A Means to an End

"Goals are a means to an end, not the ultimate purpose of our lives. They are simply a tool to concentrate our focus and move us in a direction. The only reason we really pursue goals is to cause ourselves to expand and grow. Achieving goals by themselves will never make us happy in the long term; it's who you become, as you overcome the obstacles necessary to achieve your goals, that can give you the deepest and most long-lasting sense of fulfillment."

- Anthony Robbins

I Don't Need That!

What do you call someone who isn't really a pessimist but who doesn't want to expect anything just so they won't get disappointed... oh ya you call them a KRYSTA. So finals are over and I'm not so happy with the outcome so far, but you now what, I have come to the conclusion that I am too hard on myself. I don't need to be numero uno or top dog. No, I just need to do my very best, and if that's not A material than I don't want your stinkin' A (ya I do). No matter what the outcome of my grades, all I know is that I worked hard and I'm not cusp of failing or anything so phew to that. I have some tryouts for the trial advocacy team at school and a write on competition for law review I'm currently working on. These two things are super competitive at my school, and almost near impossible to get into, but I'd probably kick myself in the ass if I didn't at least try. So onward with the work.

On the positive side, I managed to do some celebrating after finals :)

OH AND CONGRATS TO MARVELOUS MERV for her WIN WIN situation!!!

Nightmares

So I had my final yesterday, pulled one of those "damn I forgot to do this" momentS, and seriously had dreams all night about my mistakes. I was hoping for an A, now all I want is to pass. FML is it summer yet?

White Dress - Ben Rector

Happy Mother's day

"A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path."
-- Agatha Christi




Love you Nanay and Momma, Happy mother's day to you both!

Something Borrowed

So I've been waiting for the movie "Something Borrowed" to come out in theaters ever since I saw the previews on tv. In short it was a cute movie but nothing WOWed me. I hope the book is better than the movie. Took my lobster out to see the movie and he hated that it was all about cheating lol, poor guy got sucked into another one of my chick flicks. It's ok I'll sit through some Fast Five or Tron to make up for it. Something Borrowed, 1 thumb up and 1 thumb half up.

Oh but I did feel kinda cool watching the movie and totally understanding all the law school references. The entire movie, I explained to Russ how I took that class, "oh she's missing that element," and I have that book! hehe.

Matt Wertz - Easier Tonight

Random Encounters

So this week has been a little weird. I've been studying all week but my study breaks have been quite random.

First, I got a phone call from an attorney who I met at a banquet and he wanted to grab lunch. Me, being the naive law student eager to have any networking opportunity possible eagerly said yes. To my surprise, business was not the main reason he wanted to have lunch. The guy has kids and a wife. Nough said, not sailing on that boat.

Second, I got a call from a Judge who I received a scholarship from last summer. His assistant called me and said he wants to have lunch to touch base and see how my law school life is going and what opportunities I've taken. Can you say AWESOME! A one on one lunch with a judge! Now that is a lunch I'm excited to attend. I am eager to pick at his brain and see what life choices got him to where he is in life. Not only that but I find it so fascinating that everyone in the legal world starts off in the same playing field and that means nothing is impossible.

Finally yesterday I watched Lifetime's movie on William and Kate. MADE ME CRY! Their college romance was so cute and can I just say... I WANT TO BE A PRINCESS! lol

Can you say Awesome!

5 course meal sans the soup but drumroll pleaseeeee it was freeeeee! Gracias to Jrose and her awesome chef of a brother. :) congrats future doctor JRose! (pictures taken by merv, Sad I forgot my camera)

Griffith Observatory

Finally got to see the Griffith Observatory!! After months of wanting to visit this LA site I finally got to see it!! The view was spectacular and the planetarium show was so cool! The place was smaller than I had thought it would be but amazing nonetheless!

The Little Things..

I guess you don't really know what you're missing till you can't have it everyday. Long distance sucks when you can't do all the little things when you want. Watch a movie, be lazy all day, study together, or just hold hands.

Turning Tables

Close enough to start a war
All that I have is on the floor
God only knows what we're fighting for
All that I say, you always say more

I can't keep up with your turning tables
Under your thumb, I can't breathe

So, I won't let you close enough to hurt me
No, I won't rescue you, you to just desert me
I cant give you, what you think you gave me
It's time to say goodbye to turning tables
To turning tables

Under haunted skies I see you
Where love is lost, your ghost is found
I braved a hundred storms to leave you
As hard as you try, no I will never be knocked down

I can't keep up with your turning tables
Under your thumb, I can't breathe

So, I won't let you close enough to hurt me, no
I won't rescue you, you to just desert me
I cant give you, what you think you gave me
It's time to say goodbye to turning tables
Turning tables

Next time I'll be braver
I'll be my own savior
When the thunder calls for me
Next time I'll be braver
I'll be my own savior
Standing on my own two feet

I won't let you close enough to hurt me, no
I won't rescue you, you to just desert me
I cant give you, what you think you gave me
It's time to say goodbye to turning tables
To turning tables
Turning tables, yeah
Turning, oh

- Adele

Refocus

Why do I worry so much? I worry to the point where I can't sleep or focus. I don't know why I am always expecting the worse when things aren't really that bad. I get this knot in my stomach and my heart starts pounding till the worry consumes me. Is it really worth it? I have to focus on school and I can't focus if I'm sleep deprived because I'm worrying about things that could have obviously been avoided. I think I just need to take a step back and refocus.


Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
- Albert Einstein

College Sweethearts

There is never a dull moment when I'm reunited with my College Sweethearts. The girls and I decided to do a mini getaway to San Diego. It was exactly what I needed before finals. One last wild weekend before I sulk away in finals mode.

First on the list was Pacific Beach! We grabbed drinks at the local bars and to our luck it was happy hour! Margaritas and tequilla shots on this very hot day?! YES PLEASE! After drinks, we walked down to the beach. Felt so good to get a little tan and to talk a little gossip with my sisters.

Onward to dance the night away! We decided to get our party on at Club Envy in downtown. We cabbed it and got into the club for free with no line, exactly how girls should be treated ;)

Can't wait till we're all reunited again!

Superficial?

So true, Sometimes I wonder if it's just a superficial happy:

Imperfect

And The Celebration Continues!

Happy 27th Birthday to my awesome cousin VJ! On the serio though, my cousins are so awesome. It never fails to be such a great time when I'm with them. There is nothing better than knowing that your family are also your best friends. No matter what obstacles get in the way, nothing can break the bond between family.






I couldn't be happier with life right now. I have my best friends, my family, my love, and I absolutely love my career. Cheers to good times!

Happy Birthday Ryan!

Dear Ryan,

Happy 34th Birthday! It's been so many years since your passing but everyday I use your memory to push me forward. This is going to be your first birthday with Nanay in heaven and I hope you both celebrate to the fullest. As I was changing this morning, I felt someone whisper in my ear, and I think it was you. I'm sorry I forgot your birthday when I woke up, there is no excuse. But thank you to you or Nanay for reminding me. As always it was great visiting you and Nanay at the cemetery this morning, but I miss you guys a lot. I wish both of you could be here with me as I grow old, making memories, and watching our family grow. Whether or not you know it, you and Nanay will always be my inspirations. So on your birthday Ryan, your family on earth wishes you eternal happiness in heaven and we are constantly thinking about you. You will forever be in our hearts. Love you bro.

Love Always your little sister,
Krysta poots

I PASSEDDDD

I took the MPRE in early March and I've been worried that I didn't pass. That test is a tricky little bastard. But I passsssseeddddddddddd!!! I am so relieved it would have been such a hassle to have to take it again. time to celebrate tonight! Dinner and drinks with my floe hoe and colleenie weenie!!! I'm a happy kid :)

To Leap or Not to Leap

I hate that anxious feeling you get when you care about someone. I don't even know what you call the feeling but all I know is that I hate it. I hate that worrying feeling that worrying over nothing feeling. I don't understand it. I don't understand why I get so anxious. I think this is why I tried to avoid this whole situation. I have come to the conclusion that I am just no good at this. It's weird I am seriously great at anything someone throws at me, but put my heart in the mix I am like a blind bat. I am not a risk taker, aside from my spur of the moment skydiving and cliff jumping, I hate taking risks. I am so scared that I am going to get screwed over somehow. And what sucks is that every time I get this way I find myself trying to distance myself so I don't care so much. If my heart had a name I'd name her Wimp. To take a leap or not to take a leap that is the question.

Done

I GIVE UP. THE END.

One Way

I don't know why but sometimes I feel like I'm on a one way street and the only one driving in it. Am I the only one that wants more? I can't shake the feeling for some reason....

Happy Birthday Melis!

Had one of the best weekends in a long time! Celebrated my favorite cousin's bday at Rockwell in Los Feliz. I liked the venue, spacious and of course a spot to dance! I love that my cousin has a place in LA and we can just cab it to all the local spots.... makes worrying about a DD a little less stressful. Anyways it was super fun hanging out with the cousins and drinking the night away :)

HAPPYYYY BIRTHDAYYYYY MELIS!!!!

10 shades darker with Bronze, meet my sister Vanessa Martinez Gonzales -__-

Ended the weekend with a nice little getaway for the night <3 Exactly what I needed. Some QT time: Dinner, relaxing, popcorn, movie and no interruptions . Me and you time :)

Vacation Please!

This has been the busiest semester of my entire life and all I want is a vacation. I don't even need a long vacation, just something to get me away from my books, classes, and responsibility. But apparently this whole concept of a vacation revolves around having one big necessity, MONEY. I don't know where to go that's affordable and in my price range. I feel like I need a weekend getaway before finals and then another longer vacation between my last final and the start of my summer internship.

Weekend Getaway Ideas:

(1) Napa Valley

(2) San Diego

(3) Vegas

(4) San Francisco

(5) Santa Barbara

(6) Catalina Island
I need a break...

Happy as the Sun

Whenever this world gets the best of me
And it all goes wrong
I count down the hours till the time we meet
And I move along
'Cause I know that when I see you I will be

Happy as the sun, lighter than a feather
Walking on the clouds when we are together
Every day with you just keeps getting better
The world's as it should be, when are you here with me
Here with me

Whenever you leave, my heart skips a beat
Unless you are here, I am incomplete
Like an undone song
Only you inspire the melody in me

Happy as the sun, lighter than a feather
Walking on the clouds when we are together


Every day with you just keeps getting better
The world's as it should be, when are you here

How could I go wrong
When you are here with me
How could I be anything but smiling

I'm happy as the sun, lighter than a feather
Walking on the clouds when we are together
Every day with you just keeps getting better
The world's as it should be, when are you here with me

The worlds as it should be
When you are here, when you are here
When you are here with me

<3

Rainy Mondays

Stay in bed, watch movies, pajamas, big blankets, cuddle, soup, big sweaters, fluffy pillows, and all kinds of laziness kind of rainy weather... and I LOVE IT :) Wish I could do all of that today!

Different

Had a family party/prayer last night for my Nanay's 40 Days. It was really good seeing everyone but it made it just a little more real that she's really gone. Family parties are a little less happy now a days without my grandma's presence. I miss her loud voice in the kitchen making sure everyone eats. But I know she wouldn't want us sad because she's gone. On a happier note, I got to see extended family which is always a good thing. Especially since all the older family members started families. There were actually babies and kids at our family party! I forgot how rowdy family parties can get with little munchkins running around!

Look at these Little CUTIES!!!

Limitless

I am on a roll with the good movie picks lately. Limitless was another crazy concept for a movie. What if there was a single pill that enabled you to use 100% of your brain and reach your highest potential? Would you take it? My answer, HECK YES! Probably not the best answer since the effects would be unknown BUT it's a crazy thought right?! It is definitely a must see.

Ready Set Gooooo

I am so ready for the weekend! This seemed like the longest week ever for some reason. Maybe it had to do with the suicide cleanse I attempted. Anyhoot the weekend is here and I am ready for some friend/family time. Dranks, Movie Night, Family Love, and maybe some King's Cup?

Couldn't Have Said it Better Myself..

Ugh I hate being a girl. Sometimes.

40 Days

Today marks the 40 days since my Nanay's passing. My mom tells me the significance of the number is that on the 40th day, the deceased can finally rest in heaven. I talked with my mom today and she told me that last night she prayed and during her prayer she asked my Nanay if she's seen my brother yet, my mom asked my Nanay to give her a sign. This morning my mom swore she heard my Nanay's voice answer her question with an "oh-o," the way my Nanay used to respond yes.I hope that Nanay's been resting in Heaven but if not, Nanay I wish you a safe journey. We love you and continue to miss you each and every day. I'm glad you're finally reunited with Ryan and I can't wait to see you again.

I Wont Lyrics- Colbie Caillat

Just Because

You know what's more amazing and thoughtful than flowers on your birthday or Valentines day?

"Just Because" flowers <3

Home away from Home

I love how every time I reunite with my old roommates it's like nothing has changed. We're all a little older, have a little more responsibility, and have grown a little wiser but our friendship hasn't changed.I'm comforted knowing that in this ever evolving world I can still count on a few to be my constants. Blessed to have met some of my best friends and my home away from home in college.

Isn't it funny how time changes so many things. The once familiar becomes just a distant memory of the past and relationships are reduced to mere acknowledges of ones presence. It's crazy how people who once held such importance in your life become people you don't even know anymore. It's surreal that we used to tell each other our secrets and now we can't even look each other in the eye. Makes me wonder sometimes if something, anything can endure the test of time. Old friends, new acquaintances, I hope that whatever this life brings us, above all things it brings blessed happiness and the strength to learn from our past.

Japan and the Pacific Islands

My prayers and thoughts go out to Japan and the victims of the recent natural disaster. Tsunami warnings have been sent out to over 50 countries do to the 8.8 earthquake in Japan. Everyone please be safe.

Look What We Can Do!

Taco Night = Success

Pshhhh whoever said I can't cook?!?!
lol ok Merv did most of it, but I sure can cut tomatoes and lettuce like a pro!

Dancin' Shoes

Happy Birthday Daryl!

Yesterday was my little (I guess he's not so little anymore) cousin Daryl's birthday. We all went to dinner at J-Korean BBQ in Cerittos. It was pretty good but it definitely did not beat out my favorite spot, Cham Sot Gul, in Garden Grove. The price was pretty good though $9.99, YES PLEASE! All the cousins came together to celebrate Daryl's birthday. Makes me happy that we all get together on birthdays, I think Nanay would have been really happy to see us all trying to stay close as we get older.

It was also Mardi Gras, aka FAT TUESDAY yesterday! I think we definitely got our fat on with the immense amount of Kbeebs we consumed last night :)

Karma

I'm a big believer that the way you live your life will determine what kind of life you have. I have never been one to take revenge or to make sure I have the last word because in all honesty, it's never been worth a single breathe. Hypocrisy and judgment are the leading paths to karma. So in the end, believe what you say, say what you mean, and act on what you truly believe in. Don't preach what you don't live by and don't judge what you don't know.

The Adjustment Bureau

What a crazy concept for a movie! To actually think our lives have a destined path? I don't want to give away too much about the movie because it is a definite must see! Matt Damon and Emily Blunt make a cute couple :)

Ps This movie makes me want to buy a hat

Role Models

Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye

I went to the PABA/JABA installation dinner last night and I did not expect to hear one of the most influential speeches I have ever heard. The installation's featured guest was Chief Justice of CA Supreme Court Tani Cantil-Sakauye. She is the most recent appointed Chief Justice in CA. She is also the first woman, Asian American Chief Justice to ever sit on the bench. Chief Justice Tani is also a Filipino American. Her parents were middle class farmers in the Philippines and she fought hard to rise out of poverty. Hearing her speak of her hardships and her journey to the top made me sit there in absolute awe. Her passion for justice and the law made me see what hard work can accomplish. Her name will go down in history and everyday she's working to make the world just a little better. Something she said in her speech really hit me. She said she was merely a place holder on the bench, and that one day the torch will be handed down to someone else and they too will be a placeholder until the next generation of leaders. I hope one day I can become a great leader and I hope that my passion for the law drives me farther than I can ever imagine. Thank you, Chief Justice Tani, for being such an inspiration in the eyes of young aspiring lawyers who too want to follow in your footsteps.

Happy Hour? Yes Please!

Already took advantage of Bar-Celona's Happy hour last night! Aiming for Sunday and Monday of next week as well! Let's Do This!

It Pays Off

It's a great feeling knowing that people appreciate the work you do. I am no different than your average Jane but I have to admit I don't just sit on my ass all day. I applied for the Philippine American Bar Association's (PABA) foundation scholarship and won one of the two scholarships they give out yearly. I guess hard work does pay off and being recognized by the foundation gives me further motivation to volunteer my time and energy to the legal community. Thank you PABA for your generosity to law students!

March Madness!!

So it looks like this March is going to be one hectic month but I am super excited for Most of the festivities to come!

- PASADENA'S EXTENDED HAPPY HOUR!!!
- MPRE test: NERVOUS! I just want to pass it so I don't have to pay another 60 bucks to take it.
- VEGAS: so depending on when my cousin's bday celebration is, I might be going to vegas next weekend for a 1 nighter! eeeeeeK! I actually just want to get dressed up and dance.
- DARYL and MELIS bdays! hopefully they celebrate together because this March is looking crazy already!
- WICKED: wicked is going to back in CA for only a month!!! totally going in March

Eeeek and my calendar isn't even full yet! more to come!

Acceptance.

I've been trying to avoid acceptance but I think it's catching up to me. Went to mass today and for some reason I started crying. Its only been a couple of weeks and I miss you most on my lazy days where I would usually call you and bug you about your day. I miss the comfort you gave me and the love you showed me. Today was the first day I've cried since the funeral. I wish I could hug you again.

Without Even Knowing It

I don't know why I've been thinking about you lately. I think I'm just upset because I feel like without even knowing it you are holding me back from taking a risk. I want to believe in sincerity, love, and honesty. I want to feel lust, compassion, and trust. I want to be able to freely let go of my fears and hesitations but you hold me back. Without even knowing it you hold me back. I question every word said to me, every act of kindness, every hint of devotion because you tainted my perception of what is real and what is fake. Yet do not mistake my flaws for weakness, because when that day comes where I can fully give my all without taking one step back, it will be beautiful and I will have you to thank for showing me exactly what love is not.

14 Years Ago

Although today marks 14 years of your passing, your memory will never be forgotten. Miss you Ryan. Hope you and Nanay are happy in Heaven.

Mid-February?

How is it mid February already?! Time is seriously going by so fast! February has been a lot of lows and highs but at the end of the day I still learned to appreciate what I have, Friends, Family, and a lot of loved ones.

Here are a few highs from February so far:


E3rd for Cin's bday: Happy belated bday Cin!



Valentines day:
Sushi dates, Red Roses, and Great company <3
Bay boys come to visit for a little Libertine fun. Man oh man never again with the Open Premium bar, it is just a disaster waiting to happen.


Continued the celebrations with a little Going Away fun for the Fabulous Ferd :) I seriously am one lucky girl to have so many amazing people in my life.