Finances

I probably have posted about money issues or worries before, so this is not a new story. The story is different however because I really really have a different outlook on how life is destined.

It's kind of weird how I realized how I view my financial worries, questions, thoughts differently. I happened to be in a disagreement with Sam (not an argument but more of a adult like conversation that we didn't seem to agree on) about some things we have to pay for next year. I haven't ever really been worried about money, or a pay check. This is because God has provided ALWAYS when I have needed it most and when I didn't know I needed it. Lately however I have been worrying more and more, and let me just say I really prefer the non-worrier Monica. I got really sad though. I got sad at the fact that I was helpless with some of these things. There is legitimately nothing I can do to change certain situations. I can't be more helpful than I am already being I have reached my human capability. At first I was a little worried about this, about the fact that I can do nothing. Then, today when that whole adult conversation thing happened, I realized I am in such a good place. I am desperate (desperate is a little dramatic but I love the word when it refers to needing the Lord) for my God. I am needing Him and He is showing me that I do. I like that I now enjoy these times when God brings me back to Him. 

Ok sorry I got off on a little rabbit trail again. After I got sad about being a worrier about finances I got really happy at the fact that I know that God is in control. I was happy, and still am, that God knows more than me.

 Money is really annoying and it is something that just doesn't go away. 

God, thank you that you are in control of whatever happens with my money, life, friendships, and everything else and in the end I have you.

-M

LA Christmas

This year was a new kind of Christmas for me (and even more so for Sam). We spent actual Christmas eve/day with my family in Laguna Nigel. For those of you that don't know where that is, think Laguna beach and then travel a few miles from there. It was really nice in LA, the weather was prefect. Too bad we didn't spend any of our time at the beach : (

My mom and step dad Ruben showed us some really beautiful places and we got to do a lot of things here. It just didn't seem like Christmas. I'm used to everyone being together, and being at home all day long cooking or watching a game. Now that my family has moved to southern California it was very different. We were gone all day (because you have to drive every where!) shopping or eating. Don't get me wrong I had a good time, I just wish we would have had more time together. My sister didn't even get to LA until after 4 on Christmas eve. Then we spent the rest of the time shopping. The events were just exhausting. The only thing that really didn't change was all the sister and brother fighting (just like the old days). I get annoyed by my family but now that that all the rest of the family (i.e aunts, uncles, cousins...) is far away I really missed it. I missed everyone coming over to my parents and just hanging out. 

We did do something very very very new this year, and we will never do it again.... Disneyland! I did not know that some many people wanted to go to this place on Christmas day. It was a zoo! And really fun. They even had snow! Snow people! In Disneyland. That was really exciting. I would have to say all and all it was a good holiday. Would I have changed things about it? Yea. For instance my mom made tamales and did I even eat one? NO! So sad. I hope everyone enjoyed their families and friends this Christmas. Now it's time to look forward to New years.

Pre christmas boy hang out.

Pre Christmas Girl hang out.

Hello at the beach and I'm not freezing. This is LA Christmas.

Sams' Breakfast

My Lunch (reason for no tamales eaten)

Christmas breakfast (also the reason why no tamales were eaten)

Rides

Front row of tower of terror. This ride makes me throw up.

The best people ever.

Disneyland.

Merry Christmas!

Japanese Christmas

First ever Sushi Christmas dinner with all the Nowlins (and some additional lovers). It was such a blast and somewhat out of some peoples elements. We definitely learned what to do for next time, new knives that will actually cut the rolls will be the first thing i do. Some of us just gave up on trying to cut the rolls and ended up with sushi burritos. Which are just as tasty. Also I had WAY too many options for everyone, but that's not really a bad thing. I love our little booth diner style table, but we really do need more space for these kinds of parties. We were all very cozy at our table and it reminds me of times when i was a little kid and had to crawl under the table to get out. That didn't happen but at times I thought Dave was going to be found crawling under there. We had such a good time though and got to experience some new foods with each other. I perfected sushi rice and I'm pretty proud of that!

We are really going to miss the Nowlin family this Christmas, but I am so excited to see my family this weekend. They have new dogs that i get to meet and play with, and Tamales!!! One of the best things of earth and hand made by my mom, can't get any better than that.

we all wish out sushi looked this good last night

Cute tree

Our tree is up. It has been for a week (sorry) I love waking up to our tree light up. It makes me so happy. I never knew that a tree sitting in my living room could bring me joy!

if anyone wants to buy me a new camera that takes actual GOOD pictures, that would be great!

We love our tree and You.

-M

What next?

Some happy news, 

FINALS ARE OVER!!!!!! 

good riddance hardest semester of my life.

Gosh life is going to be so much more interesting, now that i am not spending all my time going back and forth to school. Now i get to focus on Christmas and friends and life in general. this semester was really the "last" semester where I could just float along. This meaning- floating along not having to choose what direction of schooling I want to take. I had to make some real life decisions for next semester. One was listening to Sam and only taking 2 classes, even though it KILLS ME! Because I want to be done so bad. We realized though that I'm not doing so well with trying to balance a full load of classes, being married, working full time, and having a life. Too many break downs occurred and too many missing unfinished assignment too. The next step was to see a councilor to choose what those two classes should be. He wasn't very helpful but I think I know what i want to do! Which is so much closer than i was a year ago. 

School is not really something I'm good at, but I'm going to try.I'm learning that knowledge really is power. I just want to know about lots of things so it's rather difficult. good thing I have a life time to figure this stuff out.