385. Quoted Sway

The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.

-- Joseph Joubert (1754-1824) French Philosopher

384. Bubble Toes

Bubble toes by Harry Shum Jr. (Mike Chang on Glee)
An amazing solo piece to the music of Jack Johnson.  Enjoy!

383. Food + Family = Easter Feast

What do you get when you combine 2 families (13 ppl) + 5 close friends + a bbq grill + 40 beef/chicken/pork skewers + 9lbs of Ham + 5 fish (Pompano to be precise) + 5 roast chickens + pan of pancit + pan of lumpia + 6 containers of vinegar + oversized bowl of fried rice + 2 lbs of longanisa (2 different kinds) + a pan of white rice + 2 pans of hash brown casserole + 2 bags of green beans + 6 ears of corn + 6 baked potatoes + 2 dozen hawaiian rolls + a dozen pan de sal + a bag of green and bag of purple grapes + 4 cartons of strawberries + pan of rice krispy treats + pan of brownies + 2 bottles of prosecco + 2 liters of POG + 4 cases of soda + a lemon meringue pie?

The itis, leftovers for days, 4 dishwasher cycles, and a successful Easter Family Feast :)

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE! 

382. Metro Sway

As I walked to the bus early morning in a delirious and groggy state - I saw this painted on the wall behind me.  Not sure why it inspired me but it made me smile and capture a photo of it.  Translation open to your own interpretation.

381. Latin Sway

Aut viam inveniam aut faciam

Latin for:

"I shall either find a way or make one."

380. All By Myself Sway

Glee is back at it again!  AMAZING performance last night by Charice Pempengco singing "All by Myself"

379. Agatha Christie quoted Sway

"One of the oddest things in life, I think, is the things one remembers." -  Agatha Christie

I have to completely agree with Agatha on this one.  I remember the most random things in the oddest order and with the strangest emphasis.  LOL

378. Friends are the ultimate Sway

Today I woke up feeling super down and out.  Not sure if it was the weather or exhaustion but I didn't want to get out of bed and face the day.  I looked at my phone at 11ish and started to filter through the numerous starred  notifications.  As I remained burrowed under the covers of my bed with my phone in hand, I started texting back and forth with a few ppl.  One asked if we were still getting together today and I was quick to decline as I was in a "mood" and knew the checklist of chores that I had created was going to take hours to work through.  her words were brief yet expressed concern and that meant a lot to me.  I decided to accept the extended hand and Kenji and I ended up going to a late lunch.  It was comforting and welcoming.  I needed that interaction and that conversation with friends to make me feel normal again.

Sometime we get so caught up in the everyday steps that we tend to push people away even when we don't realize it.  We expect people to know what we're thinking and feeling when we don't even know what those answers are.  I am thankful that my friends know when I need them even if I can't/don't ask.  I'm thankful for the thoughts and well wishes and general support I have received in the past few weeks.  With the charity events running my stress level through the roof, the lose of Cece has me on an emotional roller-coaster, the lack of passion for my new job has me bitter, and the upcoming family gathering has me all paranoid.  I'm a hot mess and thanks to my friends and a simple afternoon conversation over Kona coffee - I feel sane again.

Thank you Angela, Anna, Chuckie, Jeff, Kenji, and beautiful baby Ayumi for a simple afternoon of normalcy.

377. Congratulations Thuc!!!

A special congratulatory post today for our homie Thuc aka Chuckie who just got into his major at UW!  Looking forward to seeing him finish up his hard work in his Chemistry program!  

Congrats friend!!

376. Usher Sway

On the road to the riches, don't forget to stop to take pictures
Cause life ain't about where you finish, but what you've learned along the way
So as you chase success remember that I told you best
You look fine, then you'll find
You're already there

375. Walter Breuning's Oldest Man Sway

World's oldest man dies in Montana at 114

Walter Breuning passed away this morning - but he had many great words of wisdom to share before he past

Here's the world's oldest man's secret to a long life:

- Embrace change, even when the change slaps you in the face. ("Every change is good.")
- Eat two meals a day ("That's all you need.")
- Work as long as you can ("That money's going to come in handy."
- Help others ("The more you do for others, the better shape you're in.")
- Then there's the hardest part. It's a lesson Breuning said he learned from his grandfather: Accept death.

Read more about Walter Breuning here - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42599413/ns/us_news-life/?gt1=43001

374. Rachel's Challenge

"I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion then it will start a chain reaction of the same."

- Rachel Scott

This is the first of many posts that I will do regarding Rachel Scott.  She was the first victim of the Columbine shootings.  Her midset was beyond her years and her heart was always in the right place.  After her death her parents discovered many journals Rachel kept and are sharing their daughters words with the world.  Rachel's Challenge is a program that they created to focus on a "pay it forward" type program.  I think Rachel's quote is a perfect example of they type of person she was and hoped the world would see...  

373. Rainbow Bridge

Thank you to my cousin CJ - she sent me this poem in hopes it would assist in my healing process.  Losing Cece was something I had not prepared for nor do I really know how to contain or express my emotions behind it all.  I found solace in this...

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

 When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent. Her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

372. Quoted Sway

"Be pretty if you can, be witty if you must, but be gracious if it kills you." - Elsie de Wolfe

371. Cece...

Todays post is heartbreaking - I'm fighting back the tears as I try to find the right words to compose this... 

Today we lost a friend, a part of our family, and I was not ready to say goodbye.  Cece was not originally my dog - I was not with her for a majority of her 18 years of life... just the last 6.  I have never had a dog of my own nor did I know what to expect.  She was Kenji's best friend - his companion for life and a pain in my ass but I loved her - we all did.  She was a wonder dog, loyal, and attentive (when she wanted to be).  

I have to believe that she's in a better place today.  She's prowling through a grass field and snatching birds from mid flight lol.  I picture her feasting on everything possible and darting through open spaces.

Rest in peace Cece - you lived an amazingly long life and helped us all live ours.  We will always love you pup.