Had it.

I'm giving up. There's no point in even trying anymore. A dog will always be a dog. Short attention span. The little shits only want you for one thing. To provide them with what a stranger cannot afford to give them. Unconditional love, cleaning after their mess, and getting food. What's the point of trying anymore? I tried already and received nothing that I wanted in return. They don't care about me, only about themselves and their wants, wants, wants. I'm tired of doing everything I can to make them comfortable and happy. There is no use anymore.

Proposition 18: 2010 California Water Bond

"Whiskey is for drinking. Water is for fighting over." --Mark Twain

I need to look into this measure before it hits the ballots in the upcoming elections.

No running

At least there are low impact outdoor sports like kayaking. I am hooked like I am hooked on running. There is nothing better than going out for a nice stroll on Lake Natoma on a non-working Friday. I took out a newbie today. He enjoyed it more than I did. He even questioned why there are not more people doing these things. I question that fact as well. It must be intimidating to some. I am taking out my siblings and cousins next Thursday for their first time. I can't wait to go again! Super excited to introduce this relaxing past time.

exactly a year ago, i was on a bus leaving ho chi minh, vietnam heading towards swviy rieng, cambodia. this year, im where i want to be at this time.

California State Fair 2010

Every year, I always head over to the California State Fair with friends and family. I often go twice when the fair is still ongoing. Yesterday was the first time going since it first opened on July 14th, 2010. The last day is July 31, 2010. So that means I need to hustle over again this week before it ends. I'm hoping my second time will be without a wheelchair.

Breaking the rule!

I'm sure the nurses are getting quite tired of the same questions after each follow up visits.

I found this Q&A from UK's Runner's World site a few moments ago. It's giving me hope. Although, I had a smaller procedure in the abdominal area, my recovery time is only two weeks. Today is day nine. The medical adviser in the article suggests that you can start out gentle running during your recovery time. I'm feeling up for a run later this evening. I'm pretty excited! Hopefully my breathing won't be too labored from my squished diaphragm.

And here is another Q&A column that I really like. The questioner is also an avid runner and a kayaker!

UPDATE: Apparently, *gasping* I don't think I'm quite yet ready. I feel like my insides are about to burst after 5 minutes of gentle jogging. I'm really tired now. I normally can go 1.5 hour or so of heavy running before the surgery. I wonder if I will have to start back at square one once I'm fully recovered. That thought makes me nervous.

Bedridden bitchin': Part III

I'm feeling down. I need to start running, get my adrenaline pumping. Sitting Lying around is making my back hurt. I feel so worthless and weak. When will the pain go away?

Bedridden bitchin': Part II

I didn’t make a full recovery by the next day like I had intended to in part one of the Bedridden bitchin’ series. Apparently, the doctor and nurses are convinced that I dreamt the entire conversation about how I would be making a full recovery within two days after the surgery. Seeing the disappointment in my eyes after being told this, the doctor and nurse assured me that I was indeed very healthy and they don’t see a problem with me resuming to my normal daily activities in the next two weeks.

The day I wrote that post, I was on lots and lots of painkiller medications. Even with the medications, I was still in great pain. The only thing that kept me from literally crying from the pain was to sleep. I couldn’t do much. I couldn’t sit up, stand, or walk. It was a struggle to get to the bathroom on my own. Watching television made me dizzy. My cousin took me out to lunch on Sunday and I threw up on the way there and on the way back. It was horrible!

Lesson learned: The only fun activity I did during my painful week of recovering was sleep. Fun.

My mom kept cooking my favorite dishes, which I couldn’t even eat. Everything sucked that week. I stayed anti-social and didn’t want visitors or anyone to know of my ordeal.

Yesterday, I couldn’t breath correctly so I rushed back to the hospital. Apparently, all my other organs were squishing my diaphragm. I’m still having labored breathing and am told NOT TO DO ANYTHING STRENOUS like simple walking around or picking up my heavy handbag. I went kayaking on Thursday. I didn’t tell the nurse that yesterday. >=)

I really don’t like doing nothing. I miss running. I’m depressed because I can’t run until August. I’m glad I went kayaking to keep my sanity in check. I’m thinking about going again later this week when it isn’t crowded in Lake Natoma.

I’m just grateful that I’m getting better. The nurse says the first 5 days after the surgery are usually the hardest days during the recovery time. But I’m lucky to have eaten right, done the right exercises, and chosen a healthy lifestyle along with great genes that I’m doing much better than most women who had the same operations as I did. I can’t bear the thought of someone going through the same pain I had gone through for more than five days.

It’s been a week since the surgery. It still hurts to walk fast and long. It hurts to stoop down to pick up my dogs. It hurts turn and twists my body. I just have one more week to get over this.

My mom is making more food I can’t digest even if I tried. Yummy stir fried clams in coconut sauce. Oh how I want you so…

In the line of duty: My volunteer work

A few days ago, I received an exciting email from the organization in which I happily volunteered for during the 2009-2010 school year. It was three separate emails with references to the assessment testing done to three students that I had worked closely with several hours a week this year. Each email contained the students’ name, grade, and teacher along with their outstanding results.

I felt a sharp pang in my chest as I read each result quietly to myself. I wasn’t sure if the sharp pang was from my painkillers medication or if it was just my cold, beating heart trying to warm up and allow emotions to dawdle within it.

When I first started working with each student, I noticed the uneasiness and the struggles each students had with reading.

My oldest student, who I met with once a week after my cycle class at 24 Hour Fitness, was a very bright student with an interesting Irish name. This student’s picture is featured on the school’s wall of high honor students who excelled in their studies. Given that the student is smart, this student really struggled with reading. I wasn’t sure why since, judging from this student’s personal file: grew up a normal life with two supportive yet adoring parents and a much older half-brother. I won’t disclose anymore details on this students’ normal life, but I’m glad this student was able to jump from being two grade levels behind on reading and rising to an astonishing 2.65 grade levels within a year.

The two other students had unfortunate pasts that affected their school studies greatly along with being unable to read at their respective grade levels. With enough push and shove, I’m proud to say, these two students have improved by moving a little over one grade level up on their reading skills.

Honestly, that makes me tear up a little. A little one on one with each student for a couple of hours a week was all it took to see big improvements and big smiles.

I’m hoping that once September rolls around, I’ll start volunteering as a reading tutor again before I start my full time job in November. I wish there was a way in which I could take two or three hours off a week to tutor more students or the same ones in the program. But knowing how my future job is already, I’m not even too sure if my line of work will permit any time off before 5pm. The world of politics and policies is demanding but I love it. I wish I didn’t have a desire to work in state or federal policies. That way I could focus more time on helping others in need. 

A little advice: helping your community can be therapeutic. It certainly has helped me.

*smug* =)

Bedridden bitchin': Part I

Stuck in bed for the entire day. Took 3 vicoden pills and still in much pain. Hungry but I can't get up. I need to brush my teeth and wash my face. I'm so hungry. Panera bread sounds so good right now but I cant drive. I'm sick of lying on my back. I want to turn on my side.

At least the doctor and nurses said I was too healthy so there shouldn't be a problem in making a full recovery by tomorrrow.

Goodbye enlarged ovarian cyst. I hope to never see you again.

Oh Havana,

 Really, Fidel? Really? Where is this sophisticated missile you speak of? What about your own country, huh? Have any comment on that?

Castro blames U.S. for stoking nuclear tensions - CNN

Random, Exciting Monday

im gonnna die!! condoleeza rice is several blocks away from my work place. i get to skip work to see her speak with former Senator Jack Scott. yeeee!!!

Edit:: Phone blogging doesn't allow me to say much.

Too much of a fuss

I need to wax/shave/nair. My legs and underarms are majorly hairy. Something needs to be done about that. Isn't there a Murphy's Law stating that when you're single, most people devote more time to grooming? I guess I don't fall into that "most people" category.

Father's Day

I baked yummy cakes as gifts for my father and uncle. =)

Picture One: Violet's Pina Colada Cake with toasted coconut, pineapples, kiwis, and strawberries.

Picture Two: Violet's Banana Chocolate Cake with strawberries and powdered sugar.

Instand hit at our Father's Day Family BBQ at my uncle's house. My dad especially liked his cake. He is a huge pina colada fan. Not too shabby for baking blindly, unplanned, and no recipe in hand.

Success at my feet.

HAHA! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!

What are you doing?

I've been busier and busier. I'm not too excited about my doctor visits. I have to get my blood drawn next week. Then a small surgery to get rid of an unwanted annoyance on a yet-to-be-determined date. More health problems in this poisoned environment. If I ever decide to have kids, which pretty much means never, they'd probably be born with three legs or one large eye or worse, immobile or terminally ill.

Can we please do something about this, this, and this? Yes, rly.

I'm doing my part as best as I can. What are you doing?

Race for the Rock: part 2

We didn't take too many pictures because we were too busy having a blast and playing the scavenger hunt. We'll be definitely doing it again next year! It was sooooo much fun and it contributed to a great cause: helping the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services.

Sick of being SICK

Major urghh....

Luckily on Saturday I was feeling much better for Race for the Rock, except. Except. Wait for it... I got the worst part of the cold on Sunday!

WTF?! Nothing ever plays out to my advantage.

I'm feeling much better today, aside from the chronic coughs and runny nose, but I really just want to get back into the swing of things. I want to run without worrying about my lungs collapsing or the fact that I need a tissue. I want to go to cycle class and spin my bum-bum off. I want to lift weights and feel like a bad ass bitch again, or maybe not. I need to get back into doing yoga. My back. Has. Been. Hurting. Again.

I need to get to bed, primary elections and phone bank tomorrow. Why oh why??!!?!

Some night time yoga will ease my tensions. =)

Race for the Rock 2010

I'm excited about tomorrow! Please let it be perfect weather. I hope I'm over this cold by tomorrow morning. These sudden changes in weather does no good to my body. I've been hitting the history books pretty hard and my partner, Philliam Wallace... he is just grazing by without a care in the world.

really, babe? is this why you decided to date a history dweeb instead of the models you've dated in the past? -___-;;

Wish us luck tomorrow! It'll be loads of fun, whether we win or not. =)

arggggghhhh!

Leisure Saturdays

On a lovely, transfixed Saturday afternoon, the boyfriend and I took a break from doing nothing to watch his neighborhood little league team play ball at the nearby park. I took in the distinct sounds of the shrill whistle, the clink of the aluminum bat against the ball, the cheering from spectators, and of course, the giant bugs that buzzed past my ears.

There’s something wrong with May weather. It’s almost like it’s being indecisive on whether it wants summer to come or not. It’s going to rain for the next few days. See the clouds? As stunning as the clouds are, they spell nothing but terrible outfit choices for me. Wear a skirt suit or a pantsuit to work? The weather is being too indecisive like the little bitch it is. When will it be summer? I’m craving short shorts and billowy tops.

It was cold on that particular Saturday, hence the jeans. Although, it got hot pretty quick. Before we headed out to my former boss' house, I traded my jeans for a chiffon skirt. The weather, 30 minutes later? Overcast and winds. Rats!

Another Monday

I never liked Mondays.

I pretty much woke up sick and sluggish but trotted off to work anyway because I didn't want to do a no-show at my meeting. I sucked it up and drank fizzy drinks to keep me awake and tried to do my work as efficiently as possible. 3pm rolled around and my 3 o'clock was a no-show. WTF?! Although, my 3:30 showed up but due to conflicts with a bill that another staffer was dealing with, I had that staffer take my meeting instead so they could clear up their issues. All in all. I didn't need to go into work at all. Urgh.

Well, I got free artichokes out of going into work today. My boss brought us some from the Artichoke City! Once home, I soaked the babies in lukewarm water and noticed that it didn't need any cleaning since it was already clean. I used scissors to cut off the thorns and a knife to chop off the ends before I tossed the delightful green vegetable into boiling hot water. Boiled for about 45 minutes until tender. Philliam and I devoured the thing with mayonnaise and cayenne peppers while we drank green "tea"and watched "Worst Case Scenario" with Bear Grylls.

Philliam drifted off to sleep somewhere in his room. I still don't know where he is. But I can't sleep. Instead, I cleaned the closet a bit and packed some of my things since relationships don't last forever. Now I'm tired after doing a re-cap of my day. I want to be over this sickness now.

What a Monday. Come on sunshine, this is May, not February.

AMGEN Tour of California: Nevada City to Sacramento

AMGEN Tour of California: Stage 1: Starting from Nevada City and ending in Sacramento. Total of 104.2 miles. Philliam, Richard and I got there around 12pm and checked out the vendors for some deals and freebies. I loaded up on free information for vacationing in California. There's so much to do here besides Disneyland. We ate lunch at a popular Capitol cafe where the owners exclaimed "Our favorite couple!" We also ran into Philliam's mentor/friend. I've heard so much about him but could never fit a face to his description. I did today and boy is he handsome. Shocking, yes. It's a rarity that I ever say a man is handsome. So yes ladies, he is good looking! He talked too much. But he is really friendly! That's a plus. Anywho, by the time 3pm rolled around, we staked out a corner so we could watch the cyclists roll on by. It was exciting. I can't wait to check out stage 2 of the AMGEN Tour of California. I'm proud that Sacramento was featured in the international news for the sporting world.

Merchandise highlight in the vendor: Richard made a smart purchase when we browsed through the vendors. He made a stopped at the Hincapie tent and found a biking bib for $85, no tax! It's officially priced at $220 and it's top of the line. Be on the lookout for it!!!

The pictures pretty much tell their own stories. There's a bunch of pictures that I had to go through, but these seemed worthwhile enough to post. Tomorrow will be Stage 2 of the tour. The cyclist will start out in Davis and end in Santa Rosa. I wish I could be in Davis tomorrow to see the cyclist off but I have to be at work. I feel like I have to be there since I work in Sacramento and went to school in Davis. Doesn't it make sense for me to be there?

We came home at 5pm and dealt with the aftermath of being outside in the valley. My eyes are red and itchy and Philliam won't stop sneezing and sniffling. Urghh... allergies are very, very new to me this year despite the fact that I've lived Sacramento County since 2001. My immunity system has been destroyed by some vicious virus a few years back. Ever since then, I've been getting sick more often and I'm now allergic to certain food. So much for thinking my strong immune system was indestructible.

I'll leave you with  a picture of my dinner. Un-nutritious (white) lettuce with cherry tomatoes, red onions, grilled chicken topped with Thai Spicy Peanut dressing.