New Post? wha???

I finally took a look at my post and noticed that I have NOT updated it for 3 months! yikes!!! A LOT has happened since then, and I shall do my best to recall my past 3 months. Though I should be working on my grades, I shall update my blog (haha... what a great teacher!!).

In the month of September I...
- became a teacher once again. I'm back at CHCS teaching 16 5th graders.
- watched Legally Blonde with the BF, Karen, and Anthony
- celebrated with the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Dy
- went do Disneyland many times
- was sick many days

In October I...
- celebrated my halfiversary with the best BF ever. We spent a weekend up in San Jose and SF.
- did the CHOC Walk around Disneyland
- registered for the Nike Human Race run around USC but didn't actually run it cuz I was sick
- celebrated Sabrina's 2nd birthday at her Ninog Mike's house. I can't believe she's already two!
- Went back to the 60's to celebrate RJ's 18th
- Went back to the 80's for Halloween
- went to Disneyland many times
- was sick many days

So far in November I...
- went to Ski Dazzle and picked up a ski jacket and pants. Yes, I shall attempt to snowboard this coming season, after a 5 year hiatus.
- Saw Kooza with the BF at the Santa Monica Pier. Super awesome show!!
- have been sick

Recurring theme...being sick. boooo... Why am I always sick??? It could be because...
1. I'm around kiddoes all the time who are not the best at covering their mouths when they sneeze
2. The weird and sporadic change in the weather. One day it's 90 degrees, and the same night the temperature plummets down.
3. I don't know when to say no to things like hanging out with people.
4. I don't get enough sleep because of number 3.
5. I haven't been working out as often as I'd like to.
6. I'm dating someone who has the same complex as me (see item #3). No joke, we drove over 300 miles in one weekend because of all of the activities we went to.

I promise to post pictures soon. I guess I haven't done too much the past few months...except be sick in bed. grr... Never the less, I smile and thank God for where He has me today: back at teaching, back at home, back with the best BF ever, back with my family. Back.

More Surprises!!

My BF is THE BESTEST!!!! =D

We planned to ride the Midnight Madness this Saturday with a bunch of friends. Since I don't have a bike, I was just planning to borrow someone's, but the BF had something else up his sleeve.

I've had a long 2 weeks of VBS coordinating, and during one of our treks out in Torrance, he told me that he wanted to take me out for about half an hour. So, before dinner, the BF, our friend Jeremy, and I hopped into my car and headed out before feasting with the rest of the crew.

We drove a few streets and then we started to pull into a shopping center. I automatically noticed one particular shop. We parked near this bike shop as he told me that he wanted me to be ready for this Saturday's ride. Since I knew that we had to get bike lights, I asked if that's what we were getting. He smiled at me and said no: He was getting me a new beach cruiser!!!!! It's awesome: White with pink trim! Yes, I AM quite girlie!!

He just picked it up today, so I'll post pictures soon. =D

God blessing me with a new bike and the best BF makes me smile...

Surprise, Surprise!

Last Thursday the BF took me out on a special date. His clues...1) wear comfortable jeans and a shirt and 2) bring my glasses.
I was really excited as he drove around Manhattan Beach. As I was driving, I saw people walking towards a park, with blankets in hand. We finally parked and the BF, carrying a backpack, and I walked over to the park to find more clues.

There was a stage in the middle of the park...


There were loads of people, the audience if you will, lounging on the grass and enjoying the cool summer air...


I looked around and finally saw a sign: Shakespeare by the Sea!! This production performs FREE Shakespearean plays at various venues during the summer.


We enjoyed a lovely and healthy meal (thanks to Flamebroiler) and managed to take a picture before the play started.


This was taken at the end of the play, As You Like It. I didn't study this play in college, and it took some time to get used to the language, but I was able to pick up what was going on. And they all got married and lived happily ever after. =)


There was a Meet and Great at the end of the show and I took a picture with one of the main characters, Rosaline.


After, we went to Lotus, enjoyed some delicious yogurt, walked down the pier, stopped by to pick up something from Anthony and Karen, and headed back home.


Shakespeare, the sea, my BF's surprise date, and God making it all happen makes me smile... =)

Miss Villarin!!

So...back in May I prayed a specific prayer. It was short and sweet.

THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2009
So, I've been learning about praying specifics, right? Here goes: God, I pray that you bless me with a job back at Chino Hills Christian School this coming Fall. I pray that I would be teaching 4th or 5th graders again. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

Guess what?!? God has answered my (and many others') prayers and I shall be teaching 4th or 5th grade again at Chino Hills Christian School. Both positions are available, and I'll find out tomorrow which grade I will be teaching. God is so good! =)

God answering simple and specific prayers makes me smile...

Home...

Praise God for His perfect timing; the day after I came home, my sister gave birth to beautiful niece #2, Karis Mae Barrett. Although I was originally going to come home on the 23rd, the Lord directed my steps and guided my heart to bring me home earlier. God's plans are PERFECT!!

I've been home for a little over a week now and most of my time has been spent these these people...


The BF and the older niece, Sabrina...we spent all day with her while my sis and bro in law were at the hospital. She calls him "Ke." It's SO cute!


Uncle Ke didn't want to hold the newborn, so this is the closest he got.


Just the girlies


The BF and I at his 10 year high school reunion. He claimed me as his date, but I dubbed myself the honorary Carson High graduate. hahah...

God's perfect timing and my growing family makes me smile...

Last Day...AAAHHHH!!!!! =O

It's my last night here in the Philippines. The Motherland. it's about midnight right now and I'm pretty much packed. Sitting in the room by myself cuz my roomie, Kris, is now back in "the states." I've had an amazing time here and I thank God for every minute of it. ..well, almost every minute cuz my extra time in the CR wasn't too fun.

I got to see my extended fam bam here in the PI for the first time. First time in 28 years. It was kindda weird seeing family and not really knowing them, but being connected to them even through the years. I got to share the love of God to two of my cousins and give my cousin a Bible.

I got to spend some time with the BF out here, and even Skype with him after he went home. He's really one amazing fella.

I got to fly out to Bacolod and Boracay. AMAZING! {I'm sorry for the lack of pictures, but the internet is slow here. Visit my FB to see pics.}

I got to experience the love of God through the Lim family -- their joy, generosity, hospitality, love. It's great having such a big extended family.

I got to pray with one woman in the correctional institute, and encourage a PK.

I'm so blessed. Really. I'm learning more and more, that when you follow Christ, He has amazing journeys in store. Things I wouldn't have imagined doing. Even though I'm as broke as a joke right now (haha...) I'm really enjoying life. Thank You, Jesus for causing me to smile...

...good-bye Manila, hello LA!!! =)

I'm Coming Home...

sooner than scheduled!!! =) I'm so excited to be home. I LOVE it here (though my tummy does not) but I'm ready to be home. God has answered my prayers and has provided for me to come home. I was feeling uneasy about staying here and my excitement go be home with friends and family (and the BF, of course) grew. But, I didn't want that to be the only reason to go home. Still, my uneasiness grew. I didn't feel at peace about staying. So, I kept praying. Then, I got an email about a certain job opportunity for the upcoming school year (again, something I've been praying about) and I thought that it would be best to come home and try to secure this job. And then I was able to book my flight home just a few hours ago. So..when will I be coming home???

THIS FRIDAY, July 10th at 9:35 a.m.!!!!

Hip, Hip...horray!!! Now I get to attend a friend's wedding AND the BF's 10 year HS reunion! Thank You, Jesus!!

God changing plans and me coming home earlier makes me smile...