it’s a sunny day in my heart, even though it’s a rainy day outside! sap! 
hahaha! good news to share:
- phuong got an award from his company at his christmas party last saturday. unfortunately, we weren’t able to attend his party since he’s had gout since last wednesday night, poor baby! he finally went into work today, but not without much difficulty. at least he’s able to walk a bit, as slow as it may be. i think he got it mostly because he has a quicker metabolism than most, and he doesn’t drink enough water. WATER == VERY IMPORTANT!!! i try to drink 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of coffee every day… that’s why i’m always going to the bathroom! (tmi!)
- miss mizuratha is engaged! and i’m happy for her new-found love and happiness! i pray to save enough money to make it to her wedding next year, november 2010. she graciously asked me to be one of her bridesmaids, and i accepted. however, she was also very kind to give me an understanding “out,” if i can’t make it to florida because of time, expenses, etc. she only asked that i give her a 6 months notice, which is totally fair. I’LL TRY MY DARNDEST TO BE THERE FOR YOU, NICE EYES!!!
- i cleaned my room! it took a few days! i got rid of lots and lots of old bills, receipts, paperwork that i don’t need. feels so good to purge! hehehe. i’m setting up my home filing system for next year and beyond! gotta be more organized than i have been lately. always strive to be better!
- i am so ecstatic about next year. i dropped out early from tri-community, my court reporting program in covina, sometime in october/november to research whether going to downey’s court reporting program was the better course for me. i thought it was… but then dug in deeper into other options. i sought the pros and cons of doing an online court reporting program. i found simplysteno.com and was sold! doing the program online is so me since… i’m always on the computer anyway (as carla said)! with simplysteno.com, there’s a cap (about $3,000 max) if you turn in all your assignments on time (which i plan to do!), there’s a structured daily schedule which i need (it’s kind of a like a steno personal trainer who is with you every second of the way, barking out orders but only for your good), there’s amazing online support with the teachers and fellow students, and i’ve heard nothing but good things about it. i plan to take the RPR (registered professional reporter) with simplysteno’s help, which will then qualify me to take the CSR (certified shorthand reporter) test. the CSR is the official required certificate in order to work in california, although the RPR allows me to work in the USA anywhere. weird, i know! california has higher standards or something like that. anyway! with GOD’s help, i should seriously be done in 2010… or early 2011 the latest.
- so i’ll be online doing the simply steno program every day, monday-friday, 6:00-10:00 p.m., from the comfort of my own home. therefore, i’m able to find a better, higher-paying job! WOO HOO! this has got me really ecstatic! 
i can finally have a little bit more breathing room financially and start to really pay down all my debts, help with the family, and save, save, save! i’m going to be applying to law offices in pasadena, glendale, and the san gabriel valley area. 20 minutes commute time max is what i’m after, plus a great hourly rate and benefits! GOD help me! 
- i’m enjoying my family and being home more often.
- i’m really looking forward to 2010!!!
