A Random and Nice Person Made a Difference in My Life Today

Today was a hard day. I missed by flight home due to an accident on I-15 and another situation that would be pointless to bring up. My sister was able to make it, but me and my luggage didn't. I was very emotional to this fact because I got so happy to finally see my family  and I was delayed - staying 5 hours on the airport. Well, after an emotional breakdown, I took my newly purchased copy of Tuesdays with Morrie. After I started reading it, I slowly calmed down and felt my body relax. It was very interesting book and very deep. I got through a fourth of it and I can say that it really changed my perspective in how I was dealing with the then-current situation. I started to smile more and talk in soft, nice tones (because I wasn't very happy when I found out they couldn't check my bag and took it out on the lady helping me - I was not very calm and nice). I started to notice the change that overcame me as I tried to show my love for those around me by being nice, kind, patient, and smile. Now you ask, why the title? Well, I had finished eating and I felt good and calm when an airport personnel passed by me and I smiled politely as we made eye contact. The man did a double take and he said, "You have a great smile. Keep smiling!" It just made my evening that much greater. It felt as if he had noticed how much I had suffered today and how, even after the crazy situation, I was still smiling. I love those people - they are random, kind people who you'll probably never see again, but who made an impact in your life and they don't even know it. Love it. Therefore, I have learned a lesson: to control my emotions, and instead of bringing the worst out, bring the best out and show it by kind deeds. It's also Christmas, a time where I have learned so much, and I keep learning and growing. A tender mercy of the Lord.

I'm still at the airport but happy to finally go home : ) There really is nothing like home.

Much love 

Clean to Get Dirty?

As I have come to a conclusion of my cleaning assignments today, I feel rather dirty - but everything else seems clean. How is that possible? I feel like taking a shower because I was cleaning? Weird . . . But that's the way it is. At least I'm glad it's done and over with . . . and I can feel clean again . . . when everything else gets dirty? Weird . .

Really? Who wears a fluffy, fuzzy outfit to clean an oven? 

And yep, this looked like me today - yuck!

Or maybe I just think way too much. Yep, that's probably it. 

much love 

I am Kate . . .

. . .  from The Holiday

Yep that's me right now, mostly the beginning part of it at least. 

I just need my Jack Black.

  

If you happen to see him, let him know I am waiting. Thanks. (all in British accent)

much, much love

My J-O-B

My job . . . oh how I LOVE  thee. Well, not exactly what I do at my job but more like the people that I am surrounded by. As many of you not know, I work for BYU Independent Study testing a new software that tests courses that will be implemented the first week of January (sounds complicated, it is). Our goal: To get through all 400+ courses tested and finished by the week of finals. Now, I know this may sound COMPLICATED and may wonder what role I play in my job. Well let me tell you, I am part of the Document Management staff (ie office staff). I prepare "packets" for the testers (people who are the "students" and test the courses by completing all their work), which requires me to look at the course, course section, student, student CAC #, student SSN, first and last name, etc. THEN, I make these packets that say what they will do such as method of payment, what lessons to complete, etc. I also check packets in and out, records them accurately on GOOLE docs, deal with annoying student testers, deal with hours of continual pressure and stress, etc, etc, etc. Yep it sounds way complicated but it' not as bad as it sounds. My CO-WORKERS are probably the best group of people you'd ever want to work with. I couldn't have asked for a greater blessing for my job. My co-workers consist of EUNAE, a BYU student studying accounting and graduating this semester; CHERRY from Hong Kong, a sassy and smart 19 year old graduating next year; CHRIS from Philadelphia, a literate (lean and red head), sarcastic, and hilarious 19 year-old who claims to be 23; and STEVE from Utah, who is part of the BYU track team (400 meter dash) and just simply makes you laugh. They sound like quite a crew, huh? Well, they are! I am mostly on the side with Chris and Steve where I laugh half the time I'm working - this is good for me since I don't remember the last time I laughed that hard (that's sad). They are great co-workers, and most importantly FRIENDS. We talk about virtually everything. We like to create organized political systems in the office (Chris), implement them (Steve) and laugh at them (Joyce). I really couldn't have asked for a greater team. I am happy when I go to work because it means that no matter how hard the job gets, they have my back, help me, encourage me, and most importantly, make me LAUGH  and SMILE.  Therefore, I have created this long overdue post for them.

THANKS FRIENDS!

 . . . and much love :)


I wish I had better pictures to show you . . . but they are the only two I had. 


Eunae brought cupcakes for my birthday! She is the sweetest!! On you left is Chris and on your right is Steve. Cherry is probably driving to work b/c she woke up late, haha 

Eunae 

Yep, It's That Time of the Semester

It's OK though, it only lasts for a few days before I'm free again (or at least for a few weeks).

cheers :)

2 in 1

Thanksgiving Week


Yesterday, I walked outside my apartment into a surprise winter wonderland with 6 inches of snow. My intitial thoughts were, "Great, so much for doing my hair today . . . now I have to get all the snow out of my car . . .poop." After saying these things in my mind, I took a double look at the snow and thought that instead of thinking of all the things that can go wrong, why not think about those that are good and better. I felt momentarily happy that I had made this change in attitude and so I went out into the BEAUTIFULLY untouched snow. I started to think of how pretty and pure it looked. I decided that school is really taking a toll on me this semester, but I was happy for a great thanksgiving week I had with my family. It was a BLESSING and it made me the HAPPIEST girl alive. I miss them very much and I will see them again in 3 weeks - can they go by any faster please! I cried when they left but when I was hugging my dad he said, "You can do it! Finish up strong, I believe you can do it." I'm so thankful for their amazing support and love, they keep me going when it seems like I can't keep going by myself. I LOVE them very, very much. I know this post is a bit overdue but I just want to say thank you to everyone that has touched my life in one way or another (even those who don't read my blog) - you are angels!


Ryanne, Meags, and Laura: It was great to see you!! Thanks for your example and influence :)


Picture with most of the family:

Reminiscing: BYU-IDAHO

This is exactly how I remember it.
Covered with WHITE SNOW and a COLD BREEZE. 
As I thought about the great memories I also thought about many other things such as my daily schedule, etc. So, enjoy :)

The day usually began walking out my apartment door out to the below-freezing weather, where I took a deep breath and felt my nostrils instantly freeze. My hands were already cold and I knew that I needed to bring my mittens. As usual, I for one had been too lazy to walk 1 mile to the store to get a pair and two, I wouldn't have put them on anyways. As I started the walk downhill, I kept looking down wherever I stepped to see if there was any ice I might slip in. Knowing me and my very embarrassing moments, even a leaf would do the trick and trip me. Instead, I just left my feet slide down the slippery slope of snow. My walk to class was a record time of 5 min or across the street - so much for bundling up. My day would usually end at 12, where I walked home and sat in chair and worked on homework until 4ish (I was a very studious student then  . . .). Mandy and I would then meet in the library: 2nd floor and all the way to the back left corner. The 2nd floor was considered the "most studious people" one and I felt nerdy, but I didn't mind it since my best friend was in there with me. After studying for a few hours on some Econ and Business, we would head out the library door and talk about how bad our breath smelled and that we looked like we have been hit by trains, pooped by animals, dropped by airplanes, etc . . . the list does indeed go on. We laughed all the home, shivering in the freezing cold but happy to be home. At 9, religiously, we would head down to the gym to work out - Heather, Megan , Mandy and I.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Yep, that was my first year of college and if there is one thing that I miss the most is the amazing friendships I made that year - ones that will never fade. I remember going to APX parties and thinking we were so old. I remember going cow tipping just to find that we couldn't tip a cow (what?!?). I remember going as group of 10 girls running towards the gate when there were 10 seconds left of our curfew. I remember falling in the snow a trillion times. I remember the smiling faces of the random students across campus. I remember the dunes, the HUMMER, and the truck. I remember going Latin dancing. I remember getting frozen yogurt at Mill Hollow. I remember going to DJ Matt's house parties where we almost broke the floor. I remember ding-dong ditching houses and almost getting caught if it wasn't for my amazing adrenaline and jumping action into the truck's bed. I remember my first boyfriend, haha. I remember pancake girls that lived in front. I remember making chin movies and random videos at 3'o clock in the morning on a Friday night. I remember eating wheat thins :). Getting a random strip of purple in my hair. NO shopping (nearest mall: 40 min). I remember losing weight (it was a freshman 15 but on negative terms) because I was so homesick. I remember being obnoxious and not caring because "WHAT NOW" I was a freshman, could do it and could easily get away with it. I remember late night chats with Mandy and making rain noises (our feet could touch the ceiling = rain noises). Snowboarding. Chastity Chasing. etc. etc. etc.  

 . . . . . . . . .

and the list goes on

 . . . . . . . . . 

BYU-I Lamprecht Hall 307

First dinner :) We were sooo young!

To wrap it up, my BYU-I experience was a GREAT one. Actually no, an AMAZING one! 

much love

Women of Influence

Throughout the course of my life, there have been women who have made a difference in my life. From friends to family, they have all touched my life in some way or another. This last past weeks have been filled with experiences that have made me realize the amazing women who surrounded me. Since there has been a lack of men/dating/all that stuff . . .  I have realized that the friends that I am surrounded by is enough to make me happy, uplift me, and most importantly inspire me. These women help me understand, directly and indirectly, what true happiness, service, and love means. I am not sure that all of you are  reading this, but know that you are angels in my life; individuals who lift my spirit everyday. I hope you know that I love you girls and mean a lot to me. Thank you for being there, thank you for listening to me, and thank you for your example and love. Here's to you! :)

Hailey :)

Blanca (Mom)

Mom 

Lindita

Annie (aka Chachita/Anita/Ignacias/etc.)

Tia Ivonne :)

 Mandy (aka Manuella)

 Meagan, Ryanne, and Laura 

Damayanty

My Rommies: Felicia and Sam

These are truly beautiful women/girls. I love them dearly. And, these are not all of them, I could keep adding pictures . . . and all of them are just as special to me :)

Much love!

Impulsive

Before you start reading: Don't fast forward to see the picture :)

Friday morning I woke up doing the usual: dragging myself of the bed and into the bathroom, change for school, and finally get ready for school. I was staring in the mirror trying to find a way to change my look. I was unsuccessful and headed for the kitchen for breakfast. I finished and I didn't have a plan for my hair still - who thinks about that anyways? Well, apparently I do, but as I stood in the mirror doing that same "pooff" (as some call it), I said to myself "This is so boring - I do my hair the same way everyday and I want something different." And what does Joyce do next? Yes, you guessed right, she goes to her room grabs a comb and fine scissors. I think it all happened too fast. I started to trim a large amount of my hair. I had only 20 minutes until class but I didn't mind being late, I wanted to finish what I had started. I finished and the final product was done. I couldn't recognize myself at first because I looked a bit different so I headed for the kitchen where Sam was sitting. I said, "Sam, I did something really impulsive!" and I showed her what I had done. I was very happy and it was kinda of a self-booster for the day. I felt successful (at least that I didn't do a horrible job at it). Now, here is the product of my impulsive act: 

Hope you like it friends!!

much love

Oh, What a Night

 . . .and this is how I felt today . . .

I have come to the realization, as of tonight, that I absolutely LOVE to ride a bike. Let me explain how this came about. First, I have been meaning and wanting (really bad) to ride a bike since I have been with Linda. It seems like such a fun hobbie for an early Saturday morning, but I never really had the guts to do it by myself - yes, I am that shy. Well, tonight was a "oh what a night" kinda night. I was able to attend the Recapturing Beauty seminar talk by the inspiring Stephanie Nielson (known for Mormon message on beauty when she was in a plane crash). It was truly beautiful to hear her speak tonight, and exactly what I needed to hear at this time in my life. I feel that we sometimes get so caught up in ourselves and our flaws that we forget about our many strengths, our inner beauties and potentials. I know this may sound weird but I feel that we are all, to a certain point, extremely judgmental of ourselves and others. In one of my favorite classes now I have learned that how we perceive others is a refection of how we perceive ouselves. Our judgement towards other are a reflection of ourselves. Think about that - cause I do every time I'm making a judgement in my head. Something I realized I need to work on.I would also appropriately add Pres. Monson's beautiful talk in Relief Society Conference. I think too much about others thoughts towards me, but tonight I realized that that will not change, but that I am able to deal with it in a way that is comfortable for me, slowly but surely. Not that I don't want to change but it's such a long process to change a thought process that has been with you for so long. Personally, I can say that Heavenly Father loves me and is aware of me, my strengths and weakness. 

On this note, I will add that while sitting in the bench with the great company of Linda and Ryan, I felt like riding a bike because I was confident I could do it, even though I said the opposite out loud. So, Linda decided to let me use her bike so that I didn't have to walk home (she is way nice and considerate) and I took off. At first I was skeptical that I couldn't do it which physically affected the way I rode the bike. As I followed behind Linda and Ryan (such a hilarious sight) I decided to take off to my house. After crossing several cars and realizing that I probably looked ridiculous - it didn't matter. The wind was so cold but I loved how it numbed my skin and blew my hair out of my face. Something so simple seemed a lot more that night (called me a cheeseball, it's ok, I would too). I felt confident. I felt like I could do it and I did it. This is a huge, giant step for me. Did I look weird? check. Did I care? um no. I was doing what I wanted to do. Therefore, I chose the picture not because of Miley Cyrus, but because of her face and posture - as if she had discovered something great, just like I did tonight. A hit of self-doubt in the posture but realizing the joy of it in her eyes. And this is exactly how I felt tonight. 

The End

Meanwhile, I found this song earlier this week and absolutely loved it. Hope you do too.

I imagined making a contemporary routine with two girls dressed the same and a mirror in the middle. One would be on the self-conscious (sad, insecure, shy) side of the mirror, the other would be on the side that would show who she really was inside (she wanted to be care-free, happy, joyful). At the beginning they would dance to their emotions but slowly they the self-conscious one would realize she could not live through this her entire life so she decided to change her attitude but not herself. You can see them both merging by the way they perform the moves. In the end, she is satisfied with her realization and decision to live her desire. They become one. Well, in my mind it played out a lot more beautifully than it actually sounds here, haha. 

Best wishes and much love friends!

Asparagus, Lemons, and Happy Days

It's still summer . . . go figure . . . and I've really enjoyed it so far. There have been so much happening in so little time that I think my hands would be numb if I wrote it all; therefore, I will only summarize.

Lately there have been a few things that have happened that have really tested my patience, my resolve, my trust and my faith. I know that the experiences that I get to experience are for my learning and understanding but also to grow. I feel so happy after I've being able to look at the many blessing I receive every single day and know that I have a loving Heavenly Father that loves me. First of all, I love my Savior. Secondly, I love my Family. Thirdly, I love my friends.

This year my family has been invited to a gazillion weddings and what not, which I'm not complaining at all since I get to dress up. We went to a wedding of some people we knew from the ward and it was so beautiful! I think the correct word would be "fresh" and I will show you why . . .

Asparagus as centerpieces (I think I could have made a whole lot of asparagus for twenty meals!), then some beautiful lemons, a fresh outdoors and indoors. Not to mention: 1st floor - candy, cupcakes, crepes, Godiva milkshakes, etc; 2nd floor - cheese cubes, crackers, cake, lemonade, fruit; 3rd floor - the mansion's top; Outside - pool, meal, lounging, live band, and flies. This wedding = priceless (more like pricey but oh well). It was beautiful!

Now . . . next week I get to go out of the country to get eye surgery!! I will be able to see for the rest of my life!! YAY! My uncle is an optometrist and is one of the best in Mexico, and he is going to be performing the surgery - so excited! Thus, I cannot complain at the amazing summer I'm having. It has been a blesisng to be with my family and having a great time with friends. Updates coming soon!

much, much love!

Magical!

So, this month has been just about the most Magical I've had in a long time . . . and you may ask why? Well, where do I start:

First my family attended the Philipine Debut of Genedel Glory (a girl in our ward and our family are good friends). It was very fancy, fun and a very good cultural experience. We had so much fun as well as my dad who was on the dance floor the minute it was opened and sung along the Bohemian Rhapsody - and it was pretty hilarious :) But, we knew that the next day we would have to b e awake at 4 am to leave for Orlando, and what did we do? We stayed out until midnight!

Daddy and his favorite daughter :)

The four of us

Genedel with Dad and Blanca

So this is where dad was singing Bohemian Rhapsody - hilarious!

The next day we got to the airport to go to Disney World and Universal Studios theme parks - which are my favorite! Well, we got to Orlando safely and rented the Mantequilla ("the butter" a Toyota minivan - Yeah! ahaha). Anyways, we killed time trying to get to our house and shopping at Wal Mart. Linda was joining us later on at night and so Annie, Omar, Daddy, and I went to pick her up - but as we waited we took pictures all over the airport. When Linda finally arrived we were all really, really tired from running on 3 hrs of sleep and we still went on a midnight McDonald's run - so classy. Well, The next day was Sunday and we decided on going to Downtown Disney, Disney Quest and eat at the Planet Hollywood restaurant. I decided to call Mandy because she had called me the day before with good news and guess what?!? she's ENGAGED!! My best friend is engaged :) From then on the week went by so amazing - Disney World is literally my favorite place in the whole world and like I said: it was just Magical. My dream from there is to be in the Disney Hollywood Studios Park "Beauty and the Beast Musical." It is a 30 minute version of the movie and it's pretty much amazing. It's amazing how we have been to these parks 7 times already and every time I come I am taken away as if it was my first time. Along with this awesome week, we went to Universal Studios Islands of Adventures where the Happy Potter theme park is at and guess what?!? They had it opened for two hours the morning we went- the park doesn't open until the 18th :) So we were lucky to get a sneak peek and it was amazing!

The House & the "Mantequilla," the goofing off at the airport and the girls :)

The Three Girls at DisneyQuest and the Family at Disney's Magical Kingdom

Yes . . . this is the Harry Potter World!! Preview . . .

This is the show of the Beauty and the Beast I want to be in . . . :)

And well, I can show you 300 + pictures but this ones are only some of them (a very very small amount). Hope you all enjoy!

We finally got home from a very exhausting week and was glad to be home. But then yesterday I got the chance to catch up on my Glee Season Finale show and let me tell you it was about the most touching of all - it made me cry like a baby! I think it's because I can relate with the characters as it took me back to those great High School musical times I went through. I highly recommend it and watch it! The music was very well delivered and they had some classic songs with good arrangements. Touching.

Watch these . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k40iccZFWfw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZQHjsMkedI - my fave :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzZCl7V34Vo&feature=related

Well, that's about my month so far and hopefully it will continue to be as magical as it has been. I've been very happy because I have the opportunity to be spending time with my family and doing things that I really enjoy - this summer is great!

much love

My New Summer Hobbies :)

So, this summer I decided start doing things on my spare time instead of watching t.v. etc. I have set a few goals for reading, going to institute (oh, my), and gym.

To start off, I decided that I was way over textbooks since I believe they are sooo boring and a waste of time to a certain point. Therefore, I decided to set my goal for 6 books this summer but I have already finished 3 of them so I'm going for like 15! I'm actually very excited to start reading and I feel that it really helps me take my mind of things that are going on and use my imagination. Sometimes, after I finish a book, I feel like writing one! I think it would be very fun and exciting.

I really Liked this one - highly recommend it!

Now, My next hobby is actually going to Wednesday night Institute - you heard right. I have been putting it off as much as possible but I thought about the importance of it and decided I needed it. So, I am now a student at Institute and I'm very excited because we are learning about the History of Christianity - really makes me think. The first week I went, I was extremely nervous and all of you know how nervous I get sometimes. I was shaking and when I got there - no institute for today: what? I was very, very relieved. I know this will be good for me and I am being very open to it, esp. with all it's social blessings, haha!

My third hobby is the gym! Finally, I'm very excited to have a membership at Lifetime Fitness. I have been taking Hot Yoga and let me tell you: it is extremely intense. You do yoga stretches and poses in a 100 degree room. I really like yoga and I have found it very relaxing - I highly recommend it. I have also been doing a bit less cardio and more machines that usual, and since then my body has been extremely sore but I'm definitely seeing results :)

I am very happy for my goals and feel very, very blessed to be home with my family at this time. If any of you have books to recommend me - let me know!

much love

Castles, Chateaus, and Villas . . . For Rent?

Yesterday, while sitting in the computer, I tried to think of where I would stay if I were to go to Europe. My imagination is a bit too big for my age or maybe it's my obsession with fairy tales, but I have always wanted to visit those classy and fancy places in Europe - castles, chateaus and the beautiful villas. This year my family and I are going to stay in a house we are renting in Resort, and that got me thinking - could I rent a house, lets say, in Hawaii or Italy, etc. Lo and Behold, through much search (overstatement) you can indeed RENT a Castle, a Chateaus or a Villa (of your choice, pick from the 100's of them) - I mean, who would've ever thought! Yeah, I was in my dream world, but as I started looking more into it, they are extremely cheap!!! Yea, you heard right - to rent a chateau would cost you only about $3500/week - which is nothing for a enormous house, pools, beautiful landscape ground (like in the movies) and more. Unbelievable! Now the question is, who want to come with?!? Haha, j/k but renting a Villa in a Italy is only the same price we are renting our house in Orlando - with the same number of rooms and everything. Well, one day I will reach my goal/dream but I thought it was extremely interesting to know this fact and spread the word - I almost feel like a salesman trying to sell a house or something. I'm posting some pics for all of you to enjoy and some of my personal faves (actually, thinking about it, I might rent a villa when I graduate college:)

http://www.holiday-chateau.com/

Much love!

My favorite villa in the outskirts of Florance Italy

Same house but in a different angle

Chateau d'Hermes - France

Chateau La Lindeau -France

Personal Fave: Chateau Palombe - France

Villa close to Rome, Italy

Castle Pearson -UK

So you get the Chateau Baloyne and the ruins :)