tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78852500911277695222024-03-21T18:58:47.266-07:00Lynnette WooUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-79299701546655052862010-01-01T23:20:00.000-08:002010-01-01T23:20:05.143-08:00MOVINGHey guys,<br />
<br />
I don't know how many of you still keep up with my blog, but I've decided to make the switch over to WordPress, to commemorate the new year and a new stage of my life. I guess I wanted a more grown-up blog to chart my foray into grown-up life. Thanks for reading and see you on the other side (meaning my new blog: <a href="http://lynnettewoo.wordpress.com/">http://lynnettewoo.wordpress.com/</a>)! HAPPY NEW YEAR!<br />
<br />
LynnetteUnknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-47606815862024833242009-12-19T15:20:00.000-08:002009-12-19T15:29:34.191-08:00Domestically ChallengedSo today, I cooked garlic mashed potatoes, and even peeled the potatoes (the first one took a little while, but I got the hang of it). And I baked a custard pie. Oddly, I feel more accomplished today than I felt when I graduated from college. I really need to learn how to cook.<br />
<br />
::tangent alert:: Wow, I just watched my mom take a swig from the sparkling pomegranate juice bottle we bought from Trader Joe's. And then when Garrett questioned her, she said, "Well, that's what you were gonna do." No answer for that one. <br />
<br />
In other news, I'm seriously thinking about switching to WordPress for the new year. Might encourage me to blog more consistently if I have a site I like. I just run out of things to say sometimes (hard to believe, I know). But I do a lot of journalling and writing already, so blogging takes a backseat.<br />
<br />
This weekend has been crazy. I'm beginning to get worn down. <br />
<br />
Wednesday - worked in LA, cleaned the house, home prayer meeting<br />
Thursday - drove to Beverly Hills and back, drove to Gardena and back, worked, guests for dinner<br />
Friday - worked, shopping with Garrett, ROCK Christmas party<br />
Saturday - Aryn's graduation breakfast, cooking (right now), KALEO Christmas party<br />
Sunday - Sunday School & 2nd service, Christmas program<br />
Monday - KALEO small group social<br />
<br />
Then again, my boss has four parties in one night, so I guess I have nothing to complain about. ::sigh:: I really need to get back into the gym.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-35406724715897038012009-10-20T21:42:00.001-07:002009-10-21T00:33:09.076-07:00Your opinions...<div><br /></div>Funny moment of the day: My mom just asked me if I liked "koala pie" (she meant Kahlua). <div style="text-align: center;">#</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe it's because I've been looking at website layouts for work, but I've become increasingly discontent with my blog. I tried a new layout earlier today, but it was too frustrating trying to customize it the way I wanted (I really don't like editing html). I've thought about making it more of a personal website--a blog, about, resume, contact info, portfolio of work. Then again, perhaps it's easier to just maintain a simple blog. Anyways, I could:</div><div><br /></div><div>a) find a new blogspot layout and try to customize it myself.</div><div>b) switch to WordPress.</div><div>c) use <a href="http://www.lifeyo.com/">Lifeyo</a>.</div><div>d) stick to what I've got.</div><div><br /></div><div>What do you guys think should I do? </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-48445146151177462202009-10-15T17:54:00.000-07:002009-10-15T18:47:47.963-07:00Food Adventures: Penang Malaysian Cuisine<div style="text-align: left;">Dad was kind enough to finish his rounds and drive me to Koreatown today. On the way, we discussed the possibility of stopping off in El Monte--directly off the 60 freeway--to try Little Malaysia Restaurant. I haven't had good Malaysian food in a while (since London, strangely enough), so I've really been craving something, anything related to Malaysian cuisine.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>After a productive meeting in LA, we headed back towards home. Using Dad's trusty Blackberry, we Yelp'd the location of the restaurant. Fortunately, Dad thought to call ahead and find out whether or not they close for the afternoon. And sure enough, they were <i>just </i>about to close. So we changed plans (and freeways) and headed towards West Covina. Dad is something of a human compass; so despite my faulty sense of direction (I'm completely lost without a GPS), we made it to Penang Malaysian Cuisine.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The restaurant is tucked into the corner of the very randomly-located Hong Kong plaza (South Glendora and Vine). Since it was already almost three in the afternoon, the place was pretty much deserted. Not that we minded--Dad doesn't like crowds, and as long as the food's good, I don't care either way. Needless to say, Dad and I were the only patrons in the restaurant.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18SLHZm9Uo7Z_sKJJCKXWxVmMOnXUmYg3VfsWhvQD8h2dr-lt_2y13FrOPs3lt5DpRTGFDFDGIxYQVB-zmaV48bJHVB_d16Sen4pUkgKuoXKGSx-pJbhWLOmBWOGljuJFkg9KmCh7tVKG/s400/IMG00008.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393007043089696402" /></div><div>Penang Malaysian Cuisine is definitely a far cry from the usual humidity, dustiness, and buzz of the open-air hawker restaurants. But I don't expect a southern California restaurant to exactly replicate my travel experiences. It was clean, quiet, and nicely decorated; the ambience was somewhere between a modern Thai restaurant and a Mexican cantina (if you can imagine such a place).</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitq_w08takB5OkipXweueOToE5GaBKaFsialhC-bequ4SMPYYLKtEjVG5dWrj3Kyw0DYY70CgCYa_f5kbeaQsA8mavv9ofatbhT0V9Fwhok4WxSvX13DthGhBgymb685D94p7OcsUPf9-X/s400/IMG00010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393007560482515394" /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNRhMrXCeHEsCBpPXgSBmc2IuBTvGdla5qQuWwAwN87LjAguHOPXwU5gTvb2Q-6f0qMZcs9G7AHirN1V12xbLmAPqss9EKgV3TfCHyQ6BA30iMsZYc5Fsmo5nCeSBgihXsC_0-nGPwbds/s400/IMG00007.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393007262464990802" /></div><div>I think I surprised the waitress because I ordered without a menu: teh ice, roti canai, satay, and char kway teow. She actually asked me if I was Malaysian. I suspect most people just look at the pictures and point at what they want, or "point and click" as my dad calls it. Weirdly enough, the waitress is Thai, the cooks are Chinese and Mexican, and the owners are Burmese. </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBXXxhc6EhLMoDlsFMrwkUfeS0oRLo6WwqWkqXoZf9O26JEzYhFRoK99oLCJWbvQScfgoJ1tbpRYA56My5ttgqDpXyigXUXhjrDYUt19_MaLXF_rxS5j2wkb6bs1wSOia-PdJ0G4hCkPv/s400/IMG00005.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393006474108701906" /></div><div>I don't think exported cuisines will ever be as good or authentic as the original, but the roti was still pretty good. It was flaky and thin and the sauce tasted almost exactly like what they served us in Penang. Dad had never had real roti before, so I was pleased that he finally got to try it (I'm dying to take him to Penang myself).</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oyrhwDBXJrHbGr0n3XPnhO9S6XRC1Ht6kXxBq5k0vPaGBxSbvgE9jpqc1qvPuS_3gqwC88kiS6qIWCPYC3fAfhmxqGc8GkW5jP9giodzbeiW_ig_BFKflrVpPri2wicdBBQgkjgvtT4r/s400/IMG00011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393006732625053122" /></div><div>The satay came out shortly after; we ordered combination chicken and beef. Dad couldn't help saying over and over, "it's the best satay I've ever had." And he's tried a lot of different satay. It brought back very fond memories of trying satay from the vendor off the side of the road on the way to Tesco in Penang. The meat has a nice sweet glaze and a smoky flavor, and the sauce that came with it was great. Those who know my dad know that he's a sauce person; I suspect the sauce is what won him over.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwxlvA2cGrtCp0jWCLMW5dQd6-iunLv2EOodW8N3ygLiJ32-jirQpmujZl4ccju7oLUhSvRITrQ5UukMAPmuLb9GsQU4fEWxrNHnEXQWxfSBiFC9X67ZmQo1awL2YUs_B6Z2bY3ywkZ-r/s400/10-15-09_1509.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393005783753185442" /></div><div>Finally, we split the char kway teow. The noodles were actually the kind normally used in pad thai, so that was a little disappointing, and it wasn't as flavorful as I was hoping. It did have a spicy after-kick. I think it's probably pretty hard to match the char kway teow I've had in Malaysia, but it was still edible.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYtpdBAZsptE-lylp5DAAk3RgQ6yNbn66vQYSECFpn4M5tOucn5xyrbDvyXLI-7R8z9DvkC_B069xo9voy3_vKY5fb09bNNOCwUzAo_TfgTFwVS_uhe-8pvo-pDAjX4QcZgf27q5fP4LE/s400/10-15-09_1511.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393006080872298386" /></div><div>I was telling Dad about how people in Penang are fiercely proud of their food. Although I was only there for three weeks, by the end of the trip, even I was ready to defend Penang's cuisine against anyone from KL or elsewhere. It's been over a year now, and I still miss all of the food and all of my friends in Malaysia. I wasn't blown away by this restaurant, but it was still really fun to go adventuring with Dad and re-eat some good memories.</div><div><hr /></div><div>Penang Malaysian Cuisine</div><div>971 South Glendora Ave.</div><div>West Covina, CA 91790</div><div>(626) 338-6138</div><div><br /></div><div>Sun-Th 11:00 am - 10:00 pm</div><div>Fri-Sat 11:00 am - 10:30 pm</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>For those who might be interested, they also give you a 10% discount, a song, and a free ice kacang (think shaved ice) for your birthday.</i></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-1343118577707625892009-10-08T01:34:00.000-07:002009-10-08T01:54:02.187-07:00DBC: Shall We Dance?My friend Aubrie linked this video on FB and I was curious enough to watch. President Dr. Barry Corey (also known affectionately as DBC), discusses the no-dance policy and community standards/contract issue during a Biola chapel. I think he displays a lot of wisdom as well as a healthy sense of humor. <i>Shawdy fire burning on the dance floor...</i><br /><br /><object width="408" height="251"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/V9eRAGr0SMI&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/V9eRAGr0SMI&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="408" height="251"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-33287954495901664802009-09-24T15:56:00.000-07:002009-09-24T17:12:51.465-07:00Comma<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ONE WORD: Comma</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I hate the overuse of commas, as well as the incorrect use of commas. People use them as an excuse to be long-winded. Or as a way to skirt the real issue--to be vague or indefinite. Sometimes, you just have to say what you mean.</span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><hr /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Usually when I do OneWord, I don't bother reading what everyone else has written. But today, for some inexplicable reason, I did. Some of them are incredibly entertaining, others are completely off topic. Interestingly enough, I noticed many people mistook "comma" for "coma." Is it careless reading or ignorance? Check it out </span><a href="http://oneword.com/2009/09/comma/full.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Call me a nerd, but I love grammar. So few people these days understand proper grammar; I'm probably included in that category. More often than not, we see celebrities on TV abusing it mercilessly (to the point where I have to change the channel--it's that painful). </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Last week, I was sorting through some of my old schoolwork from elementary school when I stumbled upon my Daily Oral Language composition book. Basically, the teacher put up three or four sentences on the board, complete with grammar mistakes. We were required to copy them down, correcting them as we scribbled onto our wide-ruled paper. That was how we learned correct grammar. I don't remember learning a lot of hard and fast rules about what makes a sentence work. We listened to the sound of each sentence, the clarity of the words and ideas, the fluidity of the words off our immature tongues.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In sixth grade, I did Academic Pentathlon (again, I'm a nerd). The legendary Coach Cooper was probably the first person who taught me how to really write. She taught us to organize our thoughts, to construct an argument, to support our ideas. Then in seventh grade, Mrs. Campbell taught us to "show not tell," to be descriptive and colorful and visual in our writing. Mrs. Hertzig in ninth grade taught us sentence diagramming and showed us how to construct more complicated sentence combinations. And several of my Biola professors (<a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Snapshots/Paul-W-Buchanan/e/9780738710730">Buck</a>, <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/131605/john_mosqueda.html">John Mosqueda</a>, <a href="http://www.biola.edu/academics/undergrad/journalism/faculty/profile.cfm?n=tamara_welter">Tamara Welter</a>) taught me a lot about editing and refining my writing. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:small;">I think what fascinates me the most about grammar is that it's such a powerful tool, and yet it's so widely neglected. We may appreciate it in its various forms: we enjoy reading good books, we laugh at cleverly-worded advertisements, we arrange our schedules to watch excellently-scripted TV shows. But do we ever take the time to think how important a parenthetical can be, or how much a couple of m-dashes can add? How often do we think about the importance of subject-verb agreement? Do we appreciate that a misplaced comma can completely change the tone and thought of a sentence? Do we acknowledge that some of most powerful people in our day and age wield their power through the written and spoken word? </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:small;">We sometimes complain about international students having better English grammar than those of us who grew up speaking English as our first language. Grammar, however, does not come intuitively. We often understand grammar through years of experience--reading, writing, hearing, and speaking the language. We know how to use it, how to navigate in the grammatical world of English. But try learning the grammar of another language--Chinese, Japanese, Hebrew, Spanish--and it's suddenly complicated, convoluted, and foreign. It's no longer intuitive. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:small;">Language is, perhaps, one of the things that convinces me that there is a God who created the universe and who sustains all things. The ability of human beings to manipulate language, to construct sentences and paragraphs and books, to communicate through combinations of letters and characters (I can hear <a href="http://schmigly.blogspot.com/">Ariel</a> now, "Lynnette, I need to consult you on a matter of semiotics")--who can explain that?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:small;">Today's Twittering, Facebooking, socially-networked and Blackberry-dependent culture has shown us a lot about grammar and about writing. We bookmark someone's blog because a) they have access to the information we want or b) they write in such a way to capture our attention and affections (by this I mean emotions, passions, interests). On one hand, our short snippet and tiny keyboard platforms have lead to the abuse and complete ransacking of our grammatical structures. I think MTV culture has only added to the dissolution of English grammar. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:small;">At the same time, the need for people to become adept communicators is overwhelming. Whether in corporate business or a simple site in the blogosphere, our increasingly shrinking, globalized world requires that we have people who can write--people who understand that grammar is the fuel needed to give power to their words. So next time you read a great book, or bookmark an awesome blog, be inspired by the beauty of good grammar. And don't forget to how to use a comma.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-19628980042032255362009-09-16T17:25:00.000-07:002009-10-08T01:56:38.672-07:00TestimonyJust as a follow-up to my last post on Jin:<div><br /></div><object width="409" height="251"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MmncKOadBgk&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MmncKOadBgk&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="409" height="251"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-39387799893879918832009-09-12T03:20:00.001-07:002009-09-12T03:37:57.185-07:00I should be asleep...This evening at ROCK, we talked about the sufficiency of God's grace, particularly in suffering--times of the "thorn in the flesh" (I'm not going through anything as difficult or painful as that, but I <i>am</i> learning what it means to really depend on the Lord for each day). So Tony asked the question, "Are you aware of God's grace during times of difficulty?" But I think it's appropriate to ask, "Are you aware of God's grace each and every day?"<div><br /></div><div>We talked about how God comforts us (2 Cor. 1:3-4), delivers us (2 Cor. 1:8-10), and shows us how He is at work (2 Cor. 7:6-9). One ROCKer suggested that we can experience God's grace in times when He allows us to feel His presence. And then I mentioned that sometimes I read or hear words (from the Bible, from a wise friend, etc.) that seem perfect for my situation--as Tony said, a "word from God." </div><div><br /></div><div>After our lesson, we broke up into pairs to discuss the lesson and pray for each other. As luck (or "destiny"--providence?) would have it, I ended up with George. It was so encouraging to see how much my "little brother" has grown in the Lord, in discipline, and even just in his view of life. I was able to share some of my own recent anxieties, and the words he gave me were full of both wisdom and concern. Even his prayer for me was a real blessing.</div><div><br /></div><div>And then when I came home, one of the girls that I'm teamed up with for projects at work messaged me. She gave me a lot of encouraging and sage advice about adjusting to work and finding out what God is calling me to do. Maybe even the feeling of, "Oh, I'm not alone," made me feel a lot better about what I'm doing. I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store for me and how He will direct my life, and I'm thankful for the grace He has shown me even tonight.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-67686107971378649992009-09-09T15:31:00.000-07:002009-09-10T00:40:24.457-07:00On self-control<div>In Kaleo Sunday School, we've been studying the book of Titus. In Chapter 2, we discussed the importance of teaching "what accords with sound doctrine"--the behavior and lifestyle which is above reproach (2: 1). Paul repeated emphasizes the need for Christians to be self-controlled (or 'sensible'). There are so many areas of my life where I lack self-control; I seem to always be coming before the Lord asking forgiveness for my constant failure. This week, in fact, I've been a little discouraged at my own shortcomings.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I've had the topic of self-control on my mind, I've also been thinking about what it means to live a life that "adorn[s] the doctrine of God our Savior" (2:10). It seems to me that sound doctrine and a holy lifestyle are inseparable in Paul's mind. Born-again Christians, as Kevin so deftly put it, will naturally put on the good deeds that are characteristic of one who has been transformed by the saving work of Jesus Christ. But that transforming work is--for all intents and purposes--built on the foundation of God's Word. So what we teach, whether or not our doctrine is sound, and how much we read the Bible are all incredibly important. </div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, back to the main point. I was thinking about self-control and its relationship with holiness, and about my lack of (probably both) self-control (and holiness). Another point Paul reiterates in his letter to Titus is the importance of being above reproach for the sake of the reputation of the Gospel. What can I do, I asked myself, to pursue self-control and holiness in my life? How can my life be an adornment for the Gospel? Anyways, with all of these thoughts floating around inside my head, I came across an article in one of Piper's books, in which he writes:</div><div><blockquote>That is the key to purity and holiness, the key to lasting effectiveness in all of life: constant contemplation of the glory of Christ.</blockquote>Maybe this wasn't entirely the answer I was looking for, but it struck me as a particularly practical approach to my problem (I apologize, that was WAY too alliterative). To contemplate the glory of Christ is to bring my perspective back into focus; to fill my mind with sound doctrine--about Christ, about my salvation, about who I am in relationship to Him--and let that motivate how I live. When I have a correct view of God, then I can also have a right view of self-control and holiness. </div><div><br /></div><div>So then, what does it mean to contemplate the glory of Christ? In what ways do <i>you</i> contemplate the glory of Christ?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-16090007692893236062009-09-01T04:38:00.000-07:002009-10-08T01:57:18.205-07:00Job-related......sort of anyways. I've been researching and listening to a whole new genre of music lately--expanding my audial horizons I suppose. Stumbled upon this (though it's not entirely coincidental). Have a listen.<br /><br /><p><object height="251" width="408"><param value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0LdFOWaKY_U&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" name="movie"><param value="true" name="allowFullScreen"><param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess"><embed height="251" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="408" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0LdFOWaKY_U&hl=" fs="1&rel=" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /></p><p></p><p>I'm curious; what do you guys think? </p><p>For those of you in the UK who are interested in seeing him perform, <a href="http://ayojin.com/">Jin</a> will be in London this October. I was told to invite you. So click <a href="http://www.jinisback.com/">here</a> for more info. </p><p><a href="http://www.jinisback.com/images/jintsqfacebook.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 595px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.jinisback.com/images/jintsqfacebook.jpg" /></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-60176155822771801202009-08-26T22:21:00.000-07:002009-08-28T03:53:27.172-07:00What I Like......right now. I couldn't think of anything to blog about. So these are the things I'm into right now--a snapshot of my life at this moment in time, and in no particular order...<br /><br /><strong>1. The Big Bang Theory</strong> <strong>(CBS)</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3214/3064095627_043d046ee1_o.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 230px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 362px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3214/3064095627_043d046ee1_o.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I blame it on <a href="http://schmigly.blogspot.com/">Ariel</a>--she totally got me hooked. I love how smartly-written and painfully-awkward this show is. I've only watched Season 1, but I can watch these episodes over and over and never get sick of them. And since then, I've managed to get Samson, Stephen, and I don't know who else enjoying this awesomely nerdy comedy.<br /><br /><strong>2. Leverage (TNT)</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.areyouscreening.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/leverage4.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 313px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 470px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.areyouscreening.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/leverage4.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br />This show is actually (or at least, I think it is) an American remake of the British show "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hustle_(TV_series)">Hustle</a>," which I loved. It has a lot of the same elements--each character has their own special skills and roles, each episode shows a different con (carried out against other con artists), etc. But TNT's version, rather than being a re-do of <em>Hustle</em>, works well as an American adaptation. My favorite part of <em>Leverage</em> is the characters--they're distinct, unique, and entertaining. It's a very smartly written show. And the comic relief isn't so bad either.<br /><br /><br /><strong>3. Snail Mail</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />I love snail mail. I love getting it, and I love sending it complete with colorful paper, sticky envelopes, and ugly postage stamps. Maybe it's because I'm an English geek and I LOVE paper (I'm not kidding about this--I can spend ALL DAY in a paper or stationary store). Or maybe it's because I'm suffering from a bad case of wanderlust, so sending letters and postcards to Malaysia, Japan, Hong Kong, China, and England is my way of sending part of me abroad to all the friends I miss so dearly.*<br /><br /><br /><strong>4. Books</strong><br /><br />Again, I love paper, in all its lovely forms. Frankly, it was hard to simply enjoy reading during college; the constraints of deadlines, papers, and exams sucked a lot of the joy out of reading. So this summer I was determined to get more pleasure reading in. And I'm always looking for good things to read (give me suggestions people!).<br /><br /><a href="http://schmigly.blogspot.com/">Ariel</a><u>'s list is probably twice the length of mine, but so far this summer:<br /></u><br />- <em>From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwiler</em> (E.L. Konigsburg)<br />- <em>The View from Saturday</em> (E.L. Konigsburg)<br />- <em>Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth</em> (E.L. Konigsburg)<br />- <em>The Namesake</em> (Jhumpa Lahiri)<br />- <em>The Bonesetter's Daughter</em> (Amy Tan)<br />- <em>My Sister, My Love</em> (Joyce Carol Oates)**<br />- <em>Disciplines of a Godly Woman </em>(Barbara Hughes)<br />- <em>A Wild Sheep Chase</em> (Haruki Murakami)<br />- <em>Rant</em> (Chuck Palahniuk)<br /><br /><u>"On deck" and "in progress": </u><br /><br />-<em> The Screwtape Letters</em> (C.S. Lewis)<br />- <em>Half of a Yellow Son</em> (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)<br />- <em>The Treasure Principle</em> (Randy Alcorn)<br />- <em>A Godward Life</em> (John Piper)<br />- <em>The Lies of Locke Lamora</em> (Scott Lynch)<br />- <em>River Town </em>(Peter Hessler)<br /><br /><p><strong>5. MMA & Martial Arts movies </strong></p><p>The other day, I dropped everything I was doing in order to watch a SpikeTV special on my favorite UFC fighter. Daddy and I like to watch Pancrase highlights on TV sometimes. I've recently watched movies like <em>Chocolate</em> (a muay thai movie with JeeJa Yanin, Hiroshi Abe), <em>Ip Man </em>(Donnie Yen), and <em>So Close </em>(Shu Qi, Zhao Wei, Karen Mok). </p><p><strong>6. Music</strong></p><p>At the moment, I really like "Manos al Aire" by Nelly Furtado and "SheWolf" by Shakira. We introduced my dad to Cobra Starship's "Good Girls Go Bad." That was umm...interesting...I only really like the girl's part of that song. I'm really addicted to Yuna Ito's "Mahaloha" (a collaboration with Micro from Def Tech). And I frequently have the theme song from <em>Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea</em> stuck in my head.</p><p><strong>7. Top Gear (BBC America); Warehouse 13 (Syfy); Primeval (both)</strong></p><p>I was struggling to think of a seventh to add to my list, but Garrett helped me out. I just recently discovered how much I really enjoy the show <em>Top Gear</em>, which is basically a long-running British show about all things vehicularly-related. They've done crazy things like power-sliding in lorries, racing the big rig trucks (one had a wedding cake, one had a car, and the last had a massive pile f straw at one end with a heater at the other), and backing up the big rigs on an incline, with the drivers' prized treasures directly behind them on the hill. They try to build their own amphibious car-boats and take them across the English Channel. I love "The Stig" and all the jokes they make about him. They even have a segment where they "put a star in a reasonably-priced car." Basically, I never get bored watching <em>Top Gear. </em></p><p><em>Warehouse 13 </em>and <em>Primeval </em>are sort of my guilty pleasure sci-fi shows. I just realized that it sounds like I watch a lot more TV than I do. Part of it might be because I've moved back home, so now I can actually watch shows, and part of it is because that is how Garrett and I do "sibling bonding." We were both really busy this summer, going out a lot, running around; TV time was the only time we got to sit and enjoy something together. I'm a little sad and lonely now that Garrett's back at Biola.</p><p align="center">#</p><p>I guess in the end, this was a really random (and failed) attempt at a blog entry. Sometimes, there's too much to say and not enough willpower to put fingers to keyboard. I will try my best to be more consistent. </p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>*<strong>Blogger's note:</strong> SEND ME SNAIL MAIL Y'ALL!</em><br /><em>**This one took me forever to finish.</em></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-23297457010813138242009-08-20T12:13:00.000-07:002009-08-20T12:31:37.804-07:00Morning Muse-ings.Those of you who know me well know that I'm a night owl. Even when I was little, Mom and Dad had a hard time getting me to sleep. They said it was like I was afraid to miss anything fun that might happen during the night. Babies who don't want to sleep tend to cry; on more than one occassion, I brought my mother to tears. And my dad memorized the entire hymnbook trying to sing me to sleep.<br /><br />Maybe I'm not as much of a night owl as I am a stubborn mule (I didn't want to leave room for bad wordplay here). I've always like the night better than the day--going out late, staying up late, enjoying either the mysterious excitement or the peaceful quiet of the night. But since graduating, I really have no valid reason for staying up late, other than, that I like to.<br /><br />Several days ago, my writing buddy <a href="http://angeviolette.blogspot.com/">Edmund</a> suggested I figure out what time my "muse" (<em>read: writing-inspiration-fairy-thing</em>) likes to come out and play. In other words, if I want to be more disciplined about writing every day, I needed to discover when my ideas flow the best, when I have the most motivation to sit down and write. Well, up until now, I've been quite frustrated. It seemed like my muse is something of a loner kid, who only grudingly comes outside to mingle with the neighborhood children. And then halfway through, throws a tantrum and storms back inside.<br /><br />So I decided I had to make some changes. I've started heading up to my bedroom around 11 or 12 every evening, spending time journalling (which I haven't done in ages) and reading. And I've been getting up around 8:30 or 9 every morning--early for me--to do my devotions and my writing exercises.<br /><br />I'm amazed 1) that I can actually get up in the morning and 2) that my "muse" is more cooperative in the morning. I'm a lot more motivated to spend my day productively, and I'm a lot more disciplined. Today, for instance, I wrote over 600 words of a short story.* Yesterday I spent a few hours researching and planning work-related materials. And I cleaned the house for home prayer meeting.<br /><br />Anyways, I don't really have a point to all this. I just wanted to note that maybe I'm beginning to appreciate mornings a little more.<br /><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">*Blogger's note: Don't ask, you probably won't ever get to read it.</span></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-63995624007964266722009-08-14T15:21:00.000-07:002009-08-14T15:53:44.689-07:00On my mind lately....<em>Taken from </em><a href="http://www.pubexec.com/"><em>Publishing Executive</em></a><em>, <a href="http://www.pubexec.com/article/a-publishing-ceo-longtime-blogger-dispels-several-magazine-myths-offers-introspective-look-industry-410093_2.html">"9 Things I've Learned About Magazines by Blogging" </a>by Rex Hammock)</em><br /><br /><blockquote><p><strong>No one will ever collect NationalGeographic.com.</strong> OK, here is my suggestion to those in the magazine industry who haven’t figured out how to compare magazines with the Web (see point #2). The magazines we love are not merely things we read and enjoy; they are expressions of who we are. We display them on coffee tables and desks the way people wear designer labels on clothes or purchase one model of car over another. People collect magazines, trade them and display them on decorative racks or in frames hung on the wall. Magazines provide us with mementos of our life’s journey. They allow us to savor our passions and save special moments. The magazines we love are so important to us, they make us feel guilty to consider throwing them away. The Web is a wonderful thing when you want to drink information from a fire hose. But the magazines people love are like bottles of fine wine: Even if you have to wait a little before opening it, there’s something a bit exciting about the anticipation.</p></blockquote>I've been thinking a lot about the magazine industry and what potential there may be for new publications. Last night--perhaps because of Garrett's bad mood or his incredibly stark sense of logic--I was feeling rather discouraged about the prospects. But sometimes, you stumble upon bits of wisdom that reinvest your passions with life and hope. I don't mean to sound dramatic, but magazine is what I love and what I want to do. Sometimes, though, I forget why I love it and why I am on the course I am on.<br /><br />In other news--although not completely unrelated--I've been learning a lot lately about what it means to trust God--what it looks like specifically in my own life. He has taught me that <em>when</em> He does something is just as (if not more) significant as <em>what </em>He does. I cannot presume to know the mind of God, but--as Job learned (thanks Tony)--I must turn to Him as my only answer. I am learning how small my view of God is, and how much greater He wants to be in my eyes.<br /><br />At the beginning, it was hard; I felt like I was watching Him answer prayers for those around me. I was excited when Elizabeth got the Americorp job, thrilled when Ariel got accepted for grad school, full of joy when Janelle told me how she found her sense of direction up in Redding. But (the jealous, untrusting, impatient, faithless) part of me said, "When is it my turn?" And of course, I had to eat my words, because God has done for me immesaurably beyond what I could ever have asked for or imagined. It's still new and big and scary and overwhelming, but I believe that God will give me the grace, wisdom, and inspiration I need to accomplish what He has given me to do. So for now, I rejoice in His faithfulness and sovereignty.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-67301712336140839972009-07-22T01:21:00.000-07:002009-07-22T01:23:22.396-07:00An Interesting Quote<em>"Whether you take a doughnut hole as blank space or as an entity unto itself is a purely metaphysical question and does not affect the taste of the doughnut one bit."</em><br /><div align="right"><em>- Haruki Murakami</em> (A Wild Sheep Chase)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-27621818545017413242009-07-20T22:33:00.000-07:002009-07-20T23:36:43.177-07:00Stop and be Productive<div align="left"><em>"You don't always have this opportunity in life. Right now, you can stop and see which way God wants you to go. Sometimes in life, you don't have that chance, because things get busy and you just have to keep on going and doing what you can, without stopping to think about it much. Take this as an opportunity to stop and ask God what He wants you to do."</em> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><p></p>I wish I had gotten it word for word, but this is as close as I can remember it (Ariel, help?). So today, Ariel and I went out for lunch with our professor Dr. Malandra and his wife Junko. We had a really good time talking and laughing and enjoying the conversation. Dr. Malandra is one of the professors who has given us so much encouragement and so many good memories over the last couple of years, so it was really great to get to spend time with him and Junko outside of the classroom. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><p></p>I've received a lot of advice from people recently--my cousin Rachel (who is amazing and housed us this weekend in norcal), Buck (another favorite professor), my parents, and many good friends. I'm doing my best to follow their sage advice, and I'm also trying to continue trust in the Lord's provision for me. But what Junko said to us really struck me as profound. It could be the way she said it or the wisdom behind it, but her words really comforted me. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><p></p>Others have told me that I should enjoy my summer (because once you work, holidays are less frequent), or that things are just slower in this kind of economy. Perhaps I have this feeling that my life has been put on hold until I can find an internship or until I start a grad school program. Junko's words made me feel that my life is still moving, still productive--I want to see this as an opportunity for God to speak to me and show me what direction He is taking me in. I realize I am a product of my culture; I always want to be active and busy and on-the-go. Maybe it is a spiritual discipline in itself to learn to stop, to be silent, to be still before the Lord. Maybe that's the most productive activity of all. <p></p></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360794419875308082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cg1PgIP0kaWndcjaZI5svtN2lhTq-Smn9U77WfEkS6GsCLSXWk7Lze74O4bX808j58pB9P7o2z1aRYfonzPTYkbRKAt-69uOBp37RbNwSvCUx01D4KvubBSL0RX-h2hTDZXOgxWBMVTg/s400/DSC09990.JPG" border="0" /><br /><em>My "popcorn roll" with lobster and avocado.</em><br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360794791491328978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivziSTdShO0T6DOmDiKz3NnMUwCk3Pe8O5Em3fJr5a48xcjdxFNx7U15c5KHIlJWtNlEmSBwrzF5noP05Y6Pq8s3dXphPURZZcWtQQzF1olRE3-kVIvNLFq9h8QgngntTjdGK5XIzY_7xr/s400/DSC09991.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><em>Ariel's unagi "samurai roll"</em>'</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360795679945457842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuKNhGe8FWpI5Zdq8bl58BWtTn7a6DuZoXh6z-9SrbFplo9gb-L_mEJKKtg7QTu1Mm9V_YM8cHPLVNAFNHTvglbZfgByKMu311wiB-CuY22NwULzrujyNE9KwR_sL9bKcu8yBTaO9K7Sp/s400/DSC09993.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><em>The lovely Junko with the Haiwaiian roll.</em></p><p align="center"></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360796366449849602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQQZvqD6brBVk7S-QFhERw1YB_7msgMElE-BJ0LuEQTe0XWH1u4nbV5pvDptrlmKLKBJEpZXuiu24-8vZfFbPbrEmJgIP7DAeCp1V3FqatBhWFw189c4ORzVGoHOyWMa7RcvWREb4q0gD/s400/DSC09996.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em>Ariel, me, and Dr. Malandra with our tempura ice cream.</em></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-68948613640786502312009-07-17T02:36:00.000-07:002009-07-17T04:04:39.440-07:00Lists, Lists, ListsOneWord: palm<br /><br /><p></p><em>Palm pilots. Technology is amazing nowadays. Dad just got a smart phone--a blackberry, to be exact; we just taught him how to text message. Only problem, his fingers are too fat for the buttons. He can't type anything.</em><br /><div align="center"># <p></p></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">I didn't mean to keep doing the OneWord exercises, but I can't help but wonder what the new word for each day might be. It does depress me though; I feel like my creativity is waning faster than even I expected. <p></p></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><p></p>After dinner this evening, Chelsea and I decided to go to Barnes and Nobles so she could spend her shiny new gift card. Strangely enough, we caught a solar eclips--I mean, Justin, working in the Music/DVD section. English majors have a way of bumping into one another in bookstores, I suppose. Back to the point. After socializing with Justin, Chelsea and I immediately whipped out our pocket moleskine notebooks to find our recommended books and to add titles and authors to our already lengthy wishlists.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><p></p>As we were browsing along the aisles of B&N's, I was thinking to myself (actually, now that I think about it, I might have said it out loud to Chelsea), "How do people ever decide what books to buy? There are just so many to choose from." I mean, there's a plethora of genres: Science Fiction, Literature (does that mean old and dead?), Literary Fiction, Non-fiction, Historical, Ethnic, Travel, Self-help, Inspirational, the list goes on and on. Then once you pick a genre, you (or at least I do) become completely overwhelmed by the vast array of options, hardback and paper back, anniversary edition and the author's definitive edition. Me personally--I just go for the ones with the cool covers, whatever happens to catch my eye.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><p></p>Of course, the arrangement of stores like Borders and B&N's caters to the popular authors with large followings--the John Grishams and Dan Browns and Janet Evanovichs. The people who read their books can go directly to the first few aisles to find the latest; they simply look for the name of their favorite author. The covers even use the same type and layout scheme so they're easier to recognize. I don't doubt that they are very talented writers, but how do people find books that are worth reading penned by someone lesser known (or virtually unknown)? How do they find books of true quality and craftsmanship, not simply good entertainment? <p></p></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I was considering this puzzling question when I got home tonight. I have two or three people I know who are avid readers and have discriminating taste--people like <a href="http://schmigly.blogspot.com/">Ariel</a> (my lovely creative writing roommate) or Buck (my writing professor)--who I often go to for recommendations. Depending on what genre I'm looking for, I think I have at least one person I can ask for suggestions. But even though they're rarely wrong about their selections, I still want to know how other people (the more persnickety readers) choose books for their reading lists. At the same time, I'd like to find books that are shaped by me--by the things I'm interested in or the styles I like. <p></p></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I started looking at different bookstore websites (try <a href="http://www.powells.com/">Powell's Books</a>, <a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/Home">Borders</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/">Barnes and Nobles</a>) to see their recommendations. I wasn't overly enthused by their featured authors (it's the online version of their storefront layout) or impressed with their bestseller lists. I <em>did</em>, however, stumble upon a different set of lists that might prove more helpful in my search for good books. Each year, new books are given awards for excellence in their respective genres. Here is a small sampling: <p></p></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">-Children's Books - Newberry Medal, Young Reader's Choice Award</div><div align="left">-General Non-fiction - National Book Award, Pulitzer Prize </div><div align="left">-Literary Fiction - Nobel Prize for Literature, PEN/Faulkner Award, Nat'l Book Critics Circle Award</div><div align="left">-Mystery - Edgar Award, Gold Dagger</div><div align="left">-Sci-Fi & Fantasy - Hugo Award, Nebula Award</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><p></p>You can search for compiled lists of all the winners, past and present. It may not be a perfect match, but I think it at least gives a good picture of what has been generally acknowledged as good writing. I think it will take awhile before I develop my own way of technique for finding what I want to read. In any case, my list of books to read keeps growing longer and longer. Meanwhile, my shelf-space, and my budget, just can't keep up. Maybe it's time to get a library card. </div><div align="left"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-13291452660831557952009-07-16T00:45:00.000-07:002009-07-16T01:38:42.939-07:00People change.<p>OneWord: Coral</p><p><em>Coral is a color, but can it portray a feeling? I think of lipstick, or blush. Or ocean--Australia, perhaps. Hundreds of years of living species accumulating and growing to create something beautiful. To create a color, a feeling.</em></p><p align="center">#</p><p>That was truly random. I had nothing to say about coral. </p><p>In other news, tonight was an interesting night. I drove out to Irvine and had dinner at Fukada, a Japanese restaurant near the Spectrum. The unagi was tender and sweet and yummy, and it went perfectly with the rice. I enjoyed it thoroughly. It was also really good to spend time with a dear old friend from G.A.'s. Back then we had a group of girls who were crazy about basketball; we wore sweats all the time and thought ourselves tomboys. Since then, we've gone to different schools and different jobs and varying levels of girliness--and mostly lost touch with one other. So it was really good to renew an old friendship. Even though we've both grown up a lot, some things never change. We could still laugh and talk as though those 5 or 6 years never happened, only we worry about new things and can share the fascinating experiences we've had. But somehow, the friendship still seems the same.</p><p>I was chatting to Edmund the other day about change, about how inevitable it is and how scary it can be. He said change is something that we have to learn to deal with in our lives, and that we have to depend on God in those times of uncertainty or frustration. Tonight I was thinking about how strange it is that I'm 21 and entering adulthood and the working world (or, trying to at least). It's strange that I'm done with undergraduate studies and many of my friends are getting married; some are even having children. So much time has passed since I was in G.A. or AOK. So many things change within the course of even a year or two. I think this is particularly true of friendships.</p><p>Some friendships, it seems, change and evolve in such a way that the relationship grows from both sides. As each person interacts with the other, the things that change about them from day-to-day are subtle and perhaps less noticeable. Other relationships seem one-sided. I don't mean in terms of effort. More like, I'm changing and the other person doesn't seem to be, or I'm stagnant and the other person is dynamic. And I have some friendships that seem to be frozen in time, until I can thaw them out and develop them. I suppose there are even friendships where we just drift apart or lose touch all together. There are so many variables when it comes to people--time, distance, commitment, environment, vulnerability, extenuating circumstances--sometimes it's hard to tell who to invest in or which relationships will last. </p><p>Of course, there are times I'm completely disappointed, yet, at this very moment, I feel so blessed by so many people. I have a prayer partner in Singapore, brothers and sisters in Malaysia, students and friends in Hong Kong, my second home church in London, Lit Wits and roommates from Biola, and galvanting buddies (as my dad affectionately coined them) from elementary, junior high, and high school. On top of all that, there are former teachers, counsellors, and professors who still care about me and want to know how I'm doing. Sometimes I get really frustrated with human beings in general, but I think--or rather, hope--that God is developing in me a heart for the people He has placed in my life.</p><p>The other thing I'm learning is that I have to trust God that people can change. I want to believe that He can transform my heart and mind to be more like His. That Jesus can impact the lives of those I love and care for. My dad always jokes that we never really believe that God can change people. "Oh, that person won't ever change," is something we say inwardly or subconsciously, if not out loud. But I believe that God is always pursuing us, always at work in our lives. He made us malleable, flexible, teachable. We can change because God gave us the ability to do so. So in the end, people change.</p><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-58683156141042974602009-07-14T00:11:00.000-07:002009-07-14T00:38:53.891-07:00One Word: LazyI did another one of those OneWord exercises. This is what I came up with in 60 seconds:<br /><br /><em>The summer is a lazy time of the year. You would think that the heat of day would make molecules knock against each other faster--that there would be more movement. Instead, everything slows down, lingers and simmers.</em><br /><br />Maybe because it's summer, or maybe because it's a common human struggle--lately I've talked to a lot of different people about laziness. Summer is--for me, at least--the most difficult season to fight my propensity for being lazy. During the school year, I'm more like a workaholic, but whether it's the heat or the lack of immediate responsibility, I really enjoy doing nothing during summer. Perhaps I feel like I'm always rushing around, always busy, so I deserve a few glorious hours of stillness and inactivity.<br /><br />This summer, however, is a little different from all its predecessors. First, this summer isn't necessarily a well-deserved holiday in preparation for another stressful semester. Second, there is some urgency for me to find some direction career-wise. Third, I believe that God appoints a time of rest and a time of work for us; it is our responsibility to learn how to balance them in a way that glorifies God.<br /><br />For the next couple months, I want to make good use of the time I have, both for leisure and for work. As Sam always reminds me, "I don't want to waste my life." It's not so much about wasting my life, but about using my life as productively as possible for God's Kingdom.<br /><br /><u>The things I have been doing (including, but not limited to):<br /></u>- Exercising regularly - Elizabeth and I have been getting together 3 or 4 times a week to go running or swimming. I think taking care of my health is as much of a spiritual discipline as anything else.<br />- Reading - If I want to be a good writer, I have to be an avid reader. I'm basically reading anything I can get my hands on. Recommendations are more than welcome.<br />- Building/maintaining relationships - Much to my surprise, I have been able to connect with good friends and reconnect with old ones, as well as keep in touch with international friends. That has been quite a blessing--I've been working hard to learn how to love people better, and I think I've been encouraged in return.<br /><br /><u>The things I would like to do (in no particular order):</u><br />- Write more - I need to write, write, write...and when I get tired of it, I need to write some more. Any ideas?<br />- Get an internship - Please pray for patience, wisdom, and God's timing.<br />- Learn to cook - I keep saying it, but I find it's hard to motivate myself to actually try it.<br />- Clean my room - This is another intimidating task. It entails everything from unpacking boxes of stuff from my dorm/apartment; cleaning out my closet, desk, and bureau; redecorating my walls; reorganizing all of my books; re-filing all of my papers; throwing out and donating everything else...oh the woes of a pack rat.<br />- Wash my car - I need to clean it out and get it washed.<br /><br />I've been meaning to put together this list for awhile. The problem with putting things down is that you have to face them. But maybe that's what I need if I want to honor God with my time. Hopefully, the rest of this summer will be anything but lazy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-86847838579567836352009-07-12T22:30:00.000-07:002009-07-13T01:05:52.487-07:00The Problem of PassionThis week, I was scrounging around my bookshelves for something new to read, and I stumbled on my brother's copy of <em>Fahrenheit 451</em>. I finished reading it last night, discovering that Garrett had bought the 50th anniversary edition complete with an afterword, a coda, and an interview with Ray Bradbury. A couple of the things he said really stood out to me. When asked about his novel, Bradbury said, "I wrote the book because I love writing. All my stories are written in bursts of passion." And about being a writer, he replied, "you're either in love with what you do, or you're not in love."<br /><br />Coincidentally, the same night I finished <em>Fahrenheit, </em>I had also reconnected with Brandy, an old friend from junior high and high school. As we were catching up on everything from the last several years--school, relationships, future, life in general--the subject of work and passion came up. So I was thinking: what is passion? <br /><br />Part of me envies the people I see around me who have a certain talent or a particular passion which they can earnestly pursue. Evaluating my own life, I could only think of two or three things about which (I think) I'm passionate.<br /><br />1.) <strong>Passion for God.</strong> I want to be passionate for His Word. I want to align my will to His. I want to be moved by the things which move Him, to grieve over what causes Him sorrow and rejoice in what brings joy to His heart. I want to be passionately jealous for His glory. I want to passionately worship Him with my life. I want Jesus Christ to be my greatest, most evident, most intense passion.<br /><br />2.) <strong>Passion for words.</strong> Perhaps this is why I related so well to <em>Fahrenheit</em> and to Bradbury's sentiments. Words have played such a significant role in my life. I have such an uneasy grasp on them, yet they have an uncanny, almost supernatural hold on me. I never cease to be amazed at the gift of language that God has created and blessed us with. Words have carried His message of love to us through the prophets, through Scripture, through prayer. They help us communicate ideas and perspectives, care and affection. I have always loved to read; I am beginning to love writing--something I find both intimidating and enthralling. <br /><br />3.) <strong>Passion for food and travel.</strong> I love meeting people and tasting cultures. I love the adventure, the spontaneity, the broadening of my world. I could go on and on...<br /><br />On the other hand, I have always struggled with my natural predilection towards dispassion (it's safer, somehow). I question whether we can actually choose our passions, or whether it's possible to develop specific interests into passions. How much of our passions are God-given, and how much is our own initiative? For example, I think there are times that I don't feel passionate about my relationship with the Lord, but the Christian life requires commitment regardless of my emotions. And I know I still have so much to learn as a writer; talent without discipline and hard work will get me nowhere. But can discipline and hard work truly translate into greater passion? That being said, the first two passions on my list are those I really wish to nurture.<br /><br />Honestly, I don't think there's a simple answer to the question of passion--we cannot diminish God's sovereignty nor should we negate our own responsibility. Our passions reflect who we are and what is in our heart. I may not be able to say definitively that I have passion, but someday I pray that the Lord will commend me for being a good steward of the gifts, resources, and even passions, that He has so graciously granted me.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-44595247204335542602009-07-11T15:21:00.000-07:002009-07-11T15:53:49.804-07:00Dedicated to Edmund NgoHEARTBEAT<br /><br />I could feel my heartbeat pounding inside my chest. I wondered how it felt to have a pacemaker control your heart, instead of raging teenage hormones. He was so cute.<br /><br /><div align="center">#</div><br />So, last night, my good friend <a href="http://angeviolette.blogspot.com/">Edmund</a> and I were talking about returning to our blogs (aspiring writers must keep writing!). So Ed pulled up this nifty little site called <a href="http://oneword.com/">One Word</a>: it generates a word, then gives you 60 seconds to write whatever first comes to mind. You can submit and see what other people have written based on that single word.<br /><br />I actually find it very difficult to write off the cusp. Being a slightly obsessive-compulsive, perfectionistic sort of girl, I prefer to take my time to plan, craft and edit. This semester I took a course in novel-writing; I discovered just how difficult creative writing is and how many skills I still need to acquire.<br /><br />The other comment Ed made was about the beauty of technology. Even though we are about 8,735 miles (14,058 km) away, we can still do fun things together. As an aside, I am so thankful for Edmund's friendship, faithfulness, and encouragement. I love having friends all over the world, and I can't wait to go back to Malaysia to visit. So Edmund, this post is dedicated to you.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-89774953999671444102008-11-17T09:27:00.000-08:002008-11-17T10:20:55.273-08:00Today I cried...I haven't blogged in three weeks. My life up until now has been a whirlwind of travel, church, and schoolwork. Yes, I do schoolwork. The main reason I haven't had time to write is--believe it or not--I have been swamped with reading and papers. I just had three papers due consecutively, one right after the other, plus weekly reading. Now there's only about 5 weeks left to the end of the semester and I have now (drumroll please) 9 more books to read, three more papers to write, and a "soul project" to complete. And then my term here at Roehampton University will officially come to an end.<br /><br />Of course, those of you who have a Facebook know that it hasn't been all work and no play. If the photos are any indication, it looks as though I never have time to do any studying. But believe me, I've pulled more than my fair share of all-nighters trying to finish my work here. On the other hand, I could talk about cooking Matthew's "chicken and potato in dark sauce" recipe for the first time (I am no cook), visiting the white cliffs of Dover (Matthew Arnold anyone?), hanging out with the university students--aka 360--at CCiL, attending Central DCG (CCiL's equivalent of FCBCFV's KALEO), boiling potstickers and cooking failed crepes for my flatmates, shopping/eating/studying in Hammersmith and Central London, getting dropped off in the middle of nowhere by the 72 (it's like Russian roulette, but with buses), conferences with lecturers, seeing <em>007 Quantam of Solace</em> and then searching in the rain for an Italian restaurant from Aryn's childhood, braving the brand-spanking new Westfield mall (because we're crazy masochists), our Sunday McFlurry ritual, doing laundry and scrounging around for the ever elusive 50p coins, going to a cheesy American diner for milkshakes and "a taste of home," a short visit to Oxford; field trips to Canterbury, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Westminster Abbey; a weekend trip to Paris (including but not limited to the Eiffel Tower, Montmarte, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Sacre Coeur, Luxembourg Garden, the Sarbonne, yummy food with Stephen's Korean and French-speaking cousin, the best ice cream ever with Christina's roommate and our personal tour guide Mary, fondue in the Latin Quarter, crepes galore, and a tiny bit of boutique shopping) and my first time staying in a hostel, and finally, our day trip to Wales and the amazing Cardiff Castle. <em>Phew. </em>That's basically what I've been up to.<br /><br />My original plan was to blog about everything and post pictures. But it all seems...unimportant at the moment. Even now, my eyes are still blurry from crying. I had a good, solid cry today. I cried out of thankfulness that my home and my family are (so far) safe from the embers of the Brea and Yorba Linda fires. I cried because <a href="http://www.ocregister.com/articles/fire-map-orange-2191967-county-perimeter">the fire came so terrifyingly close to my neighborhood</a> (you can see on the map: I live between Lambert and Birch, on the West side of Associated Rd). I cried because <a href="http://schmigly.blogspot.com/">Ariel</a>'s family was finally able to return to their home. I cried out of grief for so many people who have lost everything to the uncontrollable flames that consumed not just the roof over their heads, but their memories of home and warmth. I cried realizing how blessed I am that so many people have shown care and concern for my family. I cried for my fellow Biola students who are suffering in other ways. I cried out to God in my state of helplessness, and He reminded me that He is good, He is sovereign, He is loving and ever-faithful.<br /><br />Somehow, I can't contain the emotions welling up inside me, and they overflow into tears. There is indeed great pain and turmoil in our world. Those who think that Christianity is illogical and religious faith purely emotional are gravely mistaken. Right now, my brain is desperately fighting what I'm feeling inside--frustration at not being able to be with my family, anger at our impotence against the forces of nature, an inconsolable sense of loss and grief over those whose lives have been so heavily broken. But I have hope in my eternal home and the promise of an eternity spent with an amazing, holy, and loving God. I take comfort in knowing that He is in control of all things, and that even in suffering He can bring about tremendous blessing.<br /><br />The most difficult thing for me right now is figuring out what to do now. I'm on another continent, in another country, worrying about things that are happening hundreds of miles away. But despite what happens, life here goes on. I still have books to read, papers to write, people to meet, and places to travel to. I have church events and lunch dates and daytrips already planned. How much am I allowed to enjoy myself when people back home are suffering so much? Where do I draw the line between my life back home and my life here in London? In any case, please continue to pray for those who have lost their homes and those who are fighting the fires. Pray that in all things, God may be glorified.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-53092676563868004202008-10-21T17:11:00.001-07:002008-10-21T17:17:29.045-07:00Pt. 4 Field Trip #2, etc.<strong>6. Ely and Cambridge (10/18)</strong><br /><br />The morning of the second field trip was a disaster. I guess it could have been worse. I had set my alarm for 7, because I knew the bus was scheduled to leave at 8:30 am. Unfortunately, I never heard my alarm. My clock read 8:40 am when I woke up. I went into a bit of a panic; I was sure that I had been left behind.<br /><br />I don’t think I’ve ever gotten dressed that quickly. I was in such a rush though, that I neglected some important things, like washing my face (I know, I know) or grabbing a scarf. I flew out the door, across campus, past the security gate, and up the road. Fortunately, I wasn’t the only one running behind that morning, and I managed to get there just as the bus was beginning to pull away. It gave me a scare though.<br /><br />The bus ride to Ely was around two hours long, so I had time to let the adrenaline rush subside and take a nap. We arrived in Ely to sunshine and a nice little apple festival, but no professor in sight. After much confusion…we were first told that there were no tours that day, then we were told to talk to Sue, one person talked to her, then she told the next person she wasn’t Sue, then they wanted us to pay for a tour…finally Professor Lotz arrived and showed the receipt proving that we had already booked and paid for our tour of Ely Cathedral.<br /><br />The tour guide was a bent, elderly gentleman with little hearing and a big sense of humor. Despite his age and arthritic stride, he was quite lively and gave us a lot of interesting information about the cathedral. As we walked around, we enjoyed hearing the choir rehearsing for the evening festival. It was really beautiful.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259764826952598786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIfadoAYpIKHvOXMTei-XFvuefRiK1ugQfx1NhkvwAXVkvQ0tCgSghiwKBd_QayoHQZmG1SGG18CU40qy7QgCrajryU44iUKyTyWEyj3w5nQ9DaiGqPo4XQpHt3YPFzdVoMCZRxA-VjAk/s400/ely01.JPG" border="0" />Once we had finished our tour, we walked around the block to the site of Oliver Cromwell’s house, where we took another tour given by a lady in Puritan costume. The “Lord Protector” was an interesting character, and the simplicity of the Puritan lifestyle he led was a curious contrast to the enormity of his influence on England’s history.<br /><br />We were already running behind, so our class loaded back onto the bus to head to Cambridge. Aryn and I were a bit concerned because we were really late and Eric had been waiting for us. Fortunately, he was very flexible and willingly waited another hour for us to attend a lecture with Dr. Ian Randall, which was a fascinating take on evangelicalism and its roots in England.<br /><br />Directly after the lecture we met up with Eric again. He took us to The Beef Baron, a pub in Cambridge that’s known for its burgers—our first in England. Aryn ordered a pesto burger that came out with about a half-inch thick layer of pesto. I had a Reggae Reggae burger with spicy sauce. We ate fast enough to get indigestion, but we still had so much to see.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259764477754955314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_fPIUjxCF5_SO8avqZULBL8_Qu9JM5aRRRcwJhDwaWR3jDZNVKj-09JgvT1Xv3gvZSdVR4tyaukQjdYHM_aiEoQfawVbbCUFsxZOMpk5bPeobdrgAKXwpORTVVZOTRetjJ3LR5iCdo3-/s400/Cambridge01.JPG" border="0" /> Eric took us on a bit of a whirlwind tour around Cambridge. We pretended that we were students at Cambridge and walked into St. John’s College. We crossed the Bridge of Sighs (no, it isn’t really a sad bridge), watched people punting badly (i.e. bumping into each other, and one girl even fell into the river), searched unsuccessfully for the Mathematics bridge (that’s its side job), tried free samples at the 200 year old fudge shop, fed the ducks (they were following Aryn and her baguette) visited Emmanuel College (Eric’s school).<br /><br />Eric dropped us off at King’s College, where we attended Evensong. Inside of the cathedral is magnificent and awe-inspiringly. We couldn’t see much from where we were sitting though, especially because the congregation is cut off by the large wooden screen. The music was really beautiful, but we did a lot of sitting down, standing up, sitting down, and standing up again. The dimmed lights and floating music really had a soporific effect on me. All the same, Evensong was quite impressive.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259765233960655666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-2XIsxbArySCyJZJjR_pT4FAkfC3aQqbjXh0F8SPBxbZ4Sq82r_K-DLWXP5CEuFfdR3zNgn4lgc9mG7J0wThhUZb3Qee0_2LVOpQdG7BkK6tA_D2SJiQWQ-7wFi8KHsvWaYzvs-fguNi/s400/Cambridge02.JPG" border="0" />Cambridge really fulfilled all of my expectations. It’s almost exactly what I dreamt university life would be like in my young girlish imagination. I suppose it’s strange for an elementary student to create fantasies about collegiate life, but my parents were ROCK sponsors for a long time. I grew up around collegians. Plus, it was awesome getting to hang out with Eric. Yay for connections.<br /><br /><strong>7. Miscellaneous notes</strong><br /><br />You all may be reading these entries and thinking, “When in the world does Lynnette ever get around to studying?” But actually, I’ve been about a week or two ahead in all of my reading. I’m reading a little over two novels a week, plus I have to write reflections on all our field trips. I have a book in my bag with me at all times, so that I can pull it out on the bus or on the Tube. Plus, there are days that I stay in all day to read.<br /><br />Aryn and I sometimes get together for dinner. One night she made sukiyaki, which was a really amazing home-cooked meal for students. And then last night, Aryn cooked pasta and I provided homemade garlic bread (thank you Ariel). This afternoon, I had lunch with my Japanese friend Suzuko, and we had a really great chat. She did make the mistake of asking me about my favorite foods; I think I talked about 10 minutes before I realized I had gotten carried away.<br /><br />Tonight was Rachael’s turn to cook the floor dinner tonight: salmon, vegetarian imitation chicken (made from corn), rice, asparagus, all with a nice mushroom cream sauce. We finished off the meal with lemon cheesecake. Everything tasted great. I always enjoy hanging out with my flatmates. Sadly, our classes are becoming more consuming and we have less time to just relax and spend time together. So our floor dinners are really great.<br /><br />I can’t believe it’s already been a month and a half since I left Orange County. We actually only have about eight or nine weeks left in the term. Part of me feels like, I’m only now adjusting to life here and making friends, and I’m leaving so soon. Another part of me is beginning to feel drawn towards the future, towards my last semester and then seeing what God has in store for me post-graduation. And the last part of me (that sounds strange) wonders whether or not I have enough time to finish all of my coursework and visit places I want to see and make good friends at church and everything else that I want to do while I’m here.<br /><br />Anyways, now you all know what I’ve been up to for the last couple of weeks. I think I binge-blogged. Or something like that. Now I probably won’t want to blog for a long time. I’ve procrastinated long enough—now it’s time to get some more reading done. I feel like I haven’t been very interesting on this blog. Oh well.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-69052851186596043102008-10-21T16:56:00.001-07:002008-10-21T17:00:34.564-07:00Pt. 3 Central London and CCiL<strong>4. Chinatown/Covent Garden/Japan Centre (10/15)</strong><br /><br />Aryn and I were craving Chinese food, so we decided to take Dani with us to London’s Chinatown, a list of our friend Sam’s recommended restaurants in hand. I was also hoping to find the Chinese grocery stores, but we got so hungry that all we wanted to do was sit down and eat. We found an inexpensive Cantonese restaurant and had won ton mein soup noodles there.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259760678922218402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJhjfNLuu6cUxaLBiWMBkAWx0nZDQ9SLanh73wE2XDuHnnjyBfVrtZ_QNcvJmtloku4OJ6scqWE5kbZ7RND4apGjnns_tVmsZJXGPv_PfDssbC9lobRZB-cg24OwAlp9HblPMNTxVowWx/s400/Chinatown02.JPG" border="0" />We decided that we needed to walk off lunch, so we wandered from Leicester Square to Covent Garden, browsing clothing shops (we stumbled across Aryn’s favorite designer Ted Baker) and used bookstores. I found the perfect gift for Ariel—a signed T.S. Eliot essay—but unfortunately, it was way beyond my student’s budget. It gave me a brief moment of excitement though.<br /><br />Since we had already wandered so far, we decided to continue on to Piccadilly Circus in search of the Japan Centre, where we were able to buy Asian groceries. Aryn bought the ingredients for sukiyaki that we cooked later in the week. Oishii desu! We basically hit the mother lode.<br /><br /><strong>5. CCiL and Central DCG (10/12, 10/17, 10/19)</strong><br /><br />Despite the fact that I’m only here in London for a few months, I wanted to find a good church here where I could get plugged in as much as possible. I really enjoyed St. Paul’s Hammersmith, where Justin and Andy settled down. For some reason, though, I felt really determined to find a Chinese church here.<br /><br />So I searched online (much to their amusement) and found Chinese Church in London. They have around 7 congregations all over London, with one English service in nearby Hammersmith. I dragged Aryn with me to Sunday service a week ago and we both really enjoyed it. They had a guest speaker that day—an Australian—who preached a message on prayer. And this past week was also a guest speaker. I’m eager to hear a sermon from CCiL’s Pastor Ong.<br /><br />Anyways, we got to meet some of the university students who attend CCiL and hang out with them for lunch (yummy Chinese food, and free for newcomers). One of those students we met is a guy named Eric, who is studying at Cambridge. More on him later.<br /><br />I also wanted to join one of the fellowship groups at CCiL. Sadly, my Biola class is at the exact same time as the university fellowship, 360, on Wednesday nights. Since I can’t attend that group, they invited me to go to Central DCG (District Caring Group), which is the young adult fellowship (think Kaleo).<br /><br />So this past Friday, I made my first trip into Central London on my own (I usually have at least one other person with me any time I go into London). I felt so proud and accomplished for getting to church and back by myself. Central DCG is actually held at CCiL’s other site—the Soho Outreach Centre, or SOC. I’m not sure why there are so many acronyms at this church.<br /><br />Since I didn’t want to travel during rush hour, I left pretty early and had quite a lot of down time before fellowship started. I wandered around Chinatown and FINALLY found all of the grocery stores. I still had time to kill after that, so I walked down to the Malaysian restaurant I had seen on our last visit to Leicester Square. I got some strange looks, but I sat inside the café and enjoyed a cold glass teh tarik (teh ice?) and journalled. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259761058154830018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB18RLwFQSH13Vxum2k2XhP-mFNk4HcnPrZXAGVn_gwQv-SWMtJyQqsIPPQnXIiXKe-hZZmT2KFzV77dICH7rBT1jMrfzNMNLWsjluSSybyQgPiWHa5GZjx10B0XAhYylHnyngy8BeaJzW/s400/TehTarik01.JPG" border="0" />The SOC was only a two minute walk from there. I arrived and joined all of the young adults as they ate their various dinners. Because most of them are working, they either brought frozen dinners or ordered takeaway from the nearby Chinese restaurants. I tried very hard to meet everyone and memorize all of their names.<br /><br />My first night there was the first night of small groups. I guess they knew that I would be coming, because they had already assigned me to one. It’s quite interesting. Our small group, at least for that night, had three Cantonese (one born in HK and raised in New Zealand, one born and raised in England, and myself from the US), one black Jamaican, and one Caucasian London native. Alex (the BBC) and Rob (the white one) are my small group leaders.<br /><br />It was really neat, because we broke up into our respective groups, and my group spent the rest of the evening sharing our testimonies (which were AMAZING) and preparing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. It was only my first time, but I’m definitely excited to see what God has in store for Central DCG this term.<br /><br />This past Sunday, Aryn and I were back again for Sunday English service. This time, Pastor Ong actually came up and introduced himself to us personally. He even mentioned the possibility of inviting us over for dinner sometime. That made us really happy.<br /><br />After service, we were contemplating eating lunch at CCiL (the food looked and smelled delicious), but Hannah invited us to join the university students for lunch at a nearby, reasonably priced café. We got to spend time with Roselle, Sam (the foodie friend I met last week) and Tim, whom we were meeting for the first time. After lunch, we dropped Roselle off at the Tube Station and went shopping in Hammersmith. Don’t worry, I didn’t do any major damage. I only wanted two pairs of long socks and a one-pound Nalgene bottle.<br /><br />Because it was cold, we decided that McFlurries sounded good. We found four red counter stools facing to the west wall of McDonald’s, adjacent with another counter facing south. Tim, trying to be polite, sat in the inconveniently-placed corner seat. We were just settling down and beginning to enjoy our ice cream when suddenly, we noticed that Tim was leaning over the counter with a really confused look on his face.<br /><br />I heard a girl behind me mutter a quick, “thank you” as I turned. Then I noticed that a girl was suddenly sitting on Tim’s stool, forcing him to stand and lean awkwardly onto the counter. After a about half a minute, the girl finally realized that she had actually tried to take Tim’s stool while he was still on it!<br /><br />Poor Tim whispered incredulously, “Why do these things always happen to me?” Aryn, Sam, and I almost choked on our ice cream. We all had a really difficult time trying to hold in our hysterical laughter. The girl muttered a quick apology and found another chair, bringing an end to a horribly awkward situation.<br /><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-70819541329176280012008-10-21T12:36:00.000-07:002008-10-21T12:54:27.441-07:00Pt. 2 Tower of London, Legoland, and Field Trip #1It seems like every time I sit down to blog, I’m always starting off with an apology. So I’ll forego the apology and dive right in. These past two weeks made me feel like I'm always going, going, going. Perhaps my pace of life has adjusted to London’s metropolitan pace. I don’t have the energy to write an in-depth entry on all I’ve seen and experienced here—and I’m sure you don’t have the patience to read it if I did. I've tried to make up for my belatedness with lots of pictures, so enjoy!<br /><br /><strong>1. Tower of London (10/10)</strong><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259695095393163090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ekkdSfEftetcBt8TPv3paEwTdjJMsWZVry3xtXnmrTqC7twBhx9uPvDCg8QgJH1i06OgkEZV2tBawYYnIOAi-zqeA8eatAtrusFOra3cXf0mnL4C-U9QPFb80_sDRsPi_R0_qsL0RiO-/s400/Tower01.JPG" border="0" /> Aryn and I joined a big group of girls to visit the Tower of London, but we ended up splitting into more manageable-sized groups. We had a bit of an adventure reaching our destination because of construction on the Tube, meaning we had to walk instead. After a detour across the Tower Bridge, we finally made it to the Tower of London.<br /><br />It was one of the sites I wanted to see because I never had a chance to during my last visit to London. We got to do all of the touristy things: standing on the moving conveyor belt for a glance at the Crown Jewels, checking out the torture devices, and of course, hitting up the Tower gift shops. The White Tower actually had some really cool exhibits of weapons and armory.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259695310788547842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2144agzg_G149_GCr3Ms1XSyxkLMeLRdNR0FDnRFU3Ara8fIf4ad6Rk7GU5aIRbJGGwRGIapZIQo2XnAiT6QgIqtn9XvPDYlaswOVIFsMYEWIQWXZ4QEm-ntDcaFGgzfUymMhpRyQl5k/s400/Tower02.JPG" border="0" /> Afterwards, we had even more adventures trying to meet up with Dani’s friend’s friend (yes, that’s how it works when you’re studying abroad) at Green Park, and trying to settle on a place for dinner. By the end of the day, we were completely exhausted.<br /><br /><strong>2. Legoland Windsor (10/11)</strong> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259694139560535202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ44fnTyBbaWMooPAIhttst1Wa9kbiFvj2GlT-WrqMutgFRzdMf5P-vm0JRr-Fo8QOS9r7_hUMJi-1nuRbzx6_3eeNgTs_1F7nA6S_3k6V0oiSQF13TE9mTfXHMFmNU0fcbSjanxC2qiUt/s400/Legoland01.JPG" border="0" /> Aryn and her family are a bit obsessed with all things Lego, so she was looking for someone to accompany her to the Legoland in Windsor. I thought, “Why not?” So we headed out bright and early for an hour and a half train ride from nearby Barnes Station to Waterloo Station to Windsor.<br /><br />I won’t go into great detail, but the weather at Legoland was absolutely gorgeous. Plus, we pretty much had the park to ourselves. We only really had to wait in one line the entire day. The Miniland is amazing too; Aryn and I were excited that we pretty much got to see all of Europe. The Lego replica of London was awesome too. It even had moving Underground subway cars. The rides are pretty mild, but we did get to enjoy a live action Johnny Thunder show. It was…REALLY CHEESY. Aryn and I loved it.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259694421013182882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkqy9NThyDbI8dG83y0CSydoauprtzEt4G6IS4iKblRxgi28QGo3vbTQcNofRDssxQkBvh9-2-zTo_IOFhnmtoCS1Kyq4PmkIm6tYjKV3hEyiR5uzrhoOa6chPfy7QqiExFkLC7r3Diiz/s400/Legoland02.JPG" border="0" /> We decided to stay in Windsor for dinner, picking the Crooked House, where I had a jacket potato and the most wonderful berry milkshake I think I’ve ever tasted. We were quite pleased with ourselves. Plus, the walls of the house really <em>are</em> crooked. It's crazy. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259694715113511858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBhDKJ5fH_xlpRPK386YyiIHLQ9xvRS0XpuBYsRx7iQYX4OxfEFfbZs69TDffE_VOJMNCXi9ZzHmwdvrvoIZfaREYc-JO6s_Un2Y5RQMrGmVkSqr89IozFR3XBjjxiVNE8ewbyG3oYbPN/s400/Legoland03.JPG" border="0" /><br /><strong>3. Verulamium/St. Alban’s/Jordan Quaker meeting house/Milton’s cottage (10/12)</strong> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259695586569614434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkl5NUufurh3tfuXtjYkKNUI8X3ZTGZ8iyRwWSdRH9x5Q0YBPZiToBMCfn9p9B0gZAQ0ZhvmffBKgENNvAMkDxAxbrBLpJPtEkvE_MehRoDCEXEzm8wBqzM6A1ocCfBzy7pDeZ8pPTTI7/s400/Alban01.JPG" border="0" />This was a field trip to the site of the ancient Roman city of Verulamium. We made a quick visit to the museum, which was only slightly interesting. But I enjoyed looking out at the grassy hills covered in a light gray blanket of mist. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259696095139303058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-haEwJDHK0Kal4v_XHlxhBACDMm5q_Mc5FBhmgJJKf6x9-BR3H6b_yXv34Hr4fEGMgsg75g4x9Q8W9Q4WzsnQ5KcS_zXjQAUa1PDvCN2sMtkM0I5mz96Fjglswj0PU7n5XpSB4W9Cy6SZ/s400/Alban02.JPG" border="0" /> St. Alban’s is situated on the top of a hill next to the main village. We had a cute little elderly lady as our tour guide; the cathedral there is the site of St. Alban’s shrine, set up in memory of England’s first Christian martyr. We had the opportunity to visit a Quaker meeting house and the resting place of William Penn.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259696482662602194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnL-6vQfpe1qdOKDGBTDBAoDuWPyB42-jY6MIJB1aGRex9hnVkVkIjwWrOG0FTTmTCpEj5QI3-vaIaP_fbMlInKnBAqMKtECIGdk71DFSvZuME1yVBwIGJVxenvJI_x9leXohX59RfINV/s400/Quaker01.JPG" border="0" /> From there we took a tour of John Milton’s cottage. It was pretty amazing to stand in the room where he completed Paradise Lost. I loved the curator there, too; he was so enthusiastic about Milton and all that he represented for British politics, history, and literature. Some of us even ate apples from Milton’s own garden. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259696763066354578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktG0cYg_zzmA6tLYDIDgVIiCNGFnsa34lm5vkFtnaYhUxAaZdJ2CGqu898dy9gEnP-YSnO39x8h6hXNO-lk6YuugophVNDp98zJ_6D6V3ghaSzZYghQ2ieqT7JONw76JOobKVMAZXTfxQ/s400/Milton01.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259696977137484706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0vaQ5ZvNr07JQJl4ZwfzT3YLsi8Y8nwmyIjdgQBVNLNP3T1nU3DBUKloLXVrt_k_BqmSmWGQ0A-XV-pidccT5gNPU9Uqps7dtiBaHlVxdK3uok46a86jbzpXkpsuMD05VzNFqjiZf8RQ/s400/Milton02.JPG" border="0" /> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885250091127769522.post-20664356085407601282008-10-10T15:06:00.000-07:002008-10-11T20:00:34.398-07:00Pt. I Windsor, Stonehenge, BathThe difficulty with blogs is that if you neglect them for too long, they’re hard to go back to. It’s not necessarily because the blogger is inexcusably lazy, nor that it’s somehow hard to pick up one’s previous train of thought. The main problem, at least in my experience, is that covering more than two or three days’ worth of activity and subsequent musings proves to be an altogether daunting task.<br /><br />In order to prevent this from becoming an insurmountable obstacle to my blog’s longevity, I am opting to break this into smaller chunks—say two or three reasonably-sized parts. So if the continuity between my entries seems less than desirable, it’s because I’m attempting the uphill climb (which, as you will see, is going to be a common thread throughout these entries) and making up lost ground.<br /><br />On Saturday (the 4th), I went with a large group of my girls from Biola on a bus tour to Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath. I had actually already visited the last two sites during my sophomore year of high school, but I thought it’d be nice to go again. I think I mostly slept or listened to my ipod during the bus ride. Our tour guide gave her entire presentation in both English and Spanish.<br /><br />When we first boarded the bus, Jennifer had tried to smuggle some chips (better known as “fries” in the States) on board in her purse, to munch on in secret. Our scrupulous tour guide, however, was able to sniff her out. She came to the back of the bus where we were seated and announced, “I smell chips. Whoever brought them on the bus, please keep them wrapped and tucked away until we arrive. Thank you.” It was very difficult to keep a straight face, especially after seeing the look on <em>Jennifer’s </em>face.<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256095886984833970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8cp81XxAn2OiLNDKnEeSZHlNZeWIPSFLuxGeh0XxMCSxA2WhWL9vDW__uYga7IzIoW0qKiwfv8mUiDBwwpz3OiH6HM9in_outnINfE12eorVioZeQsJJjiz4bBgQ_6tEKz-aHSCFyLe9/s400/Windsor01.JPG" border="0" /> </p><p>Windsor was really beautiful. The castle is surrounded by the quaint little town, and the walls of the castle sit on bright, verdant grass. It’s a striking contrast between the cold, hard stone walls, the carefully nurtured gardens, and the fantastically ornate interior of Windsor. There’s so much history there; we didn’t have nearly enough time.<br /><br />My favorite part of the entire tour there was the doll house, in which the entirety of Windsor Castle was replicated in miniature, with real working electricity and plumbing. The silver plates had exact mini silver plate replicas, artists donated real miniature oil paintings to match the genuine work, and the miniature crown jewels are just as real as their larger counterparts. It’s really amazing. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256096074375825186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uK8KeMJ9cfL0kS_iCFTFI-3rG8m8DPv8GtRTL8OhNav899lK0wsIMXV0JV4tbfK_zC0X-ehJBASqxYTwCTLGEbG2__WTVuLyUr3INokhLU3CNh9xFjLicBnvoh0_kyYAPPr4an0_KMFP/s400/Stonehenge01.JPG" border="0" />Stonehenge isn’t as big or as exciting as the travel guides make it out to be. Last time I went, the most thrilling part was bumping into three of my elementary school teachers by accident. This time was fun because, as we walked around the circumference of the stones, we had a great time taking some really fun pictures. On the plains, the strong winds and sharp drizzle meant that we were happy to be back in our nice warm bus. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256095521275463698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQR0zNQur__whG-OHXg_7ag2GhZR4jtDO4-D_2ZWFXrkJtwLnGZaUWMnlnoMcXBnzQvvZZQl_2ihdSiiIjejan-3HTM72GDVUx7OnVXY7fLk7uzJnwwsLYlkCBNUE4mQU66n7Cze9-IXf4/s400/Bath01.JPG" border="0" /> </p><p>By the time we reached Bath, it was raining lightly but steadily. Fortunately, the museum is mostly indoors. My memories of the Roman baths came rushing back to me when I entered the museum. It wasn’t any more exciting the second time around. But it’s still neat to see the kind of technology they employed during ancient times, and to see how the hot springs affected the culture of the peoples who lived there.<br /><br />On the way back, my friend Sarah P. (to differentiate her from Sarah R.) asked if I wanted to stop at Wagamama’s, one of her favorite London noodle bars. Jessica returned from England singing its praises, so I readily agreed to give it a try.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256096616858220674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCb3FJwn3tMfS7RRuN5qB9KZ-duDKc0-M7cBmesHQiF_m7PjkqKIF3U9h0JqIW4JdI5czGBh_MDIkU9WDRMa9iEW-djmv2PxYCxm7iwH2kl8uHENKCoAQRWh2rryzg69XTLCHLwyJdrt5S/s400/Wagamama01.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>I was moderately pleased with my chicken ramen. I thought it was a bit bland for ramen, but it’s supposed to be a modern organic, healthy foods kind of restaurant. I think next time I’ll go for yakisoba or something else on the menu. It was still really fun to talk and enjoy hot food on a cold, wet night. To top it all off, we dropped by the convenience store and picked up ice cream bars. Toffee vanilla crunch bars are amazing—even in cold weather.<br /><br />Monday through Wednesday is the uneventful part of my week, since those are my class days. I spend that time doing nothing but going to class and reading my assigned books. Honestly, I don’t think I even left the flat for two or so days. I might have gone to run an errand or two around campus, but for the most part, I stay in and enjoy the sunlight through my window.<br /><br />Tuesdays, as always, we have our flat dinner. For me, that’s the highlight of my three working days. Each week, another member of the flat prepares a meal that will feed all six of us. Last week was Amy’s turn, so this week, Toni prepared three homemade pizzas—all vegetarian (meet is expensive) and all delicious. I love feta cheese and pineapple (thanks Ariel) on pizza.<br /><br />Besides enjoying good food, we always seem to have a good time just being together and having a laugh. I don’t mean this in the way that Rachael usually says it, which translates more into “you’re kidding me.” I mean that we always have a great time just hanging out together. One night, we even sat around a laptop watching Japanese human tetris and Iron Chef on YouTube.<br /><br />More often than not, we’ll all somehow end up in the lounge, drinking tea and having biscuits. Yes, it makes me feel very British. I’m really thankful for my flatmates—that we not only get along, but that we really enjoy spending time together. They’re such a fun bunch of people, and without them, I think I’d be really lonely. I haven’t made as many friends here as I would like, since I only have two classes and only get to see my classmates once a week.<br /><br />Besides the flat dinner, the only exciting thing for me is rewarding myself with an episode of an Asian drama. I’ve gotten to the point where the best way for me to get work done is to bribe myself. For every 50 to 100 pages of reading, I get to watch one episode. It works really well, too, because by that time, my brain needs a break, and sometimes, I’ll eat lunch or dinner while I watch. It’s nerdy, but hey, I’m working hard to get ahead in my reading.<br /><br />Somehow, I feel like that was a really anti-climactic way of ending my entry. Oh well. You can look forward to my next entry. It will cover my trips to both Legoland and the Tower of London. Thanks again for your patience! </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2