A Lovely Start to My "Jesus Year"

I celebrated the beginning of my "Jesus Year" yesterday -- the big 33! For a little over 24 hours, I had the most beautiful day. I don't know how else I can describe it.

From the moment I woke up, I was inundated with such lovely messages from friends. I mean, I cried happy tears within the first 15 minutes that I was awake. That has to be some sort of record for me. lol.

There was also so much laughter (to the point of tears!) throughout the day, especially within the first hour of my waking up. 

I didn't do anything extraordinary or anything I had planned. I had wanted to go to confession the day before, Mass the day of, and get a cupcake at some point. Instead, I got lunch at my favorite burger joint followed by my favorite sorbet at Menchie's. I spent the majority of my day in my pajamas, at home. It sounds boring but it was anything but.

I'm a people person... a social introvert. My love language is quality time. Although most of my friends are spread across the States and abroad, I felt so loved and blessed by all of them. Sure, there were messages on social media, well wishes on my phone, and I didn't see many people yesterday but it's the quality of the messages that made my day special.

I'm a simple gal. I don't need physical gifts to be happy. A few genuine and kind words are enough to make me the happiest lady. Add prayers said for me by friends (and strangers!) and you have an exceptionally happy me. 

I know if I had gone to confession and Mass, it would've topped my 20th birthday (and a day-long trip with my best friends to Disneyland) as my favorite birthday of all time. Alas, it didn't happen but I still felt God's love throughout the day. I also have no doubt that our Blessed Mother also interceded so that I would have at least one good day for my birthday since I'm in the last couple of days before my consecration. 

Thank you to everyone who made it a special day for me!

And if you're wondering why I get really into my birthday, it's not because the day is all about me. Despite all the things I endure during the year (and I've had some whoppers some years), I manage to make it to another year on this earth. That is why I'm especially happy about the day. I celebrate another year that God has blessed me with and it's a tremendous gift.

Anyway, I just wanted to make a record of this day somewhere where I can revisit it if I ever need to be reminded of what a lovely day I had. :)

Don't forget that the novel sequel is on sale until 8 a.m. PT on June 5th! Also, thank you to those of you who got yourselves copies yesterday. Yes, I saw the numbers yesterday. Thank you! :D

I hope you all having a good rest of your week!

As always, thanks for reading and God bless! :D

 

Why I (Nearly) Left the Church Recently

My Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati Rosary bracelet.

This is something I'd been holding back on for weeks (that, probably, no one other than 2 people know about) but I think is now the right time to share: there was a point, last month, where I came very close to becoming completely apathetic towards the Church... or, at least, I felt like I was going to leave it. In fact, I was scared that I wouldn't be strong enough to resist the idea of leaving. Before I go into details, I'm going to say I am not blaming any people I will mention in this post. Yes, I'm hurt and it didn't help the situation but I do not blame them for nearly causing the apathy.

This past Lent was rough for me. I got sick (a bad cold after being subjected to freezing -- for L.A. standards -- temperatures in light layers). I accidentally had dairy when I went to Mexico and I spent the next month being physically debilitated because of it. I dealt with the last of the problems I had due to the anemia and everything else. I was racially profiled for the first time in my life. My spiritual life took a big hit, too. I was expecting it as both Advent and Lent are prime times for the enemy to mess with us. However, I wasn't expecting it to hit as intensely as it did.

I was hit with doubt and indecision about almost everything. I felt as if I no longer had any clarity about what God's will was for me and my life. In fact, I had zero plans for my life. I had tanked one of my courses in my SLP program which led to the decision to leave the program and look for a way to pay back my student loans.  I went 4 months without receiving the Eucharist. I tried to go to Mass but obstacles hit me left and right. The anemia and the accidental dairy ingested caused a terrible lightheadedness and physical fatigue that made it impossible for me to safely drive to Mass. Taxi cabs failed to pick me up and take me to Mass without explanation. Last month I experienced three consecutive weekends of what seemed to be physical manifestations of intense spiritual attacks that both holy water blessed this past Epiphany and the medal of St. Benedict helped shorten the effects of, immediately. I won't elaborate more on it beyond that. I will say that it was during those intense three weeks that the apathy threatened to take hold.

During that time, what my former spiritual director said to me (twice!) kept replaying in my mind: that there was no point in me being a Catholic because I stunk at being one. Well, that's what I interpreted. His actual words during our last spiritual direction meeting (in which he kicked me out of his office) were "what's the point?" (in my being Catholic). Direct quote; I wouldn't dare attribute false words to anyone, much less a priest. What was the point of me being a Catholic if I didn't attend Mass regularly? What was the point of me being Catholic if I struggled to concentrate during my time in prayer? What was the point in my being Catholic? These words swirled around in my mind when I tried praying, especially when it was the Rosary or the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. I would want to quit praying, wanting to give up, but I powered through the rest of the prayers (with a little help from holy water).

As I've mentioned in the past, I joined a young adult group late last year but I haven't been to many meetings/get-togethers this year. Mostly, it's been because I've been physically unable to. There were also meetings I wasn't told about (that I had no idea were even going on) so I didn't go because I had no idea. They've been nice people... but I've also not felt welcomed. I feel absolutely horrible for saying that (and I promise I'll get to the point of sharing this soon) but it's true. As much as I like the group of people, I feel like I'm excluded from what they do. It's understandable; they've been more active in parish activities (the majority being part of the choir) and they see each other more but it still stinks to feel left out. The kicker was when I contacted one of the members and suggested that we try to help set-up a more frequent carpooling system to outings in which they charged for parking... and a suggestion she, herself, had pitched to the group for that specific outing. She told me to work it out myself because she was too busy to help me for a different Mass event I wasn't even talking about. I felt the heat rush to my face and my ears when I read her response. It had been her idea; I only suggested perhaps setting up something so that the carpooling could begin before the outing (it was going to start at Mass and then end up at a different location) since some of us (I'm not the only one) have transportation issues sometimes. I've seen people (in the group and from the parish in general) ask for rides, so it was a suggestion to help them out. I had a way to get to get to Mass and the outing; it wasn't even for me. Needless to say, between that response, another group member publicly embarrassing me for something I'd say in all seriousness at the last big (read: crowded) meeting I attended and feeling like I wasn't welcomed... I decided to no longer attend group meetings.

All of these things -- what my former spiritual director had said and my experience with the members of the young adult group -- and my inability to go to Mass all contributed to me feeling and thinking that perhaps my former spiritual director was right and that me praying, doing my best (and failing spectacularly when I began doubting myself, especially when it came to my ability to go to Mass regularly), and not finding my place in the Church meant I should throw in the towel. I had these strong thoughts and feelings for almost the entirety of May. Add me feeling as if I didn't know what I was going to do with my life and everything else I mentioned... I was in a bad place.

On a whim (I don't remember if it was inspired by a dream I had that featured him or if he just kept popping up in my mind), I decided to start a Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati novena on May 1st. I mentioned it to Mom and she also, quite suddenly and without giving it much thought, said she would pray it along with me. I got the novena prayers in Spanish from the Frassati Argentina group for Mom and we prayed for the same things: clarity about my career/vocation (small v) and my health. The spiritual attacks (or what I think were attacks) got worse when I did the novena... but I didn't stop. Though the thoughts persisted that I should leave, remembering Bl. PGF's life story kept me from pulling away. I use to remember his ardent love for the Church. I also remembered how both St. Therese of Lisieux and St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) had moments in which they felt God had abandoned them as well so I kept going. I think I only missed praying the Rosary once and that's because I fell asleep because I felt unwell. Other than that, I don't think I missed either morning or nighttime prayers. Bl. PGF remained in my thoughts (and my heart) as my birthday approached. Whenever I felt like giving up, I would remember him and I tried to fight through the apathy and disappointment.

As silly as it sounds, the moment that I feel was the turning point was when I received my lab results at my second hematologist appointment. To know that my prayers had been answered reduced me to a puddle of tears and gratitude at the hospital (where my hematology appointments occur). I had been slowly gaining weight in the past year but I didn't break past the 124-125 mark (I'm usually between 125 and 128 lbs) and it would occasionally dip back down... until I did the novena. My weight, as I mentioned before, has remained steady and is back to where it was prior to my health issues starting 5 years ago. It took years to get down to the source of my health problems (sans those that are causing low platelets). It was the moment where I went "I suffered through so much... but I can see that God didn't abandon me. He heard my prayers despite my not going to Mass and my failure... and Bl. PGF came through for me in a big way." A day or two after receiving the wonderful news that I was healthier than I had been in years, the rest of my prayers (that were part of my novena to Bl. PGF) were answered.

The weekend before my birthday I returned to confession and Mass for the first time in 2 months. I have not failed to go to either confession or Mass since. On my birthday I got word on something (career related) that I'd been praying about, literally within 5 minutes of my waking up. (side note: totally counting that as a birthday gift from God, lol). I now have a clear(er) path that I will be taking starting this autumn when the next phase begins. I also got inspiration for my third novel, which was scrapped and started over again for the third time but which has stuck. (second side note: I'm glad I started over; this new idea is so much better than the first two I had.)

I feel like myself again. I feel that great love I have towards the Church though I've still struggled with certain things like overindulgence and temptations in recent weeks. As I mentioned a couple of posts ago, my new confessor suggested focusing on my spiritual life this summer which I've been doing. I want to get into my problem with my experience with Ordinary Form Masses vs Latin Masses (and the communities for both) but I'll save that for the next post. Let's just say that I had a big eye-opener regarding this and it's what I'll be working through this summer. For now, I'm just trying to keep my confession and Mass attendance more regular, I want to figure out what I could do to help my concentration problem during prayer time, and I want to kick the bad habits I developed/that returned while I went months without attending Mass. Baby steps... but happy that I didn't leave the Church and grateful for the intercession Bl. PGF helped with.

I bought myself a Rosary bracelet with a medal of Bl. PGF to wear and use (to pray until I get myself the complete Rosary) for my birthday as a reminder of why I'm a big Frassati fangirl. That's what this post's picture is of; the Rosary bracelet. It's already helped me focus when praying the Rosary despite being like twice my width of my wrist, lol.

And before any of you say anything: yes, I know that feelings can trip us up and that we shouldn't pay attention. I also know that even in our darkest moments, God is always there for us. I kept reminding myself of that when I was struggling... but it didn't always help. Sometimes your mind can play tricks on you, just like your heart can. The devil knows how to best kick us when we're already down. Don't you think he knows that the easiest way to get me down is to make me feel unloved and rejected? Hi, I'm an INFP and phlegmatic-sanguine over here; I'm a people person despite being an introvert. I say I'm a social introvert for that very reason -- I like people. Making me feel like I'm rejected by people I admired -- my spiritual director and members of the group which I so wanted to be a part of? He knew how to get to me... but God is greater than him and God knows that my stubbornness (when used for good), my optimism (which did waver for a while), and tenacity are some of my best strengths. He knew that Bl. PGF was the best way to pull me out of that abyss of spiritual dryness and doubt.

I'm sure there were countless prayers that I don't know about, which helped me get through all of this. To those who prayed for me during this time, I want to say a massive "Thank you!" To those who I personally know are struggling through the same thing or something similar, please know I add you into my prayers specifically by (full) name because I understand how difficult going through this is. If you're going through doubts about the Church or anything of the sort, please don't be afraid to talk to someone... or even ask others for prayers. I volunteer to pray and fast for you; just let me know privately. I don't want anyone to go through this... or worse.

Anyway, this -- sharing what happened to me -- had been on my heart since last night and I'm grateful to be able to share it with you. I'm not fully out of the danger area (are any of us?) but I'm in a much, much better place than I was last month. Bl. PGF's feast day is coming up early next month so I'll be reposting the novena prayers (they differ daily) every day on this blog later this month leading up to his feast day (July 4th). I didn't think it was possible but I've become a bigger fan of his (and my mother is a (new) massive fan now that she saw the big changes since we did the novena) and I'm full of gratitude for his intercession. As he would say, "verso l'alto!" ("towards the heights!")

It's getting hot in my home office (it's already in the low 90s and it's only 12:25 p.m.) so I'm going to end this blog post and go migrate to another part of the apartment before I have to go pick up Mom from work.

I hope you're all having a lovely week thus far!

As always, thanks for reading and God bless!

Obsessed with Youth and Beauty?

Although my birthday is still (exactly) 2 months away, I've been thinking about what I want to do to celebrate... and, apparently, it's weird to see because I shouldn't be excited. Because I'm turning 32. Because that means I'm, like, super old. The horror! lol.

I've always enjoyed celebrating my birthday even though I have a track record of absolutely terrible birthday celebrations. The only good ones (that I can remember) have been 18, 20, 24, and 25. Seriously, that's it.

I went on a spontaneous lunch date with a guy I liked when I was 18. (side note: he's been the only Mormon I've ever dated. That itself is a whole 'nother story.) He didn't even know it was my birthday because I hadn't mentioned it but, boy, he was a gentleman. Oh, and we also went to Disneyland around that time.

I celebrated 20 at Disneyland with my (then) two best friends, one of whom is still one of my best friends to this day. It was the first time I'd ever stayed at Disneyland late enough to enjoy the fireworks (save for grad night). It was magical. A few days later we (the gals and a couple of my best guy friends) met up at my favorite diner where we took over the back room and had a blast.

 A day before my 24th birthday, my father gave me the best birthday present when he returned to the Church after being away for over 40 years. Nothing has topped it as the best birthday present ever, except, you know, my mom giving me life.

25 was my first birthday without my father (who died nearly a month and a half after I'd turned 24) and I had so many friends and neighbors who came over for a potluck birthday. Our apartment was bursting at the seams with so many lovely people. I'm sure I had some pretty awesome birthday parties as a kid but I don't remember that far back. Other than that, I have the worsting time.

It doesn't help that my birthday usually lands around Memorial Day (if not on Memorial Day) and right around the time everyone goes away for the summer. Trying to organize something is always a nightmare for this social introvert. I kind of want to do another potluck-type thing, like I did for my 25th birthday. A very casual, chill thing with some friends, maybe some of my brothers (if they're in the area; I never know with them), and neighbors. Quality time is my love language so, you know, that would be the best gift; having my friends here for my birthday. I've yet to solidify -- or even commit to -- the plans but, at the moment, I'm thinking I may just do that.

Anyway, the point of this not to talk about my birthday but about how a lot of people think it's weird that I actually enjoy getting older. I don't know if it's because I was blessed with good genes or because I don't quite understand the obsession with staying young.

I will admit that I have my moments where I go "I actually feel old right now" but those are very rare. Most of the time I'm a sort of bouncy (yes, I did just use that adjective to describe myself) nerd, trying to get through this great adventure that we call life. The only times I look at my age in comparison to how old someone else is is when a (much) young(er) man decides he's interested and I have to say "you, do know I'm *insert number of years* older than you, right?" No, I haven't robbed cradle; I'm simply stating that younger guys dig me. lol. Other than that, age is not an issue with me.

Perhaps it's because my mother taught me to be proud of my age; proud of who I am. She's turning 63 this year (and doesn't care who knows; she'll tell you) and has more energy than I do! lol. She looks like she's about a decade younger as well. She embraces her age and who she is. It's been a wonderfully empowering thing to witness growing up (and continuing to 'grow up'). She doesn't see age as an unfair life sentence like many people do. She isn't rushing out to buy the latest beauty product to make her look younger. She does like to look nice and likes to take care of herself but not to the point of vanity; more like respecting the body God has given you and taking care of it to the best of your ability.

Ever since I've hit my 30s (so, since May 30, 2015, lol), I've noticed the growing trend of "I'm in my 30s now! Noooo! I'm old! I'm haggard! No man will want me!" That and the ads have become increasingly annoying, featuring younger and younger looking women touting the miracle of whatever facial cream will make them 10 years younger. There's so much emphasis on youth and beauty. I honestly don't get it. Is it one of those "the grass is always greener on the other side" deals?

Well, no. I take that back. It's quite clear that it's society's fault for pushing youth and beauty as the ultimate things that we women should strive for. Going back to the ads, how many can you count during a commercial break? In magazines (oy, women's magazines are the worst!)? And how often do we fall for that lie that our self-worth and happiness are contingent upon how young and pretty we look? Lies, my friends. Of course, they're going to push these products (many of which don't work or will only work for a limited time)! They're companies who want to make money off of your insecurities! They have marketing teams who do research and go for the things that make us so insecure, which, (unfortunately) for women has become getting older and not looking like you're just out of high school or college.

There's beauty in growing older. I firmly believe that every wrinkle and line that appears is a story about growing in wisdom and that itself is beautiful. My mother works in a convalescent hospital so I'm used to seeing older women who light up when you visit them; always ready to tell you a story. Have you ever sat with an older stranger and been completely absorbed in their stories of things they've lived that you'll never experience yourself? That is a thing of beauty. Women who are "old and wrinkled" who've cared for others -- whether biological or adopted children or simply other people -- are beautiful. Women who've renounced the world and have devoted their lives to praying for others and doing God's will in cloistered convents are beautiful. Women who've become mothers... consecrated virgins... religious sisters... all beautiful. You men who are dedicated fathers, brothers, priests, monks also get a shout out for bringing beauty to this world in your own ways.

I know some people will say "well, yeah, you look like you're in your early 20s. Of course, it's not a big deal to you." Yes, I do look younger than I am but, in the past year or two, I've noticed that I'm finally losing some of that "baby face" and I'm starting to look closer to my age... and that's totally fine. In fact, it's been great to see as I look back on pictures I've taken over the past couple of years. I can tell you that I've embraced the crow's feet that are popping around my eyes because they tell others that I've had many good laughs, some that have ended in tears from laughing so hard. That means I've had a lot of joy in my life, even in the middle of all the crummy things I've dealt with. Same goes for the laugh lines around my mouth. I actually think they complement my dimples. ;) Yes, that was said half-jokingly, half-seriously. lol.

We, women, need to remind ourselves that our beauty comes from within. No, it's not a bad thing to want to look nice and to take care of ourselves. That's, as I said earlier, simply respecting and wanting to honor the bodies God has given us. It's not bad to want to look nice for our significant others. I like dressing up and looking nice as well. I'm pretty laid back (read: low maintenance) most of the time but I do like putting an effort for special occasions (and Mass). That doesn't mean that I'm doing it to fluff my ego or vanity.

Ladies, when you see a friend (or even a stranger) doing something that emphasizes their inner beauty, say so. Gentlemen, do the same. Don't allow society to tell you that your self-worth depends on how pretty you look. Don't like age dictate what you can and can't do (within reason... that was for you in the peanut gallery. You know who you are. lol). I've seen/heard older gentlemen in their 70s-90s talking about beautiful their wives are... women who, by society's standards, are way past their prime and whose wrinkles are an indication that they are "worthless." I've even heard one particular gentleman talk about how his wife (both in their 80s) was more beautiful now than when she was in her 20s! We need to build each other up, not to the point of vanity but to the point where we can ignore the ridiculous societal norms of what youth and beauty are.

Ultimately, none of this is going to matter. Looks aren't everything. Some people look incredible and have hearts as black as night. Some people look (as our society would put it) homely and have amazing hearts full of love and joy. Have you ever met someone who wasn't conventionally beautiful but their personalities made them even more beautiful? Case in point, y'all. Yes, yes... it's cliché to say that what matters is on the inside but, um, hi, it's a cliché for a reason. When we're done with our journey on this earth, I'm pretty sure God is not going to care about what we looked like but will care how we lived my life and how we served others. Celebrate your birthdays, no matter what the number is! Enjoy life and don't worry about others think of you.

I'm going to leave y'all with this:

"Your adornment should not be an external one: braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or dressing in fine clothes, but rather the hidden character of the heart, expressed in the imperishable beauty of a gentle and calm disposition, which is precious in the sight of God." (1 Peter 3:3-4)

And now that I've written that, I'm going to try to finish my research paper. It's due tomorrow but I think I can turn it in tonight. After this, I have a big exam coming up next week so I may not blog again until next week. We shall see. :D

I hope y'all are having a lovely week thus far. Friday of freedom is almost here! We can do it! lol.

As always, thanks for reading and God bless! :D

Happy Birthday, Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati!

Just a quick blog post to celebrate the fact that my forever "man crush Monday"/saint crush Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati was born 115 years ago today. Though he had an very short time here on earth (he died at the age of 24), he lived such a beautiful life that continues to inspire me to this day.

I'm not going to write a long post because I have schoolwork but I'll leave you new readers (and you established readers who want a trip down memory lane) links to other posts I've written on Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati over the years.

• Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati Week, written right before I got sick and went downhill last year.
• Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati DVD and Book Reviews. Self-explanatory. 
• Still Relevant Nearly 100 Years Later, quotes from letter he wrote that were, you guessed it, still relevant almost a century later. Written around the time of the SCOTUS ruling last year.
• Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati's Last Days Reminded Me of My Day. Parallels between his last days and my father's last days.
• 7 Quick Takes, Vol. 19: Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati Edition, me basically fangirling over how his example has enhanced my life and my faith.
• Why I Adopted Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati as My Spiritual Brother. Self-explanatory.

If you want to learn more about him, please visit the FrassatiUSA website.

Alright, I need to go back to studying. I'm going at a snail's pace because I really want to absorb everything we're studying. I tend to be a speed reader but I sometimes miss little details doing that; terrible habit. I believe I have an exam at some point this week and it's closed book so I need to really focus on the material. Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, pray for me! (side note: yes, he's my personal patron saint for grad school since he died a few exams short of his own diploma.)

I hope y'all have a lovely rest of day/week. I hope to blog at some point before the week ends but we'll see how busy I get. ;)

As always, thanks for reading and God bless! :D

To My Godson on His First Birthday

Dear Neil Flynn,

I can't believe you're a year old today. It seems like just yesterday that I was at UCLA, taking an exam for a class (for which class, I don't remember), when your dad sent me a text message that your mama was in labor. I was both thrilled and a little nervous for you and your mama since the delivery took a little longer than we had hoped. I anxiously waited for news of your arrival all day. When your daddy finally sent me a picture of you, the moment you were born, I felt a great love and relief. Relief that you and your mama were okay and an immense love for my first little guy.

You see, little man, I don't have babies of my own yet. Therefore, you are my first little one... even if all I am is your spiritual mother. Although I cannot physically be there to watch you grow up (since you're currently in Florida and I'm across the country in Southern California, your mama and daddy have done a great job keeping me in the loop since before you were even born.

Yesterday we found out you have Koolen-de Vries syndrome. I've known your parents for years -- since before they were even married... I think before they even started dating -- and you couldn't have asked for better ones. I know they will do everything in their power to make sure you thrive despite whatever obstacles are thrown your way. I will also be there every step of the way, even if I can't physically be there all the time.

The future is bright for you, little man. I cannot wait to see you grow up... to watch you reach every milestone... to help you grow, especially spiritually... and to always remind you that you are special and very much loved. You've already taught me so much in your first year of life and I know this journey is just getting started. It's been an immense honor being your madrina and I'm so lucky to have you in my life.

I ask everyone reading this to please say a prayer for my little man and his parents on this special day,

Enjoy your gifts, little squishy, and I hope to see you soon. God bless you!

With all my love,
Your godmother

How I Celebrated My 30th Birthday

I've been asked what I did for my golden birthday (30 on the 30th) by a couple of people so -- in order to save time -- I thought I'd blog about it so I can just link everyone to a single place. :)

My 30th birthday was very quiet yet wonderfully "Emmy"... and quite possibly the best birthday I've had since about 20 or 24. Yes, this introvert (who usually celebrates her birthday at Disneyland) had a very low-key birthday and it was absolutely perfect.

A co-worker of my mom's offered to work Saturday (which is my mom's last day of the work week) so that she could have the day off to celebrate my day. As many of you know, I drive my mom to work in the 4 a.m. hour so that meant I got to sleep in a bit. Hooray! No, really... after weeks and months of getting up at that hour, the body and mind gets tired so it was so welcomed.

In the morning we went to the only known (to us) parish that has confession before noon on Saturdays. No, let me rephrase that: the only known parish that was not the cathedral; they were having the ordination Mass that morning so no confessions. Mom and I actually arrived at the parish a bit early (and, coincidentally right before the morning Mass began) so we were able to enjoy that day's Mass before confession as well as some time in the Adoration room/chapel before and after confession.

After Mass, I drove to my favorite vegan bakery, Buttercelli. Since it was going to be just mom and I, I got a couple of their vanilla-vanilla cupcakes as well as one of their new vanilla donuts (my first donut in years!). It was my first time since my 24th birthday that I had any sort of cake (yes, I'm counting cupcakes in this statement) for my birthday so it was a real treat. Something very lovely that happened while we were there, right as we were paying, the Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong version of "Dream a Little Dream" (my favorite song) began playing at Buttercelli. It was like my own little sign that my birthday was going to be a good one.

Not much happened the rest of the morning into afternoon. The Hallmark Channel aired a couple of my favorite movies (seriously, it was like they knew!) so I watched a couple before taking a nap. I had some weirdo dreams the night before and didn't get as much sleep as I'd wanted so the nap was necessary.

In the afternoon, I got up from the nap and we got ready to attend the Saturday Vigil Mass at our home parish. We headed to our parish earlier than usual because they were having the annual fiesta that weekend. I found parking at the end of the long block but didn't mind the walk. I had on the blue mantilla my bestie had given me for my special day and was glad that I was getting a second Mass that day. :D

Mom tried to surprise me by having my name added to the Mass intentions but I knew beforehand. Still, I blushed and looked down when my name was read along with the Mass intentions. After Mass, the visiting priest prayed over me and blessed me. I was able to see my spiritual director right after, too. We reached him while a cover of "Celebration" by Kool & the Gang was being played so he made a joke that they were playing it for me. We stayed at the fiesta for a bit before going home.

We counted down the minutes until 8:45 p.m. PST since that was the time I was born. I ate my cupcakes (saved them for the right time) and that was that. :)

Really, that was the most exciting of it. As I said, it was very quiet but very perfect for me. I got to spend time with my mama, with God, and with some of my favorite priests so it was wonderful for me. :D I don't need a big party or gifts (though I did get some wonderful ones from friends who ignore my "no gifts" request every year); I'm perfectly content with simply going to Mass and having a cupcake that day. :)

There you have it. It will seem very boring to most of you but that's okay. I'm a simple gal and I'm glad my day was peaceful as opposed to drama-filled. :)

Anyway, just wanted to share with those who were asking. :D

And now I should go attempt to finish reading the Lectio Divina book my spiritual director recommended. I have my next meeting coming up in exactly one week from today so I need to prepare for it. :D

I hope y'all are having a great start of week. :D

As always, thanks for reading and God bless! :D

Saying Goodbye to My 20s

Sunset over the Pacific Ocean as seen from my alma mater.

On Saturday I turn 30 years-old... and I cannot wait! So far, I've only known one other person (who turned 30 a couple of months before me) who doesn't mind leaving their 20s behind. I really don't because this was the roller coaster decade for me.

My 20th birthday and year was a lot of fun. I went to Disneyland (an annual birthday tradition) with my (then) two best friends. My social life was awesome. I had my favorite undergraduate semester that spring I turned 20. A couple of weeks after my birthday I was offered a contract with an agency (something that would've taken my life in a completely different path) that I ultimately walked away from. It was what I thought I wanted... but there was something in me that made me decline it. Interestingly enough, it was also the year that I remember first being offended by what someone said about Catholicism. The older brother of a friend -- who was/is an atheist -- had been watching for announcement of a new pope following the death of Pope St. John Paul II quite intently. After a while he remarked about how he felt stupid doing it since he didn't care... but in such language that it stirred something in me (regarding Catholicism) that I'd never felt before. I didn't think twice about it though.

I reverted to the faith shortly after I turned 21. I clearly remember two big things happening that summer: the World Cup in Germany and my reversion. I got sick a couple of weeks into my 21st year and the doctors couldn't figure out what it was. Someone had the audacity to tell me that they didn't think I would make it to 24. I had been an extraordinarily healthy child and teenager so the suddenness of the illness was scary. Prayers to St. Jude began... as did my reversion.

I started this blog when I was 22. I also came really close to take the "big plunge" (the then fella and I talked future plans) but things didn't work out. 23 was the age in which I started the original draft of Will and Lina: When Two Worlds Collide, which is completely different than what it ended up being. 22 and 23 were the years that my faith began to grow... and prepare me for what was to come. It was also the time in which Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati and St. Therese became the saints that helped me through the rest of my 20s. Oh, and I also discerned the religious life between 22 and 23 but for all the wrong reasons.

I lost my father when I was 24. For my 24th birthday, my father gave me the best gift I've ever been given: he returned to the Church and made his first confession in over 40 years. I also delayed my undergraduate education for yet another year (which I put on hold a couple of times between 19 and 23) while I grieved. I had my first article published in Envoy Magazine, another article followed when I was 25.

I rung in 25 with the biggest party I'd ever had. I think everyone was trying to make me feel better about it being the first birthday without my dad. I started my two-year prison sentence at the CINO alma mater. A big (delayed) milestone: I finally got my driver's license. That's a whole 'nother story in itself.

I finally graduated college at 26 (and I recently wrote a retrospect on the blog). I started working as a freelance writer a couple of months out of college... which is basically how I'm ending my 20s -- I have a couple of articles to write before Saturday. Yep, 26 was a pretty quiet year, which was fine because...

27... oh, 27... you were the worst year of my 20s. I don't miss you at all! Anything that could go wrong, did go wrong. I also got sick again at 27, which I'm still recovering from (the nearly 20 lbs weight drop, stomach issues, etc; I'm finally within healthy weight and I can eat a lot of things I couldn't then). Financially, it was also the worst year. Let's just say I wouldn't wish year 27 on anyone.

My first novel (5 years in the making!) was published at 28. It was a big year for me for several personal reasons. Let's just say that it was the year that whatever delays I had in the "growing up" department finally happened and I became comfortable with who I am as a person. It was arguably my favorite year of the second half of the decade.

The novel sequel (London Calling; the Kindle version of which is currently on sale) was published at 29. This has been the year that I feel like my life has finally gotten back on course... but with a better, clearer idea of what I want. My teens were disastrous on so many levels and I think I did most of my growing up (thus far) in my 20s so I'm glad that I didn't jump into a lot of things I thought I wanted.

In a weird way it seems like my life was on pause for the majority of the decade... because I needed to do a lot of reevaluating. I honestly felt stagnant and unsure of where my life was going. It's only been in the past 11 months that I've seen myself really going forward in all areas of my life -- education (grad school), career (still writing but I'm aiming to teach as well), and we'll see what God has in store for me in the fella department; definitely dodged a ton of bullets in that area in my 20s.

Despite the ups and downs in this decade, I wouldn't trade any of it for the world. I lost many friendships -- especially after my reversion (I can count only a handful of people who've been in my life since before my reversion), I lost my dad, I felt lost for a good portion of it... but I gained so much more than I could've ever dreamed.

So, goodbye (in 5 days) 20s. You were an interesting decade but I seriously cannot wait to see what God had in store for me in my 30s. As my beloved Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati used to say: "Verso l'alto" (to the heights)!

I might write again before the big day but I don't know how busy I'll get in the next couple of days so I wanted to get this post published just in case. :D

As always, thanks for reading and God bless! :D

7 Quick Takes #4

I haven't done one of these since December. I did promise a blog post so here we go. :D

--- 1 ---

I finished Spring Cleaning today. It took me two (almost three) weeks to finish since I went through the entire house (every corner). Goodness gracious. I think I threw away about half of my filed papers and about a third of the other things I'd accumulated over the years. I am not big on clutter so it was wonderful to see it all go. Now I can relax, work on my novel (hey, it's the only free time I'll have), and count down 'til Thursday. :D

--- 2 ---

Oh, if you hadn't heard, I have made my decision over the possible name change... and I'm going to keep it for many reasons. Yes, I'm still headed to grad school to become a Speech-Language Pathologist but I'm still going to write... and I want to have some control over what content is published under "nerdwriter" and "catholicnerdwriter". I wouldn't want anyone scooping up the name and then creating illicit content, posing as me. I've seen it happen before.

--- 3 ---

I've noticed that, since I went on vacation, I've slipped back into my social media (mostly Twitter and instagram) addiction. Well, I don't know if addiction is the right word but it'll have to do for now. I was doing so well, taking time offline, and I didn't even consider what would happen if I didn't keep my schedule away from social network. Le sigh. I'm going to try to fix that during my last week of vacation.

--- 4 ---

Wedding month is about to wrap up for my lovely gal friends. Emily got married earlier this month and Clare got married last Saturday. Both were beautiful brides. And to round out the month, two more #CathSorority gals (Trista and Elizabeth) are getting married this weekend. Please join me in praying for all of them and their new husbands. :D

--- 5 ---

One more thing I'm excited for: my birthday next Thursday! I had one of the worst years (starting with my birthday misadventure) and it all went downhill from there. It was just a bad, bad year. I don't care that I'm that much closer to 30. Bring on 28 and the new, exciting things it will bring (including start of new career)! :D

--- 6 ---

This Catholic New Agency article on the American seminarians winning the Clericus Cup reminds me that I still need to post part two of my Catholicism and Soccer post. I hope to get to it soon. So many ideas, so little time.

--- 7 ---

Finally, as I wait for my birthday present from Frassati USA to arrive, I'm gong to melt over this picture of Bl. Pier Giorgio as a baby. How incredibly cute was he?! Those cheeks! I still have to write reviews on a couple of this books too. ;)

That's it for now. I want to go enjoy waffles or sugary cereal to celebrate the end of the Spring Clean-a-thon. I would've baked something but I'm too plumb tired. Don't worry, I won't be gluttonous (which, reminder, is a deadly sin). ;)

Hope y'all have a great weekend. :D

As always, thanks for reading and God bless.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Silver Lining in My Birthday Misadventure

I haven't blogged in a couple of days for three reasons: 1) I haven't had the time with errands, 2) I had a bad birthday misadventure that kept me out of the house longer than expected, and 3) I've had food poisoning symptoms for the past three days. I don't have to explain numbers one and three so I'll share with y'all how seemingly horrible my birthday was... and how one stranger reminded me that God was still there with me despite my situation.

Before I go on, yes, I took this picture with my camera phone early on Wednesday morning. :)

My twenty-something (yes, I'm finally old enough to say it's "not lady-like to reveal my age", lol) birthday on Wednesday was the worst birthday since I turned two and had a horrible fever according to my mother. If you've known me long enough, you know that I have the worst luck on my birthday. Except for my 18th and 20th birthdays (and, okay, two years ago wasn't so bad), something bad has always happened on the day of. Either I plan something out and only one person shows up (despite other people RSVP-ing) or it all goes horribly wrong. This year started with food poisoning in the morning... right as I got to Disneyland.

My mom took the day off from work so it would be just her and I (I'm not planning anything big until my 30th in a couple of years) and she decided to take me to Disneyland. I spent the first 2.5 hours of the trip feeling weak and faint (partly because of the food poisoning) and without anything to eat since all they had at the park were breakfast foods I couldn't have with my food allergies. It wasn't until they opened California Adventure that I was able to find a place to eat. (Side note: I seriously recommend eating in CA instead of Disneyland if you have food allergies; it's a bit pricey but they are meticulous about making sure you're both satisfied and full despite your allergies.) We were in both parks for a total of 4.5 hours before we made are way home for the second part of the birthday plans my mom had.

This is where it gets "fun." Our van (we were picked up by Access) broke down twice on the way home. The first time was at Santa Monica College (my alma mater). We had to drop someone off there before going home and the van's battery decided to die before we left the parking lot. We were in a good spot so it wasn't too bad. We did wait for two hours until the company sent someone to help. After that I thought, "Okay, only two less hours to celebrate. That's fine." Little did I know that that would not be the worst of it.

The second and last time the van broke down was on Sepulveda Blvd., just north of Sunset Blvd.... during rush hour traffic. If you live in L.A. you know how bad the 405 and Sepulveda get during rush hour traffic. We got stuck there around 4-5 p.m. when it's at its worst. It was a nightmare. The battery kicked the bucket and not even the car horn or the hazard flashers worked. I personally got out of the van - in the middle of rush hour traffic no less - and started waving at people to go into the left lane because we were blocking the right lane. This was a horrible experience for me because all eyes were on me as I did this... and I absolutely, positively hate that kind of attention. The next three hours showed me what I hate about L.A.

Forget the traffic... the people I saw were some of the rudest I've ever had the "pleasure" of seeing. I got everything from horns being honked to being flipped off. I would yell "jumper cables?" whenever I saw someone looking in my direction. Most everyone gave me a dirty look, some actions and words I don't feel comfortable repeating, or they looked away as if they couldn't see me. One young man asked if we were okay and I was going to tell him that we needed a jump but the cars behind him were honking angrily so he kept going. I did not see it, but my mom (who was in the van) said one woman crossed herself when she saw me outside, trying to get some help. I tried to flag down a AAA guy but he just shook his head and kept driving. A car full of guys were nice enough to try to catch up with the AAA guy, trying to flag him down for us, but they were unsuccessful and kept driving.

There was only one stranger who actually stopped and tried to help us but couldn't. He saw that I was near tears at that point and, despite not being able to help, actually said a prayer for us - asking God to keep us safe until we were able to get assistance - before he left. Up to that point I'm ashamed to say that I'd temporarily lost faith in humanity (at least those living in L.A.) but I am glad that he was the silver lining in the misadventure. He helped me remember that not all L.A. people are jerks and that God was there with me. I was weak, hungry, blood sugar was dropping, anxiety was making it hard for me to stay standing... but somehow I found the strength to stay out there until nearly 8 p.m. when Access (who, btw, showed what a crummy system they have -- seriously? waiting 4-5 total HOURS to send help?) sent someone to rescue us.

We got home late and I was weepy for the rest of the night because my birthday was kind of ruined (I didn't even get to go to Mass at 5 p.m. like I'd planned) but I was glad that we'd gotten home safe. There were a couple of close calls -- cars almost clipping the van -- but we were safe, which was all that mattered. I had moments when I started to think "I try to help people when they need it, so why won't anyone help us three women when we're in need?" but I stopped myself because I knew it wasn't fair to think it. All of this just really drove home the fact that we don't always help people when we can... and that we should really be more charitable towards others. And by we, I at least mean myself. If you do enough, then good on ya. But, let's face it... most of us don't help when help is needed.

In retrospect, typing this out, I really didn't have such a disastrous birthday. Sure, we were stranded in horrific L.A. rush hour traffic without help for 4-5 hours, I couldn't get a hold of any of my friends, my birthday didn't turn out the way I hoped, and the misadventure reminded me of why I've wanted to get out of this city for as long as I can remember... but it also strengthened a desire to help others and also reminded me that God is why me at all times so it wasn't entirely bad. I didn't get what I wanted -- which was a nice, stress free day -- but maybe I got what I needed, which was to be reminded of what is really important in my life.

So, there you go, that was my birthday misadventure. I'm slowly feeling (physically) better and I've been able to keep down food today (though I just ate for the first time today a couple of minutes ago) so I'm on the mend. :) I hope to keep blogging regularly again as soon as I don't have the urge to sleep all day. And, hey, even though my twenty-something year has started off poorly, it doesn't mean it'll continue to stick. I firmly believe that we go through horrible things because something wonderful will come soon. :D

Anyway, I'm going to rest and listen to some Ella Fitzgerald while I lay in bed. :)

I hope y'all had a better week than I did and that you have a great weekend. :D Oh, and let me know if I can offer up this food poisoning/fatigue thing for you. :)

As always, thanks for reading and God Bless. :D

Happy Birthday, Mama Mary!

Today is the birthday of Our Mother, Mary. Everything I said in the podcast for the TotusTuus website two years ago still remains true, when I feel like the world is crumbling in around me I can always find refuge in her loving arms. When I feel like I am alone, I always remember that I have her and Jesus (and, of course, God!) and that their love will get me through whatever it is that I am struggling through. Through the Rosary (which I try to pray at least once a day) and through the scapulars I wear (both brown and green), I feel like I am always connected to her (and, subsequently) God). It's an amazing feeling that is both indescribable and priceless. :D

I am missing school today since I have a really bad backache and am in a lot of pain but I know that they're celebrating this day at my school since it is named after her (and now you know where I go to school, lol). We were told to wear blue but since I won't be there, I'll do what I can from home. :D

Anyway, I just wanted to wish Mama Mary a happy birthday and urge you to pray the Rosary as often as you can. As that infamous shirt with the Rosary beads says "Have you called your Mother today?" ;)

I hope y'all have a wonderful day. As always, thanks for reading and God Bless!

Where Should I Start?; Music Monday

Where should I start? I've had so much going on with me in the past 2 weeks that I haven't had time to sit down and write a proper blog entry. I guess I should start from the beginning and work my way forward.

The good news is that, while I am still recovering from some of the lingering whiplash that one gets in "girl world", I have managed to get myself out of it pretty unscathed. I think the young lady that sucked me into the drama saw that I would not go along with it so she's left me alone. Of course a couple of my friendships have begun to end in the process but I feel like it's for the best. I noticed that these friends, who are self-described 'hardcore Catholics', weren't acting very Catholic and that I was struggling with my faith due to my friendships with them. It wasn't until I stepped back and reflected on this (and on my vocation which I will get into in a minute) that I realized just how bad these friendships were for me -- and especially for my spiritual health. There is no ill will on my part (nor will I argue with them on their ways) and all I will do is pray for them. :)

I also had the realization (while talking to a good friend of mine about vocation discernments) that I really and truly meant to be a married woman and a mommy some day. I'd known for a while but I had an epiphany while talking to my friend about this that really left absolutely no doubt in my mind. Furthermore, I think I'm finally at a place in my life where I'm ready for someone to come whenever God sends him to me. I wasn't before (ready, that is) but I think I finally am and it's incredibly exciting. :D I'm giving credit to St. Therese of Lisieux and Sr. Tracey Dugas for this too.

What else? Oh! I celebrated the one year anniversary of my father's reversion on the 29th and I turned 25 years-old on the 30th! (side note: Thank you, Delaney, for that uber sweet birthday message on your blog.) My birthday was the best birthday I've ever had, surrounded by amazing, loving people. :) I am thankful that my track record of horrible birthdays came to an end.

Two other things I was/am thankful for: 1) I aced my finals and got a 4.0 for the semester and 2( I found out that my tuition and health insurance when I transfer schools next semester will be covered by a huge scholarship and two grants. Last year I asked Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati for his intercession -- to help me find a way to pay for the tuition without going into major debt -- and this year I got my prayers answered. I literally yelled "Thank you, God!!!" in the financial aid office and I nearly cried when I was told. The good thing is that my new college is Catholic so doing such a thing wasn't a problem. lol. Now I am going to keep my end of the promise (yes, I make promises to do something if my prayers get answered) but I don't mind because it'll be for the good of the community. :D Also, I have signed up for my classes and I can tell you that I will almost completely immersed in Catholicism next semester. Only two of my five courses are not Religious Studies related (although in my Western Lit class I will get to read Dante's "Divine Comedy" as well as some Greek Mythology and the Bible so I guess it kind of counts). I don't start until late August but I'm already really stoked. :D

If you're following me on Twitter I know you keep getting World Cup updates. Sorry about that but Futbol soccer is a passion of mine. In honor of the WC, I have an entry that combines the sport with Catholicism. I'd already done one a few years ago (when I started this blog) but I am going to another and expand on it. :D BTW, go U.S., Mexico, Spain, and England! :D

There is more I'd like to write but I'll save them for future entries. :D All I want to say is that I've been incredibly blessed and I don't know what I did to deserve all my luck but I wholeheartedly thank God for everything He's blessed me with... especially considering that I've been struggling with my faith lately (though I now know the source and have made plans to avoid it.)

Oh, before I go... Music Monday! Today's pick is Nikki Yankofsky's version of "God Bless the Child" (originally sung by Billie Holiday). I've known about Nikki for a while but her CD was just released in the States last month (which I highly recommend if you're a jazz/jazz vocal fan like me.) She's amazing... and only 16 years old!


Alright, I am going to go hang out and work on the novel (since I had to take a break during finals.) I hope y'all have a great week. :D

As always, thanks for reading and God Bless. :D

Celebrating Dad's Birthday; Music Monday

This is the last picture I took of my dad, about a year ago this month. It's really hard to believe that this was taken on one of our last road trips together (if you've read this blog long enough, you'd know that he and I use to take them quite often.) It's harder to believe that it's been 8 months since he passed away, 4 months to the day that Fr. Leo passed away as well. It's been a hard day for those two reasons... but mainly because today would have been his 67th birthday.

We went to the cemetery in the afternoon to leave some flowers (including red roses since his favorite color was red). Our neighbor, with whom he was friends with, took us. I fought really hard to keep the tears in the entire time we were there. I wish I could say the same thing for the rest of the day. I am lucky that I had cognitive-behavioral therapy (since I don't take medication for the anxiety, I opted for this) because I was able to let out everything I was feeling today.

I remember that at this time last year, I was mad at dad for not celebrating his birthday with us -- first time he hadn't. I understood that he wanted to be with his family (not knowing it would be for the last time) but I didn't like that mom and I were left behind because of school and work. Of course I was happy when he was back and had surprised me with a chapel veil that I have planned not to wear until my wedding day. (Btw, if you can't find the post with the chapel veil on here, and if you're on my Facebook list, you can see the pictures there.)

After thinking about everything, I am content that I did everything that I could for my dad in his final days... but I am also still missing him. It's still too soon for that to really go away. I'm still in mourning (and my therapist even believes that's what's causing my slight decline in grades.) I don't think I would've done much different, other than telling him that I loved him every single day.

It's really easy for us as children (because we will always be children to our parents) to hold grudges and rebel against what our parents want... even easier when what they want isn't best for us. I did my fair share of that with my dad (especially as a teenager), but I look back at everything and I'm overall happy with everything. I made an effort to get to know him better, though it was really hard, and I finally did before he passed away. Maybe I can a really forgiving person or maybe my love for him was/is just too great, but I can actually celebrate his birthday without having an ill feelings about him.

And in honor of his birthday, I want to share a song that remind me of him. It's called "This is Not the End" by The Bravery. I listen to The Bravery often when I am working on my novel and this song always reminds me of what I feel about my dad and his passing.



I am emotionally exhausted from the day (crying will take a lot out of you) so I am going to end this entry. Before I do, I just want to say... hug your parents. If you're not a big physical family, just thank them for everything they've done for you. It's really hard losing a parent and I don't want any of you to regret not ever saying anything in appreciation to them. If anything, thank God that they brought you into this world. :)

I hope everyone had a painless Monday (I know how hard this day is for a majority of us.)

As always, thanks for reading and God Bless.

So Happy: Mission Almost Complete, Anointing of the Sick.

I am so happy, I could burst. I'm honestly ready to bounce off the walls and do back to back cartwheels but I won't. I'm still studying for finals (I have an entire novel to read by tomorrow morning. FUN!) and won't have time to do all of it until everything is done. I have done little happy dances, though. :D

"So, why are you a little ball of excitement? Where is this happiness coming from?" you may ask me. The answer is simple: Part of my mission has been completed! :D What mission? Well, if you've been reading this blog for a while now, you've seen me mention that my ultimate goal is to get both of my parents back to the Church, which (especially) means they'd have to go to confessions and receive the Eucharist. Today, one of my parents has taken that step... and I couldn't be any happier! I have prayed and wished for this moment for a couple of years now.

Originally, Fr. Juan was supposed to come just to give my dad the Anointing of the Sick. I set this ball in motion last week. I mentioned to my mom that we should probably do this, especially since my dad's been expressing an interest in prayer and attending Mass lately. Today, Fr. Juan called and let us know he was coming later in the day. I casually mentioned that dad hadn't gone to confessions or received the Eucharist in about 40 years. We both agreed to not push him (dad) but Fr. Juan would come prepared just in case.

After I greeted Fr. Juan and gave dad a few encouraging words about how it would be great if he would confess but that I'd understand if he didn't want to. I only said the second part (about not being upset if he didn't confess) because I could see dad starting to put up a "fight" against confessing. I went to my room and prayed that the Holy Spirit would help my dad and that he would take the opportunity to confess. I also got my prayer card of Pope John Paul II and asked him to pray for my dad. (side note: Mom and a few friends are currently asking for his intercession for my dad. We're hoping for a miracle!) And dad finally did. He confessed and received the Eucharist. I was so overjoyed with happiness that I cried. My father has given me the best birthday present ever (though my birthday isn't technically until tomorrow). Once he received the Eucharist, Fr. Juan prayed for him and dad received the Anointing of the Sick. After all was said and done, both dad and I were grateful for everything Fr. Juan did for us. And now, I just have to get my mom to go to confessions and receive the Eucharist and my mission will be done. :D

I have been so blessed lately, I'm completely speechless. I don't deserve any of the goodness that I've been experiencing, but I am very thankful for everything. Even with my birthday "curse" messing up my plans for tomorrow, I will still consider this the best one yet! I've been looking forward to my 24th birthday for as long as I can remember (which is about from age 7 forward) but I never knew why. I hope this was the reason why. :) Oh, and I didn't even mention that I've been lucky enough to be chosen to have priority registration at my new school, for next Fall. Man, what a great way to spend my last day as a 23 year old.

Alright, well, I think that's enough for now. :D I still have to go finish reading the Tortilla Curtain by T.C. Boyle for my English Lit class. I have a research paper on it due on Monday morning at 7:30 a.m. It's cutting it short, but I read novels pretty quickly so I'm not worried. :D

I hope everyone has a great weekend! As always, thanks for reading and God Bless. :D


P.S. Thank you to my twitter friends who prayed for my dad during all that happened today. It means a lot to me and my family. :D

Best Birthday Present!

Birthday presents have started coming in (my birthday is coming up soon) and today I received the first, and probably BEST, birthday present I could've asked for... and you're looking at it. I will hopefully go into more detail in the next blog (I have a million and one things to do today) but let's just say that this ring, what it symbolizes, and the fact that my sis helped make this ring a reality, means more to me than anyone can guess. :D More details to come. :D

P.S. It's a purity ring so please don't think I'm engaged. I'm not.
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