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 


 


 


 


 

Busy Bees of the World Unite

I think this Marketing class has been the busiest class for me thus far, one reason being the simple fact that I actually do homework nightly instead of procrastinating til the last few days! But I tell ya, it certainly helps when that last night before class comes and I'm not sitting here stressing out over it. It all sounds sooo logical too doesn't it, to put in a little effort each night. I think 'yeah..duh..it would make life easier and homework more efficient.' It sounds great, so I don't know why in the world I still procrastinate knowing that! Bad habits can be hard to break. But it's being broken ever so slightly. Plus it makes homework a little more enjoyable instead of intimidating with all the reading that's required.

Work has also been quite busy the last few days, so much that I come home just wanting to take a nap before I start my homework. I've been out on an install the last few days, scraping off 2 large Maaco vinyl signs and then installing them today. It's a nice change though being able to go home straight from that job site, although it would've been nice to get back to the office for a bit too.=) I'm learning alot about signs, more than I ever have before. This was the first time I've actually gone on an install by myself, at least for most of the first sign. Halfway through it, Mitch, my coworker joined me and helped me out the rest of the way. But both of us are just beginners at this. At one point during the installation by myself, I think my confidence took a nosedive when the owner came out with another employee and glanced at my work with a disappointed look, then went back in. I saw his employee raise his eyebrows before they disappeared, kind of like an 'Does this guy know what he's doing?' kind of look. I couldn't help feel like a total novice out there wondering what in the world I'm even doing out there, installing a sign. At one point I even said to myself "What am I doing here? I can't do this stuff! This isn't even what I do." But what could I do? I HAD to do it, there was no question about it. So, I thought 'you know what, even if this job turns out to be a total bomb, oh well...I gave it my best shot.' And that's all I can do is give it my best and hope for the best! So actually I think that negative reaction I got gave me the boost I needed to give my best and strive for excellence, kind of like an 'I'll show him' sort of reaction. And you know what? It came out pretty good at the end! The owner even took a gander at it (gander..lol) and thought it was nice! So see, Mr. prejudgmental man, you were coming to conclusions before I even finished the job! lol You don't ever judge a person's work before it's finished. I get that ALL the time too. I'll be halfway done with a design, and my bosses would say 'No this should be red' or 'why do you have that there' or what not and I'm like 'because, I'm not done yet, that's why.' lol It's hard to convey the visual on that one. So...I felt at ease after that, especially having Mitch with me to back me up so to speak.

Okay it's that time, better hit that homework. Tomorrow is the last class and we have a presentation to make for our new restaurant concept, so I need to make it good. Until then...don't judge a person's unfinished masterpiece...ever! lol =)

The Image

"And he (the 2nd beast) had power to give life to the image of the (first) beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
And that no man might buy or sell, except he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name." ~Revelation 13:16-17

There is coming a time in the not-so-distant future when there will be a world ruler who has control over very living person, whether they live or die, depending on their allegience to this ruler, AKA the antichrist, or false christ. We are slowly approaching a system whereby buying and selling can be closely monitored, and the people controlled and under the watchful eyes of 'Big Brother'. Since 911, and because of lawlessness, security is constantly stepping up measures to track and monitor people, especially those who are defying the system. I even read a recent article that explains a concept that security is testing out whereby one small section of a city is watched for any suspicious activity going on that might lead to a crime. If someone is acting suspicious, they will be able to move in quicker before the actual crime just by analyzing the situation first, almost similar to a system Orwell termed the Thought Police in his book 1984. Sometimes I even wonder if many of our systems set up today are not the direct result of having borrowed from these visionaries. Well, that system had such control that he explains they were watching constantly, even in his own home, every move and every word that was spoken via a small monitor that was 'watching' him. Wow, that sounds so familiar. What is practically in every home today, that is gaining more and more control of our daily lives in how we communicate and do business today? Of course it's our modern day computer. And even though we are the one's looking at the computer, I believe someday, in the not-so-distant future, it will be looking at us! Clever move I should say...to make what was once a leisurely item an absolute necessity of life! Gee I wonder who orchestrated that one...

In any case, it makes me wonder...what will this image look like? Will it simply be a highly advanced form of our computer that is able to monitor each of us, even at home? I once made a small prediction of my own when I told a friend that someday I believe that our computers will be incredibly interactive with us by being on standby constantly and being able to 'sense' when we are in the room via sensors, like that of a light sensor. I mean seriously, wouldn't it be much more functional if our computer could turn on when we came home simply by sensing that we were home, instead of going through the whole turn-on, turn-off routine? I think it will definitely be an option in the future. Maybe it will even talk to us, similar to the testing that's being done now on vehicle voice-response systems that can interact with the driver by asking questions, making suggetions and even checking email and responding back and composing mail! Pretty incredible. But that is exactly where the future of vehicles are going, advancing more technologically than ever. It seems that information is just becoming more and more accessible everywhere we go. Pretty soon, the thought of actually living in your car will actually be desirable! lol My Marketing teacher said a few weeks ago that in the near future, a person will actually be able to literally build his own car borrowing on many different parts, creating a car that is unique all it's own. And we're well on our way arent we...we already have that concept down on the internet with various packages, but this will totally redefine the meaning of uniqueness. Image is becoming more important as well as being able to be unique and expressing that uniqueness to others. Who knows what this image will be, but it doesn't sound too far-fetched or too far in the future before it's revealed.

One last insight...one song from shockrocker Marilyn Manson is called The Mechanical Christ. Upon seeing that, my initial reaction was my disapproval of yet another blasphemous song that attacks God's Son. But as I sat there thinking about it, I thought 'wait...there is another christ coming though...a false christ. It doesn't necessarily attack The Christ, Jesus.' And I thought hmmm...mechanical christ...technological advancement...X-Men...nanotechnology...the very real possibility that nanotechnology may be the next step in human advancement by altering our bodies, and the possibility that this false christ may, in fact, not even be human, or may be a highly advanced form of human life, a hybrid development of science that achieves the ultimate advancement of man in our ever-evolving thirst for perfection and power. Cause you have to think...the bible says the world will come to an end, a halt so to speak, when Christ returns...the enemy is working hard cause his time is short...so, he must be working towards a goal, using technology as a means to an end right? All of man's advancements therefore are all working towards a common goal to fulfill the purposes of the 'god of this age' who is in control for a time, who is behind the scenes orchestrating things because the world 'is under the sway of the evil one.' Not all are under his power, mind you, but those who are not God's are being used by satan to satisfy his purposes, whether it's a conspiratorial group known as the Illuminati, or just your ordinary joe who things messing with Ouija boards are harmless. They are both under demonic influence who are behind the scenes working to bring about the reign of the antichrist, the false christ, who will reign for 3 1/2 yrs before all hell breaks loose...literally. This man will make a 7 yr peace treaty with various nations to bring about peace, then will break it after 3 1/2 yrs. I do believe it will really be peaceful as other commentaries have suggested...but it will be a false peace...it will not last.

Don't be deceived...it might look like things are looking up and gov't is making changes to bring about a more peaceful and safer place to live. They are only doing their job to serve and protect. But things will get worse...things will get darker. No amount of demonstrations against worldly agendas are going to bring about a better life. There's no point in focusing on trying to bring about reform...the only thing we can do is stand on the foundation of Christ and continue to be a witness as well as a testimony of God's power to change people through the death and resurrection of Christ. Until He comes again and puts a stop to it all, things will decline just as He said it will. But He said 'don't worry...for I have overcome the world.' Our faith should not be in a system that can stop the evil entities of the worldly system...it should be in Jesus Christ, who has already overcome the world through His death on the cross, defeating sin and death and the grip of the enemy once and for all! And furthermore, if the end of all things is near, and the antichrist is even nearer, then the rapture of the church is even NEARER! As God removed Lot from Sodom before He destroyed it for it's horrendous sexual immorality, so will He remove the church before His wrath falls upon a God-rejecting world, to bring about the possible salvation of countless people still living in sin. When the heat is turned up, people will make decisions.

The Stench of Segregation

Tonight for the first time I learned that there is in fact an actual Gay Games, and I guess they are in their 7th year. That was news to me...Kraft is one of their sponsors, which I was alerted to by the AFA, which is how I found this info. I will most likely sign the petition against their sponsorship and support of a lifestyle that, to me, is obviously very destructive and very unnatural to the foundations of nature, science and yes, God.

There is actually NEW evidence by a known University, which I will research and post, that has found that the gay & lesbian lifestyle is in fact NOT innate by some chemically-inborn trait, but that by engaging in this lifestyle, of being sexually involved with the same gender, it causes a chemical instability which in turn causes changes in the brain! Yes, it's true...because they are choosing to live this lifestyle, the brain chemistry actually changes, which causes all of the gay 'mannerisms' to manifest itself outwardly. And isn't this exactly what the bible said would happen to those who rebelled against God? In Romans 1:27-28 I think it's very clear as to the context of this passage:

"Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting."

I would say this is pretty easy to understand. It's talking about men who no longer are attracted to women, but are attracted to men, doing what is shameful with men, and will pay the consequences for such action, as we're seeing with the AIDS epidemic I believe. And because they no longer wanted God in their lives, God basically said 'Okay...have it your way, you do what you want then, cause you have the freedom the choose. But that lifestyle will have consequences with it and is not fitting'...meaning it does NOT fit in the natural order of things.

My main point however extends beyond this: the fact that they segregate themselves in events like the gay games is starting to get ridiculous and honestly, I think its just downright pathetic already. I mean honestly, have you ever seen a White Games, or White triathalon or White whatever sponsored by big name companies? Why do 'white' people get so much rap from all of these other 'minority' groups when THEY are the ones who segregate themselves, races such as blacks, latinos, and gay&lesbians?!? I hear so much negative rhetoric from people aimed at white people, people who were living here already, who's country you were blessed by to live in and have freedoms here. I'm talking about people who were born here by no choice of their own, I'm not talking about who did what to the native americans here. And you know what, speaking of that whole scenario, about who did who wrong, here's my advice: GET OVER IT!!! Get off your frickin' high horse, off your colored-based pride and your gender-based pride, and join the rest of the nation here by living a simple life without the destructive lifestyle of your pride-driven agendas! It's only causing division and it is NOT promoting tolerance or peace. And yes, I do believe in tolerance, a term that states: I accept who you are, whatever lifestyle you have, and you also accept who I am, a born-again Christian who believes in God. That is tolerance. Tolerance works BOTH ways, not one way. But that's exactly what segregated groups promote, and it's dangerous.

For the record, as a Christian, I do not believe in violence in any form. I will never blow up a building, be a suicide bomber or act violently in any way, which is sadly what Hollywood promotes in countless movies. Yes, I make mistakes, like any normal human being. But unlike certain other so-called christians who say one thing and practice the opposite, I do not judge people by what they look like, the color of their skin or anything else but out of love and out of truth. By judge I mean I don't make a final conclusion of a person's life by condemning that person to hell. God is the final Judge. But...I can discern what's right and wrong by His Word cause His Word is truth. And by His Word I understand what kind of behavior is wrong, and what kind is right. I think if we would just look more into the bible for answers instead of mindlessly condemning it's wisdom and knowledge and salvation in Christ, our troubles would be very miniscule and life would be alot more manageable and stress free. But, as Jesus said, it will not get better...it will continue to get darker and more evil, as in the days of Noah, until finally the Lord comes to put a stop to it all, when the fullness of the righteous and unrighteous are complete, then the harvest will be reaped, and good and evil are separated...forever!

We need to get over the color of our skin and stop judging people for what they look like, and start looking at others with our hearts, and not our eyes. I'm not talking about being wise and being cautious with people who are obviously putting our neighborhoods at risk, a person who's values need major rearranging. I'm talking about simply accepting others for who they are inside, looking past the exterior body which is honestly decaying, and looking at that person's heart and soul and relating to that person inside, who is the real person. This kind of meaningful relation is exactly what I-Thou is all about, cause I firmly believe in it's incredible ability to affect others and accept others, as a precious creation of God who has value and meaning and purpose in life. Don't ever think we are just accidents! That's a horrible lie! Each and every one of you were wonderfully created by an Intelligent Creator who cherishes you and loves you, and cared enough about our lost state that He sent the perfect sacrifice to take our place so would could have eternal life, in His Son Jesus Christ. I too was lost...but now I'm found by Him and by His grace alone I'm saved. I don't stand above anyone or boast that I'm any better than anyone. I simply found the truth, a great treasure, and I only want others to know about this treasure also, that is capable of changing people's lives and giving them hope.

And if I said anything in here that sounds like I'm being judgmental, then I'm sorry, but I can only speak the truth according to God's Word, and I'm only here to plead with others who are choosing a lifestyle that is going to destroy them. I'm basically pleading, saying please...please listen and know there's a better life for you, found in Christ, who will open your eyes to the truth like He did mine. Don't be led by your pride anymore...be led by Him who can destroy that wall of division and let love reign in your heart! =)

Not enough hours in the day

I thought I should post at least once this week. lol Seems like I've had no time to post, either at work or at home. By the time homework is done I'm just tooo tired already. Work has been really picking up, so even on my lunches I'm practically working or doing something that's work-related. It's a good thing I like my job! :) Otherwise I'd feel the same way I did at Scarlett's, a boba shop I used to work at, where I 'd work 6 hrs without a break. If I was hungry I'd have to keep a lookout for customers while eating in the back. But I really got good at it! lol So in essence it feels like that job actually prepared me for this one, because even while I'm on lunch, my boss usually eats out so I need to be prepared for both phone calls and walk-ins, which doesn't bother me really cause...I guess I'm just used to it now. And since were a new company, I've learned how valuable each and every customer is through my boss and through Marketing class. Being flexible really does have it's advantages and can be the difference between gaining a customer and losing one.

Anyways, my weekend was really blessed...and busy too. I spent Saturday with my boys and Annamarie also, who decided to come along with us to Newport Fashion Island and the beach later on. It's always a nice when she decides to join us...I guess cause I do enjoy her company still and it's nice to have a friend come along too. I was totally unprepared for it too. They were all ready to go onto the beach and get wet, while I had my nice work clothes on, mainly because they're nice for hot weather, compared to jeans I suppose. And my shorts were dirty so...but it turned out to be nice. I just rolled up my slacks and hit the beach! lol Just before we headed down I picked up a side job in Corona, and finished that up Sunday evening. That was probably the quickest job I ever did! The extra money is always nice though. And of course, Sat and Sun was spent doing homework at some point...it's such a joy doing ethical cases! lol No, but I am learning alot though.

Okay now it's getting late and I still wanted to watch at least some of an old fave of mine I haven't seen in yrs: North Shore! My brother just bought it. He always buys those old 80's classics that I love, and he's 7 yrs younger than me! lol Well hey, I know teenagers now who are into those old 80s classics...figure that one out...lol. Must be our old fogey influence. Gotta run! We'll do lunch!

Très Fatigué

Je suis trop fatigué pour écrire ce soir. Jour très occupé...en ce moment, il est temps pour le lit. Bonne nuit. =)

My Dream Stores

My Marketing class is pretty interesting and full of knowledge that is much needed. Too bad it's only 4 weeks though! sheesh...for something as important as marketing, I would think it would be longer than that. My only prayer is that after completing my BS here that I'm not left with such a small amount of knowledge that was shoved into my brain practically and totally rushed that I wonder what it is exactly that I learned from it, like I did at Platt college for graphics. Once again, had I the chance to do it over again, I would definitely have stuck with the 4 yr degree at CSUF. But that's something I can pass onto my children now at least. Well, on a more positive note, since it's rushed all I can do is delve into it every night and just soak up as much as possible, and make it worthwhile...but I admit...I've gained much more than just knowledge here...I've gained friends and fellowship and have been blessed by many people.

I think I'll use the next few days to sort out my marketing plan here on a particular assignment we have due on the 4th and final week. We have to come up with a fictitional restaurant and use the knowledge we've gained to market it. I originally came up with one yrs ago that I was planning on using, but tonight another concept popped into my mind that my groupmembers told me to use intead...they thought the 2nd one was much better.

The first concept is a coffeehouse I'll call DownTempo. The idea came when I realized that Starbucks continues to create the same ole' coffee shops without much innovation or creativity. I can't say that for every store in the US, but out here in SoCal the stores do not change much. I wanted to take it a step further by creating a more inviting atmosphere for today's culture, one which is looking for the next step in coffee culture to appear. My idea is to create an atmosphere that is relaxing by adding nice downtempo music combined with triphop, ambient beats and chillout tracks, music that has a nice beat but not too much to be a distraction. The seating area would be one of lounge areas that can seat either one or a group of people in nice, low lit areas, possibly with a fireplace or water feature and some foliage to make it really cozy. It's comparable to a club atmosphere, except instead of high tempo beats, alcohol and the stuffy atmosphere, here it's downtempo music, coffee and a relaxing atmosphere. And this particular area would be segregated from the actual counter area, like on the side around the corner kind of placement. I've seen this setup at a Starbucks on PCH and it's very nice the way it's set up. It would also be very artsy per the paintings on the wall and the interior design, but not too bright or too artsy...just enough. I'm also toying with the idea of putting in wi-fi access and ready-made computers to browse on. I think that would give it more appeal, as well as adding more technology into it as well, like maybe the monitors can pop up from inside the tables when accessed, the keyboards released from under the table, almost customizing the tables specifically for computer use. We totally have the means to do it...why not? I think we need to be a little more creative today and integrate technology more into our everyday lives in everyday public places, where access is more readily available. I do think it's coming in the near future, but like all things, it takes time....time I don't have patience for! lol

My second concept would be called Cafe 80's or something similar. I got this idea from Back to the Future. If there was any time to create this kind of cafe it's now! Not only would it cater to the 80's generation, but it's actually very popular with young people today. It would be totally designed with the 80's in mind, from memorabilia on the walls to employees with dyed hair fitted with 80's attire to the music playing overhead. It would be similar to a 50's cafe I suppose. Robert, a classmate, brought up a good point: there's a 50's cafe, but where are the 60's and 70's cafes? LOL Hmmm...dont know...guess they didn't make a big enough impression. Which brings up another point: I think the 80's made a big enough impact on our culture that a cafe like this would be around for awhile, just like the 50's did. In fact, when the 50's is finally forgotten, which will inevitably happen, a Cafe 80's may just be the perfect replacement. In this cafe I thought of just including basic food items similar to a diner, maybe with some 80's style names included in the menu. There would also be 80's cover bands playing on the weekends, possibly midweek too, which would add the perfect compliment to this cafe. I'm still unsure as to whether alcohol should even be served or not. Maybe not. I'd like it to be family-oriented and very clean also, not that respectable places don't serve alcohol. Not sure about that yet...
But my target market would cater to both yound and old. I definitely don't want to convey a trashy image where teenagers come to tag the tables. That will definitely NOT be tolerated. I've seen it happen at a small coffee shop I used to work at and believe me, if I knew who was doing it, that would be the end of his days there! I don't tolerate nor put up with disrespective behavior like that, and I didn't while I worked there either. Anyhoo, enough about that...I think this concept is pretty simple and self-explanatory enough to envision.

The next step is to determine which one would bring in the most business and have the most impact on people. One seems more mellow, while the latter seems more excitable. A coffeehouse seems more simple...coffee and a lounge area, while the cafe seems more involved...a diner with cover band schedules. And I do like to keep busy, so...well see. I only have 2 weeks so I'll need to choose one over the other soon and draw up a plan. Then after my presentation, I'll need to find funding to set up my new store...lol...I wish. =)

Just the Usual

Nothing terribly exciting here, just the usual day at work. At least tonight will be a change since I'm going to class. It gets very tedious doing the same exact thing every day at times. Yesterday I met Annamarie after work to eat an early dinner and just chat, so that was a nice change. It's nice when my schedule is actually interrupted like that here and there. Gives me an excuse to do something other than homework! lol I think that's one thing I miss about marriage...having a wife to get out with whenever we had the opportunity. It's not like a friend who I need to schedule something with. In marriage it's just a matter of making the time and effort, cause the relationship is already established and not an issue. And if you don't have kids it's even easier to get out and even just have some coffee or something, get some fresh air. It gets more complicated with kids, arranging for a sitter and all. But, it's like I always say, if you want to get out and enjoy life, you'll do what's necessary to enjoy it, even if it means taking the kids with you. If I want to go buy a DVD or CD, if I had to take my son with me, so be it. I'm not going to get all frustrated over having to watch him or what not. I see parents getting sooo frustrated with their kids. Sometimes...well, all the time...if they would accept that they have kids and make them a part of their lives in a positive way, they wont be fighting them so much. And disciplining them does NOT have to be so chaotic and frustrating, as I myself have learned.

Anyhoo, don't know what led me to all that. Well I've been alone here for most of my day, boss is running around alot today, but I have plenty to keep me busy here. Seems like were getting a steady flow of work here so that's good. It's funny cause my job description just keeps getting more and more blurry all the time. I'm not just the graphic designer here...I'm also the receptionist, sign maker, installer, soon-to-be silkscreen printer...I pretty much do anything that needs to be done here, and Patty is going to show me how to price our signs very soon also, since she's going on vacation for a week next month. So...what is my job? lol I didn't know when I was hired that I was going to have to run this whole place!! hehe..."Hey, I'm just the designer here okay...I don't DO phones..okay? okay.." Speaking of phones, it started ringing right after I completed that sentence! How funny...

I was actually entertaining the idea of creating a blog specifically for signage, sort of a 'Learning corner' for sign designers. Hmmm...we'll see. Well better go for now...my boss just caught me posting and started yelling "What the hell are you doing boy!! Dont make me get the stick!" You know, I know I should have been working and she has a right to be mad, but I didn't appreciate her slapping me upside the head while she was yelling! That was totally uncalled for! Now I'm totally not answering phones! lol =)

Blessed & Productive

This past weekend actually turned up many blessed events in my life which were unseen and unplanned, not to mention a learning experience and a marked event. Saturday I was able to get out and do homework simultaneously, which was nice. If I ever get a laptop, I'll also be able to write any papers as well as read wherever I go. Then that night I got an unexpected surprise, more like a punch-in-the-gut surprise that left me grieved at first, but more understanding later and with greater confidence in my own pursuits in life. Things happen for a reason, and it may have been a much needed catapult to get me back on track, although there are many questions left unanswered that I hope will clear up in the future.

Sunday turned out to be a blessed day, not only for me but also for my mom for Mother's Day, since I was able to bring Isaiah to church and out to lunch with my family, which included my brother, his girlfriend and her family. So I'm sure my mom was blessed with Isaiah also, since she doesn't get to see him often. I picked him up early and was able to chat with Annamarie a while and catch up on things. After lunch my mom and I took Isaiah to the park for a bit to let him run around. The park we went to normally has a ton of ducks there on the lake, but for some reason there were only a few. Afterwards I headed back to Riverside to take him back, and because of Annamarie's circumstances, I actually ended up taking him to her parent's house, which I have never done since our separation! She made the suggestion and called her mom to make sure it was okay, and lo and behold the door was open to take him, so I went and it turned out well. It was actually nice to see and talk with her mom again after all this time and I think it hit a nerve inside. I've been praying for healing between her parents and me, since our departing years ago did not go well. Hopefully this may be the beginning of reconciliation, one in which my presence is even welcome enough to come to their home and pick up Isaiah there anytime during the week even, since I work so close to them. But this seemed like a first step, and hopefully there will be another one down the road...=)

Stripped

Like a tree that standeth bare of it's leaves
So is my soul stripped bare on this eve.

Caught off guard

This rain has been surprising my lately, cause I used to be right on top of the weather practically, waiting for the next rainfall! Lately though it's been catching me by surprise, probably because I wasn't really expecting anymore rain after the winter...I forget it also rains in the Spring too...duh. The only thing I don't like is the fact that the tempurature doesn't change with the rain..instead of cooling down, it just gets muggy...ugh:p

Well Marketing class is off to a good start so far. We went over a ton of info that I'm still digesting, but info that's helping me to understand more about mission statements, personal and company goals and how teamwork can affect a company as a whole. I've always wanted to work for a company who works together as a team and strives for excellence. Unfortunately most of my previous employers really didn't make that the focus or implement it well. Instead the employees pretty much had their own opinions of everything and had no respect for our clients, sometimes bad-mouthing them, which is quite annoying! How can anyone bad mouth the very client that is bringing in the very money that pays for you to work there? If it wasn't for those clients, no matter how hard or anal or however they act, we wouldn't have a job at all, so I don't see the point in complaining. I''m glad I have a boss now that encourages me to build good client relationships with everyone who calls or walks in...she understands that importance of a good relationship with each and every person. I know that in the future, if we do hire anyone else, I will definitely pass on that important value to that employee.

Well today's not too busy...got those banners done and ready.=) We seem to be getting a pretty steady flow of work, thank God.=)

Ambushed

Today was probably one of the busiest days at work so far since I started. We have about 20 banners we need to finish this week for The Press Enterprise, 14 of which are 3' x 10'. We only got 2 done today cause the rest of the day we were busy weeding the material, or separating the lettering from the excess and preparing it, basically. And man it's starting to get hot! I know I'm gonna hate it when summer comes around and it's like over 95 degrees...ugh! It used to stay cool back here only a few weeks ago...I think those days are over. I'm sure glad I don't have school tonight, not that tomorrow is going to be any easier, but it will be less arduous though thank God, or I might feel sleepy in class. I do anyway, what am I talking about...lol. We also got our screen printing equipment in today too! She plans on doing tees also, figured it may bring in more business. I think it will. =)

Nice one, Edgar

Last night I read an interesting albeit disturbing story from Edgar Allen Poe called the Black Cat. WARNING: Do NOT read that story alone in the dark! lol It did freak me out a little, especially since I can have a vivid imagination, and this story was not the time to have one! I'm not familiar with his stories and at first it actually sounded like a journal of his life, so I thought he was actually writing down real life events! lol Hopefully it was just that...a story. Anyhoo, hopefully next time I'll find a much more cheery one to read. =)

Busy not stressing

I think I'm finally learning to balance my busy life without the stress usually associated with it, and I'm learning it just takes spending my time wisely, whether it's school work or a side job, and being consistent with it on a daily basis. I tend to want to do everything in big chunks and stress because it all looks so overwhelming. But an hour for this, hour for that and I make progress. We'd probably be amazed at how much we can actually accomplish if we really used our time wisely and efficiently like that! I know I would be, and I'm hoping to use it more to my advantage instead of watching it dwindle away and later asking 'Where did the time go? What did I do with it?!'

On a personal note, my watch is just about ready to break at one of the links...it's slowly but surely tearing away and holding on by half a link, cause the other link was never secure. So I'm pretty much counting on it to just fall off one of these days, either that or I'll go to see what time it is and realize it's not there anymore! lol You know, why do I even wear a watch when everywhere I go there is a clock to look at? From home, to my car to work and back again, I know what time it is! So really what's the point? In fact, I think I'll go watchless tomorrow just to be rid of my conditioned dependency upon this man-made fabricated time piece! I think that's true many other things also...we've become so dependent on them that the absence of them seems unheard of and a reason to panic. Sometimes I even wonder what I'm putting my faith in these days: the technology of man, or the Spirit of God? I hope in the ongoing advancement of medicine and technology and many other things that my faith in God never waivers but continues to grow in strength. =)

In a Mode

Nothing terribly exciting lately other than concept designs and new sounds of Beck. His downtempo'd experimental music is actually what I've needed lately to break the monotony and long streak of musical reruns of late in my life. I rarely buy cd's these days and only if more than 1 song is worthwhile and interesting to listen to more than once, so...guess he passed the test..lol.
It sounds like a mix between Odelay and Sea Change actually. Tonight was busy hosting a couples night out in the Family Living Ministry. We had a good turnout and it seemed like they all had a good time fellowshipping and meeting other couples. It was actually nice getting out and especially serving on a Saturday night.=) The couples actually had to pair up and take pictures of everything they could on a list we made out, including things like taking pics of standing in front of things like a highschool, dented car, a WalMart employee, with a barnyard animal and much more. Then they brought it back to a pizza place near the church to see who got the most pics as well as the most creative pics. There were some very interesting if not downright hilarious pics! lol It was fun for us all I'd say.

As a side note which I'll elaborate more in my other blog, I'm learning more about myself in the area of emotional dependence, which I realize is a weakness that I need to work on more and ask help from the Lord about to change all that, cause really it's practically been running my life and the way I relate to others. Everything this article said was right on the nose concerning what I feel and how I perceive others, and it's not good and needs to change if I want a more fulfilling relationship with the Lord and with others also. Again I'll elaborate later...=)