Totally Stoked!!!

So in two days, I'm headed up to Oregon to see the folks, bro and sis. I can't wait to see everybody. Sippin' on some spiced up nog . . . heh heh. I know that the few days with them will fly by, so I'll savor every moment with them. Woo Hoo!!! See you guys soon!

Battle Wounds

So yesterday, it finally all caught up with me. I'll spare you the graphic pictures I took, but I took a pretty good spill on my moutain bike. I hit a slick spot coming down a dirt mound and the handlebars flipped backwards to the left as I went over them. It seemed like every part of my body took the impact, but my knee took the blunt of it all; it got cut open pretty deep. At first I didn't know if I broke anything, but I knew my leg hurt a whole lot. I biked home bleeding out of my knee as I held my shorts over the wound. I made my way to San Jose Reginal ER and got four stitches. I think having such a wonderful nurse helped ease my pain.

So there's my battle scar story. Next time I get out riding (which won't be for another 14 days), I'm going with knee/shin guards. I don't really wanna go through with this again, even though it makes for an awesome story :).

"So Long and So Far Away" Is Changed Into Something Greater

Yup, so I am headed back to school in the Winter/Spring after a semester break. I just checked my spreadsheet to see how much further the school road is ahead of me. and quickly became briefly discouraged. I still have 16 classes to take. That's in addition to the 4 classes I'm required to take every semester (Lessons, Sax Ensemble, Performing Ensemble, Listening Hour). Ugh...it seems soooooooo far.

But life is good. Everyday is a gift. And what really matters is how I use each day. I guess life will always have that "next thing" to accomplish. No matter how many things we accomplish, there's always the next idea, "Ok, so what's next?" It's funny how I am realizing more each day that life doesn't stop, even when on vacation...there will always be something to come back to. So in understanding this, I find it easier to live each day like it was my last (the thinking of everyday is a gift) and not to think how much more I have in order to accomplish something, how much longer I have in order for me to be what I want to be. I become who I want to be everyday by choice. Everyday is an accomplishment if we live it to our full potential.

Where I've Been

So here's the map of where I've been. The bottom dot is where I started yesterday, and the top dot is where I turned around. On my last trip, I ended up at the first place I set in to take some trails (a little north of Horseshoe Lake, one of the pics). Total biking distance yesterday was 16 miles of trails. Fun stuff. I took a pretty good fall yesterday attempting to bike up a series of rocks on the trail...(I failed). Lets just say I hope I can have kids still...ha! I kept going though...thinking of something my brother would say, "Gotta get there."

Long Time, No See...

Ok, so it's been a very long time that I've thrown in a post here. I've been pretty busy these past two months. A couple months ago, I discovered a love for mountain biking. I've posted a few pics to show you guys where I've been. My last trip was yesterday up at Skyline (up HWY 9 here). It was about 15 miles (about 3 1/2 hours) total...I was dang tired afterwards. There is so much beautiful country up there. These pics are the easy and pretty parts of the trip. Maybe next time I'll take some pics of the crazier stuff. I'll upload a pic of the map of the area later today. Hope you enjoy!

Finally...A Show About What Really Matters!!

Dude...so what's up with Paris Hilton's New BFF? Do people seriously watch this stuff? I watched a little of it just to see what shinanigans she's up to. Wow...yeah, that's 10 minutes of my life I'm not getting back. Well I guess if nobody wants to be your friend, you can just host a TV show to get one. I'm sure dad couldn't be more proud. Hats off to Paris for thinking outside of the box!

9/11

So seven years ago (2001) I was going to visit my bro out in PA. The first week of the visit was kinda rough 'cause I was pretty crabby from a jet lag trip back from China the day before. The second week was much better as I lightened up a lot and adjusted to the time change. The second week we decided to pack a cooler and go for it: a car trip to NY, then Washington D.C., then back home (all in 3 days)...kinda crazy, but fun. We saw a lot. We took the World Center Trade Tower tour in NY. We went up to the very top and saw quite a view. We took the tourist picture at the set up they had there in the building. The date: Sept 4th.

The thing that scared me (the strangest feeling of my life)...was my Mom rushing into my bedroom a week later telling me to wake up and watch the news about the Trade Towers. I came into her room and watched the news as a plane flew into the 2nd tower. I watched in absolute dumbfoundedness.

Weeks earlier, I was asking for vacation off from work. I had three weeks that I could take. The plan was to take the China trip (1 week), wait 1 week when I returned to get used to the time change, then take the other 2 weeks out to PA. For some reason I didn't postpone my trip out to PA, I took the next day's flight out. If I postponed my trip 1 week, we would have been on the Trade Towers when they were hit.

All I can say is thank you, Lord. I still can't understand how God worked that one.

Temptation

Yesterday was an overwhelming day for me. I normally do a little Bible study before I go to sleep. But last night, I scratched that idea and just spoke to God. I was dumbfounded how Jesus could walk through temptation and still keep His eyes focused on the Father. I was slapped in the face yesterday with very 'worldly' situations that wore me out. Even though I didn't compromise, I felt extremely distant from God. I guess it's times like these that having brothers and sisters to fellowship with is important. I guess it's a lesson of never letting my guard down to how strongly satan can use this world to pull Christians away from God. I know that we need to put on the armor of God and be strong in Him, but I'm pretty tired right now. Sometimes I wish that Jesus was physically here so I could spend a day with Him. I could use that right about now.

People Are Amusing, Part 1001

I was working the bar on a closing shift yesterday when a gal said, "Oh wow, you guyz have oatmeal now, reeelly?" "Yup." "Wow...is it...like...good?" Laughing inside to the ignorance of how oatmeal tastes I replied, "Well...it's oatmeal. It tastes the same no matter where ya get it...it's just oats and water." I think my reply might have hinted at my intolerance for girls thinking that 'playing dumb' is cute. I guess I surprise people when I don't respond in accordance to the game they want to play. Eh....probably shouldn't have said anything at all. But on the other hand maybe people will begin thinking that being intelligent is the way to go. I find it more humorous than anything, sorry if it sounds mean. =)

Umm...can I get an oatmeal frap??

Ok...so the powerful and innovative Starbucks Thinking Machine just rolled out with the latest craze of the century!! That's right, you guessed it...OATMEAL...BAM!

I have yet to experience the, "Umm, yeah, gimme a half-caf, triple-grande, 3/4 pump vanilla, 1/3 non-fat, 1/3 breve, 1/3 soy, light whip, latte...oh ya, could you mix oatmeal into that with half a packet of brown sugar??"

Don't get me wrong, I think it's a pretty spiffy and healthy alternative to the 430 calorie filled apple fritter. But I really don't want to see Starbucks "Going The Way Of The 'Oat Soup.'" <---- MxPx reference (shout a holla if ya know what I'm talkin about!)

Early Monday Morning

Went to go surfing again today super super early. It was pretty inconsistant out there. I'm tired and I'm headed off to sleep

Ok...but really??

So...when I came into work the other day I was greeted and given the low-down on the morning's happenings. Long story short...evidently, a customer forgot and left his cell phone in our lobby. When he returned looking for it, someone had stolen it. He was so frustrated that he called...well...I'll call this person "an important leader in our region." This employee apologized to him on 'our' behalf and called us to ask what action we're going to take to prevent future situations like this from happening.

Ok, I can understand the customer's frustration in something of his being stolen. I admit, I was a little miffed when my motorcycle helmet strap was cut from being locked down to my bike at Eastridge, yes. But these two people, customer and employee, just amused me with passing blame to the next person. Anyway, people are so good with getting other people to apologize for their own faults.

It's hilarious (I guess?) that people don't take responsibility for their own mistakes anymore.

Half Time

Well it's official...I am taking one semester off from school. On Friday, I let my professors and fellow saxophonists know that I'll be taking the time off. Mixed responses, yes. I'm taking the time off not as an escape to an overwhelmed schedule, but to develop a closer relationship with God and work on maintaining good living habits.

God has taught me a lot these past two weeks. I've realized that "Godly living" is not only maintaining a relationship with God, but letting Him affect every aspect of my life including my responsibilities (cooking, cleaning, exercising, etc.) I've been reading Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life" and one thing that really convicted me was the following passage.

"Our time on earth and our energy, intelligence, opportunities, relationships, and resources are all gifts from God that he has entrusted to our care and management. We are stewards of whatever God gives us."

Psalms 24:1

"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it,

the world, and all who live in it"

This might be a little extreme, but I was thinking if Jesus would visit my apartment today, would I be embarrassed to have Him over? Have I taken care of the apartment He has graciously provided for me? And what about my health? Have I taken care of the vessel that He's provided me? I know that I have much to change. I'd probably be too stressed to work on this while attending school, and has become too important for me to put off any longer. So this will be my project over the next few months, and school is taking the back burner this time around.

Dawn Patrol

BAM!!! Totally went surfin today! It's been a while, but I finally got to catch some waves over at 'the hook' in Capitola. I got up at 4:50am, strapped down my board, made a stop at Starbucks down the street for a Grande Pike Place Roast and Classic Coffee Cake, and left for the ocean.

It was just getting light out right when I got there. It was low tide and there were pretty good sets rolling in. I rode in a couple of good ones. Dang, it's so awesome riding a wave, just so smooth...nothing like it. Pretty chill people out today too, which made it even more relaxing. Good times.

I always think of my bro, Matt, whenever I get out surfin. He's the one who got me excited to try it a long time ago. We always set out early before dawn and listened to Postal Service and Yellowcard on the way over. I still listen to them when I go, makes me remember those fun mornings. It'd be dope to be able to catch some waves with him again...great company! But I don't know if Santa Cruz could handle the Olds Brothers again! HaHa . . . love ya bro!

A Gift from God

Today i was blessed to have the opportunity to get together with my sister, Holly from work. Wow, I can't remember the last time that I got together with a brother/sister in Christ to just talk about God. We met at a local Starbucks at 11am and just talked about what God has done in our lives over the months. Yes, time flies when you're having fun! I was actually late for my work shift at 3:45pm...but God covered the circumstances. It is so exciting and refreshing to have someone at work that encourages me to live for Christ.

God is really changing my perspective on life (again). He's changing the way I see people and circumstances. I've been blessed to see a much larger picture of life, while also realizing how short of a time we are here. It is wonderful to be able to see how special God's children are, and what He is doing through them for His glory. I can't even describe how great it felt to fellowship with such a blessed sister in Christ! I walked away feeling honored to be able to share that time together. How encouraging that was!

Angry, Tired, and Heartbroken

The closer I get to Jesus, the uglier this world becomes. I now understand why Jesus died of a broken heart.

I need to get this off my chest...not an uplifting message, just what I'm going through the past couple of days...sorry if it's blunt.

I normally work the closing shift (3:45pm-12:15am). Most of the customers who come in during this shift are kids (16 y.o. - 25 y.o.). I use 'kids' to describe their level of maturity. When I go outside to clean up the patio, all I typically hear is, "So like, that was so 'F'-ed up, right?" "Like, I know right?" "She's such a ___;" "He's such a ___." It's F-word this and B-word that. During my 5 minute spin, I hear almost every kind of curse word that has been thought up for the English language, and too many times to count.

These are the people that couldn't define kindness to save the world. I could go on and on about how people just turn and walk away without saying anything after I make eye contact and wish them a nice day, or thank them for their business. Seriously, what is that?! Forget the rejection of a declined sale as a salesman. This is a genuine, "Hope you have a nice day." And that person acknowledges by, not smiling, but rolling his/her eyes. This is the type of culture that has taken over San Jose and I just don't understand it! The majority of this culture type is younger than me, which bothers me even more. This is our future? 'End times' anybody?

Angry: Where is the kindness...or com'on at the least...the manners?!
Tired: 8 1/2 hours of this a day!
Heartbroken: These are people that Christ loves and died for. They were once little innocent children of God, and this is what they've become? (I'm no different, just making a point here). If I'm feeling this way about all of it, I can't imagine how their Maker feels.

I understand that we are to be warriors for Christ. I'm all for that! I guess I've just become annoyed from all of this. I know that this is getting to more of the root of my frustration with this area, but I am trying to figure out what to do about it all. One thing that I am doing is staying close to Jesus.

Blowin' My Mind!

So last night I was reading about Moses and Israel in the book of Numbers. The Bible’s stories are filled with so much wisdom of how to handle everyday life. It’s such a great story that I want to keep reading. But it just gets too much to think about. I went to sleep, almost overwhelmed, with all the information and guidance in the Bible. I know the main thing is a relationship with Jesus; but there’s just so much knowledge the Bible possesses, that my brain hurts sometimes just reading and thinking about it. It's difficult to wrap my head around how big God and His plan really are. One thing is for sure, I love my Maker!

Wow...Only In San Jose

Where's the camera? I know this has to be a practical joke...

Life is humorous, filled with amusing people and situations. "Just laugh it off," is something I remember my Mom always saying, which is exactly what I did today...Here goes...

By the way...this happened the same day and place, but after my last blog. I was sitting on a couch (more of a love seat) in our local Starbucks today, enjoying reading my book and journaling. I had left my backpack, book, and notebook on the couch and table to save my spot as I used the restroom. When I returned, a lady had moved my backpack over and was sitting right where I was sitting. I said to myself, "Are you serious??" So I reluctantly sat down on the other cushion next to her, and she didn't even say a word or look up. She just kept reading...HA! Seriously!!...what do you do with that??!! This is the funny part...there were 11 out of 15 other tables, couches, and seats in the store that were clean and NOT being used. The place was pretty much empty. I thought it was hilarious! It was one of those things that you'd see on a practical joke show. I collected my belongings and moved to another table and laughed inside at how oblivious people can be. HAHA!

Seeing With Different Eyes

I started my day today at a local Starbucks drinking my usual Ice Venti, 3 Pump White Mocha, Iced Coffee. I started reading a book which was given to me years ago, "The Purpose Driven Life." I've learned the more time spent reading about Jesus, whether in the Bible or other Christian books, the more uplifted I become. (Today was one of those uplifting days.) Now, probably everyone who knows me, knows that I am not big on reading. But I decided to give it a shot.

I read a couple chapters and started reflecting on my day yesterday. There are two roads in this life that are becoming much more clear to me. I see where they start, know what to expect as I travel them, and know where I will end up. One road is the relationship with Christ, His love, His guidence, His voice, and His plan of a joy-filled and powerful life beyond dreams, completely apart from this world. The other road is paved with a self centered, "have to outdo," "here to make you jealous," "life is a competition and I'm winning" attitude. This is the road that consumes most of the area in which I live, and is easy to get caught up into it.

It's the road with Christ on which I am reminded of the movie, "The Matrix." I know that sounds kinda dorky, but whatever. Neo is the main character in the storyline. Neo wants to be "set free" from the Matrix and shown the true world, how it is that day. He discovers that the real world is much different than the pretend, Matrix-world in which he was living. When Neo is "plugged into" the Matrix, he realizes that it's not real and people are just living a lie. He understands that there's more to life and that he's not a part of that world anymore.

We need to renew our minds in God's Word and remember that this world is not our home. But even though this isn't our home, God wants to use us to spread His love and do powerful things for His Glory if we let Him.

Entertaining Angels

After work tonight (I should say "this morning"), I was greeted with an opportunity which taught me something about provision. I know that God will provide because He loves his children. But this provision isn't just a one way street. We can't provide God with any 'thing', but we can be used by God to provide for those in need. Be encouraged to provide for those in need because it's God doing the providing and using His vessel (us) to meet a need. It's an honor to work in His plan when I least expect it. See God in opportunities that could bless someone, and tell them it's God who's blessing them.

Let's See Where This Goes...

Well, I just returned home to San Jose last night from a wonderful visit with my folks in Oregon. The trip was just an awesome experience! There weren't any distractions around, just great company and God's beautiful outdoors. I had a lot of time to think about life, my relationship with Jesus, and how I've been connecting the two (or lack of). Since I've been very reflective these past few weeks, it came to mind to start a blog. (I got the idea from my bro 'cause he has one). It's kinda strange that anyone can read this stuff...so that's why I say, "Let's see where this goes." But hopefully some of the things that I'm walking through and write about, can help someone who reads it. I'm also starting this page and opening up to let people know a little bit more about me, so I guess it can serve as a type of accountability. Anyway, there's the run-down.

The following verse has been on my mind this past week. Being up in Oregon, away from everything except God was a renewal process for me.

Romans 12:2
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."