[CERTITUDE]

1. Since we’re heading out to Phoenix this weekend & missing my sister’s bday party, I took her out to eat at Loveboat Sushi :]  We’re trying to cut back on dining out, but it was a special occasion, so it’s okay.

2. Spin class pretty much kicked my ass :]  Tomorrow again?!

3. Figured out a better future for the husband & I.  In full effect, as we speak :]

1. The absolute BEST thing about today is that we are officially APPROVED to become Green Tree Apartment residents :]  Yes, the big boss herself said our shit is good to go & that they’re on the lookout to meet our requests on the type & location we wish.  OMG OMG OMGGGG!

2.  I got to kick it with Mr. Squad Leader today :]  We went to the Naval Base to get me a new military ID & then to the unit for some TA-50.  The guy is a charmer, what can I say?  Hard NOT to enjoy his company, HAHA.  Oh, oh, oh, & he is moving to AZ, too!  He’ll be right next door, in Tucson.

3. My husband finally got his iPHONE :]  Missing my spin class bc he just HAD to have me activate his phone on my way out the door to the gym was worth it to see him so happy.  He works so hard for us & definitely deserves something to make him smile.

Once upon a time, I wanted it all.  All for myself.  The money, the Lexus, the diamond ring, the bedroom-turned-closet, the lavish Alaskan cruise honeymoon, the latest & greatest of everything.  Savings accounts were even set up to ensure the attainment of such things.

Then, one day, I come across a volunteer book and felt an immense sense of self-disgust.  Although I had frequently combed through the city for remotely interesting volunteer opportunities, none of them felt like a stiff slap across the face for being so selfish the way this book did.

It reminded me of developing countries, one from which I was born.  I was dreaming of a Lexus, while children around the world roamed the streets bare-footed.  While I greedily stashed away money for a diamond ring, young girls in other countries were forced into prostitution & stitched back up repeatedly so other men could feel like they conquered unmarked territories.  Most people were lucky to have a second pair of shoes, much less a single pair — but I wanted an entire bedroom closet filled with them.  And how could I wine & dine on an all-you-can-eat luxury cruise knowing that millions upon millions are dying of starvation, malnutrition, & disease?

This day turned out to be one of the most important days of my life.  I woke up from a long, comfortable dream that promised happiness and satisfaction from material possessions.  The dream turned out to be a nightmare after all, since having them come true would make me another contributer to the suffering of our human race.

From that day forth, I vowed never to allow myself to be so disgraceful.  I am more motivated than ever to get involved locally, nationally, and internationally on a regular basis.  My education is the best gift I could offer to our people, & I must work tirelessly towards my goals, no matter how difficult it may be or how long it may take.  I may not be able to do everything for everyone, but at least I know I will die having done something for someone that changed their life.

Looking at my family only heightens my determination to be unselfish & humble.  For example, my mother has gone in debt trying to keep up with the Joneses — BMW’s, GUCCI, LOUIS VUITTON, etc.  My cousin refuses to do her part in saving up for her daughter’s welfare bc she is always too busy shopping for herself & relying on the father to pick up the tab.  My aunt always complains about being broke, but can always be found gallivanting through malls & shopping centers instead of honing her financial skills.  NO THANKS.  There is a world much bigger than just me, them, & retail stores.