Whew!

Here I am! After a long year of countless hours training, and studying, and doing my best to manage work, massage, karate, and time with friends, I have achieved my goal of earning and receiving my 1st Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. We began testing at 0900 and finished right around 1200. We were expected to complete a physical fitness test (2 mins push-ups, 2 mins sit-ups, and 1 mile run), as well as perform all the curriculum learned for the current cycle. I must say, the karate part was the easy part. I struggled on the run a little bit, but I finished. I had a rough time training last week as I had a migraine for 3 days straight, but I did my best to prepare regardless. There are a great group of people at my school, and they are all very supportive!

My Uncle Wes, Aunt Louise, and Aunt Miriam made it to my test! I was so pleased! Brooks came and picked Annette and I up for the test, and Melanie met us there. After the test was over, Tiffany, Derrick, and Anna had also showed up! It was so awesome! I have an amazing group of friends! They are my family away from home, so, I feel very blessed that I have so many people that care about me in my life. Heavenly Father has really put people in my life that have taught me about charity, and humility. Scott counseled me to choose a new ward by thinking about how I can help serve the people in it, rather than how they can serve me. It had a profound affect on me and I realized that going back to the Almaden III ward was where I was supposed to go, even though, I would rather go to a family ward. To quote President John F. Kennedy, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." Words to live by, whether it be for your neighbor, your workplace, church, or community.

Tiffany and Brooks both were able to attend the Gala on Saturday night, where I received my belt at a candle ceremony. I was so excited to have accomplished my goal. I set a goal to be black belt by the end of the year, and I achieved it! It was an incredible feeling. Now, on to the next goal! Great timing, as it is the end of the year, and time to reflect and start new goals for the new year! Oh, and for future reference, when you are tired and going to see a movie and have ice cream, watch the movie first, then have the ice cream. We fell asleep during the movie, so now we have to wait until it comes out on DVD to see it again. LOL! The funniest part of the whole affair, is that this is the second time I've gone to see it, and fell asleep the first time as well!

Church was great! I went to the Almaden II ward Relief Society with Nancy! She was like a proud mama when they asked about any good news to report or share! She told everyone that I received my black belt! I was a little embarrassed, but it was awesome! She is so cute!

erika j

Lots of Work

Been working a lot still, but loving it! I was a little stressed out yesterday, so as soon as I got home I was ready to go to the gym and work out the frustration! Good thing Nettie got home at the exact same time, because I asked her if she wanted to go run and swim at the gym, and good thing she agreed. I needed to get worked out!

Now that I know I can run a mile without stopping, I am going to try and improve my time. The black belt test is not very far away, so I need to make sure I don't get off track! I am so excited! Aside from the headaches I have been doing well. The downside to the headaches, is that I have been missing a lot of karate! Doh! I have been training, just on my own when I am not feeling very sick. It's been a little frustrating, but it's looking up! I am looking forward to going to class tonight!

erika j

Good Times

The most sweetest weekend! So, Friday night, I earned my black belt recommended and spent the remainder of the evening at Chevy's with a group of friends in celebration. I didn't stay out very late, as I had to get up early to go to a cheer competition my nieces are involved in. I did chat with Carrie in the parking lot after Mark dropped us off at our cars. It was really nice to talk to her one on one, and in person! She really was an amazing roommate! We chatted about what was going on and what are plans coming up were! She will be finishing school this semester and will be facing the world head on pretty soon! She's excited and scared all at the same time, and I can't say I blame her! :) Love that girl!

I woke up nice and early to get ready for the competition and for the Temple. I had talked to a few people Friday about hitching a ride with them to the Temple, so, I planned on meeting up with them after the competition. The girls were absolutely adorable! Anna Marie and Isabella are the most adorable little cheerleaders ever! We took a few pictures together and it was such a great feeling to be around them! I just loved how they would come up to me and give me a great big hug! I miss working with children and seeing all their smiling faces! Anna Marie is the youngest, and she did such a great job, as well as it being her first competition! She was all smiles!!!

Going to the Temple two times in three days was truly a remarkable experience. I have gone four times in one week before, and the experience was intense. I learn so much when I a attend the Temple, whether it be about what we are learning, or if it is something in my life that I am seeking answers or directions for. I talked with Nancy a lot on Thursday night and was able to share some of the insights with Michelle, Bishop, and even Brooks a little. I gained some wonderful insights from those I talked with.

This week has gone pretty quickly! I am hoping to get everything done on my list!

erika j

Black Belt Whaaat???

So, yes! Tonight, I am testing with intent to promote to Black Belt Recommended, so I am really excited! Also, my beautiful neices will be competing in a cheer competition tomorrow! Woo hoo!

erika j

I'm all moved! Errrrr...Mostly

Well, I moved all my big stuff that required Brett's and Brooks' truck on Wednesday, and the rest on Friday I did on my own with my car! Our apartment was cleared out and I was kind of bummed about it. It was so empty! There were a lot of great memories in that ol' apartment and I am going to miss my roomie, Carrie. Here is a young woman who thinks she is not very service oriented when really, she is an amazing example of service!

For the past year and one-half, she has helped me in many aspects of life. She has taught me about humility, compassion, and charity. Carrie doesn't even realize the impact she has made in my life, nor do I think she realizes her true potential! As much as I have teased her about how "well" she works with kids, she really is going to be an amazing wife and mother. I don't know how I would have made it through this last year without her around making sure I make it safely to my bed at night (I come home way too late)! I am going to miss her and wish her the best with her studies and in the search for an Eternal Companion, and that she has lots of kids!!! HEH!

My room is in shambles! I have boxes everywhere and clothes in piles from pulling them out of bags and boxes trying to find something to wear! I am going to spend some time on it later this week, if not this weekend for sure! I do have a trail from my door to my bed, so that is the important thing! I am excited to be living in a house of girls, as it is a new experience for me on many levels. I am hoping to save some money living there, but we will have to see how the drive goes! It's an easy drive to work and to the gym, but karate is a bit away. It should be fine though! I am planning on getting into awesome shape for my black belt test in December! I have been working on it, but I am comitted to maintaining and acheiving my goal of physical fitness!

erika j

Cost of Living

Another week in paradise! No one said paradise was going to be cheap cost of living! I have been searching for an apartment and it has been really frustrating. Everything "in" my price range is either ghetto, or I don't "qualify." What does that mean at any rate? What do they care if I eat or not? Argh! I am feeling a little stressed, I guess, but I am not going to let it get me down! I love living in San Jose, especially south San Jose (Branham, Almaden areas). Everything I do, aside from the easy drive downtown to work everyday, is on the south side of town. I attend church, train in martial arts, shop, wash my car, spend time with friends (when I make that time), and workout in the same vicinity. It's been a challenge living on the east side, even though I know it is only temporary! I looked at a complex yesterday and it wasn't too bad! They want $950 for a tiny 1 bedroom! I can pay that and live at Almaden Lake Village, I think. Maybe, I will have to revisit the AL Village and see if it is something I might want. They have a washer and dryer in the unit, so that would be really great!

...

Well, I found a room to rent (credit check pending! I am not worried about the credit check, as I am in good standing. I have never had any problems getting rent on time! It's always on time! Not the exact situation I was looking for, nevertheless, it is something I have to do for the time being. I would rather rent a place on my own, but this will work until I find the right deal! I think my aunt and uncle rent a condo in the area, but I am not sure if it is vacant! If it were to come available and was in an affordable price range, I could either rent it myself, or get a roommate! I will have to look into it!

For now, I am moving into Gina's house!

erika j

Church was great!

So, our Sunday school lesson was about marriage and the role it plays in Heavenly Father's plan for us. I really enjoyed all the comments and insights that were shared. They really helped me feel more at ease with my current status. I have set the bar fairly high, as far as expectations, standards, and values are concerned. I want an eternal commitment from a husband and I will offer the same in return. Bishop Greene talked about what is expected of us right now. Right now, we are expected to live in the world and not be of the world. Live a life to serve others and not ourselves, complete humility, as well as with charity. If we are living right and following the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we will be directed down the path our Heavenly Father wants us to be. We need to be faithful and understanding of things happening on His time frame, and not our own.

erika j

Las Vegas Trip

Well, it was a short week coming back from CR and even shorter leaving for Vegas on Friday morning. I must admit, I was a little frustrated Friday morning when I realized I had "misplaced" my brand new digital camera! It was 0430 and I was in a hurry to get to Brooks and Jordan for our big Vegas trip, when I couldn't find my camera. I had "misplaced" my portable DVD player earlier in the week, and didn't think to look for my camera. I felt a little frustrated with all that is going on, but still, my hopes were high for the weekend! What can be better than hanging out with two smart guys, watching fast cars go, and chillin' in the car to some good tunes? Not much, at least, being the righteous living LDS woman that I am. If I were married, there are a few things I might have thought about doing, for example, "asking" my husband to take me on a long motorcycle ride into a Nevada sunset, or go off-roading in the desert. Since I am single, feeding off the adrenalin of the races was good enough for me!

There were probably two highlights to my trip that I would like to make mention of right here and now. It might sound kind of silly, but truly were the highlights. The first, was on Saturday night after Brooks lost his race (he took a red light, but got to break his dial-in for kicks and giggles), we were all standing along the fence watching the stunt riders (motorcycles) go back and forth while there was some track work being done. After two days of trying to stay out of the boys' way as they worked on the truck, it seemed that for almost five minutes I existed again at Brooks came over to talk to me. Since I am capable of talking anyone's ear off, I tried hard to keep all questions and comments to a minimum, as Las Vegas is a long way away when you are driving, especially when you are pulling a trailer. So, the entire time I had been watching the racing I had many thoughts go through my head. I had my favorite cars and their reasons for being so, and was getting familiar with the names and different divisions of racing at the event Brooks came over and asked me if I was having a good time and if I had seen some fast cars. I told him I had and told him what my favorites were, etc. It was fun to just share some thoughts, especially because he would understand my reasons for liking certain cars and not others. It was fun just to share and for someone to even ask me. It seemed like I had worked so hard to keep out of the way, that I almost made myself disappear into my own little world. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy doing my own thing, but for a brief moment, it was nice to share.

My next favorite experience, was after we unloaded the trailer when we got back to San Jose and Brooks told me he was going to take the truck out for a spin, and that I was going to get the ride I have been waiting to get! Let me just say, and to quote my darling, Jordan, Brooks' truck "is not slow." Brooks told me I was going to have a "perma-smile," and let me tell you, I did! Just thinking about it, puts a smile on my face! = ) WOW! We raced up and down Tully and when we were done, my hands were shaking from the adrenaline! It was great! I was ready to go faster, and I am not even sure what would happen if we had, because it was so great! "I'm not scared!" I was telling Anna and Amber about it later on that evening, and Anna said that when he took her for a ride in the Viper, she was yelling at him to slow down. Are you kidding me? The Viper's nothing compared the the 'Yota! It's all about G-Force baby!

I hope to find someone to marry that has many interests like I do, and isn't afraid to pursue new things as well! Watching the little kids in their mini-hot rods, made me excited for my kids someday! I can hardly wait to take a class on automotive Systems, whether it is official or independent! I want to learn all I can. It's absolutely fascinating, and the rush, wow, hard to explain. I get excited just watching, imagine if you were all up in it?

erika j

Camp Ritchie

Camp Ritchie was the best ever! I had a lot of "firsts" and learned so much! It was my first time really getting in the lake and being active in the water. It was my first time attempting to wake board and water ski and it was a great time! I didn't get up, but I sure did have fun doing the best I could! The food was great and the weather was absolutely perfect! Couldn't have asked for better weather!

I made goals for labor day weekend and it was to seek answers to questions, receive guidance and comfort, to enjoy nature, and of course, to have a good time with friends. I achieved all of these things. I kept my socializing to a minimum, however, it may have been misinterpreted as being sad, bored, or sulky. I say this, because people came up to me and asked me about my "condition."

I guess what some people don't understand about me, is I tend to have a very introverted side to me. I am pretty crazy, but there is more to me that just putting on a show! I like to look inside and figure things out on my own, then come out of my cocoon when I am ready and have things worked out. I have learned in the past few years that help is not far away, and that there is nothing wrong with asking for it. I still struggle, but I have learned to reach out a bit more!

I have been so happy these last few months about where I am in my life! It's been a long road back to this point and I have to share that whenever I can. You never know who might be able to benefit from the sharing of you life experiences. I talked to my sister, Belky, a few weeks ago I think and during our phone conversation she told me that she could hear a difference in my voice and in the way I was speaking. It was really awesome talking to her. She even updated me on how my baby sister was doing while out in Georgia. It was a really neat conversation.

I hope to express my thoughts with limpid cogency.

So, let us see...My first goal was to get answers to questions. I did my best to think about all the wonderful blessings in my life, as well as the great challenges! I love challenges! It's what drives me every single day of my life! Challenges and obstacles are what make us smarter, stronger, and yes - happier! What I have noticed in my life of singlehood, is that I am constantly at a crossroad of some sort. I understand that there will always be crossroads, it actually makes me excited about life, but being single, it's a constant thread in my life. When I was in college and was involved in a long term relationship, the challenges and choices were different. As much of what I did revolved around the "us" rather than the "me." Being single, I live for myself and pretty much do what I want to do, but I am constantly on the go with decisions that will not only affect me today, but also my future family as well.

The night before I left for CR (Camp Ritchie), I went over to Scott and Nancy's to borrow a sleeping bag and flashlight. While there, I enjoyed some cake and small talk. Apparently, Scott could tell I had something on my mind. As I made my way out the door, I solicited his services by requesting a priesthood blessing. We had a pretty nice chat and ended it with some amazing words of comfort and guidance! "Ask and ye shall receive." Something he said in the blessing was that he hoped the blessing would "pierce" me. As I walked to my car, I felt the power of the words he spoke and was mindful of his advice the whole weekend! The blessing was exactly what I needed!

I enjoyed the lake for the first time! I usually don't go down to the lake, as I have been a bit afraid to go into it. A couple reason, one, I never really knew how to swim, second, I am very inexperienced with outdoor nature sports, as our family wasn't really into that sort of thing growing up. It is one of those experiences I needed someone to hold my hand (literally) the first time in! A few weeks ago, I went to Arroyo Seco and did the swim/hike in the gorge and had a blast! I was ready for the lake after that whole experience! So, I must say I enjoyed nature a lot this weekend!

My favorite moment at CR was while I was in the lake waiting for the boat to come back around for me. I was floating with my feet up and I put my head back in the water. The water was amazing and we were the only boat on the lake (it was around 8 or so). I just felt an amazing sense of peace and was so relaxed. Yes, me relaxed! I was also humbled, just so you all know! I sometimes pride myself in my ability to pick up easily on different types of sports, but water sports are completely foreign to me. I couldn't get up! I almost got up a couple times, but just missed! I really enjoyed the challenge though! The fact that is was hard for me, made me like it all that much more!!!

I left Sunday night after watching "Mormons and Mobsters." I am usually the biggest critic about Mormon flicks, but I must say, this movie was a riot! I actually laughed a lot! I would definitely recommend it to people, which I don't usually do with those types of movies! At any rate, the weekend was great and had time on Monday to move over a few big items! Leaving for Vegas early tomorrow morning! Woo hoo!

erika j

I'M MOVING!!!

I was recently comparing the writing and content of the blogs some of my friends are maintaining. I found that a blog for me is like an online journal of sorts, and that makes me happy! I am much faster typing on a keyboard than I am writing, which saves me time, as I would spend three times longer handwriting the exact same information, furthermore, by typing the entry allows me to go back and actually have something legible! For those of you who have had the opportunity to "read" or attempt to decipher my "hieroglyphics" (as scott likes to call it), this is no easy task!

At any rate, the point here is I choose to write about my life, perhaps to help me process the "goings on" of the days that pass, as well as express my emotions, thoughts, and dreams of the days to come. My friend Derrick is great at keeping up with current events and thinking of others! I try to think of others, etc., but to know avail. I am too self-absorbed and selfish right now to care a whole lot about others, even though I really try!

I will be moving at the end of the month! Woo hoo! Well, sort of woo hoo! Woo hoo for cheaper rent, as I am in need of some savings in that area, especially with gas being three dollars a gallon! Sadly, my roommate of nearly 2 years, and I will not be moving together. We both seek cheaper rent, so we must part ways!

It might be time to sell my car and get a motorcycle! Seriously! If I had the money right now I would buy a street bike! However, if I had the money, I would be able to afford the gas! LOL! It's a win, win situation! The move is a good one! I will be renting a room from my friend, Tricia, and it has been fun so far. I am not the best roommate as far as being home and participating in whatever is going on, and when I am home all I want to do is talk about me and my day! Again, never said I was good about thinking of others. I can be a good listener, I just need a clear "I need you to listen," then I am all good! I like the new place a lot. I am going to be storing my dirtbike there, so it works out really well. It is a little out of the area of town that I am used to, but that is okay! I have some learning to do!

The house is located right next to a Buddhist Temple, which is really cool. From the window in my room I can see the a good part of the Temple and it is kind of cool! I wonder if visitors are allowed to check it out and see what it is all about??? I will have to look in to it!

One of my favorite characteristics of the whole deal are the roosters that crow every morning! I love it! Reminds me of growing up in Orosi and staying at my grandma's house. We lived there for awhile and spent a lot of time there as kids. I remember the sound of the chickens in the backyard early every morning, along with all the other sounds of the early risers! It's a lot different from the sounds I hear today, but both situations produce different thoughts, memories, and emotions! There is something cool about the sounds of the morning! I guess I have always been an early riser, and whoever I marry will always have breakfast by the time he wakes up (unless he too, is an early riser, but most people are not).

My grandpa always had lots of chickens. He would set up the roosters in different areas of the yard and "work" them out. Then, every once in awhile, you would see him gather up his wood box-cages and head off in his old chevy truck! Hmmmm???? I wonder what he went off to do??? Heh! Ahhh....life in rural California! It's like paradise...errrr....but different! :)

erika j

Sleepy

I have been running pretty hard these last weeks! Tonight, I am going to listen to my body and my emotions and hit the sack early! I feel like I have been running at a high RPM without being able to shift into the next gear, and that is not a good thing. I can't speed up, nor can I step it up and keep up the pace at a lower RPM, therefore, I need to take a moment to pause and enjoy what is going on around me! I am happy and sad all at the same time, and it is amazing to see the difference I feel as I have made the goal to be more diligent in my scripture study and in my personal religious observances.

erika j

Life's Sweet Reminders

I love the reminders we get from time to time, telling us we are alive! Showing us in ways, both large and small, that Life is precious and fragile. I want to live my life to the fullest and learn all of the many histories and inventions of the world, from the Egyptian pyramids to the internal combustion engine. I appreciate the delicate reminder to slow down, especially when I don't realize I just might be going too fast to enjoy it all! For example, setting up the canopy at the racetrack and my friend has to tell me "One thing at a time, Erika!" when I didn't even realize I was trying to do two things at once (unfortunately, I think he was really frustrated with me that day, oops! :) It really struck a chord in me, about the way I do things sometimes! It was nice to have someone around make that clear to me, even in its small measure.

erika j

I love the Temple!

I just got home from the Temple! It was great! I hadn't been to the Temple for quite some time, so it was nice to be able to go! I went with Nancy and Scott! I had a lot to think about and a lot to pray about, so taking time out to do some work and reflect on all that is happening in my life is a a good thing!

My mind is constantly racing about this and that...Lately, it seems, my mind has been lost in the clouds. Changes, changes, changes. A new ward, new hobbies, new interests, new schedules, new goals, as well as new commitments to my spiritual plan! I am so blessed!

I am going to Pismo beach to pick up my "new" dirtbike from my Pops! It is going to be so much fun! My friend, Tiff and I, will be driving down on Friday night, after our friend Jenny's bridal shower. I am really looking forward to riding!

Livin' it up!

 

There should be a law against the way I live my life!  I have way too much fun!  Sometimes, I have to ask myself, "Am I doing enough?"  Really?  I keep busy with lots of activities, but do I "DO" enough?  I have been trying to make myself more accessible to help people out when they are in need, and that has been rewarding!  I am also trying to venture out of my comfort zone and be more outgoing. 

 

I am attending a new church Ward, which basically means I am attending a ward that is based on geographical location, rather than marital status.  I have attended a YSA (Young Single Adult) ward since I joined the LDS church and felt that it was time for a change!  I am excited to be in a new ward, but I am a little nervous.  Not only is it an entirely new group of people, but I have no excuse that would prevent me from visiting other YSA wards!  Thus, forcing me to go out and meet new people.  I have made some small efforts recently, as I reckon, baby steps are best, rather than falling into Paula Abdul's trap "2 steps forward, 3 steps back."

 

Aside from trying to get out more socially, I am also excited about a new scope of learning!  My friend is very passionate about cars, and drag racing!  I have found that the way a car functions is quite fascinating!  The science involved and how things work together, has captured my minds desire to want to learn more!  I have been doing a lot of reading lately, but look forward to the day I can get involved hands on!

 

erika j

Changes

So, my schedule continues to be full, and days continue to be busy. On Saturday, I learned to can tomatoes in the morning, then spent the late morning / early afternoon sewing a quilt for my roommate, while doing laundry, grocery shopping, and doing some prep work for dinner later that night. I attended a Pioneer day picnic with the Branham ward, which proved to be quite a successful venture as I am not always comfortable being outgoing and the first to say, "hello!"

My friend, Brooks and I, had BBQ Chicken, asparagus, and fruit salad later that night for dinner! It was a lot of fun and I had time to relax. I don't always make time to just relax and veg out! I also went to the Branham ward on Sunday morning, then attended the Mt. Hamilton branch later that afternoon! Brooks asked me to help him promote Camp Ritchie, so off we went! It was an interesting experience. There were only a few people in the branch and I am used to having so many more people, as the Branham ward is the biggest ward in the Stake, and the A3 is a decent size as well.

Camp Ritchie is a great place! It is located up in the Sierras and is used in the summertime as a week camp for boys and girls between the ages of 12-17 years old. It is a great place where the kids learn a lot of valuable lessons for life, as well as getting an opportunity to get out into nature and away from the hustle and bustle of the city. One of the great things about Camp Ritchie is the enormous opportunity for spiritual growth! While at camp, the kids learn about gospel principles and learn more about our Heavenly Father's plan for His children here on earth, and to know of their great potential and worth. As single adults, we have an opportunity at the end of the summer to spend Labor Day weekend and close down the camp for the winter. Pretty much, it is a nice weekend camping with a couple hours on Saturday doing some service work (the closing of the camp). There is an array of outdoor activities available to all who attend, and plenty of space to go off and have your own personal time! This, I must admit is my most favorite part of the weekend - personal time!

I spend most of my days going 110% and taking time in my car driving as my own personal time when I remember to have it, or late at night when I am half conscious (if I am lucky). Most of the time, while driving (which isn't much, as most of my activities are in the same vicinity) I spend on the phone trying to connect with friends I don't keep in touch with, or confirming that I am making my way to whatever destination or appointment I am committed to! Heh! These are not complaints by the way! I love my life and the things I do! I am so blessed to be able to do things I enjoy and want to learn!

Poi balls did not go last night, but that is okay! Anna and Kelly had other things to do really at any rate, so it worked out from them. After corresponding with Desiree, the class ended around 2230 hours, so even if we had been late, we probably would have been fine. They are both worriers and I understand that, which is why I agreed to just not go. I could also tell they each were looking forward to doing things with their boy"friends" and had been planning to do so. Anna is puppy sitting as well, so she was concerned about them. When girls say they are down for doing a girls night instead of the planned activity, but spend most of the time on the phone with the boy of choice, it isn't really a girls thing! Next time, I will have to have the plan to spend most of the night learning Poi! :)

erika j

Release

Today, was an important day for me. For over five years, I have served in one calling or another for my YSA ward. I kind of lost my "fire" for the Singles Ward, and felt that I have grown out of the ward, so after lots of thought and prayer, I decided it was time to make a change. As of today, I was released from my calling of Relief Society Secretary, and have plans to attend my geographical ward. It is going to be a big change and the differences are many! I have never spent a significant amount of time in a family ward, and from what I understand it should be a great learning opportunity for me. I am excited and fired up again!

erika j

Busy days!

Days have been passing by quickly! I just talked with my friend, Sommer, for the first time in a long time! She has two beautiful kids and I haven't even seen them yet! I am such a jerk! She is one of the most wonderful people I know, and yet our communication is minimal. She doesn't live very far away, but I struggle to get myself out there! I remember when I first made the move out to the Bay area. I wasn't sure what it was going to be like without her and a few of my other friends! Well, needless to say, I have made many friends since then, and it was only yesterday that I left the Central Valley without looking over my shoulder!

My Twinners is in France for the next little while, and it has been so long since we have hung out. We did, however, enjoy some great BBQ at Reiko's house on Saturday of fourth of July weekend, but it was a short visit. I am glad that Reiko (Derrick's aunt) lives so close by my house and made it all possible! Maybe next time they go to France, I will be able to afford to go, too!

Back from Little Rock, AK

Well, my test was successful and I became a blue belt for a couple weeks. I competed as a blue belt in Little Rock, AK for the World Championships. I choked, sadly, but managed to bring home third in both of my events! I dropped my weapon during my double Sshang Seol Bong ("numb"chucks) form, and punched my opponent in the face, awarding her a penalty point which ended the match. Hey, I'll lose like that any day! I reacted by punching to the face, so that told me that all the full contact, including head shot training we do in FC is paying off. I was excited that it was instinctive to punch her in the face, but felt bad for doing it! What made it more challenging, was the fact that she wouldn't shake my hand and accept my apology! I don't like fighting women (yes, I know I am a woman), because I am so used to fighting men and I am afraid of hurting them.

I am currently a brown belt! Woo hoo! Last Friday, we had our belt promotion, so now I have advanced, and I am looking forward to my next testing! I can hardly wait to become a black belt! I helped out at the candle ceremony for the black belts! It was pretty cool!

I have been working pretty hard to get things caught up. Scott has been out of town for the last few weeks, so it has been lonely here in the office. When there are only two people in your department and one person leaves, you feel a difference! I have been starving for human interaction outside of the phone calls to customers, etc. He should be back today and that makes me very happy!

erika j

Big Test!

 

Today, is an important day for me!  As far as my martial arts career is concerned, I will be taking one of the most demanding tests, thus far.  I am positive, this will not be the most difficult challenge to face, and for that, I am grateful.  What is life without enlivening experiences that allow us to progress?  The physical and mental demands of martial arts are what make the experience so amazing and worthwhile.  I love a challenge!  Tonight, we are being tested on all nine color belt forms!  Woo hoo!  Last night, my friend Kelly and I, worked on our forms!  It was great!  I didn't realize that I really do know my forms!  It was a great confidence builder for me.

 

I am realizing more and more each day how many blessings are in my life, and how good decisions are everywhere to be made, but making the right decision requires a lot more effort.  Let me explain, sometimes, you have two really good choices to make, the may both be good, but you have to choose the greater good, and the one that is best for you!  It's a difficult, but wonderful opportunity to use our free agency!

 

erika j

I LOVE FIGHT CLUB! (AKA FC)

Another week has come to pass, and I realize that summer is officially upon us. Yesterday, it was 73 degrees, breezy, with clear blue skies! It was so beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed my long lunch out of the office. How does it get much better? Let me tell you!

Last night, I attended karate, per usual. However, as it was a Thursday night, we had Fight Club, which is one of my favorite classes to attend. Our Master Club/Leadership curriculum class was pretty intense, so I was not sure how I was going to hold up in FC. It was one of the best FCs we have had since, well, I guess only a couple weeks ago! :) I love FC! We actually got to fight full contact Kickboxing, which we have done before, except this time we included head shots! I was so excited! My instructor put me against one of my good karate buddies BM (who is an amazing martial artist). I got worked by my opponent, especially when I would drop my hands. I was so tired, but it was so fun! I took some good punches and kicks to the head, but no harm was done. I also was the ring girl, and kick counter! Just for the record, aside from the fact that I am overweight, too short, and would never prance around half-naked (well, at least in public), I would make an excellent ring girl! ;)

My roommate and I also made dinner and invited a couple of our neighbors. So, JP and Carrie ate dinner as it came out of the oven and off the stove, Mark and I had to save ours for later. Carrie and JP walked Mark's plate over, because I needed a shower before class, and Mark was changing for class, so we had to work together. Even though I didn't eat with JP, Carrie, and Mark, it was still fun to cook and hang out, even if it was only for a few minutes. I actually didn't hang out with Mark until I got home from karate. Fortunately, Mark at least pretended to enjoy the food, as he actually thanked me for the meal when I stopped by. After talking about what I used for a seasoning, I began to long to have my portion that was sitting at home! By the way, the seasoning I used was given to me by, Scott, and it has proved to be quite excellent and comes all the way from the foreign land we know, as Texas! LOL!

I also made a quick run to my friend Michelle's house to pick up a few items. It is official, my baby blanket for my friend's baby girl to be is complete! I am now going to make a burp cloth to with it! I am so excited that I have my own sewing machine and other essential items to make my own rag quilts and other fun projects! Well, I reckon it's time to get back to life. Until next time....

erika j

Success!

Well, I finally picked up my car last week! Woo hoo! I was able to attend all my karate classes which was fantastic, and managed to make a rag quilt for my friend, Brooks. I am very pleased with the result! Especially, since I had to fit sewing into an already busy schedule.

Monday night, I went to FHE (a.k.a. Family Home Evening) and played kickball inside the cultural hall (gymnasium). I must admit, it was a good time and a very successful activity. Carrie and John are great organizers of kickball!!! :) Tuesdays and Thursdays were karate days, but Thursday was difficult, as I was functioning on very little sleep.

Wednesday was a long, yet highly productive day! Between work, sewing, laundry, and...yup, you guessed it, the midnight-thirty showing of "Star Wars: Episode III." It was a good time, however, the lack of sleep made my Thursday a bit of a challenge. Scott was in my head the whole time, and the next day! He always says, "What you do today, shouldn't affect what you do tomorrow." The meaning, you are in control of your actions, and you shouldn't do things today, that will prevent you from being responsible and keeping comittments tomorrow.

Words to live by, let me tell you! Do you know how many times those words have gone through my head and helped me to make a good decision? Yeah, you bet it keeps me out of trouble! It really helps to see a bigger picture, and work to gain a greater perspective on life and its many situations. It's the small day to day decisions we make that help get us where we need to be.

erika j

Still Waiting

Still waiting........all week long my car has been with my mechanic, Mike. I am trying not to be too concerned about how much money it is going to cost to get my car. He ended up doing a lot more work on my car than he had anticipated, and that has got me worried. He said he is being very generous with his time, and promised not to leave me broke, and didn't want to leave me stranded. He is a great guy and I believe him to be an honest person. My concern, however, is that I will be living a life of indentured servitude for quite some time. I don't have any extra money lying around, so I had to ask for an advance for work to be performed. I have done it before and it has worked to everyone's advantage, however, it is difficult for me to be in this position.

One of the more difficult challenges with which I am currently presented with, is the inability to travel at will. I was hoping to be able to go down to Visalia to visit with Mi Abuelita, but since I didn't have my car, nor means to rent a vehicle, I was bound to the vicinity of San Jose. I love San Jose, but my desire to travel and visit with family was also very great.

Please don't misunderstand, I am not complaining, or asking for sympathy. I am simply expressing the emotional aspects of the current challenges ocurring in my life. My life is absolutely blessed one hundred times over, and I have great faith in my Heavenly Father. I worry a little, but with the knowledge and faith that all will be cared for in some way, minimizes my fear. I am human and do err, so I worry.

There has not been a time in my life (within the last six years) that I have worried so extensively for my well-being that I fell into a pit of despair of self-pity or sorrow. My strong conviction in the plan of salvation and of my Heavenly Father's love for me and all of His children, keeps me pushing forward. I once told Rene (a.k.a. NeNe), when she asked me why things always seemed to work out for me, even when we had very little money for food, and my reply was simple:
"I know, that my Heavenly Father loves me. I know, that as long as I am doing my best to live righteously, and to live the commandments, not just on Sunday, but every day, he will bless me. Having faith in God and His son Jesus Christ, and actively living the gospel by doing as Christ would do, and what God wants us to do is a powerful thing. He will bless me and even though we have difficult times, it's what we take away from the experiences that bring forth the greatest lessons in life."

Faith! Blind faith, even, is all it takes. Even when I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, I know, I have faith, that there will be an end and that I will get there if I keep pushing forward. My old Bishop used to quote a scripture all the time. It was one of his favorites, it reads:

"I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise."

Which means, when you pray and receive an answer and act with faith, by following the promptings of the Spirit, you will be blessed. Whenever you make and keep a covenant with God, He is bound to bless you. It's an amazing, beautiful thing! :) I am so grateful to have a family I love, and good friends in my life that I may not be lonely away from family. Life is an amazing opportunity to learn how to be happy, to educate our minds and souls, to increase our capacity to have compassion and love. I am so blessed to have a wonderful family.

erika j

First Things First

This is the beginning of our "Family Communicator."

erika j