Thank You Janet..

Well I went from having a great morning, to a discouraged afternoon. First off we went to AJ's appointment w/ Dr Maulino to double check and make sure that he doesn't have an ear infection. Good news, he doesn't have an ear infection. We just have to keep doing what we're doing which is lots of liquids, tylenol, motrin, breathing treatments, and rest rest rest.
While AJ and I were waiting to be seen I get a call about the medical paperwork stating I got approved. So that was a big sigh of relief for me. I called the number that was given to me on the message (and I so should have left it at that), cause I called it back at 3:30 and just totally talked to someone who really didn't seem to care. Ugh!

I've been trying to get all this medical stuff taken care of so I could be seen and so AJ has his coverage. I'm trying not to get frustrated and just take things easy. Well, I couldn't help it but break down earlier to Janet. I was in tears just trying to explain how frustrating it's been just to get a medical number. I mean, I've paid into taxes and I'm not trying to get food stamps or anything like that. Just medical. That's it. I'm so thankful for Janet cause since we've found out, she's been helping me try to look for a doctor, or better yet a referral already. And she's just been my other ear when I'm just venting over things. I'm glad I have a great friend like her.

It's so frustrating though that I have to just wait and see if I get approved or not. What's crazy is that the case worker was trying to say I need to do this and that, and that since Anthony and I are married I have to rely solely on his income. Ugh! Well, all I have to do is pray. I know that's what I've been doing, and the answer will come soon. Like Janet said "things happen for a reason" and I believe that. It's just frustrating when it happens to yourself.

But thank you Janet for being there for me thus far. You've been so much help to me and Anthony from when AJ was born until now. I can't thank God enough to have someone like you as a good friend.

Several Roles

I noticed I haven't really had time for myself and I've just been swamped with everything from home to the shop. I was telling one of our clients that I play way to many roles in Anthony's life. I felt really bad today though cause AJ's sick and I was still at the shop trying to finish up.
Well, I was thinking of how many roles I really seem to play lately...Wife, Mother (to AJ and three dogs), Housewife, Office Manager, Admin Assistant, part Business owner, Bookeeper, hmm I think there's more but for some reason I can't seem to pin point it.
I totally don't mind it though. I totally see it as well worth it in the end.

Lately, it's been so hectic that I can barely sit down and enjoy my lunch. I've seem to be running erands like crazy wheter it's going to the bank, going to the store to grab something to eat, grabbing parts, grabbing something for the office etc.

To be continued...AJ's in need of laying down near me.

Scarfaced Harley

The other night, well on Sunday night after Lisa, Ning, Glo and the fam came over for dinner..we were getting ready to just sit and watch tv before we headed to go upstairs. Then I took Kylie out of her crate for her to go to the family room, and Harley still leashed up started following her and I don't know if she just got in her way but she got her. Oh mun! It was pretty nerve wrecking. AJ was crying, I was trying to pry her off, and then finally Anthony got her off. He literally had to pick her up from her collar to put her outside.
We have a big feeling that she's pregnant, so that could be one reason why we think she reacted like that. But now Harley has a scar under her eye. She's fine though. We were scared that she got punctured in her back, or she got bit in the eye. But she's okay now. Afterwards, we were haning out downstairs why Kylie was outside still in trouble and Aibo was sitting on Anthony's lap. Well, it was really his head resting on his lap. It's crazy cause I don't ever have to worry about Aibo doing anything or reacting to another dog. It's just Kylie. Ugh, my not so bright American Bulldog!

What a Monday!

Oh my..what a week. Well it really started on this Monday. Since it's our first year in the Yellow Pages, we've just been getting hits left and right! It's pretty cool though. But Monday was swamped!
We had someone come in for a 90K service on a Dodge 3500, a return customer came in and now it's a tranny rebuild, brake job came in, a walk in from the YP came in without an appt. It was just totally crazy! I even had to drive out to Rancho to pick up a part. It felt like a Saturday if anything.
I'm glad it's slowly starting to pick up. Which is good, cause that means everyone can get paid! Woohoo!

Crosswalk

Every once and a while, a seemingly-simple email comes around that ends up being quite profound. This is one of them.

Awesome!! We complain about the cross we bear but don't realize it is preparing us for the dip in the road that God can see and we cannot. Whatever your cross, whatever your pain, there will always be sunshine, after the rain.... Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall; But God's always ready, to answer your call.... He knows every heartache, sees every tear, a word from His lips, can calm every fear...Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night, But suddenly vanish, by dawn's early light... The Savior is waiting, somewhere above, to give you His grace, and send you His love. May God fill your day with blessings!! Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle!

Re-cap of the Weekend

Friday:
We had some great grub at the Ong Household! Thanks to Joce!! She cooked some steak and some garlic butter shrimp. Oh mun! That was sooo yummy. Especially the steak. We haven't seen them in a few weeks and it seemed longer than that. It's always nice to hang out and let the kids play while Joce and I talk. Haha..just every now and then make sure they're not fighting. Well, next round of Friday or Saturday night dinner will be at our house. I have to take advantage of the coupon from Omaha Steak before it expires. $59.99 for hella meat, some seafood and a cutlery set! Maybe this weekend, hmmm..

Saturday:
It was Jason's gathering so we closed up early and went out to the city. We left hella late. I almost didn't go because I left my wallet and Anthony was all mad that we were running late. But we ended up going still. We were suppose to go to Alvin's parents house for his surprise party, but didn't get to go cause we got there so late.
It was nice to hang out and just chit chat and laugh. I agreed that Anthony can do the drinking and I'll be DD. We hung out at Houlihans in South San Fran w/ Michelle, Christy came thru, John and Vanessa, and of course Jason. We were suppose to go the club, but we couldn't of course cause of Vanessa, I mean, I could have gone, but it was kind of nice to sit and laugh.
We got home at 4 AM, talk about late! Well, also considering the 2 hour drive home.

Sunday:
Super Bowl..yay my team won! I wanted the Giants to win and they did. We had some grub though. I wanted some ribs, so got some for like 1.27 a lb at Food co, some cornbread, potatoe salad, and Ate wanted some Crab so Anthony cooked that for her. It was nice to just be home and not do anything but cook on Sunday. Yay Go Giants!
My parents ruined the evening, but that will be another blog.

What a Monday Night

We were on our way to Roseville to drop off paperwork to Nikki, the one who got now has the old Integra..and our car broke down. Well, not technically broke down, but we our lights started dimming. AJ was all singing in the car and then the radio stopped working, then next thing you know the lights inside the car started dimming and then went completely out. I mean, we were able to make it to the exit of getting to her place..but it sucked that it happened.
I guess we can't drive that 83 Benz out far. It's so ancient, it's probably like "I can only go out during the day while the sun's out!"

Well, we had a good dinner. I was grubbin. We stopped over and ate at California Burgers. Funny thing is we didn't even eat burgers. We both ordered Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches, and ordered a side of Zucchini fries. Yum! The sandwich was hella big! It's one of those burger places that seem to serve everything though. There menu is totally random. It's from Mexican food, to burgers to breakfast, to dinners like pork chop and steak. But the food we got was good, so I won't complain.

We had to wait a lil bit and have Rob and Lisa pick us up. Then Anthony didn't want to leave the Benz all the way out there, cause the only other time we would be able to pick it up is in the evening. We went back to the shop to go back to Roseville. Talk about driving a lot after work! Oh well, it's okay. We had a good talk about all kinds of different things. Now, it's Tuesday...hopefully nothing bad happens today.

Interesting Reading...

"The Key To Succeeding In Marriage is not Finding the Right Person; It's Learning to Love the Person You Found!" DID I MARRY THE RIGHT PERSON? By: Bo Sanchez

During one of our seminars, a woman asked a common question. She said, "How do I know if I married the right person?" I noticed that there was a Large man sitting next to her so I said, "It depends. Is that your husband?" In all seriousness, she answered "How do you know?" Let me answer this question because the chances are good that it's weighing on your mind. Here's the answer. EVERY relationship has a cycle. In the beginning, you fell in love with your spouse. You anticipated their call, wanted their touch, and liked their idiosyncrasies. Falling in love with your spouse wasn't hard. In fact, it was a completely natural and spontaneous experience. You didn't have to DO anything. That's why it's called "falling" in love... because it's happening TO YOU. People in love sometimes say, "I was swept off my feet." Think about the imagery of that expression. It implies that you were just standing there; doing nothing, and then something came along and happened TO YOU. Falling in love is easy. It's a passive and spontaneous experience. But after a few years of marriage, the euphoria of love fades. It's the natural cycle of EVERY relationship. Slowly but surely, phone calls become a bother (if they come at all), touch is not always welcome (when it happens), and your spouse's idiosyncrasies, instead of being cute, drive you nuts. The symptoms of this stage vary with every relationship, but if you think about your marriage, you will notice a dramatic difference between the initial stage when you were in love and a much duller or even angry subsequent stage. At this point, you and/or your spouse might start asking, "Did I marry the right person?" And as you and your spouse reflect on the euphoria of the love you once had, you may begin to desire that experience with someone else. This is when marriages break down. People blame their spouse for their unhappiness and look outside their marriage for fulfillment. Extramarital fulfillment comes in all shapes and sizes. Infidelity is the most obvious. But sometimes people turn to work, church, a hobby, a friendship, excessive TV, or abusive substances. But the answer to this dilemma does NOT lie outside your marriage. It lies within it. I'm not saying that you couldn't fall in love with someone else. You could. And TEMPORARILY you'd feel better. But you'd be in the same situation a few years later. Because (listen carefully to this): The Key To Succeeding In Marriage Is Not Finding The Right Person; It's Learning To Love The Person You Found! SUSTAINING love is not a passive or spontaneous experience. It'll NEVER just happen to you. You can't "find" LASTING love. You have to "make" it day in and day out. That's why we have the expression "the labor of love." Because it takes time, effort, and energy. And most importantly, it takes WISDOM.. You have to know WHAT TO DO to make your marriage work. Make no mistake about it. Love is NOT a mystery. There are specific things you can do (with or without your spouse) to succeed with your marriage. Just as there are physical laws of the universe (such as gravity), there are also laws for relationships. Just as the right diet and exercise program makes you physically stronger, certain habits in your relationship WILL make your marriage stronger. It's a direct cause and effect. If you know and apply the laws, the results are predictable. .. you can "make" love. Love in marriage is indeed a "decision".. . not just a feeling.

Dog Show: Golden Gate Kennel Club

Last weekend we went to the dog show in San Francisco at the Cow Palace. We usually go every year, on a Sunday, but I guess we didn't go last year.
We got some pretty good stuff. We finally got a pillow for all our dogs. We originally had Aibo's pillow, and the lady remembers Anthony. He's been going to the dog show for like 8 years..that's crazy she remembers him. Well she remembers the dog breed, but now she knows Anthony by name. We didn't think that they would have Kylie on a pillow, but guess what they did! So now we have Harley our Doberman, Aibo our American Staff, and Kylie our American Bulldog on pillows. Anthony's aiming to get a throw blanket soon. Geez, can you tell we love our dogs!

We were able to buy some canned food, but it wasn't California Natural anymore. I guess they stopped selling it at the dog shows cause they lost profit. I guess that makes sense. But we got hooked up at the Nutro stand! Throughout the dog show they're a pedigree stand that gives out free samples of puppy food, and some dry food. There's also a stand that gives out samples from Nutro Natural Foods. So Anthony asked if we were suppose to start giving Senior food to Aibo, cause he's now 8 years old. And they said that after five is when you start giving Senior food. So the guy gave us a whole bag of samples! Yay! It had like 10 sample bags, hey.. And we got some puppy samples for Harley.

So now we're trying Nature's Logic for there wet food. I found out that there's a local store that sells it but it's actually in downtown Sac. After we got some samples from Innova, they gave us a listing and we found that they sell that brand here in Elk Grove. So the next batch of dog food we get for Harley and Kylie, it'll be coming from that store. Our dogs are sooo spoiled!

Well, I'll be uploading pictures soon..The mastiff either English or Neopolitan will be my next breed.

New mop..

I went to Wal-Mart today to get a space saver heater, and found a little one. It only warms up a small section of the front shop, but it works for now. So I wasn't going to buy anything else, but I figured I get a new mop. I couldn't find the refill for the mop for Mr. Clean, so I saw an all in one deal which had the bucket, the mop, and the wringer in the bucket.

So I used it this evening to clean up the kitchen floor. I loved it! Hahaha. I know that seems so lame, it's a mop so what?!? But I have this thing with cleaning and making sure my kitchen, bathroom floors are clean.
It's all apart of my whole new years resolution, to stay organized. And to stay organized, we must stay clean! I hella enjoyed mopping the kitchen floor. Afterwards, it looked soooo clean.
Hahaha.

Silly things we do to amuse ourself.

So goal(s) for tomorrow:

- Wake up early enough to cook a spam & egg breakfast. Yum!
Or better yet, even enjoy a bowl of cereal.

- Send out warranty cards for the shop.

- Complete all filing so paperwork from last week is out of the way.

- Make car payment, do some bill pay. Utilities are coming to be due.

- Get all laundry put back after work. Finished most of it today, finish the rest tomorrow.

- Buy a NEW planner from Staples, since Wal-Mart didn't have the one I get annually.

Goodnight...

Heath Ledger

Heath Ledger..I was so wondering who in the world is Heath Ledger. I didn't remember the name, but when they showed his face on the news this morning, I was actually really shocked! He did so many roles and I really liked him..that's so unfortunate. He's only 28. Man, talk about young! Well, I was reading the article about him..and it seems accidental. I'll be following it for sure.

Heath Ledger's Autoposy

Enjoying the food?

I sure can't seem to enjoy anything I'm eating..ugh. It's so frustrating. So I had a pretty good breakfast this morning, did some errands while AJ was at school, then there it goes.

I've figured out that lately the only thing that I don't seem to get sick off of is pizza. Yummy! Maybe I want pizza again later..we shall see. Little Ceasars, $5.99 large pizza.
Okay, that's so fattening too.

Well, tonight I have to cook dinner. I was thinking of cooking sinigang, since we cooked rice the other day and there's hella rice left. Don't want to waste food..

Meet Harley...

So we have a new member to our family..her name is Harley. She's a Doberman Pinscher. She was born on November 30th, so this Friday she will be exactly eight weeks old. She will grow to weigh from 70-85 Lbs. Here she is..

It's soo funny, cause we couldn't think of a name for her. So on Sunday when Anthony went out with the boys riding, that's all I thought about during the day. Hmm..why don't we name her Harley. What a coincidence, cause the night before that's all that he was thinking about. So that's why we named her Harley. Plus Tuan has a fat boy, with her colors, so that's what made me think of that name. Well, she's AJ's dog, but I can't wait to train her. Can you believe that, an American Staffshired Terrier aka Pit, an American Bulldog and a Doberman all in one house! I know it sounds crazy..

Dakota Fanning Movies

So I love almost all the movies that she's in. I know we spent a lot last year collecting DVDs. I'm going to look for her DVDs cause I don't have all of them. Actually I don't think I have any of them.

My fav or her movies is:

Man On Fire-w/ Denzel Washington. It's a pretty touching movie. And it's based on a true story.

Charolette's Web-got that one!

War of the Worlds-not a big fan of the movie, but may buy it just cause.

I Am Sam-Must have, don't have yet. Will get very soon. I know I haven't seen this movie yet. I don't remember what it's about if I have.

Uptown girls-haven't seen that one either.

Sweet Home Alabama-got that one.

I think I need to do a little more research. I'll find out more movies she's been in.

Sunday Mass @ 7:00 AM

So we always go to church at 9:00 in the morning every Sunday, but this morning we (well, my parents, AJ and I) went to mass at 7:00 AM. There's actually a lot of people that go to mass at that time!
I almost didn't go cause I was half asleep. But I ended up getting up and AJ and I got up and went to church with them. Half of the time, AJ was sleepy. Then we went to breakfast at I-HOP. Yum!
So I told them the news, news to shortly be announced. I prayed for a better reaction, but I guess you can't expect much from my parents. Or at least from my mom.
Oh well, at least we all went to mass at the crack of dawn!

Edit in the New Years Resolution

Well, I know I posted info on a new years resolution/goal whatever you want to call it. But there might be some slight changes to them. I have to figure in time now with the goals that I placed aside.

Weight Loss:
Okay so I'm still working on that. It's a little hard, but I know I have to continue moving daily even if it's a 30 minute walk. I don't want to just sit here and do nothing. We were suppose to go and walk after we got home from the shop, but there's a really cold breeze outside, so Anthony doesn't want to take AJ out along with the dogs.

Books:
I'm going to be getting into different kinds of books I think. I was looking around for more motivational books, and healthy cook books. I know you don't really read cook books, but I know that I will need to change my diet.

Hmmm..Organization:
This will have to start from home and then to the shop. I've been doing a lot of filing lately, and I know I have to re-file some things here at home. I don't know what happened to me. I use to be really really organized, and I fell off a little bit. Stress maybe? Well, all I know is that's going to change as of yesterday!

AJ's First Day @ School-Speech Therapy

Today was AJ's first day in a somewhat class room like environment. He has speech therapy every wednesday at a local elementary school here. So today was his first day, and he had the session with another child.
I felt so awkward at first, cause I thought I just sit back and watch him. But, no the parent(s) are only suppose to drop them off and then come back for them within about 45 minutes. I was nervous and excited all at the same time. I was afraid he just wasn't going to listen and share, but Ms. Iris said he did really well. He pointed out a lot of familiar objects throughout the household, he even called the computer a laptop! And they're other activity had to deal with Jack Be Nimble. So he did very well in participating, and he had a lot of vocabulary.
I'm really glad he gets these services, because it will help him when he starts preschool.
I just wonder for how long he will be doing the therapy. I know that we are still waiting on a eval for the adaptive PE which covers the OT and PT for him. But that will also be provided by the school district.

The other student, I think his name was Parker, had a back pack. I'm wondering if I should get him a back pack. But I don't think he quite needs one yet, but I guess just getting in the habit of carrying one around. Hmm..maybe I'll ask mom (grandma's always say yes to there grandkids.)

Happy New Year

So it's 2008! Hmm..going back to my last years resolutions, i don't think i did so well. This year has to be different, well I really don't have any excuses. All I know is this year things have to change. I've been home sick lately and just thinking about a lot of things. As far as my health, my education, and my life at being 26. I know I definetly am getting in the mode to get fit. I really want to get a membership at 24 hour fitness. I think Anthony and I are going to go there this weekend, to see what they can offer to a small business.
I really want to go back to school. I am planning on taking one accounting class this coming semester. I have to see if it's still avaiable. And work, I received a call today through Citigroup about a possible interview. I haven't called back yet, and am debating if I should call back tomorrow. I have to go over it with Anthony.

Well, so far what I would like to have accomplished this year is:
1. take at least one class for the shop
2. start "date night"
3. LOSE 20 LBs minimum.
4. Be able to run/jog 5 miles straight without stopping by the end of the year
5. read 5 NEW books, related to my age or just being a woman
6. Stay organized!

Well, I know that pictures have not been updated for a while. I hope to do that soon.
Welcoming 2008, I hope this is a great year!

Luchico Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

What matters most

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

When things in your lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee. A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full The students responded with an unanimous "yes." The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things--your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions--and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else--the small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first--the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

Great Xmas song..but it's so sad

the gift

Working from home

It was nice to be home pretty much all day today. I was able to work on some things from the shop like inputting stuff into QB and I'm now going to be doing the taxes for this quarter. It's a lot of paperwork to go over, but no one else is gonna do it.
I know I have to challenge myself and get all of these things done. It's tiring and overwhelming to look at all the paperwork in front of me, considering I do want to finish up some stuff in the house. I also have to finish up my scrapbook for Isabella. UGGGH! Xmas is like in 5 days or something. I know I can probably finish it in like a day so I will take care of it hmm..tomorrow maybe.

It was cold and rainy today so I'm glad I didn't have to stay at the shop. I'm just glad this USB flash drive worked! Woohoo! The last time I tried one that Noel had and it didn't want to upload right. Weird, but I figured I'll get one for the shop so I can bring it home and work on it.
Okay break is over. Back to work!

Christmas Wreath

So I made the xmas wreath for the shop!! It turned out really good for an 18" one. The one last year didn't seem that big. I'll post a picture of it soon. But all I spent on it was $15.00. The trimmings were free from Home Depot, and since I couldn't find the wreath ring last year then I bought a new one.
What's cool with the wreath I made is I used some of AJ's cars. You know, to make it part of the shop. Auto repair, toy cars. So I still have to do the one for the house, I'll probably be doing that tonight and/or tomorrow night. It's Tuan's dad's bday today so we're having dinner at the house.
I'll see how tired I am.

PINKS

So I've been looking for this song for a while. I watch Pinks w/ Tuan every now and then and I finally found it.
It plays at the end of the show when the loser loses their car:

I was wondering how long you wouldwait for me I didn't think I'd berelieved but I'm breathingWalk away from me my love Walkaway from me my loveYou've got me thinking that it has tobe only either you or me and you're slippingWalk away from me my love Walkaway from me my loveYou could be here with me somehowYou could be here with me right nowIf your dreams don't break I'll be gonewhen you awake and anything youwant you can take to save weepingWalk away from me my love Walkaway from me my love

-The Nadas-Walk Away Lyrics

Lame, I know. But I hella like this song haha.

Thanksgiving

We had a long 4-day weekend, which we were sooo looking forward to. It sucks that now it's all over. But it was nice to just be off and hang out. On Thanksgiving day, actually on thanksgiving eve Tuan smoked a beef brisket, which was pretty good! It took 12 hours, so him and his dad were checking on it throughout the night. Then in the morning, I went running with Kylie for about 30 minutes. We didn't go to far, cause I'm not use to running with a dog. I'm proud of myself for getting up and running. I was just going to sleep in and do nothing. Hahahaa. Just milk it!
Well, I didn't. I also cooked puto. Yup yup. I went to Big Lots to get the small little pans. I have to return the ones I bought from Wal-Mart this week. It turned out pretty good. The only thing is the green ones were too green. I think I put a lil too much food coloring. But it was still good :).
Maybe I'll make some for New Years. We'll see.
But Thanksgiving was good. Went to ate's house and just ate and watched some tv. We finally showed the shop to Tito Sammy and Jojo. It was great to hear them say they were proud of Tuan. I mean, Tuan works hard and busts his butt off, not that no one else does, but to hear that from his relatives is great!
But, we didn't do the Midnight madness on shopping. It was pretty cold, and we ended up falling asleep. I think we just wanted to enjoy the day off and relax with the fam. Which was good too.

Happy Thanksgiving Cards

So I made 160 Thanksgiving cards, to most of our customers. Why thanksgiving cards?? Well, everyone expects a Xmas card, but not a Thanksgiving card from your Auto Repair Shop. Soo...I hand made all of them. Yes. And I re-did the ones that I asked for help on, cause they weren't cut right. I had Tuan help me cut like 50 one night. He was sooo tired. Thanks Bubb! That's why I love him.
So, Tuan made some calls today to follow up on customers, and he was thanked for the Thanksgiving cards. That made me feel really great about making them. For Xmas I'm just ordering cards from IDEA. I figured, thanksgiving cards are worth hand making, but Xmas cards are much easier to order since they come in bulk.
Thank you to all our clients who have made our shop successful thus far!

Several Posts Ahead

So, I have a small break down of my new posts: Thanksgiving, DJ's 21st Bday, Shopping after Thanksgiving, Getting ready for Xmas!

With Every Heartbeat

With Every Heartbeat Lyrics - Robyn Lyrics
Robyn Lyrics - With Every Heartbeat Lyrics

Maybe we could make it all right
We could make it better sometime
Maybe we could make it happen baby
We could keep tryingbut things will never change
So I don’t look back
Still I’m dying with every step I take
But I don’t look backJust a little, little bit better
Good enough to waste some time
Tell me would it make you happy baby
We could keep tryingbut things will never change
So I don’t look back
Still I’m dying with every step I take
But I don’t look back
We could keep tryingbut things will never change
So I don’t look back
Still I’m dying with every step I take
But I don’t look back
And it hurts with every heartbeat
And it hurts with every heartbeat
And it hurts with every heartbeat
And it hurts with every heartbeat
And it hurts with every heartbeat
And it hurts with every heartbeat
And it hurts with every heartbeat
It hurts wïth every heartbeat

R.I.P Cathalyn Jane Flores-Bantug

She's only 26 years old. She's my cousin, like an older sister, who is loved dearly and will be dearly missed. She's a friend, a mother, a daughter, a wife. She left behind a beautiful daughter, whom I can't wait to see, and a family whom will miss her dearly. She is now at peace and with her father.

Her viewing is today in Belmont, CA. I will be attending by myself. I'm excited to see the other cousins, (cousins from which are on my mom's side) whom I haven't seen in almost 10 years. Its sad that under these circumstances we are reuniting. But it will be nice to see them all.

I will be blogging a little more about this later. Right now, I'm still in shock with the whole thing. It's so wierd, because I know I just talked to her a few months ago. There's so many feelings, that I tried to write on paper, but seemed so hard to express.

Cat, I love you and I will miss you dearly. I'm glad I was able to have lunch with you and was able to keep in touch with you before this incident happened. Thank you for everything that you have done for me. I am very happy you told me you were proud of me. Those words meant more to me than you will ever know. I will see you again.....someday.

Weight Loss Here I come!

Okay, so I don't know if I mentioned that I've been walking with my old neighbor Janet three times in the week, and I'm aiming to run for the other two with Anthony. I'm really trying my best to lose weight. I've been thinking about my health and I've been watching way too many reality shows to make sure I soo don't get that fat. I mean I've gained a good amount of weight for being married for almost five years, and for having a three year old. It totally sucks! But I really have to lose it now!
I don't want to be close to 200 Lbs by the time I'm thirty. My goal is to lose at least 30 Lbs min and max of 40-45. I want to get back to 120 Lbs. Right now I'm about 160. YUCK! I know I can't even believe I admitted my own weight. But I just want to be healthy and back in shape. I mean it's painful and hard, but I have to do it. Plus we're really planning on renewing our vows, so I have to start now. Or I'll never lose this weight. So tonight, after Tuan's finished cleaning out his fish tank, we're going on a run. Woohoo. Weight loss here I come. I really hope I lose it all or the amount I want by next spring. Before our bet time.

Winter Season is here

Last night AJ had a slight fever, which sucked cause he woke up a few times in the middle of the night. The first time, he woke up to tell me he was cold, and then the second time he was telling me he was hot. He woke up another time making sure I was hugging him. Cute, I know..but not when you're sleepy.

So all day today, I was pretty much home. I gave him his meds this morning, and he was just out of it. I was trying to encourage him to just sleep it off. Its good he slept from 1 until about 4. I was sleepy too, so I took a nap with him. I wanted to start putting things away in the house, but I have to finish doing the laundry from this past weekend. Speaking of which I gotta run to the store, either Wal-mart tonight or tomorrow to get some more laundry detergent.
Anyways, so I know winter is here, cause AJ getting a fever, and I feel like I'm getting a slight cold. It gets really cold in the morning and warm in the afternoon. I can't even believe that Thanksgiving is like next week!! Then it'll be Xmas then Welcome 2008. Well, gotta get ready for the holidays. This is the only year that I'm NOT prepared for it.

Returning from vacation

Ok so we went. We went to Disneyland on Saturday and then we also ended up going to Universal on Sunday. I didn't think we were going to go to Universal cause of funds, but I guess Lisa bought tickets online, she just had to print them...and they were cheaper..plus we have a season's pass for next year. That's pretty cool. I have to read into see if it's usable in FL if we really go next year.

So here's a break down:

We left Elk Grove around 8:30 in the evening. Got some Starbucks and arrived in Anaheim at about 2:45 AM. Not bad.
Anthony drove first then I drove for a little bit, then he drove the rest of the way there. The drive wasn't so bad. I was wide awake since I had some starbucks.

Disneyland:
It wasn't as crowded as last year. We went last year on Nov 18th. This year, the Xmas tree wasnt up yet, but it seems as most of the decor is already up. We pretty much went on the same things except, Bubba, Glo and I went on Adventure Island and I got to take a picture w/ Jack Sparrow. (pictures to come soon) I felt really bad cause I know Katie has been wanting to see him and this is the 2nd year which she missed him. She was on a ride so we took advantage to killing time by walking around.
AJ was still scared of the characters which I should have expected. We got to ride some rides w/ him. He freaked out when we went on the carousel. SOO embarrasing. He was kicking and screaming and was just afraid for his life. But we didn't take that many pictures this year. I think I'm going to put the pictures taken in a scrapbook. I wasn't in that many pictures cause I was the photographer. I guess that's what happens when you take a good amount of the pictures.
Well, I'll discuss more later. It's dinner time.

Excited?

I'm am soo not looking forward for this weekend. I really don't want to go anymore. But I guess we're still going. What sucks is that we sooo don't have money to go. It's much more exciting when you go out of town and have a sufficient amount of money. Not like a whole lot, but you know enought to just go and spend some extra money other then the hotel, food, gas, etc.

I guess Lisa's going to help us, but that's just another expense along the line to add. I don't know. Ugh.

I mean I feel bad, cause we can't cancel the rental car, the hotel etc. But I don't think I'll have as much fun as I think.



Well, the only thing I've been really excited about is walking. Janet (our old neighbor) and I are walking 3 miles every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. We have the other days off, but I'm aiming to run the Mondays and Wednesdays. We did it all this week, so more to do next week.

I'm still aiming for my goal of 30lbs so we'll see what happens. I've been really good about my food intake too. I'm trying to watch what I eat, and I'm trying to have vegetables daily. Which I know is hard, but I've actually been craving for them.

Flood!

OMG! Well, on Sunday Anthony took the filters for the pool out to clean them up, and I guess he forgot to turn off the pump. WOOPS! More like BIG WOOPS!
So he came home last night and there was NO MORE water in the pool. Yes. There's like a small little puddle in the deep end. Sounds great considering it's winter time, but not so great cause that's a whole hellofalot of water. I seriously am soooo sad about it. Can you imagine our next water bill! Oh mun! So I find out today it's not too bad, it'll be like 300 or something, but that's just a scary thought!
So I know we have to put water in the pool very soon. More like tomorrow, cause since the pool is made to have weight of the water in it...it would be smart to put the water in asap then later. I guess if you wait long enough, the concrete can crack and the pool can surge up. Not another headache I'd like to have. But yea, I felt really bad cause I know the water went to our neighbors side. I guess they tried knocking on the door around 5:30 and of course we got in about 7:00. (sigh) And they didn't have the number to call the shop or Anthony's cell phone. Well, just another expense to deal with. We went from just replacing the filters which would be $60 bucks a piece, and there's four. So that's $240.00. Now the filters plus I'm hoping only $300.00 worth of water! Ugh! But I'd rather cough out $600 bucks to take care of the problem, then a thousand plus. I wouldn't know what to do if that happened.

Clean House

So all day today I took advantage of AJ being w/ mom and dad while I cleaned house. I'm pretty tired! I wanted to go shopping earlier but I said nevermind. Plus we have our trip this coming weekend. This weekend we're going to Disneyland!!!
So I wanted to make sure that before we left that the house would be clean. I mean who would want to go on a trip and come back home to a dirty house! I know I wouldn't. So now I'm just finishing laundry. I started packing for this weekend, but I know that I have to rearrange some things before I know I'm completely packed. I got the important stuff ready to go.
I checked the weather for this weekend in Anaheim and it said 60s to 70s. So I know for sure gotta pack a jacket. I debating if I want to go and get a fleece fit from Old Navy. I want to be comfortable while I'm walking around.
Well, I finished cleaning most of the house, except for the vaccuming upstairs. I need to finish cleaning the bathrooms and the rooms. I know, why am I totally blogging about cleaning, I think it's just cause I'm tired. It was nice to clean without any interruptions. Not that AJ is an interruption, but I got to vaccuum without him freaking out and I got to clean the kitchen floor with bleach..etc.

But I have sooo sad news... find out on my next blog!

Fog Willow Pumpkin Patch

Well we went to the pumpkin patch today and AJ was sooo scared! It's connected to a farm, so every time the cow mooed he started crying. But he liked the bunnies and the pigs he actually touched the goat. So it was cute to see him try to not be so scared. We purchased his first pumpkin. Last year, I wasn't there when he went to the pumpkin patch. I was working. It's so nice now to just be home with him and enjoy the things like going out on activities.
We also got to ride on the tractor train which goes around the whole pumpkin patch and farm. Maybe next year we'll go to the corn maze. We'll see.
I forgot my camera so I didn't get a chance to take pictures. Ning brought hers so can't wait to upload those and put them online. There was a section where you stick your head out and you're one of the farm animals, and he totally did not want to take that picture. He started crying and screaming. He didn't even want to be put down. AJ is such a cry baby. So I guess until he's 5 he'll be scared of everything.. haha i'm so mean, I know.

Show Me The Money

So I attended a seminar in Newark this past Wednesday and Thursday and it was held by Kelly Bennett. I loved it! It was so informative, and he's such a great speaker. All the info discussed totally made me think about things that need to change slightly about the shop. Think Gross Profit!!
There's three ways to run a business: Hobby, Charity or a Business.
So I'm looking forward to attending more seminars held by WorldPac. It's soo worth it. I need to also purchase a dvd called Trombone Player Wanted. Another speaker by the name of Marc Buckingham discusses the importance on how we should focus on our strengths. I can go on and on about the whole seminar, but it was very much well worth it.

The only thing that sucked was the commute! Oh my goodness! It took me 2.5 hrs from Pinole to get to Newark. Seriously!! I'm sooo glad I don't have to deal w/ that daily. That would kill me! I calculated, I was on the road for a total of 8 hours for two days getting to the seminar and back home. I'm glad we don't have a commute here.

Way to early

I'm sooooo sleepy. I have a training orientation over the phone for our new merchant services at 6AM. This is so early I know. But I prefer to do it early than later. Plus, it's Thursday and I have a lot of running around to do later. It's AJ's appt w/ Martha at 11:30, and I'm hoping Alisha got my message to do his appt at 1:30. So we shall see. But I know I'm probably going to be leaving right after the training, and trying to go back to sleep.

Well, I also have to book my room for a seminar coming up in two weeks at Marriot in Newark. I have a business seminar that's being held thru WorldPac, and I may have to commute that morning. I have to see. Considering I'm really tired now, I may just drive out there the night before. But that's on the 24th, so I don't know how I'll be feeling then.

Well, I've got 5 more minutes. Gotta get to work. (Where's the snooze button).

Motherhood Club

We had a gathering this past weekend for mine and AJ's bday. And there was so many lil kids. TOO cute! Everyone's baby isn't so baby anymore, they're all mobile and walking everywere.

It's great to see all our kids grow up together and just play with one another. We're all in the motherhood club. Corny I know, but I'm glad we get to hang out and see our kids grow up. See there's not only AJ's cousins but AJ now has friends haha. Its cool to see him play with Nathan and run around all over the place. In the beginning, AJ and Nathan were up at the stairs and just yelling to get attention. I know that may sound annoying but it was pretty funny that they were being silly.

I know we'll have so many more gatherings to come, and it's always great to have everyone make it. Wheter it be at our house and/or our friends. I know who AJ and any other kids we may have will grow up with.

Happy Birthday, now what kind of ticket do you want?

Yay, so today is mine and AJ's bday. What a day so far.

Well the cops gave me a ticket. Elk Grove's finest! I was driving the mercedes, and since its from Vegas the windows are tinted, theres no front lic plate, and i guess ins expired on 09/11. And so I'm on my way to dropping off a customer (EGAC customer shuttle) and then by Wal-mart, there's a cop bike puts his lights on.

What sucks too is the window doesn't roll down, so I have to open the door. He was like you can stay in the car, and I'm like well, I can't roll the window down. So then he's writing the ticket..and then realizes its my bday. So he says, I hate to give this to you (i'm thinking why give it to me at all) but which ticket do you want? So I choose the insurance one, since i'm just waiting for the paperwork. Uggh! Happy Bday from the cops.
I get a ticket on my bday along w/ a customer in the car. My oh my!

New Purse!!

Well, it's been so hectic at the shop that I haven't had a day off. So last Saturday I went with Joanne to the mall to go shopping. Well, I know that Noel was talking about it, but I didn't think that he was forreal. He was going to allow me to get a Coach purse!

I didn't want to just be all like, okay I'll get this one. But he was asking what my budget was and I was teasing him about allowing Joanne and I to have a budget of 2K hahaha.
But, I seriously still can't believe he got a purse for me. I got the limited edition mineral green hobo. I originally wanted the satchel one, but they seriously had no more left.

Well, I guess working hard pays off.

EGAC

So that's pretty much my life now. I'm at the shop almost all the time. There's been soo much going on that it's crazy!

As of last week, we are now the owners of Transmission Depot, two shops in one. We are keeping the business name as Elk Grove Autocare & Transmission Depot as well as the phone lines, but we will be merging them together maybe next year. The twop shops actual compliment each other very well. Some people automatically assume that it's there transmission, and sometimes it's not. It could be a leak, or simply a loose kink in a hose.

I have so much paperwork now. It's a lil stressful but its so worth it. I mean, I know I may sound like I complain about it but, I know eventually it'll work out great. I can't wait until I only really have to come in two times a week to just check on things. Right now I'm pretty much there six days a week with Tuan and I get to leave though when it's AJ's therapy appointment. It's great to have that. I don't have to call in and say I won't be coming in today, nor do I really have to answer to anyone. I mean, yea there's Noel, but I get to pretty much run the show up front. Anthony's in the back.

Well, the greatest feeling of it is that it's our shop. I write up the invoices and receipts the way I'd like for them to look. I have a certain system when it comes to filing paperwork..as well as banking.
Speaking of banking. I have learned so much from working at Wells Fargo. Other than the whole multi task stuff, just dealing w/ other business customers and running into issues that they had really help me run my day to day routine. I can say that I really appreciate that.
I am hoping and praying that we do really well.

So far, none stop business which is great. We had one down time which was last Saturday. Which was nice to just catch up on paperwork and just fix things around the shop and the office.

I'm gonna call it a night. Till next blog

blogging at 12:55 am

So it's been a while since I've been on this thing. Hmm can I say a few weeks. so much has happened. Things with the business and then going out of town for a few days.

Okay summary:

Grand Opening Event 08/11/07
GREAT TURN OUT! Thank you to all who came and participated in our raffle. Thank you for all those who made things happen. To all who helped clean up before the event, to all who helped keep the event running smooth. It was so stressful but totally worth it. We had a total of 90 people enter the raffle, and approximately more to just show up. We had a live DJ, the food catered, a monster truck bounce house, and like 8 cars to show.
We raffled out free services. Free oil changes, our BG products that ranged from 89.99 to 139.99 and a FREE i-Pod. SO it was great.

Speaking of which I need to send out those coupons to the customers that won the grand opening event prizes.

Isabella's bday party 08/12/07
We were soooo tired. Well I know I was. I just wanted to sleep all day. We were late to Belly's bday party, which I felt bad for but dude seriously I was pooped. And it was nice to see Oliver and Joce for like the whole weekend. They came to our G/O event and then went to Belly's bday party. I thought i had seen a ghost cause Joe & Eileen were there.

Okay falling asleep goodnight...TO BE CONTINUED.

Tuans bday bash pics

Well here's the pics finally. I know I sooo lagged!

Tuan's 28th Bday

Enjoy!

Non-stop work

What a day! It was busy enough at the shop. We had a walk in today, oil change. And the rest just waiting on parts. But what totally sucked today was the dogs got over the fence. And not with the neighbor who we've had problems with already, but the fence where the indians are. uggh! To think that I can just go home after being at the shop and not have to worry about anything else but dinner. WRONG! So we get a call from DJ saying the dogs jumped the fence..but thank godness he was able to get them back into the garage. Aibo jumped into a guys car who lives down the street. I had to go over and personally apologize. What was nice about it was that he was cool about it cause they have a dog to.
I felt kinda stupid cause when I rang the doorbell, I said "sorry to bother you" and they thought I was solicitating. And then had to explain that I was trying to apologize for my dog. They said it was okay, they were just being dogs.
And then I had to freakin clean up the back yard. So we picked up most of the leaves that were on the side where they broke the fence and the other side where I was suppose to gather all the leaves together. Tuan put up the child proof gate around the pool. And now the dogs are in the crate being punished.
So we had such a late dinner. I'm sooo tired! Man talk about non-stop work. From doing paperwork, accounting, setting up for the grand opening, to trouble with the dogs!

Well, speaking of which I have so many lil projects to do for the grand opening. I found the bounce house for the event and ordered the pens. They're local so I'm glad I was able to find something fast. It's $240 for 500 pens, which pretty much cost the same as other pens if we were to order it outside of CA. They wouldn't have made our deadline though, plus the cost of shipping!
And my other project which I'm aiming to finish by the end of this week are the pictures of three cars that Tuan's worked on and a comment from those customers. I have to purchase frames by the end of this week and print everything out I want to say no later then Sunday. So many things to do! Staying busy busy busy...

Time to breathe

Ever feel like you just need time to breathe. Inhale, exhale, breathe. Not think about anything, not one thought. Clear your mind and just let go. Just be able to close your eyes and just breathe and relax. Enjoy the fresh air, enjoy the silence. Times when you just want to lay there and do absolutely nothing but just stare at the ceiling. Or better yet the stars in the evening. Doing nothing, but just breathing.
Times in life are so short that you have to take time to breathe. Whether it's for a few minutes and or a few seconds. Just being able to sit down and give yourself a few minutes of the day to just relax your mind is probably one of the best things someone can do for themselves. Its not necessarily time for yourself, but just taking everything in but not necessarily taking it in. Makes very little sense, but anyone who gets the concept of just being able to take a moment to breath will understand.

Its time for me to just take a breath. Take some time and just relax. A vacation is way over due, but where should I go? If anything I just want to be able to go for a drive and just relax. Just myself, Is that selfish? I dont think so.

Venti light iced Chai w/ Soy Milk

So I totally have a new drink thanks to Glo! hahaha. I was soo stuck on my tall non fat white peppermint mocha (all throughout the year) that I didn't want to try anything else. Nor did I even think to look at anything else on the menu. So one day, I think it was for Tuan's bday, actually for 4th of July Glo and I had to get some stuff at ate's house and she had mentioned her drink. I was a lil hesitant cause at first, its like well, I always get the same thing, but chai, what's that??

OMG! It's sooo yum! I think it's healthier too cause it has soy milk and it's chai tea! So I have a new drink from Starbucks. Its a dollar cheaper when I go to Java City in Raleys so I'll get it there too. It taste the same, and I think the cup is larger haha. Lite on ice please? So that's been my drink lately.

LAME. So blogging about a new drink haha. Well, I'm still here at the shop waiting to leave. I'm sooo hungry. I feel like I can eat a cow. I was craving for some salad earlier, now I think I want a regular carnitas burrito. Well, I'll have to swim it off later.

The Blowers Daughter

I heard this on a fellow bloggers blog from her wedding clip. What a beautiful song. Just thought I'd share it. Its a great song. I never heard it before. I thought it was called can't take my mind off of you..

If you're interested in the video: Can't take my mind off of you..

"The Blowers Daughter"Damien Raice

And so it is

Just like you said it would be

Life goes easy on me

Most of the time

And so it is

The shorter story

No love, no glory

No hero in her sky

I can't take my eyes off of you

I can't take my eyes off you

I can't take my eyes off of you

I can't take my eyes off you

I can't take my eyes off you

I can't take my eyes...

And so it is

Just like you said it should be

We'll both forget the breeze

Most of the time

And so it is

The colder water

The blower's daughter

The pupil in denial

I can't take my eyes off of you

I can't take my eyes off you

I can't take my eyes off of you

I can't take my eyes off you

I can't take my eyes off you

I can't take my eyes...

Did I say that I loathe you?

Did I say that I want to

Leave it all behind?

I can't take my mind off of you

I can't take my mind off of you

I can't take my mind off you

I can't take my mind off you

I can't take my mind...My mind...my mind...'

Til I find somebody new

STAND-Rascal Flatts (Thank you Glo)

You feel like a candle in a hurricane

Just like a picture with a broken frame

Alone and helpless

Like you've lost your fight

But you’ll be alright

You’ll be alright

Chorus:Cause when push comes to shove

You taste what you're made of

You might bend, till you break

Cause its all you can take

On your knees you look up

Decide you’ve had enoughYou get mad you get strong

Wipe your hands shake it off

Then you Stand, Then you stand

2.Life's like a novel

With the end ripped out

The edge of a canyon

With only one way down

Take what you're given before its gone

Start holding on, keep holding on

Chorus:Cause when push comes to shove

You taste what you're made of

You might bend, till you break

Cause its all you can take

On your knees you look up

Decide you’ve had enough

You get mad you get strong

Wipe your hands shake it off

Then you Stand,

Yeah then you stand.

Bridge:Everytime you get up

And get back in the race

One more small piece of you

Starts to fall into place

Ooohhh

Chorus:Cause when push comes to shove

You taste what you're made of

You might bend, till you break

Cause its all you can take

On your knees you look up

Decide you’ve had enough

You get mad you get strong

Wipe your hands shake it off

Then you Stand, Then you stand

Yeah then you stand.Yeah then you stand.

Yeah babyohhhhhhhhhohhhhhhhhhohhhhhhhhhooohhhhhhhthen you stand

Regrets?

Regrets? Hmm.. I don't think so, but I do wonder if things were different. Is that bad? or is that just a part of life? Like seriously, part of me wonders that. Dont get me wrong, I LOVE MY FAMILY. AJ is the best thing that's ever happened to me and i love him to death! he makes the day so much brighter and he totally keeps me going when i'm just ready to fall apart.
And Tuan keeps me going. Keeps me positive almost all of the time.

but I just look back and think, man what if I ended up with that guy? or what if I had made a different decision, how would I be now. I know I can never tell, and or find out cause things are different. but part of me just wonders. is thtat bad. Like I know if I ended up w/ Marc, man that would be all weird. He's not very authoritative when it came to Maia and I had a problem with that. I mean, I'm strict when it comes to AJ but I do it so that he respects me when we're out in public. he totally listens which makes me proud. there are days when things aren't perfect. but he's a good kid. a trait born with, i think of it as something learned. its easy to learn bad things, but harder to learn how to not do bad things especially when your mind is a sponge.
Anyways Gerald, I don't know how that would have been. I think probably intersting, but my family would probably not have liked him as much as they love Tuan. Well of course, cause Tuan's my husband now. But I mean, like how would it have been if I didn't make that certain decision. would i have been a bum? probably not, but how would that have effected me.
I dont know. I'll never know.

Insecurity...NO I don't think that's it. But I do wish sometimes Tuan would say certain things that would just be positive and great. things that pertain to our relationship. i know with the whole business just opening i really can't ask for much. cause we have to concentrate on that. am i being selfish? see its things like this that run thru my mind. but I love him dearly and wouldn't trade him for anything else. Sometimes, I just wish it was shown to me more. that's all.

just a Friday night

I don't know why I'm just hella awake on a Friday night or better yet, its now Saturday early morning technically since its after midnight..and just blogging. So it's been a while since I've up to date w/ everything. I guess I've just been busy with the shop and just doing things around the house. Plus, it seems lately the days just go by way to fast. Like I swear it was Sunday last night, and now it's Friday all over again. Man, this whole getting older stuff (even though I'm young haha) seems to be getting to me lately. Is it cause I'm afraid? or is it cause there's so many little things going on around me that I'm trying to put it all together.
Don't get me wrong, life is great. could it be better...well of course. but you learn and i've learned that you be happy with what you have because things can be soooo much worse. Seriously. I know i've read other blogs, quotes and stories about just life....but when you sit down and actually think about your own, its a lot of things to think about. I mean, seriously.
For instance, I would have never thought that I would be considered a part business owner at the age of 25. is that so-real?? I mean, although Tuan is one of the primary owners, and yeah I'm his wife and stuff...but I just realized how much of a big part I actually play in the whole thing. Its kind of amazing! Its a lot of things to do, which is great, cause it keeps my mind busy and working. just like anywhere its always good and better to stay busy rather than be slow. but, its so much stuff. like all the admin paperwork, learning how to be a service advisor (writer) and just getting clients in. I never realized how complicated a vehicle and being able to understand all the diagnostic stuff until now. Hey i'm a girl!

And then there's my life. me myself and i. like with what I want to do. I was talking to a friend of mine over the weekend, Gemma, about how she's an RN and how her and her husband were looking for a car and how she didn't even need her husbands income. It really made me think. Like I know its totally weird how it comes from how our conversations went about to just me thinking about my life. But I want to be able to be set and just financially stable where I don't have to worry about Tuan's income. Not like we're hella broke, but you know just not really have to worry about that. So I was thinking and calculating, okay so I have five more years until I'm thirty, I can still go to school and finish and just pursue nursing..OR should I open up my own day care.

I know way off, not really but...Tuan and I were talking about it on the way to Union City when we went to pick up some parts for the CRX. Like, how it wouldn't take that long to get all the certifications through the county and state..and just get all the education needed for it. I know there's hella kids in Elk Grove! Everyone's looking for a good day care. It pays, and I love kids. But I just need to do more research on it. It's kinda scary cause man, if we both had our own businesses! that would be insane! right?!? I don't know, I have to figure it out very soon. Time seems to be running out. or at least that's how i feel.

Part of me feels like i'm just rambling. But part of me just feels like what I'm saying is really making sense. or is it not? I don't know.

Tuan's Bday Bash

It was crazy!! We all had a great time. It was so great to have everyone come. And there are so many kids now. Pretty much all the kids went swimming. Jonathan was crying, I think the water was probably to cold for him. And I can't wait to post the videos of the guys doing there stunts! haha... It was way to funny.
So that was our weekend. I was up hella late on Saturday cleaning, I figured clean up then and not have to worry about it the next day. Which it was really nice to wake up and only have to worry about the dishes from breakfast.
Couple of folks slept over. The guys had a new thing called "Antiquing" It dealt with whomever fell asleep first had baby powder on their faces. IT was great. DJ got "antiqued" first. Then almost all the guys did except Jason and Alonzo.
Anyways, I'll be posting the pictures up shortly. Probably tonight and/or tomorrow I'll be uploading them. So till next time!

Happy Birthday Bubba!!

Myspace Graphics at WishAFriend.com

Jaquay Knowles

I love my worker! She's totally awesome. I was afraid that we would sooo totally get someone who didn't want to help us and would just be all attitude like, but nope, she was totally great!

It was a big sigh of relief..well Transformers is out today, so we'll be there at the theatres tomorrow at 11 AM yup first showing. Cause we're going to be swimming a good amount of the day and cooking lunch/dinner..until fireworks. We haven't bought any, but I think we may go to Elk Grove Park. Not to sure. But till then, Have a happy 4th!

Being the "GOOD" guy can slap you in the face

OH man what a day!!! Well, it was a lil slow today at EGAC. Hopefully tomorrow will be a lil busy. Although the holiday is the day after. So I'm not expecting to many people. I know that we have an appt on Thursday, which is great! Actually we had a call today about a replacement of a transmission, so we'll see how much the actual tranny is tomorrow. We notified her already of the labor cost, but the transmission (used) will be the expensive part.

Anyways, there was unneccessary drama today which totally sucked! I had gotten into an arguement w/ my sis in law over something totally stupid..it was over the Monsters Inc dvd. Well I took it the wrong way and over reacted which I take FULL responsibility for. But since ate's camera, I felt like anything else that seems to come up missing I haven't returned. So it starts off w/ a text message about the dvd and then after that it just went down hill. I could have responded better about it, by just either calling back and saying I'll double check. But I know I bought AJ his own Monster's Inc dvd cause I bought the double disc one. And when I bought it, I returned theirs. Anyways, I said stupid things like I'll find whatever little thing that belongs to you and return it. And after that it all went downhill! I was at the shop to and there was a customer calling so I had to hang-up.
Already pumped up and just upset about everything I tried to just not cry or not let it get to me. Then she calls Tuan and says not to bring AJ there anymore. Which to me had nothing to do w/ the whole arguement. But, eventually I guess I had to hear it.
So, I tried to get my thoughts together, cause with everything else going on I dont want to have any additional drama. Tuan said I should have never called cause its not going to get anywhere, where it really didn't..but he had mentioned that to me after the fact when I already called. I called to tell her sorry for saying the certain things I said and all I heard back was yelling. It went from her saying "I'm so tired of you" to "you're a liar" and that "you opened up things that didn't make any sense" Which seems, I guess when you try to be the "good guy" it doesn't always work. And that was even slapped in my face. She literally said, " you always try to be the good person, you try to always make it right" Which the last that I remember and was taught and learned that making things right or just trying to squash things was the right thing to do. I don't know if there are additional issues and I'm the one to blame.
But that arguement really made me feel like I got slapped in the face. And hard. I mean, if I didn't care at all about when she was going thru drama then I would have never welcomed her and her husband to our house. But because I cared about my husband's sister and I wanted to treat her like my own, I thought it was "right" for me to have her stay at the house at least Tuan would have a peace of mind knowing she's at our house and not someone elses. And the whole I'm tired of you deal, I wish I knew that sooner. And also the whole watching AJ thing.
Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all the times that she's watched and cared for him. She treated him like her own, which I would do w/ her daughter, my niece. But, with the whole arguement, which like I said was something totally stupid...didn't have to go there. I didn't bring the babysitting up, and if I only knew sooner that AJ was a burden to her then I could have changed things. And of course, she feels its full of drama, but as a mom who puts her own responsibility of watching her child to someone else because of work or sometimes because of personal things..of course it makes me feel like AJ was a burden.
I never thought I would argue with her. I do hope it doesn't effect my relationship w/ the kids and/or the other sisters. They have nothing to do with her getting tired of me. Whatever I did wrong, I apologized for it. Which was: saying certain things that I should not have said and for over reacting.
Moral of the story: I'll still be the bigger person, but if she wants to stay mad that's fine. I'm still hurt about her saying the things that he said, but that will only be realized by the other person. Us helping her may have nothing to do with the stupid issue, but it makes me think of the words that came out of her mouth.
I'm hoping she goes to her brothers bday, cause if she doesn't show then that's not my fault. I wish her the best in what happens next in her life with either getting her own home and or just living her married life.
I've decided I'll just give them AJ's movie and just get another one. A movie is just a movie.

A new day, a positive attitude

Things can really be rough at times, but you always have to remember to be positive. If you're negative it gets you no where and you just fail. It seems that to have that attitude may be impossible to some, but its what you must do to survive. I know that things right now aren't just fabulous, dont get me wrong the business opening is a DREAM COME TRUE!
I am so proud of Anthony for really doing this. I mean, to think he was just talking about it and now its here, for him to go to his OWN shop, he created his OWN hours..it was a lot of patience and a lot of work but its really here.

Tuan always stays positive in which I have learned to do. Not to say I'm a negative person, but I always had hesitation and doubt towards certain things in my life. I am very glad to have great friends and close family for just being there. Through good and bad, you guys seem to keep me going.

Well, tomorrow will be a busy day. We've got some appointments lined up so I'm actually excited in putting in the info tomorrow. I just hope we soon get bombarded w/ people. Which I know may sound overwhelming but its so much better to be busy than to be slow. So cross your fingers for us. Till next time!!

ELK GROVE AUTOCARE

Overwhelmed

I am hoping to later on blog about overcoming being overwhelmed. There's a lot that I need to do ASAP. I need to first get my resume going and update it. I mean I have the basic stuff, but I need to get things updated as far as things that I've accomplished yada yada..and I need to start looking around. I'm not going to say much here, some already know the situation and others dont. I'll keep it that way for now. And TOMORROW I need to call HR Wells to cash out my 401k...I know I'll get taxed later, but that's something for me to worry about later. Not now. Hmm..I have to get the shop's manual thing going. If I can only create a VL (virtual library) for the shop, that would be great but I know that costly. So I have to print or type up a manual for how to do things up front.
I've learned a lot though, as far as Quickbooks Pro and just doing batching out stuff at the end of the day. I'm hoping it gets busy soon. I know I need to get files going, so I have to be there at the shop early. I have to file the Inc papers and insurance disclosures that were given to us. That's a must!

Well, other than that its different to be home in the evenings. Something I'm soooo not used to. I will eventually cause more than likely my next shift will be during the day. Well, more later. Gotta jam!

Events to come

So Tuan's Bday is this July. It'll be on a Sat here's the evite link:

Tuans Invitation

So it's gonna be a pool party. It'll be pretty hot by then. SO bring your swim trunks. We should have a good amount of food and people. So I'm pretty excited about that.

OH and its Brandon's baptism this Sat. I have my first god child!!! I'm sooo excited. I dont have any god kids, so for him to be the first one is sooo exciting. Can't wait!!!

I know I have to update my photos from the housewarming, to any other events that I missed to upload pics. Ning and Alvins wedding! Oh mun! I'm soo behind. ITs all good that's what happens when you get busy.
Till later...

Internet is back: welcome to Comcast!

Okay so it's been like a hella long time since I've been on this thing. We finally got our internet setup!!! Yay!! In a way its a good thing we didn't get it right away cause there's always wireless internet on the laptop or internet at the shop...either way.

So much to say..mun, so many things have happened within the past few months. I sooo need to update my photos and I will as soon as I get everything uploaded.
Well hmm brief summary is where I will start:

We've moved yup yup...we've been at the new house since March 24th the weekend of Katie's 9th Bday. And the day that Kylie gives birth is of course the day that we move. So it was pretty hard to move from the front door. We tried our best to not bother her. She had a total of 9 pups and 3 died. It was pretty sad, good thing I wasn't there though cause I think I would have freaked out. Instead I was at the hospital that day cause we were scared that AJ may have broke his arm but he just had a swollen muscle.

Then..04/27/07
Alvin and Mina got married..and those photos to come soon. It was fun. Food was great, except I didnt even get to finish my plate, cause I was running around taking pictures and trying to get the slide show ready w/ Joanne. Hehe. Good times. Bubba was sooo tired w/ doing the flowers, I guess when we renew our vows we won't be doing our own flowers.

05/05/07
Cinco De Mayo
Didn't do much. It was Angeliques bday we had her bday party at our house but it was actually on that Sunday. Which was a good thing we waited cause the day of her bday, it was windy and cold. So there was a good amount if kids who came over to go swimming. Not to many people but just enough. I've noticed since we've moved the kids have been enjoying the pool, which is great cause we have much use for it. But on Cinco De Mayo, Oliver and Joce came over and we had taco/burrito dinner. Thanks for the Carnitas Joce it was yummy!! So cliche I know to have mexican food, but it was nice to just chill at home.

05/18
House warming. We had our house warming, and not to many people showed up which was okay. There was enough food. If anything no left overs which is like a first. We ordered just enough. Tina and Alonso came thru. Father Suan came all the way from the city to bless the house. Thanks Father Suan. It was a great feeling to have the house blessed cause the old house we didnt have a house warming. And Tuan, Jason and Alex's bikes got blessed to.

Elk Grove Autocare
The shop is going to open on 06/18/07. Not our grand opening but ours doors will be open for business. I'm hoping we can have our grand opening after fourth of July. Things are coming along so far. Its just pretty crazy how you dont realize how many things you have to do. And its a great feeling to say that I'll be the Office Manager. I love my office, better than the one at work. My chair is hella comfy, and I'm loving the Dell computer :)

05/26/07
"Belly" got baptized. Congrats Belles! and same w/ Joshua. So had the party over at Lisa and Robs and just hung out, ate, and chilled. As we do at any family gathering.

hmm..that's it for now that I can remember. I know they'll be more that I'll remember later. I'm just really happy to have my internet back :)
Event to come:

07/14/07: Tuan's Bday Bash..evites to be sent this weekend!

Past Events and Upcoming Events-Main one 03/24

It seems like its been a while since I've blogged, well mainly its cause we've been packing. So word is out, we're moving. We confirmed that the final walk thru is on the 24th of March which is a Saturday. And that's the weekend of our anniversary. That weekend, along with it seems like other weekends coming up are going to be really hectic!

Events coming up:

03/17 St Joseph Prayer at Moreno household
03/22 Happy Anniversary -4 yrs in the making :)
03/24 Alyssa Joy's Bday @ 3:00
Final walk thru
03/25 Kaitlyn's 9th Bday party

So it'll be nice that I have a five day weekend per say, but it'll be a busy one. There's been so many things going on it seems insane! Okay so for work: well, I'm no longer doing mail for the center. SO it totally bugs me, but what can I do. Its wierd cause everyone's dropping it off to me and I HAVE to say, sorry I'm no longer doing it. And what gets to me is there's no one replacing me to do it. There's Tanya, but it was always just Tanya and I doing it. Plus, it's tax season, and its just been busy left and right. I told myself to just relax and not even worry about the phones being in the red, cause we can't do anything about it. Not until April 15 is when it'll slow down a lil bit. But you always have to consider the ones who asked for an extension on their taxes.

Past events:

03/03 Mom's 53rd Bday I haven't uploaded pictures from her camera or mine and will be updating the albums section soon. We took her to Red Lobster in Fairfield, and it was nice, just us w/ Philip. What was cool about it to was that he split the bill. So we just went to dinner and we ended up sleeping over that night. We were all just so tired that we crashed at Mom's house. Next day, it was Rob's surprise bday party. We bought oysters in Vallejo and went back home to Lisa's house. What was cool about it is that he really didn't have any idea. So the first weekend of the month was already hectic.
02/28 (actually 02/29) Rob's 35th Bday-ordered the cake and Lisa planned a party on short notice.

hmm...other than that we went on a ride the other day and it was soooo nice. I was a lil scared, b/c it was the first time I rode w/ just a shirt on. It was like 80 degrees outside and I kept debating on wearing my jacket. So I didn't and we rode along the delta and it was great! I had a blast. It was nice to just be on the bike and just cruise.
Oh, and we watched 300! That movie was SICK! Talk about sexy bodies..wooohooo!!! Soo going to buy that movie when it comes out on DVD.

Oh, and Ning and Alvin's wedding is finalized. It will on at the Foresthill Inn on a Friday April 27th. I'm glad I found someone to switch, cause that weekend, I too will have a five day weekend. Thurs to Monday :) One of the sups, Shawn said that I was swap queen forreal, cause within the past two weeks, I've found people to swap w/ me. Whats nice about it is that one of them will owe me for July so I can ask for it then, and/or I can look for someone to work for me for Brandon's baptism.
That's what's been happening. I still have to look for a dress for the wedding, Plus get AJ's tux cause he's the ring bearer. So I'll end up doing that after the move.

GREY'S DIAGNOSIS: Which character are you most like?

YOU'RE MIRANDA

"You're a perfectionist and you expect nothing less from everyone around you. Even when people complain, they secretly admire you for holding them to your high standards. Your family is your rock, even if you don't get to see them as much as you'd like. But without them, you'd be lost because you can't ever let anyone at work see you're human too."

blog 3: Moving

Yes, we'll be moving in approx three weeks, it could be sooner, but we'll see. I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. We haven't mentioned it to anyone yet, so if you guys are reading this well you found out.
This time though I'm looking forward to actually having a house warming and getting the house blessed. We've been looking for some furniture to put in our dinning room, cause now we have a dinning room versus this house we're in now no dinning room. Plus, a couch. We're in so much need of a new couch. We've found a few that we liked..But I think we'll do the move first.

Color scheme: neutral colors and light colors. I know that we'll be painting one of the rooms upstairs, cause its pink. Yup, not cute. Its the guest bedroom and we want it to look nice. And our room, I don't remember if it was painted so gotta paint that. Oh and take out the mirrored closets, not to fond of those.

I have so many ideas that I know I have to wait till we move. I know we should have taken more pictures, maybe we can see the house one more time before we move in.
Sad thing is I'll totally miss our neighbors Chris and Janet. They're the best neighbors ever!!
But we'll totally keep in touch. Maybe even have a lunch thing date thing w/ them once and a while.

So our new neighbors will either love us or hate us. We have two big dogs, a loud harley davidson, and two young people who like to have guests over. :)

blog 2: OT

Oh my!! The night before AJ got hospitalized I worked a 12 hour shift and I was sooooo out of it! I know I'm going to be working more OT soon, but man, its just tiring sometimes. Especially when you have some people at work who just don't make any sense. And Customers..OMG!!

I know its tax season, but seriously, one thing I've learned dealing w/ business customers all day long is the businesses that fail are the ones who don't manage their account. We have people that call in for statements from like 2003, okay that's soooo four years ago...Why? You may ask. Because they're being audited.

Well, last Wednesday I was so out of it and so worn out that I had to get off the phone. I thank Shawn so much for noticing too. I mean, yeah its not to bad w/ being on the phone, but sometimes it just gets to you. I seriously wanted to start looking for another job. I'm just starting to get bored w/ everything. I do mail, I take calls, I sell sell sell, and blah blah blah. I'm not to happy w/ where I'm at so..I guess that can add up to things. But what can I do.

The business should be up and running crossing fingers hopefully in April. So as soon as that's going maybe I can be a stay at home mom. Key word: MAYBE.

blog 1: AJ's hospitalization

So this is the third year that AJ got hospitalized around the same time of the year. He was admitted on the 22nd last Thursday and was diagnosed w/ RSV and pneumonia. I was concerned w/ his breathing the night before, called Dr Maulino and was told to bring him in. Waited it out, cause we were all the way in Fairfield, took him in to his Drs office and was told he should be admitted. He was weazing really bad and had a hard time breathing. He had signs of pneumonia, which totally sucked for him. I felt so bad for the guy. Well, he was put back on oxygen for 3 days and then had to be off for 24 hours in order for him to go home. He's home now, and he's happy. Just gotta continue giving him his breathing treatments.
So NOTE TO SELF around Feb and March, he is to not do anything but stay home! Seriously. I mean, last year we were admitted in the same hospital and coincidentally the same exact room except it was 222A and we were now in 222B.

Soo..although he's already two he will still be very succeptable to getting sick.
It totally took a toll on me especially Sunday night. Man I had the biggest migraine and I couldn't sleep. I know it's due to my BP and the lack of sleep. And what sucks is if you lose sleep you can never get it back.
I had to miss work from Fri, this past MOn and Tues. I lost 6 points so :( frown to that, so the next like three months no calling in for nothing! I have no more PTOK. I have to work up to get my FMLA back and get my points back. I'm now at 11 points which isn't bad cause its still informal, but it's better to be out of informal. I have to sign up for all OT this month in March cause its the last month to get points back.

But I'm really glad he's home. Just gotta be really careful, cause we wouldn't want him to relapse.