Sunday, September 23, 2007

Yosemite Trip, a journey to seek God

Just got back from my Yosemite trip. Left on Friday late afternoon, got there around 9pm, got the tent information, mingled with some crowds then went to bed.

Saturday morning: it started to rain. I decided already that I was not going to Half Dome so I was looking for another hiking trip. Some people wanted to go to Yosemite Fall, so I decided to go with them without knowing the the trail condition.
It turned out to be a strenuous hike, maybe it got worse because of the bad weather. And I heard - between catching my breath - that Half Dome was even more difficult and more strenuous. Hmm...yeah...not sure if I will ever try to hike the Half Dome.

When I was hiking up to the top, I started to feel, oh my God, this is going to be very difficult. I started hiking with the group, but then one by one, people left me behind - I was not complaining, as I don't really know this group and I know I wasn't pacing fast enough with everybody else. I like hiking, but I don't really hike very often plus I wasn't in a good shape.

As I started to get difficult time to climb up to the top - between the rain and the steep and switch back trail, and getting less oxygen, I was thinking, how similar my life with this hike. Many times I feel so alone, nobody else is around me to help me. Many times I have to get everything by myself. In this cruel life, we can't always depend our lives to other people, because other people have their own thing in their life and they need to get going, they can't keep making stop to help us. Many people seem to be nice, but only a very very few of them can be good friends in our life.

As I went up to the top, I felt my heart was beating faster and faster, as I used all my energy, I couldn't breathe, I felt dizzy, and I really wanted to go back. But then I kept telling myself not to give up, I kept telling myself that I can do this. And I remember, many times in my life, I feel the same way, when I just wanted to give up everything because I felt I wouldn't have enough energy left to make my goal. When finally I hiked all by myself under the pouring rain - and hail started to fall down - all my clothes were soaking wet. I had to stop so many times, trying to get all my energy back before I can go on. A couple of times I prayed for I was so desperate and afraid being alone, and couple of times I caught up with one or two person from the group, and they are still strangers to me, but they gave their hands to help me. Just for a moment before they hiked faster than me and I was left behind again. But that was fine. Sometimes, strangers people came in your life giving you help. They won't be around forever. I know I can't always expect people to be with me all the time.

As I tried to climb up to the top, with all my fears that I would fall, the rain finally stopped. The sky finally looked clearer, and I can see the world below me. It was a magnificent view. The mountains, the trees, the rivers. I was thinking, how wonderful God to create a wonderful world. I felt how He touched me and reminded me to always make a best thing in my life, not only for myself, but for Him. And when the best thing happens, it will show His glory. At that moment, I thanked him for the gorgeous world that we live, and I will always thank him for everything He has done to me.

Going back was not an easy task. It was a steep trail, it was wet everywhere because of the rain and it was very slippery. I had to be really careful not to land myself on the ground or to break any part of my body. Many times I wanted to go faster for I know I would finish my hike, but I knew it would be dangerous for me. I had to be patient, stepping on each rock to feel if the rock is steady enough before I move on. Many times I want to get everything in a second, but I was reminded by Him that I just have to patient.

My rewards were getting myself in one piece- completely wet from the rain, and extremely sored and tired. But I did my hike, almost 7 miles in 7 hours, and there I was at almost 2,500 feet of elevation.
And I'll do my life. Difficult or not, God will be with me.

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Saturday, September 15, 2007

Green Fashion - Earth Friendly Clothing

There are many ways to become earth friendly. If you love shopping for clothing, then you too, can contribute to the efforts of saving our planet. Something that you should keep in mind is that wearing cotton isn't being earth friendly. Why should you not wear cotton? Cotton requires a large amount of pesticides to be cultivated. Cotton requires more pesticides than any other crop. Nearly $2.5 billion is spent on pesticides every year to grow cotton. Among the pesticides, many of them harm the nervous system and the agricultural workers become sick easily. Furthermore, the pesticides pollute the soil and water. The dyes used to change the colors of cotton contains toxic metals, and with the dyes going down the drain as the clothes are washed, water is further polluted. Luckily, designers have now come up with more earth friendly fabrics for clothing. They have started using materials such as hemp, bamboo, organic cotton, and have also created what is called vegan clothing. You should be on the look out for clothing made out of these materials if you plan on helping save the earth!

1. What is hemp? The fibers from a plant called the cannabis are processed into the fabric. The reason why hemp is earth friendly is because it has low THC content, which is the hallucinogen found in marijuana.

Why it's good for the planet: Hemp doesn't require pesticides. In fact, it requires very little water and fertilizer to grow.
Why you should wear it: Hemp fiber lasts longer than cotton. It's hard to stain and is resistant to shrinking. Also, the colors won't fade as fast!

2. What is bamboo? Plant fibers from bamboo are woven to make fabric.

Why it's good for the planet: Bamboo doesn't require chemicals or pesticides. It's also a renewable source since it's one of the fastest growing plant.

Why you should wear it: It's more absorbent than cotton. It keeps you cool and more comfortable.

3. What is organic cotton? Cotton that is grown free of chemicals and pesticides. Look for clothing labeled "certified organic."

Why it's good for the planet: Organic cotton is grown with natural pesticides and fertilizers.

Why you should wear it: You'd be saving the earth in an infinite amount of ways!

4. What is vegan clothing? The term "vegan" explains the meaning of what vegan clothing is. Basically, it's clothing that is made without exploiting animals... which means no leather or wool.

Why it's good for the planet: No animals are killed or harmed.

Why you should wear it: Animals will stop going extinct.

Top Choices of Earth Friendly Stores:

1. American Apparel

2. Patagonia

3. Under the Canopy

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/264738/green_fashion_earth_friendly_clothing.html

Sunday, September 09, 2007

Mission: Impossible?

My first mission was accomplished! I've been wanting this red ballet-flat shoes and I got them today.

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Aren't they cute????

My second mission will be quite impossible: I wanna MacBook Pro!!! Huaaaa......even after my student discount it's still gonna cost my fortune....hiks....

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