Jesus &...

Ohmygosh I found my passion!

Families.

That is all.

A dash of red

A black, white & bling New Year's Eve party with the college group from church & people I love!

I have my outfit picked out! I'll definitely work the black, even some gray, but not so much the bling. I'm not much of a bling girl. Ha ha, when I think of bling I think of grills.

Ew I know. Oh Nelly...

Yah that's too exaggerating.

Still, I'm not much of a bling-bling, sparkle chick.

SOOOO I chose to insert "red" instead of "bling." Just a dash. Still an elegant flashiness. Plus, it's one of my fave colors! Totally works.

Let's celebrate us coming this far in life! It is His grace that has allowed it.

Jesus is the way!

Job Hunting

The best part about job hunting is the "investigation" of trying to find "The One." Totally romanticizing it up, but it's true!
You have to look around (personally I've looked at more than 100 jobs since this past weekend) and you have to take a look at the area it's in, who you'd be working with, the mission of the company, what you'd gain and what you're willing to give... There are just SO many criterion and it's so fun!

Geeky? Maybe. But at least I have fun doing it! It's exciting because while you're putting forth so much effort, the outcome will be worth it.

I've applied to 3 specific/serious jobs but haven't gotten a reply from anyone...
People would say "wait"... and yes I've been waiting, but I'll persist while I'm waiting.
I think it's kind of lame when you just "wait" in the job-hunting scheme of things. You've got to press on and apply for other positions! As many as you can. Stop until you actually get a job :)

Here's to finding a steady career job!

Room/Future Home Decor

I have some inspiration within my box-like room that I would love to use for when I get my place!

I love canvas! Some of this (even with photos on canvas) would be lovely (notice the WORD OF GOD to the bottom right... a def must).

More canvas! :) Lanterns are so simple but cute! The red lamp to the left adds gorgeous lighting to my room! The red circles reflect a light pink color around the whole room which changes the entire feel.

My fave colors! Book lists, Bible verses, & many, many pictures of people I love!

A frame that my best friend gave me. I LOVE the juggled font and the top phrase, "Many people come and go, but friends leave beautiful memories that last forever." Having such phrases in my abode is a must! & the pictures as well ;)

Another phrase: "If you always give, you will always have."

Pardon the carpet, it's from way back when. BUT even MORE phrases! & the Word of God :) The black and white colors offer an elegant feel which I'd love! A modern vintage-y touch.


I. Love. Collages.
The first one actually tells a story. It starts at the top left and ends at the bottom right :)

This is one that I did in high school and I just kept it (until a little bit ago) where the central theme was "feelings".

Below is the most outstanding feature of my room :) I don't regularly have balloons in my room but a dear family that I love very much gave these to me (and a wonderful celebration) for graduation! I'm crossing my fingers so they deflate extremely slowly ha ha ;) They're so fun!

I wouldn't want those colored curtains in my place. I really like color but these are kind of "kiddy."

So these are all tiny inspirations for my future place. Although, these pictures and inspirations are only derived from what's in my room. I would love to have a modern/vintage and chic place! A place to uplift and call home :)

Nein nein Fräulein

Long story short: I didn't get the call.

It would have been nice to get to know the guy.

But at the same time it was a relief. He lives in another state. The whole thing was set-up, which is super nice and cute, but at the same time it's just that: a set-up. Like fabricated. My heart is just that it wouldn't be that way. Simple as that: set-ups for me are just not for me. Ha ha if that makes sense.

The Lord is my matchmaker. And I've heard some say that to say that of the Lord is untrue, "God is no matchmaker!" But if He's my Father, my God, He must surely care who I will marry. And yes, the reason I would date anyone is to marry them :) I want Him to guide my life including my relationships.

So in everything the Lord is sovereign and His timing is impeccable :)

Pleased to meet you.

Much-needed info: a while ago I had prayed to the Lord to not allow any guy into my life (for a romantic relationship) until after I graduated college... that time is in less than a month. The Lord is a gentleman (which means He might actually wait until after I graduate to allow someone into my life) but His plans are also greater than mine (which means there might not be someone anytime soon because the Lord has other things planned).

I met a guy today.

Yeah I've met a million and one. But today was a set-up.
A "We-hope-you-guys-can-get-to-know-each-other-better" set-up.
Yeah... one of those.

I wasn't nervous. Weird.

And it wasn't awkward at all. [Hint: sarcasm]

We met and yes, like everyone had said, he was handsome. Ok, got that much.
Pretty sweet, the 5 minutes (or less) we chatted.

Almost went to lunch with him and the family (sounds pretty serious) but I had already planned other engagements for lunch so I couldn't (I didn't do that on purpose).

I'm writing like it was all a drag... but it wasn't :)

It was cute I guess. People were SO obvious in trying to set us up that we both found ourselves on common ground with the awkwardness of it all so we understood each other that much.

His parents (who did the whole set-up) are supposed to give me a call to go eat together before he flies out Tuesday. Oh yeah he lives in Cali.

Will they call?

We shall see... ;)

P.S. either way it's ok (call or no call). Really. But I'll be updating :).

Peace

Jazz

Watching "The Sing-Off" has really gotten me into jazz!! Actually, my favorite group of the show, Afro-Blue, has done it. AND it started snowing today! It's overcast and the chilly breeze is blowing...

Smooth jazz.

yeah.

Plain Jane

I have a new favorite show.
This show makes me clap like a 5-year-old, excited for her first ferris wheel ride.
Makes me stomp my feet and jump for joy like finding out that my crush likes me back.
Makes me say, "Oh my gosh!" over and over like there's no tomorrow, while I cover my mouth and fall back on my bed but quickly get back up so I won't miss a glimpse of the episode.
Makes me feel twitter-pattered. :)

Plain Jane

As girly as a show can get. And it's my favorite!

Shuga's

Tonight I went to the most cutest and quaint spots in town! It's called Shuga's.
The style of the edifice is just like a house. It has a front and back patio is patio tables and chairs, as well as big umbrellas. You walk in and you see a flock of origami swallows hanging from the cealing. Dangling, round light hang down as well and the ambiance of the place is just HGTV'd!
The back patio has the small-bulbed row of light streaming from one end to another.

I totally want to decorate my place like this!

Oh, sidenote, have you seen "Home by Novogratz" on HGTV (Saturdays at 8pm)?
Inspiring! Makes me want to think out of the box.
And it's pretty cool how both wife and husband work together so smoothly... considering they have 7 kids.

But all in all: Shuga's is awesome and delicious. "Home by Novogratz" is so fun.

pinkberry

I went to pinkberry on Daddy's Day!

I invited the family in dad's honor.

Being the only pinkberry in town, we drove about 35-40 minutes to get there. We got there easily and we saw

a line going outside of the joint.

Whaaat? And dad hates waiting! But we waited anyways... that gave me time to observe the decor!

First, I have to say: I. LOVE. THE PLACE.
Not just because of the awesome frozen yogurt (which created a humongous party in my mouth... the best, the BEST yogurt I have ever tasted) but because of the modern touch!

Outside feel

Glossy orange walls reflecting swirly light accenting the yogurt

Retro touch booths

Small-stoned floor with a gloss layer on top (makes it look like the whole floor's covered with water)

I love it!! I couldn't stop staring at the walls and the seats and the awesome, super duper fantabulous swirly yogurt light. I wouldn't protest if that was my place ;)

The yogurt? If electronic samples existed, I'd put one up for you so you can taste the party too.

The view?

Celebrate with yogurt. Frozen yogurt.

Cherry Blossom

Today I got four Bath & Body Works items for free!!

I was jumping and screaming because I was so happy.

Here's why: since I got hired at my job I've been looking for a body butter that I fell in love with (that was in the staff bathroom for usage). The cherry blossom body butter. I had never been to Bath & Body Works and I never really asked where to purchase it. I just assumed it'd be super easy to find it. So, naturally, I went to Bed, Bath & Beyond. Why? I have no clue.

Long story short, I couldn't find it ANYWHERE.

I just skipped going to Bath & Body Works because I had no clue there was a Bath & Body Works store at both malls in town. Nice, I know.

But I just didn't have a chance to find it... so I got 4 for free in return. ALL cherry blossom. A coworker was giving them [and many more] away because she had too many. Sweet? I think so.

A hand cream, a triple moisture body cream from their signature collection, a body lotion (infused with real sweet cherry extract) and a body splash (infused with real sweet cherry extract).

A $54 value, for free.

Message? Even in the small things the Lord provides my heart's desires. Waiting has its perks.

P.S. Cherry blossom is my fave scent ;)

________ are my favorite

My room usually needs a deep cleaning between each semester of college.
Put my love of boxes in the equation and we have a perfect match!
Boxes are one of my favorite things. Maybe it's because I can just put random things in them and set them aside. Maybe it's because they usually store my treasures. Or maybe it's because of their four perfect corners welcoming to fit any unused space :) (Freebie! Can you guess what my favorite type of box is?!)

There's the pentagon box

 Then the hexagon box

 There's the heart box!

 And the round box :)

But my fave is the original BOX box.
I bought a colorful dotty, almost-see-through box which is going to be my "Project Box."

And I bought a set of 3 black boxes with a leathery feel to them.

The smallest box is my "Pictures" box where I stash pics that haven't been framed.

The medium box is my "Letters & Cards" box that take me back to events and friends.

The largest box is still empty... haven't decided what I should dedicate it to :)

So yes: I LOVE BOXES.

I think I have more than 100 boxes in my room alone... these also include my shoe boxes, which contain my shoes (Kind of a "Duh!" but still wanted to clarify ;) ) but their perfect Tetris fit puts me at ease that I'm not wasting space.

No it's not OCD, it's space-management skills ;)

Jammin'

These are the latest songs that I've bought (a variety but some are oldies):

I'm In Love With You (Joy Williams)
We (Joy Williams)
One of Those Days (Joy Williams)
How Deep the Father's Love for Us (Selah)
In Christ Alone (Keith & Kristyn Getty)
You Are My Hiding Place (Selah)
Free (Ginny Owens)
Fellow Traveler (Ginny Owens)
Loving a Person (Sara Groves)
Just Showed Up for My Own Life (Sara Groves)
Come Rest (Lindsay McCaul)
There's Only One, Holy One (Caedmond's Call)
Before There Was Time (Caedmond's Call)
Love Never Fails (Brandon Heath>> this one I bought a while ago but I put it in the "new cd" mix to listen in my car)

I would totally include links to all of these but it would take me such a long time. I really really recommend these though!

I bought a bunch of other songs that are super excellent too. The artists include Coldplay, Aqualung, Group 1 Crew, Brett Dennen, Esterlyn, Lenka, OneRepublic, Miley Cyrus, Fink, Abandon, Jamie Grace and others. Just thought I'd let you know about the type of music I listen to ;)

Dream Dog 2

Okay I was looking at more pictures but specifically for a black golden retriever...
However, I found the one that I had seen a long time ago and found out that it's "not a black golden retriever" (apparently people are pretty touchy about the mixup).

It's the flat-coated retriever. Black specifically.

Gorgeous isn't he?!

I'd love one of these too... I think I'll only have one dog though. So hard to choose!

Dream Dog

Our family has two chihuahuas.
Momo (brown) and Appa (white)
This is when we had just gotten them. They're bros.

Now they've grown. They are now almost 2 years old. SO different from each other. Appa (left) is more of an independent, kind of like the big brother one. Momo (right) is always right behind mom going everywhere she goes. He's the attention seeker. But we love 'em both :)

As my blog title hinted, I have a dream dog. Transitioning to later in life when I have my own place or family, my dream dog is a chocolate lab.

I know! SO cute! And I'm kind of cheating because I put a puppy picture up... I just couldn't resist :).

I'd LOVE one of these!
My second choice is a golden retriever.

I love smallish dogs but I want to have a bigger dog once I grow up... ha ha ;)
And a choco lab or a golden retriever would be perfect!!

Weird

• My middle name is a middle eastern male chief's name.

• I can hear my inner ear hair sensory follicles move.

• My lowest grades last semester were in both my native language classes: Spanish.

• I was born and lived near the ocean for 10 years and don't know how to swim.
•    If I were in a ship and it sank along with all the boats, I would float my way to shore (I know how to float. Oh yes).

• My names at work include that of an animal, a candy, and both combined.

• Not a day goes by that I don't look at the clock at 9:11 am or 9:11 pm.

• Today I was told [by a guy] that my hair looked like a lion's mane... "Uuuh, thank you?"

• I randomly make loud verbal noises in the middle of silence... mainly when stressed.

• I have postponed my college graduation twice.

• There is a placenta hair conditioner in my house.

• Both my chihuahuas are named after avatar Aang's two pets: Momo and Appa. Courtesy of my sister.

• Why can't "weird" be spelled the way it sounds? WIERD

Nicaragua!

So, having Nicaraguan heritage, I must point out that 2011s Nuestra Belleza Latina has named Ms. Nicaragua the winner!! Nastassja Bolivar is the winner!

Nuestra Belleza Latina is a beauty pageant representing Spanish-speaking countries. Still a grueling process of questions and tests like Miss Universe pageants.


The runner-up was Puerto Rico with Colombia in third and Cuba in fourth.
Just gotta say that Nicaragua won!

F for Failure

So my amazing touch-screen-practically-brand-new Kodak Slice camera isn't as amazing as I thought:
It takes about 1 minute to play the pictures to review them on the camera, it's delayed when I want to shoot a pic (fatal), the flash is so bright it's blinding and it shines the flying dust in almost every picture, and the focus stinks.

Do you see the blurriness. It's just NOT sharp! And the dust?! You see it? Right in the picture like it's a superstar-wannabe. Grrrr...
Might seem like I put too many pictures here but I'm just trying to make a point: I want a new camera! That said, I am planning on saving up for a Rebel camera or something. One of my best friends has one and it's so effective at capturing the details, sharpness and colors. And it def does not capture the dust flyin' around!
Last time I checked, I saw a Rebel camera for almost $600.00. I'll be on the lookout for other awesome cameras. If you have any suggestions please let me know!

Retro

My mother is a very frugal shopper... something that comes in handy.
She goes to garage sales, thrift stores and places where SALES are happenin'. And I tag along, to obtain her shopping wisdom by osmosis but also to get me a little somethin'-somethin' at the store.

Recently we went to the flea market in town, something that we've been doing since I can remember.
We found a little stand where a sir was selling tiny toys... most of them were cars though. And I found my beloved VW van that for some reason I've wanted to have for so long in real-life size!!

In fact, I found quite a few; including a bug!
VWs galore!

So darn cute! I don't know why I've always wanted a VW van... maybe because I've daydreamed of taking a road drip to Cali with people I love while listening to Phantom Planet's "California".

Oh and let's not forget the retro jewelry! Bought at an amazing Goodwill.

Totally anti-chandelier (although chandelier earrings are also my fave), these add simplicity to my life. Style and simplicity go good together ;)

There's Sushi. Then There's Andy.

Ok, I think what makes sushi "cool", or authentic you can say, is that it's usually accompanied by raw fish or some type or rawness.
But then again, I don't eat raw fish.
Never tried it... don't think I will soon either.
Someday!
Not yet though ;D
______________________________________________
THIS is my favorite type of "sushi."
Let's just say, for all you brave rawness eaters, my type of roll.

It's... *drum roll please*

The Andy Roll!

Gaze upon its deliciousness!

It's like the California Roll but it's totally not the California Roll.

On the inside you can find rice, crab, avocado, and cream cheese. Best part: it's fried in tempura batter.

Yummy-ness. About $11.99 of it.

SO good.

Not sold everywhere.

Price does not include tax.

When Pigs Fly

About two weeks ago I enter my deviant behavior class. Just strolling into class, like a regular class day for a regular class lecture.
I turn into the row I usually sit in and I see

A baby pig!!

I automatically voiced, "Oh my goodness gracious," and averted my eyes because I couldn't believe it.
The owner didn't have a name for the piggy yet; her little boys were still brainstorming.
Piggy was about 5 weeks old and she had arrived from Texas a few days before.

Personally, I have never met a person with a pet pig. I think I've seen movies with pet pigs in the cast but never in person.

I had to take a picture of this! I couldn't just leave class without documenting this!

I shyly asked the lady, "Would it be ok to take a picture of her without the flash?" while taking my camera out just to make it a tad impelling (I really wanted to take a picture).

She hesitated and said, "Weeell, I think that would work..." while she accommodated herself and the piggy to pose.
Meanwhile a flock of girls were coming over to our corner and you could just see their hearts melting at the sight of piggy... you can tell when the inverted eyebrows slant upwards and when they're covering their mouths along with their dropped jaw-semi-smile as they walk over.

Phones and cameras in hand, they all asked if they could take a picture of her.

"I've always wanted a pig for a pet!"
"I totally wouldn't need a boyfriend if I got a piggy!"
"I just texted my boyfriend and told him!"
"I can't wait to show my best friend! She's wanted a pig for so long!"

I was actually surprised at how many girls wished they had a pig for a pet!
I've never wanted a pig for a pet... I don't think that's cute.
It's a PIG.
What's cute is how tiny piggy was!
So maybe next time someone'll bring a pet squirrel...

Gasp! I think I'd be creeped out if that happened.