New discovery

I just found this website that sells designer fabrics! They are all so cute! I need to restrain myself so I don't buy all their stuff :)

Check them out here.

It's about time...

I've been meaning to post an update since I've been home, but am just now getting to it. I guess I've been waiting for things to calm down and for me to get "adjusted" first... but alas, I've been home for almost a month and things are still whirling around me. I think I should just get used to that, because life is always in this constant motion no matter what!

There have been so many people asking how I'm doing and wondering if I'm "okay" (being home and all). Yes, I am more than okay :) I know that God sent me to CBU for a time and I also know that God has brought me back to the central coast for a time. There are always challenges when it comes to change... but those challenges are usually beneficial. God has made it very clear that He was the one who brought me back here. Within 3 days of moving back, I was offered a teaching position at the Coastal Dance and Music Academy in Arroyo Grande. I have now been teaching private voice there for 3 weeks and love it! My students range from little 6 and 8 years olds to one of the moms at the academy.

It has also been nice reconnecting with a lot of people in the SLO/AG area who I haven't been around much for the last year and a half. It's always nice to reconnect with friends.

All of this to say that I am doing well. God is still stretching me and forcing me to trust in his plan for my life. There are still a lot of unanswered questions, but I know that he is in control of it all and will work things out for the best. Why do we ever expect our lives to take a certain course? an ordinary course? If we only expect ordinary things, we don't allow for the extraordinary!

That's all for now!

xoxo :)

Change and Trust

There have been quite a few times in my life when I thought, “What is God thinking?” Life takes unexpected twists and turns and there are times when I’m not sure how I got where I am.

But then again, I wonder why I am surprised when God changes the course I am on. He leads me to places that I never pictured myself in. These unexpected turns are usually the most crucial in my growth as a person and as a woman of God.

Because these unexpected experiences have turned into blessings, I have learned to trust. God has always been able to give me a certain peace that I have not found anywhere else. I know that God is good all the time and he loves me. Therefore, I know that he has my best interest at heart.

Due to the fact that I will not be able to graduate in May, I will not be returning to CBU in the spring of 2010. My family and I have decided that I should move home in January and continue my education at Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo, California (my hometown). This is going to be a big change and a hard transition, but I truly believe God’s hand is in all of it.

Anticipation

Have you ever had one of those days that you knew was a big deal? A moment was going to come (and soon) that would be a deciding factor in your future... I had that moment today.

Juries.

That word alone sends a hundred emotions through my body. For those of you who are not familiar with the term, let me enlighten you (and be glad you don't have to deal with them)... Juries are a big deal to music majors. It is the day at the end of the semester where your teachers and other music faculty sit together and decide your future. Okay, to be a little less dramatic... the teachers and music faculty judge whether you've improved, what you need to improve on, and whether you're ready to do your final recital.

I had been anticipating this moment for the last year and a half, waiting to hear if I'd get to do my senior recital. Well, I won't find out my results until tomorrow, but it's going to be a deciding factor on my course for next semester. Yes. Big. Deal. Very. Big. Deal.

Last night, after talking with my mom, sister, and praying a lot, I was overwhelmed with a certain peace. Yes, this was going to be a big moment, but all I could do was my best. And all I wanted to do was my best for God, the one who's opinion matters most to me. I knew that if all my efforts were for God, he would be pleased with the song I gave to him. And I think he was pleased. And now, no matter what happens, I know that I put my best efforts forward. I worked hard to improve the talents he's given me and tomorrow we'll see what doors he's opened and which doors he's closed...

Wedding Mania

So for the last month or so, my life has consisted of two things:

1) School

2) WEDDINGS!!

Crazy, right? ... since I'm not even getting married! Haha It's been interesting. Within 24 hours my big sister and my close friend from school both got engaged. So all of a sudden I am constantly on the phone with my sister talking about wedding plans, photographers, bridesmaid dresses... and the list goes on and on. (I'm the Maid of Honor, by the way!) And then I go to meals in between classes with my friend Natalie, who is also planning her wedding. Here comes flowers, family, invitations, etc. etc.

I know so many couples who are engaged that I had to start a list... yes, I seriously have a sticky note on my laptop that has the names of all the couples I know getting married. It's impossible to keep track otherwise, believe me! It's kind of ridiculous... the list only consists of 10 couples at the moment, but it was up to 13 this last summer. And as summer gets closer, the list will grow!

So why am I telling you all this? I guess because it's been a fun, exhausting, interesting ride so far... and I just wanted to keep you all in the loop :)

I'm so happy for Tiff and Mike! They're getting married on May 22nd and I'll finally have a brother!! :)

A new adventure...

A lot of you know that I come from a very creative family. My mom is a graphic designer and my sister... well she's all about the crafts haha (She worked at Beverly's Fabric Store for 3 years and hasn't stopped doing projects since!) And I love to make scarves and cards and such! My sister, Tiffany, and I have always wanted to start a little boutique filled with one-of-a-kind items that were all handmade... so this year we decided to put a website together and start a collection of our handmade, one-of-a-kind items! It's finally here and we're still adding products, but I think you should definitely check it out :) We wanted to have it done in time for Christmas shopping! I hope you enjoy it :)

If you see something you like that is sold out, just let us know and we'll try to make something similar to the original. Also, if you don't see something you'

re looking for, contact us because we will do custom orders as well!

Oh and if you're wondering where our store name came from, it is both of our initials... Tiffany Chew Shibata and Tamara Chew Shibata :) Click on the link below to see the site...

tcsdesigns.bigcartel.com

Here are a few products you'll see on our website:

I think we can all relate... especially students!! :)

Procrastination

Click on the link above to watch! :)