Little Somethin'

I've been so busy with life that I haven't blogged...but I also haven't had very much to formulate a blog post about. I will go ahead a tell you that I am having an MRI on my heart on Monday, and then the cardiologist appointment on Friday. Would love the prayers! I already feel like I've been covered in prayer, but I know that they are so powerful, and are helping me continue having peace and go with confidence that the Lord is lighting my path. He has up until this point, so why would He not continue doing so? I will leave you with a picture, and I will be back writing soon. And I'll also let you know the results of my tests!

These are pictures from the Turner Syndrome conference...I know I've told you lots about it, but now you can see the awesomeness that it was for yourself!

This little girl, along with her mom and sister attended the TS conference. She has TS...her momma brought a nice camera, and she saw mine and wanted to use it. Right after I took this picture, I let her take some pictures on it.

She took this picture of me...I think it's pretty cute. I know it seems vain to put up a picture of myself up on here, but I wanted to show off her photo skills! She was so cute, and very much wanted my camera.

This is Emily and me. I met Emily 7 years ago at a TS camp. She was my camp counselor. Emily is beautiful on the inside and out, and is a friend to all she meets. She helped a lot with the logistics of the conference. She is very dear to my heart, and I know we will be lifelong friends. We were on the dance floor in this picture, naturally! :)



This is Natalie and me. We met in person for the first time actually at the airport getting a shuttle to the conference airport. We'd been internet friends for a while, but we new who each other were right away. It was fate that our planes landed about the same time in Buffalo :)

Here are some of the dad's groovin' on the dance floor, having fun too!

xoxo

Music & Lyrics

I am a very lyrical person. Lyrics are a bigger part of a song than the musicality a lot of the time for me. Especially with Switchfoot songs...I know, I know. I am such a Switchfoot nerd. But, it's really because their lyrics just speak truth to me. Not long after I wrote my last post about going through a tough time, I was exercising in the morning. I usually listen to Bible on my phone while exercising. And then I will listen to music once I'm done. During this hard time, for a few days, I felt like I couldn't read/listen to my Bible. So, I would just listen to my music. And this song came on. It spoke to me, and reminded me that we are all faulted in this life...we all fall short. And it's on such a deep level. But, there is a hope and dependence on God that can carry us through this life...and that there will be a day when we are strong and completely whole in God. And until then, we can get glimpses of that perfection by being in community with God here on earth. Anyway, this song played and I remembered why it is that I chose the title of it as the title on my blog. Please read the lyrics! They are strong, powerful, enlightening and hopefully encouraging to you.


The Setting Sun

I've got a wound that doesn't heal,
Burning out again,
Burning out again

I've not sure which of me is real,
And I'm alone again,
Burning out again

My hope runs underneath it all,
The day that I'll be home

It won't be long, I belong,
Somewhere past the setting sun

Find me free, find me strong,
Somewhere back where I belong

Yeah, Yeah, (Yeah!)
Yeah, Yeah, (Yeah!)

Something shared with me again,
But I'm not buying it,
I'm not buying it

My wound goes deeper than the skin,
There's no hiding it,
So I'm not trying it
[ Lyrics from: http:/l ]
My hope runs underneath it all,
The day that I'll be home,

It won't be long, I belong,
Somewhere past the setting sun,
Find me free, find me strong,
Somewhere back where I belong

Yeah, Yeah, (Somewhere past the setting sun!)

Yeah, Yeah, (Yeah!)

Yeah, Yeah, (Going back where we belong!)

Yeah, Yeah, (I'll find you)
(The setting sun!)

Let the weak say I am strong, and it won't be long,
Let the right say I was wrong, and it won't be wrong,
Let us find where we belong,
Beyond the setting sun,
Beyond the setting sun

Yeah, Yeah

It won't be long, I belong,
Somewhere past the setting sun,
Find me free, find me strong,
Somewhere back where I belong

A Matter of the Aortic Valve

As I've mentioned on here before, I went to the annual Turner Syndrome Society of the US conference three weeks ago. It was really an amazing time. Such a great community, and being surrounded my medical professionals who are so caring and knowledgeable about Turner Syndrome. There were professionals speaking over the 3 days. And on the last night, we had a dance party. It was such a blast to have fun, dance and laugh with these girls and ladies that have so much in common.

At the conference, there was a cardiologist who was giving free echocardiograms. This cardiologist had also given a talk about the heart and having Turner Syndrome. I was very impressed. He even had his own staff with him to help with the echocardiograms over the conference. I have an abnormality of my heart where one of my valves is bicuspid, when in actuality it should be tricuspid. And I've never had any problem with it whatsoever. I've had several echocardiograms because of it, but it's only been to monitor it. Anyway, they said that unless there was anything pressing or needing attention, the doctor would get back to us at a later time with our results. On the last day of the conference, literally 30 minutes before I need to take the shuttle to the airport & still have breakfast, the people at the registration table told me the doctor wanted to see me. "Great", I thought. His concerns were that my aortic valve is enlarged. The echocardiogram was very unclear though, so he wanted me to see a cardiologist to follow-up, and get an MRI for a clearer picture. On of the concerns of having an enlarged aorta is that a tearing of on of the layers of muscles can occur. If it occurs, it can be life threatening. So, he referred me to someone at UCLA Medical Center. I've very thankful for this. The two doctors talked to each other. I don't have an appointment until next month, but I will have an MRI done before then.

It was really weird to get this information right before I was ready to leave on a few hour airplane flight. At one point I thought to myself, "what if my aorta is really enlarged and I have a tear in the muscle? And I'm way up in the sky!". But, God also comforted me and reminded me of all the things that the same doctor talked about in his presentation about this condition. Also, even though I haven't had an echocardiogram in a few years, it's never been of a concern. For all I know I may not actually have an enlarged aorta. The extremely cool thing is that I have been prayerful about it, and other people have as well on my behalf. If you could be praying for me too, I'd appreciate it. Let's see if God can continue to protect me and care for me, and show through the MRI that my heart is in tip-top shape!

Two Opposing Forces Working At The Same Time

It's interesting for me to write this post...for many reasons. One of those reasons is because I definitely haven't gathered all my thoughts. Another reason is because I also feel the need to hold back, and not disclose everything in my life. I tend to be more reserved and not talk about everything (even on my blog). But I don't want any fig leaves. Meaning, I don't want to keep things completely hidden or be ashamed of them. And because I am trying to be real at the same time as being an agent of truth. There have been some things that have happened lately, and while they were in the thick of happening they felt like (and were) this HUGE spiritual attack. Spiritually, I felt literally knocked down and beat up in battle. It was a time too when I felt like some lies were being thrown at me, and they were being disguised as truths. But praise God, He helped me regain my balance and get back on my feet. And He helped me know the lies for what they are...falsities from the pitt of darkness. Coming out of it all, I am still maintaining my balance. Still seeking guidance, wisdom & healing from God. And can I just say, I don't like how horrible situations here on earth can make us see the worst of the human condition & can potentially bring out the worst of us. I am still also learning about forgiveness too. And loving those who feel unloveable to me. All while still trying to fight for what is right, true & good.

At the same time, I am focusing on the blessings, grace & mercy in my life. Because despite one good size thing happening in my life, there is certainly a heck of a lot of wonderful things going on too. (Which, ironically makes this all the more interesting for me to go through. It shows me God knows what I can handle, and that He is there.) I am thankful for the friends I call my close and dear. And my family. Also, I had an amazing time at the Turner Syndrome conference 2 weekends ago. Work is going well for me; and in the 10 months I've been at this job, I received my 2nd raise this week. I am even more sure that God has me right where he wants me, and I am on a path paved out by Him. I am even more passionate about nursing and graduate school. And it looks like I should be getting into some more pre-req's this Fall.

I know that this post is a bit scatter brained. I hope that it makes sense to you (my few readers out there) :)

I know that in darkness, light is so easy to shine through! And that God wants to use all of me to draw closer to Him, and to minister to others. So if you could be praying for me, as well as those I love I'd appreciate it. I would just love to be covered in prayer.

To Post or Not To Post

I wrote a blog post yesterday. It's one where I wrote about something going on in my life, and shared a little more. I am still wondering if I should disclose or not. What say you?

Gate 58A

I'm getting ready to board a plane. I feel like a total jetsetter, even though this is not typical at all for me to be traveling SO much. This trip is extremely exciting for me, because I am going to a Turner Syndrome conference. It's my first conference! I am going to be re-united with friends I haven't physically seen in 7 years since I went to a camp for girls with Turner Syndrome! It's not everyday I meet someone with Turner Syndrome, let alone a whole hotel full. Also, a lot of medical professionals who specialize in Turner Syndrome will be speaking. And, I will get to visit Niagara Falls! I am so excited. And I feel so blessed to be able to go, and that God has provided and enabled me to go.

I'm a total amateur...and yet again, a Switchfoot concert!

The other week, I had the opportunity to take engagement photos for my roommate and her fiance. They got engaged last month, and my roommate asked if I would want to practice my photography skills on them. The three of us, and my friend Kristi, were all going to the Del Mar Fair to see Switchfoot play a concert. And light bulb! Let's take engagement photos at the fair! I thought I would share some of them with you. I don't have any photo editing software, so these are the raw images.

But, I thought some of them turned out pretty cute. I just love my roommate, and think her fiance is a pretty great guy too. They love each other.

Here are some pictures from the concert too...Kristi and I had backstage passes, which got us these backstage wristbands too. We were stoked.

Switchfoot put on an amazing rock concert...as usual. Kristi, Reny and Don all really enjoyed it. Here are the guys rockin' out!

And of course, Jon's obligatory climbing got him up on those amps. Crazy guy! It was a fun time had by all. Great music, with great lyrics, great friends...and then we got to meet the guys after the concert. (However, we weren't allowed to take picture with them because they were rushed.)

Still, so much fun. The kind that fills my heart, and makes my blood pump even faster, to the beat of the music for a whole week later.

Stirring

I posted a little while ago that my very good friend and roommate's mentor had written a book that I was reading. Well, I am still reading it. It's taken me a LOT longer than I thought. But, I am showing myself grace in this area because I've taken a class this last semester. Anyway, I'm back reading it again. I was told by the author, Preston, it's good to digest it in small bits.

It is so powerful and is having a big impact for me. It speaks so much truth that I feel can really resonate with everyone. It's hard to fully describe the book. But in a few more words, it is book in which gets down to the core of the desire each of us has for purpose, truth, connection with our Father and longing to be known and cherished. All of this takes place within a riveting adventure that two brothers take. I know it has been impactful for many others, and I hope that I can also be used to speak truth and God's greatness and love to others too (which, probablywon't be in the form of a writing...but who knows. I wanted to put up a quote from the book to leave you with, as well as a link to the website to get the book!

Jester explained that he would take advantage of the Prince's predicament by imitating his voice & suggesting thoughts to his as though he was thinking them himself. With any luck, the disillusioned & confused Prince would voice & appropriate Jester's suggestions thinking they were his own. If all went well, he would hear himself say things so powerful that their mere sound would sear a distorted conviction into his psyche, warp his thinking, wound his emotions, and further undermine his already doubtful opinion about his Father, the King.

Orange County Skies Aren't As Blue As The Skies In Colorado

A few weeks ago, over Memorial Day weekend, I was able to take a vacation to Denver, Colorado. And let me tell you, it was a vacation. It was filled with spending time with a good friend, being out in nature, relaxing and making new friends. This is the horse that I rode on. His name is Bam. Short for BamBam. I was a little suspicious when I first got paired up with him, but he actually turned out to be the best horse.

Here Stephanie and I are with our horses after our hour long ride. The funny thing is that we didn't even plan the purple jacket coordination. There was a funny moment where one of the cowboys on the ranch looked at my shoes and said, "Those are some nice shoes. Are they Puma's?". And then "are you sure you want to where those ridin'?".

The next day, we went hiking in Eldorado Park. It was beautiful. Filled with a river, huge rocky mountains to climb, and so much to see. Everything I saw felt like it came out of a postcard...except it was real! Even better!

We also went to Idaho Springs. It's a very small, almost run down, old mining town. My friend Stephanie said it'd be fun to go to, and a friend of hers had taken her to this pizza place called Beau Jo's. We get there and they have this thing called the "mile high pizza". I knew I'd seen it before on the show Man vs. Food...I asked, and I was right! And let me tell you, the pizza was huge! And they had some crazy toppings...like spaghetti and meatball pizza. It was a neat little town.

(the falls, in Idaho Springs, CO)

I also had the opportunity to meet Stephanie's boyfriend for the first time that weekend. And we got to spend a lot of time all together. Aren't they just a cute couple?

The Vagabond kind of life

For exactly two weeks, I've been living the life of a vagabond. Well, sort of. I've been housesitting and dogsitting for the past two weeks, with only two days off. But, it's been good. I like being able to take care of a home, and to spend time taking care of cute little doggies. I love dogs, and want one of my own. But it's time when I dogsit that I remember that it is a lot of work. It's good to be able to dogsit for periods of time and then be able to leave and the dog is reunited with it's family. It's unbelievable how dogs show unconditional love. One can never get sick of that. They are a constant companion...as a little treat, here is a picture of one of the little pups I've been sitting for. She likes to sleep all cozy under a comfy comforter.

Gwen also likes her walks...a lot!

Another event that's happened, is that my little brother has graduated eighth grade. I know that he still has a long way to go, but I just love him so much, can't believe that he is going into high school, and what a great little man he is!

The whole family!

Can you guys help me out here...I am trying to see any family resemblance between my brother and me.

More updates to come, but it's been a jam packed May, and June has been so far too. One highlight is that I've gotten to spend more time with Suresh from Harvest India (the mininstry I have gone to help in India three times), and RockHarbor has had India week/month and I've been busy helping with that. Man, I just love my India ministries family here, and love having friends from India visit too!

It's been a while

It's been a while since I've been around these parts...my bloggity blog is needing to be a little more current. It's good and bad when you are so busy. It's gotten me to the point where I have been getting a little bit of insomnia because my mind is just going all the time. But, this weekend I've had some good sleep. This is a good thing, because I am normally the soundest sleeper. I digress.
I'm doing well in the pre-requisite class that I'm taking. (Can you say "A"?!...and also "raise my GPA"! Hollar!) It's a communications class, that is actually teaching me a lot. And I am really trying to learn from it and take the good stuff from it.
I've got this itch to learn the drums, and about 2 weeks ago I thought I was going to get a free drum set...it didn't work out, but I am still looking to get a drum set. I've also got this itch to take more pictures and use my camera more. I feel like I have a long way to go with it. I'm hoping to get some help from my talented photographer friends. Not that I want to become a professional photographer, but I love photography and want to get more skilled in it.
I have a lot to look forward to lately! My little brother is turning 14 in just a week and a half. I am going to be going to Colorado in 2 weeks. I'm going to the Turner Syndrome Society of America conference in July. So excited to see my TSS sistas and make some new friends there too! I also have a very cool story about Turner Syndrome. Upon a random conversation about health and such matters, my coworker says that she has a sister-in-law Turner Syndrome. And I said "so do I!". Needless to say, this sister-in-law only lives about 25-30 minutes away, and we are going to meet up very soon. How cool is that?
Well, I'm tired, and it's late. But perhaps tomorrow I will post something a little more substantial than a stream of consciousness type blog. Much love!

He Holds the Key

This was such a great Easter for me! I got to see my good friend Stephanie for the first time since she moved to Colorado. I helped out with Good Friday Services at church. I also helped out at one of the services and then got to sit with my family during the 2nd service. So wonderful! And Francis Chan spoke at the Easter service. He has so much passion for knowing God, it's such an example to see. I also had fun taking pictures. I thought I would share! :)

Good Friday pics:

Easter Sunday:

(beautiful, joyous baptisms!)

So much excitement for one week! :)

I've got some big news (for me at least). I bought a new car! I am so blessed. God completely provided a wonderful, beautiful brand new car this week. And I got a great price for selling my old Jeep to Carmax. I am also learning a lot from my little Communications class I'm in. I really am finding that there are a lot of ways I can learn more about how to communicate with others. Communication is a lot more dynamic than I give it credit for. I've also had a great day spending time with some of the ladies from the India team today. I hope you all are having a great weekend too!

A post on good weekends and things that are pretty great!

Today is a good day. One where I can sit and be still. One that is filled with things that restore me. It all started with a Tyrone Wells concert last night after seeing friends who were freshly engaged (just hours before). A great start to a weekend. I feel very introspective today, but in a good way. It's a weekend with the perfect amount of spending time with some truly great people, doing things I love, and also spending time in quiet. Just for fun I thought that I would show you some of the most popular searches that lead to my blog. It's good stuff if you ask me.

• a search for: "Beyond ackward things to say"
• a search for: "Where does the phrase “round and round it goes” come from?
• a search for: "Rockharbor nannies"
• a search for: "Funny stream of consciousness"
• a search for: "the cuteness is killing me"
• also, my posted titled "I was like, baby, baby, baby, oh" is a popular one...I'd like to know who is searching for that. hehe

Have a great weekend everyone! May you be blessed in it!

Fired up!

There are so many things that I am excited for...I'm excited that I started school this week. It makes me feel that much closer to getting into graduate school. I'm excited for the ways that God is teaching me, molding me and using me. I'm also excited about all the things that I am learning right now. Excited about the fact that I really feel like God has me on the right path for who He is shaping me to be. Now, don't get me wrong. It's not always rainbows and unicorns, but I am pressing on. Trying to keep my eyes focused, and lean on the Lord. Anyway, I've got some fun plans this weekend...I want to go out and take pictures. I feel the need to use my camera more. I plan on spending time with friends and family too. I have a craving to go to a coffee shop or Panera and journal, read and blog some more too. And, I also plan on doing some more car shopping and research. Scary, but a good learning experience on so many levels. It's not everyday that I go and make super purchases like this. (Really, my only big purchase has been my Jeep I have now. I bought it over seven and a half years ago!). Do you have any plans this weekend? Do share!

Hap, Hap, Happenings

It's been yet another busy week...but what's new. I've been spending time with the old India team, my family, and other friends. School is starting up for me in four days. I've been keeping up my exercising...not running every time, but still consistently exercising. I'm seriously shopping for cars! So exciting for me! I feel like such an adult. I'm also feeling even more adjusting to working full time, and the work that I'm doing. I'm so blessed!

I loved the real-life that happens when you spend quality time with people. It's so good. This last week, I've experienced that a lot. And, from that I've been feeling very prayerful and seeking God more. And spending more time reading scripture from the Bible that have just really spoken to me.

Lately, I've been thinking that I'd like to hear more from you...yes, you. The one reading my blog. :) How'd you stumble upon my humble blog? Do you have a blog? If I don't follow you, post a link to your blog in the comments. Let's get to know each other a little more! Don't be shy...no one is gonna bite, I promise.

I'm going to leave you with a few pictures I took of my brother playing baseball this past weekend. He's a stud! (Even if I am a little biased...)

Our dad, the coach...great father, son bonding

neglectful

I've been a bit of a neglectful blogger lately. Been simply busy and living my life. Being a normal 24 year old...hanging out with friends, soaking up time with family. Trying to be social and see people face to face. It's been lovely. I feel like I've been doing a lot of growing up lately. I'm growing and learning a lot right now. I also really feel that God is placed me exactly where I am suppose to be! It's so good! I'm also being really intentional with quite time, and exercising!

On "Springing Forward"

Well, not too much to report about on the little part of the blogosphere. This week has been pretty uneventful,in terms of big news or big happenings However, last night I spent time with a dear friend, and then I had lunch with another dear friend today. I love the community that I am in! They are such a blessing to me! Last night I went to be right after I got home from dinner because I had a headache. (When I looked at the clock as I layed down, it was 8:50pm...I know, such a party animal). Because of that, I woke up today at 4:15am! I got in some time reading the Bible and praying and went for a walk/run and still got to work 30 minutes early! But, the time change is a coming soon...it got to be light out at about 5:30am.

Busy, busy...and tired

As usual, lots has been going on in my neck of the woods. This week has been busy for me. And it's gone by very fast. I've taken up a new "hobby", so to speak these past 2 weeks. I've gotten into running. Little by little, I'm able to run longer distances and extended time periods. My heart and lungs are great, it's my muscles that need the training. My problem is my legs start to feel heavy and tired and I can't run the whole path I have set out to exercise.
An exciting event that has also happened is that my roommate and good friend Reny has become a U.S. citizen! I'm so proud of her dedication and perseverance. She's been in the U.S. for 17 years. And she did all her paperwork on her own, without the help of any lawyers. She's already applied for her U.S. Passport!

I've babysat a little bit in the last two weeks. I want to leave you with some fun of the funny things that I've heard kids say.

• I sing sometimes. A little boy I babysit for asks me "is that Jesus?" whenever I do.
• The same little boy noticed that I was wearing a (faux) large pearl bracelet. He said "those are balls! But you can't roll them"
• I agreed to help a family by babysitting early in the morning before I went to work. I was there before the little boy woke up. When he got up, I went to get him out of his room. We talked for a minute or two and then I decided to open the blinds. It was 6:30am, and the sun was barely peeking through the night-time's end. You could tell as I was opening the blinds, it was still not entirely sunny out; but the little guy tells me to close his blinds "because it's too dark out" in the funniest tone (as if it were because it was too sunny). Haha. At the least, I get what he was trying to convey. And I agreed, it was very early and I don't think I was entirely awake either.

I love kids. They bring me so much joy.

Happy 20th Birthday Kor!

Today is my little sisters birthday. I miss her, because she's away at college. As part of her gift, I got her a Chipotle gift card...because I know that's what she loves. And because she's a college student who needs to eat! I love you Kori! I can't believe that you are 20. I remember the day you were born. Cristina, Grandma and I made peanut butter cookies and visited you in the hospital. Cristina and I were worried the doctors would her (Cristina) in the hospital because she stepped on a nail and was limping. I remember you always being moms sidekick driving us to school, and you telling us it was time to leave. Then, you started at the same school as Cristina & me. You had cute little friends and were always smiling. You loved doing cheer and gymnastics. In high school you did well and stayed with cheer, and got into you first choice of college. I'm proud of what at hard worker you are, and what a strong person you are.

she can bowl

she's goofy

She's a good mommy to Peanut :)

she brings on the dance moves

Father daughter picture...with Kori doing a cheerleader pose.