Toronto, Ontario, CANADA

I'm visiting my extended family in Toronto. I've been here since June 11, and will be leaving June 21. I must say that this has been a good vacation, just relaxing and doing nothing!

Remembering Gizmo

Here in Loma Linda, we will never forget our beloved friend Gizmo. And especially his piano playing. "Buddy, Buddy, Buddy!"

Janie's Bridal Shower - June 2, 2007

Fontana Beach Vespers

Nature's Penicilin

I was sick and Pastor Gomez was kind enough to make me Nature's Penicillin. It is made out of: 5 cloves of garlic, 1 grapefruit, oranges, cayenne, few drops of eucalyptus, and half an onion. It was my first time to try it. It has been noted by a few individuals that when you drink this natural remedy, that no one enjoys the taste. However, I on the other hand, really enjoyed the drink. I wanted more! The only thing that stopped me from drinking more than 1/2 a cup (starter amount) was that I didn't want to smell like garlic. I felt great the day after (and smelled great the day after)! There was a bad after taste of garlic for a 1 day and a 1/2. Try it some time!

Road Trip #1

I was able to have the opportunity to go on a road trip from Loma Linda, CA to Monteray Bay, CA, with my best friend, Deyana Castellanos. Our road trip took place on May 3-7. My friend Tim Arakawa gave us an extended list of things to do on our way up north. However, Dey was not able to get her car by May 3. Instead of heading up north that particular Thursday, we decided to go to Sea World. Even though our plans changed, we were still blessed. Dey's parents provided us with free tickets to Sea World! Our plans to head up north proceeded on May the 4th. We definitely had a wonderful time even though our time was shortened. We have decided that this will be a yearly thing.

Music Therapy from Japan

A medium that has always been therapeutic for me is MUSIC. There is nothing like music that can help me set aside the worries of this world, (of course God is #1). Piano has always helped me since I was very young. However, I don't have money to buy a baby grand piano. I do have access to other pianos, but there is nothing like the feeling of playing your very own baby grand piano ::SIGH:: I have to wait for the day when I can invest in one. For now, my heart is yearning for another challenge. A challenge to pick up another insturment, that is easy and less expensive to learn.

My options: I have always been attracted to the violin, but it's an expensive investment that I couldn't see myself spend on while being financially challenged as a student. The oboe fell into the same category. I noticed that many people play the guitar, but I wasn't gung-ho about it.

However, one day a friend from nursing school played his guitar. I was so impressed with his playing that it persuaded me to pick up the guitar. I felt myself yearn to learn more each and everyday. I thought it out, investing in a guitar would be cheaper than a violin or a baby grand piano, easy access to guitar teachers in Loma Linda (everyone seems to be playing it), it's a portable instrument, when I get good enough I can play for special music or play scripture songs, and it looks like it's alot of fun! Since God gave me the "learning ability" I would put it to good use, so I am know learning how to play the guitar.

I got my guitar at the Guitar Center on Hospitality Lane. It's a Takamine, made in Japan. It has:

• Mahogany back and sides
• Rosewood fretboard
• Built-in CT4B preamp
• Dreadnought cutaway body