Moro Rock

Wow, 105 windy miles and 400 steps later, we reached the top of Moro Rock, getting a birds-eye view of the Sequoias.

It was gorgeous, minus the pollution. The mountains behind us in this picture looked completely stunning with the clouds hovering so low, it was hard to separate the snow-capped mountains from the clouds. Absolutely heavenly.

On the way up, we also saw 1 doe that was shy, but curious, lots of lizards looking for mates, and free-roaming birds soaring in the wind.

It was a moment of freedom and appreciation for all things living.

This is J's son, proposing. We went on a "photo shoot" today. He wanted me to pay him a quarter per picture. When I told him "no deal", he asked if he could still be my model anyway. I'll sure miss it when he grows out of this sweet, innocent age.

Wolverine

I went to this movie as a second choice. We were planning to watch Star Trek at the Imax, but since the lil guy was with us, we couldn't (or at least I couldn't) justify spending $37.50 on theater tickets. So we went, instead, to the regular theater and saw Wolverine.

Oh, I was loathing the choice we'd had to make, but I was actually quite pleasantly surpised. Aside from all the good-looking people in the movie, it was action-packed, emotionally-charged, and fun to follow.

Go watch it - you won't regret it.

Good morning!

Darn it! so my new 'do just looks waaay cooler in person, but here it is anyway!

New 'do

Got my hair cut, colored, and styled today! It's been about 6+ months since I've seen my stylist because I've been trying to grow my hair out, but it was time to say goodbye to all the split-ends and damaged hair. I'll debut a pic soon, I promise!

whoaaa.....

Okay, so it's been about a full month since I've posted.

LoTs have happened in the interim. Let's see...in chronological order (to the best of my memory) I finally filed my taxes on the 15th and to my surprise, I got quite the return! (Thank you, School!).

So since my GPS & digicam were stolen, (I told you about that, right?) I decided to take 200 bucks of my return and replace my stolen items. J & I considered filing an insurance claim, but with a $500 deductible, decided against it for obvious reasons.

The weekend of the 25th, J & son & I went up to Sacramento/Yuba City to see family. It was Taylor's 6th birthday that Sunday - and she was just so precious, that darling girl! She's got curls that are just simply angelic. But before we went to her birthday bash, we went to see my parents and finalized the whole bride price thing and got officially "Hmong-married". Whatever that means.

I guess what I mean by that is that J & I both feel that the whole Hmong-style wedding just so un-special to us. There's no symbol of love At All. I think (...no, I'm pretty sure) I still harbor some degree of resentment over the whole ordeal, but ultimately, It's Just Money...right?

Anyway, without saying too much, it was a pretty dramatic weekend. But seeing Taylor and Nicholas and my family balanced it out alright.

Onto May...wow, this month was pretty much penniless. I remember being totally Ba-Roke with a wiped-out savings account and family demands coming left & right for gift contributions. Then there was Mother's day to consider and upcoming birthdays - all at least 120 miles out of town. On top of that, there were snags in receiving my unemployment check and - whewwww...I need to take a breath. I can't believe how documenting this is making my heart race in a heart-attack kind of way.

Then last Saturday, J & I drove back up to Sac to see my family in honor of my mother. We spent the day at an island and the weather was hot yet cool. Both J & I got mildly sunburnt (I know, I'm an esthetician and I didn't have any sunscreen on me). Although I didn't have a gift for her in hand, I ended up ordering a skin lightening cream for her from Amazon and she should be receiving it some time this week or early next. Asians and hyperpigmentation - sucks!

This week some time, a couple of nights ago, in fact, J & I got into a HUGE blow up. It was the worst one yet. We'd just been so stressed out, so unhappy, so far from God that things between us were just spiraling quickly down the road of no return. It was full of tears, fears, truths...so revealing, so honest, so hurtful, yet so absolutely necessary. But ultimately, as the night turned into early morning, we just ended up where we started - and that's a place of love and forgiveness. We love each other and know and believe that we are not only better together, but we are soul mates.

After a day of recovery from the emotional storm, he suggested we each take 10 bucks up to Chukchansi and bet it penny slot machines. And though my eyes were dried out and burning, I decided it'd be a good idea and we went. It turned out to be so much fun! After months and months of focusing on everything but us, being together last night with just the two of us ~ ah, now that's what's makes it all so very worth it.

Wallyworld Woes

Oh my Gosh - What a day! I was so stressed out dealing with car insurance today! I finally went and got my car rental - without the official "ok" from Nationwide. I just couldn't stand not having a car anymore! And Nationwide deals only with Enterprise, so I was stuck having to rent with them again

I have reason to be sour because the last time I went through Enterprise, I used my debit card to leave my deposit - and that proved to be a big mistake. I mean huge. They ended up charging my card upfront for the rental, deducting hundreds from my checking account without my approval (they said I signed my authority away when I got the car). So I decided that this time, to be sure that wasn't gonna happen again, I'd get a temporary VISA card.

& OMG, what a hassle that turned out to be! Just activating it alone took an absurd 15 minutes of talking to a robot! Totally unbeknownst to me, I had actually purchased a money card with a VISA logo that had a revolving three-dollar monthly fee! FAIL - not what I was looking for! I just needed an VISA card that would hold a specific dollar amount - y'know, like a universal gift card - one that was not going to be linked to my checking or charge accounts. I did not want to get gyp'd again.

After all that nonsense with Wallyworld, I get to Enterprise only to find out that the deposit would actually only be $50 - not $250 (which is what I paid last time & what the adjuster and insurance agent was hinting at). I felt better and worse at the same time because I didn't even have to go through all that Wallyworld money VISA card mumbo jumbo at all. *sigh*

But the good news is: I've got a car again. Sweet independence.

And Oh yeah, one more thing: someone stole my GPS some time this or last week - right out of my car. Yup - it's GONE. And my camera is missing too.

Sisters

So fun!  3 of my sisters came over last night and it was really cool to catch up!  The 2 from Sacramento (B & Y) are twins at 16, and still so sweet!  C is from Clovis, 21, and so stressed out already!  I got to show them my dedicated spa room and it was a total hit.  I waxed all three of them and this morning, did Y's makeup.

Unfortunately, V (older sis) came by this morning in an irregular mood and swooped 'em right outta here, but I'll see them again this afternoon at my other sis (S's) easter egg get-together.  

My family didn't celebrate Easter together this year, which is a bit odd, but doesn't surprise me all that much.  Luckily, S is in town with her adorable son & hubby and I'll at least get to see some family!

Spring Cleaning

While J was sick this week, we let the house turn to sh*t.  I'm talking major chaos in the house.  So we deep-cleaned the place out and once again, I can be proud to call it home.  We were talking about how it's so easy to just pick up after ourselves on a regular basis, and yet practicing what we preach still takes to much effort and discipline!  But the abode has really come together - clutter-free - just the way we like it.

These Boots Were Made for Walkin'

So this morning, I had an appt at the spa for a facial (and I still don't have a means of transportation - boo Nationwide!) so I had J drop me off.  I knew it was going to at least take a hour and a half, so I specifically told him to expect my call.  Anyway, I totally finished my appointment and gave him a call so he'd be there by the time I got through tidying up.  Nope.  No answer.  That's strange - cause he's pretty reliable.  

But ok, fine, no answer.  So I went ahead and finished cleaning my facial room then tried him again - this time from the reception area.  Still no answer!  I told him I'd be calling!  I hung out with C, the receptionist, for about...1 minute then decided to just walk.  Yes, I have little patience.  

I only live about 1.5 miles from the spa, so it wasn't a big deal, but - I was in boots!  And we're not talking' walking boots either - nonetheless, I'd walked at least a 3/4 of a mile before J finally called me back.  Then, by the time he swung around, I was already a half-mile from home.  WhatEv.

His excuse?  He was in the shower.  *sigh* Typical.

Fried eggs

mmm...fried eggs and hash browns for breakfast ~ that right there is worth living for!  & I'm still hungry.  

I signed up with Avon yesterday and am looking forward to ordering some of their products for my personal and business use.  Taking a closer look at their products, I must say that I am quite impressed overall.  I do think that they should not fill up half of their catalogs with jewelry and clothes, but it seems they want to meet your needs from every angle possible.  Oh well.  

I've also decided that at the present time, I will not be signing up with Mary Kay.  Although i like some of their products, I can't justify the $100 sign-up fee.  Yes, I know they'll send me all kinds of stuff like products, marketing materials, and all, but like I said earlier - my intent is not to be a "mary kay consultant" - rather, I just want to be able to access their product should the need arise.  But already, it seems like joining would be time-committing and motivational-speechy and stuff that I'm just not into.  Maybe later.

Their leader lady called and wanted me to go in for a "mary kay facial" if I hadn't already had one.  Boo.  No way.   I'm an esthetician, for goodness' sake!  I kindly declined.  (Well, at least I hope I was kind!)  That move right there put me off.  She didn't listen to my needs (which I had already clearly expressed).  Avon, on the other hand, signed me up, answered my questions, and for the most part is leaving me alone.

You'll know if I really, truly love something - I'll share it!  The whole "party" thing has always been super-ridiculous to me.  

oh, & btw, still no rental from Nationwide.  If you work for AAA or AllState or Something good like that, J & I are looking for a new provider.  Yes, a company that will provide.

Reception site in the works

My mom called me today, wondering what's up with the wedding planning?  J & I haven't officially gone up to Sacramento to start any official planning even though we've been engaged for over a year.  

But finally, we are starting to look at a couple of places to figure out where we could possibly hold a reception.  & the whole darn thing is just so expensive!  But I think we've found something that will work with our budget and please both my parents and ourselves.

I want to get a move on it.  Our wedding is planned for September and places are filling up fast (not to mention all the "stuff" that's gotta get done!)  ...How do I foresee a stress-storm looming?

Avon & Mary Kay Ventures

So as I continue to provide esthetics services for family, friends, and potential clients, I've decided to sign up with Avon to start building my makeup kit.  I've read several reviews on many of their products and I already Love their sunscreens, so I think it will be an added benefit to my business and my clients.  I also plan to sign up with Mary Kay, as well as Paula's Choice and just about any makeup company that carries non-irritating, high quality skin care and makeup products.

(Don't worry, my goal is not to throw house parties and invite all my friends over for a cheesy mlm party - I made that very clear to the Avon rep I spoke with today).

On a side note, Jeremiah's really truly sick tonight!  I think this is the first time he's caught the flu!  And it's really too bad because it's thunderstorming outside and he's sleeping right through it!

I am Me

& I am creative.  

• Creative individuals are remarkable for their ability to adapt to almost any situation and to make do with whatever is at hand to reach their goals. 

• Of all human activities, creativity comes closest to providing the fulfillment we all hope to get in our lives. Call it full-blast living.
  

• Creativity is a central source of meaning in my life. 

• When I'm creative, I feel I am living more fully. 

• Creativity leaves an outcome that adds to the richness and complexity of the future.

• What makes their personalities different from others is complexity. They show tendencies of thought and action that in most people are segregated. They contain contradictory extremes; instead of being an "individual," each of them is a "multitude."

• Creative people have a great deal of physical energy, but they're also often quiet and at rest. They work long hours, with great concentration, while projecting an aura of freshness and enthusiasm. This suggests a superior physical endowment, a genetic advantage. 

• This does not mean that creative people are hyperactive, always "on." In fact, they rest often and sleep a lot. The important thing is that they control their energy; it's not ruled by the calendar, the dock, an external schedule. 

• When necessary, they can focus it like a laser beam; when not, creative types immediately recharge their batteries. They consider the rhythm of activity followed by idleness or reflection very important for the success of their work. This is not a bio-rhythm inherited with their genes; it was learned by trial and error as a strategy for achieving their goals.

• Creative people tend to be smart yet naive at the same time. How smart they actually are is open to question. It is probably true that what psychologists call the "g factor," meaning a core of general intelligence, is high among people who make important creative contributions.

• Creative people combine playfulness and discipline, or responsibility and irresponsibility. There is no question that a playfully light attitude is typical of creative individuals. But this playfulness doesn't go very far without its antithesis, a quality of doggedness, endurance, perseverance.

• Despite the carefree air that many creative people affect, most of them work late into the night and persist when less driven individuals would not. 

• Creative people alternate between imagination and fantasy, and a rooted sense of reality. 

• Creative people tend to be both extroverted and introverted, exhibiting both traits simultaneously.

• Creative people are humble and proud at the same time.  Their respect for the area in which they work makes them aware of the long line of previous contributions to it, putting their own in perspective. They're also aware of the role that luck played in their own achievements. And they're usually so focused on future projects and current challenges that past accomplishments, no matter how outstanding, are no longer very interesting to them. At the same time, they know that in comparison with others, they have accomplished a great deal. And this knowledge provides a sense of security, even pride.

• Creative people, to an extent, escape rigid gender role stereotyping. When tests of masculinity/femininity are given to young people, over and over one finds that creative and talented girls are more dominant and tough than other girls, and creative boys are more sensitive and less aggressive than their male peers.  Creative individuals are more likely to have not only the strengths of their own gender but those of the other one, too.

• Creative people are both rebellious and conservative.  The willingness to take risks, to break with the safety of tradition is necessary.

• Most creative people are very passionate about their work, yet they can be extremely objective about it as well. Without the passion, we soon lose interest in a difficult task. Yet without being objective about it, our work is not very good and lacks credibility. 

• Creative people's openness and sensitivity often exposes them to suffering and pain, yet also to a great deal of enjoyment.  Being alone at the forefront of a discipline also leaves you exposed and vulnerable. Eminence invites criticism and often vicious attacks. When an artist has invested years in making a sculpture, or a scientist in developing a theory, it is devastating if nobody cares.

• Perhaps the most difficult thing for creative individuals to bear is the sense of loss and emptiness they experience when, for some reason, they cannot work. This is especially painful when a person feels his or her creativity drying out.

• When a creative person is working in the area of his of her expertise, worries and cares fall away, replaced by a sense of bliss. Perhaps the most important quality, the one that is most consistently present in all creative individuals, is the ability to enjoy the process of creation for its own sake. Without this trait, poets would give up striving for perfection and would write commercial jingles, economists would work for banks where they would earn at least twice as much as they do at universities, and physicists would stop doing basic research and join industrial laboratories where the conditions are better and the expectations more predictable.

From Creativity: The Work and Lives of 91 Eminent People, by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, published by HarperCollins, 1996.

Crash

It was 12:30, and I had a client coming in for a wax at 1:45, so I decided to head out to set up for her. After that, I rolled through Jack in the box to pick up some burgers for my fiance and I. Yummy and yucky at the same time. Anyway, I get our combos and drive off.

I'm just doin' my thing on the road, switching stations, periodically checking my cell for any updates (like I didn't already just do that at the drive-thru!), and obediently came to a stop at the stop sign. It was then that out of NOWHERE, I felt this tremendous impact from behind me. It took moments for me to realize that I had just straight-up gotten rear-ended by some lady and her son (who I later found out were "apartment-searching", thus car accident).

It shocked me so bad, I couldn't move. My body seriously slooowwwed down. When I finally realized I had just been hit, I couldn't help it, I burst into tears and my body began to shake uncontrollably. ...So strange - I thought those dramatics were reserved only for the movies!

Two wonderful fellow neighborhood citizens came immediately to my help. They saw the whole thing and totally coached me back to the Mary Yang I'm so much more familiar with. I had regained most of my cool when my fiance finally got there (first thing I did before I completely lost control was phone him) and we exchanged info and all.

So I still managed to fit my client's wax appointment in and had my lovely man drop me off and pick me up. When I got back, I hopped on the phone and started to file a claim with her insurance company, when, lo and behold, I found out HER INSURANCE WAS TERMINATED 6/27/08!! Surprise, surprise. (argh!)

Now I have to wait for her Insurance to fax an official letter stating as such to my Insurance before I can even start the repairs on my car (and that's IF my car is repairable), which can (and will probably) take up to 2 weeks. Which leaves me with no car. & unfortunately, I don't live in the city I love, San Francisco. ...Did I already say **ARGH**?!