2008 was nothing less than great!

"Life isn't measured in minutes, but in moments.
Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt): 'I was thinking how nothing lasts, and what a shame that is.' Daisy (Cate Blanchett): 'Some things last.'" -The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

It is always hard to get back into the swing of the workweek after holidays. It is hard to explain but not working makes me even more tired than when I am consistently working 8-12 hours days. So this week is going to be particularly difficult considering I have the next few days to work, one day off for New Years and then back to work again Friday. I'm not commplaining but I just need to learn to let go a little bit more in order to also let go of the anxiety. I am a creature of habit, but this week is going to be full of changes, all of them good. I will be turning a new leaf so to speak.

To get the changes started, yesterday I purchased a new phone--a swanky BlackBerry Curve. I consider this an accomplishment because I RARELY buy things for myself even when I can afford it. I always feel tremendous guilt after such purchases, but the phone was not expensive at all and I needed to start up a new cell phone plan. It was part necessity, part desire and yet I still found it difficult to come to the decision. Shortly afterward, Aaron and I went to look at furniture for our new townhome (moving in Dec. 31) at CK Furniture. We fell in love with a couch and and struck a deal with the salesperson to get the couch/loveseat set with scotchguard. Needless to say, when we walked out of the store yesterday at 2 p.m., we both felt quite accomplished. We have made most of the arrangements for our move in a very responsible and yet timely manner, especially considering we get the keys to our townhome Dec. 31. I can't believe how soon this is. I won't lie, I'm stressing out. Mainly just because that is what I am good at (or tend to do), not because I am not ready with most of my things in storage since moving out of Sunnyvale in October. So since I will spend the new year focusing on the move into a new phase of my life and taking a large step in our relationship, I figured now is an appropriate time to reminisce about 2008.

It wasn't an easy year, not by any stretch of imagination, but it was one of my most valued years. I learned so much about standing on my own, the meaning of true love and what makes life worthwhile, including true friends and family. A huge appreciation is extended to those of you who stepped into my life, in one way or another. Sometimes it is the smallest person in our lives who can make the largest impact and I want to acknowledge this. We all have the ability to truly live if we WAKE UP and live in the moment.

Traveling to different places, attending various events and meeting new people really helped ground me. In the end I realized that no matter where I go, I always have a home. And for me, that home is where loved ones are. We are never lost with others. So rather than dwell on the negative, allow yourself to get swept in romantic notions every once in a while. It is a healthy thing to do to help you truly develop-and keep-a lasting peace of mind.

So as the year comes to an end, I extend my arm and clink wine, champagne or apple cider (enter your drink of choice here) glasses with all of you. And I cannot wait to see what next year holds in our many adventures. Have a safe new year spent in the company of those you love!

And if you happen to go to a movie before the year is out or in early 2009, just a suggestion: GO SEE "THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON."


It is a lengthy movie, but filled with amazing acting, a riveting story and beautiful makeup! The only reason I would suggest not seeing it in the theater is if you have a TWB (teensie weensie bladder) because it is hard to find just the appropriate time to take a break and, according to Aaron, it is a "three-peer."

Women reindeers rule

My awesome co-worker, Marianne, sent this along and I just wanted to share it in the spirit of the holidays.

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December. Female reindeer retain their antlers til after they give birth in the spring. Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudoplh to Blitzen, had to be a girl.
We should've known... Only women would be able to drag a big fat man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost.

Shine on

"You don't have to steal someone's glow to shine." - Tirza Carr (Tirzaism)

The older I become, the more stressful the holidays seem to become. Even though I enjoy the "spirit" of giving, I can't help but feel like there is not enough time to offer the loved ones I want to see. This year is a little different than last because I have two days off as opposed to a week and a half. Although I could complain, I refuse to. Not only because I was lucky enough to find a job during this tough economic time, but because my mindset and what I am the most thankful for has finally caught up with me.

I have been a bit stressed out trying to schedule holiday partys and get togethers while getting through long days at work. While it would be easy for me to take my frustrations out on others, I am channeling my energy elsewhere ... into guitar, volunteering and playing with my pets.

So just remember, rather than trample one another for the perfect toy this holiday season, there are more important things to exert your energy on ... and more important things that people will remember you for in the long run.

Afterall, you don't have to steal someone elses shine to be able to glow. And a star glows more brightly in the night sky when surrounded by others.

A cute puppy story

I wish I could say I wrote this, but I didn't. It doesn't mean that I enjoyed it any less though...I hope this sweet story leaves as much an impact on you as it did myself...

"A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the 4 pups And set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard. As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down into the eyes of little boy 'Mister,' he said, 'I want to buy one of your puppies.'

'Well,' said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat off the back of his neck, 'These puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money.'

The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer.

'I've got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?'

'Sure,' said the farmer. And with that he let out a whistle. 'Here, Dolly!' he called.

Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur.

The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight.
As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse.

Slowly another little ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a somewhat awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up....

'I want that one,' the little boy said, pointing to the runt. The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, 'Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would.'

With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one le g of his trousers.

In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe.

Looking back up at the farmer, he said, 'You see sir, I don't run too well myself and he will need someone who understands.'

With tears in his eyes, the farmer reached down and picked up the little pup. Holding it carefully he handed it to the little boy.

'How much?' asked the little boy. 'No charge,' answered the farmer, 'There's no charge for love.'"

Dare to be yourself

"In a world where you can be anything, be yourself."

There has been a reason for my absence lately and I apologize. I find solace in writing. My lack of it on my blog doesn't mean it has lessened. In fact, I have been writing more than ever lately and just haven't had time to write much on here. But now that I am beginning to get my life back in order, it is becoming easier and easier to get back to the simple joys in life, such as blogging. So, I have a new job with Silicon Valley Community Newspapers. I have been working in the Los Gatos office as a schools reporter for the Los Gatos Weekly Times, Saratoga News and Campbell Reporter. And even though I just began two and a half weeks ago, I am having a fabulous time. I can't help but wonder if it is just the "honeymoon" phase of having a job. But then I stop wondering. There is no point but to live in the present. And I have been doing it with more confidence and with more ease lately.

Being unemployed for three months makes me realize all of those things I took for granted when I was previously employed. So even though I have always had a very high work ethic, I feel like I am working that much harder lately. Only time shall tell. I remind myself not to get too excited. There is something to be said about staying grounded rather than on cloud nine. Although that is a fun place to be, it makes it difficult when you have to deal with a blow.

The most satisfying thing about my job is that I am not only happy about my workload and reporting, but also with the people I work with. They have already made me feel so welcome. And although it is going to take some time to feel completely comfortable, it is nice to know that I am in a place where I am comfortable being myself. That is one of the best parts in life. Being completely comfortable with yourself and finding people that are just as comfortable with you as well.

I appreciate all of those that are in my life. Not only do they nurture my talents and help build my character, but they teach me new lessons every day. Whether it is through something as simple as a conversation over lunch at BJ's, an extensive trip to another state for an IN-TENTS concert or the chance to rebuild relationships. As the year of the rat comes to a close, I realize just how wonderful it has been, even if I have endured some difficult situations.

Here are some other little critters I am thankful for in my RAT PACK:

The leader of the rat pack, Peaches.

The youngest member of the rat pack, seven-month-old Chandra.

The largest member of the rat pack, Stuart. Here he is, above, attempting to bring bubble wrap into the cage. Such a silly boy.

"Every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around." - Vanilla Sky

New extensive post - Under construction

So I know that I have been negligent in posting new blogs. That said, I promise to have an extensive update by the end of the weekend. You can hold me to it! It has taken a while to get back into the swing of things, especially with a new every day routine. But that time is just around the bend. For now ... TGIF everybody!!!