I really hate writing papers. Seriously, I hate writing papers. It's probably because I really suck at it!!! It takes me forever to write a paper. You know what the suckiest thing is...All my grad courses are based only on papers and presentations!!!! CRAP!!! Presentations no problem...Papers = BIG PROBLEM... DANG...PRAY for me, pray that I have increased perfusion!!!! haha...PEAS
Good luck during finals IRVINE peeps!!!
God bless!!!
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Saturday, March 11, 2006
“The test of courage comes when we are the minority. The test of tolerance comes when we are in the majority.” – Ralph Sockman
Dee read this to me this morning while we were driving and for some reason it really stuck with me throughout the day. Two sentences with such profoundness! When I first heard it, I don’t think I fully understood the true meaning that lay behind those few words. So I looked up two key words to help me understand the sentences a little more 1) Courage and 2) Tolerance.
Courage - the ability to confront fear in the face of pain, danger, uncertainty or intimidation.
Tolerance - a social, cultural and religious term applied to the collective and individual practice of not persecuting those who may believe, behave or act in ways of which one may not approve.
I don’t know about you, but I never really took the time to think about the depth of those two words before. I mean, these words are used so often in our everyday language, yet we don’t really take the time to fully embrace their meanings.
During the Lenten season we are called upon by Jesus to PRAY, SACRIFICE and UNITE with HIM for 40 days. In these 40 days we are to, as I understood it from Father’s Homily, take the time to be alone in PRAYER with the LORD our GOD. For some, taking the time out of their busy schedules to be with God is as routine as it can be. Yet for the others it’s a struggle! I would have to say that I’m one of those who struggle to take the time to be with God, alone in prayer. I believe that God calls us (the minority) to build up the courage to journey with Him in this Lenten season. I say “the minority” because I really believe that the amount of people who do build up the courage to journey with him is but a mere few. As I see it, when we do build up the courage to journey with Him as individuals we become a UNITED Church!!! A Church that is of FAITH and LOVE! And when we have those two weapons (FAITH and LOVE) we become a strong force. AMEN? AMEN!!! BUT...what happens when we become that strong force??? What happens when we become the majority! I truly believe that when there is a majority there is always an opposing force that wants to destroy and become that majority! So what do we as a Church do to prevent the collapse of our Unity? I don’t think I have the amount of knowledge to say what we should be doing, but the one thing that I know that can NEVER be wrong is to…PRAY and believe in our LORD. So let’s continue to TRY and SACRIFICE a bit of ourselves to be with our LORD our God during this Lenten season!
AMEN!!!
Dee read this to me this morning while we were driving and for some reason it really stuck with me throughout the day. Two sentences with such profoundness! When I first heard it, I don’t think I fully understood the true meaning that lay behind those few words. So I looked up two key words to help me understand the sentences a little more 1) Courage and 2) Tolerance.
Courage - the ability to confront fear in the face of pain, danger, uncertainty or intimidation.
Tolerance - a social, cultural and religious term applied to the collective and individual practice of not persecuting those who may believe, behave or act in ways of which one may not approve.
I don’t know about you, but I never really took the time to think about the depth of those two words before. I mean, these words are used so often in our everyday language, yet we don’t really take the time to fully embrace their meanings.
During the Lenten season we are called upon by Jesus to PRAY, SACRIFICE and UNITE with HIM for 40 days. In these 40 days we are to, as I understood it from Father’s Homily, take the time to be alone in PRAYER with the LORD our GOD. For some, taking the time out of their busy schedules to be with God is as routine as it can be. Yet for the others it’s a struggle! I would have to say that I’m one of those who struggle to take the time to be with God, alone in prayer. I believe that God calls us (the minority) to build up the courage to journey with Him in this Lenten season. I say “the minority” because I really believe that the amount of people who do build up the courage to journey with him is but a mere few. As I see it, when we do build up the courage to journey with Him as individuals we become a UNITED Church!!! A Church that is of FAITH and LOVE! And when we have those two weapons (FAITH and LOVE) we become a strong force. AMEN? AMEN!!! BUT...what happens when we become that strong force??? What happens when we become the majority! I truly believe that when there is a majority there is always an opposing force that wants to destroy and become that majority! So what do we as a Church do to prevent the collapse of our Unity? I don’t think I have the amount of knowledge to say what we should be doing, but the one thing that I know that can NEVER be wrong is to…PRAY and believe in our LORD. So let’s continue to TRY and SACRIFICE a bit of ourselves to be with our LORD our God during this Lenten season!
AMEN!!!
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
DARNIT
After reading Dee's post, I found some motivation to finally blog after a whole month. BUT because blogger sucks and of my own stupid faults I lost approximately 30 minutes worth of entry!!! This is the first time, in a long time that this happened. DAMN!!! I was on a roll!
Let me try to recapture some of the highlights of the LOST post!!!
Has anyone been having difficulty staying focused during Mass? I mean, I try really hard to stay focused and attentive to the readings, especially the Gospel, and the Homily. But I find myself thinking about school, what I need to get done, what I'm not getting done, grades, exams, family, friends, my career and so on...Maybe I'm trying TOO HARD!!! Trying too hard to stay focused instead of keeping things as simple as they can be. I try to remind myself that the time in mass is of spiritual development. A time to establish a connection with God in His most Holy Church! A communion with Jesus through the Eucharist! Do you all remember the saying "use it or lose it"? Well as I'm writing, I can't help but feel that way in terms of my spritual journey. I've regressed back to the LIFESTYLE of just going to mass to be at mass and not LIVING the faith DAILY! God has blessed us so greatly with Daily Mass yet, I fail to participate yet alone consider it! WHY? Again, like I said...a LIFESTYLE...I pray that some time soon, in God's time that I will progress into a LIFESTYLE that is of Jesus! A lifestyle of TESTIMONY! I think one of the things that really keeps me grounded and hopeful is when AO1 prepares for gigs. It really brings me back to that so called lost lifestyle. Music (Praise) is probably one of the only things that really gets me to think about living a life completely for Jesus because for some reason I am immersed in the lyrics, the sounds, and the voices. I know that this isn't the only thing that should keep me grounded, but I guess a little something is better than NONE!
Anyway...LENT!?! Just want to let all the fellaz know that I'm hanging in there and trying to keep myself disciplined. I know you guys are thinking that I'm probably going to be one of the first ones to fall, but you all need to think again? By the way, has anyone given in to temptation yet? haha...
Before I go to sleep, I just wanted to share this quote that I came across during a study break...
"If you are humble, nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are." - Mother Teresa...
Let me try to recapture some of the highlights of the LOST post!!!
Has anyone been having difficulty staying focused during Mass? I mean, I try really hard to stay focused and attentive to the readings, especially the Gospel, and the Homily. But I find myself thinking about school, what I need to get done, what I'm not getting done, grades, exams, family, friends, my career and so on...Maybe I'm trying TOO HARD!!! Trying too hard to stay focused instead of keeping things as simple as they can be. I try to remind myself that the time in mass is of spiritual development. A time to establish a connection with God in His most Holy Church! A communion with Jesus through the Eucharist! Do you all remember the saying "use it or lose it"? Well as I'm writing, I can't help but feel that way in terms of my spritual journey. I've regressed back to the LIFESTYLE of just going to mass to be at mass and not LIVING the faith DAILY! God has blessed us so greatly with Daily Mass yet, I fail to participate yet alone consider it! WHY? Again, like I said...a LIFESTYLE...I pray that some time soon, in God's time that I will progress into a LIFESTYLE that is of Jesus! A lifestyle of TESTIMONY! I think one of the things that really keeps me grounded and hopeful is when AO1 prepares for gigs. It really brings me back to that so called lost lifestyle. Music (Praise) is probably one of the only things that really gets me to think about living a life completely for Jesus because for some reason I am immersed in the lyrics, the sounds, and the voices. I know that this isn't the only thing that should keep me grounded, but I guess a little something is better than NONE!
Anyway...LENT!?! Just want to let all the fellaz know that I'm hanging in there and trying to keep myself disciplined. I know you guys are thinking that I'm probably going to be one of the first ones to fall, but you all need to think again? By the way, has anyone given in to temptation yet? haha...
Before I go to sleep, I just wanted to share this quote that I came across during a study break...
"If you are humble, nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are." - Mother Teresa...
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Moving on...
Yesterday was really exciting. I've been practicing IV insertions for about a week now and have been really nervous about the test. Yesterday I took my test and I FREAKIN' PASSED baby!!!! Hopefully I'll get the opportunity tomorrow to insert one into my client...Damn...feels like I'm finally becoming a nurse!!! haha...Don't have to wipe as much a** anymore...sooooo glad!!! haha...
Things have been pretty good up here! School has been keeping me really busy and stressed...Nothing new! Anyway, I just realized that in about 11 months I am going to have to take the NCLEX (Nursing board exam) to become an official nurse. It's going to come by so fast. I hope and pray that I will be prepared to care for others effectively!!! I really do... The reason why I say that is because I see way too many nurses on the floor being lazy, not checking in on their clients and messing around with their co-workers. I understand that it is important to have fun, but they are crossing the fine line between caring for themselves and caring for their clients.
Anyway, I'll be in So Cal this weekend celebrating with many for Chris and Tricia's wedding! I pray that the Lord will bless them and their families in this awesome union! Congrats Chris and Tricia!
Oh yeah, Happy 2nd year Anniversary Ate and Tan! Wish I could be there to celebrate with you guys, mom, dad, Elisha and Tim! I'll see you this weekend anyway!!! We could celebrate then!
Things have been pretty good up here! School has been keeping me really busy and stressed...Nothing new! Anyway, I just realized that in about 11 months I am going to have to take the NCLEX (Nursing board exam) to become an official nurse. It's going to come by so fast. I hope and pray that I will be prepared to care for others effectively!!! I really do... The reason why I say that is because I see way too many nurses on the floor being lazy, not checking in on their clients and messing around with their co-workers. I understand that it is important to have fun, but they are crossing the fine line between caring for themselves and caring for their clients.
Anyway, I'll be in So Cal this weekend celebrating with many for Chris and Tricia's wedding! I pray that the Lord will bless them and their families in this awesome union! Congrats Chris and Tricia!
Oh yeah, Happy 2nd year Anniversary Ate and Tan! Wish I could be there to celebrate with you guys, mom, dad, Elisha and Tim! I'll see you this weekend anyway!!! We could celebrate then!
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Photos
2002 LOG crew
on da way to sandeezy
da ladies
lanterns of Hastings Ranch
Future Nurses of America (I'm definitely the minority - male and filipino)
The old crew
St. Ignatius Church on a clear night
Friday, January 20, 2006
Sorry blog for neglecting you so...
Anyway, the famous event that inspired me to write tonight is an odd, disgusting, but funny one. Dee's grandpa has been sick for some time now and at about 12:15 tonight he had another episode of productive couging and this time I went to go help him out. I got him a napkin so that he could wipe his nose and mouth and helped him in the bathroom one more time to spit in a napkin. Me and Dee give him his medications and we go back into DEE's room...ALL is good. I'm sitting down watching T.V., while Dee was catching up on current events from our fellow bloggers and xangers. ALL of a sudden I felt some gooey stuff on my right knee with my right pointer finger. I look at it and I say "WHAT THE HELL IS THIS ON MY FINGER, IS THIS YOUR PAPAS SNOT ON MY FINGER?" Dee looks at me and she says "DUDE YOU HAVE SOME SH*T ON YOUR NOSE" I go to the bathroom and sure enough there is Dee's Papa's SNOT on my nose and finger...quick, quick, quick...WASH IT OFF!!!! What a night!
While I'm at it I'll give a brief update. Me and Dee came back to the Bay Area on Tuesday morning approximately 2:00 am and it's nice to be back here to relax and prepare for school. We haven't been doing much in these past couple of days but have managed to NOT kill each other, YET!
On Wednesday night I held basketball practice for the team and guess how many girls showed up? Let me add that I only have 7 girls total for the team... NOT 7, NOT 6, NOT 5, NOT 4, NOT 3, BUT 2. I had 2 girls show up for practice. Terrible!!! When I was going to grade school we never missed practice cuz we were so excited to play basketball. And if we didn't show up we wouldn't play in the game. Unfortunately, that option of benching the girls for missed practices is out of the question. WHY? Cuz I only have 7 girls to play anyway. So me and Dee have been thinking of other ways to either punish or as Dee would put it "POSITIVELY REINFORCE" the girls to come to practice. We'll see what happens...Isn't that so DEE to say that???
Hmmm...what else...? Oh yea...Since we've gotten back from So Cal Dee and I have been running everyday in hopes of getting in shape. A LOT to do my friends, A LOT!!! Last night we decided to skip out on working out at the Koret Facility at USF and run around Gellert Park. I love running outside and I thought it would be nice to do so. We step out of Dee's house and DAMN...IT'S freaking freazing up here. We ran for about 45 minutes and damn we could not feel our faces when we finished. Next time, I may need to wear sweat pants and thermals...You know, those tight white things...haha...I always thought those things looked funny!
Anyway...I just wanted to thank all the 'Vine peeps for hanging out while I was in So Cal...Good times my friends, Good times...SOME RECAPS...
- Failed GUPPIES run!
- AlbertoTacos...haha...echoing FARTS
- AO1 practice...New songs for up coming Gig ROCK!!!
- Meechy's CAKE...damn GOOD!!!
- Getting hit in the NUTZ with an egg by SHELBY...at least we WON!!!
- LOG meeting!!! Blowing up ya'll...
- Lee's Sandwiches with the youngins
- Learning new songs from ANG!!! Won't forget your STIGMATIZED face!!!
- Kirs...quit leaving it in the car!
- Noreen and Mike....CONGRATS!!!!!
- Ride to SanDeezy!
- Chris and Tricia...CONGRATS!!!!!
- Talks with the HOMIES! that sounds fruity! I mean..."cathcing up with the homies"
- Myspace searching at Madrona
- The little monsters of SHAWshank
Peas out ya'll!!! Take care and may God's Graces be upon you this new year!!!
Monday, December 26, 2005
INSPIRATION
This is a bit long, but please take the time to read it. It's quite inspirational!!!
By Alfred Yuson
The Philippine Star 05/16/2004
Patricia Evangelista, a 19-year- old, Mass Communications sophomore of University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman, did the country proud Friday night by besting 59 other student contestants from 37 countries in the 2004 International Public Speaking competition conducted by the English Speaking Union (ESU) in London.
She triumphed over a field of exactly 60 speakers from all over the English-speaking world, including the United States, United Kingdom and Australia, reported Maranan.
The board of judges' decision was unanimous, according to contest chairman Brian Hanharan of the British broadcasting Corp. (BBC).
PATRICIA'S SHORT SPEECH WORTH READING....
By Alfred Yuson
The Philippine Star 05/16/2004
Patricia Evangelista, a 19-year- old, Mass Communications sophomore of University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman, did the country proud Friday night by besting 59 other student contestants from 37 countries in the 2004 International Public Speaking competition conducted by the English Speaking Union (ESU) in London.
She triumphed over a field of exactly 60 speakers from all over the English-speaking world, including the United States, United Kingdom and Australia, reported Maranan.
The board of judges' decision was unanimous, according to contest chairman Brian Hanharan of the British broadcasting Corp. (BBC).
PATRICIA'S SHORT SPEECH WORTH READING....
BLONDE AND BLUE EYES
When I was little, I wanted what many Filipino children all over the country wanted. I wanted to be blond, blue-eyed, and white. I thought -- if I just wished hard enough and was good enough, I'd wake upon Christmas morning with snow outside my window and freckles across my nose!
More than four centuries under western domination does that to you. I have sixteen cousins. In a couple of years, there will just be five of us left in the Philippines, the rest will have gone abroad in search of "greener pastures." It's not just an anomaly; it's a trend; the Filipino diaspora. Today, about eight million Filipinos are scattered around the world.
There are those who disapprove of Filipinos who choose to leave. I used to. Maybe this is a natural reaction of someone who was left behind, smiling for family pictures that get emptier with each succeeding year. Desertion, I called it. My country is a land that has perpetually fought for the freedom to be itself. Our heroes offered their lives in the struggle against the Spanish, the Japanese, the Americans. To pack up and deny that identity is tantamount to spitting on that sacrifice.
Or is it? I don't think so, not anymore. True, there is no denying this phenomenon, aided by the fact that what was once the other side of the world is now a twelve-hour plane ride away. But this is a borderless world, where no individual can claim to be purely from where he is now. My mother is of Chinese descent, my father is a quarter Spanish, and I call myself a pure Filipino-a hybrid of sorts resulting from a combination of cultures.
Each square mile anywhere in the world is made up of people of different ethnicities, with national identities and individual personalities. Because of this, each square mile is already a microcosm of the world. In as much as this blessed spot that is England is the world, so is my neighborhood back home.
Seen this way, the Filipino Diaspora, or any sort of dispersal of populations, is not as ominous as so many claim. It must be understood. I come from a Third World country, one that is still trying mightily to get back on its feet after many years of dictatorship. But we shall make it, given more time. Especially now, when we have thousands of eager young minds who graduate from college every year. They have skills. They need jobs. We cannot absorb them all.
A borderless world presents a bigger opportunity, yet one that is not so much abandonment but an extension of identity. Even as we take, we give back. We are the 40,000 skilled nurses who support the UK's National Health Service. We are the quarter-of-a-million seafarers manning most of the world's commercial ships. We are your software engineers in Ireland, your construction workers in the Middle East, your doctors and caregivers in North America, and, your musical artists in London's West End.
Nationalism isn't bound by time or place. People from other nations migrate to create new nations, yet still remain essentially who they are. British society is itself an example of a multi-cultural nation, a melting pot of races, religions, arts and cultures. We are, indeed, in a borderless world!
Leaving sometimes isn't a matter of choice. It's coming back that is. The Hobbits of the Shire travelled all over Middle-Earth, but they chose to come home, richer in every sense of the word. We call people like these balikbayans or the 'returnees' -- those who followed their dream, yet choose to return and share their mature talents and good fortune.
In a few years, I may take advantage of whatever opportunities come my way. But I will come home. A borderless world doesn't preclude the idea of a home. I'm a Filipino, and I'll always be one. It isn't about just geography; it isn't about boundaries. It's about giving back to the country that shaped me.
And that's going to be more important to me than seeing snow outside my windows on a bright Christmas morning.
Mabuhay and Thank you.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Home Sweet Home
Finally arrived from the long 6 hour drive...Wasn't too bad of drive however...Didn't get sleepy this time around. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to leave today because it has been storming like crazy in the Bay Area. REAL STORMS my Southern California friends...If you've never been to the Bay Area when it storms then you haven't really experienced a storm. And when it rains, it rains for DAYS, unlike here in So. Cal were it rains for 5 minutes and we say "Damn, that freaking storm!!!"
Driving into the city of Rosemead was a bit weird to me...I haven't been home in several months, which is probably the longest I've been away from my family. I am really looking forward to spending time with my family...I think I'm going to realize this time around how special CHRISTmas is going to be...Damn...I think I am getting OLD!!! Getting all sentimental and crap!!! DAMN...haha...Anyway...Like I was saying...I have a feeling that this CHRISTmas is going to be really special. More specifically, I think it's going to be special for my Mom and Dad. All of their kids have left their house and are off doing their own grown-up things. Both of my sisters are now married and I'm up in the Bay Area for school. I sometimes wonder what my parents feel when they are at home. Happy? Being able to BE together...or SAD? Away from their children. And you know what...I don't think I'll ever know the truth. My family is not really big on expressing how we feel about each other. Pretty unfortunate. Unfortunate, at least for me because I find myself telling my friends that I miss and love them all the time. Isn't there something wrong with this picture? I pray that one day I'll be able to express to my family how much I love and miss them!!! Anyway...We'll all be together on CHRISTmas!!!
I am also excited to meet up with old HOMIES and catch up on things. It's been awhile since I've last kicked it with the Fellaz!!! I am going to try my best to enjoy every single moment!!! Everyone is starting to do their own thing...I wonder sometimes how it will be when I finish school and begin my career. Will I still keep in touch with friends? Will I lose friendships? Will I gain new ones that will be as special as the old ones? Who knows!!!
Anyway...Picked up my Winter vacation reading material...A Million Little Pieces by James Frey...This book has been getting really good reviews...I'll let you all know how it is!
Till then...
Driving into the city of Rosemead was a bit weird to me...I haven't been home in several months, which is probably the longest I've been away from my family. I am really looking forward to spending time with my family...I think I'm going to realize this time around how special CHRISTmas is going to be...Damn...I think I am getting OLD!!! Getting all sentimental and crap!!! DAMN...haha...Anyway...Like I was saying...I have a feeling that this CHRISTmas is going to be really special. More specifically, I think it's going to be special for my Mom and Dad. All of their kids have left their house and are off doing their own grown-up things. Both of my sisters are now married and I'm up in the Bay Area for school. I sometimes wonder what my parents feel when they are at home. Happy? Being able to BE together...or SAD? Away from their children. And you know what...I don't think I'll ever know the truth. My family is not really big on expressing how we feel about each other. Pretty unfortunate. Unfortunate, at least for me because I find myself telling my friends that I miss and love them all the time. Isn't there something wrong with this picture? I pray that one day I'll be able to express to my family how much I love and miss them!!! Anyway...We'll all be together on CHRISTmas!!!
I am also excited to meet up with old HOMIES and catch up on things. It's been awhile since I've last kicked it with the Fellaz!!! I am going to try my best to enjoy every single moment!!! Everyone is starting to do their own thing...I wonder sometimes how it will be when I finish school and begin my career. Will I still keep in touch with friends? Will I lose friendships? Will I gain new ones that will be as special as the old ones? Who knows!!!
Anyway...Picked up my Winter vacation reading material...A Million Little Pieces by James Frey...This book has been getting really good reviews...I'll let you all know how it is!
Till then...
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
YES!!!
The day has finally come...FINALS are OVER!!! It has been a very long and difficult semester, but I got through it and now it's time for me to RELAX!!! No work, no school, no stress (hopefully), and NO MORE STUDYING!!!!!!!! I really can't emphasize that enough...Seriously, the brain can only hold so much information and when you reach that point, NUMBNESS!!! Last night when I was studying for my last final, I got to the point where I was studying for over an hour and retained NOTHING!!! One whole hour and I couldn't remember what I was studying!!! Anyway...
Approximately one year from now I will be taking my board exam to become an offical MALE NURSE...that's right...I am going to become (God willing), GREG FOCKER!!! haha... This program, like I've said before, is challenging, but dang...it is going pretty darn FAST...I've already completed 2 semesters and going on to finish my first year of nursing school...Still trying to get over the fact that I got accepted to such an awesome school...USF...
Before the Thanksgiving weekend, Dee and I had the opportunity to meet with Father Ricio (sp?) for the first time to begin our FAITH SHARING group! It was an awesome experience...Just me, Dee and Father. We each had the opportunity to share where we were at in our faith and for some reason I began to talk about how God provided me the opportunity to attend a Jesuit University. I've attended public school my entire life...I explained to them that attending the Jesuit University didn't feel anymore different than attending UCI or IVC (2 very great public schools) and that I still haven't figured out why God planned for me to be here. I'm still questioning and searching??? Dee sat down with me one day and explained to me how much USF has been such a wonderful gift to her...let me elaborate, according to Dee...
there is a beautiful church that you could go to anytime you want and pray in silence, the long history of USF, having a crucifix in every classroom, hearing the church bells ring every noon time and at 6pm, seeing Brothers, Fathers, and Sisters consistently on campus...and the list goes on...
Do I not see? Do I not hear? Am I seriously that BLIND and DEAF?
Don't get me wrong...I occassionaly go into the church and pray silently, I've heard people talk about the history and I've heard the bells ring throughout the day...UNFORTUNATELY, as Dee has stated it...I have not taken the time to APPRECIATE and REFLECT on these wonderful creations of GOD!!! I think that is what makes the difference...I think a lot of us know that God continually provides and presents us with His awesome creations and graces, BUT we simply ignore or forget to APPRECIATE them. We need to SLOW DOWN...take the time to pray, take the time to praise, and take the time to GIVE THANKS!!!
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
Approximately one year from now I will be taking my board exam to become an offical MALE NURSE...that's right...I am going to become (God willing), GREG FOCKER!!! haha... This program, like I've said before, is challenging, but dang...it is going pretty darn FAST...I've already completed 2 semesters and going on to finish my first year of nursing school...Still trying to get over the fact that I got accepted to such an awesome school...USF...
Before the Thanksgiving weekend, Dee and I had the opportunity to meet with Father Ricio (sp?) for the first time to begin our FAITH SHARING group! It was an awesome experience...Just me, Dee and Father. We each had the opportunity to share where we were at in our faith and for some reason I began to talk about how God provided me the opportunity to attend a Jesuit University. I've attended public school my entire life...I explained to them that attending the Jesuit University didn't feel anymore different than attending UCI or IVC (2 very great public schools) and that I still haven't figured out why God planned for me to be here. I'm still questioning and searching??? Dee sat down with me one day and explained to me how much USF has been such a wonderful gift to her...let me elaborate, according to Dee...
there is a beautiful church that you could go to anytime you want and pray in silence, the long history of USF, having a crucifix in every classroom, hearing the church bells ring every noon time and at 6pm, seeing Brothers, Fathers, and Sisters consistently on campus...and the list goes on...
Do I not see? Do I not hear? Am I seriously that BLIND and DEAF?
Don't get me wrong...I occassionaly go into the church and pray silently, I've heard people talk about the history and I've heard the bells ring throughout the day...UNFORTUNATELY, as Dee has stated it...I have not taken the time to APPRECIATE and REFLECT on these wonderful creations of GOD!!! I think that is what makes the difference...I think a lot of us know that God continually provides and presents us with His awesome creations and graces, BUT we simply ignore or forget to APPRECIATE them. We need to SLOW DOWN...take the time to pray, take the time to praise, and take the time to GIVE THANKS!!!
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
"IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES"
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Almost Done Pt. II
It's now down to the last couple of days before finals begin. I start this Saturday at 8:00 AM. I have never had a Saturday final in my life. It's a bit weird! Anyway...have to focus on one subject, one exam at a time...
I don't know about anyone else, but I really like being in school. Education is truly a gift and I don't think I could ever stop learning! When I was still working in Irvine, I really felt "uneducated". I did learn a few things here and there, but after a while, things became repetitive and ended up becoming a complete BORE!!! Being in school and having the opportunity to have an education is thought provoking and it really tests your ability to learn and willingness to learn. Maybe it's the field that I'm in...Honestly, there's so much to the nursing field...I'm just intrigued at the amount of knowledge seasoned nurses have. I pray that one day, in God's will, I will have the knowledge to provide the culturally congruent care that clients need and want!!!
I don't know about anyone else, but I really like being in school. Education is truly a gift and I don't think I could ever stop learning! When I was still working in Irvine, I really felt "uneducated". I did learn a few things here and there, but after a while, things became repetitive and ended up becoming a complete BORE!!! Being in school and having the opportunity to have an education is thought provoking and it really tests your ability to learn and willingness to learn. Maybe it's the field that I'm in...Honestly, there's so much to the nursing field...I'm just intrigued at the amount of knowledge seasoned nurses have. I pray that one day, in God's will, I will have the knowledge to provide the culturally congruent care that clients need and want!!!
Monday, December 05, 2005
...INVITATION...
"Don't FORCE the Lord into your life, rather INVITE Him into your life during this Advent Season"
I've been having a difficult time lately keeping the faith and living the life that He has called me to carry out. I continuously choose NOT to follow His ways. It has come to the point where I feel so distant and the feeling of warmth, comfort and peace is nowhere to be found. Yes there are times when I get the "feelings" of true happiness, yet are very inconsistent. What am I expecting and searching for? I guess I'm still at the level of my faith where I am seeking to find the "feelings" I used to experience in the "HOME" that embedded the seed of faith, love and hope. Unfortunately, those aren't the feelings of FAITH, LOVE, and HOPE...Living the FAITH is a lifelong journey of struggles and battles, LOVE is not a feeling, but an ACTION, a LIFESTYLE, and a CHOICE, and HOPE...the desire for FULFILLMENT of His LOVE and PEACE. All of these things are what we as Catholic Christians strive for and struggle with every single day of our lives. For some, conquering the battles and meeting the next is like clock-work, however, there are those who seem to be fighting the same battle over and over again and the progression to the next level is at a halt. That's where I'm at.
I understand that God continues to present opportunities for me to serve Him. I think one of my weaknesses is trying to control the "game" and the emotions that serve as the measurement of accomplishment and victory. I believe I am seeking and FORCING to find something that He does not want of me. I need to have a change in mentation, attitude and lifestyle, so that I could INVITE Him openly and willingly.
This past Sunday, Father said "What is the one thing that you will give back to the Lord this Advent season?" The answer is quite obvious, right? But, how many people LISTENED and HEARD the true meaning of what Father said and how many are acutally going to follow through? One...Two...Maybe three...I pray that I am one of those three!!! I desire to INVITE Him into my life, NOT just for this Advent season, but each and every day that He continues to GIVE us.
AMEN!
I've been having a difficult time lately keeping the faith and living the life that He has called me to carry out. I continuously choose NOT to follow His ways. It has come to the point where I feel so distant and the feeling of warmth, comfort and peace is nowhere to be found. Yes there are times when I get the "feelings" of true happiness, yet are very inconsistent. What am I expecting and searching for? I guess I'm still at the level of my faith where I am seeking to find the "feelings" I used to experience in the "HOME" that embedded the seed of faith, love and hope. Unfortunately, those aren't the feelings of FAITH, LOVE, and HOPE...Living the FAITH is a lifelong journey of struggles and battles, LOVE is not a feeling, but an ACTION, a LIFESTYLE, and a CHOICE, and HOPE...the desire for FULFILLMENT of His LOVE and PEACE. All of these things are what we as Catholic Christians strive for and struggle with every single day of our lives. For some, conquering the battles and meeting the next is like clock-work, however, there are those who seem to be fighting the same battle over and over again and the progression to the next level is at a halt. That's where I'm at.
I understand that God continues to present opportunities for me to serve Him. I think one of my weaknesses is trying to control the "game" and the emotions that serve as the measurement of accomplishment and victory. I believe I am seeking and FORCING to find something that He does not want of me. I need to have a change in mentation, attitude and lifestyle, so that I could INVITE Him openly and willingly.
This past Sunday, Father said "What is the one thing that you will give back to the Lord this Advent season?" The answer is quite obvious, right? But, how many people LISTENED and HEARD the true meaning of what Father said and how many are acutally going to follow through? One...Two...Maybe three...I pray that I am one of those three!!! I desire to INVITE Him into my life, NOT just for this Advent season, but each and every day that He continues to GIVE us.
AMEN!
Thursday, November 17, 2005
time to visit the OC
Today was quite an interesting day...
I started out the morning going to the hospital to pick my client that I would take care of tomorrow (Friday)...I wasn't sure who to pick so I asked the charge nurse who I should pick and right when I finished asking, I hear a patient yelling..."HELP...HELP...GET OUT...HELP...DON'T TOUCH ME!!!" then the nurse turns to me and says..."HIM"...I find out later that this particular client was thrown out of his nursing home for being combative and unwilling to comply with the nursing home protocols. The doctors and social workers asked the nursing home to reconsider and they REJECTED!!! wow...so...how will it be tomorrow...your guess is just as good as mine...maybe a fight??? Oh yea, the client is also under psychotic drugs...GOOD ONE DAV...good selection...
Second thing...
I get to campus and I realized that the other section of my Assessment class had their "Health Fair" today where they would teach the class a thing or two on a particular subject...So what's so interesting about that...My prof said that the more PROVACATIVE the better...NOT such a good ideal for grad students...haha...my classmates' topic was..."COLORECTAL EXAMINATIONS" haha...so they went to a sex store and bought an inflatable women to be the "MODEL" for a colorectal examination...wow...is all i have to say...I'll take a picture of my project and i'll post it up so you could see my creativity...hahahaha...by next TUES it should be up...stay posted...
ANYWAY...In less than one day I'll be on a plane heading to so. CALI for an awesome night of PRAISE & WORSHIP!!! It's going to be nice being with the family that introduced me to HIS most awesome LOVE and GRACES...There's nothing like being with brothers and sisters who are so willing to sacrifice everything to be in HIS presence...
I started out the morning going to the hospital to pick my client that I would take care of tomorrow (Friday)...I wasn't sure who to pick so I asked the charge nurse who I should pick and right when I finished asking, I hear a patient yelling..."HELP...HELP...GET OUT...HELP...DON'T TOUCH ME!!!" then the nurse turns to me and says..."HIM"...I find out later that this particular client was thrown out of his nursing home for being combative and unwilling to comply with the nursing home protocols. The doctors and social workers asked the nursing home to reconsider and they REJECTED!!! wow...so...how will it be tomorrow...your guess is just as good as mine...maybe a fight??? Oh yea, the client is also under psychotic drugs...GOOD ONE DAV...good selection...
Second thing...
I get to campus and I realized that the other section of my Assessment class had their "Health Fair" today where they would teach the class a thing or two on a particular subject...So what's so interesting about that...My prof said that the more PROVACATIVE the better...NOT such a good ideal for grad students...haha...my classmates' topic was..."COLORECTAL EXAMINATIONS" haha...so they went to a sex store and bought an inflatable women to be the "MODEL" for a colorectal examination...wow...is all i have to say...I'll take a picture of my project and i'll post it up so you could see my creativity...hahahaha...by next TUES it should be up...stay posted...
ANYWAY...In less than one day I'll be on a plane heading to so. CALI for an awesome night of PRAISE & WORSHIP!!! It's going to be nice being with the family that introduced me to HIS most awesome LOVE and GRACES...There's nothing like being with brothers and sisters who are so willing to sacrifice everything to be in HIS presence...
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
PEE problem anyone???
Today was a pretty stressful yet exciting day. I spent about 3 hours today going over the material to pass my URINARY CATHETERIZATION check off. I am now authorized to insert and remove FOLEY CATHETERS my friends. That includes both men and females…oh yea!!! That’s right!!! So if you all have any problems going PEE call me up and I’ll hook you up…For those of you unfamiliar to foley catheters…think of an 18 inch long tube with the width of a regular sized pen being inserted into your “URETHRAL MEATUS”. Hahaha…in other words, your small little hole…hahaha…Honestly, I didn't think that was possible...but you know what IT IS...CRAZY...I hope I have the opportunity to practice this on Friday during my clinical. Seriously, I’m not a freak…I just really get excited performing REAL nursing procedures…
Alright down to serious matters…
If you had a problem going PEE and I was the only one able to insert a FOLEY, would you let me??? Come on…think about this one really hard??? IF I had no choice, I’d let you fools do it to me…hahaha!!!
Alright down to serious matters…
If you had a problem going PEE and I was the only one able to insert a FOLEY, would you let me??? Come on…think about this one really hard??? IF I had no choice, I’d let you fools do it to me…hahaha!!!
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Almost Done
In exactly one month I'll be done with this semester and I'll be on my way home to Rosemead and Irvine. I really miss being with my family, eating out at our favorite Chinese and Japanese restaurants, hanging out, and just being together as a family. It's been a while since I last saw my family, but I try not let it get me down. I try my best to call my sisters and parents everyday. So that actually keeps me up to date on what's going down. I am so thankful to God for their support. They never stop asking how I'm doing and continue to encourage me to do the best that I can. I love you all!!!
I also miss the LOG family...Those were good times. Hanging out late (12 midnight for me and dee, remember, we did work, that was late for us...haha), eating out, playing poker, jammin' with the band, being stupid, just being in each other's presence. Can't wait to see all of you guys in December. We all need to hang out. I think about you guys all the time...Oh yeah...I'm really proud of you all. I hear that LOG is growing and becoming what God wants it to be through your hard work and dedication. Wish I could be there to see it happening. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. Continue serving and continue praying!!!
LOG...Remember to keep Him in your focus, especially in preparation for BC...
Oh yeah...random thought...I bought new windshield blades for my car the other day from good old Target, but don't have a clue how to take the old ones off. I seriously pulled out the Honda owner's manual in the Target parking lot to see how I could take off the older ones, but got even more confused reading it. HELP!!! It actually rains up here so I better change them really soon. How could I not know how to replace windshield wipers...UGHHH!!!
I also miss the LOG family...Those were good times. Hanging out late (12 midnight for me and dee, remember, we did work, that was late for us...haha), eating out, playing poker, jammin' with the band, being stupid, just being in each other's presence. Can't wait to see all of you guys in December. We all need to hang out. I think about you guys all the time...Oh yeah...I'm really proud of you all. I hear that LOG is growing and becoming what God wants it to be through your hard work and dedication. Wish I could be there to see it happening. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. Continue serving and continue praying!!!
LOG...Remember to keep Him in your focus, especially in preparation for BC...
Oh yeah...random thought...I bought new windshield blades for my car the other day from good old Target, but don't have a clue how to take the old ones off. I seriously pulled out the Honda owner's manual in the Target parking lot to see how I could take off the older ones, but got even more confused reading it. HELP!!! It actually rains up here so I better change them really soon. How could I not know how to replace windshield wipers...UGHHH!!!
Monday, November 07, 2005
WHAT A RACE!!!
So, I never thought that registering for classes would be as crazy as buying a pair of exclusive dunk sbs. Seriously, when they say your window opens at 9 am, they MEAN 9 am. I bet you people kept refreshing their windows in hopes of being the first one to register (I DID) haha...So what's the big fuss about registering first...Registering FIRST = BEST CLINICAL site. That's all people care about.
My top choices for next semester were: Kaiser SF, UCSF Medical Center, and Stanford hospital. Didn't get my first choice, Kaiser, but was able to get UCSF. Pretty excited. It's going to be a 12 hour shift so hopefully I could hang. I'm just really glad that I'm going to be ending my Skilled Nursing Facility rotation and be able to move on to my MED-SURG rotation. Basically, I don't have to wipe too many butts anymore (HOPEFULLY). I get to see some really gruesome and crazy wounds and diseases. YEA...that's what's it's all 'bout!!!
So check this out...Last Thursday I had my Pharmacology exam and before the exam starts one of my classmates runs in and yells to the entire room that he got shitted on by one of his clients. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Supposedly, his client was on the BSC (Bedside commode) and was getting up, and almost fell. So my classmate went to help and in the PROCESS got crap on his scrubs (lower leg, right in the front, right next to the ankle region, you could see the brown, seriously, wow...haha, wow!!!)
Anyway...courtesy of Kaylene B...Thanks for looking out girl!!!
One more exam today...Please pray for me!!!
My top choices for next semester were: Kaiser SF, UCSF Medical Center, and Stanford hospital. Didn't get my first choice, Kaiser, but was able to get UCSF. Pretty excited. It's going to be a 12 hour shift so hopefully I could hang. I'm just really glad that I'm going to be ending my Skilled Nursing Facility rotation and be able to move on to my MED-SURG rotation. Basically, I don't have to wipe too many butts anymore (HOPEFULLY). I get to see some really gruesome and crazy wounds and diseases. YEA...that's what's it's all 'bout!!!
So check this out...Last Thursday I had my Pharmacology exam and before the exam starts one of my classmates runs in and yells to the entire room that he got shitted on by one of his clients. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Supposedly, his client was on the BSC (Bedside commode) and was getting up, and almost fell. So my classmate went to help and in the PROCESS got crap on his scrubs (lower leg, right in the front, right next to the ankle region, you could see the brown, seriously, wow...haha, wow!!!)
Anyway...courtesy of Kaylene B...Thanks for looking out girl!!!
One more exam today...Please pray for me!!!
Sunday, November 06, 2005
IT SMELLS LIKE...
So the other day, I was in the library and decided to reserve a room so that I could study in a quiet area for a couple of hours. When I got to the room there were like 6 people in the room that I reserved. So I knocked on the door and gave them a couple of minutes to get out. Okay…long story short…When I got in the room guess what it smelled like??? DUDE…I thought I was in the FISH MARKET…seriously…I bet you anything that every single one of those people that stepped out of the room had to have smelled like FISH…I’m not trying to be mean…but seriously, it smelled like fish. And you know what…I bet you that after spending two hours in the room, I smelled like fish too!!! DAMN!!!
Anyway…This past week has been a roller coaster. Started the week with a presentation and midterm and ended the week with another midterm and still had to work at the hospital. By the way…THANK YOU everyone for your prayers…Dee’s Lola has gotten a lot better and is now out of the CCU and is in the MED-SURG floor. So check this out...Me and Dee go to the hospital and visit her Lola when she got transferred to the MED-SURG floor. And the first thing Dee says when we get out of the elevator is “THIS PLACE STINKS, EWW, WHY DOES IT SMELL LIKE PEE, EWW?” and she continues, “THAT IS WHY I WILL NEVER BECOME A NURSE, SERIOUSLY, EWW” and then she says, “DAVID, HOW THE HECK DO YOU WORK IN CONDITIONS LIKE THESE?” That’s Dee for you all…Seriously though, it’s not that bad. You get used to the smell pretty quick, haha…
Let me continue rambling…
Guess what??? On Friday, while I was at my clinical, I finally gave my FIRST Intramuscular INJECTION…That’s right baby, I’m on my way to becoming a REAL nurse…It’s so much easier doing it on a real person rather than on a foam pad that moves around every time you try and poke at it…haha…it was an awesome experience. Did I mention, that the freaking NEEDLE was 1 1/2 inches long…yeah…that was pretty crazy. But my client didn’t even flinch when I did it…I guess when you are in that much pain getting pricked for a second is negligible. So remember I could give injections now…Come to me, and let me practice some more...I promise I won't hurt you...
Oh yeah, Dee finally cleaned her room!!! You could actually walk into now…Good bye my friends!!!
Anyway…This past week has been a roller coaster. Started the week with a presentation and midterm and ended the week with another midterm and still had to work at the hospital. By the way…THANK YOU everyone for your prayers…Dee’s Lola has gotten a lot better and is now out of the CCU and is in the MED-SURG floor. So check this out...Me and Dee go to the hospital and visit her Lola when she got transferred to the MED-SURG floor. And the first thing Dee says when we get out of the elevator is “THIS PLACE STINKS, EWW, WHY DOES IT SMELL LIKE PEE, EWW?” and she continues, “THAT IS WHY I WILL NEVER BECOME A NURSE, SERIOUSLY, EWW” and then she says, “DAVID, HOW THE HECK DO YOU WORK IN CONDITIONS LIKE THESE?” That’s Dee for you all…Seriously though, it’s not that bad. You get used to the smell pretty quick, haha…
Let me continue rambling…
Guess what??? On Friday, while I was at my clinical, I finally gave my FIRST Intramuscular INJECTION…That’s right baby, I’m on my way to becoming a REAL nurse…It’s so much easier doing it on a real person rather than on a foam pad that moves around every time you try and poke at it…haha…it was an awesome experience. Did I mention, that the freaking NEEDLE was 1 1/2 inches long…yeah…that was pretty crazy. But my client didn’t even flinch when I did it…I guess when you are in that much pain getting pricked for a second is negligible. So remember I could give injections now…Come to me, and let me practice some more...I promise I won't hurt you...
Oh yeah, Dee finally cleaned her room!!! You could actually walk into now…Good bye my friends!!!
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
PRAYER REQUEST
Hello all...Last Friday, Dee's grandma was admitted to the hospital and is currently in the CCU. Please keep her and the rest of Dee's family in your prayers.
Thanks everyone!!! God bless you all!
Thanks everyone!!! God bless you all!
Saturday, October 29, 2005
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
To help or NOT to help
The talk in my classes is: “We all need to help each other out to get through this program!” Seriously, people say this everyday. I have no problem with it. I try as much as I can to help out my classmates and I really don’t mind. BUT, today I started to think differently. Whenever my classmates call me up for help, I drop all that I’m doing (or studying, even during exam time) and spend a good amount of time explaining things to them until they understand the concepts and what not. Several times now, I’ve called them and needed some clarification and you know what? This is the answer and help that I got…Can I call you back I am trying to catch up with some other things right now? And…I don’t know if I could help you, I don’t have my papers in front of me (they are at home by the way). I want to give them the benefit of the doubt that they can’t help me at that particular moment. This really bugs the crap out of me though!!! I don’t know…I just feel like I’m getting burned at times trying to help these people when at the same time I don’t get it in return…Is it wrong for me to feel this way…
The main reason why I’m asking whether or not I’m wrong for feeling this way is because, I’ve learned through Liwanag “…to be generous. Teach me to serve you as I should: To give and not to count the cost…” “To labor and ask not for reward,”…
It just gets really hard at times. I am entering a profession that is geared to serve our brothers and sisters and I just feel that if someone needs help, someone should be there to help them. BUT…I need help myself at times and there is no one there…UGH…so hard!!!
The main reason why I’m asking whether or not I’m wrong for feeling this way is because, I’ve learned through Liwanag “…to be generous. Teach me to serve you as I should: To give and not to count the cost…” “To labor and ask not for reward,”…
It just gets really hard at times. I am entering a profession that is geared to serve our brothers and sisters and I just feel that if someone needs help, someone should be there to help them. BUT…I need help myself at times and there is no one there…UGH…so hard!!!
Catching Up
Brenton: What’s going on? What’s the latest kicks you’ve purchased? Miss you bro!!!
Kirs: Yes, I am finally blogging. You need to blog yourself. Are you busy or something? I STILL DON’T BELIEVE you are busy. Work???...hmmmm haha…j/k, but not really!
Krystal: Hey you…It’s really good to hear from you…I’m trying to hang in there. Take care!!!
Charles: Hi! Gone fishing yet? Come up here and we’ll go in the freaking FOG and COLD…
Fred: Thanks for all the help bro…Really miss jamming with you!!! We need to get together sometime during the holiday break.
LOVERS ANONYMOUS: i miss and love you too???????
DEE: I PROMISE, I didn’t do anything wrong!!!!!! Hahaha…Love you!!!
Adrian: UNCLE!!! How’s life treating you in Irvine? Are the Madrona BOYZ still taking advantage of you??? Or are you taking advantage of them???
Joey Cracker: What up bro? I just recently figured out that there are TONS of fellow crackers at USF…come join!!! Haha
Noreen: How is married life treating you? I am praying for you and Mike!!! Tell him I said “What up?”
Meechy: Hey girl!!! Everytime I’m online you always have your away message on. Are you really that busy at Mesa? Oh yea, send over some of your killer cakes. I miss them!!!
Kirs: Yes, I am finally blogging. You need to blog yourself. Are you busy or something? I STILL DON’T BELIEVE you are busy. Work???...hmmmm haha…j/k, but not really!
Krystal: Hey you…It’s really good to hear from you…I’m trying to hang in there. Take care!!!
Charles: Hi! Gone fishing yet? Come up here and we’ll go in the freaking FOG and COLD…
Fred: Thanks for all the help bro…Really miss jamming with you!!! We need to get together sometime during the holiday break.
LOVERS ANONYMOUS: i miss and love you too???????
DEE: I PROMISE, I didn’t do anything wrong!!!!!! Hahaha…Love you!!!
Adrian: UNCLE!!! How’s life treating you in Irvine? Are the Madrona BOYZ still taking advantage of you??? Or are you taking advantage of them???
Joey Cracker: What up bro? I just recently figured out that there are TONS of fellow crackers at USF…come join!!! Haha
Noreen: How is married life treating you? I am praying for you and Mike!!! Tell him I said “What up?”
Meechy: Hey girl!!! Everytime I’m online you always have your away message on. Are you really that busy at Mesa? Oh yea, send over some of your killer cakes. I miss them!!!
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