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
24 September 2005
18 September 2005
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
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
08 September 2005
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 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
01 September 2005
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
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
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