April's Life

A Year Later

2011-01-12T17:21:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, I haven't posted for quite sometime so I'm finally getting around to it now! :)
This past year has been amazing to me and I'm really glad that my dreams are coming together. I got into the school of my dreams, I begin in less than two weeks..I'm excited, nervous, and a little of everything. If everything goes to plan, I'll have my Bachelor's in Spring 2012! Reflecting back on this past year and looking forward to this year..I've got so much I want to get done and different adventures I hope to experience. In the past month, I've been on a hot air balloon and I've gone horseback riding..TWO THINGS I'VE NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE..and totally loved! One thing that 2010 taught me was, "Things have a funny way of materializing when you envision them happening." One example would be, as I began 2010 with one, very intentional goal to go on a hot air balloon. I didn't know how it was gonna happen, when it would happen, or who I'd go with. All of which questions were answered beginning August 9th (when I met Zachary Jordan Goodell <3 ) He had bought a gift voucher to go, hadn't used it and it would be expiring at the end of the year..and he decided that he wanted to use it and take LUCKY me! Not only did I get to experience the adventure of hot air ballooning, but I shared it with someone really great. Zach has been a wonderful influence in my life. My behavior and demeanor on things have changed, i.e. Quicker to forgive others, more loving, work harder, communicate more effectively, and with all the dancing we go out and do..I've losted 20lbs, no joke. Anyway, I hope to write again soon..with thoughts, desires, goals, hopes from my bucket list :)

October bring me opportunities!

2010-10-05T13:52:00.000-07:00

So, I need to update this considering it's been a little over a month. I'll start from September 3 (when I last wrote) that night, Zach & I went out cosmic bowling for his brother's birthday, then next day we went to Disney -Zach took me to the Blue Bayaou, swing dancing, and we saw World of Color. On the 6th, we went to an Angel's game -this week and the following weeks afterwards, I didn't feel very healthy, I must've caught what Zach got the week before when I was the one taking care of him. September 11, I saw Seussical with Zach & his mum, his little bro was a Wickersham monkey :-p) Then out to dinner at Olivia's with Zach's grandparents, his cousin Matt & his fiancee Justine. During the middle of September, there was alot of work for me & Zach..and we didn't see too much of each other. There was a Sunday afternoon, the 19th, where Zach & I slow-danced rumba in Downtown Disney..which was incredibly romantic..I love dancing with him :) Zach & I are doing well. We get into arguments from time-to-time, but I'm looking forward to moving forward :-P I've also been looking to move forward career wise: getting a stable, steady job where I work consistent hours and the pay is better. Cross your fingers for me, I've applied to several different places. Entertainment costuming for Disneyland, even Guest Communicator for Disney Cruiseline, Flight Attendant for Delta airlines & Virgin America, various office/clerical jobs for Riverside Community College District. Hoping October brings opportunities!

♫ ♪ Sitting in a Tree ♪ ♫

2010-09-03T19:53:00.000-07:00

When Zach got back from Chicago, he brought me two things: a cute "Illinois, Chicago" t-shirt and red roses. I missed him so much, for the first time since I'd met him, I hadn't seen him for a little over 2 days. So naturally, we caught right back up and took a trip to one of the most romantic settings for couples: Disneyland :)

Mommy and Me Day!

2010-09-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, while the boyfriend was gone to Chicago for a dance competition, my mom and I had a girl's day. We got our makeup done at the Bobby Brown counter.

Had an amazing lunch at Cheesecake Factory, I got Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes (my favorite , it's an appetizer-but big enough to eat alone).

Then we saw "Eat Pray Love"..after the movie, we got some delicious chocolate from Temptations and checked out a jewelry store-good day, good day!

Fortune cookie.

2010-08-18T14:42:00.000-07:00

So, a couple of weeks back I ordered chinese food, when I opened my fortune cookie and it said this:

Funny enough, the numbers have added up. August 9th, I met a really great, fun guy at Coffee Depot (who also dances AMAZING!) and then August 15th, things with he and I got more exclusive. So yeah, I AM ontop of the world!

Law of Attraction

2010-08-10T19:57:00.000-07:00

The Law of Attraction simply says that you attract into your life whatever you think about. Your dominant thoughts will find a way to manifest.

May I introduce you to ZACH Goodell. He's an Arthur Murray Dance Instructor. Met him at Coffee Depot last night. My life could seriously be a movie.

For those of you who are in the dark.
-My ex's name: Zach. We broke up a couple of weeks ago.
-My passion: Dancing. Now do you get it?

And yes, I stole pictures from his facebook to show you guys :-P

Need a getaway?

2010-07-19T00:07:00.001-07:00

After my Thursday's post..I'm sure it's easy to understand why I needed to get away. After work on Saturday, I drove to the mountains. Spent my afternoon and eventually the night and following day up there. Felt great! The quiet peaceful tranquility is the best environment to recenter yourself. I spent time walking the route I used to take to the bus stop every morning for school as a child, re-visiting the stream I used to play in near my house, and most importantly ...thinking! As of right now, I feel pretty good. I'm glad that Zach had enough character to let things go before they had potential to get bad. Zach is incredible, and I can't say or have a bad feeling towards or about him. Good things break apart, so better things can happen. Who knows what the future brings? Only Heavenly Father.
Thought I'd share some pictures, enjoy:

I don't know how to title this.

2010-07-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

So, even though I'm fighting through my strong desire NOT to talk about what's going on with me..I feel like, maybe I need to. I can feel myself going into a depressed state and it's really much better to talk it out, rather than bottle it up. Last night, Zach broke up with me. He has too much stuff on his plate to maintain a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. He has just been fired from his job, he was at first afraid to tell me for fear I'd be upset, which I wasn't because it felt so good to know what's been going on with him. Things had been weird lately between us..so knowing a couple of things that were on his mind..made me feel better, rather than being left in the dark. Of course, I'm sorrowful..more scared of losing him in my life and being alone/single. He and I stayed in my front yard until 5am this morning: he couldn't leave and didn't want to leave me crying and in pain. He kept saying, "It's nothing you did..you were amazing..I still care about you and I still want to be there for you". In my mind, I felt like, in order to protect myself, I needed to try and shut him out and told him that I couldn't be just a friend, that I cared too much about him. Before he drove away, he gave me a hug and said, " I'm really sorry we can't be friends"..I walked into my house, fell into the pillows of my bed and cried some more. When I woke up around 7am...I cried again, talked to my mom (who told me that I needed to call him and let him know that I still want to be apart of his life and just need to process my emotions)..So I called him, not expecting him to pick up..when he answered, I talked to him and we will both be trying not to be strangers and be there for each other.He has things to deal with..and so do I.

This past Father's Day

2010-06-24T16:51:00.000-07:00

Say what? Yes I’m blogging once again..I’ve been on a roll lately. This week, I’ve had the time to breathe, relax, and recenter myself…so thoughts come more quickly to my mind. Now, we just had Father’s Day and personally..I don’t have a relationship with my father so I didn’t really celebrate or do anything special. Even more awful, is that I don’t think my father has any real relationship with any of his children. Many of you don’t know, my parents divorced around the time I came into the world. I am the youngest of eight children, and I’ve had the least interaction with my dad than any of my siblings. Growing up, I have heard several stories about my dad: the kind of father he was to my siblings, the kind of husband he was to my mother, behaviors and habits of his..well, he wasn’t and never has been a DAD or HUSBAND in the way that I hope my future husband will treat my children and myself. Now, I may be writing this to vent ..or maybe I’ve been inspired to write this because I’m sure there’s others that don’t have relationships with their fathers, but I hope that everyone remembers to love, honor and appreciate our Heavenly Father. At this time in my life, I have never felt God’s influence so strong. I’ve personally receieved inspiration and guidance from Him and he has lead me to the happiness I’m so humbled to have in my life. I am truly blessed to have the most hard-working single mother who was Mother and Father to me. The brothers and sisters of mine who have fought against (and continue to fight against) personal tribulations and trials, and strive to be wonderful parents to their children. And the guy I can proudly say, “I’m HIS girlfriend!”, who reminds me to remember God on Father’s Day :)

Weddings are the best

2010-06-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

Went to Brit's reception this past Friday. SOO BEAUTIFUL! It was at The Fullerton Arboretum , which is very green-ly landscaped, and also has several streams and even a waterfall. I got to see Brit's gorgeous wedding gown as well as reunite with some of my best friends and favorite couple, Kris and Justine. Of course, my wedding date was the boyfriend (Zach)..we had a good time at the reception, then headed to Balboa Beach. I surprise even myself sometimes, I went into the ocean with dress and all. It was AMAZING. I felt so refreshed and free! Here's some pictures from the wedding:

As of late

2010-06-17T15:50:00.000-07:00

Hey my internet blogging people! lol, Sorry that it's been a while since I've updated. That must mean I've been busy having fun...right? Well, yes. As of May 29, I've been dating the most amazing guy, Zachary Hallett. We have so much fun together, we enjoy and appreciate many of the same things. We had our very first date on May 27, where we saw a dance concert at my work, got frozen yogurt at Cherry on Top, then went to a park..we stayed out til 5:00am. The relationship began fast..and now we're just trying not to burn out each other's flame. We enjoy our time together, but it's also important we have time apart. "I love Double Doubles from In-n-Out, but if I had one everyday I would get sick of em". Neatless to say, I've spent today, yesterday and Tuesday catching up on much needed things like sleep, laundry, cleaning, taking care of my poor neglected animals; Even more important things like spending time with my mom, calling up some of my best friends, and making plans to spend time with new friends too! My work schedule has been INSANE...I've never felt so close to death as I have lately. My body, mind, and spirit just can't take going from one job to the other everyday, for the past 2 weeks..It's been nice to work during the day and have had some of my evenings off this week, whoo hoo! Um...even bigger news is...(drum roll please) I was accepted to the private institution of Stevenson University in Maryland! Overwhelming to say the least, so I'm taking my time to look over finances and investigate if there's any job possiblities out there..oh and along with struggling with the thought of leaving my family, friends, and especially my boyfriend here in California. I'm taking it one day at a time and I don't know if I'm financially or emotionally ready to leave, but I'll keep you updated ;) In the meantime, I have recieved a somewhat encouraging email from Cal State Fullerton that I'll know if I'm picked off the transfer waitlist for Fall 2010 by mid-July. As of now, the only certain thing is work..and I've been re-hired at the box office so I'm employed offically until December. I'm also ranked #1,along with select few other sale associates at Bath & Body Works..and both jobs LOVE me as their employee, so YAY! Makes you feel great when you are valued & appreciated by managers, and rewarded with HOURS! I now just have to remind myself to balanced everything more equally..then again, who doesn't? Namaste my people! :-P

Bring May flowers..

2010-05-09T19:33:00.000-07:00

We're in May! The month of April was insane, incredibly busy, and incredibly fantastic. My 22nd birthday was fantastic. I woke up to breakfast in bed, went to a day spa, came home and got a massage from my sister. Basically spent my birthday with family :)
The month of May has brought even better things, and yes, even a flower. Let's just say I'm really happy right now. Work is going swell, I'm getting decent hours for both jobs. My paycheck from this last month will be REALLY helpful! And I'm dating someone..the end :)

What? It's hasn't even been a week!

2010-04-05T18:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I know it's not even been a week since I last blogged, but lately, I've been inspired to write. Don't know why, and can't really explain it but here I am :)
Well,General Conference this past weekend was amazing, I listened to all sessions of Conference including priesthood session. I got personal revelation and a deeper testimony of the prophet and the apostles. Some words came as a rubber band snap to my heart- making sure I was aware that there's definitely things I need to change. I'm so impatient and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's words (from the priesthood session) gave me motivation and clarity. Patience means actively waiting and enduring. "We all want what we want..and we want it now." Sometimes it can be so discouraging feeling like I am so far from where I want to be..and a person can start to feel hopeless. However, 'never give up on anyone, and that includes yourself'..were the strong words that encourage 'steady and consistent work' along with 'actively working towards life-long goals'. Note to self: Be more diligent and patient. Another speaker from General Conference, Donald L. Hallstrom..spoke straight to my heart, "Never let an eartly circumstance, disable you spiritually." WOW! I'm humble enough to say that I have NOT been doing that! I allow other people, cirumstances and environments to bother my spirit, even causing me sorrow and depression. I have not been turning to my Heavenly Father, dealing with the matter directly and with all strength, and exercising my faith. Time for change! I've already started implementing more faith, forgiveness to others and myself, and I'm ready to move forward :)

I'm so ready for this next month!

2010-03-31T14:31:00.000-07:00

So apparently, I've started a pattern of updating this blog at least on a monthly basis, which is better than nothing. March was a slow month, as far as working was concerned, but it brought alot of fun. I've been casually dating different guys all month and hanging out alot more at home, which my mom LOVES! I've been more available to help out at home, get my health back on track..I've actually started doing a bikini body challenge with my mother and sisters. My goal is to be 135, by Memorial Day. My fitness goal is to exercise EVERYDAY for at least 30 mins, in which I've been averaging about 45 mins a day. My dietary goals are to eat a breakfast, don't eat after 7pm, and get in at least 4-5 fruits and 4-5 vegetables a day, let me just say, I'VE BEEN ROCKIN OUT! I'm down in weight, feeling much more energized and overall happier :)I've also been making it a goal to get at least 15 mins of sunshine everyday and slowly but surely, my snow white skin is getting brown! So March was good on a personal health level, but the month of April brings ALOT more hours at work (hopefully both jobs!), I'll be turning 22 on the 18th, and hoping that I continue to date, date, and date..it's so fun to get to know people and I can' help but love the butterflies that cute guys give me!

March is seriously next week?

2010-02-26T14:58:00.000-08:00

I'm completely blown away at how fast this year is going already, I know I say this everytime I write a blog, but SERIOUSLY. Easter invites have been sent to me, talk about what I'd like to do for my birthday is being discussed (It's April 18th), summer is just around the corner..all I have to say is, "I AM TOTALLY READY FOR SUMMER!" I simply CANNOT wait to get that sunny tan, feel the warm sand of the beach between my toes..ahhhh it's gonna be amazing! This week has been very productive; my taxes have been done, my FASFA for college has been submitted, bills have been paid..there's nothing like paying bills that reminds you that you're becoming an adult! I feel like I work my little bum off with my two jobs...do I see an ounce of money leftover? Not really. Everything after rent, goes to the black hole called my credit card. UGHHHH..When is Publisher Clearing House coming to bring me a BIG, fat check and erase all my worries and fulfill the immediate desires of my heart? Probably never, but a girl can dream for free money! ;)
So there's a couple of amazing opportunities coming up but I'm broke as a joke. Going abroad and teach English in Ukraine, China, or even Russia for 6 months. Then there's also "in the works" a group trip to Italy with old classmates from my Italian class being planned. I'd also really love to go ,in April, to General Conference in Utah. MAN..I need to probably get a 3rd job.

February is already here?

2010-02-10T14:28:00.000-08:00

This year is already going by completely too fast. I'm having a blast being able to breathe with not being enrolled in classes this semester, yet anxious and excited to finally get over to Fullerton hopefully this fall. I've been spending amazing time with my family and friends. I'm currently still working at the box office for Performance Riverside, but I'm also working for Bath & Body Works. I've also been open to other experiences that could potientally take me away from California. Auditions for face characters at Disneyland's Tokyo are upcoming up in mid-March. I've been pondering, over and over, serving a mission for my church as well...but I need money right now. I really need to be taking advantage of opportunities to be earning money and actually being able to put some of it away. I'd like to start pushing my way into jobs that will give me experience behind my Human Services major. I've recieved alot of questions about my major: What is Human Services? What to do want to do with your major? What occupation do you want to get into?
Human services is one of the fastest growing fields in the country,according to the U.S. Department of Labor. In fact, California will need over 100,000 human service workers in the next seven years. A typical human services major is someone who is intelligent, compassionate, resourceful and wishes to pursue a helping profession such as social work, counseling, psychotherapy or teaching. Human services majors receive the academic preparation and hands-on training required for lifelong careers in one of hundreds of fulfilling jobs that seek to bring about a positive change in society, as well as in individuals and families.

So, basically my plan now since I've finished at the community college level, is to go onto transfer to Cal State Fullerton, recieve a B.S in Human Services, then go onto get a Masters in Counseling..I've even considered getting specialized into Marriage and Family Relations possibly.

Here's a video that my sister posted of a family iceskating memory we had on New Years 2010:

2010 has been bringing fun.

2010-01-15T12:42:00.000-08:00

This new year has been good to me, I've found that I had been having quite a bit of fun. Monday nights, I've started going swing dancing at the Coffee Depo and then Salsa dancing on Thursday nights at the women's club. I've also renewed my pass for Disneyland and have gone a couple of times already this year! I'm already beginning to make friends and renew old friendships. I've even got a date or two coming up...
Here's to hoping that the rest of the year is amazing as the first couple of weeks have been! :)

Start of something new!

2010-01-09T11:49:00.000-08:00

YAY! It’s a new year, happy 2010! I haven’t blogged in quite a while, so I’m taking the initiative now. New changes have already happened for me as last year ended and this new year has begun. I broke things off with a draining relationship that I was in. I finished up at the community college, received an A.A & A.S degree. I took on a second job, which took away a lot of my time around the holidays. I spent significantly more time with family members this past year, and I’m hoping to spend even more this year. It’s hard to remember it all, but some highlights have been trips to Disneyland with family, a Halloween party, Oh yeah, I also loved the family game night idea for Christmas, Knotts Berry Farm with Sean, Darlene & the girls, and what seems to be the start of Glen Ivy ritual with my sisters & mum. I’ve been trying to think about new years resolutions, when I get the time & clarity..I’ll write em down, but for now, I’ll say Ciao!

Back to school, back to school.

2009-08-31T12:18:00.000-07:00

So this is my first day back at school, parking at RCC is MAD crazy! I'll be taking Italian, American Politics, Dance, and Wellness: Lifestyle. This will be my last semester, and I'll be looking to transfer to Fullerton (Yes CAL STATE FULLERTON..woop woop) But not before I'll be hopefully leaving/almost leaving for the mission. Things with me are going well. Work was really slow this summer, but thank goodness I took 2 intense summer classes which kept me VERY busy. Work will be picking back up soon with the opening of ALL SHOOK UP. I'm looking into getting a 2nd job just because I really need to start packing away my money. I'm even considering selling all my snowboard equipment. My financial aid letter from my school says I should be getting a little over $3,000 for the fall semester so that will be really helpful. I've also tried to cut my cell phone expense by sharing a family plan with the boyfriend. I'm trying to squeeze every penny I can, even though sometimes it's hard when you want to spend money on yourself. I look at my toes and think, "Oh man, I'd really love to get a pedicure" ...Oh well, at least I've still got my disneyland pass which takes me to one of the most happiest places on earth, haha :)

Recent American Idol Family Night

2009-07-13T18:19:00.000-07:00

Best invention ever!

Well, that was refreshing..

2009-04-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

So this past week, I started school back up again after the best spring break ever. I was able to accomplish so many needed irrans, sleep ALOT more, and have much much more fun. Took a thousand pictures to document all of this fun. To finish it off, I ended the week with my BIRTHDAY! Which was pretty much amazing. The boyfriend (Garrett) and I went to the happiest place on Earth to play with Goofy, Mickey, and Minnie and just have the great time going on rides and meeting our new gang member friends. I don't really think they were gang members, but the way they ganged up on these crazy kids trying to cut the line..I'd say they could be in a gang. It's much easier to show you pictures the adventures, so here ya go!

Just living my life.

2009-03-04T19:01:00.001-08:00

Well, the spring semester has begun and I enjoy all my professors! I must pat myself on the back for deciding to take a social dance class because it has become a class to relieve stress, relax, have fun, and learn how to waltz or even swing. Later in the semester, we'll learn other dances, but for now we're having fun with waltz and swing.
My life is good. I'm making strong effort to getting ahead in life. I strive for days that keep getting better and better while working hard to secure a remarkable future. School and work always find a way to keep me consistently busy, but I make the time to spend with those I love-- while doing what I enjoy.
Love you,
April

p.s Watch this video!

Fun times

2009-01-27T16:27:00.000-08:00

It's a new year!

2009-01-07T11:14:00.000-08:00

Well, the new year is here and I'm so excited to have new experiences coming my way. I'd tried to configure some new year resolutions but haven't really come up with anything spectacular. I want this new year to be life changing as much as anyone else who has goals to change things in their life. The biggest thing that keeps jumping out in my mind is getting closer to my family. My family might gather for holidays or birthdays, but very few of us have one-on-one connections with each other. And alike many other families, there's been connections that have been lost because of hurt feelings, anger, and resentment. I'd like to get to the point where I see my brothers and sisters, neices and nephews more than just around the holidays or birthdays. I think it's important to invest quality time with family to reconnect those ties and start to understand each other.

"Family quarrels are bitter things. They don't go by any rules. They're not like aches or wounds; they're more like splits in the skin that won't heal because there's not enough material."
~F.Scott Fitzgerald

As far as the rest of my hopes for the new year are concerned, here's a rough list:
Get my A.A degree(s)from RCC
Pay off credit debt
Go somewhere I've never been before (I HOPE THIS ONE HAPPENS ALOT THIS YEAR!)
Learn a new skill and talent
..More to come, this is a VERY rough copy :)

First of many

2008-12-11T14:41:00.001-08:00

Well, this is my very first blog. Thanks to Lori, who set this account up for me, I’ve now got a blog to update each of you on my life. So the fall semester is finally coming to an end next week. I just finished the most tedious research papers on stem cell research and let me tell you, I’m pretty worn out. Thank goodness between work, family, and friends...I’m still somewhat sane. My work has actually got “Holly dazzle” this weekend, which should be an amazing Christmas show.

The show will feature the #1 Marching Band in the nation, which just so happens to be the RCC Marching Tigers. That marching band rocked it out last year and they were absolutely fantastic! Hopefully along with my mom, sister Amanda and her kids, I’ll have more friends and family that will come see the show :) Anyway, I’m so glad that the holidays are here, that means time spent with friends and family rather than the school’s library or a classroom. I’ve already got plans to see Wicked with my sister, Lori, on the 20th, and also hopefully go to a couple of dance classes with her. My friends have already started talking about going snowboarding or going to Disneyland. So I’m sure as time goes, my small break from school will be filled with fun! :) Winter semester won’t start until January 5th and I’m taking an online Anthropology class, so I won’t actually have to attend an actual classroom, which I LOVE! I should probably look for another job, so that’s something I’ll probably be working on doing as well while I’m on this little break from work and school.

P.S Happy Birthday on the 14th to My Momma!

Poking fun at Lori

2008-12-10T22:18:00.000-08:00

This is for my sister, Lori--You're so popular ;)