Full Week

Well, I enjoyed a very full week. Between work, studying, and organizing my "room" I have kept quite busy. I got pretty much all my reading done today while at the beach for an activity. I have no idea what exactly the activity was, but I read while sitting on log near the waterline. I had some wonderful music playing softly, with the sound of the waves overlaying the sounds of the beach.

Had an amazing dinner in Santa Cruz at a place called Lillian's. I highly recommend it! I enjoyed my meal very much and the service was impeccable! We met an off duty hostess at the beach and she even called in our reservation for us!!! Wonderful in all respects!

I'm sleepy. Time for bed.

ej

House Sitting Fun

Well, I helped Grace house and dog sit for some friends this past weekend. I did some studying, but got the bulk of the reading done while Grace and Jess did the shopping at Lucky's. I'd like to thank the built in coffee shop at Lucky's for the wonderful table and chair accommodations with the built in chess/checker boards. I got so much reading done during the "shopping" experience it was incredible.

We watched "New Moon" more than once, revisited a movie from the past called "Project X," and drank Choc Soy by Silk and it was absolutely divine. We even ate stuft crust from Pizza Hut. Yummy!!!

School is moving along. Talked to my mentor yesterday and had some good laughs. I'm silly, may I just share that? I'm silly. Sometimes, I'm silly...by accident. No, as you were...silly by accident most of the time. I keep thinking I will grow out of it!

Still working on my student loan stuff, but I think it is finally coming round! Here's to a good school term! Salud!!!!

ej

School is now in session!

Well, I started back to school on the First of April. So many changes have been made in order to accommodate my school effort. I quit a job to make time for studying and "class time." That was a big decision for me, as it lead to a lot of other choices. Here is a list of changes stemming from one choice made in my life:

I went back to school and then...

1. Quit a job (I still have one though)
2. Gave notice and moved out of my apartment (I quit a job, so now I can't afford the same amount of rent)
3. Moved in with my cousin Henry who lived one exit away (hehehehehe)
4. Sold my Jeep...
5. Got a free bike and Pete fixed it up and it runs!
6. Bought a bus pass for Alameda County Transit (Still need one for the South Bay though)
7. Started school
8. Applied for every random scholarship I could apply for, and even wrote a few essays
9. Began Volunteering once a week
10. Sold a bunch of things (iPod shuffles, skateboard, iPod Nano, etc.) so I could make some extra cash to do my best to stay up with bills
11. Turned off my Blackberry to save $30 a month
12. Cancelled my gym in LG

There are many other changes I have made, but those are the biggest ones. It is a lot to take on, but I am on my way to finishing my education! I can't wait to really build some momentum!

ej

New Mantra

About a month or so ago, my office manager handed me a fortune from a fortune cookie. It was the day I was to hear back about a job that I wasn’t even sure I wanted. It said “Today is a chance to try something new.” At the time, I figured she gave it to me in case I got a job offer and accepted it. I ended up not taking one job, not getting another job, quitting a job, and enrolling in a teaching credential program. Phew! A lot happened all at once!

I thought about the day she handed the fortune to me yesterday when it fell out of my wallet as I went to pay for something. I remember thinking about what I thought it meant. As I reminisced, I considered the direction I chose and in which I am headed. In some respects, it will be an exigent road filled with excitement; on the other hand, the road to success will be smooth as molasses. I am looking forward to the journey and the challenges. I’m not going to lie, a few of the challenges I am facing right now give me some anxiety, but it will pass. Haha!

I’m thinking I will change the fortune to fit my personality. According to Master Yoda, “Do, or do not. There is not try.” I say, do your best. Want to “try” or do something new? Do it. Not sure if you’ll like it? Do it once at least, then you’ll know! Here are a few of my favorite quotes:

“Perhaps fear held them back when they should have gone forward.” – Lancelot to King Arthur (First Knight)

“You can’t love people in slices. You take them for the good and bad, together.” – King Arthur to Lancelot (First Knight)

“Not scared.” – Jordan Bettencourt (the meaning is a condensed version of first quote from Lancelot)

Now, for my edited fortune cookie:

“Today, is a chance to DO something new.” – Erika J. Freeman (adding to my list of Mantras)

My Sister Came for a Visit

My sister, Suzette, came out for a visit last week. We had a nice time. It was an opportunity for she and I to get to know one another. We didn't do much as far as sight seeing is concerned, but we hung out and spent time with our cousin Rick as well. Glad we had some time to chill out and relax!

ej

p.s.
She's all grown up now! She can read real books, has a CDL, old enough to drink, spit, and swear, and is very outgoing. I'm way more reserved than she is! Hahaha!

Busy Week

Okay, so this is my first week of working only one job in who knows how long and I have been busier than ever! I thought I would have more time to hit the gym. Wrong. I thought I would have more time to clean house. Wrong again. I even thought I would have time to take naps or something. Wrong, yes, wrong again. Where does the time go? How did I get anything done while I was working two jobs??? Beats me, that's for sure!



So far since I have become half-employed, I have learned to take the VTA Express bus from Fremont BART to downtown San Jose, and that the 218 on AC Transit will get me to the gym, the Fremont Main Library, BART Station and Sweet Tomatoes! Okay, okay. Sweet Tomatoes is right next door to gym, but then so is Big Cinemas! Woot! Who needs a car when you can take transit??? All I need to do is buy a pass! That is the tough part. Even though it is cheaper on the long term, coming up with the initial $140 pass is tough! I know something will work out though! Then I am all set! When the bike gets in working order then I am really gonna be on the go!



Not only have I learned to get around, but I have also started volunteering at the Storehouse in Santa Clara. It was so great to be able to spend time helping out people in need. I also had an opportunity to use my Spanish language skills! Whenever Spanish speaking individuals came in, the Meeks (a husband and wife team that are in charge of running the place) sent them my way. At one point, I was filling two family orders at once, and both of the orders were not only in Spanish text, but both of the individuals picking up their orders spoke very minimal English! It made me motivated to become more fluent again! Don't get me wrong, I understand quite a bit and can communicate somewhat effectively, but not nearly well enough to consider myself fluent by any stretch of the imagination. Since I am now responsible for the Safety Meetings with the installers on Wednesdays at GDI, I will have to up my Spanish speaking game with them as well! They have been awesome these last two weeks though! Correcting my Spanish when I mess it up! Haha!



Even with the challenges that have been coming my way, I feel so optimistic and motivated about my the path I am on! School will start before I know it! I have the next few weeks to pack and move my things.

ej

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