I promise myself...

To be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person I meet.

To make all my friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best

and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of

others as I am about my own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the

greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile

to every living creature I meet.

To give so much time to improving myself that I

have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,

and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of myself and to proclaim this fact to the world,

not in loud word, but in great deeds.

To live in the faith that the whole world is on my side,

so long as I am true to the best that is in me.

- Christian D. Larson (The Secret)

Another chapter

[Post taken from an entry in another blog...]

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Things are picking up...

I've been adjusting to being home with family in Vegas for the past couple months since graduation. Is living in this funny town a blessing in disguise? For me...sure. The combination of being with family and still having the chance to meet up with Irvine friends [who are visiting the city every other weekend] is like hitting jackpot--or at least breaking even at the slots and then finding a quarter on the floor. Then again, I still miss everyone a lot.

I've kept myself from sulking in past memories by keeping my time occupied with family, interning and playing the piano. I also spent the past 3 weeks learning how to sterilize dental equipment and suck saliva out of patients' mouths...and I loved it!
Right now, I've got this plan to merge my college experience with health care. I just interviewed for a coordinator position with the University of NV Med School. Until I hear back from them next week, I'll enjoy the weekend and refrain from spending the little money I earn from teaching little kiddos how to play the piano.

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying their new experiences...I look forward to reading more entries.

"A good friend is a connection to life: a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world." --Lois Wyse

edit: i got the job... :)

patience

During a conversation early yesterday afternoon, one of my mentors shared a nice reminder with me...

"Remember, God is never late...but He is also never early."

bittersweet

On move-in day at the dorms my freshman year, I immediately realized that my college days and nights were going to be pleasantly unfamiliar--exactly how I hoped it would be. As I waved 'see you later' to my parents on that first day of college, I sensed that a fresh cup of "something" was about to brew, and it smelled SO good.

Introducing myself as "Joy" instead of Laurene that first day, was refreshing. I couldn't call it reinventing myself because I had always been "Joy" growing up...but it was the name I was used to hearing only from my parents, family and closest friends. It must have been introducing myself as "Joy" to complete strangers that initiated a bold step out of my comfort zone and enabled me to shed some layers--exfoliating the shy, introverted goody-goody that had been known to my grade-school peers. Allowing these fresh faces, my dorm-mates, an ability [for them and myself] to begin discovering who I was in the raw. I was putting myself out there, and I quickly learned that turning complete strangers into acquaintances wasn't so hard to do.

In high school, and especially the summer following it, I set goals for myself...brainstorming upon activities I would want to potentially get involved with. Today, I realize that nearly all the accomplishments accrued during the past four years could have never been attributed to a list of prematurely-jotted "wants" and "to do"s. Things just happened...

Being away from home was accompanied by larger responsibilities, pressures, homesickness and the scarcity of financial assistance at my fingertips...I quickly learned that it was time to take care of myself...and equally important, time to pave a path I could look back on with gratitude.

And I am so thankful...to my family near and far, friends near and far and God who is always with me.

In the next month or so, I will begin compiling a list of happenings that I never thought would have occurred during my college experience...as a simple reminder that life cannot be predicted or planned out to a T. To keep me humble when I am at a high and give me hope when I am low.

I'll continue to challenge myself in the choices I make...

“Education is the path from cocky ignorance to miserable uncertainty.”
- Mark Twain

so cute

found from "absolutely beautiful things" blog

"I will": life thoughts in progress

• love You unconditionally always
• care for those who need my time the most
• write a book [or two...or more]
• learn how to become a joy of all trades

one of my all-time fave photos discovered on the web: makes me smile!

"rhythm of spring"

I found a beautiful photo on flickr.

Today, I celebrate the lives of the man who helped raise me and the woman who helped raise him. Both are such powerful and inspirational figures in my life...and I continue to grow through their stories. Every so often my dad will take a moment to rekindle the values of his youth--while he'll occasionally share playful childhood stories, it is his memories of overcoming challenges that ultimately remind his children to include a little more humility in [our] lives.

Being home with family, currently in Las Vegas, I'm drenched with the presence of unconditional love, an abundance of nourishment and shelter. However, accompanying these comforts are the stresses of reality. As a recent graduate, I'm faced with uncertainty in the steps I take to build my career, which in itself is a topic I continue to meddle with.

Living, learning, and growing away from home, and even having the opportunitiy to witness the dynamic standard of living conditions in the Philippines, have taught me the following (in no particular order):

• humility
• selflessness
• responsibility
• networking
• ambition
• possibility

Reflecting on how my experiences continue to enhance these traits within me, I am so grateful for the amazing people who have influenced my life. My father and grandmother are two such people that I will always hold in my heart.

Thoughts on paving my career path:

"You must do the thing you think you cannot do."

- Eleanor Roosevelt

Note to self!

Remember!

Today, I submitted an application for full-time employment at Las Vegas' City Center (still need to include resume on the online application)! Opening in September 2009, the new addition to the strip will bring in new opportunities for many...

***Interview***
Vdara Hotel & Spa
June 19, 2009
4:00pm

funny thing: fun finds from a few sites

Love.Life.Ukulele by Sophie Madeleine

Nothing goes with a warm, sunny day quite like the sound of a ukulele, which makes Love.Life.Ukulele by Sophie Madeleine ($5 and up) the perfect soundtrack for the next few months. Packing intelligent, relationship-focused lyrics set against peaceful, laid-back ukulele arrangements, this album is a perfect way to prepare for summer. Standout Tracks: "Take Your Love With Me," "Hurry Locomotive."

Joan Manuel Serrat - Aquellas Pequeñas Cosas (Those Small Things)

working

Finally, an alumnus of UC Irvine

Currently, back home in Vegas with my family

Flying back to orange county on March 30th

Eventually, going to make that $90,000 tuition fee worth it...

it feels like spring

After getting a morning final exam (econ161b: International Money) out of the way, I had a craving to fix up a nourishing bite...

(Lean Pocket in hand...and a freshly-made pesto turkey-eggplant panini. Yum! The microwavable delight was complements of a good friend...)

Enjoying the meal in the beautiful Southern CA weather made me notice how quickly spring is approaching. We parked our bums on a grassy area to enjoy the food, fresh air and company.

thank You for another beautiful day!

note to self

food blogs, restaurant reviews, cooking for friends...etc etc...anything but wanting to study right now.

As I ease into finals week of my last quarter at UC Irvine...I'm beginning to feel a sense of entrepreneurship nibbling at me. Maybe this spark is something waiting for me to ignite...i just have to find my match...

i love food
i love sharing good food with others
and i love making friends & listening to their stories
...with food

note to self: something to think about.

"To eat is a necessity. To eat intelligently is an art."
-La Rochefoucauld

the student becomes the teacher

Look at this guy! One of my best friends, Jeremiah Konrad Torrado Bautista, made his debut performance on his genuinely unique ukulele at Kababayan's 10th Annual Talent Show this past February 26th. It's too wonderful NOT to post...

(the video's taking a while to upload onto youtube.com right now...so i'll update this post with the link momentarily)

One can really tell when someone has a special connection with their musical instrument...and I think the audience that filled the Engineering Lecture Hall definitely caught a hint of it with this guy. I'm honored to have introduced Jeremiah to the beauty of this small, yet mighty, music-maker...I must admit that he's taught a lot of what he knows to himself after being shown the basics. It's not too difficult as long as you put a little heart into it.

I know I'll never forget when I first started learning! The talented Alex Montances is a definite go-to when it comes to learning the ukulele.

_________________________________________________________

Lately, Jeremiah and I have been jamming to the tunes of classics like Frank Sinatra and Herman's Hermits, but we also enjoy throwing in some interesting stuff like Popeye the Sailor Man and Summer Girls (by LFO). I also appreciate the tunes of the native islands from which this instrument originates--Hawaii!

Some of my favorites will always be songs by The Beatles; that's what we're working on right now...

A few of my favorite ukulele chord sites are posted to the right under "spare time". If any musicians are reading this, besides myself, please do take the time to gander through them!

brilliant and lovely!

Paris, Je t'aime (Paris, I love you)...

The perfect Friday evening: vegetable stir-fry and an indie film with my dear friend, Kathleen Perez.

Browsing through my past blogs, I've noticed that love is something I can't avoid writing about.

Paris, je T'aime was a wonderful film that portrayed love in ways that gave me butterflies, made me laugh, ached my heart as well as left me wondering. The foreign film brought together 18 short films created by 21 acclaimed directors (from the Cohen brothers, to Wes Craven and Gus Van Sant). Enabling brilliant actors (such as Juliette Binoche, to Natalie Portman, Nick Nolte and Willem Dafoe) to depict lost, growing, true, parental, innocent, addictive, and rekindled love among a city famous for lovers was a shoe-in, and it's no surprise that a hopeless romantic like myself was inspired by the creative juices of this film.

giving back

I just registered to apply for a position with AmeriCorps...it feels nice to be taking a step into action for the community.

After briefly researching programs available on the My AmeriCorps website, I found a handful that interested me.

I also contacted the volunteer coordinator for the local area's Boys and Girls Club! :)

don't forget to...

(photo: relaxing view from trail on Boracay Island, Philippines. Summer 2007. PEACE program)

• Build a physically-active routine
• Set up interviews
• Read Tuesdays with Morrie
• Devote time to learning
• Finish photo-book

Wake up

Unless I find myself amidst a storm of grad school or b-school applications within the next year, I'm fiddling with each decision I make in regards to trying to figure out my next step.

My undergraduate career will be complete in less than two weeks.

watch out for me!

I'll have a cup with creme and sugar...please.

So many people struggle trying to figure out what love is...when the problem of discernment comes from the mere reality that love takes on more than one meaning. People can love their new gadgets, their education and their friends...but these types of loves are different from the kinds held for families and significant others. At least, this is how it works for me...

In trying to figure out what is best for me...and keeping faith in what He has planned...it all comes back to this complicated thing--an emotion or a way of life? It gets one wrapped up in a flurry to be swept away on a cloud, in confused circles, an adventure of growth, and grounded back to the roots of who we really are.

"Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast,
it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails."

- The Bible : 1 Corinthians 13:4 -

Without it, life could be a lot simpler...but life is a lot more interesting when it's complicated.

_________________________
(Some words that I compiled almost a year ago...It definitely portrays a hint of love...or maybe even a cupfull...)

Brand New Start

Jazzy.
A word that describes your actions
And the liveliness that’s present when you speak.
Our conversations unravel so easily
When we aren’t afraid to say
That we’re afraid of whatever lies ahead.
Feeling insecure but knowing we’re so safe
The moment we remember that
Our parents raised us to think about more than just
Us.
Because we know it’ll be [all] right
Even though it took a while to realize
We were [so] right.
And when we thought we missed our cue
I knew, you knew.
Nothing good comes easy,
So maybe this will be great.

The flow of our melody is unplanned.
Impromptu.
And when it comes, improvisation will have to do.
And it works in near-perfect harmony.
Things didn’t work out in the beginning,
For the reason that is Now…
The feeling upon mutual discovery was so blissful.
Miraculous because the one that got away was only on unexpected vacation
Where exploration brought growth and
Realization of what one really wants and needs.
Remembering the importance of the ability to breathe.
We were just around the corner, testing the tune of loves that were meant to move us
In directions that embraced one another.

The song and dance is surreal
Like a dream sequence that is reenacted by the reality
Of a late night phone call or texting spree.
They can stop wondering and eventually recognize it was supposed to be [this way].
Something tells us we’re into something good.
So I’ll keep going as long as you’re in it and understand that
I’m ready to follow your lead because the pace is just right.
Your humility and personality never cease to impress and amaze me.
You’re worth the wait because no one can duplicate the natural high
And all the jazz [that is you].

home visit

Home is where the heart is...

A certain place, smell, familiarity...most importantly, home is wherever my family is.
My family booked me a round-trip flight home for a long weekend (from Friday to Monday) so that I could spend priceless time with my Lola Coring. My mom's mother has lived with us ever since I could remember(...except for the 9 months we spent living in an apartment when we first moved from San Diego to Las Vegas). Her own room has always had its own special scent, with trinkets and souvenir portraits collected and received from loved ones.


Cleaning out the garage in the new house on Jennis Silver St. has put my sister and I in a rummaging mood...actually, just collecting grade-school pictures to put together our k-12 photo frame mom recently bought.....my sister just found Mom's journals (circa 1978) and is laughing while reading through them right now...
Poor Mom is just a few unknowing feet away, sound asleep on the living room couch.

Earlier, my dad and brother stumbled across a Valentine's Card my Lola Gloria had sent my parents in 1989.

It just remind me of how precious mementos of the past can revive memories as well as unfold new perspectives. I saved scanned photos of the letter onto a Facebook album for safekeeping.

I read the letter for the first time, hearing the voice of my Father's mother just how I remember. In a dreamy and most elegant prose, the words danced in my head...painting the genuine love any mother would have for her son's family.

I'm so thankful to have been able to come home...

so many new memories have been made yet again...

*just found Dad's journal...hahah!

music soothes my soul

Adele has beautiful music...
To Make You Feel My Love
Words and Music by Bob Dylan
Sung by Adele
Capo on 3rd fret


VERSE 1:
G D
When the rain is blowing in your face
F C
And the whole world is on your case
Cm G
I would offer you a warm embrace
A7 D7 G
To make you feel my love.

VERSE 2:
G D
When evening shadows and the stars appear
F C
And there is no one there to dry your tears
Cm G
I could hold you for a million years
A7 D7 G
To make you feel my love.

BRIDGE 1:
C G
I know you haven't made your mind up yet
B7 C G
But I would never do you wrong.
C G
I've known it from the moment that we met
A7 D7
No doubt in my mind where you belong

VERSE 3:
G D
I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue
F C
I'd go crawling down the avenue.
Cm G
There's nothing that I wouldn't do
A7 D7 G
To make you feel my love.

INSTRUMENTAL:
G D F C Cm G A7 D7 G

C G
The storms are raging on the rollin' sea.
B7 C G
And on the highway of regret
C G
The winds of change are blowing wild and free.
A7 D7 C/D
You ain't seen nothing like me yet.

VERSE 4:
G D
I could make you happy, make your dreams come true.
F C
There’s nothing that I would not do.
Cm G
Go to the ends of the earth for you
A7 D7 G
To make you feel my love.
Cm G
There is nothing that I would not do.
A7 D7 G
To make you feel my love.

wednesday

"A reminder that we started from dust and will come to dust again...and that Him in our lives is the difference that makes us more than just dust..."

Bittersweet change has been taking place...growth and moving forward...always, putting the past aside but always holding close the things that matter in my heart.

2009 has a lot in store and the transitions that [will] continue to occur are testing my strength to never lose momentum in pursuit of my dreams, love, faith, and change to make this blessed life an amazing one.

beautiful things

these dresses are so adorable. something about their whimsical sophistication...


jcrew's slub silk penelope dress

the feel of a cozy room

the 14th...

As the month comes to its halfway point, I think about how blessed I am. Although I miss my family every day, I'm not homesick. Actually, I'm just sick--literally...and yet I manage to have high spirits.

Today is one for love to be celebrated and expressed outwardly...and I'm in such a good mood knowing that there's so much love around me...for me, and for the ones I care about, too.

online communities...i like!

(Taking a few seconds to relax my mind from studying for my management midterm...)

A few websites that are always a treat for me to visit are uncrate.com, likecool.com, outblush.com...among others of course...

...for the simple satisfaction that comes from stumbling across something like Oren Lavie's "Her Morning Elegance"

it's pouring...

my sister is visiting me in Irvine again!

- we ate the chicken noodle soup i made last night...with extra servings of rosemary garlic rotisserie chicken and rice...mmm. Continuing to watch episodes of The Office on my laptop...relaxing in our pj's.

The weekends come so fast now that my schedule includes working 23 hours a week...I appreciate the time I have to relax, so much more :)

A Life of Riches

Slumdog Millionaire.

Independent (in a sense) and foreign, it is a film that portrayed powerful messages beautifully with emotionally piercing realities.

The story leaves one with a lot of room for reflection on the world, or more personally...one's own life. The measurement of how much one appreciates the blessings of life obviously varies from person to person, depending on what life-enlightening experiences they've lived through...

There's a difference between walking through a landfill and actually having to make a life out of the harsh living conditions. This was something that hit me hard as I felt my feet sink into the polluted mush of blackened garbage and urban washoff. When I visited the Philippines for the first time in the summer of 2007, I ventured through places I never imagined I'd have the opportunity to come across...

The virgin forest of El Kabayo Falls; the pristine waters that were once occupied by turmoil at Subic Bay; the cool and rugged mountains of the Kordilyera region and the warm crystal waters at Boracay...the picturesque beauty of each location made me feel as if I were looking through the pages of a story book...

Aside from the aesthetic appreciation I had for each locale I visited, however, I surprisingly began to develop appreciation for lifestyle that was present at those sites. I visited the farming community (pictured below) of Tungkol Mangga...where even the simplest fruits of mother nature was just enough to fill the spirits of the children growing up there...with happiness. Living off of so little, everything was a blessing...and the hardships were battles that made them stronger than any of the little girls and boys who grew up with a silver spoon in their mouths.

(still reflecting...)



(to be continued)

Let's make it a year to celebrate

This cool Sunday evening wraps up an extremely fulfilling weekend. Surprised that January only has one more week this year, I am satisfied with the many outings and homebody moments I have been able to enjoy thus far.

My older sister has been spending time with me every weekend since I returned to Irvine in the final stretch of my undergraduate career. She's been doing big things and finally embracing an experience for some long-deserved opportunity to live away from home...gaining some management training in Long Beach. The best part, as her baby sister is being able to meet up and dine on meals we've whipped up together while watching episodes of The Office.

I got to rejuvenate my mind today...Sunday mass, a powerful movie (which deserves its own post to follow) and of course...music of the ukulele played with good company.

Overall, January has been really lovely. A huge family gathering happened last week to celebrate our Lola's 91st birthday. Uncles, Aunts, cousins and other loved ones gathered at my family's home in Las Vegas to bring a priceless smile and warmth to a woman so special. I love you Lola Coring! Aside from watching her 8 children grow to have beautiful families of their own, she has always been there to assist in watching over her countless grand and great-grandchildren. I thank God everyday for having my family. My lola is an example of how much happiness a family's love can generate.

I'm blessed with such a fresh life...still young...but slowly and surely ripening with each day, month and year. Every friendship and celebration.

Rise and shine

I had my first day of work with Harvey and Company.

One of the things I appreciated most was being able to interact with genuinely helpful, friendly, and funny people...

I was treated to lunch by my supervisor and accompanied by my friend Melissa, who helped me set up an interview in December. We had our fill at another corporate building's cafeteria...but I was told that there's also a tasty cafe on the other side of my office building called "Wrap-sody"...thought it was clever!

I'm looking forward to building networks and gaining knowledge throughout my stay with the company. The saying goes, "It's all about who you know." There is definitely truth in those words. (:

I took the best one-hour nap half an hour ago...oh what a lifestyle of work from 9-5 will do to me!

The year of the palindrome

22.

The only other age I've experienced as a "palindrome" was at eleven
And that seems like it's been so long ago...

I try my best to keep in mind that a lot of change has and will continue to come my way and only He knows what is in store...

BUT I can feel that the year 2009 will be a year of great things. Even if it is just my optimism, it is this kind of feeling that will help me stay driven and determined to make sure each day is lived with purpose.

Love and hurt
Relationships flourishing, rekindling, or diminishing...

Before I reach my 23rd birthday on December 20th, 2009 (oh gosh) I'll have gained a year's-worth [or more] of knowledge and growth that will lead me closer to wherever I'm meant to be and to do whatever I'm meant to do.

Here's to new memories, opportunities, and blessings that will complement the many great ones already experienced in this life of mine...lore and joy.