[Note:  I started writing this near the end of 2011 and have finished it now near the end of January.  That’s why some of the tenses may sound weird.]

2011 is coming to a close and I’m kind of ready for it to be over.  I was re-reading my old posts and was looking to see what 2010 was about and it seemed as if everything was just moving so fast, quick and non-stop.  Speed and growth – I guess growth was a huge part.  2011 seemed to be pretty speedy too.  I remember early on in the year, I had planned on doing so many things and really didn’t do much.  Every weekend was booked with something – at least that’s what it felt like.  I think it calmed down a bit towards the end of the year which was good.

Usually when I’m up in LA, I have a lot of time on my hands so I spend it re-reading old posts or making multiple posts in a day.  Haha.  I remember one post saying that 2011 was the year of conflict which is kind of a sad thing.  I would say that it was sort of a reoccurring theme in many parts of my life but it seems like things have been looking a bit on the bright side towards the latter part of the year and by that I just mean a few weeks.  Not everything was bad throughout the year – I mean there were a lot of good things too!  I think sometimes though, it’s easier to let the bad things weigh more than the good things.  But really, it should probably be the other way around.

So what all happened this year?  A lot – not in chronological order.

Team United

Team United happened early in the year and it happened in November and it’s happening now.  We WON Mission Bowl earlier in the year.  It seems like a blur to me.  I can’t even remember much of it.  In fact, I actually don’t feel pressured to win this year.  I think the pressure I usually feel is just to play well and make sure that people are having fun.  Read more about Team United Turkey Bowls here.

Baptism

I got baptized on April 10, 2011 at La Jolla Shores, San Diego.  Read the short version of my testimony.

SoCal Mayhem

Hey, I was a semi-pro basketball player for 2 days!  I went to two practices and got my butt kicked.  I dragged C. and K. along with me.  We even made the team picture which we did not want to be in since we didn’t want to play.  Ok, ok, we weren’t really on the team but it sure is funny that we made the roster.  Totally not good enough to be playing this kind of basketball.  Craziness.  But at least now I can sort of say I was on the team.  Haha.  =P

Business Travels

I traveled a lot throughout the year.  If you don’t know…I don’t actually like traveling.  I don’t like the act of traveling – if only we could teleport!  I don’t like planes, trains, buses, and I especially dislike boats.  I had to travel a lot for work – way too much.  I went to Chicago in February where I saw it snow for the very first time!  I’ve seen snow before but I had never seen it actually fall from the sky.  It was pretty awesome.  It was also freaking cold.  Let’s just say this Southern California girl has no apparel fit for snowy weather.  In my business clothes which consisted of slacks (that I wore black long tights under), a tank top, dress shirt, sweater, jacket, and pea coat, plus a scarf, and gloves, I walked to the client office from the hotel.  It was kind of neat to walk to “work”.  It was not cool when I nearly slipped while crossing the street and spilled coffee all over myself.  I also went to North Carolina in April for a conference.  I got to visit Duke’s campus.  It was pretty and I really liked it.   I also went up to LA for a conference and stayed in SD for another conference.  That’s a lot of traveling for someone who doesn’t like it that much.  Conferences are tiring.  Thinking about all this traveling makes me tired.

Non-Traditional 5Ks

A bunch of us participated in Warrior Dash and Beach Palooza 5Ks.  Both obstacle 5Ks, we were looking to have some fun.  F., C, and I got awesome “costumes” from Walmart for Warrior Dash.  We had Agent P, Cookie Monster, and I was Oscar the Grouch (how fitting).  The Warrior Dash was fun because we all waited for each other and were able to cheer each other on.  The obstacles were much more fun than the Beach Palooza.  The Warrior Dash was also cool because we had a bunch of people who normally wouldn’t sign up for this type of thing do it and complete it and enjoy it!  I love it when that happens.  Though we took so long to go through the course, we nearly came in last place.  Haha.  Next time, we run.   After all the excitement of Warrior Dash, we quickly jumped on Beach Palooza.  Beach Palooza was lame!  The obstacles were weak and the whole thing was on soft sand.  Have you ever tried running on soft sand?  For miles…?  OMG, it sucked.  I gave them a pretty bad review.  It’s okay though because we had good company and were able to make a mini road trip out of it which is always fun.

Housing

Wow, housing was a whirlwind.  Talk about major major conflict.  I’ve never been in so many uncomfortable conversations and situations in my life.  It was really hard and it was really stressful.  Not everyone can live together – it’s true.  Different living styles can totally conflict.  Different expectations can also create a massive amount of drama.  Communication is key.  Lessons learned:  communicate, evaluate, speak early, and extend grace.  All of which I think everyone can take away.

The Great Black Out of San Diego

I can’t even remember when this was – I think it was in the summer.  Nearly all of San Diego was blacked out.  It was a little crazy.  I remember we were at the office thinking it was just the area when I started checking the Facebook on my phone and realized it was a much larger area.  We should have left the office immediately to avoid the crazy traffic but by the time they let us leave, the traffic had already gathered onto the street our office was on which is an inside street!  It took me a long while to get to MOL’s but not nearly as long as F’s 2 hour trip.  We spent the night playing Poker, newly named, “Well, I have a flush.”  We hoped that the power would stay out so we wouldn’t have to go to work tomorrow.  People freaked out.  We stopped by the grocery store to buy ice to keep O’s milk cold and the grocery store was crazy packed.  It was like some crazy disaster had happened and everyone and their mom had to stock up.  It was ridiculous.  We left upon seeing the craziness.  It was fun to just hang out with friends all night.  I’m so blessed for these awesome people in my life.  It’s amazing to see how much of people’s lives can be affected by no power.  It really shows you how much we rely on.  It’s like people couldn’t function!

Running

I started running.  At first, we started running to train for Beach Palooza.  We’d run around the neighborhood sometimes, though F. was much more disciplined about it than I was.  We would run on Saturday’s with C.  Then, I started running more with C.  I remember I couldn’t even run 1 mile back in the middle of last year.  Now, I’m at about 6 miles!  It’s crazy.  Progress is crazy and it’s doable.  It was slow and takes effort.  I remember I would still continue to go with C. to run around the park at her house.  At the beginning, it was do 1 lap, rest, and do another lap.  Then, I pushed myself to do 2 laps without resting.  It was tough.  Really tough.  Then, 3.  Then, we started running the canyon loop.  I remember the first time I did it, it was so hard.  I had deemed it one of the most difficult runs.  Nowadays, that’s the loop we do when we run in the mornings.  When I started running it, it took me 39 minutes.  The goal was under 35 minutes.  Guess what?  The last two times, I made it under 35 minutes!  I’ve been trying to run faster and more efficiently throughout the loop so that I don’t have to push myself so hard at the end.  I think it really works out to work on building up to distance first and then speed.  Then one time I tried to push myself to make it around Miramar Lake.  I think I’ve run the lake 2 more times since that first time and I still haven’t been able to hit that time.  The past few Saturdays, we’ve been running the canyon.  It’s tough but it’s good.  And now, I even go and run in the mornings around here on my own!  I’d never thought I’d ever say that it feels good to run.  But it does, I’ve never been so fit in my life.  Being able to see and remember progress is awesome.  Although, I really wish I could run as fast and for as long as C.  Crazy.  What’s next?  Maybe a half.  Maybe the La Jolla half.  That’s at the end of April.  Maybe.

Weight Loss

I already kind of wrote about this in another post but it’s been amazing as well.  I figured out how to do it.  To lose 1 pound a week, you need to get rid of 3,500 calories whether it be from food or via exercise.  I just started changing my eating habits, eating healthier foods and eating less.  When I was hungry, I would eat fruit instead of chips or other snacks.  I would eat pretty well during lunch and I also stopped eating out for the most part.  Different eating habits paired up with running/exercising and bam, that’s how you do it.  It is that simple.  It just takes a lot of will power, discipline, determination, and effort.  It’s totally doable though!

Gong

Yeah, that’s in Chinese, you can figure it out.  It’s been crazy.  Actually, it always is crazy.  It’s stressful.  I’ve lost the passion, I’m less happy.  My role is unclear.  The straw that broke the camel’s back hit.  It’s over.

Baby O

I’m so blessed to be a part of Baby O’s life!  He is so cute and adorable.  I love him.  I love watching him grow – he’s grown so much mentally and physically.  SO CUTE!

CMC

CMC came and went.  It was an amazing conference put together with a lot of hard work and dedication from a lot of people.  It’s impressive to see something like that come together – it’s amazing to see God move His people.  I heard so much positive feedback about it, it’s crazy.  The stories that S. tells are pretty mind blowing.  As we begin to do what God calls us to do, we can see Him orchestrate everything right before our very eyes.  To see the whole year of work that S. put in and all the stress she dealt with come together in full production is neat.  To hear that it was all worth it – that makes me happy.

Yeah, I can’t think of what else right now.  I guess this post was a bit different from previous years – mostly listing a bunch of things that happened.  There was also just a lot of conflict in all parts of my life that happened throughout the year.  I think 2011 was really about trusting God and relying on Him for everything.  People are messy.  Really messy.  It’s tough.  We all have a lot of pride and we’re self-absorbed and self-seeking.  That’s why there’s so much conflict.  Can’t see eye to eye.  People will always fail you but God will never fail us.  I also spent a lot of time in prayer and seeking God throughout the year.  Prayer is so crucial and so powerful.  And this is something I have to constantly remind myself of is to pray and seek God ALWAYS not just whenever things aren’t going well.  I’m doing better at that but really need to be more active about it.  I think 2012 will be on trying to bring God into every aspect of my life.  Seeking Him for all parts – not just for what I want but what He wants.  Admittedly, I know it’s going to be hard but I know that’s where He wants our hearts to be.  Delight yourself in the Lord.  I also want 2012 to focus on a lot of praying for others, not just for myself – intentionally praying for others.  Also, displaying acts of LOVE.  Just giving and not seeking anything in return.  Show what true love is like, just like how God’s gift to us.  Free gift – all you have to do is take it.  Let us, as followers of Christ, exemplify what it means to follow Jesus, show His love to all, that’s it.  Easier said than done right?  Let’s at least try.  :)

TODAY marks the day that I have lost 20 pounds since June 2011.  Yeah, that’s crazy.  Never thought it would actually be achievable. I say June because that’s the last clear point that I had weighed myself.  That was the heaviest I had been ever.  But in terms of actual weight loss, I think I lost it in the last 5-6 months.  I am unclear about how long it took because I had sort of started exercising/running occasionally and I had lost a few pounds.  It was probably late July or August when it barely started.  I had lost 7 pounds up to the second week of November and have since lost 13.

If I lose 5-7 more pounds, i think I’ll be at my post-college weight.  I think I’m going to plateau really soon thought.  5-7 more sounds like a lot.  I’m doubtful but in trying to be optimistic, maybe it’ll happen since I didn’t think I’d ever get back to the weight I am now.

Anyways, it feels great.  Thanks to everyone for the encouragement, compliments, and special thanks to C. for helping me run.

MINUS 20 FTW :)

Now, let’s see what happens in a year…hahhahahah.

This weekend was eventful.

I ran 6 miles for the 2nd time.  It was easier than the first time – maybe because it wasn’t so hot.  Maybe because we took a short break trying to get a better view of the waterfall – then I guess it’s not a straight 6 miles but whatever.

My precious car got rear-ended.  If you aren’t looking for damage, you won’t find it.  It’s not visible from afar.  It’s basically the screws of the guy’s license plate.  Good thing my bumper is strong and good thing this wasn’t my little corolla which surely would have crushed being that cardbox it is.  Thank God that L. was there – I hate dealing with this stuff and I felt so much more secure having a guy there and just having someone there.  I was rattled.  I hate car accidents.

I played on worship team for the first time ever.  It was okay – better than expected.  I wasn’t as scared as I probably would have been if I were my old self but I was still nervous and not confident about it.  I wish we had practiced more the morning of but we didn’t really get a chance to.  I got lost in one of the songs but I think I masked it well – haha.  Playing guitar is fun.  Playing guitar also hurts my back/shoulder that I hurt a few years ago.  In fact, after practicing last Wednesday, it was pretty painful and bothering me the next two days.  This happens every time I play – but you know what, it didn’t hurt after worship at all which was weird.  Must be God taking care of me.  :)

Most of today was okay until the end of the day.  Then it sucked.  Maybe it’s cause I’m PMSing – so I’m more prone to be easily agitated, irritated, and emotional.  I’m getting tired of it.  It’s like a game that people are playing here and frankly it’s unhealthy and taking a toll.  Once again, a reminder.

I’ve also woken up with a headache 2-3 days in a row and I don’t know why.  Stress?  Too much caffeine?  Not enough caffeine?  Not enough water?  Not enough sleep?  Don’t know but it’s kind of annoying.

I feel like a lot is going on or rather a lot is up in the air.  I feel like this year is going to fill up ever so quickly just like last year.

I feel like right now, I just need to FEEL that Jesus loves me.  Yes, yes, I know he does, but I want to feel it. Just right now, for a moment.

Need to remind myself…

“Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

I have a fear of failure and a fear of success at the same time.  That sounds like paralyzing fear and it’s a bad thing.  Need to remind myself that the camel’s back has been broken and for all those good days there are many more bad ones.  Take care of yourself first cause if you don’t watch out for yourself, who will?

Always hold on for too long.  Need to get a move on.  Move on.  Move on.  It’s time.  Need courage.

Don’t ask me anything about my family’s history – I know nothing.  Really, I’m horrible at it!

But I just found out where we’re from!  Jieyang, Guangdong, China

Here are some things and thoughts of late:

• Been thinking a lot about how to be a better leader
• Been thinking a lot about football ministry
• Want to write about the two turkey bowls we played in
• Really wish I played college basketball
• Still on track for the weight loss competition
• Some days are good and some days are bad at the O – still trying to figure things out
• Not sure if I gave money to a real homeless person or not at panera
• LA’s going to be in the states in Dec – yay!
• Parentals want to go to Taiwan next year
• I want to make a trip to China to visit LA at some point
• PTL my brother found a job – hope he likes it
• Definitely have a lot of mixed feelings at the O
• Don’t know what to get anyone for Christmas
• I’m going to be a maid of honor!
• Had a nice time visiting E and C and just talking about life
• Started playing guitar again – it’s fun – I think I’m improving – hopefully

Morning workout FTW :)  It’s actually not that bad.  We’ll see how long I keep thinking that.  C. wanted to run her trail running loop today so we did that.  She said it was 3.5 miles but I don’t think it was because it took about 36 minutes and since we weren’t running on flat land and we were on trails, it was probably shorter – maybe close to 3 or even a little less.  Gah, I hate those hills.  So freaking hard.  It always sucks while running it.  It sucks quite a bit actually.  I run so slow!

I think running in the trails triggered my allergies because my nose has been running non-stop since this morning and it now freaking hurts.  I’ve blown it so much it’s completely raw.  It’s so annoying and painful.  I have to blow my nose like every 2 minutes.  I took a claritin this morning that didn’t work.  I took an allegra about 1.5 hours ago, seems to be working a tad better but man..a runny nose hinders productivity by so much.

I also didn’t eat very well today.  I’ve been pretty conscious about what I’ve been eating since I’ve been working out and trying to lose weight.  I think today was the worst this whole week.  Funny though because while it seems bad to me today, before, I would totally eat this stuff but more of it and not even think twice.  Breakfast I was just going to have coffee and a banana but my coworker offered me half of his breakfast burrito so I had that and coffee.  For lunch I brought 2 leftover pieces of pizza – but they were so greasy and had so much dough that I barely ate it.  So I tried to eat a chicken caesar salad I bought but the lettuce looked nasty and I’m pretty picky about the way lettuce looks so I just ate the like tiny pieces of chicken and tossed it.  I also had a diet coke with lime – man those are so good.  Still unhealthy but at least its 0 calories.  Then I had some fruit for a snack.  For dinner I had a vietnamese sandwich and two eggrolls.  Dang, that sounds like a lot of food but really its not because I could have easily eaten a whole burrito for breakfast, eaten probably 3-4 slices of pizza for lunch and then eaten the same for dinner.

I’m kinda anxious about weighing in on Saturday!

Trying to lose weight takes a lot of sacrifice and a lot of effort and conscious decisions.  It’s hard work.

The entries in this blog have turned into my workout/running log lately so it must not be that exciting.  However, it’s good for me to keep track just so I can one day come back and read about how I actually exercised.  It’s also nice for me to track my progress.

Anyway, so C. and I decided yesterday that we are going to have a weight loss challenge.  I’ve actually been losing some weight since June and its been great – but I’m still quite a bit away from my ideal weight.  Not all of the details are ironed out yet but at a high level it’s whoever can lose the most weight by the third week of January (I think).  The main goal is 10lbs.  There’s a prize for the winner – paid for by the loser – any ideas?

In my attempts to be fit and lose weight, I’ve definitely been continuing to workout.  Was supposed to workout yesterday but C. was feeling lazy or something so we just threw the ball around and did pushups/situps/plank/burpees.  Now that we’re fighting daylight – the only time to exercise is in the morning and I am really bad at exercising by myself especially if I have to wake up to do it.  So this morning, since C. didn’t have to go to work until later, we went and worked out at 7am.  That was so early, considering I don’t normally wake up til 7:45ish.  I woke up at 6:30am!!  The goal was to go 3 loops around the park but I kinda only made it 2.5 loops before we kinda ran out of time cause I had to go to work and I was dying.  I’ve never gone up the hill 3 times.  Twice is difficult enough – the 3rd time I really struggled.  I wanted to walk so badly.  Man.  That was hard.  Then because we didn’t have that much time.  We had to do our push ups/situps like super fast.  We usually do 3 rounds.  1 round for me is 15 push ups / 30 situps.  Usually there’s more time to rest in between but after that run, then a sprint at the end, then having to do push ups and situps non-stop.  What a killer.  Then I had to hurry and take a shower and go to work.

So weight loss challenge here I come!  Weigh-ins are Saturday mornings.  Now I’m going to have to be more conscious about what I eat.  It’s a lot easier to do that at lunch time than at dinner.  We’ll see.  We’ll see.