On My Mind

So I've been berated by my two fans for not updating. Here's a brief synopsis of..well, everything:

1. Olympics - I am a HUGE fan of the Olympics. Aimee and I grew up watching Bob Costas and cheering for the Americans. I love being patriotic. This year was no exception as my patriotism/ultra competitiveness tuned in to NBC for as much Olympic coverage I could make myself stay up for. The great moments for me were the obvious wins from Lukin and Phelps, and more. But this year, several aspects of the Games grated me and here they are:

A. The Chinese. My perspective of China as host of the Games is summed up in the story of the girl from the opening games who was replaced because she was ugly. The emphasis for the Chinese was obviously on perception. But what of the underbelly? Shooting chemicals into clouds to change the weather, restricting traffic prior to the opening ceremony to reduce emissions, the questionable age of the gymnasts, etc. There was no doubt awe over the vision and execution of the opening ceremony, as well as beauty in the newly constructed Olympic arenas ( I mean, the Cube was amazing). But at what sacrifice?

B. Note to NBC: You can't call something live when I've already heard the results.

2. Between work, school, other work, Josh, church, and family I'm barely getting enough air. To balance that though, I've never been so sure that this is where God wants me.

3. I have the notion in my head that I want to compete in a mini-triathalon (no people, I am not jumping on the Jennifer Lopez fan bandwagon. I was planning on it before her). But I've realized that I need to learn how to swim through the deep end of a pool and not feel like I'm drowning in order to take this seriously. So, I've taken up swimming. I still don't know if I can do it. We'll see. Sidenote: if anyone knows how to swim the backstroke in a straight line, I would appreciate a helpful tip.

4. There's nothing more hilarious than being in an Ethics class with a bunch of Christians who are trying to not be the stereotypical Christian. I wonder sometimes, as I'm sitting there, if the Christian culture is trying sooo hard to be secular cool, that we've lost the beauty of being a Christ follower. What are we called to do in this life? "Here is the conclusion of the matter, Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." Ecclesiastes 12: 13

5. I just finished a financial biblical study from Crown Financial Ministries. It was amazing. It gives you a whole new perspective on money and the purpose of it. It also helps you to budget, prioritize, get out of debt, and live free. If you need this, go to www.crown.org to see how you can get a study going. If you're local to Venice Church, Marion Yumori is jotting down interested parties for her next class. It's only 10 ppl max per class so get your name on that list!

6. For those of you who are aware of the impending loss of my right arm... Josh is currently working in a lab that is producing new technology for prosthetic limbs. Coincidence?? I think not.

7. I read an article by J. Lee Grady about the Florida movement with Todd Bentley. I was so impressed that I will scan it in when I can and post it. Stay tuned.

Join Me

I work for Dr. Randy Yumori. His wife, Marion Yumori was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer last year and since has been going through many different types of treatments. Last week she shared her testimony at S-Factor (Venice church women's group). It's quite long, but worth it. If you ever wonder what faith should really look like, listen to this.

http://download.yousendit.com/08822C447F4B3C2F


God is so amazing, isn't He? Please join me in praying for healing for Marion. I'll keep you updated.

Dance

Some of the most emotional pieces of art are found in dance. Last night mom and I were watching "So You Think You Can Dance" and it was funny and entertaining until this performance. I was moved.

Meet Katee and Joshua.

May 16, 2006

Josh graduated!
Knowing the countless hours he spent studying and/or working on some project or another, I know how hard he worked to get here. Sidenote: It was hot. And if you know Josh, he HATES hot. It's the one thing that can truly put him in a bad mood. :) He hung in there though.

He was up to his eyes in leis. It was hilarious and a bit much. :) He's got a lot of love from his fam in hawaii.

I feel lucky that I was able to celebrate with him.


As for seasons...It seems surreal that the season of undergrad has ended for him. He has lots of plans to work and go back to school... but for now we can celebrate the past four years and where God has brought him.

For many, it seems like the transition from school to work is daunting. Finding a job...finding the right job is frustrating. But Josh, and the many others in the same season of life can hold to the promises from God, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11

After Moses died, Joshua must have felt a huge overwhelming responsibility of caring for the Israelites. In the face of such impossibilities, God encouraged Joshua and said, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Just as God took care of his servant Joshua, so too, He will take care of each of you. Remember, His plans, His timing, His life.

Family Nuptials

Why is it that the only time we visit distant relatives is when a marriage or death occurs?

This past weekend the four Miyabe's packed up and flew Southeast into Pensacola, FL. for our cousin Jereme's wedding. It was more of a Willis family reunion as all cousins ( + girlfriends) auntie's and uncle's came out in support. It was fun, quick, and beautiful. Here are a few highlights:

Welcome to the South...Read what's happening on the 24th closely.

Flounders and Family!

My favorite. What would I do without her?

Private beach. Only grannies and their grandbabies were there. It was great.

Jereme and TK's wedding

It was short and tiring, but completely worth it. Note to self: Never have a beach wedding... :p

Finally, something Bill and I agree on

Okay, last Bill Simmons quote before I stop forever:

On Thursday, I broke my longstanding "Never drive to Anaheim for any reason" rule to catch four first-round games with my friend Lewis. Anaheim might only be 35 miles from L.A., but it usually takes between two and five hours to get there thanks to a hideous deathtrap called the "5," the interstate everyone is forced to take from Los Angeles when you're driving to Disneyland, Angels games, Ducks games, Commerce Casino or the Center of Hell. You couldn't even call it "traffic" on the I-5. It's more like a meandering, overheated crawl, only with the remnants of major accidents every two or three miles and the added bonus that a truck might just decide to drive over your car. Remember the abandoned, bomb-infested highway that Snake Plissken navigated at the end of "Escape From New York"? That highway was less dangerous and more scenic than the I-5. I hate the I-5. Have I mentioned that I hate the I-5?

Hope you're having a hoot about this. If you live off the 5, I'm sorry. Not sorry for the comment, but sorry because you live off the 5.

Sports Gal Rocks!

Josh's all time favorite sports columnist is Bill Simmons, of ESPN. He'll tell you that he's been a fan since before he moved up in the world and got first page on ESPN.com. If Josh isn't doing something for me, sleeping, studying, or working on his toned muskles, he's spending time with Bill. At first I found myself a little slighted that my opinion didn't usurp the next paragraph's content. But I'm learning to pick my battles.

In my futile quest to completely understand & be apart of everything Josh loves (some of you may know my #1 goal of all time), I have recently attempted to read up on Bill. Unfortunately I was so lost after the first three words I nearly gave up, until I read this:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/080318

the most AWESOME part of the ENTIRE blog was the Editor's Note, at the top. To all you women trying to identify with your man on some level when it comes to sports...this is for you!

26.2

I will never forget Sunday, March 2,2008 because it was the day that Josh and I ran the Los Angeles Marathon.

A few thoughts:

1. Finishing
I couldn't believe we finished. 7 hours! During our lax training (to say the least) in the months leading up to the Marathon we had only run a total of 12 miles ONCE. the training schedule has you training to 20 miles. Needless to say our expectations for ourselves was pretty low. We did pretty well actually...we finished. :0)

2. The Strategy
We decided to run to the mile markers (every mile had a water station which had port-a-potties, gatorade, water, and certain ones had first aid stations), walk through all the congestion, and then run. It actually worked pretty well. That strategy took us to Mile 21...and then my body shut down. My knees and feet were in so much pain I think I actually shed a tear at mile 24...I didn't think I could finish. My partner didn't let me quit. We ran the last mile and crossed together.

3. The Route
The Route took us through Universal, Beverly Hills, Compton, USC, the Coliseum, East LA, and ended in Downtown. It was neat to see the city through the eyes of a runner on a closed course. The city has some areas that need cleaning and others that are beautiful...You wonder about the quality of life from people who only live two blocks away...one in a mansion on clean streets, the other sharing an apartment with 6 other people. LA is so diverse, different, and imperfect. It's not cookie cutter like Orange County or average like the Valley. It's eclectic, filled with so many unique people and cultures and it's absolutely beautiful.

4. The People
The biggest surprise about the entire Marathon was the support from the community. The entire course was filled with random people cheering on people they didn't even know. Strangers with handmade signs that said, "Keep running! You can do it!" ...the people with water stations set up in front of their houses, the one man bands that came out to play music for you while you ran, the many bands, the praise team, the traditionally clothed Korean women clapping to the rap station set up next door, the many volunteers at the water stations, the people handing you hand cut oranges, bananas, and pretzels, and the many people who didn't even know you-encouraging and helping you along...It was unbelievable. I have never seen LA like that before and it was utterly amazing.

5. The Memories
I will never forget the "Students Run LA", the Veteran going the whole way with two American flags, the girl who, on her back, had a picture of a man and a sign that said, "For my dad", the pain, mom and blane for finding us and providing encouragement and much needed nourishment, the two older ladies from Georgia (who I met waiting for a bathroom to open up), who came for their very first marathon, and most of all Josh, for being the best encourager, running partner, high five pal at every mile, and teammate that I have ever had.

For everyone who thinks they can't run the Marathon, let me encourage you. More than half of the people there weren't in the best shape and in their 20's. The people were people...just like you and I. I would guess that half of the people walked. It's worth it...to be in our community, and to see the love from random strangers. It gives you hope that Jesus is alive and real in Los Angeles...and that there is still an abundance of good all around.

Go For It!

The beginning...

Here we go...

We did it!!!

Thanks guys!