HOME!!!!! (warning: boring post)
It's great to be home!!! I've been home for less than 24 hours, but I've done so much already! Went to Superbowl with Allen straight from the aeroport. Ran into my sister there. How random. Went to see B-ev. She made us eat cookies. They were yum. Good to sit around with friends, feeling comfortable, talking about nothing and everything, planning future hangouts! Dinner with the fam. Beautiful flowers from Jason(!) . Went to Christmas in the Park (!!) with some of Allen's friends. Went and looked at the ice skating rink at Downtown Ice. It was nice..but super crowded. Maybe I'll get to iceskate in January or something! Watched White Chicks. It was funny. super random. I was so tired, though, that I don't remember much of it.
I can't explain what it's like...this sense of home. Of belonging. Of knowing. Of loving.
Off to italy! YUM! Have a Merry Christmas and a very Hapy New Year!
December 24, 2004
December 17, 2004
December 9, 2004
ten random things about me:
10. I love Italian food.
09. I want to take piano lessons again and learn how to play the harp
08. I love changing weather: fall, spring…0
07. I ran into some friends from Cal at the top of the Eiffel tower
06. I love a little verbal sparring
05. My voice goes up in pitch when I talk to strangers
04. I own too much stuff (read: junk)
03. I’m a crazy multi-tasker. Cooking, phone, email, work, IM, read (ok, not ALL at once)
02. My favorite ice cream is Ben and Jerry’s Chubby Hubby
01. I use food/cooking to show people that I love them
nine places i've visited:
09. Troy, Michigan (where I was born)
08. Troy, France (pronounced like twa)
07. Paris…and Paris…and Paris….
06. Washington, DC
05. Banff and Lake Louise. The most beautiful piece of nature I have ever laid my eyes upon
04. A lot of national parks as a kid with my family: Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Bryce, Zion, Jasper, Yellowstone…I’m sure there are more. I heart national parks
03. Park City, Utah
02. Baltimore (am I just visiting? Maybe)
01. Tiburon
eight things i want to do before i die:
08. Raise a family
07. Get married
06. Take a big risk
05. Make sure the people I love know that they are loved
04. Learn to sing better
03. Drive across the country
02. Go to Greece
01. See my sister be so successful
seven ways to win my heart:
07. Be a good listener
06. Love your mother
05. Be a loyal friend
04. Verbal spar with me
03. Give great hugs
02. Know that love is a scary thing, but be willing to take those chances
01. Be yourself, no frontin’
six things i believe in:
06. old friends are the best friends
05. no regrets. You are where you’re at..and that’s that.
04. it’s never too late. Just do it.
03. it’s all about heart..intentions..motivation…
02. cheap-ass weddings (ha!)
01. God
five things i'm afraid of:
05. Earthquakes
04. Losing control while driving in the snow
03. Losing control
02. Being left
01. Giving my heart to someone
four of my favorite items in my bedroom:
04. My reading chair and the associated pink/red napping blanket
03. Photo of my family
02. Henry, my teddy bear
01. Down comfoter
three things i do every day:
03. Talk to Jason
02. Eat
01. Think about my mom
two things i'm trying not to do right now:
02. my clinical epidemiology reading
01. my epidemiology of HIV work
one person i want to see right now:
01. y'all know who...
10. I love Italian food.
09. I want to take piano lessons again and learn how to play the harp
08. I love changing weather: fall, spring…0
07. I ran into some friends from Cal at the top of the Eiffel tower
06. I love a little verbal sparring
05. My voice goes up in pitch when I talk to strangers
04. I own too much stuff (read: junk)
03. I’m a crazy multi-tasker. Cooking, phone, email, work, IM, read (ok, not ALL at once)
02. My favorite ice cream is Ben and Jerry’s Chubby Hubby
01. I use food/cooking to show people that I love them
nine places i've visited:
09. Troy, Michigan (where I was born)
08. Troy, France (pronounced like twa)
07. Paris…and Paris…and Paris….
06. Washington, DC
05. Banff and Lake Louise. The most beautiful piece of nature I have ever laid my eyes upon
04. A lot of national parks as a kid with my family: Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Bryce, Zion, Jasper, Yellowstone…I’m sure there are more. I heart national parks
03. Park City, Utah
02. Baltimore (am I just visiting? Maybe)
01. Tiburon
eight things i want to do before i die:
08. Raise a family
07. Get married
06. Take a big risk
05. Make sure the people I love know that they are loved
04. Learn to sing better
03. Drive across the country
02. Go to Greece
01. See my sister be so successful
seven ways to win my heart:
07. Be a good listener
06. Love your mother
05. Be a loyal friend
04. Verbal spar with me
03. Give great hugs
02. Know that love is a scary thing, but be willing to take those chances
01. Be yourself, no frontin’
six things i believe in:
06. old friends are the best friends
05. no regrets. You are where you’re at..and that’s that.
04. it’s never too late. Just do it.
03. it’s all about heart..intentions..motivation…
02. cheap-ass weddings (ha!)
01. God
five things i'm afraid of:
05. Earthquakes
04. Losing control while driving in the snow
03. Losing control
02. Being left
01. Giving my heart to someone
four of my favorite items in my bedroom:
04. My reading chair and the associated pink/red napping blanket
03. Photo of my family
02. Henry, my teddy bear
01. Down comfoter
three things i do every day:
03. Talk to Jason
02. Eat
01. Think about my mom
two things i'm trying not to do right now:
02. my clinical epidemiology reading
01. my epidemiology of HIV work
one person i want to see right now:
01. y'all know who...
December 4, 2004
We are a house of true Bears.
Well, Eva and I are. I have not watched a Cal football game with O since the Cal-UCLA game. Eva is awesome. Eric should be so proud.
During the game today:
"Those Texas people [fans who drove to the Cal-S. Miss game] make me so mad! They’re not as good. They should just suck it up!" - Eva.
SO AWESOME.
Where was Olivia? not home. Haha. I'm so busted for ratting her out. But, Karen, this is for you!
Well, Eva and I are. I have not watched a Cal football game with O since the Cal-UCLA game. Eva is awesome. Eric should be so proud.
During the game today:
"Those Texas people [fans who drove to the Cal-S. Miss game] make me so mad! They’re not as good. They should just suck it up!" - Eva.
SO AWESOME.
Where was Olivia? not home. Haha. I'm so busted for ratting her out. But, Karen, this is for you!
December 1, 2004
Discrimination
I went to the yarn store up the street today. I have these great plans to knit some really cool scarves. Well, I found out about this really awesome yarn, but I guess it's kinda hard to come by. So, I walk into the yarn store. It's this little room with yarn tucked into every nook and cranny. There's a small counter behind which stood a 50ish white woman. There were three other caucasian women there, all in there 50s and 60s. Two of them just looked like they were guests, hanging out, knitting, and talking. So, I walk in. And it's kind of hard to not be noticed in this cute, but tiny store. I wait for a hello from the lady who works there, and I get ignored. So, I start browsing around. After about 5 minutes, I hear one of the ladies whisper, "Patty, you should help." And she nods her head in my direction.
"What are you looking for?" she asks me tersely.
"Do you have any Inca cotton?" I respond in the slightly higher pitched voice I use when I talk to strangers.
"Umm..NO," comes another short reply.
One of the other ladies jumps in at this point, "Is it that organic cotton?" she asks sweetly. We have a nice little exchange.
At this point, the owner lady jumps in again, "No. We don't have any of that. And I won't order any for you."
At which point I turned around and left.
Olivia reminded me that Maryland is funny like that...part of the mid-Atlantic that still has Southern roots.
Mean people suck.
Oh, and all you guys out there, never disrespect the ladies. It is not cool.
I went to the yarn store up the street today. I have these great plans to knit some really cool scarves. Well, I found out about this really awesome yarn, but I guess it's kinda hard to come by. So, I walk into the yarn store. It's this little room with yarn tucked into every nook and cranny. There's a small counter behind which stood a 50ish white woman. There were three other caucasian women there, all in there 50s and 60s. Two of them just looked like they were guests, hanging out, knitting, and talking. So, I walk in. And it's kind of hard to not be noticed in this cute, but tiny store. I wait for a hello from the lady who works there, and I get ignored. So, I start browsing around. After about 5 minutes, I hear one of the ladies whisper, "Patty, you should help." And she nods her head in my direction.
"What are you looking for?" she asks me tersely.
"Do you have any Inca cotton?" I respond in the slightly higher pitched voice I use when I talk to strangers.
"Umm..NO," comes another short reply.
One of the other ladies jumps in at this point, "Is it that organic cotton?" she asks sweetly. We have a nice little exchange.
At this point, the owner lady jumps in again, "No. We don't have any of that. And I won't order any for you."
At which point I turned around and left.
Olivia reminded me that Maryland is funny like that...part of the mid-Atlantic that still has Southern roots.
Mean people suck.
Oh, and all you guys out there, never disrespect the ladies. It is not cool.
November 30, 2004
November 25, 2004
"Friends long absent are coming back to you."
This was my fortune cookie at dinner last night. And it was so appropriate because after dinner with my family I got to hang out with old college friends. And that was wonderful. There's just something so organic and natural about that type of community. Staying out late and not wanting to go home...talking about relationships, movies, travel, work, family.
"We are fun" - Bev Tseng.
This was my fortune cookie at dinner last night. And it was so appropriate because after dinner with my family I got to hang out with old college friends. And that was wonderful. There's just something so organic and natural about that type of community. Staying out late and not wanting to go home...talking about relationships, movies, travel, work, family.
"We are fun" - Bev Tseng.
November 24, 2004
The past two weeks have been a blur of old friends, new ideas, school, exams, packing, and flying. But, I am HOME now. It is nice (and a little bittersweet) to be home.
Airports are such interesting places. So, I have this friend who works at the airport. And simply knowing him (and hearing some of his random stories) makes me see airports totally differently. So, yesterday, as I was flying from BWI, I tried to count how many airport employees I came in contact with (meaning I had to talk to them, hand them something, or take something from them). 10 people in 30 minutes. I came in contact with 10 people. And each of these people are people that have lives as complex and diverse as our own. It’s so easy when you’re at an airport to get so caught up in the goal: making it to the gate on time (or making sure you’re in the front of the B line so you don’t end up with a middle seat). We end up not actually seeing the people that are making things work. I always have to give mad props to facilities and operations type people. Seriously, our world would be chaos if not for these smart smart smart people. Next time you have some time to kill at an airport, look around and see how much planning and work had to be done to get you to your gate. Did you notice the housekeeping lady that makes sure the trash in the bathroom isn’t overflowing? 20 bucks says she’s a super-nice person. Say hi to her next time. Did you notice all the monitors telling you arrivals and departures in the lobby? Someone had to decide that that would be helpful for you someday.
I went to a retirement lunch for an old coworker of mine. And, I was really moved because he had worked for the State all his life. Started out as a high school kid, cleaning glassware for the lab. By the time he retired, he was doing extremely important diagnostic testing for the State. So, at his luncheon, he made it a point to invite the janitors for our building that he was friends with and the young glassware prep guys. He was telling the rest of us to make it a point to protect these guys. He challenged us to shun the social stratification that creates this relational hierarchy of us and them. That we all need each other. No one is dispensable. No one is more important.
Ok, I’m done soapboxing for now. Time to clean the house…
Airports are such interesting places. So, I have this friend who works at the airport. And simply knowing him (and hearing some of his random stories) makes me see airports totally differently. So, yesterday, as I was flying from BWI, I tried to count how many airport employees I came in contact with (meaning I had to talk to them, hand them something, or take something from them). 10 people in 30 minutes. I came in contact with 10 people. And each of these people are people that have lives as complex and diverse as our own. It’s so easy when you’re at an airport to get so caught up in the goal: making it to the gate on time (or making sure you’re in the front of the B line so you don’t end up with a middle seat). We end up not actually seeing the people that are making things work. I always have to give mad props to facilities and operations type people. Seriously, our world would be chaos if not for these smart smart smart people. Next time you have some time to kill at an airport, look around and see how much planning and work had to be done to get you to your gate. Did you notice the housekeeping lady that makes sure the trash in the bathroom isn’t overflowing? 20 bucks says she’s a super-nice person. Say hi to her next time. Did you notice all the monitors telling you arrivals and departures in the lobby? Someone had to decide that that would be helpful for you someday.
I went to a retirement lunch for an old coworker of mine. And, I was really moved because he had worked for the State all his life. Started out as a high school kid, cleaning glassware for the lab. By the time he retired, he was doing extremely important diagnostic testing for the State. So, at his luncheon, he made it a point to invite the janitors for our building that he was friends with and the young glassware prep guys. He was telling the rest of us to make it a point to protect these guys. He challenged us to shun the social stratification that creates this relational hierarchy of us and them. That we all need each other. No one is dispensable. No one is more important.
Ok, I’m done soapboxing for now. Time to clean the house…
November 21, 2004
We'll continue with the lists theme:
Things I want to do over the Great Vacation (my 1 month at home in December/January):
- Hang out with my family
- Hang out with friends, A LOT. Knitting, watching Gilmore Girls, drinks, dinners, lunches, coffee, movies, bowling, anything!
- Hang out with Jason
- Sleep
- Apply for fellowships/jobs for fall
- Catch up with Chanthip
Movies (theater and video) I want to see:
- Ocean's Twelve
- Spanglish
- Finding Neverland
- It's a Wonderful LIfe
- Fight Club
- Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya sisterhood
Places/things I want to eat:
- Buffalo chicken pizza from BJ's
- Boba from Fantasia
- Chicken Salsa
- Falafel Drive-In
- Chinese food from Loon Wah, A&J, Fatima, Dynasty, Hong Fu, Tainan
- Jamba Juice
- Cafe Raj
- La Burrita
- Zza's
- any of the wonderful korean restaurants on El Camino
Anyone want to eat/watch movies/sit around/do nothing with me?
Gosh..I'm so homesick...2 days...
Things I want to do over the Great Vacation (my 1 month at home in December/January):
- Hang out with my family
- Hang out with friends, A LOT. Knitting, watching Gilmore Girls, drinks, dinners, lunches, coffee, movies, bowling, anything!
- Hang out with Jason
- Sleep
- Apply for fellowships/jobs for fall
- Catch up with Chanthip
Movies (theater and video) I want to see:
- Ocean's Twelve
- Spanglish
- Finding Neverland
- It's a Wonderful LIfe
- Fight Club
- Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya sisterhood
Places/things I want to eat:
- Buffalo chicken pizza from BJ's
- Boba from Fantasia
- Chicken Salsa
- Falafel Drive-In
- Chinese food from Loon Wah, A&J, Fatima, Dynasty, Hong Fu, Tainan
- Jamba Juice
- Cafe Raj
- La Burrita
- Zza's
- any of the wonderful korean restaurants on El Camino
Anyone want to eat/watch movies/sit around/do nothing with me?
Gosh..I'm so homesick...2 days...
November 17, 2004
I am a posting machine. This means I am procrastinating again...
stolen from other people's blogs/xangas.
11 (not so) random things you like
- Henry, my teddy bear
- Fresh flowers from special people
- Laughing with friends
- My pink napping blanket
- Day-old lasagna
- Sitting outside on a cold, clear night, looking at stars
- Monkeys
- Degas' bronzes of ballerinas
- Weddings
- Paris
- The sculpture garden in DC
10 things about your physical appearance
- long half-highlighted hair
- eyes that disappear when I smile
- little straight teeth
- stubby toes
- tall
- long torso
- flat nose
- pinchable cheeks
- high arch
- short neck
9 good movies
- Gattaca
- Father of the Bride
- Braveheart
- The American President
- Mystic River
- Moulin Rouge
- Stepmom
- Keeping the Faith
- Glory
8 good friends (in no particular order)
- My Dad
- My sister
- Jason
- The girls
- Old friends (haha. i'm copping out. the social butterfly in me doesn't want to offend anyone!)
7 favorite food or drinks
- Pearl Milk Tea from Fantasia
- Chinese food (*sniff* Have to drive an hour to get good chinese food here..)
- (pardon my language) Screaming Orgasm..the cocktail, you numnut!
- Jong-Ga House in Oakland
- Razzmatazz from Jamba Juice
- Toffee Nut Latte
- Cheeseboard (a la previous posts)
6 things you wear daily
- silver necklace
- flip flops in the summer
- a little bit of makeup
- hair tie (either on my wrist or in my hair)
- watch
- sunglasses
5 annoying things
- Maryland drivers who can't stay in their lanes
- People who don't acknowledge you when you hold the door for them
- Papers that have essentially become more like homework assignments
- Miscommunications
- Unspoken expectations
4 things you watch
- The West Wing, baby!
- powerpoint slides gloss on by in lecture
- the time during the last 10 minutes of class
- Law and Order:SVU
3 things you like to do
- be in the company of old friends
- sleep
- procrastinate (heh).
2 things you touch everyday
- my comforter
- my glass of water
1 thing you wish for
- the people I love to be happy
stolen from other people's blogs/xangas.
11 (not so) random things you like
- Henry, my teddy bear
- Fresh flowers from special people
- Laughing with friends
- My pink napping blanket
- Day-old lasagna
- Sitting outside on a cold, clear night, looking at stars
- Monkeys
- Degas' bronzes of ballerinas
- Weddings
- Paris
- The sculpture garden in DC
10 things about your physical appearance
- long half-highlighted hair
- eyes that disappear when I smile
- little straight teeth
- stubby toes
- tall
- long torso
- flat nose
- pinchable cheeks
- high arch
- short neck
9 good movies
- Gattaca
- Father of the Bride
- Braveheart
- The American President
- Mystic River
- Moulin Rouge
- Stepmom
- Keeping the Faith
- Glory
8 good friends (in no particular order)
- My Dad
- My sister
- Jason
- The girls
- Old friends (haha. i'm copping out. the social butterfly in me doesn't want to offend anyone!)
7 favorite food or drinks
- Pearl Milk Tea from Fantasia
- Chinese food (*sniff* Have to drive an hour to get good chinese food here..)
- (pardon my language) Screaming Orgasm..the cocktail, you numnut!
- Jong-Ga House in Oakland
- Razzmatazz from Jamba Juice
- Toffee Nut Latte
- Cheeseboard (a la previous posts)
6 things you wear daily
- silver necklace
- flip flops in the summer
- a little bit of makeup
- hair tie (either on my wrist or in my hair)
- watch
- sunglasses
5 annoying things
- Maryland drivers who can't stay in their lanes
- People who don't acknowledge you when you hold the door for them
- Papers that have essentially become more like homework assignments
- Miscommunications
- Unspoken expectations
4 things you watch
- The West Wing, baby!
- powerpoint slides gloss on by in lecture
- the time during the last 10 minutes of class
- Law and Order:SVU
3 things you like to do
- be in the company of old friends
- sleep
- procrastinate (heh).
2 things you touch everyday
- my comforter
- my glass of water
1 thing you wish for
- the people I love to be happy
By second semester senior year at Cal, I was ready to be done. I had all the signs and symptoms of a girl ready to be finished with college. Haha. I just said S&S. Too much health related work. =) Anyhow. In my City Planning class, we had to write 3 research papers: two 10-pagers and one 25-page final. The papers were always due in class which ran from 12:30-2. I started the first paper at 3pm the day before it was due. Turned it in by 12:30. This was in March. And then, spring break (and associated spring fever) hit. The 2nd paper, I started at 10pm the night before it was due. Got to class around 1pm. And then, graduation was knocking at our door. After being in MCB lab for a million hours a week and staying up until the wee hours of the night (or, rather, morning) to finish the write-up just so my TA could come to class high on paint fumes (that's another story), I was done with school. I had had it. The 25-page city planning paper. Started it at 7:30 am the morning it was due. Turned it in by 2pm. Slacker. (read: fool).
So, why, do you ask, do I tell this story? Because I watched the sunrise this morning. My observational epi write up is due in 1 hour and 15 minutes. When did I finish it? (ha! I started composing this blog before I finished it). Just now. What have I learned in 6 years? That I am still a fool. What did I do last night? Did I read the articles? Did I start to formulate some thoughts? I started to look at the assignment (just look to see what I needed to do, length, etc.) last night around 10:30. This was after going out for ice cream with my roommates. I then, proceeded to chat with friends in California, check email, read Xangas, buy birthday gifts and christmas gifts. Ev=Fool.
I'm going to try to tell more stories here. Because, God knows I have plenty, especially from college. If you're one of my college friends...hahaha. You may be seeing your name in lights soon.
So, why, do you ask, do I tell this story? Because I watched the sunrise this morning. My observational epi write up is due in 1 hour and 15 minutes. When did I finish it? (ha! I started composing this blog before I finished it). Just now. What have I learned in 6 years? That I am still a fool. What did I do last night? Did I read the articles? Did I start to formulate some thoughts? I started to look at the assignment (just look to see what I needed to do, length, etc.) last night around 10:30. This was after going out for ice cream with my roommates. I then, proceeded to chat with friends in California, check email, read Xangas, buy birthday gifts and christmas gifts. Ev=Fool.
I'm going to try to tell more stories here. Because, God knows I have plenty, especially from college. If you're one of my college friends...hahaha. You may be seeing your name in lights soon.
November 14, 2004
Here's a bold claim:
I think I may love Washington, D.C. as much as I love Paris. *GASP!* Or maybe because I got to spend time in a beautiful city with wonderful friends. I cannot believe that I had not one friend, but two, fly all the way from warm California to spend a long weekend with li'l ol' me here in butt-freezing Baltimore. I have not enjoyed living in Baltimore as much as I did this weekend. It's the sweetness of spending time with people who know me - my neuroticisms, insecurities, passions, and loves. And that's what Paris was for me. And that's what D.C. was this weekend. Besides, I love the city planning and the metro system. Yes (ev=nerd).
D.C.'s also an inspiring place. Maybe because I watch too much West Wing and could hear the theme song as we walked around the mall. (or maybe that was Allen humming it behind me). I just feel so full of life and love and happiness. Wonderful. =) Oh dear, I'm gushing. I haven't gushed about anything in years. hahaha...
When did this girly girl, helpless romantic in me re-emerge? Twinkle lights, ice skating rink, outdoor cafe, sculpture garden, and what else? A Parisian metro sign. UGH. Straight to the heart. Anyone wanna go skating with me? In D.C? SF? San Jose? Anywhere? Anyone? ok, I'm sounding a bit desperate here.
I think I may love Washington, D.C. as much as I love Paris. *GASP!* Or maybe because I got to spend time in a beautiful city with wonderful friends. I cannot believe that I had not one friend, but two, fly all the way from warm California to spend a long weekend with li'l ol' me here in butt-freezing Baltimore. I have not enjoyed living in Baltimore as much as I did this weekend. It's the sweetness of spending time with people who know me - my neuroticisms, insecurities, passions, and loves. And that's what Paris was for me. And that's what D.C. was this weekend. Besides, I love the city planning and the metro system. Yes (ev=nerd).
D.C.'s also an inspiring place. Maybe because I watch too much West Wing and could hear the theme song as we walked around the mall. (or maybe that was Allen humming it behind me). I just feel so full of life and love and happiness. Wonderful. =) Oh dear, I'm gushing. I haven't gushed about anything in years. hahaha...
When did this girly girl, helpless romantic in me re-emerge? Twinkle lights, ice skating rink, outdoor cafe, sculpture garden, and what else? A Parisian metro sign. UGH. Straight to the heart. Anyone wanna go skating with me? In D.C? SF? San Jose? Anywhere? Anyone? ok, I'm sounding a bit desperate here.
November 8, 2004
Ciao bella!
It's beginning to feel like winter and Christmas! Starbucks has rolled out the red cups. I *heart* the red starbucks cups. They give me warm fuzzies. Often, because they are filled with things like caramel apple cider and gingerbread lattes. And then...after the gingerbread latte season comes TOFFEE NUT LATTE'S!! The best drink that Starbuck makes. January-March. Yum. Too bad I quit coffee. I can still have an occasional cup, can't I?
It's starting to get chilly here. The weather is strange. Yesterday, it was in the 70's. I wore flip flops!! Today, it's in the low 50's and it's supposed to hit freezing tonight. Eva told me yesterday that it normally starts snowing after Thanksgiving. Guess, I'll be giving a lot of thanks during those 4 days in California! I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving. Coming home, seeing my family, seeing Jason, getting my hair cut, peet's coffee, cheeseboard, yum!
And then less than a month after that, I'll be home for what this Korean doc in my program has termed "The Great Vacation." A whole month at home!! Hmm...I'm going to eat my way through Italy. I'm going to sleep. I'm going to go shopping with Jess. I'm going to sleep in forever. I'm going to see Jason and Marcia get married. (!). I'm going to sit around with Jason. I'm going wine tasting. I'm going to see friends. I'm going to eat at French Laundry. I'm going to drink Peet's coffee. I'm going to eat cheeseboard. The Great Vacation.
Ok, every paragraph has talked about drinking coffee and eating cheeseboard. That warms my heart =).
It's beginning to feel like winter and Christmas! Starbucks has rolled out the red cups. I *heart* the red starbucks cups. They give me warm fuzzies. Often, because they are filled with things like caramel apple cider and gingerbread lattes. And then...after the gingerbread latte season comes TOFFEE NUT LATTE'S!! The best drink that Starbuck makes. January-March. Yum. Too bad I quit coffee. I can still have an occasional cup, can't I?
It's starting to get chilly here. The weather is strange. Yesterday, it was in the 70's. I wore flip flops!! Today, it's in the low 50's and it's supposed to hit freezing tonight. Eva told me yesterday that it normally starts snowing after Thanksgiving. Guess, I'll be giving a lot of thanks during those 4 days in California! I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving. Coming home, seeing my family, seeing Jason, getting my hair cut, peet's coffee, cheeseboard, yum!
And then less than a month after that, I'll be home for what this Korean doc in my program has termed "The Great Vacation." A whole month at home!! Hmm...I'm going to eat my way through Italy. I'm going to sleep. I'm going to go shopping with Jess. I'm going to sleep in forever. I'm going to see Jason and Marcia get married. (!). I'm going to sit around with Jason. I'm going wine tasting. I'm going to see friends. I'm going to eat at French Laundry. I'm going to drink Peet's coffee. I'm going to eat cheeseboard. The Great Vacation.
Ok, every paragraph has talked about drinking coffee and eating cheeseboard. That warms my heart =).
October 25, 2004
Alinna was here this weekend. Even with having finals to study for, it was great fun. O, Al, and I went to eat at this really, how do I put it, quirky restaurant that had manequins hanging from the ceiling. Ok, maybe I'd call it creepy. But, it was a fun brunch. Old friends do make the best friends.
Oh, and we watched Titanic as re-enacted by bunnies in 30 seconds. HILARIOUS. http://www.angryalien.com
What else? I've been at school a lot. Studying for finals. I haven't studied like this since I was an undergrad. Juggling multiple finals, staying at school late at night..
But, I've really enjoyed how beautiful and hopeful scripture is:
But we have this hope as an anchor of the soul, firm and secure. It has entered the inner sanctuary behind the veil, where Jesus Christ, who has gone before us, has entered. He is the high priest forever, in the order of Melchezidek.
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior,
my God will hear me.
Oh, and we watched Titanic as re-enacted by bunnies in 30 seconds. HILARIOUS. http://www.angryalien.com
What else? I've been at school a lot. Studying for finals. I haven't studied like this since I was an undergrad. Juggling multiple finals, staying at school late at night..
But, I've really enjoyed how beautiful and hopeful scripture is:
But we have this hope as an anchor of the soul, firm and secure. It has entered the inner sanctuary behind the veil, where Jesus Christ, who has gone before us, has entered. He is the high priest forever, in the order of Melchezidek.
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior,
my God will hear me.
October 17, 2004
Highlight of the week:
Jason was here ALL week. It was so nice to spend the week with him! We ate a lot of yummy food. A dozen steamed crabs, yum! Cheesecake, double yum! Vacarro's, yum yum yum! And now he's gone. And I have finals to study for. Blech! But, no worries! Another wonderful visitor is coming on Friday! Yay!
Jason was here ALL week. It was so nice to spend the week with him! We ate a lot of yummy food. A dozen steamed crabs, yum! Cheesecake, double yum! Vacarro's, yum yum yum! And now he's gone. And I have finals to study for. Blech! But, no worries! Another wonderful visitor is coming on Friday! Yay!
October 5, 2004
September 29, 2004
Highlight of my day: getting a call from Avery. After a LONG time of not talking, it was so sweet to catch up with him. How I have missed his friendship. I have always valued his honesty and transparency. He points me to things greater than the here and now. And, he forgives me for being really bad about keeping in touch.
I appreciate him. I appreciate my friends, especially old friends. And I hope that new friends will someday be old friends. =)
Alrighty, going to talk to my roommate. G'night, cyberfriends (some old and some new).
I appreciate him. I appreciate my friends, especially old friends. And I hope that new friends will someday be old friends. =)
Alrighty, going to talk to my roommate. G'night, cyberfriends (some old and some new).
September 24, 2004
I found out last night that starting sometime in January, Southwest has discontinued the non-stop flights between San Jose and Baltimore. SUCKY.
The non-stop flights were perfect too! They left Baltimore at 7:10 pm which meant I could still go to school during the day and catch the last flight out which was also non-stop. This also translated into not having to wait an extra night in Baltimore and getting to spend an extra night at home. Plus, the return non-stop flight left San Jose at 6:30 am which meant an extra night at home and I still got in in the middle of the afternoon which gave me ample time to settle in before class the following day.
Oh well..I guess I'll just have to find the next best thing!
The non-stop flights were perfect too! They left Baltimore at 7:10 pm which meant I could still go to school during the day and catch the last flight out which was also non-stop. This also translated into not having to wait an extra night in Baltimore and getting to spend an extra night at home. Plus, the return non-stop flight left San Jose at 6:30 am which meant an extra night at home and I still got in in the middle of the afternoon which gave me ample time to settle in before class the following day.
Oh well..I guess I'll just have to find the next best thing!
September 22, 2004
I miss my mom.
I was studying at Starbucks this past weekend. I was enjoying the I-can't-believe-this-is-Baltimore-it-feels-like-California weather outside, drinking my iced tea. There were these two sisters probably around 4 and 6 years old running around in circles on the lawn. Singing and counting. Yes, life used to be that simple and joyful.
I was studying at Barnes and Noble tonight. Frantically trying to finish my biostat problem set, I hear a sudden cacophony of sounds. What was all the noise? None other than a group of 10 I'm-only-a-15-but-I-will-dress-like-i'm-a-25-year-old-skank who came in to buy Frappaccinos and Cheesecake. Yes, even in all drama of being a teenager, life was still simple.
There are places I'll remember all my life though some have changed.
Some forever not for better, Some have gone and some remain...
Spend time with your families, guys.
I was studying at Starbucks this past weekend. I was enjoying the I-can't-believe-this-is-Baltimore-it-feels-like-California weather outside, drinking my iced tea. There were these two sisters probably around 4 and 6 years old running around in circles on the lawn. Singing and counting. Yes, life used to be that simple and joyful.
I was studying at Barnes and Noble tonight. Frantically trying to finish my biostat problem set, I hear a sudden cacophony of sounds. What was all the noise? None other than a group of 10 I'm-only-a-15-but-I-will-dress-like-i'm-a-25-year-old-skank who came in to buy Frappaccinos and Cheesecake. Yes, even in all drama of being a teenager, life was still simple.
There are places I'll remember all my life though some have changed.
Some forever not for better, Some have gone and some remain...
Spend time with your families, guys.
July 11, 2004
Home
The idea of "home" is a strange one. I'm most definitely homesick these days. I miss my family, my dog, my boyfriend, my friends..I miss things that are familiar. I've been trying to not read people's blogs/xangas/webpages too much, because it makes me more homesick. I hear about all the things that they are doing, and I long so much to be there with them. My home is definitely in California. 11 more months until I'm done here! I guess I shouldn't be counting just yet. But, I know that 11 months will fly by! Heck, Sam and Avery have been gone for nearly that long.
But I'm going home for Wedding Tour 2004 in 2 weeks!! Yay for California!
I have been so blessed in meeting a wonderful friend in my program. Maria is from LA, and she used to go to BOL and then Newsong. She's a friend of Anne Chiu's and Elaine Yuen's. We've been hanging out, going to church, and studying together. It has been such a blessing to have that friendship! I've really appreciated her wisdom in that she's been away from home before, so is pretty even-keeled about the transition to Baltimore.
I've been feeling pretty blue lately. Classes are extremely busy (even though I've only had one so far). The people in my program are pretty driven; makes me feel like such a slacker.
Ok, no more pouting and hiding out in my room. I will go out and make myself some dinner and hang out with O and Jono.
The idea of "home" is a strange one. I'm most definitely homesick these days. I miss my family, my dog, my boyfriend, my friends..I miss things that are familiar. I've been trying to not read people's blogs/xangas/webpages too much, because it makes me more homesick. I hear about all the things that they are doing, and I long so much to be there with them. My home is definitely in California. 11 more months until I'm done here! I guess I shouldn't be counting just yet. But, I know that 11 months will fly by! Heck, Sam and Avery have been gone for nearly that long.
But I'm going home for Wedding Tour 2004 in 2 weeks!! Yay for California!
I have been so blessed in meeting a wonderful friend in my program. Maria is from LA, and she used to go to BOL and then Newsong. She's a friend of Anne Chiu's and Elaine Yuen's. We've been hanging out, going to church, and studying together. It has been such a blessing to have that friendship! I've really appreciated her wisdom in that she's been away from home before, so is pretty even-keeled about the transition to Baltimore.
I've been feeling pretty blue lately. Classes are extremely busy (even though I've only had one so far). The people in my program are pretty driven; makes me feel like such a slacker.
Ok, no more pouting and hiding out in my room. I will go out and make myself some dinner and hang out with O and Jono.
June 26, 2004
A first tenuous step
Jason left tonight. I cried a lot. It has been such an amazing week, getting acquainted to a new place. This has been a big, scary transition for me. And, I've been so greatful to have Jason's companionship all these days. And now, he's gone. And I'm here trying to see God in a see of newness. The funny thing is, God is so much more...what's the word...tangible (?) than He was at home. Maybe because He really is all I have. And if this process allows me to see God more clearly, then bring it!
God has really blessed me in providing the friendship of roommates, old friends, and new friends. Baltimore has given me quite a welcome. Ok, Jesus gave me quite a welcome to Baltimore. Mild, non-muggy weather, getting to go to an Orioles game where they won, being seated right away at a crowded dessert stop on a Saturday night. I'm looking forward to visiting O and Eva's church tomorrow. I'm a bit nervous about having to meet new people. It's tough to change churches twice in a year.
So, I was listening to an old Nichole Nordeman CD on the way back from taking Jason to the airport. I wanted so badly to get on that plane with him and go home. To go back to a place where I know people, where I'm familiar with things, to be with my family. These lyrics so accurately capture the thoughts and emotions from today:
Gratitude
by Nichole Nordeman
--------------------
Send some rain. Would you send some rain?
Because the earth is dry and needs to drink again
And the sun is high and we are sinking in the shade
Would you send a cloud, thunder long and loud
Let the sky grow black and send some mercy down
Surely you can see that we are thirsty and afraid.
But maybe not. Not today. Maybe you'll provide in other ways.
And if that's the case...
We'll give thanks to you
with gratitude
for lessons learned in how to thirst for you.
How to bless the very sun that warms our face
If you never send us rain.
Daily bread. Give us daily bread.
Bless our bodies, keep our children fed.
Fill our cups then fill them up again tonight.
Oh wrap us up and warm us through
Tucked away beneath our stormy roofs
Let us slumber safe from dangers view this time.
Or maybe not. Not today. Maybe you'll provide in other ways.
And if that's the case...
We'll give thanks to you
with gratitude
for lessons learned to hunger after you
That a starry sky offers a better view if no roof is overhead
and if we never taste that bread.
Oh, the differences that often are between
Everything we want and what we really need.
So grant us peace. Jesus, grant us peace.
Move our hearts to hear a single beat
Between alibi's and enemies tonight.
But maybe not. Not today. Maybe you'll provide in other ways.
And if that's the case...
We'll give thanks to you
with gratitude
for lessons learned in how to trust in you
that we are blessed beyond what we could ever dream
in abundance or in need
And if you never grant us please...
But Jesus, would you please...
Jason left tonight. I cried a lot. It has been such an amazing week, getting acquainted to a new place. This has been a big, scary transition for me. And, I've been so greatful to have Jason's companionship all these days. And now, he's gone. And I'm here trying to see God in a see of newness. The funny thing is, God is so much more...what's the word...tangible (?) than He was at home. Maybe because He really is all I have. And if this process allows me to see God more clearly, then bring it!
God has really blessed me in providing the friendship of roommates, old friends, and new friends. Baltimore has given me quite a welcome. Ok, Jesus gave me quite a welcome to Baltimore. Mild, non-muggy weather, getting to go to an Orioles game where they won, being seated right away at a crowded dessert stop on a Saturday night. I'm looking forward to visiting O and Eva's church tomorrow. I'm a bit nervous about having to meet new people. It's tough to change churches twice in a year.
So, I was listening to an old Nichole Nordeman CD on the way back from taking Jason to the airport. I wanted so badly to get on that plane with him and go home. To go back to a place where I know people, where I'm familiar with things, to be with my family. These lyrics so accurately capture the thoughts and emotions from today:
Gratitude
by Nichole Nordeman
--------------------
Send some rain. Would you send some rain?
Because the earth is dry and needs to drink again
And the sun is high and we are sinking in the shade
Would you send a cloud, thunder long and loud
Let the sky grow black and send some mercy down
Surely you can see that we are thirsty and afraid.
But maybe not. Not today. Maybe you'll provide in other ways.
And if that's the case...
We'll give thanks to you
with gratitude
for lessons learned in how to thirst for you.
How to bless the very sun that warms our face
If you never send us rain.
Daily bread. Give us daily bread.
Bless our bodies, keep our children fed.
Fill our cups then fill them up again tonight.
Oh wrap us up and warm us through
Tucked away beneath our stormy roofs
Let us slumber safe from dangers view this time.
Or maybe not. Not today. Maybe you'll provide in other ways.
And if that's the case...
We'll give thanks to you
with gratitude
for lessons learned to hunger after you
That a starry sky offers a better view if no roof is overhead
and if we never taste that bread.
Oh, the differences that often are between
Everything we want and what we really need.
So grant us peace. Jesus, grant us peace.
Move our hearts to hear a single beat
Between alibi's and enemies tonight.
But maybe not. Not today. Maybe you'll provide in other ways.
And if that's the case...
We'll give thanks to you
with gratitude
for lessons learned in how to trust in you
that we are blessed beyond what we could ever dream
in abundance or in need
And if you never grant us please...
But Jesus, would you please...
June 24, 2004
I'm in Baltimore!!!
So, I'm finally in Baltimore. The past few days have been such a whirlwind! Jason has been my hero this week! He got up at 3am to go to the airport with me. Then, he's followed me around to Ikea, WalMart, Target, back to Ikea, Sears, the DMV, the car dealership!
It's so wonderful having roommates again!! I thought it would be a tough transition, but it's been really nice having people around. You can pray for finding a church, a community, and a place amongst the others in my progam.
I bought a new car too! =)
What else? Not sure what else to write about. The East Coast is beautiful. Old buildings, beautiful trees. There are seasons here!! (And thankfully, it hasn't been that hot or that humid).
Ok, I'm gonna go back to watching ER now....I wonder where O and Jono went..they were supposed to meet us at home...
*shrug* G'night!
So, I'm finally in Baltimore. The past few days have been such a whirlwind! Jason has been my hero this week! He got up at 3am to go to the airport with me. Then, he's followed me around to Ikea, WalMart, Target, back to Ikea, Sears, the DMV, the car dealership!
It's so wonderful having roommates again!! I thought it would be a tough transition, but it's been really nice having people around. You can pray for finding a church, a community, and a place amongst the others in my progam.
I bought a new car too! =)
What else? Not sure what else to write about. The East Coast is beautiful. Old buildings, beautiful trees. There are seasons here!! (And thankfully, it hasn't been that hot or that humid).
Ok, I'm gonna go back to watching ER now....I wonder where O and Jono went..they were supposed to meet us at home...
*shrug* G'night!
May 28, 2004
May 14, 2004
May 13, 2004
*GASP* Another post!? No way! Yes, it's true...
Jason and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary on Tuesday. Two years! It’s been such a wonderful two years. I’m still basking in the afterglow of the really fun day that we had. (Aren’t you people glad that I’m not a gusher and that I only gush about Jason once in a blue moon? I am. I disgust myself.)
As Alinna calls it, it was a perfectly ghettofabulous day. So, I will describe what we did that day, by describing the true San Francisco people that we met along the way.
So, Jason took me to ride on the cable car in the city.
The guy who sold us the tickets for the cable car was so happy to hear that we were locals and that we spoke English. He looked like the type of guy who did this job during the day and then played in a metal band at night. As we’re walking away, he wished us a Merry Christmas.
We went from Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf. I think the last time I did that was in the 6th grade or something. So, the cable car driver (conductor?), was really rude to all the tourists, and kept yelling at them. He was this skinny guy in his forties maybe. He had long hair and didn’t look particularly clean. He kept yelling at people to take out their cameras, see the city, and stand on the running boards on the side of the car instead of in his way. And then, he started talking about how people should not jump out of the cable car backwards, because then he would have to scrape their brains up off the concrete. Lovely.
So, we got to Fisherman’s Wharf where it was hecka windy. Instead of going to the tourist trap fisherman’s wharf, we started wandering the opposite direction along the water. We stumbled onto Fort Mason, and we just kinda wandered around. We were so proud of ourselves; I kept saying, “See, this is where the locals go. We’re locals. Not tourists.” Fort Mason’s pretty nice. It has these little hills covered in grass, and I kept trying to convince Jason there were guns under the hills in case the enemy entered into the bay and tried to attack. In the middle of the hills, there’s this random 40-foot statue of a man in a suit with his arms out like he’s talking. We tried to find a placard or something that would tell us who or what this was. But, none could be found.
We then went to Fisherman’s Wharf, and we found this random pier that had been converted into a quasi-museum. It had all these old/antique arcade games. I don’t mean Atari. I think these used to be housed near the Cliff House. These are pretty creepy. The have ones called “Opium Days” that has a bunch of undistinguishable Asian (either Chinese or Japanese) people smoking opium (or passed out from smoking). Then, there’s one called “English Execution” and “Guillotine.” For 25 cents, you actually get to watch a beheading (of a little figurine). It was disturbing. This is when Jason and I left. And then we saw the Bush-man. This is the guy on Fisherman’s wharf who sets up bushes and branches in front of him and then, moves them suddenly to scare tourists. We watched, amusedly, from across the street.
We had lunch and then went to get in line to take the Cable Car back to Powell. While we were in line, there was this 50+ year old man playing an electric guitar. He would randomly make all these weird comments in between songs. And then, he’d go around asking for money every time a car left. So, imagine Rick Star, but with long hair, bad teeth, and a slightly crazed look in his eyes. That was this man.
So, there you have it, the weird men of San Francisco. It was a wonderful, relaxing day. Oh, yes, we had more fun when we returned to Oakland. We went to see 13 Going On 30. Awwwwww….yeah! I can’t believe I’ve now seen this twice. What a wonderful movie. It makes me giggle, cry, and shriek every time! And then we had scrumptious dinner at Tony Roma’s. Not so romantic, but very Jason and Ev. It was a wonderful way to celebrate a wonderful two years. *content sigh*
Jason and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary on Tuesday. Two years! It’s been such a wonderful two years. I’m still basking in the afterglow of the really fun day that we had. (Aren’t you people glad that I’m not a gusher and that I only gush about Jason once in a blue moon? I am. I disgust myself.)
As Alinna calls it, it was a perfectly ghettofabulous day. So, I will describe what we did that day, by describing the true San Francisco people that we met along the way.
So, Jason took me to ride on the cable car in the city.
The guy who sold us the tickets for the cable car was so happy to hear that we were locals and that we spoke English. He looked like the type of guy who did this job during the day and then played in a metal band at night. As we’re walking away, he wished us a Merry Christmas.
We went from Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf. I think the last time I did that was in the 6th grade or something. So, the cable car driver (conductor?), was really rude to all the tourists, and kept yelling at them. He was this skinny guy in his forties maybe. He had long hair and didn’t look particularly clean. He kept yelling at people to take out their cameras, see the city, and stand on the running boards on the side of the car instead of in his way. And then, he started talking about how people should not jump out of the cable car backwards, because then he would have to scrape their brains up off the concrete. Lovely.
So, we got to Fisherman’s Wharf where it was hecka windy. Instead of going to the tourist trap fisherman’s wharf, we started wandering the opposite direction along the water. We stumbled onto Fort Mason, and we just kinda wandered around. We were so proud of ourselves; I kept saying, “See, this is where the locals go. We’re locals. Not tourists.” Fort Mason’s pretty nice. It has these little hills covered in grass, and I kept trying to convince Jason there were guns under the hills in case the enemy entered into the bay and tried to attack. In the middle of the hills, there’s this random 40-foot statue of a man in a suit with his arms out like he’s talking. We tried to find a placard or something that would tell us who or what this was. But, none could be found.
We then went to Fisherman’s Wharf, and we found this random pier that had been converted into a quasi-museum. It had all these old/antique arcade games. I don’t mean Atari. I think these used to be housed near the Cliff House. These are pretty creepy. The have ones called “Opium Days” that has a bunch of undistinguishable Asian (either Chinese or Japanese) people smoking opium (or passed out from smoking). Then, there’s one called “English Execution” and “Guillotine.” For 25 cents, you actually get to watch a beheading (of a little figurine). It was disturbing. This is when Jason and I left. And then we saw the Bush-man. This is the guy on Fisherman’s wharf who sets up bushes and branches in front of him and then, moves them suddenly to scare tourists. We watched, amusedly, from across the street.
We had lunch and then went to get in line to take the Cable Car back to Powell. While we were in line, there was this 50+ year old man playing an electric guitar. He would randomly make all these weird comments in between songs. And then, he’d go around asking for money every time a car left. So, imagine Rick Star, but with long hair, bad teeth, and a slightly crazed look in his eyes. That was this man.
So, there you have it, the weird men of San Francisco. It was a wonderful, relaxing day. Oh, yes, we had more fun when we returned to Oakland. We went to see 13 Going On 30. Awwwwww….yeah! I can’t believe I’ve now seen this twice. What a wonderful movie. It makes me giggle, cry, and shriek every time! And then we had scrumptious dinner at Tony Roma’s. Not so romantic, but very Jason and Ev. It was a wonderful way to celebrate a wonderful two years. *content sigh*
May 10, 2004
I have been the world’s most horrible blogger.
And, you can bet this isn’t some turning point in my blogging. Just because I blogged again, doesn’t mean I’m gonna become like Al and blog everyday.
So, I have 13 more days of work. Count ‘em: 13. Craziness. It doesn’t feel like I’m going to be leaving yet. It just feels like I’m doing the work. I can’t believe I’ve been here for three years. I can’t believe how familiar I am with this position. I can’t believe that I’m going to be leaving my boss and my coworkers. I never thought I’d feel any sense of loss over leaving. Heh. I don’t actually feel too much loss. I guess it’s because I’ve always kinda known that this position was just a transitional job. I always planned on leaving after a few years. I am having some separation anxiety in leaving the work. I feel like I’ve poured a lot of myself into this product that I’ve created. It’s hard to try to teach it to someone new. But, she’ll do fine with it. I hope she improves it and makes it worlds better than what I’ve made it into.
So, I’ve been doing a bit of reflecting lately on the past 3 years since college. It has not been the smoothest ride, but it has been a character building, faith stretching one. A few highlights:
(1) the best roommate to date leaving me and our beautiful Oakland apartment
(2) getting screwed over by the crazy girl from Boston who was supposed to move into my place
(3) meeting and dating Jason *warm fuzzies*
(4) CIBC: youth worship, YAF core, worship team…and then leaving to go to…
(5) Berkeley Mosaic: a community group that has challenged me to love the Word, encouraged my weary soul, taught me what it meant to love one another in Christ, and introduced me to limeade and que bueno!
(6) My mom getting sick, my sister going to college. It’s a new place for my family. We have grown so much closer and better for it. My love for my family has deepened, taking strong root
(7) Spiritual apathy to devotion to apathy to devotion to apathy…you know what I mean…
(8) Weeks and weeks of phonetag with O.
(9) Thursday drive-home calls with Al.
So, I’m moving out of Oakland on June 9. And then I get on a plane June 21. There will be crying when I leave my family. I will cry when Jason leaves Baltimore. But haha! I will be back! End of July for more locations of Wedding Tour 2004.
And, guys, suddenly, we’re all adults. Those of you who have dreamed of moving and being a missionary, you’ve moved to other countries to be missionaries. You have gotten engaged, or married, or pregnant. You have changed jobs; you have become teachers (real teachers teaching real kids!), you have gotten Master degrees; you have had to deal with car repairs from hell; you have fallen into debt and paid off debts. We are adults.
And it’s kinda bittersweet. I want to say, “BLEH!” but I also want to say, “BRING IT!”
Ok, I’m prattling on and on and on…
Enough for now. I will try to be better about blogging. Thank you for still checking and reading.
And, you can bet this isn’t some turning point in my blogging. Just because I blogged again, doesn’t mean I’m gonna become like Al and blog everyday.
So, I have 13 more days of work. Count ‘em: 13. Craziness. It doesn’t feel like I’m going to be leaving yet. It just feels like I’m doing the work. I can’t believe I’ve been here for three years. I can’t believe how familiar I am with this position. I can’t believe that I’m going to be leaving my boss and my coworkers. I never thought I’d feel any sense of loss over leaving. Heh. I don’t actually feel too much loss. I guess it’s because I’ve always kinda known that this position was just a transitional job. I always planned on leaving after a few years. I am having some separation anxiety in leaving the work. I feel like I’ve poured a lot of myself into this product that I’ve created. It’s hard to try to teach it to someone new. But, she’ll do fine with it. I hope she improves it and makes it worlds better than what I’ve made it into.
So, I’ve been doing a bit of reflecting lately on the past 3 years since college. It has not been the smoothest ride, but it has been a character building, faith stretching one. A few highlights:
(1) the best roommate to date leaving me and our beautiful Oakland apartment
(2) getting screwed over by the crazy girl from Boston who was supposed to move into my place
(3) meeting and dating Jason *warm fuzzies*
(4) CIBC: youth worship, YAF core, worship team…and then leaving to go to…
(5) Berkeley Mosaic: a community group that has challenged me to love the Word, encouraged my weary soul, taught me what it meant to love one another in Christ, and introduced me to limeade and que bueno!
(6) My mom getting sick, my sister going to college. It’s a new place for my family. We have grown so much closer and better for it. My love for my family has deepened, taking strong root
(7) Spiritual apathy to devotion to apathy to devotion to apathy…you know what I mean…
(8) Weeks and weeks of phonetag with O.
(9) Thursday drive-home calls with Al.
So, I’m moving out of Oakland on June 9. And then I get on a plane June 21. There will be crying when I leave my family. I will cry when Jason leaves Baltimore. But haha! I will be back! End of July for more locations of Wedding Tour 2004.
And, guys, suddenly, we’re all adults. Those of you who have dreamed of moving and being a missionary, you’ve moved to other countries to be missionaries. You have gotten engaged, or married, or pregnant. You have changed jobs; you have become teachers (real teachers teaching real kids!), you have gotten Master degrees; you have had to deal with car repairs from hell; you have fallen into debt and paid off debts. We are adults.
And it’s kinda bittersweet. I want to say, “BLEH!” but I also want to say, “BRING IT!”
Ok, I’m prattling on and on and on…
Enough for now. I will try to be better about blogging. Thank you for still checking and reading.
February 24, 2004
Wedding Tour 2004
Coming to your town soon! Dates and locations added weekly!
SERIOUSLY!! I thought the 2003 tour was crazy (Lafayette, Louisiana!?) . What the how is going on this year? Not that weddings are a bad thing. In fact, they are completely WONDERFUL!
I think I'm at 8 already. Hideyo and Alinna, you are right! T-shirts are called for. Tour T-shirts. Wedding Tour 2004.
Congratulations to all you shiny, happy people! =)
Coming to your town soon! Dates and locations added weekly!
SERIOUSLY!! I thought the 2003 tour was crazy (Lafayette, Louisiana!?) . What the how is going on this year? Not that weddings are a bad thing. In fact, they are completely WONDERFUL!
I think I'm at 8 already. Hideyo and Alinna, you are right! T-shirts are called for. Tour T-shirts. Wedding Tour 2004.
Congratulations to all you shiny, happy people! =)
February 2, 2004
Heh.
I haven't blogged in a month. I suck. I think sometimes I forget that this little space of mine exists!
So, sorry to all you faithful people who keep coming back for more (although I'm not sure why you do...)
Well, I have nothing exciting to say. I'm off to Denver and Salt Lake City for a week. Yay for work trips that also become fun trips!
I'll have my cell with me!
buhbye now.
I haven't blogged in a month. I suck. I think sometimes I forget that this little space of mine exists!
So, sorry to all you faithful people who keep coming back for more (although I'm not sure why you do...)
Well, I have nothing exciting to say. I'm off to Denver and Salt Lake City for a week. Yay for work trips that also become fun trips!
I'll have my cell with me!
buhbye now.
January 2, 2004
Happy New Year, my friends.
I love my community group. I love how they are so earnest in their faith. It encourages me greatly. I love the fact that their goals for the new year were (1 for each person): to know God more deeply, to know the Word, and to love God more. :) Happy. That makes me happy.
Makes me want to love Jesus more, pray more. Happy. :)
I spent New Year's Eve with a bunch of Jason's friends. It was really fun. One of them went to Hopkins for his MPH. He has tons of advice for me on everything! Housing, cars, classes, research, professors, churches. Yay! I am much excited. Time goes by so fast. Last May, I was ready to go traipsing off to school to Columbia or Cal (I guess going to Cal doesn't require traipsing). But, somehow, in the deferral period of going to Hopkins, I'm a lot more nervous. A lot less brash about it all. Maybe because there are so many things going on at home. Maybe because the momentum is a little bit lost since I didn't apply and everything. Maybe because I get so caught up in the details of moving. Maybe because I forget that God was very clear that this was what He had in store for me.
But the land into which you are about to cross to possess it, a land of hills and valleys, drinks water from the rain of heaven, a land for which the Lord your God cares; the eyes of the Lord are always on it, from the beginning even to the end of the year.
- Deuteronomy 11:11-12
I love my community group. I love how they are so earnest in their faith. It encourages me greatly. I love the fact that their goals for the new year were (1 for each person): to know God more deeply, to know the Word, and to love God more. :) Happy. That makes me happy.
Makes me want to love Jesus more, pray more. Happy. :)
I spent New Year's Eve with a bunch of Jason's friends. It was really fun. One of them went to Hopkins for his MPH. He has tons of advice for me on everything! Housing, cars, classes, research, professors, churches. Yay! I am much excited. Time goes by so fast. Last May, I was ready to go traipsing off to school to Columbia or Cal (I guess going to Cal doesn't require traipsing). But, somehow, in the deferral period of going to Hopkins, I'm a lot more nervous. A lot less brash about it all. Maybe because there are so many things going on at home. Maybe because the momentum is a little bit lost since I didn't apply and everything. Maybe because I get so caught up in the details of moving. Maybe because I forget that God was very clear that this was what He had in store for me.
But the land into which you are about to cross to possess it, a land of hills and valleys, drinks water from the rain of heaven, a land for which the Lord your God cares; the eyes of the Lord are always on it, from the beginning even to the end of the year.
- Deuteronomy 11:11-12