Sunday, March 27, 2011

sure thing

looooooooooooooooooove this song right now.



also... love this choreo.

Friday, March 25, 2011

i finally remembered the beginning.....

Hush. Be still, my heart.
Listen. Be quiet.
For deep inside my God is speaking to me.
Nothing moving,
Nothing stirring.
All is quiet for I am with my God.

--------------------------------

This takes me back in a very good way. I miss singing with the "Angels". Such good memories.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

there's more to the serenity prayer

[mind blown]

God grant me the serenity to accept
The things that I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardship as the pathway to peace.

Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, Not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things
Right if I surrender to His will;

That I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with Him forever in the next.

—— Reinhold Niebuhr.

20 in 2

20 lbs in 2 months...

Let's make this happen!

Future Rita... 26-yr-old Rita... you will not be disappointed.

beach cities challenge



Surf City was just the beginning...

Hello, Beach Cities Challenge! (when did I become a running enthusiast?)

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Here are the deets...

Cruise the Beach for Your Next Challenge
Pacific Coast Highway never looked so good! Conquer the Beach Cities Challenge by completing any combo of full or half marathons at the Surf City marathon, the OC Marathon and the Long Beach International City Bank Marathon. Run all three in a row and receive this fabulous medal!

Series Events
- Surf City Marathon - February 6, 2011 or February 5, 2012
- The OC Marathon - May 1, 2011
- Long Beach Int'l City Bank Marathon - October 9, 2011


Events must be completed in consecutive order to qualify for the medal. Start your challenge at any of these three events in 2011, and complete the next two in a row.

Surf City 2011 - Yes! This qualifies as a starting race. If you ran Surf City in 2011, you are already one-third of the way there! (WOO HOO!)
Description
The Beach Cities Challenge is a race series that includes three Southern California marathons – the Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach, the Orange County Marathon, and the Long Beach International City Bank Marathon. Runners who complete any combination of half or full marathons in all three events consecutively will receive a special Beach Cities Challenge Medal.

RulesRunners must complete any combination of full or half marathons in each of the three events in consecutive order, starting with any of the three events. For example, if a runner starts the series at Orange County Marathon in 2011, s/he must complete Long Beach 2011 and Surf City 2012 to qualify for the reward.
The first opportunity to start the series was Surf City 2011. If a runner started at Surf City 2011, s/he must complete OC 2011, and Long Beach 2011 to qualify for the reward.
If a person misses even one event in consecutive order, they will automatically be disqualified, or they must start over.

RewardUpon completion of the third race in the series, runners will receive a special Beach Cities medal to recognize their achievement. This can be picked up in the finish area of each event.

Registration and Official Finish TimesThere is no additional cost to registering for and participating in the series. Simply register for each event as usual. Be sure to register early using the same name and email address for each race. Once a race has sold out, you will NOT be able to register. You must receive an finish time for each event qualify.

Final Event in the SeriesThis series is scheduled to end with the Surf City 2013. All runners must complete their series by this event date and all races must be completed in consecutive order. It is possible to complete the series more than once during this time period and receive more than one medal. Go for it!!


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So I've registered for the OC Half Marathon on May 1st. And it looks like I'll be adding Long Beach to my October line-up. I think three weekends of racing in October might kill me... but... I'll just have to train that much harder (or more consistently...)

As long as I keep skimming off time, I feel like I'll be moving in the right direction.

Hoping for good weather on May 1st!

5 most common regrets

[from http://blog.jackcards.com/2010/12/5-most-common-regrets/]

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence. By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result. We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying. It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again. When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.

Friday, March 18, 2011

204.4

lost a little over 5 lbs. this month. =D

total lost since august: 24 lbs.
...54.4 lbs to go.

i'm down to under the heaviest i was in seattle.. that would be about 2.5 years ago. As long as I stay on track... looks like I'll be having a very happy new year. =D

upcoming events
may - bay 2 breakers
june - bass lake classic triathalon relay
july - ...half dome...
sept - disneyland half marathon
oct - disney wine & dine half-marathon (at disneyworld!! anyone wanna do a relay?)
oct - nike women's half-marathon (I HOPE MY LOTTERY GETS PICKED!!)

Monday, March 14, 2011

Song of Farewell

May the choirs of angels come to greet you.
May they speed you to paradise.
May the Lord enfold you in his mercy.
May you find eternal life.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Memorial Services for my grandmother, Emeteria Cruz

March 12, 2011
3:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Ouimet Funeral Chapel

3:00 PM Family Viewing
5:00 PM 9-Day Novena - Rosary
7:00 PM Rosary - Cursillo Community
8:00 PM Offering of Flowers

March 13, 2011
1:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Ouimet Funeral Chapel

2:00 PM Rosary
4:00 PM 9-Day Novena - Rosary
6:00 PM Evening Prayer
7:00 PM Vigil Service
8:30 PM Offering of Flowers

March 14, 2011
10:00 AM Funeral Liturgy, St. Agnes Church, 3966 Chestnut Ave., Concord, CA

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Reception, China Wall Buffet Restaurant, 1673 Willow Pass Road, Concord

March 23, 2011
Sta. Monica, Sta. Rita, Pampanga, Philippines

10:00 AM Funeral Liturgy, Santa Rita Church, Santa Rita, Pampanga, Philippines
12:00 noon Final Committal, Santa Rita Memorial Park, Santa Rita, Pampanga

Thursday, March 10, 2011

what's in a name?

Rita - Your first name of Rita has made you a friendly, approachable, and generous person. Generally you are good-natured, though at times you can be blunt and sarcastic. As you are naturally talkative, you find it easy to meet and make friends with many people. This name inclines you to be sympathetic and generous to those in difficult or unfortunate circumstances. You can be firm, positive, and independent in your own ideas and in reaching your own decisions, yet when it comes to taking action or following things through to completion, you often need encouragement. You respond quickly to kind words or any appreciation shown you. There are artistic, creative abilities in this name that you could express through music or singing, or, in a practical way, through sewing or interior decorating. You enjoy freedom from monotony and are stimulated by unexpected opportunities for meeting people, entertaining, or pursuing activities of a carefree nature. In your work, you find it difficult to be neat and orderly. You rarely plan things ahead of time, or follow a routine. Emotion and feeling, the desire to be carefree, friendly, and happy, are the driving forces in your being, rather than shrewdness, ambition, and material success.

Jo - Your first name of Jo has given you a rather quiet, reserved, serious, studious nature. You have sensitivity and appreciation for the finer and deeper things of life, the beauties of nature, music, art, and literature. The people who mean the most to you are those who can offer you intellectual companionship. It is only when you are among those who understand your deeper nature that you can really be yourself. The experience of having your remarks taken lightly or belittled, particularly during the early years of your life, has caused you to keep your thoughts and feelings to yourself. You do not express yourself spontaneously when conversing with others; hence other people may often regard you as being aloof, and even unfriendly. Your difficulty in putting your deeper thoughts and feelings into words can lead to problems in more intimate associations. This name has caused you to live much within yourself. You are rather easily hurt or offended. At such times you can withdraw into a mood, and may not even speak to others. Aside from these points, this name contains many fine qualities. You are a thoughtful, analytical person, and you know your own mind, even though you may not speak it. You are very conscientious and competent in all that you do. You take seriously any responsibilities that you have--in the home, in the community, or at the job.

Rose - Your first name of Rose has given you a quick-minded, sensitive nature. It gives you a creative ability in art, music, singing, or fancywork and an appreciation for refined surroundings. Your sociable nature expresses affection, kindness, and thoughtfulness to the extent that it is difficult for you not to be affected by others and governed by your emotions, rather than by logic and reason. As you respond to love and encouragement from others, your romantic and dreamy nature can easily lead you into love affairs. Your desire for peace at any price can result in going out of your way to avoid arguments and confrontation or hurting the feelings of others. Also, budgeting can be a problem as you enjoy spending money and can easily ignore being practical.

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I have always loved that I have 3 first names. Always will. My name carries great significance to me.
Rita: My mother's hometown (Sta. Rita), and my patron saint (St. Rita, patron saint of the impossible, May 22)
Jo: From my paternal grandmother, Josefina
Rose: From my mother, Maria Rosario

I'm all about tradition and I think about what I'd name my kids all the time. Picturing my future family life brings me so much joy and recalling my family now and all the times I've spent with extended family brings me peace.

Heading home today to help prepare for my grandma's memorial services. I'm feeling at peace now. I hope she is, too. RIP Apung Teriang. (Emeteria Cruz, 3/3/1921 - 3/5/2011)

lovely day



today has started off great. short workout session. sent out a few emails. packing and getting ready to go home and it's only 7 am.

just weighed in and i've lost 3 lbs since last week! =D back to my pre-toronto weight. a year's worth of weight... shed.

it's gonna be a lovely day.

Spiritual Lens

focusonthefamily.com

this site has been a great source for me in the last few months. it's like free relationships counseling. lol. i just wish i had a relationship to counsel. anyway...

why does life make so much sense when it's refocused under a spiritual lens?

Chris got me back into Kapwa in the middle of my time at Cal. I remember bringing my Moleskine notebook into my first Bible study with them. I wrote, "Let go. Let God." Truth.

My life was so much "easier" when I was more involved at Church and in my spiritual life. I gotta get back. Gotta stop being a spectator...and get back in there.

At Mass last weekend, our stewardship committee passed out these "Little Black Books". They are full of daily reflections/meditations for each day of the Lenten Season. The meditation from yesterday, Ash Wednesday, talked about our relationship with Jesus. Whether we choose to be a spectator or disciple. I have to learn to let Jesus into my life, just like i'm trying to get into Jesus'.

It's true for all relationships. In a relationship, you open yourself to let someone in. It's a risk. But with Jesus, is there a risk? Like, just the relationship between me and Jesus. Idk... but I'm willing to explore.

God is a sure thing. Believe it.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

ashes

We rise again from ashes,
from the good we’ve failed to do.
We rise again from ashes,
to create ourselves anew.
If all our world is ashes,
then must our lives be true,
an offering of ashes, an offering to you.

We offer you our failures,
we offer you attempts,
the gifts not fully given,
the dreams not fully dreamt.
Give our stumblings direction,
give our visions wider view,
an offering of ashes, an offering to you.

Then rise again from ashes,
let healing come to pain,
though spring has turned to winter,
and sunshine turned to rain.
The rain we’ll use for growing,
and create the world anew
from an offering of ashes, an offering to you.

Thanks be to the Father,
who made us like himself.
Thanks be to his Son,
who saved us by his death.
Thanks be to the Spirit
who creates the world anew
from an offering of ashes, an offering to you.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

trapped value

from Smart, Pretty, & Awkward...

How to be Smarter: In business, the concept of ‘trapped value’ refers to areas in the firm that have value but are not being properly utilized. I challenge you to think about the areas of trapped value in your personality, abilities, and interests that could be tapped into and unleashed today.

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What a great idea going into Lent. Mardi Gras!

Monday, March 7, 2011

The Holy Alphabet

Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of 'Camp Complaining'
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To 'thank' is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
eXalting God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but..
Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

on my own

i love him but everyday i'm learning

Thursday, March 3, 2011

"do not fuck it up"

words of wisdom indeed (with edits)

Team,
As we embark on this exciting journey into crunch time I thought it would be appropriate to share the e-mail ________ sent me some time ago. I know that the next few months will be hard for all of us and it is ultimately up to each of us how we respond to this challenge as a team. Times like these will define us as valuable employees and people. We must focus on the basics of Safety, Planning, Scheduling, Cost Control and Relationships (and the other 36 Basics) in order to assure our success as a team. We need to be there for each other when we need a break, or a hand and we need to communicate relentlessly. We have a lot of money to manage and a even bigger reputation to protect. __________ knows we mean business and we are here to do what we say. Thank you for all each of you have done to prove that we are the right company to build this job and making a significant contribution to its success.
_________

_________,

[...] you have a great career ahead of you, be patient,__________is a great opportunity, do not fuck it up. Owner relations will be a big deal on this job, __________ needs to love you and __________ after this job is over, accomplish this and they will give you work for __________ . Consider this a huge stepping stone, work your heart out to make every part of this job great [...]

__________

revelations

God works in mysterious ways.

Everything happens for a reason. I gotta believe it. Thanks for the reminder, Andrew.

i love you

Fun Fact:
My birthday (May 23rd) is the 143rd day of the year... except on leap year.

Happy Thursday!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

5 love languages

Heard about this from Focusonthefamily.com. I've been enjoying their radio broadcasts a lot lately. Last week, they did a segment on understanding your partner (or even yourself) by knowing their (your) "Love Language".

I took the quiz and here are my results. I'd say it's pretty accurate. At first, I believed it might be "physical touch", but if I look at all my relationships (friends & family), I'd say that my love is expressed and felt these ways on these levels.

Love Language Scores:
8 Words of Affirmation
9 Quality Time
2 Receiving Gifts
6 Acts of Service
5 Physical Touch

Quality Time
In Quality Time, nothing says "I love you" like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes you feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed activities, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.

one of a kind

...the way you are
never ceases to amaze me
you light up my eyes
like the sun
you're always there even when
the pouring rain falls down...

...i never want to stop loving you
i never want to stop wanting you
you're my everything
you make me sing...

...after all
all of this time
there's been no one else
who stuck right by my side
once in a lifetime
not looking for a sign
to realize you are one of a kind

-m.polinar