Walking with Strangers

Hey Blog Followers,

I'm going to get straight into my thoughts and points tonight. I have been thinking about the question, when do strangers become familiar faces and when do our familiar face friends/family become strangers? 

Life doesn't make sense sometimes and I don't mean to sound negative about it, but truly I don't get it sometimes. One of my favorite quotes from Gossip Girl is, 

"In life, as in art, some endings are bittersweet. Especially when it comes to love. Sometimes fate throws two lovers together only to rip them apart."

I'm not talking about lovers or love here. But, replace the word "lover" with stranger, or friend, or family. I know the typical answer that I have heard many times before...everyone comes into our lives for a reason or for a season,  A blessing, or a lesson, blah blah blah. 

Are we living a life with full of strangers? Perhaps. Think about the people you know if your life right now. At some point were they a stranger and now your best friend? Were they family and now you feel distant and don't have a clue about where to even start with them? I have ran into people who are not friends, nor strangers, nor family, so what are they and how is it that I ended doing this thing called life with them. Co-workers, the cashiers at the gas station, the bank teller, our doctors, familiar hikers, gym goers, etc.  

HOW COOL is that though!? That everyone we meet and see has the potential of making a mark in the memory spots of our brains. That even if people do disappear in our lives it can still be part of your story no matter how big or how small of an impact they made. I know strangers who have helped me along the way to where I am now and I don't even know there name, but I have their face implanted in my brain. For example, the guys who helped me when I got rear ended last year. Or the girl who actually ended up hitting my car. The lady who basically told me to go to South Africa. STRANGERS! Implanted in my brain and made in impact in my life in some way.

What about you blog followers? What are your answers or perspectives on this topic?

These are things I had to say.
#DreaSaidIt

A Harden Heart

Hey Blog Followers,

I hope this wonderful new season that we call, FALL, has been a good start for you. Well, the truth is depending where you are in the country or in the world for that matter, it doesn't feel like it yet. However, the point is,  I love that seasons change, but my favorite thing about fall is that it's a time to start preparing for rest and maybe come up with some new reflections or revelations. 

I am in a season of life where I feel so stuck in the middle of this youth and adult transition, which I know many young adults can relate to. I am going to be 26 this year... (26!!!!) I feel so much like a kid still. I don't know if I am in denial right now or I'm just not allowing it to be an option to grow up. I admire the young adults in my life who have embraced this responsibility, whether it was by choice or not. However, for me, I'm stuck. People come to me and sometimes ask for my professional or non-professional opinion and the first thing I say to myself is, "Why in the world are they coming to me?, I'm not adult enough for this."

I haven't really been feeling like myself lately. I feel mean, unkind, and ungracious. I am tired of saying yes when in reality what I mean to say is no. Maybe some of you can relate where you feel you have said yes yes yes so much and then you either resent it, or the one time you say no, you start feel that you are these mean words..."I'm mean, because I didn't say yes." I need to find a balance, but I don't want to lose myself either, which I feel like I am.  

I made a promise to myself that  I wasn't going to do something just do it. Also, I wasn't going to stick with the things that make me unhappy, because I value every second that I am given on this earth and I want to fill it up with only positivity and things that bring me joy. However, there is a danger that comes with those rules. It's tempting to give up people and on things that you once started with a purpose and now is becoming unfinished work. 

I ask myself, why is my heart hardening? Who is the person that God has planned for me to be?  I know that sometimes life events attribute to harden hearts and I can say this week for sure has attributed to that. However, I'm disappointed in myself with how I handle it. I feel a disgrace to my faith sometimes, because I am suppose to be practicing kindness, grace, love, etc. What am I so afraid losing or gaining?, because if I have God then I shouldn't be afraid of anything and I should be showing His light all over, even in the darkness. The story of Job is a perfect example.

I write this out,  because it's part of my therapy and way of processing my thoughts and feelings. However, I would love to hear for you if you are able to relate or give advice on what to do about this? 

These are things I had to say today.
#DreaSaidIt

Craving adventure and investing 20 hours on a new skill

Hi blog followers,

It's been a while since I have posted last, so I hope you are doing well in whatever season of life you are currently in. This season of life is all about school. A new school year has begun and let me tell you it's been go go go since day 1. I can't believe that next week will mark 1 month down of school!

Starting my new job at my new school has been a harder transition than what I was expecting it to be. Whether you are a kid or an adult, being a newbie definitely has it's challenges. A new culture, rules, faces and names to remember. It's not a bad thing, it's just different.

One thing I have been excited about is I gave my students a semester long assignment, which is from now until December they need to invest 20 hours into learning a new skill that they are interested in learning. They need to incorporate technology as one of their resources, but I'm still ok with them getting a book or shadowing a person to help them learn their new skill. I was initially thinking they can youtube how to do something, Pinterest,  get a language software if needed...resources are endless! Regardless, they are into it and they have inspired me to do it with them too. I still haven't decided what my new skill is going to be. For years I have been trying to sit down and learn French, "Clair de Lune" by Debussy on the piano, intense computer programming, and cooking my moms meals. I'll let you know what I end up deciding.

These kids have come up with some awesome goals from memorizing long poems, learning new languages, learning how to bake a cake from scratch and decorating it, becoming a better runner and sports players, learning to draw anime, writing books, website making, and the list goes on. I am so inspired and so proud of them already! It starts with the heart, you got to have the heart and willingness to want to learn something and hopefully it comes true.

Even though I feel the season of life I am currently in is pretty busy and fast paced, there are some things that I have been craving deep inside, which are new adventures. Some will be near and some will be far, because there are many trails to be walked on, many sunrises to still see, oceans to swim in, and people to meet.

This past weekend I went on a hike near my home. I have been on this hike many times, but this time I soaked in how beautiful the sun and mountains/hills looked. I have realized that I have the power to keep seeking these fun spots and that is definitely something I will be doing more of. Many more weekend trips are to come!

Let me know what are some skills you want to learn or any cool adventure spots that are worth putting on my list!

These are the things I had to say.
#DreaSaidIt

Here comes the sun

Early Morning Smiles

  

 

 

 

Another God miracle story! I ran into someone I have been hoping to run into for a long time!

Hey blog followers,

I have not been good about keeping up with my posts lately, but I really wanted to share this story!

So, back in Fall 2009 I studied abroad in South Africa and maybe I will write a post about how much that journey has impacted me today. However, the point of today is different than that.

It all started off back in 6th grade when I took choir with Mrs. Kelley. Well, she taught us a song called, "Shosholoza". At the time I fell in love with that song and it forever was implanted in my brain with no idea where the origin came from or the meaning of they lyrics. Hear it here (This is from the Invictus soundtrack). 

When I was in South Africa I heard it when 2 little boys were singing it outside our bus one time and I totally recognized it and even knew the lyrics still! It was such a internal magical moment for me. Who would have thought a 6th grade choir class would have such an impact on me. When I got back from South Africa I wanted to tell Mrs. Kelley how much her class impacted me and especially that song. She use to drive a blue beetle and every time I would see one on the road I would look in to see if it was her. The question I ask myself now, even if it were to have been her would I have followed her all the way home? Would I have honked to get her attention...lol. I have no idea.

Anyways, TODAY I finally ran into her! I was going into the bank and she was going in too and I couldn't believe it! My search and wonders have finally concluded! I was able to talk to her and let her know how much that song and that moment in time had a major impact in my life! 

It truly is God's perfect timing, because 1) she told me she ended up moving to another city and she was at the bank to deal with address change and 2) what if I had gone through the drive-thru atm, which I highly considered! I would have totally missed her!

I am so in aw and just humbled by God's love and His faithfullness! All I can really say is, thanks be to God and for awesome teachers who have impacted my life. It gave me inspiration to continue to make a positive impact to my students, especially as a start a new school year at a new school in a couple weeks! 

These are the things I had to say.
#DreaSaidIt

The Capitol Theme Party-For The Hunger Game Lovers

Hey Blog Followers,

Today I was thinking how cool it would be to have a Capitol Theme party. Having this party would be so awesome for the month of October or November, especially since the last movie will come out this November!  I want to hear some of your ideas and what would make it the ultimate party, but for now here are some of my brainstorm ideas.

Decor:
I would picture a capitol party to look a different couple ways.

Option 1: Black and white, but with hints of colorful accents.

Option 2: Very modern looking and lots of abstract concepts.
Option 3: Very white with color accents
Option 4: Very colorful with lanterns and super crazy and colorful lights. 

http://cdn2.blog-media.zillowstatic.com/1/Las-Vegas-1-e5dffb-e1384892542334.jpg

Fashion:
How fun would it be to see your friends dress up in extreme colors, wear mismatch or too matchy clothing,  and wear pounds of make-up?

Photo Credit: http://salemoregonhairsalon.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/hunger-games-capitol-fashion.jpg

I think there are lots of different ways you could go with this, but here are some basics:

 Ladies: Wigs, hair coloring, crazy eyelashes, scarves, hats, leggings, fancy dresses, OH man the list can go on.

Guys: Hair coloring, make up, smooth or crazy hair, suits, I'm not really sure, but let's just say it's an open book. 

Food:
I couldn't help, but put this image in:

Photo Credit: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/44/97/cb/4497cb30f3f205f1ff4902ff667a1be0.jpg

Here are some other ideas:

• Fancy pumpkin soup
• Colorful drinks (non-alcoholic preferably, but hey-that's just me) 
• Fancy and very colorful desserts! 

Music:
The Hunger Games soundtrack...just kidding. I'm not really sure what I would picture for capitol music. It might be a combination of classical in the day and techno at night, but that's just my opinion. 

I have no idea if this is a party I will be throwing or pulling off anytime soon, but hey you never know and dreaming is always a good starting place.

I want to hear from you blog followers: Would this be a party you would go to? What else do you picture a capitol party to look like? 

These are the things I had to say.

#DreaSaidIt

Not sure about copyright? Here is any easy map to help you to determine if you can use a picture or not: http://lifehacker.com/follow-this-chart-to-know-if-you-can-use-an-image-from-1615584870 

From 180 min commute to an 8 minute commute

Hey Blog Followers!

Have you ever heard the saying that so much can change in a year? Well, I can say that pretty much sums up my life right now.

Background Story:
In September 2014 (not even a year ago) I accepted a computer teaching position at Culver City Middle School (here is the link to that post just in case you missed it). At first, I couldn't believe that I would end up teaching middle school computers and after a trying, but successful year my heart changed where  I couldn't see myself going back to teaching elementary, because I have loved teaching middle school students and computers so much! However, finding a job like that isn't always easy, so I felt torn on what to do next. Do I look for jobs near home even though they might not be middle school computers or do I stay at in Culver City and suck up the commute for at least another year?

Well, I give thanks, praises, and glory to God, because he blessed me with my heart's desire for the dilemma I was having!

I have accepted a position to teach Computer Electives for Sandburg Middle School in GLENDORA! I'm not a Gutter Titan anymore, but a Sandbox Spartan (Glendorian's will get that...). It's all still so surreal for me and probably will be until I start teaching! 

There are so many miracles, small stories, and people along the way that made this possible and I might write a whole blog post on every single miracle that led to this point. However, right now I briefly want to share this journal entry that I wrote after I started my first couple days at Culver City:

Journal Entry I wrote on September 13, 2014:
"...[me complaining about the commute] It's only day 2! I don't know what is going to happen. I'm already praying for a solution! My heart really doesn't want to make L.A. my home, even if it is temporary. My whole life is in Glendora, church, family, and friends. My dad made so many sacrifices to give us what we have, just like my Heavenly Father sacrifice is the greatest act of love. I guess I don't know what I'm sacrificing for."

God heard me and even though the solution didn't come right away, he used my 1st year teaching experience to prepare me for a job that only He knew would come to exist in the future. He prepared me in so many ways and even though I complained along the way, He was still gracious, merciful, and understanding. At the time I didn't know what I was sacrificing for, but now I am so thankful to God for not allowing me to give up.

I don't know what trials you are currently facing, but my prayer is that God will allow you to keep pushing through it and that it will come back and become a blessing to you! Don't be afraid to listen to your gut feelings and I mainly want to encourage you to dream big!

My question to you blog followers is, what is one thing that you feel would be so impossible to accomplish? Whatever it is you choose, please let me know so that I can pray with you that God will turn that impossible to a possible!


These are the things I had to say.

#DreaSaidIt

Lucky are You

Hey Blog Followers,

The poem you are about to read was inspired by my family and friends that come from all walks of life. I hope it's a positive poem for you as it's been positive composing experience for me.

Lucky Are You

Lucky are you who found your love at a young age, so that you can enjoy it longer.

Lucky are you that found your love later in life and didn't lose hope.

Lucky are you who found someone who loves and accepts you for who you are.

Lucky are you, the ones who struggle in your relationship, that you can over come it together.

Lucky are you who found the courage to end an unhealthy relationship.

Lucky are you who have been able to be remarry or find love again, for God showed grace and mercy.

Lucky are you, who still are waiting for your story is still in the making.

Lucky are you who have had your heart broken, but yet still believe and hope for love.

Lucky are you the ones who don't settle for less than what you deserve.

Lucky are you who have a peace about your relationship status.

Lucky are you who are still finding that peace, since you are in the mist of the journey.

We are lucky in some way, whether we are married, divorced, remarried, single, or no label.

These are things I had to say.

#DreaSaidIt

Photo Credit: LiveLifeHappy."We meet people for a reason. Either they're a blessing or a lesson." https://www.flickr.com/photos/deeplifequotes/8149721682