve my communication though, cause there are times when I can feel...well, boring. Sometimes I just lack spunk, and I don't know why that is. The last thing I want to sound is monotonous and too serious to a customer looking for business. I want to get them excited about things, not bored out of their minds. So that's one thing I can easily work on here, thank God.

I'm very glad it's Friday tomorrow! What's nice about Fridays is that it's not just a countdown to another night and day, but a countdown to the weekend. In my case it's a countdown to going home and doing homework and reading all night long! lol But hey, at least it's not at work yo! lol
Speaking of work, omg I barely made it this morning cause I didn't even hear my alarm going off! I woke up with literally 5 minutes to get ready! I was like "what happened??" So I moved my alarm clock closer to me, since it was a little far actually. But that's never happened before with this job and I'm shocked that that happened. I was just a little peeved too cause I didn't even have time to get coffee this morning. But alas...I survived. Barely.

I'm hoping to see a few movies soon. Should make it a matinee to cut liability costs and raise my equity and cash value. lol Movies and popcorn: affects both cash and equity; a decrease in cash; the right-hand entry goes under Cash as a decrease in cash, the left-hand entry goes under Equity under 'Entertainment' for $15.00. If that confused you...good! Then you can share in my frustration of doing this for 4 hrs and being totally confused from trying to learn Accounting! hehe Okay it actually did work out fine in the end though. As you can see I DID learn something so, I can't complain. But anyways, aside from that, I'm hoping to catch both Herbie and Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. There was another movie but it escapes my mind at the moment. Hmmm...well, I shouldn't push it I suppose. With finances, that is. I'm planning to save in an IRA very soon here and finally get that started again. I really need to. Time is moving along here and I need to take action. Why can't we live like 500 yrs like they did in the OT times? We'd have sooo much time then. Man...can you imagine how much a person could save if he lived that long??? Like, what would an investment of $10,000 be in say 400 yrs at 10% interest?? I'm guessing....ALOT!!! I mean not only would that person be set, the next like 5 generations would be set!! lol

But seriously, a married couple have alot more power to save in an IRA and use it to their advantage than one person would. I've even toyed with the notion of 'partnering' with a few brothers and sisters to save in a single IRA. As you know, the money in there is compounded, so the more there is, the more will multiply over time. But I wonder what the restriction would
be for something like that, cause I know that some companies have a contribution limit per year. Well if anything, I need to start. I also thought, well I have but about 33 yrs to save here, which isn't much time. But, let's say I start putting something, even if it's a small amount, away for Isaiah NOW. Now he's only 3 yrs old. Can you imagine though what his account would look like already when he's only 18 yrs old? If anything, I could give him an excellent start. Again I would need to research that. It would be well worth doing now though than later. I'm learning to look more towards the future in what I do than just the here and now. Age will do that. =)

Trying to stay sane

Today was nice...one setback after another trying to print a simple job out. First it started with looking for a roll of scrim banner material to print this huge job, then after we finally loaded the printer and tried printing it, it said ALL our inks were out! So I had to call tech support and got that cleared up. Then we ran into another problem when the ink was being laid down way too thick, so I had to call tech support again. I thought I got it cleared up for sure, but as it was printing this time it just stopped halfway through! At this point I thought 'it's just going to be one of those days..geeez.' So....I finally came up with a little creative solution to just print on the original banner material that was too small and print the image in 2 pieces, then just seam them together. My boss went for it, and THIS time it worked like a snap! But man...I just have to laugh sometimes though when NOTHING is working right. And especially when both my boss and me are new to this stuff. At one point I was thinking 'I really wish I was working for someone who knew ALL this stuff, someone who's been doing it for yrs cause it gets frustrating.'
But alas...we got through it thank God. =)

In a way though all these problems can be a good thing because it helps me to take action, something I never had to do in the past because there was always someone there to take care of it already so...I am growing here so I shouldn't complain. Still, it can be stressful. And my Mgmt class is starting this Thursday too. I got a little behind since i couldn't afford the books, but I should be okay...if I actually sit and read, that is. This class will be a challenge for me because of the lack of discipline I have reading, but I think I'm becoming more diligent with each class and reading hasn't been so much of a burden, so I think I'm going to do well.=) Before I honestly would wait til the last minute to read like 30 pgs of text! And of course there's no way I'm going to read that much the night before, especially since I'm the type who likes to soak up what I read and highlight along of the way, so I've learned my lesson...the hard way. But things are good now, and alot less stressful! =)

Entering the Age of Weirdness

Okay I've seen some pretty cool special effects in my life but I think this one just made the top of the list! lol If you love poodles and want to see them in a different light then click the link below and go to 'Planet of the Poodles?' post. It's the second post down, and click on the image to watch the video. Trippy I tell you but very amusing. =)

http://www.lactoso.com/blog/archive/2005_01_01_lactoso_archive.html

Stretch Time

Well this week should be interesting at work. My boss is on vacation so I'll be running things here all by myself! Yikes! I'm pretty confident yet a little nervous about it. At least if I have any major problems or questions she can be reached by cell. Still it'll be a little lonely without anyone here so hopefully I'll see a few customers here and there.=) It will be a challenge though running not just the designing aspect, but also the phones, walk-ins and quotes and invoices. Man...but I know by the end of the week I'll be more confident having gone through it.

I had to get up earlier this morning to take a job I just finished to Moe in Corona. Thank God it was on the way cause I'm not a morning person! And thank God I finally got paid too cause I was getting just a little low on gas...just a little. lol But I'm so relieved now of that. It seemed like all my plans this weekend concerning that job never went the way I wanted either! I ended up getting a little stressed yesterday...on a holiday! I was like 'I don't need stress on a holiday here!' But things actually got better as the day progressed. It ended very nicely going to the Angel's game with Anthony and seeing the fireworks afterwards...very cool! =)

The Faithfulness of God

It's pretty amazing when God answers specific prayers in my life or anyone's life. I was recently asking the Lord for some extra work on the side to help catch up on my phone bill, and not more than a day or two later He provided it for me! I thought, whoa! Thank you Lord! That was cool. So I have a pool/landscape design that I'm going to do and finish this weekend. On top of that, today I also got a logo project presented to me from Albert, a web designer who I work with from time to time. So that was pretty awesome too. Wow...so I'm pretty stoked right now. It's perfect timing too because I have an extra week between classes to fit these into my schedule. Then afterwards I'll finally have the extra money that I see on my budget plan! lol I've been playing catchup for a few months due to a series of unfortunate events.

This week at work has been very, very busy. Today I feel like I can breathe a little better cause the bulk of that work is done now. Plus my boss is letting me go a 1/2 early today for staying late on Wednesday to finish a vehicle install so that's cool! I know 1/2 hr isn't much to get excited about but hey, after a hectic week like that it's just enough to get excited about, especially when followed by a 3 day weekend! =)

More Free Time

Well Galatians has finally ended tonight, which gives me more time to focus on my main classes now.=) Yes!! That's a good thing cause I've heard that my next class in Mgmt is going to be quite difficult so I want to focus on that class as much as possible! Also I'll have more time to start running now and get a little exercise! I actually started on Sunday and want to continue running a few times a week. I guess it beats paying to work out, although I may still inquire about the plans at 24 Hr. Fitness. I heard that you can pay month to month there as you go. But that will have to wait for at least a few months if I plan to go that route. We'll see. Who knows, I may just enjoy running and that's it.

My weekend went well in spite of a small setback on Sunday. Actually I was pretty bummed about it. I was supposed to meet a friend down in Laguna Beach that afternoon, along with some of his friends from church. Well in a nutshell it never happened because he forgot to take his cell, which I was supposed to call him on to get directions. I actually assumed that I had his old number and that he didn't have my new number, because he never answered his phone. Sooo...I turned back towards Newport and just made the best of the day. *sigh* Well, at Fashion Island I actually ran into a couple from the church! So that was nice. I fellowshipped with Tim for awhile while his wife was shopping for a bit. So I was thankful for that.=) I just wish I would've remembered to take my backpack with all my schoolbooks in it cause I could've actually read out there on the beach for awhile, cause I was all prepared to go onto the beach, so...but it turned out alright.

This week is already looking busy for us at work. We suddenly got quite a number of jobs today. The only thing is, we need to get most if not all of these done this week because Patty is going on vacation next week and I'll be alone for 3 of those days! And I want to too because I don't feel like stressing out! lol Hopefully it will all go well and that these days of 'stretching' will be just enough to help me grow in my job. I'm confident in the Lord that it will.=)

Expectations Shattered

Well I came in this morning expecting it to be very slow with one job to work on. Well so much for that...it became very hectic before I knew what happened! My boss and I were supposed to get some concepts and quotes out to the Riverside newspaper yesterday(forgot the name)...oh wait...the Press Enterprise, yeah...it was kinda forgotten til this morning and that's when we both found some work pretty quick! Well hopefully we haven't ruined our chances on this. We already did some banners for them, about 20 in all so far. Plus Patty worked there for yrs before she started this company so hopefully she/we will still be on good terms. I'm having to learn to share this responsibility with her concerning deadlines, quotes, customers, etc. I felt like I was being blamed, but later I realized that I DO want this responsibility and that she is only trying to teach me how to be in this trade, so instead of letting it boil under my skin and dwell on the fleshly tendency to rise up against her, I'm going to accept the responsibility for my own growth and move forward. It's too easy to get personal and get in the flesh, especially when we feel vulnerable and justified to fend for ourselves. But I realized that would only endanger my own position, and it's not worth it, unless she's attacking me personally. Then that might be worth standing up for.

And I admit...having to 'take it' is hard sometimes, and sometimes I feel like getting up and leaving. The reason I don't is because of some wise words I read a few yrs back in the paper concerning job success. A man who's name escapes me said one key to success in any job is being able to endure through the hardships. Too many times we just want to opt out when the pressure is too much, the coworkers are incompatible, the atmosphere is uncomfortable or the boss is too harsh. Staying put and enduring through these things will ultimately lead to better things, better opportunities in the future, he said. When we run, we just end up job hopping and never finding the 'perfect' place to work, and the thing is, there WONT be a perfect place. Every workplace has it's goods and bads. It's really a matter of tolerance of the situation, and not just that but as a Christian it's much more and it can be more meaningful, too. But enduring through the hard times, hard employees and facing those hardships instead of running from them will lead to success because those issues are being dealt with rather than avoided. As long as we avoid those issues, they are going to still be there, no matter where we go. So in essence, alot of these 'issues' really start with us. When we face those issues, I believe that no matter where we go, we'll be able to deal with them more effectively. And that's what I'm trying to do...face some of the issues I have in this place, like communication and maintaining a good work ethic. If I run, it's just going to be a problem at the next job...I know it.

But anyhow, yes it became quite busy for the whole day actually. My how things can change when we least expect them to. Well I'm pretty sure tomorrow wont be too bad. I already have an outline for the morning so it should go better. Pretty soon my boss is going on vacation for a week! I'll be alone for only 3 days though, but I really want to be prepared for that! Who knows what'll happen in those 3 days or what will lead up to it. I only pray that whatever happens, happens for a reason and for my growth, and I'm pretty confident in God that it will. But still the unknown can be a little intimidating. But face it I will, cause it'll be for my own growth.=)

Unexpected Blessings

Overall my weekend was very nice, maybe nicer than usual. Saturday I studied over at CSUF where it was nice and quiet. I found the perfect spot to study in this little quiet area where there's plenty of cement benches, tables and umbrellas surrounded by foliage and nice landscaping. I was surprised no one else even came through it! Then again there were only a few students studying on campus or walking around it. I think alot of students were in the library, which is open on Saturdays also. I get a little picky about studying outside because there's too much room for distraction to begin with at a Starbucks or even around the Spectrum in Chino, which doesn't help my concentration efforts very well. And being home inside all day is a bummer, since I
like to get out on the weekends, so I'll combine the two and make it a day.=) Hopefully sometime in the future I'll be spending my weekends with someone rather than studying. That would definitely be nice. The only bummer part was leaving Burger King without my Visa and driving halfway home before realizing it was gone! Thank God I was getting gas halfway home and was planning to use my Visa for that. That's when I noticed I didn't have it. I got my receipt back, but not my card. So I had to drive all the way back and get it, all the while praying that it was in good hands! When I got there and asked for it, they new already what I was talking about and asked my name before retrieving it from a small room that was locked. Those actions alone put me at ease, but I still pray that I don't see some charges appearing on it later on.

Sunday I spent some time with Isaiah at the park, then at Barnes & Noble for awhile. He gave me a 'customized' Father's Day card on paper which was nice, and later I got a real card from both Vance & Isaiah.=) I was also blessed by my mom, who's gift to me was paying the fee for the Men's Retreat in September. Wow. That was totally unexpected! But very appreciated. Then my friend Anthony called and invited me to the movies to see Star Wars (that's twice for me=) and also offered me a free ticket to the Angels game on the 4th of July when he found out I coached tee-ball last year, so that was another nice blessing. Man..I'm not used to so much at once! The Lord has been very gracious today and I don't know why, but it's not because I deserve it. It's totally by His love alone, the love of a Father to a son, and I only pray that I will bless my son that way also, out of pure, unconditional love. I came to a deeper understanding of God's love during a study in my Galatians class, when I came across the verse that says 'Not that we loved Him, but that He loved us first.' I realized that, our example and knowledge of love comes directly and initially from God, Who was the example of love first before we even knew what love was. In other words, God is the author of love, Who shows us how to love others as He loves us, in a way that is pure and holy and unconditional, even sacrificial, as His Son demonstrated to us. I don't always understand it, but I sure am thankful for it!

I forgot to mention that on Friday my mom treated me to go see Batman Begins. This batman was very different from your 'comicbook movie' with Michael Keaton yrs back. I'd say it was more intense, a little darker and some scenes were a little freaky! Overall I think it's worth seeing though. The thing I notice about these superhero movies are the fact that they are becoming more down to earth rather than far-fetched. When Superman first came out with Christopher Lee, his home and powers were not of this world at all, but from a different planet. Now, most of these movies portray superheros as your ordinary citizens endowed with super powers created through the invention of man, whether by technological advancements in robotics or nanotechnology, two very real applications that exist today. It's no longer so foreign to us, but rather...attainable. What are you saying Naasson? That we're going to be seeing these 'superheros' vying for good and evil using modern day advancements of man? Well, is it possible for a multi-millionaire to become a modern day superhero? I think the fantasy is now becoming non-ficticious.

Getting the Balance Right

I wanted to post before I did some reading on the commentary on Galatians (fun stuff!). Thank God that the accounting homework wasn't as hard as I thought it would be! Whew! We had to do an accting sheet, then Income Statements, Balance Sheet, etc. for a fictitional business for homework, and I was thinking we had to do it ALL on our own, which was somewhat intimidating, but I realized that within the sheet in Excel he placed some 'helper' info along the way, e.g., where the accounts payable figure went, etc. That helped tremendously! So yes, I wasn't as stressed as I thought I would be tonight. lol The first night was basically hell because he flew through all this stuff like nothing. But now thank God it's all making more sense as I go back through it...slowly. Taking my time. Not rushing. Letting it all soak in. hehe

The load for both classes, Accounting and Galatians, are just right also, which really helps me out so I'm not overloaded. Geeez I remember when I had like 3 or 4 classes at one time at CSUF! How did I do it then?? If I can't handle a few classes now then something's really wrong with me! lol Well for one, I didn't have a FT job. I was working PT at Mrs. Fields at the time, so I guess that makes a big difference. So I think it's important that I take full advantage of these classes and learn as much as I can within the 4-6 weeks time in each of class, rather than just trying to get by, cause this wont come around again, this BS program. Meaning, once I'm done, I'm done. It's over. Whatever energy and time and thought I put into it will determine how much I got out of it, how much I learned, how much I can apply. So I might as well go full steam and plunge into it, cause it'll all end soon. I don't want to be at the end feeling like I did after Platt, my first accelerated program in graphic design years back: basically unprepared and half-educated, cause the program was similar to this: very quick, but not very thorough. I think that that's the disadvantage here with accelerated programs. You're in and out quickly and on to your career, but the foundation isn't very well established, unless you put in 110% throughout the entire program. I still think a 4 yr college degree is well worth the wait and worth the money, and will give a person a better foundation in preparing for a career, as opposed to a 12 month program. And now that I think about it, I think going to Biola for a BS in Leadership is going to benefit me more than having had gone back to Platt for my BA in graphics, since my goal is in moving up to management eventually. This degree will complement my graphics degree and experience.

Anyways, 'nough about school...I guess I should read now. But...as I relayed to a friend of mine recently, I'm tempted to stay and write only cause I like writing alot more than reading! lol But, alas, I should work on those weaknesses too. Got class tomorrow and I'm glad I'm ready for that at least. Okay I'm yawning now...better go...until next time, whenever that is...hehe. =)

Day-Before Relapse

Once again I got myself into a last minute homework rush because of my lack of diligence of staying on top of things. I could have avoided that by keeping track of my bible class start date. I didn't realize I start Galatians tomorrow night (Monday) so I had to switch into high gear and finish homework tonight! Arg! Luckily it wasn't too much though...I just needed to read Galatians 3 times, each time writing a small summary of the Paul's intentions. lol I kinda sorta did read it 3 times, although the second time I read reeealy fast! hehe Well, the syllabus did say not to spend more than 30 minutes on each read, so technically I did follow the instructions. Although on my last read I started to analyze each chapter, which I do when I'm actually studying the bible, so I had to keep reminding myself to speed along unless I want to stay up all night. Thank God I got it done at a good time, but this is definitely the last time I get myself into this trap again! I was doing really good on keeping up with homework, too, and I'm not about to slip back into procrast-mode again, no way!

Other than that, weekend was nice.=) Hit the beach again. The waves in Laguna were actually getting pretty high, like 20 ft high! Okay...not that high. More like 5 ft high. But 20 ft sounded better. =)

Sickness

I think I might have contracted a cold last night, cause my head was hurting this morning and my nose if stuffy. Yes! Praise the Lord! I love when my throat totally hurts when I swallow and my nose is sooo stuffed that I can't breathe at night. That totally rules! And I hope this isn't just some allergic reaction, I hope it's a full on cold that lasts at least 2 weeks! This weekend is turning out to be a great blessing! lol

But seriously, Saturday was a blessing...woke up early and met some brothers and fellowshipped awhile at the Coffee Bean, then from there picked up Isaiah and took him to the beach for a bit. We also went to Roger's Garden off San Joaquin Hills Rd in Corona Del Mar. It's a huge garden with just about everything you'd need for your front/backyard, including some interior decorations for your home. It's so serene just being there, walking down it's pathways, even if you're not there to shop, it's a nice little getaway.=) I noticed that there's a little library/garden right off PCH where MacArthur & PCH meet, very close to that. I would definitely visit it when I have time. I just looked it up online...it's called the Sherman Library & Gardens, and it's NOT small! lol It looks small from the road, but inside it's rather large. Wow..looks can be deceiving I guess. hehe But it does look really nice. The only other place I have yet to visit is the Huntington Library, where the largest volume of books is stored in the nation. lol Actually, there are no books. It's really a huge garden, which is why I want to visit one of these days.

It's funny cause in the Newport/Laguna area, there are tons of people walking their dogs everywhere, and, of course, Isaiah wants to pet every single one of them! I have to watch him cause some of those dogs just DO NOT want to be petted, and Isaiah can be a little aggressive in pursuing them, so I have to get him away. Never know what could happen in a case there the dog feels threatened, ya know? But for the most part they're very friendly, and so are the owners. Hmmm...maybe I could put Shadow on a leash and walk him sometime...lol..yeah right. =)

A Day at Orange Blossom

I thought I might do something a little different and post a few pics of our recent visit to the Orange Blossom event in Riverside we went to last weekend. I took Isaiah and my mom with me. It was a nice day actually, albeit tiring after about 4 hours of walking and carrying Isaiah at times. My mom got a pic of Isaiah and I riding the elephant, but it was too small to post =( These pics are mostly while in the animal farm area. If I had the means and the time I probably would actually have a small animal farm myself! =)

Isaiah on the pony rides