~ Reneef ~

2007-05-08T10:57:00.000-07:00

Done.. my undergrad!

Yesterday at 11am.. i finished my last exam! It really hasn't sunk in that i am finished.. finito.. le fin.. with undergrad. No more studying late nights (well mornings) at WW, no more text books with too much information that profs don't cover, no more profs that have heavy accents where you spend most of the time trying to understand what he/she is saying, or no more studying on the TTC. But this is also the end of an era. Which means no or less of late night dinner hunting after a night of cramming.. no more strolls to Basket Robbins.. less chances of the satisfaction of "yess.. i just finished my midterm.. no time to party!!", no more proms.. and hall way talks at the basement of WO.
Til this day, i still don't believe i am finished. However, i do have the sense of victory.. that i have beat the gruelsome fights to get my dipoloma at Con hall. I guess i'm still waiting for those marks to appear on ROSI to verify that i AM officially done!
One thing i think i will truely miss are my great friends that got me THIS far in uni and in life. The motivations, fun times, the allowance of venting, the companionships, the sharing of answers, the late night bondings over NPVs and the TAX act, and just the relationships i've developed with them. THANKS guys/gals! As we depart in our own paths, hopefully we'll have reunions every now and then and not let "busy-ness" get the best of us. As stupid as it may sound.. i think i will miss the studying. The endless hours of note-taking and reading text-books, but i have a feeling this "sense" may subside as i look for a job.
The next couple of months is just working to save money for a hopeful wonderous trip to EUROPPEEEEE. Seems like everyone is going away this summer. Hopefully our paths will pass!
Since i got a farmer's tan while sitting on the patio for our celerbration, its time for me to even out some of that with a book and good old Mr. Sun! :)

Congrats to all those who are finished.. and Keep up the great work for those who have yet to finish!

YEAR 2007 :)

2007-03-18T17:59:00.000-07:00

One of those moments..

Have you ever had one of those moments where you just sit and reflect on all the choices you made in your life? Well, i'm in that state of mind right now. Thinking of all the choices that i've made and wonder if those are the things i really wanted to do or just a mere impulsive decision. As graduation is around the bend... i come to think... is this what i REALLY want to do? This is surely just one of the reflective decisions i've been thinking about.

As i read my horroscope, it said that Leos love attention and they always want to make others happy (well except for the one from Commerce which clearly indicates that Leos are pornstars.. i can assure you that i am NOT). But come to think of it.. i think sometimes i do things just to make things easier/happier for others (not ALL the time though). I've come to realize that i have to stop.. and just do what i want to do.. stop explain to others.. b/c the only one that lives w/ it is myself. One of the mottos i've lived by is.. "Life's tough.. suck it up". Why make life tougher than it already is by living a life that doesn't truely reflect your true self. I know it was a "teen" thing to discover who you are and what you want.. but in my "tweenties" i'm still discovering it everyday. Better to have ppl hate/love the true you than a superficial clone.
With that being said, I apologize in advance if i seem distant these next couple of months.

p.s. yes.. i'm procrastinating.. ehhe.. now back to getting buried under my pile of assignments :(

2007-02-06T11:59:00.000-08:00

Behind the name..

I dont' know why, but i just started wondering what my name stands for.. I know it's French and all.. but what it really means...

I checked on this site: http://www.behindthename.com/
The masculine version is Rene and apparently it stems from the word "renatus" which in late latin means "born again" just thought it was intereting.. haha

Speaking of born again, i am quite furious this week that i've almost been run over by cars on the street 3x in the span of 2 days. If this keeps up.. i might have to be "born again!" argh... there was one that seems like he was deliberately aiming to HIT me! I was crossing the road (which i got the little white man sign to say i can do so.. so i was NOT jay walking) and the car was turning left. I say he was deliberate due to the fact that his turn was into the wrong side of the road.. (on coming traffic) in which i was situated at that moment! beejeezzz!

Well.. i'm just really procrastinating.. which i should stop now! Good luck for all those still surviving TAX!

2007-02-05T22:33:00.000-08:00

A while...

It's been a while since i've blogged.. it's partially because i'm lazy.. thanks to facebook or the lovely TV shows I get easily wrapped up in. But life has not been bad. It's back to school... but spending new years in Waterloo was tres fun! It gave me time to collect my thoughts, catch up with my loo friends.. and really veg out in front of the TV and have my first CSI miami marathon! But have to say it was good quality time with my bestest:

School:
School is same old same old. Its the 2nd month into the year and i'm still not 100% sure what i'm going to keep and what i am going to drop. But one thing for sure is that i NEED to graduate this year. That's for sure. I can't wait until JUNE 15th where I go to CON hall and accept my piece of expensive paper.. heeh. Next week is when all the stress will roll in. 3 midterms and in class composition for francais.. ah.. c'est dommage!

Family:
It's been a better at home now. The arguements have toned down. But i can still feel the tension. I think my dad has finally taken an interest in dancing (which my mom is sooo into now) so i pray that its going to help them re-connect or at least have something in common. But I still don't think my mom sees/recognizes the effort. Sometimes i just want to move out when i grad and live on my own for a bit.. just to experience a life where you are no long stuck in between. And my brother FINALL Y remembered to get me a present.. but not for my birthday.. but for xmas.. nope its not a snowman from winnipeg (which he went for new years) so i'm relieved.. hehe

Life:
It seems that everyone around me is hooking up. Left, right and center. My lil group of single friends are getting smaller and smaller. I guess it's a good thing.. but sometimes it just feels weird... but i'm still in no rush. From past experience, getting into a relationship because of pure pressure is sure not good. Just sometimes you think.. when will he come.. like Cammy from laguna beach saying "cat fight cat fight!" but my mind screams "boyfriend boyfriend!" Then i just realize its because everyone is in a realtionship w/ a significant other. But its tres exciting to see my friends couples that have lasted for sooo long. its like i can hear the wedding bells! Which brings me to my nexxt exciting news. My cousin had asked me to be a bridesmaid for his wedding.. TRES suprise! but si'm so excited.. cause i've never been one before! i wonder what that entails.

Life AFTER school:
That is still up in the air. But i really hope to find a full time job soon so i can be more confident in planning my euro trip in the summer. I've debated on going.. but then i realize that life IS short and its always been my dream to go to Paris at least. What if i don't see the day.. or if i become a work attic (which i doubt). I want to see la tour eiffel, eat la pain francais, take the euro train, and see the world from the other end of earth. C'est mon reve! Hopefully it'll work out!

Neways.. i'm outtie!

2007-02-02T21:26:00.000-08:00

Have a heart..... all it takes is a stamp and a card!

SHANE's WISH

Location: Ottawa
Date Listed: 24-Jan-07

I KNOW THIS MAY NOT BE THE PLACE TO POST THIS BUT I WANT TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE!!

If you have other suggestions where I can send this to please email me at jreid004@rogers.com

Please take a moment and read this!!

This is about a very sick little boy who has been in CHEO for 1 year! His wish is to break the world record for receiving the most greeting cards. He'd like to do this by his 8th birthday which is May 30th. It doesn't take much -- just a little time! Please help make this wish come true! Mail him a card (get well, valentine, birthday, whatever) and then PLEASE forward this email to everyone you know! Let's make this little guys wish come true so his family can have that sweet little smile for many, many years to come!

Name: Shane

Age: 7 Diagnosis: A.L.L. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Likes: all sports, building things, video games Dislikes: being in the hospital for long periods of time Favourite thing in the whole world: Lego

At almost 5 years old Shane was diagnosed with A.L.L. After 1 month into the treatment he was in early remission, meaning there were no cancer cells in his blood. Shane's family was very pleased with the early results, but his protocol called for 130 weeks of treatment. Then on July 6th, 2006 Shane relapsed after completing 108 of the 130 weeks. It was a shock to everyone including his doctors. Shane may have to undergo a bone marrow transplant down the road, but the good thing is that his brother Jacob is a match. Presently, there is no sign of cancer in Shane's system since relapsing.

Have you ever wished that something you did could make a major difference in someone's life? Well here's your chance! KISS FM wants you to know about Shane, a soon to be 8 year old - battling Leukemia at CHEO. You can join Shane's battle with a simple Birthday Card. It may seem like an overly-simplistic gesture, but to Shane, it would mean the world.

Simply mail (or drop off) a birthday card to:

SHANE
C/O KISS FM
2001 Thurston Dr.
Ottawa ON, K1G6C9

2006-12-14T20:08:00.000-08:00

Study craze

The past month and a half has be crazy to say the least w/ studying and projects leaving no time for real life. My friend lent me a book, called the five people you meet in heaven by Mitch Albom (lovely author may i add). I would read this on the bus while traveling dt for 12 hr study sessions... hehe. but its intriguing.. i read.. "No life is a waste, the only time we waste is the time we spend thinking we are alone."
but sometimes i can't help to think i am alone.. huff can't wait til the nerd in me takes a break!

and then there are things u wish you never found it..... i guess the saying "what you dont' know can't hurt you" has some sense of truth!

good luck all!

2006-11-19T21:46:00.000-08:00

Not alone

Even when you don't speak the words, He speaks in many ways to let you know you are not alone!

You Are My All In All


        You are my strength when I am weak        
You are the treasure that I seek       
You are my all in all
           Seeking You as a precious Jewel           
Lord, to give up I'd be a fool
You are my all in all


Jesus Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Jesus Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name


Taking my sin my cross my shame
Rising again I bless your name
You are my all in all
When I fall down You lift me up
When I am dry You fill my cup
You are my all in all


Jesus Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Jesus Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name

2006-11-17T12:06:00.000-08:00

What will i do..

Are there times when you feel like nothing is going your way? What you were aiming to go/get is now unachievable? Feel like you have so much work that you have no time to plan your future? O my. I feel i pinch of this now. Soon approaching the christmas holidays, i have a fair bit excited yet a little exhausted. From school work, no rest, and the constant reminder that i got to "figure out my life". Graduation is definetly a "woot woot" in my books... but what i'm suppose to do after i don't really give much a "toot toot" about.
Teachers apps are due soon, but i don't feel my creditials are up to par to apply. But my friends say "apply anyways as a back up." She spent $500 just applying for schools. But the difference is that i know she'll be a SUPERB teacher with her experience, passion and all. Lately, i'm feeling a lil passion for nothing. With the past of CA rejection (which i don't think i was cut out for anyways), it has left me in a dark gray area that i've dread to be in for ages.. the time where you graduate you have you have no direction of where to go.
Furthermore, the fact that i'm sitting on my bum most of the time due to my lovely studying session has immensingly added extra insulation on my buttox! I reallly need to hit the gym! This is, if you know me well enough, the my MOST sensitive subject ever.. FATTNESS.
You can call me names or joke around and all.. but i can relive my child-hood nightmare of getting chubby again. I lived with it almost half of my life (so far) and i'm not going to let it pull down my self-esteem anymore! But it seems like a vicious cycle.. since i'm an emotional eatter at times. I think its the worst when you know you need to do it to change everything aroiund.. but you don't/tempted not to take the first step!

On a more sunnier note.. i've found another drink to study with (non-alcoholic ofcourse). Instead of getting Orangina, i just use Perrier water and OJ! Lovely boost of energy :) minus the sugar and the cream in a coffee! Now that's a double WOOT WOOT! Good luck all to those that have examies soooonnn!

2006-11-10T17:56:00.000-08:00

Spending dairies continued...

Day 2 - Thursday
Bottle of water: 1.19
Orangina: 1.70
Grand Total : $2.89

Nice spending.. :)

Day 3 - Friday
Chicken with Greek salad - $11.00
Grand Total: $11

Not bad... but i am craving ice cream... ummmm.. chocolate chip w/ cookie dough!
well back to study time.. WHOLE month of november will be filled with long nights downtown studing it up at Woodsworth building.. until i'm kicked out by the indian man saying "we are closing.. *sweeps floor w/ broom a couple of times*"

Good luck to all.. can't wait til i see palm trees and the sunny weather!

2006-11-09T07:23:00.000-08:00

Spending Diaries

Well here's the dish. My friend sent me this article http://nymag.com/guides/money/2006/23490/index.html and it was about how six people documented their spending habits for a span of a week. My friend advised i do the same.. not because i spend alot (as many of you feel that I am the shopaholic.. which in fact i really am NOT), but just to see how much i do indeed spend. I was appalled when i saw that a subsidized grad student spent $452.67 in a week! That's like $1,810 in a month$21,728 in a YEAR! woooowww. That's like 2 years of my tuition at U of T! Newho.. i think you should do the same.. to see where u can save and where you can AFFORD to splurge :)

hmm.. let's see what i spent yesterday...

Wednesday November 8, 2006.
Lunch : Tim Horton's Chicken toasted sandwich combo (donut and peach juice) - $6.88
During class snack : Potato skin chips (sooo yummy) - $1.25
Dinner: Sweet and sour pad tai - $10
Coffee: $2
Grand total for Day 1: $20.13

After thought - not THAT bad.. i think.. it's about 45mins of work on saturday.. but i'll be bringin my lunch to school today.. so maybe i'll be better :)

2006-11-06T21:48:00.000-08:00

Salt and Light

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses
its saltiness, how can it be made salty
again? it is no longer good for anything, except
to be thrown out and trampled by men.
You are the light of the world. A city on a
hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light
a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they
put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone
in the house. In the same way, let your
light shine before men, that they may see your
good deeds an dpraise your Father in heaven.
~ Matthew 5: 13 -16 ~

Salt is the common element used, it perserves, adds favor and makes you thrist. Light guides and helps you see the truth. Light is not generated by yourselft but a mere relflection of Christ. This was what I took away from Sunday school this week, which was the last session of looking at the book What so amazing about Grace? I haven't attend this Sunday school regularly so I had sat quietly absorbing the thoughts and feelings in a summary of the book. It was quite interesting I have to say, learning in a small intimate group. It also brought me to think about events that happened during the week.

There are many reasons that there is passativity in a person leading a Christian life. Complacency, fear, and temptation are just a few. I have experienced times when friends (that aren't Christian) somewhat bash the religion, mostly I feel because they don't understand about it, and I try to rid them of these thoughts. But I come out after feeling like i didn't defend Christianity well enough to win them over... like i was just passively standing there letting them think what they think. Sometimes i feel its because of the fear i might scare they away. I've heard once from another friend say that her co-worker claims to be Christian because it is the "least flawed religion". I was shocked and in awe that that was said. And you wonder.. HOW can you exert Grace upon someone that just said that. But we have to learn to exert grace upon all.

God seeks love in diversity. Beauty lies on Earth where beauty need not exist. Grace is the counterpart of violence. Grace is shown through a process of influence.

The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard see,
which a man took and planted in his field.
Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows,
it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree,
so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches.
~ Matthew 13:31-33 ~

Plant your seed in someone and it may grow more than you can ever imagine.

2006-10-22T16:34:00.000-07:00

Midterm wave 1 down...

Well, my first set of midterms are over.. thank the Lord! I dont' know why, but this year seems to be going by a lot quicker that third year. I feel like i'm on the express bus and missing everything that passes me by. Before i know it, xmas will be here! But i still have to settle down for my second wave of midterms this week. To help me get through my studying.. yes.. i went to starbucks :) But today.. i tried a new drink..

MAPLE LATTE
If you enjoy the taste of maple, you'll like this. I thought it would be extremely sweet (because of the maple) but it actually wasn't. It's a combination of expresso topped with STEAM MILK (gotta love) and a maple-flavored sauce and maple drizzle to top of this deliciousness. If you really want to indulge.. top it with whipped cream.

When I rolled out of bed today, i thought it would a be a normal sunday. Go to church, praise, learn and come home to study. But for some reason or other, while i was listening to are AWESOME praise and worship team praise our lord.. i begin to tear up in the middle of singing. I really didn't know why because today's worship was soooooo good ... like.. AMAZINGLY good! But i really don't know why. I guess the words really spoke to me in worship.. how He IS the lover of my soul.. my bestest friend.

newho.. got to settle myself down for some more studying session.. i really can't wait to get off this express bus.. so i can slow down and enjoy everything good in my life :)

2006-10-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

2006-10-17T21:16:00.000-07:00

Everyday is a leap of faith.

Are you ready to take the leap?

As i was studing, i came across the first line on my cup of coffee. Just aroused many thoughts and feelings that i can't quite pin point...

2006-10-16T21:11:00.000-07:00

A reason..

What are parents? They are the ones that are suppose to provide us with love, warmth, care and comfort, safety, and plenty more. But are they still "parents" when you no longer feel these?
If they get into fights.. are u suppose to choose a side?

A child tries not to choose a side.. but it's just that much harder for you think of both sides.
A child breaks downs and cries, but there is no shoulder there...
but the last person expected to be there was there.. her brother.
For a brief moment, she was proud (once again) that she had this brother.
The mind is racing and you just wish it would stop so you can focus and concentrate.
The child thinks.. just pick a side.. its much easier.
But its not fair.
You are given things from above a reason.. it may because they rely on you as much as they rely on them..
Or it maybe something else.. that you are to discover.

People ask.. but a wall is built to block the emotions.
Or maybe the wall is just there to keep others fell strong as well.

2006-10-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

Dreading midterms...

It's not even the week of my midterm and i feel soooo drained! I think its all the pre-studing for the exam that really puts a toll on my energy! So.. after my 10am-7pm day today.. i got in to my lil civic and drove to Price Choppers and got myself a lil treat! IT's McCain's CHOCOLATE CAKE! I really shouldn't have any seeing how after my nutrition assignment i found that my sodium count is OVER the roof! :(
But i'll try NOT to finish the whole cake.. by .. my.. self... ummmmm. This just makes me forget (for a brief moment) that i have oodles of midterms coming up! So if u have exams too.. cheer up and, Marie Antoinette said, Let them have CAKE! :p

2006-10-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

Studying is more enjoyable with starrrbucks!

Currently enjoying : Grande Americano with 1 pump of White mocha (syrup) 3/4 full
For calorie-wise drinkers, forego the white mocha and stir with honey (my friend Jen Jen's idea)!

"Caffè Americano Espresso and hot water

Rich, full-bodied Starbucks® espresso combined with hot water for the European alternative to American-style brewed coffee."

For the Americano (16 oz):
Calorie - 15
Protein - 1g
Total Carbs - 3g

For the White mocha (1 pump)
Calorie - 20
Total Carbs - 5 g

Starbuck cup readings: "The Way I See It #179"
"The problem we face in public education is not 'what' to teach our kids, but rather 'how.' How do we inspire them to want to learn? That's why afterschool programs are so importatnt -- they answer the 'how'." ~ www.starbucks.com/wayiseeit.

Maybe a lil strong (hence the coffee aroma when you go pee pee), but it'll keep you eyes open and your nose in the books!
Happy studies!

2006-10-07T09:44:00.000-07:00

There use to laughter, there use to be lil arguements, there use to be tears.
But no more.
You can no longer genuinely laugh, no longer have the lil arguements, but only tears that can't get out.
But no more.
You dont' know what to do.. you dont' know where to turn.. you dont' know how to turn back the time.
But no more.
You tell yourself NO MORE.
You remember that there are those less unfortunate.. and you turn to God and pray for them and pray he knows that you want no more of this.

2006-09-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

LOST

With the uproar of school and me falling behind, i haven't really got the chance to sit down and really decide whats the next door i want to step into after graduation (which i REALLY hope is this year). I was planning on accounting (yes.. the endless hours of numbers) but now i dont' know if i'm cut out for it. After entering university, i feel like i've gotten stupid over the years (but in reality it's just that you meet A LOT more smarter ppl). I am really scared and actually really excited what is in store for me. I'm partially scared because i don't know if i'll get a good job where i would be able to pay my loans, support my parents (and maybe my brother) and my OCCASSIONAL fashion updates.....(to say the least).

I feel like a lost sheep wondering in the meadows hoping a wolf won't find me and i'll see that shiny yellow brick road .. hmm.. thats the wizard of oz... o wellz. Or maybe i'm not lost, but just that i can't see what is in store for me......

2006-09-10T18:43:00.000-07:00

Back to reality!

After coming back from Vegas Vacation, its back to school. I had oodles of fun during my 2 weeks of summer vacation due to summer school, but i was excited for the beginning my 4th year! However, after attending a seminar on friday for Commerce, i became really scared of the whole recruiting season (well it's actually this week). I can really say i'm in the slumps when it comes to thinking that this is the week that determines if i'll have a job or be jobless at the end of May. Sometimes i think if i'm really cut out to be the girl in the suit working unsteady hours crunching numbers in the office. But then i wonder if i'm not.. then what am i cut out for?
All i know right now is to only pray pray pray and pray. If i don't get the accounting job.. maybe it's a sign for me to change my career options and focus on something else. sometimes the anticipation of what God has planned for me really gives me the jitters. But knowing He knows all and cares, i can only be patient and do the BEST i can.

2006-08-14T21:58:00.000-07:00

Time to catch up on some summer fun!

I can say i'm officially done with 3rd year! woot woot! The last exam was hard.. not just in the sense that it was (due to the fact that it was finance.. my most hated course!) but also because it was my last. It's like those moments when you want to get it over with and its the last barrier to doing anything fun and exciting! Although i really believe that i screwed up horribly on the final and my (in my worst nightmare) take it over again.. i'm just glad that its over for now. I can volunteer.. work.. and, to end the summer, fun in Vegas with some gal pals!

To end a gloomy day (factually and in mentally), i was able to hang with some classmates to blow some steam off from the exam, shop (smartly may i add) with a COOL friend, hit the wing shop with a old school mate, and received lovely presents! I finally got my long awaited Duetto Visa card (which combines Starbucks and Visa---my 2 obsessions now) and my imagestation photos (which date all the way back to last year.. ). But among my uplifting gifts.. is one that i really didnt' expect. A membership at my dreamland----COSTCO! To some.. i may sound crazy.. but u can get so much stuff there! and all i needed was a plastic card.. which my lovely friends got me for my b-day.. THX KARRIE AND KEV! It's not so much the membership i'm so happy about (well actually that's part of it!) but its the fact that they remember what i really wanted and its so thoughtful!

rest of my summer.. well, my summer actually starts now! I'm so excited to start volunteering at church w/ my kiddies! I heard they are sooo sweet.. so i'll meet them at the Farm tmr! mooOOOoo! Then the week after its full of working fun.. so i won't be poor when i return from my vaca!
newho.. i better get sleepin.. so i won't be nappying on my kids tmr.. hehe.. take cares everyone.. and may your summer be full of wonderful excitment until the end!
outties,
ren

2006-07-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

Feeling loved...
Somedays you just can't help feeling loved by the people you care for. Especially when it comes to the little things and they make such a big deal of it. I'm really happy and glad that God has blessed me with so many of these people in which i call Friends! My heart is so overwhelmed that it just might burst. I just want to shout out to EVERY SINGLE SOUL that i LOVE them. For the things they do, the things they don't do, for being there, for wishing to be there, for thinking of me, and most of all.. just being the special people they are. I'm sure you all know who u are!
B-days are just not worth celerbrating unless they are with the people that make you feel most loved, inspired, full of laughter, joy of life, and especially provide you with spritual growth. I really got what i wished for and no candle blowing (or sparkles in this case) can say any different.
Thanks again for such surprises!

2006-07-22T16:43:00.000-07:00

Summer loving...

It's been a while since i have blogged.. mainly because i have been attempting to studying.. but mostly enjoying my loving summer hot days with a cup of something something from STARBUCKS!!! i seriously think i'm addicted! Current fav are the fruit blend fraps!!! You should really try it.. (there's tangerine or pomagrate..) I use to feel weird going into Starbucks and ordering "a tall mild coffee please" while others had Looooonnnng orders, like a "tall, non-fat, soy-milk, no foam, extra shot of vanilla, caramel macchiato". But i guess you learn :) (actually as you read this.. i'm enjoying a tall mild coffee.. hehe).

There was a couple days before when it was scorching hot.. and with a broken AC, i was practically melting away.. but i just got something like a 'magic bullet' so i can make my own smoothies! When i first got it.. i made one everyday.. but then i started getting stomach aches.. and figured my boday couldn't handle the large quantities of fruits at once.. hehe

Besides school studies.. there seems to be sooo much on my mind. I feel like i've promised/accepted many projects and my plate is about to topple over. I actually like the feeling of having a heavy schedule (because then i wont' be lying around on my tooshie watching the tele) and i feel sooo good after i have accomplished them. But when i come to realize that i can't perform well on the task.. i feel really bummed.. For example, i'm the leader of the drama team for my church's children's summer camp and i wasn't able to find people to do the skits. I felt like i totally failed the lil kiddies. And with the oodles of studing, i find it hard to give it my all! But thank the Lord that i found some exceptional volunteers to help me so we can at least have a performance at the end of the week. I just can't wait until i'm done my exams.. the camp.. then its....... VEGAS!
My major dates.: August 2 - My lovely eco history exam :(
.: Augest 14 - my freaky finance final :( :(
.: August 15-18 - very cheery church camp :):)
.: August 30th - leaving on a jet plane to.... L.V. (not Louis Vuitton.. but
LAS VEGAS) :):):):):):):):)

o.. and when i'm on the subway.. i sneak in a novel now and then.. which right now is "The devil wears prada" by Lauren Weisberger. Almost half done and it's getting eventful. Got to finish it so i can watch the movie!

It seems like everytime i blog.. i got to study.. but i really have to.. hehe.. so toodles all.. and enjoy the lovely sun.. really get to a beach fast!

luv muchies,
renee

p.s. i think i'm goin to start food/novel bloggin.. seeing how i love to eat.. and read.. and love to share.. so keep checking :)

2006-06-24T17:44:00.000-07:00

STUDYING FEVER!

I've been studing downtown for the past week.. non-stop.. like from 10am to 11pm! I can't say i've been in a studing marathon like this one before.. but i can't say i enjoy it either! But it's kinda neat to see how people are on the bus, subway, and other people 'attempting' to study. For some reason or other, i've been quite observant of others during this time of studying.. i think its because its a moment where i'm not learning about the early staples of economic history or formulas for FUN finance (exaggeration... ).

I've been studing w/ a friend.. and i really enjoy studying w/ a buddy.. especially her. We know when we can talk.. and when we got to get cracking. Furthermore.. she enjoys 'interpreting' the surroundings as much as me! It's like we don't have to say nething.. and she knows exactly what i'm thinking.. hehe :)

I'm actually quite afraid and scared of failing my finance and eco history exam on monday! I swear there is no escaping what He's got planned! I dropped finance during the year because i had two exams on the same day.. then i come taking it during the summer.. and WHAM! Out of the WHOLE week of exams.. i have to have them BOTH on the same day.. and on the FIRST day of exams :(
I guess its better to face my fears then keep running away.. because it'll find you one way or another!

WEll.. i can't wait until i come FACE TO FACE w/ finance on monday at 6pm.. and bid a fairwell at 8pm! Ok. Got to put on my game face and tackle these formulas!

If your not studying.. enjoy the lovely weather for two... you and me :)
ren

2006-06-14T20:28:00.000-07:00

SWEAT SWEAT SWEAT!

For the past weekend, i tried sweat/ hot yoga (a.k.a. Bikram yoga). It was pretty fun.. well that's not that correct word.. more like intriging. For a person that hardly sweats (me), i found it a relief to see that my sweat glands are functioning correctly! 90 min in a hot hot room doing a relaxing activity actually interesting. Although near the end i had a throbbing headache and dripping of sweat (well, not as much as the guy next to me.. who was creating a lil river. hehe), i felt really good after. I heard that a friend of friend of mine went 3 times in a row and lost 3 pounds! That's partially my motivation, but also to relieve some school and daily stress, increase flexibility, and detoxify. So i REALLY encourage you to give it a try! I'm actually go back for some more tomorrow :)

Another sweaty event was Kerygma practice on yesterday. Although we were shifted from diamond field to diamond field, i have finally learned something for softball. NOT to throw the bat! For those that weren't at previous games, i just have a tendency to throw the bat after i bat (which calls for an out or ejection .. sad..s ad). But i have "learned" to place/drop the bat and run to FIRST base! And no.. i dont' need anger management classes. I think i just get too excited.. hehe.. well this saturday is our next game.. so i can put my knowledge into practice!

I just got home from my study group for my history class. Besides the point that we were both 'kinda' few weeks behind in readings.. we were freaking out at all the catching up to do! Loads and Loads of reading. My nose will be stuck in books for the next week and a bit!

ok.. so i hope everyone is having a GREAT summer wk!
outies,
ren ren

2006-06-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

~ life right now...
At the current time, i'm studying my love of history economics (really not!). I was just thinking, do you ever get people ask you " If you ever had one wish to change about you or something in your life, what would that be?" I usually answer " my high-bye flabby arms or my jiggly thighs" but then i came to thinking... Have you ever thought of want you would NEVER give up? For moi, i think i would never give up my family (no matter how crazy it may sometimes be or how ever so my brother would frustrate me), my loving friends that stand by me through thick and thin, the current spring/summer breeze, my love for food (maybe that's the reason for my flabs.. hehe), and of course my love and search for Him! Lately, everyone around me seems to be "hooking up" (i.e. dating.. coupling.. party of deux). Although i do think.. when will my prince charming rush through that door w/ a white horse (this is not NECESSARY a requirement.. eheh) but i just dwell on that for a couple mins. Then i come to think.. i'm not really ready yet to step into a world of deux. I found i'm still discovering myself .. hoping to finish school.. and not ready to give spread/devote my love for someone else (other then for God, my family and my friend.. just not enough loving to go around.. i guess.. rite now.. ) But i'm sure when the time is right He'll send me someone special :) So for all you singles, don't fret.. join the singles group now and enjoy the time.. because you really dont' want to miss out on all the fun! This sat. is our softball team's second game! GOOOO K-E-R-Y-G-M-A! i'm loving the cheers and hope i can chant them this weekend! and hoping i would NOT throw the bat again :(
O.. another thing i'm really hooked on is this website (thanks GEN! hehe): http://www.stylediary.net/Default.aspx Since i'm trying super duper hard to not spend money (so i can spend in VEGAS... woot woot) i can look at the styles people are shopping around for now.. some of these ppl are EXTREMELy trendy.. well in my opinion! (look at the pic!)
OH, and i've discovered facebook.. thanks to one of my good old pals from jr. high! ( i know it's been a craze for a long time.. but if u know me.. i'm slow!) But its great to check up on ppl and see how they are.. when u dont' have oodles of time to chitty chat!
OoO.. and i've been loving 1.5L water (yUM) and cranberry classic mix (dried fruits and nuts) Try it!

Newho.. back to my lovely history of economics.. the spanish armada.. the fur trade.. the NEW WORLD!
take cares all,
ren

2006-06-04T13:37:00.000-07:00

~LOGISTICS~
This week has been hectic but yet fun! Have you ever felt your bog down with so much things to do and thing in your mind.. but it's so enjoyable??? well, i guess for me its possible! hehe. We (girls of fellie) had our first L.O.G.I.S.T.I.C.S. meeting.. and i can feel it's going to be GREAT! A lot of sharing.. support.. chilling.. and muchie mores! Softball 'mental' practice (because it was raining hard) was fun too. i now know where to stand and play! hehe.. and the crazy, charismatic cheers are going to fun to learn!

Spending time w/ the people you care most for will always brighten up the day!

---> hitting the bookies now<----- outties, ren

2006-05-31T15:08:00.000-07:00

~ Distance~

The weather for the past couple of days are CRAZY. It's so hot, sticky, and full of persperation! Although its enjoyable (compared to the cold burring winter), the hotness makes me not want to do anything in fear that i would get even more sweatier. But just listening to the thunder and watching the lightening kinda brings some comfort, as weird as it may sound. But the sound of rain brings some peace in my mind and , of course, a nice lil breeze :)

Lately, i've felt a little distant from my friends. And i can't say it's totally because of school and work. There's so many things on my mind that i think about when i'm alone which i prefer not to continuously think about but a lil desire in me to spend time alone. I guess this is reflection. I just feel so separated from the world and so alone. And during this time, i feel so unproductive.. pondering about things in the past that i should really forget about or jumping to conclusions of things yet to come. Just to many thoughts.

Besides that, i've come to realize something that i tend to do.. and i really regret after.. every SINGLE time! Have you ever get so frustrated about something that is out of your control, but get mad at others (i.e. love ones) to take out the frustration? Well, i can say i do. This past monday, i had class downtown and because of the TTC strike i was stuck downtown until 8pm (from 10am). As i was waiting for the subways to reopen, my frustration grew ( i think partial because of the hot weather too). Finally when my daddy decided to pick me up from my mommy's work place, i was taking my frustration out on him. I didn't really know why at the time i was just giving single answers to my dad or my lack of enthusiam, but i've come to realize that it was just stupidity and a waste of anger. i mean it was really no ones fault! I dunno.. i just pray that i can stop doing this and learn to be thankful for everything i have.

Time to hit the books.. my 2 new loves: Finance and Canadian economic history.. OOoooOOOOo.. hehe

luv ya alls,
ren ren

2006-05-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

~ Behind Every LOVE..
is a GREAT story!~

I was in my bored state of mind again.. so i went to get my mommy a present for just being my mommy. This year, she's been so into the dancing craze. O.. not like the break dancing or hippy hop (can u imagine my mom doing that.. hehe) but the ballroom, waltz, tango.. etc. So i decided to get her some music so she can bop to. But its kinda embrassing (well to me) to ask the punkish looking guy at HMV "um.. do u know where i can find ballroom dancing music?" Worst is them give u the weird look and contemplating himself where it would be.. hehe. Well, they didnt' have any, but i ended buying Notebook (the movie) since it was on sale.. and it was SO good the first time i watched it! Hence, i went home and started to watching it on my computer. It's really touching. For those who haven't watched it, you should (i wont' tell you to spoil it! - hmmm but skip the rest of this paragraph though). It is hard to grasp the idea that someone can LOVE someone else so much (well on earth i mean). However, it does make my heart sink (in a good way of course) that Noah can love Allie so much that he built her dream house for her even after breaking up and waiting 10 years for her. Also having him read to her their story EVERYDAY because she can't remember anything. I think it would be devastating to forget the ones you love and care so much.. and worst is to have a love one forget about you! Yes, i teared up near the ending (although my brother made me pause it at the MOST sobing part b/c he need the computer)! It made me think.. what IF someone i love forgot about me? Would i have the strength to do what noah did?
Something else i learned from watching this (again) is that love (= passion) does give enormous strength for a person and hence does great things for this world. This year i can honestly say i've meant a lot of passionate people.. and i feel so honored! They not only make me feel so loved (through support and care), but i also set them as my role model and they make me want to strive for more in life.
Tomorrow i'll be doin the 30 hr famine. I have my fingers crossed and please pray because if u know me.. i have a great love for food. I'll update all on my progress!

Luv ya all,
ren ren

2006-05-10T14:22:00.000-07:00

Finished.. Done.. "joe yun".. fin.. finito.. over

I can seriously say that i'm finished COMPLETELY! No more exams and classes.. well at least for another couple of days. Although i've been resting (i.e. doing competely nothing at home), it seems like months that i haven't been at school. For some reason i always feel like I want to go back to school when i'm not in and want out when i'm actually am in school (does that make sense??). I think the reason is because i'm totally NOT doing anything (i.e. so UNproductive!)Well that would end soon.. because summer school is about to start!

Well, i went out to chill with some of my friends over the past couple of days and its been SO much fun. It feels like ages since we could sit.. relax.. talk.. or completely do NOTHING! (BUt beware.. too much of nothing is NOT good :)) A couple of my uni friends and i are planning a trip to LAS VEGAS at the end of August.. the place of casinos! (although i'm the most RISK ADVERSE person EVER!)But i haven't been and i want to go somewhere this summer! However the problem arises when i went to pay my tuition of summer school (which i did just a couple hours ago because i TOTALLY forgot its due in 2 days.. hehe.. that's me!) and i've come to a realization that i dont' have a lot of money left! This is sad. And i've taken 3 weeks off of work for exams and relaxation. Time to get on some job searching.. so i can ACTUALLY go somewhere this summer!

But... i'm SO happy.. because WE(most of u and moi) have finished 3 years of uni! that means 1 more year to go.. (for most of us).. CONGRATS! pat yourself on the back and celebrate.. because it sure is hard work! Hopefully next year would be as splendid!

Well on another note, the other day i was watching mr. DR. PHIL! It was about this mother that would beat/harass/verbally & physically abuse her children. i was watching a clip.. and i was literally in tears! How can a mother lay hands on a creation she made??? it really boggles my mind! it's outragous! One her kids were limping b/c the beating was that bad.. and when the son told his mom about the pain.. she would just kick him on the butt and bully him! How is this possible! AFter i watched this.. i've come to realize that i am SO blessed to have such a GREAT mommy! I dont' know if i can every be such a great mom.. its indescribable! Also, i was watching this new show on TLC (YES, i watch a lot of tv when i have time) called Shalom in the House (or something like that). The main man was saying something about being a child. Being a child is not about blood and DNA.. its someone that is given UNCONDITIONAL love! (or something like that.. well that's what i interpret it to mean!).. i thought it was so true. I can truly say that i've been given that unconditional love (from my parents and God.. and some of my friends.. THX!)I'm truely blessed! THX.. to all.. and u know who u are.. THX to u whose reading this too! :) When u ever feel a little down.. know that YOU are LOVED unconditionally!

WEll .. this weekend is MOTHER's DAY.. so take little time out of your day and tell her how much she means to you and show her! A little hug.. a little kiss.. taking her out for lunch.. making her something.. flowers.. ANYTHING! It's not shown by how much or big it is.. its the thoughtfulness! So remember! so HAPPY mother's day to all the mommies in the world!

and.. CONGRATS to all those that's completed another year of uni/college! Your almost there.. and all your hard work will pay off! i PROMISE you!
Take care EVERYONE!
luv muches,
ren ren

2006-04-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

Schools OUT! Let the fUN begin!
I can't believe it! I finally finished my 3rd year of uni.. well almost! This year went by so fast its hard to grasp! After a long day of classes, i went with some of my commie friends to o'grady's for some relaxation. Apparently, we weren't the only ones that had the same idea. It was PACKED! But that made the celerbration the more better. After the 3 hr of chitty chat and a lil pina colada (apart from my expected 1 hr stay), i was totally refreshed (well... enought to get my excitment for the exams to come.. hehe). I think its been a long time since i've just relaxed and chilled w/ friend and enjoying the BEAUTIFUL weather!

At nite, i went over to gen's house for some more chitty chat time.. can NEVER get enough! There i learned the Britney does NOT smell that good... i meant the perfume!hehe WE ended up spraying it EVERY WHERE (sorrie vics!) i think i can still smell it now.. agh! Then Vics got a pretty pedicure (peppy purple on one foot, and ranchy red on the other) from none other than Mr. Tilly tum tum! U should get an appointment now.. haha..
The nite/morning ended w/ a lil drive through to BK for some BK fish.. no WHOOPPPERs.

Seriously, i really missed these times! I can't wait until summer comes!!!!!! I really don't know what i would do without my coolio friends to chill with! LOVE U GUYS/GALS!

NEWHO, goodie lucks with all the exams everyone!

peace outies,
ren

p.s. THANKS for those who supported me on the 30hr famine!

2006-03-30T00:04:00.000-08:00

Where are You summer??

Its 3:03 am and i am still up finishing up a group assignment. It has been like that for the past couple of nights. So sad! But it HAS to be done.. I just can' t wait for the thrill during exams! ~exaggerating~
Newho, I was watching.. none other than OPRAH the other day. Sarah Jessica Parker was on the show and they were introducing their best place they like to stay. And low and behold, Sarah's was NYC! She showed different places and the trip to new york a couple months pass came flooding back. SURE miss those times of no distress and carefree minds. There was MOMA, CPK, and CHINA TOWN (bargain hunting... so fun).

I can't wait until summer is FINALLY here. Although i have to take summer school, i can't wait for lil summer dresses, capri pants, SOFTBALL, camping and trips without luggin a stupid coat! O summer, where for art thou?!

I really should go to sleep now. so tah tah!

2006-03-13T15:08:00.000-08:00

- She thinks she's ugly- (Dove)
I remember there was a time when i was around in grade 6 when i was REALLY chubby. I would get rude chubby comments which really hurts. I think there's a time in everyone's life where they are unhappy about themselves, especially in regards to their weight. At 21, i can say that i am still struggling. I was watching, once again, Oprah today and it was talking mainly about girls and their self-confidence. There was a girl that ate to seek comfort but never received it after eating. I believe she ate because she had a hole in her life that needed to be filled. And it is up to ourselves to decide what to fill that hole with. Either food (for temporary fulfillment) or seeds that would eventually grow and blossom into beautiful flowers. It is definitely easy to say then to do, but we must continuously tell ourselves that we are made the way we are. One of lady on the show said that "if we love ourselves for the way we are, people can't do anything but forced to love the way we are". I truly believe that in order to have others accept and love us, we must love ourselves first.

Sometimes parents can say things that hurt us. For example, "you can lose a couple of pounds" or "you look beautiful in that dress. But if you lost of weight, you would look exceptional!" We must not forget that they are saying these not to hurt us, but to show in their kind of way that they want what is best for us! It is hard to comprehend or accept at the time, but that's the truth!

I think I've come to terms over the years that there are always going to be people that are prettier and with more talented than I am, but if i waste my time dwelling on the things i dont' have, I'll never fully appreciate all the things I do have. We are all unique in our own ways; there is only one person in the world who is exactly like me.. and thats ME!

I know there are times where i would compare with others, but i've learned to use it as a guideline to strive to be better, not to BE them. =)

"But each man has his own gift from God; one has the gift another has that." (1 corinthians 7:7b)

2006-03-02T20:32:00.000-08:00

I always wonder what it would it be like to have a really "close" family. Most people say that little rivals and disputes here and there are the daily routines of siblings, but sometimes its just boarderline FRUSTRATING! I understand in order to become an interwined family, hard work and effort must be but into it. There comes times that call for compassion, understanding and patience (ALOT OF IT apparently). However there are just moments when you can strangle yourself from the frustration. I just wished i could let things slide and not be bothered by it, but for some reason i can't seem to get rid of the anger that bottles up inside of me. Why is that?!??!?!?!?!

Although i have not read a lot of passages from the bible yet, but i know for a fact that He is so forgiving. I mean He died on the cross for US, even when we don't truely deserve it. I know in comparision to what He's been through, my sibling rivals are the least bit significant. But it's still astonishing to me as to how forgiving God really is. He is truely all mighty! I just wish someday i can learn to be as forgiving as he is.

On another note, yesterday i was watching Opera (which i FINALLY got a chance to). They had Meg Ryan and Lucy Lui on talking about the tramatic experiences when they went to countries that were surounded by devastations. I believe Meg went to India and sought out groups of women that were empowering themselves although they dont' have a lot. Lucy also went to a part of Asia where they experienced a dramatic earthquake that left millions dead and basically nothing left of the land. They had lost everything! It really got me thinking. Am i really being productive in what i do. I mean in terms of how significant what i do is in affecting others. Sometimes i think we take for granted that things we have because its so easy to obtain for us. For example, school seems like a daily task in which we must complete. But in other countries, people have to walk miles just to sit in a tent to learn a little something. Also, we can leave our plates full of food because we are just too full to take another bit. Meanwhile, others have gone on for days without water and food. After watching this, i wonder why i get so attempted in buying those "brand name" clothing or buy so much food to eat until my belly button popped or generally spend money like theres no worries in the world. But in fact, if i had resisted my need to buy that Artizia shirt, a child could go to school for a year. If i bought a cheaper meal and saved a couple dollars, a town would be able to get food, water and shelter. Or if i didnt' watch that movie in the theaters, thousands of people could get better (or some form of) medical treatment. Theres so much we can do with the little changes in our lives. It may seem insignificant to us, but it means the WORLD to them. After watching the show, i've come to ponder if what i do in the future (i.e. become an accountant) can actually help those in need. I say that "if i were well-off, i would go to help people in the 3rd world countries". But the fact is that I am selfish in saying that. Selfish in the sense that i am thinking of myself. You don't have to be rich to help those in need. All that is needed is a giving heart. Truely, i'm awaiting on my calling to see what i can be to make that difference.
It aches to see those in suffering, but hurts more to know that i'm sitting here not doing anything about it!

~Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others ~ 1 Peter 4:10