Language Learning

About a month ago, my co-worker and I decided to make a "deal." Neither of us believes in gambling, but we wanted to make a deal, a challenge of sorts. Not against each other, but against ourselves I guess you could say. I typed up a contract and we both signed it, along with our "witness" person, Tricia (other co-worker). We're such geeks!

Edith is from Mexico City, Mexico, and speaks both English and Spanish fluently. She's been studying Punjabi for several months now, almost a year! She decided to start learning Punjabi because she has friends that speak it and thought it would be a fun challenge. I am from America, so I barely speak American English. I have a fair knowledge of Spanish, speak amazing Spanglish, took a semester of Hebrew in college and attended synagogue for several months, and my French, well, I can hold very basic conversation. But truthfully, I can only speak American fluently. I am pretty good at picking up languages, so even though she has a year under her belt, I figured; I would be able to catch up to her!

Our agreement is as follows: Edith, will learn enough Punjabi to be able to read a children's book with comprehension. I will learn enough Hindi to do the same. We have chosen a book called "Spot's Birthday Party." I am working hard on learning to understand the characters and to have a decent vocabulary. She's ahead of me, as she already understands the Punjabi characters, but I have a stronger vocabulary in Hindi. She can read the letters, but doesn't know the words. We have both worked together to help each other out when we have questions, so it's been a fun little activity for us.

I have really enjoyed the journey so far! Hindi is so different in sentence structure and their characters are completely different from both the Germanic language English that utilizes the Latin or Roman alphabet, and the Semitic language Hebrew utilizing the Hebrew alphabet. There are a few similarities I have observed between the characters of Hebrew versus Hindi, and that may be purely coincidental (I have yet to research these similarities). It helps me either way. It also helps that Hebrew is guttural, since it is also present in Hindi.

I have checked out a few items from my local library to assist me on my trek. I figured the best way to read a children’s book is to learn as a child does. I have been watching Baby Hindustani videos, “Learning the Hindi Alphabet” and “Exploring Hindi.” They teach you nursery rhymes, fun songs, and ways to associate sounds, letters, and pictures. I probably have the vocabulary of a 1 year old at this point, and the comprehension of a 6 month old, but it’s progress.

ej

Brandon aka Easy Money

Man...

It's really difficult for my mind to grasp that he's really gone. He was going to be 31 years old this year and I was just thinking a week or so ago that we hadn't chatted in a long time. He was my karaoke Tambourine Man! I am not sure what to make of all the emotion. I feel sad.

My life has been at a crossroads for a few months now. Contemplating going back to school has created a lot of extra work for me mentally and emotionally. Should I stay working both jobs and still try and get into School? Which one should I keep if I do go back to school? How much is medical coverage if I decide on one job over the other? Should I accept this job offer or that job offer? Should I just say "no" and stick with my initial plan to work one job? Should I give up my apartment and choose a life of utter poverty to go back to school? How can I be a better support for my family during this time of crisis? Is Brandon really gone? How are the kids going to react if I decide to quit? Will they even care? Will I miss them too much to leave? How will I pay the bills? Did I dream about Brandon, is he really gone???

Brandon...

What a great kid! I don't know that I have ever been in his presence when he wasn't smiling. Even when he was sick and in pain he still smiled, at least whenever I was around. I remember last year he had been in the hospital and I had happened to send him a text and didn't know he was in hospital. I could still sense his cheery sense of humor as we exchanged texts. Even when he was explaining why he was hospitalized, I could still hear optimism. I could hear him smile as we communicated. It made me smile.

With Brandon gone and his funeral coming up this weekend, I can't help but forget my worries for a moment. Be easy, Easy Money! I'll see you on the other side!

ej

Blessings come pouring in...

The following post has been saved in my 'Drafts' for awhile, but it is finally time to put it "out there."

I want to thank my friends that have supported me through this difficult time. Prayers have been answered, and though the struggle to learn how to live and understand the circumstances will remain, it has helped me to better understand my role with my family and the role they will play in my future.

My trip to Fresno a few weeks ago was a quick one! (yeah, Sommer, I was in town) I wish it had been under better circumstances, but my next trip will be planned and Sommer....you are on my list of people to see! Since you actually follow my blog!!! I miss you my dear, sweet friend!

Back to my trip...

I have struggled with the circumstances of why the trip was necessary. I was happy to make the trip and the sacrifice was minimal, as I would do it again in a heartbeat. My struggles have not been because of the trip itself, but the position in which I found myself. I felt awkward, and unsure. Not familiar territory for me. I normally take time to process emotion and sort out whether or not it makes sense to be moved or not. In this case, I had approximately 4 hours of awake time to process before having to be before family and friends to face the concerns and issues we were faced with. I love my family. I may not always know how to embrace them with love, or we may not always be able to spend time with one another, whether it be for financial reasons, clashing of personalities, or personal conflicts; whatever the reason, we have always come together when in crisis.

Despite the challenges ahead of us (collectively), the blessings have and I know, will continue to pour in. I can't speak for my family, but for me...I feel stronger and more sure about my role as a daughter, an older sister, a cousin, a niece, and even a grand-daughter.

"I am a Child of God. Rich blessings are in store.

If I but learn to do His will,

I'll live with Him once more."

Does this mean that all the challenges and past concerns and struggles will disappear? No. This will only help us on our road to progression. Even from a distance, love can be felt and shared.

ej

Well...

I didn't get the job I interviewed for, but that's okay! Regardless of that outcome, I have decided to give notice to my job at the Group Home. I have really enjoyed the work I have been able to do with the kids there. I have learned tremendously and have gained some invaluable experience. This is a difficult demographic to work with and I have found that I am well suited for it. There are some issues within the employment I have had in the GH and it is time for me to move along. Finances will be difficult as I decide my next steps, but I know it is the right thing to do.I am contemplating going back to school. Not sure how that will all pan out, but I am going to do it! It's the only way I can get what I want. Even though I am capable of doing it now, the world tells me I need this stupid bit of paper to say I can. So, I conform. Off I go to see about college.ej

Big Day

Today's a big day. I don't know what the outcome of my interview will be, but I am praying that it is in the affimative. Keep your fingers crossed. Knock on wood. Say a little prayer for me. Positive thoughts my way. Whatever!

ej

Time

I am finding I want to spend more and more time alone. I work. I gym. I work. I drive. I attend activities. I sleep. I work. I run errands. I work. I gym and take classes. I drive. I sleep. My down time is spent driving, or sitting in front of my laptop watching/sleeping to various movies. I should be spending time cleaning my apartment, or preparing meals. I admit it...I am lazy. I don't want to clean. I don't want to prepare meals. I feel like I do those things at work and I don't want to repeat them at home. Especially, as I come home alone. I'm tired. This entry has a lot of "I" and "I'm" in it and I don't care! It may not be my most upbeat and positive entry or moment, but this is what it is at present.

ej

I learned something today...

Muslim women wear a "hijab" on their heads which means "veil," and the long dresses they wear are called "jibab" which means "long dress." =) Thanks, Amani! I always learn so much from you when we chat.

ej

San Francisco (Photo Entry)

All Izz Well

We watched "3 Idiots" this weekend and it was awesome! Definitely getting it when it comes out on video! LOL! I nearly fell out of my seat laughing! I went with six other people, so it was a treat to share it with others. You have to see this movie! It will crack you up!

ej

Paa

Went to watch "Paa" last night. I even took two people with me. It's rare I can get people willing to read subtitles. =) It was a great movie!

I have been working a ton lately and in need of a break. Thought I was going to get one this weekend, but ended up having to work NY's day (7am-3pm) shift. It was pretty chill, but it meant going to bed early the night before.

I worked a double shift on Christmas Eve/Day (3pm-830am) and I must admit, those kids were great. Some of them said it was their best Christmas ever. It was so moving to see these kids light up. They have such diverse and sad backgrounds. One Resident, was crying and in depression mode when I came on shift. Christmas was never an easy time for her. By the end of the night, she was engaging with the other kids and happy as can be. We did a craft project, sang christmas carols, and went to dinner. We even allowed them to open up one present (pajamas) and the kids were so excited they all ran to their rooms and put them on!

Later in the evening, just before lights out, a neighbor came to the door and said "Santa is running late, but he'll be here in an hour." I had already talked to this person a week or so ahead of time and knew they would be coming by. The kids heard those words come from the door and became excited. They all wanted to stay until "Santa" came. Let me remind you, these kids range in age from 13-18. When the neighbors...ahem...Santa returned, there was candy, 4 different flavors of hot cocoa mix, fuzzy warm socks, lip gloss, nail polish, fancy shampoos, lotions, and a lovely card! The kids were so excited! They couldn't believe that someone would do something like that for them. It was great to see.

I make it a goal to be able share with them my "light," or the "light of Christ" with them. To be a positive example to them and show them the good things in life. However, on Christmas Eve...they showed me that light. I was very moved, and touched by the whole experience. I was very emotional that night after they were all in bed, and as I left the next morning, started to feel overwelmed with emotion. I dropped off one of the kids at the light rail, and as I drove away the tears began to fall. It was amazing to see their faces, the light in their eyes, and to hear the words of gratitude come from their mouths. Moving.

ej

Life is Flying "Bye"

Life is moving by so quickly! I wonder sometimes how I fill my days? It's Tuesday, and I feel like I am always busy, but yet, not sure where all my time goes! I certainly know where all my money goes!

I have been grocery shopping in two weeks! I have been living off of Sweet Tomatoes salads to go, and whatever munchies I can get at the Group Home, or off the roach coach at GDI. LOL! Not the healthiest of meals sometimes!

Having fun though! Monday FHE usually, Swim class on Tuesdays, Volleyball on Wednesdays, so I never have a dull moment. Thursdays are always booked with something, and Fridays the same. This week: Triple Date Friday! Yay! It's gonna be awesome!

ej

London Dreams

I am in absolute love with my apartment location! I just hope that when my lease is up, I won't have to move again. *keeping my fingers crossed* I went to Naz8 to watch "London Dreams" on Friday and it was great! Salman Khan was fantastic! I also really enjoyed Ajay Devgan's performance. Overall, it was a way fun film!

It was great to be able to see a film like this on the big screen and so close to home! I guess I could take the BART to San Francisco, but half a block down the street is so much more convenient. =) This week, who knows what I will see! I just know that it will be awesome!

ej

Week Full of Disoveries!!! I'm no Magellan, though!

I am a huge fan of foreign films. I just enjoy them and I don't always know how to find more of them. Not everyone is into foreign films...in fact, very few people I know watch them. My friend from Sweden and his wife are foreign film fans. So, between them and my own netflix experiences we enjoy email conversations, movie exchanges, and dinner conversations about them. Conversations that we can't enjoy with just anyone! So, normally, I watch them alone, and I am perfectly fine with that.

I have recently made some wonderful discoveries and I am nearly going through the roof with excitement. Rasputin's, has a fine selection of used and new Foreign films. They are inexpensive, and pretty well organized. This makes me very happy indeed. Very near my apartment there is a Cinema that plays foreign films. I have yet to go the the Cinema, but that fact that I have made this very recent discovery is so wonderfully exciting! But wait! It gets better! In the same plaza, is a wonderful used book store! Again, another of my favorite things! I am always on the lookout for a fun, charming used bookstore! I plan to attend the cinema tonight and watch the ever so handsome Salman Khan in a Hindi musical "London Dreams!"

Cool bonus points about my apartment's location:

*A member of my ward lives right across the hall from me (he's my HTer)

*I live near The Hub which translates to "I love Trader Joe's!!!" and of course Target, where I buy Silk Choc Soy for the best price in town, as well as the household items I cannot purchase at TJ's!

*I live kitty corner to a community center, where I can take fun classes for a very nominal fee

*I am also kitty corner to a local park, where the Tennis courts are lit until ten o'clock every night, there are three practice/hitting walls, and a great field for many sports! And, the basketball courts are lit as well!

*I am within walking distance of Hooters (I hear they have good wings, though I have never eaten there), BART station, and Big 5

*I am a hop, skip, and a jump...or less, away from a shopping plaza where I can enjoy Foreign Film Cinema, Sweet Tomatoes, Panera, 24 HR Fitness, Used Book shop, and many other things that just give me more choices.

ej

Full Day, no Full Week

I attended my first TDM yesterday for work and it was long and...well, it was long. I also was able to get off work an hour early and thought I had the night to myself. I forgot that I was dancing with my friend David, but I was happy to do it! Oh, and not only did I get off work early, but my boss let me fill up my tank on company money! Oh yeah!!! My tank is not small, since my car is not small, so it was great!

I chatted with my neighbors for a bit after work and enjoyed their company a great deal, and was able to shower before dancing! David and I danced the Rumba, Cha Cha, of course the Waltz, East Coast Swing, Tango, and I started learning the Lindy Hop. It was awesome! I haven't danced in so long! I look forward to doing it again!

ej

Canoe Team Practice

I have been practicing with a canoe team in San Jose out of Lake Cunningham and it has been awesome! I am not sure if I will compete this upcoming season, but I sure hope that things work out that way! It's been a blast so far and Carrie is planning on coming out in a few weeks. She actually came today, but took pictures instead. Here are a few pics!

Quick not very exciting update...despite the fact that a lot has happened

Wow! It has been awhile since my last post, so here it what is going on…

I am loving my apartment, and still unpacking boxes from time to time. Things are coming along. By the time my lease is up in March, I should be all unpacked! One could hope, at any rate. I have a calling in my ward as the Chorister, and that has been cool. I get so nervous to be up in front of the congregation every Sunday leading the music, but I’m sure that will lessen as time goes on. I finally have my bread machine up and running! It was up in the closet while I got the kitchen together, but now the wonderful smell of fresh bread baking fills my apartment.

I have become a great fan of a television show. My friend let me borrow Season 1 of “How I Met Your Mother,” and I have not been able to stop being excited about it. I am now finished Season 2, and look forward to Season 3 with great anticipation! I am genuinely excited about this show. Shocker, I know! I dislike spending time in front of the tele when there is so much to be done otherwise. This show, for me, is an exception. I only wish I had all four seasons to watch at any time I wished! LOL!
I have started working out with a Canoe/Outrigger team in San Jose. We practice at Lake Cunningham and it has been awesome. I have always wanted to do Crew or Rowing, but it is super expensive. This is a slightly different, but much more cost effective way to pursue that dream, LOL! To work out in the off-season, it doesn’t cost a dime, but the gas to get there. This week, Carrie will be joining me to give it a go! So exciting! If I decide to compete, and make the Open team, I will let everyone know! I am a Novice, but if I can prove myself, the coach said he would put me to compete in the Open, since they really don’t have enough for a Novice team anyhow. That would be sweet!

Getting Settled

I have been in my new apartment for a week and loving it! It is still partially buried in partially filled, and completely filled boxes, but that’s okay! My room is mostly together, the kitchen is pretty much together, and the living room…well, the living room is what it is. My patio is the keeper of empty boxes, taunting me and constantly reminding me that I need to break them all down and take them to the recycling bin. To be honest, I haven’t technically been that far yet! (Thanks, Josh, for taking out all those other boxes and trash out the other day)!

I have started attending Highland YSA and it’s been swell! I have been working really hard to stay focused on my goals, and also balance it out with plenty of good times, and meeting new people. I am not great at meeting new people, and have been working hard not to go into shy mode. I smile, I laugh, all at the appropriate times, for the most part, and I have even been playing board games! Board games are not my favorite thing in the world, but I am doing my best to have a good attitude about it all!

I am ready to start hitting the gym again! I have a few options though. I can drive down nice and early to San Jose and hit the gym before work. Or, I can work out at the location near my house and drive down to San Jose afterwards. The only thing I worry about is traffic. The later I leave for SJ, the higher the risk for mucho tráfico! I will have to get it all sorted! This also means my bed time needs to be strict and regular again – 2030 hours every night! I’ve done it before, and I will do it again! I am so much happier when I am physically active and in good shape.

I have been running about lately playing football with the kids, and I think we are playing soccer next week, but it is not quite the same. I need more than that to reach my goals. I have been talking to Sin a lot lately. She is running 17 miles now on her long run days, in preparation for her marathon. I am not sure I want to train for a marathon again; I just don’t have the time with commuting and such, but perhaps a half-marathon. Mary and her husband have been training for half-marathon and it sounds really doable. Even Carrie and Greg are making a go at running! I would like to get back into my college condition. I would say high school condition, but that would be too big of a stretch right now! Perhaps after I reach my college condition, I can make a goal of my high school condition! LOL!

A few of my new friends are interested in learning to play Rugby, so I am excited to go out to Stanford and start playing! I haven't had the courage to go it alone, so it will be nice to have some backup! I have been dying to play! I have only played a handful of times and half the time we were running drills or just playing "catch." Hopefully, we get out there on a rainy day! Nothing more fun than a game in the mud!!!

ej

My Fremont Poem to Amy Lou Freebush

Oh, Fremont! The city of Trees
Riding, Hiking, up to Mission Peak
The air is cooler by five degrees
Is mild weather not what one seeks?

I will commute down to San Jose
Working two jobs until who knows when
Hoping for a raise to ease my way
I work for peanuts until then


It's all about perspective for all to end well
A tale of chaos and insanities left to tell
I may have my moments as I move along
But, my faith in happy endings keeps me strong

ej

To: Amy
It isn't my best work, but it was all the inspiration I had for today. =)

I am moving...

Yes, I am moving again. This time to Fremont, CA!!! I am so stoked! I have been "living" in Fremont for a few weeks, but I will become an official resident, with an official address on Monday! I am so grateful for Carrie and her Uncle for letting me crash at their place the past few weeks, and for those that were so willing to let me stay with them as well.

My new place is small, but so perfect! I will post pics up as soon as I get a bit more sorted.

ej

Feeling frustrated

Feeling frustrated...

I put a deposit down for an apartment last Friday, and still haven't heard if I have been approved yet! I got a check from one of my employers, and the check came back as insufficient funds! Argh! Now, I have to go and put a ton of money into my account, so my checks don't bounce!!! Ahhhhh!!!!!!!! Not the happiest moment of the year, but I am not too bummed! I have the cash, so I am gonna put it in the bank! I can do this!!!

ej