It is slowly winding down to the end of SCHOOL! I have not wrote or updated this thing in a while and it is probably because I have not had any time to actually sit down and think of anything else besides… school… work… school… weddings… school… events… and so forth and so on! The past three, and soon to be four,  years have been a great challenge for me and I cannot begin to explain how excited, happy, ecstatic, overwhelmed and absolutely OVERJOYED I am to be done with school… for now. I think after all these years I’ve only begin to realize that taking five or six classes is not as easy as I try to make it seem. Taking 26 units this past quarter definitely took a toll on my health and happiness that I realized I cannot do it all at once and still be ok (yes, Raymond you told me a million times)  Ah hahaha but I am done soon!!! I could sing, dance, jump, prance, skip, hop… well, you get the point. As we are only getting older and possibly a little wiser I am only becoming more and more grateful for everything and everyone in my LIFE! I must admit that I have been very blessed with an awesome family, group of friends and a special somebody. On top of it all I have my health (with occasional problems), happiness, and everything I need to get through life as of now.

If I could just ask one thing from everyone… it would be just to understand me. Haha that may be hard at times cause I don’t think I even understand myself. The one thing I believe is that people tend to assume certain things about people before they even know the real reason… I learned that the hard way. One of my favorite moments is being able to have a heart-to-heart talk with someone about something in their life, you would be amazed what you could really find out. Every person has a reason… almost every person if going through their own challenge and what they need most is someone to just accept them for who they are.   While volunteering in New Orleans in the summer of 2005, I was able to speak with a victim of Hurricane Katrina who said “Cherish what you have in life and never take anything for granted, cause if  you think you have it bad… there is always someone else out there who has it worse.” I will never forget those very words.

This is getting random now, huh? And if I may add….. quite long! I’m always moving and never just sitting down… it is sad but I really can’t sit still for a second. There are times I just “sit” back and look at my life (usually when I’m running) and think to myself “is this where I really want to be?” What does that mean? There is so many things I want to do in this LIFE and I just don’t know where to start or how to overcome the obstacles to get there. These are not dreams of success; instead, they are dreams of doing amazing things for amazing people. Being in the Peace Corps… impacting someone’s life… facing pain head on and save a life by donating something I don’t necessarily need… making others ENJOY life and be able to live comfortably….. there is just too much!!! Where to start? What to do? I don’t know **pulling hair out of my head** Only time will tell…

I would like to say THANK YOU to all of my friends, for putting up with my constant complaining throughout the years. Yes, I do know I always HAVE things to do and you all seem to always think I am busy (why, why does everyone always assume I am busy all the time?) but thank you for being there at the right time. I know I work numerous jobs at times and everyone thinks I am just always busy, so I just want you all to know that I do tend to push myself a little more than I should at times but in the long run I would much rather be out with all of you.  I know I may seem moody, crabby, frustrated, stressed or any word along that line. You all seem to always just understand and do whatever you could to assist me in any way. If any of you ever helped me out with any of the X amount of events I’ve planned you know how crazy I could get, yet you always just asked me what you could do to help and for that I am truly thankful! Haha there will be many, many more events in the future but I guarantee you that I am better at handling situations—I hope. What could I do for all of you who have done so much for me? I DON’T KNOW. Throw more parties and gatherings that some of you may think is so “gay” and laugh at me but I’m sure you all know that I do it for the sake of everyone. To bring everyone together and be able to catch up and meet new people J

So, what is in store for me? I have no freakin’ idea what I am going to do after I am done with school!! All I know is that I will be working part-time at the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel in Destination Services doing off-site events, interning part-time at Wildflower and working on my 1^st wedding on June 20^th (thanks to Kevin Kim). Finished another internship at Habitat for Humanity…gGood gravy… we’re getting older! I just want to do so much in my life…. Start a non-profit by the time I am 35… plan weddings… do something GREAT! Haha. I know my purpose in life is just to serve… serve what? I have no idea. I just know it is to serve the people in this world to do something amazing, even if it just in the life of one person. J

“Be the change you want to see in the world” – Mahatma Ghandi

I will continue to encourage everyone to get involved with the many, many causes in the world and hopefully inspire others to do great things as well. This summer I will be putting on a few events to bring everyone together  to catch-up while doing something good for someone else or the environment. Please read below  for more information regarding the event:

Los Angeles Beach Clean-Up

Venice Beach, California

Saturday, July 5^th 2008 at 11:00 a.m.

Please join us as we clean-up Venice Beach!

 Taking care of the environment around us is important. Cleaning up the beach will help alleviate the problems with ocean pollution that harms both us and the animals. A two hour beach clean-up will be held followed by boxed lunches for all participants.

Please RSVP as materials and lunch will need to be ordered in advance.

Los Angeles Beach Olympics

Venice Beach, California

Saturday, July 5^th 2007 @ 2:30 p.m.

An event to promote a healthy, active lifestyle

20-30 minutes of exercise each day will help lower the risk of many health related issues such as: breast cancer, obesity, cardiovascular disease, etc. Participants will be divided into two teams that will battle head-to-head through a challenging obstacle course created by Catherine’s witty mind. (More information TBA)

Yes, I do know this is probably one of the longest entries I have ever written. It was written with a lot of emotion and truth, and I hope that you will be able to take something away from it. I wonder who reads these anymore? Better yet… who uses it still (besides David Nagooyen!) God bless you all and may you live out your wildest dreams. May you all pursue your passion and strive to the very end! Sing…dance.. scream… do what you need to do to just enjoy this life we have! I want to live to 110… and I’ll do whatever I can!!! Hahaha sounds a little nuts, huh? DREAM BIG! There are seriously no limits! Be BOLD. Do you what you can while  you can. Live. Love. Laugh. Learn. Do something for someone else…. Lastly…. BE THE CHANGE!

Momma with a scary looking cactus!

SISTARS REVLON RUN FOR BREAST CANCER

CONGRATS HOWARD!

CONGRATS JESS...

Happy EARLY BIRTHDAY JESS!

 To make this short, cause I know everyone doesn't really read these things anymore, I'm sick and slightly frustrated with myself. Trying to get over the things in the past that has caused me to just, well, just be someone I'm not. BUT! It's A-OKAY. Cause life throws whatever it can at you just to make you stronger, wiser, and possibly crazier! This year seems busier, I don't know why? Maybe its the planning? schoolwork? pressure? whatever it is, I can't wait until theres that little pot 'o gold at the end of the rainbow that will symbolize the accomplishment of something GREAT! What is that symbol of accomplishment that will make you say "This is how I know I've lived my life and fulfilled its purpose?"... well, I've thought about this long and hard over the many many years of my 21 years of living. Its not the day I will hopefully will found my own non-profit organization, nor will it be when I plan my first wedding or special event for some dinero. It will be when I'm old and could look at my children and see their children; that is when I can say "I've lived." To know that I was capable of living while taking care of another, and seeing them do the same thing- living happily, healthy, and content.

Hoping for another internship this Winter and Spring.

On an exciting note, with all the birthdays coming and going, it has been a very exciting month. The laughter. The tears. The moments. Heck! Its all the about making something possible for someone else. Making another person be able to feel utterly "special," for that moment. Why? Cause they certainly deserve it! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL! YOU DESERVE IT!

So, here at the pictures to see exciting and hopefully unforgettable moments in my life, as these moments were apart of several other FANTABULOUS people!!! ah hahahahahahah I love humans! I kind of sound like an alien, huh? It sounds like there are aliens outside my window right now cause the wind is blowing so darn hard! Pray for an end to the fire in the mountains and the hundreds of creditable firefighters putting their life on the line. 

Raymond's 21st Birthday Dinner
 

The main entrance

The FAMILY table

The DINING room

Centerpieces

Place Settings

Heres..... RYAN!!

and this dashing devil..

welcoming each other

Ray was not surprised at all... why? because he already knew... ED! hahaha

speechless...

ladies + Raymond

CHEERS to the birthday BOY

CHEERS EVERYWHERE!!

speech! speech! speech!

Roy & Reggie :)

Sarah & Lizzy <3

I don't know about this...

A view from the top minus the guests on the side

TIME FOR CAKE!

what did he wish for? I never asked...

The lovely couple

 2 months of planning... X amounts of dollars... 1 day of unexpected rain... 100 something feet of carpeting... 32 guests... 50 pounds of chicken... unforgettable moments... a memorable event for all (I hope) = WORTH IT!

Thank you to all the guests (Roy, Ryan, Casey, Reggie, Steveil, Mike, Jeff Lai, Jeff Ahn, James Liu, Luini, Janet, Sarah Kang, Diana, Julie, Helen, Ed, Mike, Sam, Lisa, Angela, Sarah Chang, Jessica, and Liz for all attending!!

And a special THANK YOU to my right and left arm for the day.. Jessica and Jeff who put up with my complaining, whining, and constant orders :) hahaha you guys rock! I LOVE YOU! AND THESE MAGNIFICANT PICTURES ARE ALL COURTESY OF MR. JEFFREY LAI of JLai Event Photography

AND.. a special Thank YOU to MR. James Liu for his man power and help the day before, of, and after!  

NEXT UP.. Sarah's 21st SURPRISE BIRTHDAY DINNER

Theme: "Young at Heart"

For the girl who always has a cheerful and childlike spirit that keeps us all on or toes, to remember we may grow but we should always remember to stay young at heart.

place setting... writing tablet placemats, plastic animal utensils, name tag...

Guess how many pencils wrap around the vase? 50!

Jessica's Backyard transformed into a classroom

"How well do you know Sarah?" quiz

SURPRISE!!!

She's that overwhelmed!

YOU DESERVE IT!

Our class photo.. hahahahahahahaa

again, thank you to JLai Event Photography

BUT IT DOESN'T END HERE!!

For a more semi-formal affair..

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

PDR (Private Dining Room)

The BIRTHDAY GIRL AND BOY!

The group photo taken at one of my most favorite spots

Fellas!!!

Ladies...

Brian bear and I

Lizzy Poo

Sarah and Faggy

Hope it was a great birthday Sarah....

Happy Birthday SANDRA LEU!! TODAY!!! AH AHAHAHAHAHA BUT YOU'RE IN SAN DIEGO! :(

2007 NIKE Women's Marathon in San Francisco, October 21, 2007

23,000 runners raised $18.5 million dollars benefiting leukemia and lymphoma

We did the 13.1 mile half marathon

at Point Lobos.. my hair looks nuts!

I thought this was soooo cool! Nike compiled all 23,000 names and printed them all on a silkscreen, placed on the NikeTown store in SF

Ray's 1st 1/2 Marathon!!!!

An eventful beginning for school.... now to settle down and study for midterms and then finals!

Hope to see everyone Thanksgiving break and then CHRISTMAS!!! woo hoo!!!!!

Life will always catch you by surprise, just grab hold of whatever it throws at you and hold on!

Woot! WOOT! I'm 21! Thank you to everyone for the warm wishes, messages, or phone calls!!!
I would just  like to thank everyone who came out to my event supporting two very important causes in the world, the environment and poverty and malnutrition. It was an extremely stressful time planning and putting together all the major and minor details for the event, but IT WAS ALL WORTH IT! A big thanks to Jennifer Lee for designing the invitations, Jason Duong for being the photographer for the event, and Raymond for his constant support even when I was giving him the hardest time. I mainly did this to bring everyone together for the Summer, while on top of that be able to come together for a good cause as well. There may be a lot of good happening in the world, yet there are also A WHOLE LOT OF BAD. We must look at these bads and do do what we can while we can, cause we can make a difference regardless of what anyone says. If you have a passion or determination, anything is possible. I had a dream to put on an event like this two years ago, and sure enough it took a long time but it happened and I'm truly grateful!!! I've not  realized how many people are always there to support and lend a hand when needed, but each and every person out there truly  has a good heart. I thank you. I only hope to hold this event again next year. More detailed. More people. Creating memories together while supporting important causes happening in the world we live in.
Altogether we raised $511 to Floresta and Action Against Hunger!!1 GREAT JOB EVERYONE. 150 trees will be planted in honor of everyone at the event, and a supply of food will be donated to families in third-world countries for a 3/4 a year.
A moment I will never forget. :)

Celebrating My sister's 33rd Birthday!!!!!! (and an early birthday to me on the side)

Sister's Friends

Blowing kisses at YOU

Celebrating my 21st Birthday at Anaheim Whitehouse for lunch with my momma and sister

Do we look alike?

Birthday picnic at Laguna Beach

Taken by the new member of my family the SPIDER TRIPOD!!!! Get it! trust me!

Surprise gathering at the Irvine house. Thanks everyone!!! This is when Kevin decided to cake me with Ray's Banana Cream Pie....

So, I got him back and he tackeld me to the floor and decided to recake me.

This was me at the end..... Reggie's room was destroyed... :(

And now to the MAIN EVENT.... this was 3 months of planning, 1 month of buying and putting together, and many many weeks of RSVP calling...

The invitations... Thanks to the talent of Jennifer Lee

These are just some of the pictures that I am using for my portfolio.. Thanks to Jason Duong

and now for the fun pictures...

Then the next day... I GOT BAPTISED!!!!

And the week after Sarah took me to Lawry's

THANKS A MILLION TO EVERYONE!!!!