If I could put:

G's kindness and patience
K's independence
Mr. C's maturity and handling of money
a dash of my ex's goofiness
Jesse's humor and zest for life and art
Kris' individuality
Carlos' (aka Charles) romantic nature
Dre's courage, grilling skills, thoughtfulness and body...

I would have the man of my freakin' dreams!

One day, I hope to once again feel that moment where nothing but happiness and love filled my heart.

Oh yeah, I'm thinking of taking a whole year off instead of a semester off. I want to travel a lot this year...but I will see what kind of classes I can get next Fall and decide from there. I also want to start making better mulah with better hours anyway.  

Cheryl had her birthday at Velvet Margarita last night. It's a really nice place. I'd go for the ambience. It was good to see a lot of peeps I haven't seen in a long long time! It was good to just finally get some time to hang with friends. Anyway, the food was okay...drinks were a bit on the pricey side, but it's a really beautiful place.

Cheryl got a gift certificate to Burke Williams...so we're both going to eventually go and get massages and so forth! Dood...I so need to get a massage!

Anyway, my car is still in the shop. I'm a bit upset that I listened to my parents....I should've waited to hear from the adjustor and taken it to where they wanted me to take it. Oh well..nothing I can do about it now!

I am the queen of dramatics...especially when it comes to love.

Is it possible to not know you love someone until they leave?

I guess so...I mean, that's why so many peeps cry when they lose someone (especially to death)..and I'm not talking about people that already know they love each other, but the ones that didn't know how important that person was in his/her life until that person was gone.

Today...G and I said those three words. Sadly, it'll not transpire to much but a good solid friendship....surprisingly, I am okay with it.

2005 is going to be an interesting year. It's going to be a good year...a lot of changes.

Before I forget, Congratulations Desiree on the good news!! I'm definitely coming to your baby shower!!

Today...i was trippin'.

Trippin' so much...wondering why certain boys are in my life and if I should even talk to them. Why oh why do i do this to myself?

So I went home...relaxed....and pissed off the boys in my life...and went to sleep.

Okay...so things are getting better. Car is still in the shop....still waiting to hear from the ins. peeps. Still renting a Focus (dood..I need a different car, but it works for now)....and since things are good, I'm actually going to plan 3 trips this year (well...it's tentative, depending on mulah)....but I'm gonna go to Hawaii with my cousin, tentatively still going to Thailand (but it depends on conditions), if not, then the Greek Isles (I wouldn't mind going to Australia though but the girls are still debating about that), I definitely want to go on a cruise ship to Mexico....and of course, gotta do Vegas this year...and my trip up north to visit Sam for 4th of July weekend.

It's looking like I'll be buying an income property (woop woop).....I'm off on Tuesday, so I think I'll start filling out the applications and start looking for houses. I really wanted to buy a place for me to stay, but the way the prices are in LA, you gotta have another person investing with you....and since no hubby (in any near future), gonna have to find some income property.

G is currently in AZ. My co-worker was offered a job in AZ (4 days, 10 hours a day). Pretty damn good if I do say so myself. Pay is good compared to the cost of living there and I think she'll be taking it. I'm just going to miss her!

So Nis will be done with Med School next year and I hope she'll get residency here in LA. It'll be fun to have all the girls from my HS in Cali....Judy's wedding is in May...it'll probably be difficult to plan a trip with all of us this year (considering we all either work or going to school..or doing both), so we'll probably have to plan a mini-vacation next year...somewhere. I don't know why, but I'm itching to travel and do something different. I know I still have school to finish, but dang...I really really want to travel now. Hopefully I'll get some of this itch out of my system once I go some where.

Joan and I are "supposedly" in training for the 1/2 marathon in San Diego. While there, I hope to visit Kathy. Joan is the only person where her thesis committee told her that she's finished with her thesis (even though she felt it wasn't) and was ready to get her Masters. I mean, after 500+ pages on her thesis, damn!! That's a lot of reading. But she is afterall a writer. I can't wait when she has her first published work..that'll be so cool. 

I think I'll be watching next season's "The Apprentice"....book smart vs. street smart successful peeps. I use to think that the only way to end up successful is to have a degree. But I've met so many people out there without a BA/BS (or higher) and make more money than those who actually have degrees. Definitely luck and ambition play a role. Keeping focus on one's goal is important.

So last night, went to Tangiers and had dinner there. A bit on the pricey side, but really really good food. My cousin and I shared our entrees and we both concur that everything we had was goooooood! I'm just going to chill at home once I get off of work here at Cedars. I wanted to go rent a movie, but I have a few DVD's I want to watch at home anyway. Going to relax cuz I have a project at my work tonight that I've been postponing.

I hope everyone's doing well....and let's go out soon!!

You may think that no one was there but a bunch of people were....things could've been worse...people actually understand and wanted to work through the tough times....just sad that you couldn't see that. Didn't try hard enough....just given up....and so we all just gave up.

So it's been a rocky 2005. My bad luck started Dec. 31st. Monica's party was a blast, many good looking peeps that night, but at the end, I just couldn't concentrate on talking to anyone b/c my leather jacket (that G got me for x-mas)...well, it got stolen. I was so upset b/c of the sentimental value. Knowing full well that he worked hard to get that jacket for me and spent a considerable amount of time thinking what to get me, then looking for it and he spent at least $200.

I wasn't going to go out after that incident the morning of Dec. 31st! But I confessed to G and felt a whole lot better. I didn't feel like going to a club or going far to party. Since I was in my parent's area, I decided to hang out at Megan's pad since her family was going to do something (my family had something going on in Burbank, but I didn't want to drive there). Anywho...while napping at her pad, Woosa yells "Karen, get up, something's happen to your car!". To keep a long story short some drunk driver, hit my driver's tire. Which basically pushed everything to the right against the curb...and since the passenger tire hit the curb and over, it also pushed everything to the left...which punctured the transmission, ruined the shocks, separated the axels from the tires. I filed a police report, but couldn't do a damn thing until Monday!

So now I'm driving a rental car (which my ins. won't cover b/c my broker didn't add it on --> even though I pay full coverage!)....and finally, the third bad thing...I thought I lost my work badge (which has access to parking and the psych unit) but compared to the other two, this was chump change to replace.

Pretty bad start for the New Year, but at least it'sonly material things....yeah, it's gonna cost mulah and I have to work overtime to pay off for the $500 DED and the $700+ car rental (for the month)...but at least it's things I can replace or fix....and no one is hurt. People are saying I got the bad stuff over with, so now 2005 should be good.

I personally think that 2005 will consist of a lot of spending on my end (sigh)...it is afterall the year I'm suppose to buy my house.

Also, congrats to Jess on the good news!  

Of course the week that I'm off, it rains! But all is good. I'm enjoying the fact that I don't have to work during the days or worry about getting to work on time at nights! What was I thinking having such a crazy schedule! But I can't complain, it's all about sacrifices....and in no time, I'll hopefully be a homeowner. I just can't believe how expensive houses are right now!

My HS x-mas gathering was hella fun. Made salmon mashpotatoes and honey baked ham It turned out really good and the girls and I had fun just preparing and hanging out. It was really weird seeing a bunch of familiar faces...people I haven't seen in a few years...and it was good to catch up with everyone. Joan's pad in Whittier is hella nice. Rent is reasonable for a 1 bedroom apartment.

Family is good. X-mas party was cool....I'm getting old though, I can't stay up too late nowadays!

Today I have to attend two of my sister's parties. One a housewarming party in Glendale. The other a b-day party at Sangria. I told as many sisters as I could. Despite having a difficult year with the betrayal of some girls, the sorority is a lot stronger now. It surprises me how a person can hurt so many people. Have sisters going against sisters...actives going against alumni (but in the end, the truth came out) and we are more united and stronger because of it. On the brighter side of things, the girls no longer feel like they have to take sides. Despite the fact that they've had to endure so much "encounters" on campus, they have been troopers. Not saying a word of what exactly happened Spring Semester (or the semesters prior). Yes, I'm disappointed about those that didn't have the courage to talk to the sisterhood but what's done is done. Ego isn't always a good thing. Having too much pride isn't always a good thing. Sometimes it takes more courage to admit one's wrong doing and go back to make things better...unfortantely not everyone is that strong. So tonight we will celebrate....

I don't think we'll be going to Phuket this summer....it's such a tragedy! So many people have died. It's just hella sad. It's also amazing to hear what the survivors have gone through and...honestly I'm still in shock with the death toll...how scary it must be to be sunbathing along a beautiful beach resort and have a huge freakin' wave coming right at you with so much force and speed that you can't do anything but get washed along with it. I know that feeling...while in Hawaii the first time, I got caught by a wave and I literally got tossed around...I had no control whatsoever. I had hit my head on the sandy beach while getting tossed around....once I got out of it, I had sand all over me. My hair and my bathing suit was drenched in so much sad it took me several showers to get rid of it. Of course it's worse in southeast asia....what's the count now? over 70,000 dead or missing?

Starting the New Year, I'll be working mad hours. Basically, I'm trying to save up for a down...for the house. I want to at least put 2K aside each month (I doubt I'll accomplish this considering my expenses)...but after February, I'll be down with my school loans! Then all I really have to concentrate on will be the car and other monthly expenses such as rent, phone bill, etc. I would really love to buy a place in Glendale, Burbank or Pasadena area. Carson and Harbor City are also in the running. If I find a place in these areas, I will move in, but if I find a house some place else, I'll probably just rent it out.

Alrighty, I have to get ready and head back to LA. I hope y'all had a great x-mas and have a good new year celebration as well!

Sorry it's been awhile.

I'm FINALLY done w/ the x-mas shopping! Well...kinda, I'm still waiting on a shipment...and although I've made a few "deliveries"...I think I left a gift that was suppose to go to a friend at my house...I didn't have enough room in the bag and put the 2nd gift aside...and well....the thing is, the gift's not labeled, so I'm not sure if it's really hers or not (did this make any sense?)...but I will call her once I'm on vacation and see for sure.

ANYWAY, my work party went well...a person got upset b/c I made this year's "white elephant" with a twist. I told them that they couldn't open the gift which upset a few people b/c they were use to seeing what the person had and decide if they should take from the group or not. The reason why I decided they wouldn't open the gift(s) was because majority of them were gift certificates...and really....well, I just thought it'd be more fun to open something or "steal" someone's gift without knowing what it was. I even did a vote and majority didn't want to open the gifts but rather blindly pick. But overall, everyone was really happy with the way the place looked and definitely happy with the food.

Went to SB this weekend for Judy's bachelorette party. Had a blast watching her get so faded and playing all the games. We made her dress is this victoria secret's see-through lingerie (which didn't look bad at all...otherwise we'd tell her not to wear it if it did look too scandalous) . I had a great time hanging with the girls...it's been awhile since I've seen them and I felt close again...nothing but a weekend getaway for girls to bond!! Anyway there were cute boys, but dumb boys!! That or they were just to damn creepy.

But we spent the next morning/afternoon chillin at the beach. Our hotel faced the beach, so it was breathtaking waking up in the morning with the beautiful sunny SB weather and a sea of blue staring back at you.

Spent some time with G too...bought him his Tomlinson jerseys. Yup...I bought him 2 jerseys b/c I couldn't figure out which color and design was better. He loved them of course....and I'm just glad that he's wearing them. I was gonna get him an autographed jersey...but I thought that would be too much.

I even bought Mr. C a gift even though he told me not to cuz he wanted to save money for his house and he couldn't get me a gift this year. I couldn't help myself...I really wanted to get him something...and besides, he got me something last year (and I was too broke last year to get him a gift)...so I figure we're kinda even. I bought him a mini travelling fridge...for his trips to AZ and CA.

As for K, I did get him a little something....I haven't seen him in months and our rate of chatting has decreased a lot on my end....I guess you can say, I'm busy and just concentrating on other things right now.

Several more parties to go to. Seeing the Aquinos (Paul & Michelle) and Shacy next Monday, HS friends this Thursday, Family on X-mas day (and then maybe G after), Ro sometime next week on my day off....and K to exchange gifts sometime next week...then there's also Jessica's house warming/holiday party --> which I will attend for a few hours and then head out to Hermosa to celebrate Monica's b-day at Sangria!! Can we say busy!!

I plan on taking a few days off in March as well...so I can visit Hien in the bay area. I really need to save money huh?? okay...after this month...it's back to being a tad bit frugal. I hope y'all have a great holiday and can't wait to read how you spent it!

I know, it's been awhile. I wanted something x-massy looking, but this is looking more like a watermelon theme to me!!

Okay...much better. I've been so busy! This year has gone by so fast! So what have I been up to?

I've been shopping. I thought my list was small, but it's actually pretty huge...a little bit over 30 people. Several birthday gifts included in the mix. The difference this year is that I've enjoyed my time shopping for people. I got some really nice gifts at good prices --> right before and after the Thanksgiving Day sale. But, for the parents and some friends, I had to buy online. Can I just say "I really like overstock.com and ebay!!"...and damn, ebay is damn addictive. I'm currently bidding on this digital camera I've been wanting for 2 years now, but always thought it to be too pricey for the size.

New Years --> I think I'm either going to a wedding or chillin' at home. I'm not at all prepared for that yet.

What I've been preparing for are the numerous x-mas parties and gatherings. This weekend though, I'm studying for my final on Tuesday. Then it's a week of x-mas exchanges here at work, then x-mas dinner w/ some friends on friday, then a weekend with the girls in Santa Barbara, then dinner at Michelle's, then work x-mas party, then HS reunion x-mas dinner, then family x-mas, then little bro's b-day, then new years!! Geez...what the heck happened!!

This week has been a good week overall. I actually worked close to 72 hours --> I say close to b/c I came in an hour late at some of my shifts...(but that's only b/c I knew there was coverage). Had dinner with the sisters. It was fun just chillin' with them and seeing what their plans are for the remainder of the school year. I think I want to host a gathering...it's been a good year for the sorority me thinks. I see the girls closer and there's no longer this "rift" I felt between alumni and actives. It makes me want to get more involved and help out more b/c of this!  Maybe I'll host a stay in Orlando!! The only thing is...what the hell do you do in Orlando?!! Now South Beach..that's another story!

If there's a career panel next year, I definitely want to get involved, but I have a few ideas up my sleeves as well  I've come to the conclusion that the good gifts are the gifts that you can and will use --> not ones that take up space. I really hate gifts where all they do is take up space (cuz my room is so limited)...but at the same time, I'm so slow at finishing things up (i.e. perfume, lotion, etc). I seriously have to put lotion out for people to use cuz I know I won't finish it anytime soon. Other things on my mind...increase saving plans, retirement plans...buy a house! Yup..I said it, I'm actually ready to buy a house!! I can't believe it either! Alright, I'm now rambling....my thoughts are taking me to craigslist...so there I shall go!