Something for Everybody

For the girls: A sneak peak at the entire collection of Jason Wu for Target. Remember when he blew up after this?

For the guys: A look into the up and coming products from the 2012 CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas. Swiss Army + hard drives? Mounted cameras in ski goggles? Flip tablets? Eat your hearts out.

All In A Days Walk

This past month we have received a handful of newsletters from friends, family, and acquaintances. How other people live their lives is intriguing to me. It seemed there were a lot of deaths in 2011 and a lot of joys as well. I saw a vast divide between those who know Christ and those who don't. I can't explain the difference really, but there is a unmistakable divide. A lack of peace and depth of joy maybe? A hope for something that is fleeting? I don't know exactly but there was a difference. 

It has been a rough week for me. I realized how down in the dumps I was feeling when I accidently let it all out to Shin (again, sorry about that friend). My back hasn't healed quite as quickly as I'd like. This past weekend I was confined to the apartment because our elevator broke. I  can sit for a short period of time but for the most part have been lying down. It's hard to be stuck so I've been lonely.

The elevator is working again so I went for a walk today. I text Josh that I was headed out and I think I gave him the worries - "Where are you going?" "Do you have your back brace?" "Make sure you take your phone."  I reassured him and went on my way. The beauty of the day did much to refresh my spirits. Isn't this beautiful?

People were out. Kids were playing. Some exercising. It was wonderful. I was reminded that my life newsletter is filled with hope since I hold Jesus in my heart. My mom called and reminded me that this is temporary. Some people are not so fortunate. She is right, of course. "Behold the Lamb of God!"

Happy Birthday's

and

Buy cards here and here.

Miguel Endara

Found this surfing the web while lying on my side. Geez-ma-neez, people out there are talented..

Happy We-eeee-kend!

Health Update

Last night I had a victory at the doctor's office. With the help of Dr. Osborne and a back brace I was able to sit on my rump for a few moments! Who knew that would be so exciting? It's good news for Josh and I because we both tire of him chauffeuring me around every night, while I lay down in the backseat, to get chores done that I can't do on my own during the day.

Although I haven't tempted fate and tried again, I can feel myself getting stronger each day. The ability for the human body to heal is incredible.

Because of this wretched problem though, I am missing out on celebrating Leah's last few weeks as a single lady. I can't imagine all the laughing, bonding, and memories they'll be making in The City. And mostly I'm sad that I'm not there to have this memory with her. Last year, Leah jokingly said there were two events that I couldn't miss: the first was her 30th birthday bash in Vegas (I was sick) and the second was her bachelorette (I think this move is killing me). I have let her down immensely and feel like such a horrible friend.

Leah, if you even get around to reading this, if I had any say - I'd be there in a heartbeat. I love you dearly. Sending you loads of BIG FUN this weekend...xoxo

The Handwritten Note

I love a handwritten note. It takes longer to produce and deliver. Growing up, every Christmas I would dread having to write thank you's. Somewhere along the road I experienced a mental shift. Now I love writing thank you's and cards. I always try to be sincere and personal because I anticipate the person opening it and reading it and hopefully having a bright moment in their day. That is what happens to me when I am the recipient. And that is why I save so many cards. I have two cards from 2011 that I cherish the most: the one on my bedside table from my husband and the birthday card I received back in October from my new family. Do you save special cards like I do?

P.S. My dream would be to make my own cards and sell them. If I'm being honest, that dream also has a tiny store that does personalized letterpress and custom stationary. Maybe one day..

The Christmas Card Contest

Here's our wall of Christmas cards. Every time I glance over I pray for the first one I see. Since we live in a one bedroom I find myself praying for people all the time!

And these, the carefully handwritten ones.

I secretly had a little cheeky contest going in my head. The results:
Most Creative: Linda, Erik, Grant and Faith for their "ornament" (top left)
Made Me Chuckle: Derek and Rianna (1st column, 4th down)
Most Touching: Tie - Kiku (2nd photo, card with "Peace") and Grandpa Mike and Grandma Kathy for the words in their card (not shown because it's in my journal). 
Best Use of Coordinating Colors: Jason, Dawn, Grace, and Luke (5th column, 5th down)
Most Surprising: baby Ella Brooks in all her tutu glam glory (4th column, 2nd down)
Best in Show: Mifumi, Nozomu, and Leigha's homemade wonder (center)
Most Interesting Newsletter: Roy and Bonnie - what a life they lead!


There are also a few that I've found to be missing. What the heezy yo?

Kats and Val 

Jordan and Jordan

Mom and Dad 1

Mom and Dad 2

Scott, Beth, and Kanoa

In truth, they were all wonderful and special. I felt privileged that we made so many "Christmas Card" mailing lists. I'm inspired. Guess I'll have to up my game for next year. :p Any suggestions?

In Sickness and in Health

I don't think Josh knew those faithful words would come to pass just 7 months in.

Last Tuesday I was standing in the lobby at the dentist's office. Not just a random dentist mind you, but Josh's dad's cousin who has taken care of Josh's teeth since birth. People I haven't met because we didn't invite them to the wedding ( in my weak defense, we didn't invite any family beyond first cousins). Doing me a huge favor by looking at an aching tooth. Ack.

Anyhow, just standing there while Josh talked fishing and USC with his Uncle and Aunt when I suddenly couldn't stand up. I bent over and then couldn't keep that stance, so I went down to the floor. Josh gave me a quizzical "what are you doing" look. I tried to stand up. I looked up at him and whispered I couldn't.

After that there was no getting out under the radar. Aunty Diane asked what was going on, Uncle Gary was standing by as Josh tried to help me up, but couldn't. I felt like my feet had died. I couldn't move them or put any weight on my legs. Josh dragged me to the waiting room where two unassuming patients were waiting. To which Diane jokingly mentioned this wasn't because of any dentist work. I was so embarrassed I could have died right there. My first time meeting family and my body decides to put a show on!

After Josh pulled the car up, him and Diane practically carried me out and got me in. Weak thank you's and quick apologies and we were on our way. We call my mom (since she has her list of doctors on speed dial) and once we got to her house headed to urgent care where I realized I couldn't get from the car to the wheelchair. Josh counted to three and lifted to which I experienced such excruciating pain in my back that I screamed and began sobbing. Poor Josh. I'll speed up the story - Spinal Disc Herniation L5 - aka slipped disc in my lower back. I guess too much sitting and driving, not enough working out. Shot of a muscle relaxant in my rear and a few prescriptions later and Josh is hauling me back home.

The rest of the week has been a slew of lying down, standing up, trying to walk. I'm not in the mood to check my phone, but it doesn't matter because I can't reach it anyway. Josh has to do everything for me. Help me to the living room, dress me, hold me up while I brush my teeth, help me shower, assist me in going to the bathroom. The first time I showered, I couldn't help the tears from falling. I was embarrassed and ashamed that he had to help me. He wiped them away and told me to stop, it was nothing. Later, I cried my eyes out with my mom.

You know, this was Josh's vacation. He was looking forward to sleeping in, seeing his friends, laughing with family, going out and celebrating, dressing up, and just having fun. My back problem stole it from him and instead gave him the responsibility of caring for my every need. Not one complaint. Not a mention of regret. Just encouragement and love, and care you wouldn't believe. Unmentioned acceptance and love, steadiness and calm. I thought my heart couldn't love him more but through all this, it is deeper and filled with a new level of gratitude. I see the quality of man that I have married.

I still cannot sit. I can walk with my back brace for a bit longer each day. I cannot take any steps, lift anything, pick anything up, or move anything. I cannot drive, go grocery shopping, or clean up our mess. I'm hoping to gain mobility bit by bit sooner rather than later but I have no complaints.

My God, my God, you are Almighty. Creator of Everything!


Although I have no resolutions, there are a few things I've decided to focus on - being a better wife, giving quality, having a good attitude - especially when I am tired, and lastly, to give Jesus more of my time and energy.

Happy New Year friends. This past year has been one of celebration and occasion. Praying this year brings a bit of steadiness but mostly, that Jesus would be glorified more in me and in you.