I Haven't Been Blogging

Instead I've been:

Getting FREE shaved ice, beverages, tacos & music at UCI's Reggae Fest.

Making cherry cobbler w/my bestest friend for works Water for People Chili Cook off fundraiser.Playing around with watercolors.Going to FREE concerts (thanks again for the tix El Rey, Au Revoir Simone was awesome).

Driving around LA and Hollywood with Dirty D (I've actually never been this close to the sign, thanks again D!).

Eating Roscoe's with Erma (later followed by dessert cupcakes from Sprinkles and a hunt for a Panera for their delicious orange scones).

Hanging out at the beach with my cute, cute niece and her lovely parents.

Seeing really cool midnight movies with family & friend (this actually wasn't at the theater, but was on display yesterday at Paramount Studios!)

Frequent trips to Yogurtland with friends.

Going to bridal showers and weddings planned by Brittney Stiles (former Stiles Fisher).

Whew. So I've been busy as a bumblebee, but its time for blogs again (haha, trying to check all my reader updates, 225 to read! Oh me, oh my! ) Happy summer!!!

Joseph belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints...

Joseph getting baptized this weekend, means getting to see/spend time with friends/family. Here are some highlights from my weekend. The baptism (Joseph, Jo, Lelani and Deann):The babes! I'm a proud Auntie of 4 adorable kids (Tay Tay and Ansel fish watching @ Shasta Museum, after our 1 mile walk for free tee shirts;):

OPEN SESAME! Plus snacks are delicious!

Tay Tay found a nice big puddle for entertainment after the days rain.

Got to see Rach (its been since her wedding, June 28):

Spent time con mis padres (Dad with the boys):
And, got to play in the water (thanks Cowboy Josh) in Sequoia National Park.

All in all it was a lovely, successful weekend. Joseph's baptism went fantastic and I'm glad I was able to be there. Now we just need another event to get together again! Love you family!

Walk For Lupus Now, 2007

So last year was Troop ET's (ET for Eme Te'o) first year participating in the Lupus Walk.  It was held in Long Beach last year and we walk from the Queen Mary to the Aquarium. They had booths set up and a little "exercise warm up" prior to the walk. Here is a video of the warm up:

Support your local walker here.

GRATITUDE!!!

"TROOP ET"

So, many of you know that we lost someone very dear to us earlier this year.  What I didn't mention, was that it was the Lupus that called her home. I'm probably like many of you who had little exposure to the disease.  All I knew is that an Elder in my mission had it. He had to tract with a hat on and ultimately had to stay and help out in the mission office due to his sensitivity to light.  Now I can that I know more about the disease, only because I've been able to see it in action.  But for those of you who don't know much, here are some of the facts:

• Over 1.5 million Americans have lupus
• More than 90% of people with lupus are women
• In the United States, lupus is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans than Caucasians
• Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and brain
• For some people, lupus is a mild disease affection only a few organs. For others, it may cause serious and even life-threatening problems.
• Studies suggest that more than 16,000 American develop lupus each year.

I finally signed up today on-line for the Lupus Walk. This will be Troop ET's 2nd year doing the walk. Anyways, last year one of the Aunties collected $400? last minute.  She asked co-workers and friends for whatever amount they could contribute...people donated $5, $10...etc. which all amounted to larger sum (aka "by small and simples things shall great things come to pass").  Anyways, I took time out from billable work to set up my page on the Lupus web-site.  And began sending out e-mails (you may have been one of the lovely recipients) for donations to our team.  I slacked on raising money last year, and was determined to be more proactive...unfortunately, I have a more personal reason for being proactive this year. But if anything this should be a sign of awareness of how quickly and devastating this disease can be. Last year Eme was walking with us, and this year we're walking in her memory. Anyways, this year's walk will be Sat. October 18th at Exposition Park in LA. I would like to invite you to join me, or donate in support of the cause as we Walk for Lupus Now!

I was prompted to write this blog as already I've received donations. I'm happy and overjoyed at the support (no matter how big or small).  We really can make a difference and I thank you all for whatever support you can give! It started off at $25...but can collectively amount to much more.  

You can support the cause by donating to the Lupus foundation as I walk not only in memory of a cherished friend, but for those who are currently suffering and hoping for a cure. Click here to go to my donation page. Ahe'ee :)

We love and miss you Eme!

PHAMtastic.

My friend Annie go married yesterday. It was lovely and so was she :)

Old Friends

Due to unforeseen circumstances, I ended up having to work in the field all last week. So, yesterday when I was back in the office, I was happily greeted by my office friends, which I had neglected all week. Meet my office buddies:

Chewy:

And these guys....are my Homies ;)

They brighten up my office a little more and basically keep my company (don't worry, they don't talk back...ha, ha...). I'm sure they're friends with other office friends friends, like the Star Wars Mr. Potato heads (R2D2's cute). I actually found Chewy in the toy department while b-day shopping for my nephew. He really isn't a functional toy (his arms barely move). The series is cute and perhaps for $10 a pop...the series shall be mine :) Oh and did I mention that Chewy's made from 100% Recycled Goodness? Guess I can't say the same thing for my Homies.

Let's Dance to Joy Division...and Pretend That We Like It

1st and foremost: H A P P Y I N D E P E N D A N C E D A Y ! ! ! Hope you all had a safe and happy day of celebration.

This is what I got to do today:

P.S. Its 11:11 again? Ahh...lovely wishes on a day off of work :)

Its moments like these you need...

MinTies!

Special thanks to all who made it possible for me to eat these! Alofas Wesley Ohana!
(whew! finally something worth blogging about! I love these things!)

Monumental

Last Sat. morning was the Costa Mesa Community 5K run. My co-worker and I decided to run earlier in the week. It was blazing hot that day but we all came out for a fundraising run. It was fun. Its actually the first OFFICIAL race that I've done. We did a 10K last year, but wasn't able to completely register (it was full), but we ran it anyways. So, here's to the beginning of what to hopefully be monthly races *cheers.*

To My Sister from another Mister

8.22.82 - 4.7.08

Love you Eme, you'll be deeply missed.

For more information on how you can help the cause, or find a Lupus walk in your area.

Its a Small World Afterall...

(I just realized I end pretty much everything with "..." anyways...:)

"Time, time, who's got the time???"

Apparently I did. I took half a day on Thurs. to meet up with my brother-in-laws family at Disneyland. They try to take a trip yearly with the kids. Sadly enough, my sister and the little ones couldn't make it this year (dang UVSC), but it was good to see the Peterson just the same. Now I know its only a 25 min. drive from my house (15 without traffic), but I've seriously only been twice. I always thought it to be more of a place for children, but I have to admit that I entirely enjoy myself everytime I go. Not to mention, that many of my friends will now be happy to know that I am a proud owner of a season pass, which means more visits, and more Cinderella and Snow White.

I also forgot to mention that Mel & Doreen both had those fancy self-powered wheel chairs, this meant that we got to the front of the lines with no problem. I would honestly consider renting one, just to skip the long lines...j/k ;)

Here are some pics of Thurs. events:

Is my hair really that brown? My 1st ride of the day: The Matterhorn w/Jess & Chutchut

Yeah for Space Mountain! Russ & I literally were running after these girls to get in line. Did I mention that we rode it twice...in a row? Yeah for youth.

The girls sitting still for a pic.

Chap's "Pirate face," they did a FANTASTIC job with the paint.

The End.

A Tribute to My Baby...Out w/The Old, In w/The New

So, many of you have been asking to see pics of the new ride...while others didn't even know I had one. I will also take this time to pay tribute to my old baby (may she R.I.P.). We'd been through a lot together and I will always remember the times we had...she will never be forgotten. Here goes, to memories and new beginnings! :)

This was her 1st surf trip. My little champagne colored 2001 Honda Civic EX. I took her and the boards down to San O. Wasn't she cute?

This is the tow truck taking her after the 2 blown head gaskets...sad, sad, day. ): It actually happened while I was in Nor Cal visiting the brothers and sister. I tried to drive her back to OC like that (@ night, going 45 mph most the way, with frequent stops), needless to say, it didn't make and I had to have her towed to Santa Clarita and later (AFTER I signed up for AAA), to home.

Anyways, I had gotten her fixed after that little event, only to have her go out on me again. I drove her to Utah the 1st weekend of Dec. for Jacob's mission farewell/an early Christmas. She made it to Utah fine, until I decided to head to Provo, from my parents house. I had started up the canyon but didn't make it to far (thankfully). I had to turn around (drive only worked some of time) and ended up coasting to cell phone reception area. So after I had her towed to Orem (thank you AAA) and got a of about $3G to replace the transmission, I decided that it was time to switch the thing out (did I mention this happened ~2.5 months after I replaced the engine?). Anyways, so my "Good-for-300,ooo+Honda" ended up being a lemon, which inspired the need for a new car. Luckily, my little brother works for Legacy Mazda in Orem, which is where I got this:

A proud new car owner. Finally getting the keys to the car, after HOURS of paperwork.

Bag of Bluebird, free with purchase, for a limited time only :)

Isn't she cute? :)

Well, there you have it. My new 2007 Mazda6. New, means I don't have to worry about new engines or failed transmissions. Which makes this driver, happy, very happy.

::peace::