Category Archive

Sunday.  My parents came back from church to provide me lunch (FBCC doesn’t provide lunch during the summers since estimation of who’s in town is futile).  Afterwards, I went to meet up with Linton, Chris, and Vickie.  They didn’t want to shoot around, so instead they decided to join those BASIC members who were free that afternoon.  I read in the car (so hot!) while I waited for them to get ready (e.g. for Chris to grab his bowling shoes).  The four of us decided to get started and played two games.  I’m not partial to bowling, but I have to admit that with the three of them I had a great time.  I just told Vickie I look at the tick marks on the bowling alley and she went from 53 in the first game to 111 in the second game, breaking 100 for the first time in her life.  It was so monumental that I found myself jumping up and down in sharing her happiness LOL.  I bowled my average (88 in the first game and 97 in the second).  Linton ended up being the top scorer in the first game (95) by ending with a spare and strike using the rotating method, but somehow he dropped to last place in the second game (87).  His usual method is like having a mini track run up to the edge of the alley and then throwing the ball until it crashes and rolls towards the pins (you have to see it in person haha).  Chris improved his technique and, with some competition from Vickie, bowled a 116 by the second game.  It was so much fun seeing how that ended (”yeah!”). 

The guys left but Vickie stayed since enough BASIC people arrived for them to start playing.  I was formally introduced to Shawn Yu who apparently used to be the roommate of Vincent Tao, George Wu, and Kenny Lew.  I read.  Then they browsed the Barnes and Noble down the street.  Jeff made a pledge at DWC to go on STIM after college, so that’s how he knows Josh Peng.  He says, “And now I’m herein the secular world.  It’s very different.”  He was browsing the management section, saying eventually he would want to start his own.  He’s moving out of Texas the first week of June.

For dinner I joined Linton, Chris, Michael and Eveline, Jonathan, and James (7:30).  It was funny, I ended up right behind James who was driving Jonathan, and they waved hello through the rearview mirror.  At first we were going to eat at FuFu’s, but since it was full we decided to go elsewhere.  Taking forever (but I can’t complain since I wasn’t making any decision either) walking down the block back an forth, Vickie decided to join us after all (she wasn’t hungry but she was hungrier that the BASIC people since they had eaten a big, late lunch).  She suggested East Wall, so we walked over.  We ordered seven dishes (8:30), and the waitress was somewhat pressing for us to order another entree.  I’m not sure if she was concerned about the superstitioun that eight is complete for luck, or if she was using that as an excuse for us to order one more dish, or if she thought we wouldn’t have enough to eat.  Peter joined us later. 

We headed to James’ condo and eventually decided to play Monopoly, with a drinking element.  I had assumed I wasn’t playing since I wouldn’t be drinking alcohol, but they slapped a handful of money in front of me.  So many people talking at once that people kept asking how many of each bill was needed, that eventually Linton a bit frustratingly repeated himself.  Eveline was studying for her pharm tech exam on Wednesday, but she ended up being the banker by the end.  Peter (hat) convinced Chris (’Das boot!’) to give him the yellow properties for a complete set, so Peter eventually won.  For a few moments I think he was thinking he may need to form an alliance, since we were ganging up on him, and tried to do so with Vickie, Jonathan, and then me.  I didn’t land on any property I could buy until near the end, with New York Avenue.  Linton didn’t have much more luck, only ending up with the Electric Company and a purple, which he ended up having a complete set after trading some railroads.  He was advocating for me so much, saying that someone rich needed to donate something for me, so I could at least build something and feel part of the game.  Awwwwww.  In response, James just suddenly said, “Here, donation” and dropped the Water Works property in front of me LOL.  Man, you just had to be there. 

Chris had no idea the consequences of his trade (he had initially wanted to make the deal sweeter to give Vickie a blue property (not cyan, as Linton pointed out haha!) with some railroads so that she would give him orange-red property, but she declined).  Eventually Chris traded with Jonathan so he finally had his complete orange-red set and Jonathan had his green set.  James had the cyan set after trading (he at first was saying how little possibility it was to end up having a complete set - been a long while since he’s played, eh?) with Michael (to have a complete purple-red set), who was quite quiet.  He didn’t drink either.  They had decided about drinking during landing on houses, hotels, jail, luxury tax, and income tax.  In the beginning, Vickie left briefly and when she returned and rolled her dice, she accidentally knocked down a couple of people’s playing pieces, so that they decided she had to drink for that (and eventually many more for others in the course of the game).  They also randomly decided for peopel to drink when people made “stupid” comments or asked “stupid” questions, when they spilt alcohol, or etc etc.  It went so out of hand that James at one point said, “Because I feel like it” and drank along with Linton and Chris, I think, hahaha.  At times they’d get so riled up, everyone would be standing, and I would try to push Jonathan and James to sit down.  Peter said, “I’ve never played Monopoly with a group that was so anal about rules and all.”  Wow, what a game. 

We decided to stop at 2 a.m.  Peter and then Chris left at 3 a.m.  James fell asleep on his bed in his room.  Vickie (loveseat) and Linton (couch) ended up sleeping over.  I read Acts 15-16 and Psalm 37 with Jonathan on the laptop.  Afterwards he checked Facebook and his email.  Then he said that sometimes when he has time or is bored, he’d check on houses so he’d get a better sense of prices, etc. when he eventually does decide to own a home.  He says that he’d like to work for this smaller company that’s located in northwest? Houston.  Finally we went to sleep on the floor (found a sleeping bag in the closet for me to use–not sure what he did) around 4 a.m. 

Monday/Memorial Day.  Vickie and Linton left for home before 8 a.m.  Linton’s so sweet, asking me if I needed a ride back.  I decided against it and tried to fall back asleep, but i couldn’t so I got up and read.  Then James treated me to a Chinese breakfast at Classic Kitchen (soup wontons, egg-and-tortilla, and warm soy milk–yeah, don’t hate because I don’t know what they’re called).  Jonathan had left in the morning as well, watching a movie with his sister Susan and then working out at the gym.  James and I ended taking a nap again at 11 a.m.  Peter came at noon with crawfish (he woke up early to buy it and not without a search, finally at Viet Hoa) as well as onions and oranges.  James provided the sausage.  James put on I Am Legend, which was when Chris arrived in his motorcycle garb.  Then they watched Street Kings with Keanu Reeves, which I didn’t watch because I was eating crawfish.  Linton did, after he came with the spicy powder and sliced mushrooms.  Then they put on Curse of the Golden Flower (from Sony, which bought Paramount Pictures) after much objection from Eve.  After seeing it, I concur.  Bea left soon after, and then Vickie left at 8:30 to head back to San Antonio (first day of summer school tomorrow).  I decided to leave at 9 p.m.  There was still a whole pile left (Braden, Brian, and Steve had to work today, but Candace and JoJo showed up for this second consumption).  Eveline was still studying (using Peter’s book he had bought in the past but never took the test).  Eveline ended up speaking with Elaine on the phone because Jacky had dirty hands from peeling the crawfish, and it was so cute and sweet that they converse in Chinese, hehe.  Eve said that her current relationship is the longest she’s had (6 months), but her parents still think that the white guy is “just a friend.”  James had to take out the trash so he asked Peter to walk me to the car.  It seemed like a lot of work (especially after last night), so I asked if he enjoyed it.  He said, “Strangely, yes.”  I reported that I enjoyed hanging out with them, especially after hearing from people that UH is a commuter school.  He said, “Yes, we miss out on the dorm like and all that, but I like to think that we’re more grounded in reality.” 

I stopped by the basketball court to shoot some hoops.  I chatted with Elliot on the phone about agenda and movies.  Then I dropped by Ben and Jerry’s to see David Kalloor before he left back for Austin.  Chris, Hannah, Linton, and Phoebe were there.  Phoebe apologized profusely to me, and I accepted.  David gave hugs.

Then, I went to watch Vickie play her first and only flag football game in the tournament.  She’s on Robert Hwang’s team, the Roaring Tigers.  Wilson of course had his Titans going.  I snuck up on Tiffany, who complimented me on my haircut.  James waved hello.  I sat next to Karin, who was there with her brother John and kites.  I talked some with David Zhao’s girlfriend Tammy.  I ended up cheering for the Tigers because Tiffany Lin, David Zhao, Annie, and Vickie were on that team, plus they had never won a game yet.  Annie’s sister stood in until Cynthia showed up.  Cynthia picked Jeff Tang to play for the Titans since they were missing a player (they were missing a lot, actually).  Inch made some good runs.  I ran/walked two laps around the park with Lisa.  Then we sat on her baby-blue blanket from IKEA.  Vickie asked James Hsia about his car.  Ed’s wife (Kara Wong’s sister) commented on how shallow the conversation was, so James shared that he was reading/memorizing a passage, which he recited to Vickie.

I finally gave Wilson the magic cards, haha.  I thought I was going to leave then, but then Vickie and Ed’s wife (Kara Wong’s sister) said they only had ten plays left.  Well, the Open League’s teams played after the Closed League played (more girls).  Haha, Robert Chan stepped out because he’s not that into sports.  He (he says appears swollen even after two weeks) told Chi-Chi to ask me about her jammed finger.  Jeff Chen, Nathan Kim, and Erin Pang were all on the Open League, too.  In fact, Erin’s the only girl (Joanne Wei was, but when she realized how intense it was, she dropped out) on the team, and by the end of the day she had fractured her pinky finger.  I watched as Rosemery walked their newly owned young dog (”like having to take care of a child”) who was playing with another person’s dog.

We went to Fuddruckers.  Vickie and I arrived at the same time, coincidentally.  She ordered the long hot dog, and I got the S’room combo (I shouldn’t have gotten the fries after all, oh well, starving since I didn’t eat lunch).  I got my food fast, before those who ordered before me.  As I sat down, Aaron Fu introduced himself to me (after Vickie introduced herself to him).  He ended up talking much with Lindi, who sat to my right (he sat in front of her).  Actually, one time he leaned over and whispered something in her ear, to which Jasmine (who sat at the head of the table to my left) asked if they would share with us.  The two of them just smiled.  Aaron has traveled a lot growing up.  Alan Bennett sat in front of me.  I think the three of us had a decent conversation going: Alan says his family celebrates Chinese holidays but not all out, Jasmine asked me about how I met Jocelyn Chen, the two of them talked about.  To Lindi’s right sat Lisa, who was sitting next to Vickie, who were talking with Robert Chan, Chi-Chi, and the Jeffs.  Jeff Chen shared about him leading a small group.  There wasn’t enough room so Wilson, Robert Hwang, Cynthia, and Tiffany sat at a booth and James, John, and Karin sat at another booth.  I left before everyone, at 9:30 because Mom called.

To celebrate Mother’s Day, Mom invited her sister and mother out for Mother’s Day.  Mom had suggested two restaurants, but my aunt wanted to check out Yantze.  My parents picked up my grandmother to meet my aunt, who was already there and had gotten us six a round table.  The 4-person combo was horrible!  I tasted each of the six dishes, and there was much left over, and I really didn’t want to take anything home.  Even the fried chicken was horrid.  We dropped my grandmother off (she said she was going to take a nap and didn’t want us to come up nor did she want to go listen to a Chinese choir sing at Sugar Creek Baptist Church) then went home to eat watermelon “to wash away the toxins.”  My aunt had given us half of a seedless watermelon, which we consumed quickly.  I spent the rest of the afternoon watching Pangea Day videos.  In the evening, Linton drove the twins and me to James Wei’s place, where the six of us (with Vickie) carpooled in Linton’s Camry to Benjy’s.  On the way we asked if we could stop by Chris’s place (since all day he had rented a U-Haul to move in, and then let Chi-Chi use it to move her stuff in), but he said no.  Peter showed up, and then Chris and David Wen did as well.  We went through the restaurant entrance outside onto their balcony.  Eventually we gathered enough chairs and even moved over a table.  Hannah was to my right, then Vickie, Phoebe, Linton, Chris, David, James, and Peter.  David switched around and explained his media work at North____ Church in Austin to Phoebe and Vickie, who talked about what they’re doing right now (e.g. school and the new guy Access is considering hiring).  Chris dropped his hand sanitizer from his backpocket–I found that to be interesting.

I started a conversation with Peter by asking about his vague prayer request.  I feel he gave an appropriate answer, not really wanting to specify but still being able to share about himself (unlike Chris).  He says his problem is not work related (more personal related) and it doesn’t involve him moving away.  He goes to an Ascension Chinese Catholic Church.  He grew up at WHCC, went to a Catholic church, but when his parents found this one–the best of both worlds (Chinese and Catholic)–they switched over.  Initially the top people didn’t like him because he was outspoken about issues (e.g. budgeting), but now they want him, even though he’s sort of stopped serving for awhile.  He share about trying to stay away from smoking, drugs with his friends, coming out since it’s better than staying home since he can’t do anything about his situation.

We were hungry but since the restaurant was closed we couldn’t order the food.  After many drinks, we went to IHOP.  Initially, I heard Hannah asking a series of questions of David Wen.  It actually started with Chris who was sitting next to her, but of course Chris didn’t say anything.  Then, they said it should be one question at a time, etc.  So we started a question “game” where the person on the right asks the person on the left a question, and the questioner answers and the questioned answers as well.  So, starting with Hannah, she asked Linton what was something most of us don’t know about him.  Hannah says that she’s sometimes a bit OCD, wanting to make things symmetrical, like if she touches something on one side she has to touch the other side as well.  Linton said he’s pretty open, and then finally reported he had one hair on his chest.  Chris was hilarious, saying that in fact he did know that, and he wasn’t too keen in having Linton showing it off when they were roommates.  Linton asked Phoebe what she’s most afraid of.  She said she feared missing an opportunity.  Phoebe asked Vickie.  Vickie asked me about an embarrassing moment.  She said that freshman year she tried out for the rowing team but she hadn’t swam in a long time and almost drowned on the way back.  The coach/lifeguard Christian wasn’t expecting to dive in so he took off his shirt and saved him.  Being a hot guy, all the girls rushed to his side and offered their towels.  I couldn’t think of one, so Vickie said who’s a celebrity crush of mine.  I thought for awhile, killing the momentum of the game.  Vickie started giving prompts, like Brad Pitt.  Peter said he’d like George Clooney, etc.  Finally he said Batman, and I pointed at him and said, “Yeah!”  Then I was to ask him a question, and again a dead end.  At first I asked what his pet peeve was, recycling a question that Hannah had asked David, but we both couldn’t answer that.  I asked James if there was anything he’d like to know about Peter, and James said how much does he shave.  I said 0; Peter said daily.  That wasn’t much of a question, so James said to scratch that and ask about SAT score: me with 1360, he with 12– and 16– (he took it twice).  Peter asked James.  James asked David about the worst thing he did.  James shared that it was the time he keyed a truck then stuffed pizza in the handle of it.  David asked Chris what’s one flaw of his and what he will do to change it.  First David said that he mumbles sometimes so he has to talk clearer, and Hannah was nice and complimented on his good gesture use.  Chris then copied David and said that sometimes he mumbles, too.  Then Linton exclaimed that what Chris really needs to work on is his vulnerability, and we all agreed.  “Man…haters.”  Chris then asked Hannah about her favorite time in college.  Chris said it was his second semester of freshman year.  Hannah said it was the times she went with Jennifer Yu and Matt Lee to the Union to read the newspaper and simply talk and chill.  I got home at 3 am.

I caught the last 2 of 4 hours (see below) of Pangea Day (thanks, Hannah, for figuring out our time zone’s period: 1-5 pm).  Pangea Day is really a wish come true for founder Jehane Noujaim, who won the 2006 TED Award.  You can watch the rest on the site.

Segment 07:  Us/Them  (continuation)

• Film: Stille Post (Telephone Game), directed by Oliver Rauch.  Children pass a secret message along in a familiar childhood game — but their classmate doesn’t realize the message is at his expense.
• Film: Operation Homecoming: Road Work, directed by Richard E. Robbins.  “War is a passage — whether you live or you die.”
• Iranian underground indie rockers Hypernova jam out.
• Film: Sili (The Slap).  A soldier, a young woman, a colonel, and an old woman board a train. Nobody, save one of them, can explain what happens next.
• We Feel Fine, by Jonathan Harris.  The artist and computer scientist makes online art that captures the world’s expression – to show off a world that resonates with shared emotions, concerns, problems, triumphs, and troubles.  “Whether you’re a billionaire or a refugee, a prisoner or a president, you have feelings,” Harris says. And his website “harvests” feelings from the Web. A sample of how people are feeling right now: “I feel like a hack… I feel I could be doing more… I just want to feel alive for the first time in my life… I feel so much of my Dad in me–that there isn’t room for me.”
• Film: Meninos (Boys), directed by Ernesto Molinero.  Boys in a Brazilian school deal with the daily trials of childhood — and emerge better friends.

Segment 08: Fear

• What are your fears?
• Ishmael Beah.  A former child soldier speaks out on violence and healing.  A simple life was transformed by violence when Ishmael Beah was recruited, at age 13, to fight as a child soldier.
  “We have a repsonbility to expose ourselves to our world, to see our common humanity, tolearn about other people — not only in times of war, but in times of peace.”
• Film: Inja (Dog), directed by Steve Pasvolsky.  In South Africa, a long-brutalized dog comes between a white landowner and his young black farmhand.

Segment 09: Anger

• What makes you angry?
• Rwandan singer-songwriter Jean-Paul Samputu is a cultural ambassador — bringing traditional African singing, dancing and drumming, and a message of peace, hope and reconciliation, to the world.
• Eboo Patel on perceptions of race; overcoming bias, and stereotype.  William Stafford said, “If you don’t know the kind of person I am / and I don’t know the kind of person you are / a pattern that others made may prevail in the world.”  Patel says, “It’s time for a pattern of pluralism to prevail over the pattern of fear.”

Segment 10: Laughter

• What gives you joy and makes you laugh?
• Film: Laughter Club, by Neil Davenport.  People around the world are gathering in Laughter Clubs — to share one of the most profound human universals.
• A Global Laugh: Dr. Kataria leads the world in laughter, with actress Goldie Hawn.
• Soaring, heartfelt songs from Rokia Traore.  This Malian singer blends the traditions of her Bamana heritage with a modern singer-songwriter’s approach to music-making. Her smooth vocals mix with the soulful sounds of traditional instruments to create intoxicating music. 

Segment 11: Reconciliation

• Pangea Day founder Jehane Noujaim!
• H.M. Queen Noor of Jordan.  A message of unity; stories that span civilizations. 
• Film: Encounter Point, directed by Ronit Avni and Julia Bacha. 
• Bereaved Families Forum:  Robi Damelin and Ali Abu Awwad.  ““I lost my brother, I lived all my life in refugee camps, I gave up the vast majority of my dreams, but I have not lost my mind. The Jews are not my enemies. Your enemy is your fear.”
• Combatants for Peace, directed by Jehane Noujaim.  The film tells us stories of soldiers who gave up fighting when they realized they were fighting against civilians, and not against any kind of evil. Ex-combatants from both sides, Palestinians and Israelis, decided to fight for peace rather than fight for the cause of one of the sides. “We have to learn to use our pain for peace. We must put an end to this war. We have a partnership for peace. We need to live in peace.”
• Yonathan Shapira and Bassam Aramin take the stage in London — where, sadly, the words that Shapira had prepared for this day are overcome by tragic news.
• Music from Dave Stewart — with surprise guest Nadirah X.
• Karen Armstrong.  Live from London: a religious scholar with a message of tolerance and compassion.  This scholar and writer is a provocative, original thinker on the role of religion in the modern world.  She is leveraging her 2008 Ted Prize to build a Charter for Compassion, a UN-like forum where religious leaders can work together for peace.  “The human mission is to build a global community. All of us have to engage in it. We have to engage in the golden rule which applies to all religions….Every single one of the world’s major faiths believes that it is not sufficient to just extend your compassion to those in your own group; you must take it to out to others as well.”

Segment 12: Closing

• Film: L’Homme Sans Tete (The Man Without a Head), directed by Juan Solanas.  The man without a head will meet his true love tonight. For this occasion, he shall buy a head.
• Join the Global Drumbeat 

Last Monday, we had gone to the “park” (Brooks Lake) near Fluor for the first time.  We saw two guys with their truck fishing for catfish!  I also expressed my desire to be back for House, M.D., so I drove there, quickly walked to the end when it reached a road, then returned.  I didn’t drive particularly superfast, but we were right on time (even my dad was surprised).  It’s definitely closer (and quicker) than going to Oyster/Lost Creek Park.

Yesterday afternoon, my parents and I went a second time.  As we started, the wind was a higher chill factor than I anticipated, so I turned around and grabbed my jacket.  It’s also probably why there weren’t any mosquitoes as I had though (since it had rained earlier in the day and I tend to get bit, I sprayed repellant but my parents declined).  We went all the way to the end, where the trail ends.  We saw more people this time (a guy on a bike, another guy on a bike with a dog, a woman with a dog.  We also saw a large black vulture-like (to me haha) bird picking at something in the water at the edge of the lake.  At first I just thought it was cloth or plastic (i.e. litter).  On approach, I saw scales and fins.  Uh, I think it was a catfish, although I never saw the head, which is was made me feel on edge.  There were two families of ducks: one mom with nine teenage ducks and another with six elementary-age ducks.  I went to check out the cross with many Bible verses on it (I Corinthians 9:19, 22-23; I Peter 3:15; II Corinthians 5:11; Colossians 4:2-6; John 3:16; John 14:6; Matthew 5:16; I Peter 4:8; II John 1:6; Matthew 28:18-21; Psalm 139:17-18; Zephaniah 3:17; II Chronicles 16:9; Jeremiah 29:11-13; Ephesians 5:1-2; Acts 2:42-47; Proverbs 27:17; and Acts 4:32-35).  Then we headed back. 

Mom wanted to go down Fluor Daniel, so we turned onto the bridge but then turned left (straight would take us into the engineering complex).  We passed some new gated communities, and Dad asked if I wanted to check out the Open House (they’ve done so before).  So I turned in (I always like to observe anything art-related, and that includes arthitecture and interior design).  This took another hour.  These houses are big (with arched large heavy wooden-looking doors like in castles) and fancy (one unfinished one even had a dome and inside balcony - the one that sort of reminds me of Romeo talking up to Juliet or Rapunzel having to let down her hair).  There’s not much outdoors space, though, for gardening or anything like that.  We only saw one sold (they already had two of their fancy sporty cars parked in the garage).  I took pictures.

We finally left for home (my mom was quite tired, and I have to admit I was winded) at 5 pm and ate leftovers (shiaw goo-goo’s family’s leftovers of tender beef chunks).  I watched The Big Bang Theory (I simply love how Sheldon talks - of course not as my S.O. and it would probably get old/frustrating as a friend after awhile that he just doesn’t see things like we do, and vice versa), House, M.D., and CSI while doing the Sudoku and Jumble (gave up and used my handy-dandy dictionary at the end) in the Houston Chronicle newspaper.  Then off I went to bed, hoping to get into the groove of a more regular sleep pattern (instead of insomnia up until 3 am).

This early evening, we just went walking in the neighborhood.  I had another hairdo today, haha.  It reminded me of in the past where they really stack the hair up high atop the head.  I didn’t spray bug repellant, and I paid for it around both my knees (I knew it, since the weather is nicer than yesterday’s).  We checked out some of the custom homes, went by Andrew’s (not mine) former piano teacher’s house, and made a stop at the playground.  My dad called it the “castle,” and I had forgotten about that old nickname.  When we were kids, the playground was actually made entirely of wood (except some parts that is typically metal, such as the chains on the swings and the handle and glider of the sliding mechanism).  Practically all parts were connected, save the sandbox in the middle of the area.  Oh, how I loved to crawl through the tunnels on the bottom! and go through all the arches and teeny one-person “rooms”.  I really liked the sliding mechanism, they had a practice-your-balance beam, and there were a lot more swings (that were accessible to us kids). 

Due to safety restrictions and precautions, now everything is made of plastic, and any metal is covered in plastic (which is a good thing, like on the swings).  The sandbox is still there, as well as the baseball field in the back (right next to the Dulles track, but with a fence of course), the sand volleyball court (not very well kept, though), and the pool (popular in the neighborhood).  Everything on the playground is much more open (I guess so guardians can see their child at all times - including slides that aren’t completely cylinders) but also with less options to have fun with.  There’s an area for toddlers, and then an area for older children.  The playground equipments take up much less space.  They do try to include all of the old things, like a tire swing (much smaller, doesn’t look like a real tire as much - I think they covered it with plastic for safety as well) and swings (thank goodness - although they are so high all three of us had trouble getting on and starting). 

As I watch and read more news (and television series related to law enforcement), my heart sinks at how dangerous this society seems to be getting.  I don’t know, since I never lived back then, but did we have to be so cautious in earlier years?  Or because of more awareness we are taking more steps, and thus we can’t assume better things from people (instead always suspicious of others).  And yet, we really can’t prevent everything, because we are going to become at least acquaintances with our coworkers, neighbors, and meet new people and thus assume trust and thus build a new relationships.  That’s the beauty of moving and meeting new people.  You’re trying to change for the better, and so the new people don’t know your old self and can forgive you a couple more times than your old acquaintances, or they won’t hold back due to an old grudge that is past its expiration.  Just rambling…no spectacular closing statement….

Yesterday was my last day of work!  For now, anyway, haha.  Now I need to start studying for my NBCOTE.  In the meantime, I can now participate in some Houston events:

• FotoFest Biennial - well, I missed this one.  And it was China this time.  Ended April 20.
• Lucy’s Legacy - it’s the world premiere of this exhibit.  Scheduled to end tomorrow but today’s newspaper says HMNS extended it until September 1.
• Houston International Festival - last year it was China, but this year it’s Africa.  April 26-27.
• Dragon Boat Festival - located at Allen’s Landing.  May 3.
• APAHA Heritage Festival - the Asian/Pacific American Heritage Association will host it at Miller Outdoor Theatre.  May 3.
• Cinco de Mayo Celebration - also at Miller Outdoor Theatre (May 4), and Hermann Park (May 3) by the League of United Latin American Citizens.
• Art Car Parade - from the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art.  May 9-10.
• Houston Palestinian Film Festival - at Angelika Film Center and Cafe, MFAH, and Rice University.  May 9-18.
• The Cost of Living - at Discovery Green Park.  May 16.
• Pasadena Strawberry Festival - with the world’s largest strawberry shortcake.  May 16-18.
• Celtic Festival - guys in skirts, w00t! ;) LOL.  May 17-18.
• Slant 8: Bold Asian American Images - at Aurora Picture Show.  May 30.
• Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind - by Hayao Miyazaki at MFAH.  June 1.
• Best of Extremely Shorts: Audience Choice - at Discovery Green Park.  June 27.

Plus, I can finally cut my hair!  I think this is the longest I’ve ever had my hair in my entire life (and I don’t like it, especially for my sleep).  Unintentionally, it seems each time I donate to Locks of Love, I’ve grown it out longer and longer.  Now I’ve reached their ideal (first time was for babies, and I’m guestimating my second time was their minimum of 10 inches and my third time 11 inches): now it’s longer than a foot:  http://prayriefayrie.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/04-26-08-2.jpg (for some reason I’ve tried inserting the image multiple times, over a few days, and even tried a new entry, but all failed.  I guess too long and ugly to display ;-P).

Some more Houston events:

• What’s Up, Houston? published by Brandonwood Press, L.L.C. on 2726 Bissonnet Street #240-153 / Houston, TX 77005-1352.  Email: whatsup@whatsuphoustonmag.com
• 101houston.com

Shelve everything and celebrate!

Founder Lynn Gaubatz, a famous bassoonist, says the site was “designed to encourage and facilitate donations to schools and libraries, in prisons, on Native American reservations, and around the world.”  For example, she has a started a special “drive to help prison libraries and prison education programs around the US” through Prose for Cons (how punny!).  Elliot would be glad to hear about this, hehe.

This weekend a lot of people, including Cynthia Lay but especially BASIC members, are out of town attending Ly Tran’s wedding (to Cynthia’s childhood friend) in the Dallas area.  I let my brother know about that since Ly used to be a respected mentor to him.  

Saturday morning I showered then returned Mod Podge to Michael’s.  Then I went to Morris’s neighborhood playground to attend Jaelyn’s party to celebrate her turning two years old.  They had a lot of food (spaghetti, catered sandwiches, fried eggrolls of course yum, cake, fruit, water, cookies….).  Jaelyn seems to like playing by herself and not the friendliest towards others.  We tried to take a picture with her, but she kept walking around.  I went on the swings and she wanted so I placed her on and pushed her a little.  Her mom came over and suggested maybe to play on the playground equipment again, and she complied.  It was a bit windy.  Someone bought Jaelyn her first “car” - I wonder if it’s battery powered, and she really can sit in it and drive it.  My parents left to take grams home.  I left some minutes after. 

Afterwards, I drove over to Panera Bread on Westheimer (next to Fogo de Chao) and tried to enjoy the weather and use their free wi-fi, but since my computer has a glossy monitor it tired me out quite quickly.  Around 5 pm, Linton called me (I had called Hannah a few times but that didn’t work) to eat at Benningan’s (they had gone rock climbing).  I turned that offer down since they were in the northwest.  He called me back and said they changed locations (the Benningan’s in the Galleria), so I agreed to meet them because I was quite hungry (I was going to eat at Panera but..I guess today I just leeched off of their facilities).  I think they didn’t arrive until 6:30 (an hour later than expressed), so we didn’t get our food until 7:30?  Most of us got the combo deal; Elliot and I split the deal because it was perfect–I got the entree and he ate the appetizer and dessert.  Elliot liked my red plaid hat :-)  Hannah Lin said that she doesn’t really wear accessories but when she sees others wear them she reconsiders.  Jennifer Lin, Laurie, the younger sister of Darwin, and Hannah Kwan (on crutches) with her boyfriend were there, too. 

The twins, Linton, and some of the others were going to attend a grassroots concert (one of Phoebe’s classmates was going to perform).  Well, I felt bad that there was no one attending Karin Hsieh’s Mary Kay Makeup Party, so I replied, “Yes.”  Thus I had to turn down the concert since it was at the same time (8 pm).  I got there at 8:30, and then we didn’t end until 10:30ish.  Karin used me as her first guinea pig to practice demonstrating the presentation (showing the different products, letting me try on the makeup, etc.).  It wasn’t too bad, and she gave me some free samples (i.e. I gave my aunt the foundation).  John Hsieh came back (we were at their parents’ gated community) and reported that he went to Swirll (1944A West Gray / Houston, TX 77019 / 713.523.4888) at 8:30 but no one was there so he left.  I called Jessica to see what happened, and she said that they just left there (there were about a handful of people..?) - she just arrived with Derrick late around 9 pm.  No big deal; I was quite tired.

And it turns out on Sunday I did end up going to Swirll after all.  Oliver Huang is the manager (Jessica Ng’s family friend is the owner).  They have the following flavors:  Original, Tart and Icy, Passion Fruit, Raspberry, Pomegranate, Blueberry, Green Apple, Mango, Banana, Cookies and Cream, Coconut, Vanilla Classic, Vanilla (no sugar), Strawberry, Strawberry (no sugar), and Chocolate (no sugar).  Another one (5000 Westhemier #608 / 77056) is supposedly opening up next weekend (free frozen yogurt!).  Call 713.552.0863 to make sure.

I was at home finishing up my activity analysis project since I’m presenting it this coming Wednesday; it was my first time in my life decoupaging.  Waiting is a crucial step.  I didn’t arrive on Willow Park until 1845, so I was surprised people were still playing flag football.  James suggested going to Boston Market to eat dinner.  Charles, Henry, and Elliot loitered until we were the last ones there.  Henry finally went home to shower, and then Charles (who drove Elliot) decided to just start driving and they’ll make a decision on the way.  Ah, my Staffordites. 

The BASIC guys shared a group meal; I was late (onto 288?) so I got the children’s plate.  I ended up sitting in front of Jeff Tang?.  It was a bit awkward…I wanted to join in the group conversation, but he was friendly and asked me questions about what I do and trying to relate, talking about bipolar, etc.  He didn’t play football today but he comes out at times; he just joined for dinner today.  Jeff Chen came later and sat at the end of the table that was moved to connect with a booth (he ended up ordering the same thing as Jeff Tang, haha).  At one point, Robert C asked if I we had a policy that we could not date our patients.  I figure sure, although if there wasn’t one in place, I don’t think anyone would really want to date them!  Robert said that if they were your patient once in their life, then s/he could never date the doctor.  Hm….  Andrew talked about having girls come watch the guys play in their basketball league on Saturdays so that they would play harder but not better - or rather, so that he (with his sprained ankle) could mingle with all the females LOL.  “Will you come, Amy?”  Uh…. 

Robert C convinced me to go to Swirll, saying it was only a few minutes away.  I called Karin to let her know about it (and unfortunately she called me back late at night, and a couple more times at that, while I was dog tired - I didn’t want to be rude but I cut her off and said I had to sleep for work tomorrow).  Vickie called me as I was sampling the flavors so I ended up having no idea what was good.  Derrick said his favorites are Pomegranate and Mango?  I may have totally made that up.  The guys who came were Robert, Robert, Jeff, Jeff, Derrick, John, and Andrew if I recall correctly (Alan and James went back home).  I was on the phone, so I missed something that Andrew said to/asked of me…suspicious….

April is National Poetry Month.  And it’s also Occupational Therapy Month.  And Cancer Control Month, Alcohol Awareness Month, Stress Awareness Month, International Guitar Month, Keep America Beautiful Month, National Anxiety Month, National Humor Month, National Welding Month, National Garden Month, Uh-Huh Month….

Uh-huh, so the Houston Chronicle publishes a daily poem selected by books editor Fritz Lanham.  Today’s is titled “Cherubic” by James Tate.  My reaction after reading the below is, this is more disorganized than my patients!  Most of my patients are circumstantial in their thinking, or at most tangential.  The following content seems to display flight of ideas, to my inexperienced eyes:

I took my daughter Kelsey to the train:
station. As the train was leaving, we waved
and waved to one another. I never saw her again.
She went on to become the first woman on the moon.
How she got there nobody knew. And she never
came back, as far as I know. And she never wrote
me a letter, she never called. I just hope she’s
happy, my moonbeam. Every night I’m at my telescope.
I’ve seen dinosaurs, snow leopards, flamingoes.
I saw a one-eyed dog wagging its tail. I saw a
mail truck. I saw a sailboat, but, of course,
there is no water. I saw a sign for water pointing
to the earth. I saw a sign for hamburgers
pointing to the earth. And I saw a little girl
fall off her tricycle. A poof of atomic tangerine
dust, that’s all. I never saw the girl again.
The tumbled tricycle’s wheels kept spinning.
Sleep, I said, sleep, little baby.

I like this one (http://www.ddaze.com/04LVResource/zVillanelle.htm) suggested by someone who commented.  It’s “Voice Mail Villanelle” by Dan Skwire:

We’re grateful that you called today
And sorry that we’re occupied.
We will be with you right away.

Press one if you would like to stay,
Press two if you cannot decide.
We’re grateful that you called today.

Press three to end this brief delay,
Press four if you believe we’ve lied.
We will be with you right away.

Press five to hear some music play,
Press six to speak with someone snide.
We’re grateful that you called today.

Press seven if your hair’s turned gray,
Press eight if you’ve already died.
We will be with you right away.

Press nine to hear recordings say
That service is our greatest pride.
We’re grateful that you called today.
We will be with you right away.

And the commenter Salicional also mentioned the following poem by Austin Dobson.  It’s called “When I Saw You Last, Rose”:

When I saw you last, Rose,
You were only so high;–
How fast the time goes!

Like a bud ere it blows,
You just peeped at the sky,
When I saw you last, Rose!

Now your petals unclose,
Now your May-time is nigh;–
How fast the time goes!

And a life,–how it grows!
You were scarcely so shy,
When I saw you last, Rose!

In your bosom it shows
There’s a guest on the sly;
(How fast the time goes!)

Is it Cupid?  Who knows!
Yet you used not to sigh,
When I saw you last, Rose;–
How fast the time goes!

And Chingo Bling reads “Wind and Water and Stone” by Octavio Paz, a Mexican poet, writer, and diplomat who won the 1990 Nobel Prize for Literature.

No one goes hungry
All people are fed
The oceans are clean
Lake Erie’s not dead.
The Irish aren’t fighting
The Arabs love Jews
The swords are now plowshares
Now ain’t that good news?
The water’s delicious
The air is so clear
On top of a mountain
You see to next year.
Couples stay married
Children are jewels
Sure got you going!
April Fools!

–Jean Wells Rogers

As one who professes to have died and now live for the resurrected Christ, this should perhaps be the most crucial celebration.  However, I did not go to church this morning to join the fellowship of my community, nor did I reflect or rejoice on my own with Him.  Instead, I followed suit in being the busiest person in the world (”When we do not do the one thing we ought to do, we have no time for anything else–we are the busiest people in the world.” -Eric Hoffer).  That has been my habit lately.  Nonetheless, by the end of the weekend, I couldn’t but help contemplate, if only briefly:

• Romantic tensions.  “Hello.”
• Changing versus challenging another
• Growing old, side by side
• Guys will be guys, after all
• Meeting the Thumball: http://www.catch32ball.com/images/Thumball_PressRelease.doc
• What makes me mad?

“Easter” in Chinese literally means “Day of Resurrection.”  I forgot where I got it, but here’s an interesting story:

Last April on a Sunday, we took one of our “nowhere” drives. My husband was quietly driving a back road and I was occupied in the front passenger seat watching the scenery.  I noticed out of the corner of my eye that my husband was straining to look out my window. This startled me, since his eyes should be on the road in front of him. I asked him what he was looking at, and he quietly replied, “Nothing.” His eyes returned to the road in front of him.

After a few minutes, I looked over at my husband and noticed a tear running down his cheek. I asked what was wrong. This time he opened up, “I was just thinking about Pop and a story he once told me.” Of course I wanted to know the story so I asked him to share it with me.

He said, “When I was about 8 years old, Pop and I were out fishing, and that’s when he told me the pine trees know when it’s Easter.”

I had no idea what he meant by that, so I pressed him for more information.

He continued, “The Pine trees start their new growth in the weeks before Easter. If you look at the tops of the pine trees two weeks before, you will see the yellow shoots. As the days get closer to Easter Sunday, the tallest shoot will branch off and form a cross. By the time Easter Sunday comes around, you’ll see most of the pine trees have small yellow crosses on all of the tallest shoots.”

I turned to look out the window and couldn’t believe my eyes. It was a week before Easter, and you could see all the trees with tall yellow shoots stretching towards Heaven.

The tallest ones shone in the sunlight like rows of tiny golden crosses.

Other amazingness of God’s natural sciences related to Easter:

• Martha Stewart Living has a recipe on how to dye Easter eggs naturally. Cold-dipping eggs typically makes for subtle and translucent, albeit uneven, shades. Boiling eggs in homemade dye usually leads to more intense, uniform colors.  Add 1 quart of water and 2 tablespoons of vinegar to the pot. If you need more to cover the ingredients, increase the water and vinegar proportionally as needed.  The boiled method works for blue (2 cups chopped red cabbage), yellow (3 tablespoons turmeric), or sienna (4 cups yellow onion skins from about 12 onions).  To achieve blue, yellow, sienna, pink (4 cups chopped beets) and brown (1 quart strong black coffee instead of the 1 quart water), use the cold-dipping method. 
• “10 best edible flowers for Houston” by Kathy Huber.  We can grow a garden of easy-to-grow edible blooms to add color and flavor to a number of our foods.  Daylilies (hemerocallis) have been included in Chinese cuisine for centuries, Mexicans use the buds, and they taste like lettuce.  Nasturtiums (tropaeolum majus) have edible flowers and vitamin C-rich, peppery leaves that are good in salads.  Johnny-jump-ups (violas, viola tricolor) have a mild, wintergreen flavor in their little flowers.  Calendulas (calendula officinalis), named the 2008 Herb of the Year by the International Herb Association, may have a spicy or peppermint flavor.  Rose (rosa spp.) petals can sweeten desserts and salads.  Pineapple sage (salvia elegans), when using their cherry-red tubular blooms, add a sweet, fruity flavor to cookies and tea.  Lavender (lavendula dentata) blooms can be used in cookies and ice cream, or to perk up a salad.  Rosemary’s (rosmarinus officinalis) small blue blooms have a sweet, pinelike flavor.  Fennel’s (foeniculum vulgare) yellow flowers taste like licorice.  Dianthus (dianthus spp.) petals taste like clove or nutmeg.

LENT: Letting the skeletons out
Pastor asks congregation to post secrets on a postcard
By SUE NOWICKI
McClatchy Newspapers

Secrets.

We hide things from other people, including and sometimes especially from the people we love.Sometimes our secrets are rather tame, such as our true age or hair color, our penchant for hiding small purchases, the amount of snacking we do, the fact that we’re thinking about Sunday dinner instead of listening to the Sunday sermon. Sometimes we have big secrets, such as adultery, financial mismanagement, abuse.The Rev. Debra Brady of the First United Methodist Church in Modesto, Calif., decided to address the issue of secrets during the Lenten season after reading a book and visiting a Web site by Frank Warren. In 2004, Warren started a community art project called PostSecret — people anonymously sent in postcards bearing secrets. The rules were simple: The secrets had to be true and never before shared with anyone.Tens of thousands of people worldwide responded with secrets great and small, and Warren has used many of them in four books and on his Web site (www.postsecret.com). He’s used some of the proceeds to support a national suicide-prevention hot line.

Brady posed these thoughts to her congregation in the church’s Jan. 23 newsletter: “I could see how so many people are longing for a community in which they can feel safe being their authentic selves.” She said the church would use the theme of secrets during the season of Lent, which started with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 6 and runs through Easter. She added, “We will explore God’s response to our secrets and God’s power to accept us unconditionally, forgive, heal and redeem whatever we are willing to expose to God.”

As part of that, she invited the congregation to write cards with secrets or other things “that they will like to offer to God during this season.” More than 40 cards went up on the walls of FUMC’s sanctuary, with new ones added every Saturday. Ranging from childish and whimsical to shocking and serious, the cards were taken down on Palm Sunday and put at the foot of the cross until Easter, when they will be transformed in the theme of Christ’s death and resurrection — putting aside old thoughts and habits and putting on the new, forgiven life.

During Lent, the pastors — Brady and associate pastor Cynthia Hamilton — have used the theme of secrets as revealed in Scripture in their Sunday sermons. They’ve talked about Nicodemas, a member of the ruling religious party who used the cover of night to visit Jesus, and the Samaritan woman at the well who found out that Jesus knew all about her secret life.

“Secrets are the things we think we have to hide, when it’s the opposite — if we can get it out, God can deal with it,” Brady said. “People feel very isolated in their sufferings — ‘I’m the only one who has doubts; I’m the only one who feels suicidal; I’m the only one who is stuck in a bad marriage; I’m the only one who feels lonely.’

“The Christian community has practices and theology which address people’s yearning to be authentic, to be who they are and to work with others.”

Besides the sermon topics and posted “secret” cards, Brady said the congregation prayed each week for four or five of the people who wrote the cards.

“It’s really easy in church to play holier than thou or to put on a facade,” she said. “The path of discipleship is coming as we are to God, not having to pretend. If things need to change, it’s God who does that; it’s God who does the transformation.”

Although the cards are anonymous, Brady said people still feel exposed and vulnerable when they see them on the sanctuary walls.

But she said others read the cards and identify with them as they share their own fears, job woes, etc.

“We’re at least sending a signal to the church community saying we’re willing to deal with them; we’re ready to pray for them. There’s a postcard up there about adultery, and the walls didn’t fall down. The pastor didn’t screech a sermon. We prayed for the person. I wanted them to have a model of how we deal with these issues as disciples of Christ, a model of presenting it before God and inviting God into the process of transformation and healing.”

A SAMPLING OF SECRETS

The cards posted in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church in Modesto, Calif., are part confession, part hope and part need. Not all are secrets. Here are some of them:

• “Sometimes I come to church just to see the people. Worship is second, visiting is first”
• “I’m afraid of Tigger at Disneyland because he punched someone”
• “After striving to follow Jesus, I’m lost”
• “My dad is always right, but I’ll never tell him”
• “I know where everyone thinks I will end up, and I am scared to death that they are right”
• “I want to quit my job, but I don’t know how to do that without hurting and disappointing people and making a big mess”
• “I’m a guy, and I like watching chick flicks”
• “The word LOVE has lost so much meaning over the years that I don’t know if I believe it anymore”
• “I love my spouse of many years. I love my lover of many years. One relationship is ‘blessed.’ One relationship would be scorned if revealed, as I would be scorned. I feel guilty that I don’t feel more guilt. I believe God has not given up on me as I figure out the reason this secret exists”
• “I’m jealous of my best friend. I want to be free of those feelings and just be able to love”
• “I have always felt inferior to almost everyone in almost all things”
• “I’m lonely”
• “When I was in the hospital after surgery, it felt like being on vacation. No one expected anything of me and other people took care of me. I felt free and relaxed (the pain medication helped). I wish I could go back to the hospital”
• “I have trouble saying ‘No’ and it’s killing me”
• “I will be so humiliated if anyone finds out I’m going bankrupt. I act like I have it all together, but I’m so over my head. I feel like an irresponsible cheat and loser. I hate it. What would people say or think about me if they found out? I don’t want to know”
• “I am afraid”

Sabbatum Sanctum is the “day of the entombed Christ,” the Lord’s day of rest, for on that day Christ’s body lay in His tomb.  He descended unto the dead.  It is a day of suspense between two worlds, that of darkness, sin and death, and that of the Resurrection and restoration of the Light of the World (http://www.wf-f.org/HolySaturday.html).

After work this morning I ate lunch at Panera Bread in the northwest.  I was planning to get on the internet with my laptop but took a nap instead.  I drove toward the back of the shopping parking lot under some tree shade, got my pillow out of my trunk (I’m spending the night at Jessica Ng’s), rolled down the windows, then conked out in the backseat from 1515-1600.  Apparently this is illegal.  I woke up to some beeping noises that had been going on for ten minutes. 

It was a police officer and his po-po.  He asked me for my identification.  I got up and tried to snap on my bra since I had also unhooked that before dozing off.  He was waiting and asking what was the holdup, so I gave up and stepped away from the car.  I gave him my driver’s license, and then he told me to place my purse atop of the Corolla’s trunk.  He commanded me to sit in the back of his police vehicle: “All the way in.”  “Umm, are we leaving?!”  He answered no.  He punched in my address into his computer navigation and, upon discovering that I lived in the southwest, asked why I was in this part of town.  “I’m meeting a friend but she’s stuck in traffic.”  He asked why I was sleeping in these parts.  “I worked in the morning and was really tired.”  He asked where I worked; I hesitated because I didn’t want to reflect badly on the HCHD.  “Ben Taub Mental Health Services.”  He asked, “The NPC?”  Close enough.  Then he said, “You don’t have any drugs or alcohol, do you?”  No.  “Because I’m going to search your purse and car.  I’m not going to find anything, am I?”  No.  I sat there, all heart-pounding nervous, thinking what in the world is he going to do with me, what would happen with my rotation, what would my parents do.  He checked my purse, the trunk, and the backseat - or at least that’s what I think he did, since I couldn’t see since I had taken out my contacts (I was SO ready for that nap).

Finally he gave back my ID.  He explained that what I was doing is illegal.  He said that some people had seen me and called, thinking “you were intoxicated.”  He said that what I did was extremely dangerous.  He says, referring to where I work, that he finds many people who are homeless living out of their cars and he would have to run them off.  He says many of them have mental illnesses.  I just kept saying “sorry” and nodding to what he said.  He drove off.  I put on my glasses and drove down FM 1960 and turned into another parking lot.

So that was my first encounter with the law….  Reminds me of the first time Elliot Aguilar was detained by an authority of the criminal law system.  He’s very much a laid-back spontaneous non-planning person.  He felt like exercising at around 2 a.m. so he rode his bike on the sidewalk of the Fountains in front of the storefronts.  A policeman stopped him and asked what he was doing.  Elliot matter-of-factly replied that he was exercising.  The policeman asked him multiple times if he was drunk or doing drugs.  Not at all.  Finally the policeman explained to Elliot that what he was doing looked pretty darn suspicious (e.g. burglary) and to not do it again.  Elliot wasfrustrated since he likes to exercise whenever he feels like it.  Haha, I guess now we have Meson to ask questions regarding these situations.

Well, the rest of the day I browsed Mardel and bought some knickknacks for little glees (”Raise the praise”!).  Vickie finally arrived and she picked me up from Barnes & Noble to return to Panera Bread.  The plan was to work on homework (i.e. activity analysis) but instead we ended up skimming photographs and watching video clips.  The one with the latex gloves was so funny that Vickie knocked her head against the back of the booth, haha!  Then we headed north to Rudy’s BBQ for the Match Party that Jessica and Derrick put together for Leon Chen and Chris Vu (Leon’s classmate and friend who hangs out with them).  Leon is going into pediatrics of course (at TCH), and Chris is going into Emergency Medicine (which I found out this morning from work from James the medical student who got matched to Chicago; Adam isn’t matched yet since he’s the same year as Jesslyn - 3rd).   We returned to B&N to pick up my car, I stopped by Vickie’s house, then I got home at 2300 hours.

A sunday school teacher asked her class to draw pictures of their favorite Bible stories.  She was puzzled by one child’s picture, which showed four people on an airplane, so she asked him which story it was meant to represent.  “The flight to Egypt,” was his reply.  Pointing at each figure, his teacher said, “That must be Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus.  But who’s the fourth perosn?”  “Oh, that’s Pontius–the pilot!”

“Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.  (Acts 4:27-31)

http://www.paulmadonna.com/aoc/

Houston Outreach Medicine, Education, and Social Services (or H.O.M.E.S.) is a multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary student-run free clinic for the homeless of Houston. HOMES is an innovative and exciting new program in which the major higher educational institutions of Houston collaborate with community organizations to provide quality, accessible healthcare and social services to the homeless.  Sunday was the day chosen for the clinic, because a situational needs assessment conducted that year showed that there was no medical care available to the homeless on Sundays other than the Emergency Room. In 2000, the clinic opened at its original location, the Lord of the Streets (L.O.T.S.), a facility for the homeless that included the Caritas Health Care Clinic. Then in 2007, the clinic officially completed a move to a new location, the Cathedral Clinic at Christ Church Cathedral. The unique three-part learning experience includes social, professional, and personal aspects. During the operation of the clinic, public health, medical, and pharmacy students work together to provide a wide breadth of care, support, and services to the patients. At the end of their stay, students are involved in a reflection period to discuss the experiences, impressions, and thoughts of how these have impacted their view of the homeless population, healthcare, and themselves as providers (http://homeless-healthcare.org/ –> http://homes-clinic.com/default.aspx).

mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos

Like any good blog community, WordPress advertises popular posts from within their domain; it’s one way to probably facilitate their revenue (http://changingway.org/2008/03/12/making-money-from-wordpresscom/).  One of today’s features was “254 - Ludacris’ Rap Map of US Area Codes” from http://strangemaps.wordpress.com/ (published on March 9, 2008).  It was quite an interesting post.  Then I started scrolling down to the bottom (December 22, 2007).  I’m not particularly into cartography or geodesy, but I think I spent more than two hours (that I really can’t afford to give up right now grrr) browsing because it is very organized.  But I believe those that are superb are those which a lay person can even appreciate.  (I remember coloring maps in Geography class in tenth grade.  My teacher loved having me because I drew/colored pretty maps and also she expected me to make 100s on all my tests, which I did because she set my standard so high - like that time I forgot one answer and I sat there for 15 minutes until the answer came to me.  Do you remember Cathy Nguyen?  She started drawing even more beautiful maps, and her three-dimensional one was a piece of art.  I kept thinking that these maps are already drawn, why in the world are we drawing them again?  I guess it was a side “class” on cartography, haha.)  I am really tired from work and I need to work tomorrow, too, but these did catch my eye:

• 253 - Germany surrounded by Switzerland –> literally by its land
• 249 - South of No North: Country Music’s Favourite States  –> showing the sizes of the states so the map looks a bit funky.  Texas is second (after Tennessee).
• 247 - All the World In A Song  –> I saw this on my two-week West Coast road trip.  We didn’t stay long; Rudi wasn’t too impressed with the map store we stopped in at, haha.
• 244 - 5 Million Hits - The Atlas of Strange Maps - Your Help Requested  –> the author is in the process of publishing a book!
• 242 - Nearer the North: Australia in the King Projection  –> dissecting the backdrop of Larry King and Michael Moore’s talk show episode.
• 241 - Every Englishman Is An Island…  –> a mock imaginary island resembling a brain, surrounded by Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and other unpleasantness at sea, and including fear, romance, prejudices, and desires.
• 240 - The American Eagle, About to Spread Its Wings  –>
• 231 - Praise the Lord and Pass the Dictionary!  –> a prayer in many languages?
• 229 - Vital Statistics of a Deadly Campaign: the Minard Map  –> “The best statistical graphic ever drawn” says statistician Edward Tufte.
• 228 - Merry Kiritimati!  –> a lesser known Christmas Island; I like the name.
• 227 - First the Cartoon, then the War: Europe in 1870  –> each country/character is explained.

I really enjoyed the site.  I’ve come across other “map blogging” sites with disinterest, and none took hold of me like this one.  I think it’s because I am tired.  But some of the images appeal to me, or the title.  And if I do find the time to skim, there are words bolded.  And if I make the time to read the entire post, then I get even more out of it.  It’s like what they say about television shows, the ones where newcomers can have enjoyment, but cult followings can log on to answer facts, blog, and stick together the latent specifities that connect within the series.  I guess an example would be CSI, where each episode can stand by itself, but regulars know the backstories of the relationships of the actors and can now even go to the museum for a limited time to try their hand at the profession.  The website made me think if I could blog on something in a similar fashion.  Just for my own sake: something routine that doesn’t take too much time but presents enough of a slight challenge that I am not terribly bored either.  Seems to be the next new thing ;-P  Siwei’s doing it (food - and math, and another for his webcomic), but of course last time that happened I didn’t exactly edify my current support system!  Here are some ideas that came to mind:

• Comics  –>  but really I wouldn’t know how to go about it.  I’m not making one, so it wouldn’t be my adventures in producing one (e.g. sketching, lines, inspiration).  It wouldn’t be dissecting the comics I post (I hated doing that back in English class, although Mr. Murrell was a fabulous teacher).  Here’s an interesting site:  http://24hourcomics.com/.  There’s going to be new management for 2008.
• Missionaries  –>  until I thought for the current ones that may jeopardize their ministries.
• Crafts  –>  of some sort.  I don’t want to write about them.  Well…”I made this for so-and-so for his/her birthday.”  Hm…this might be a viable option.  Something like PostSecret? And the StrangeMaps?  And make a book later?  Haha.  But then I have to take pictures, then upload them….
• Stories –>  of some sort:  romantic love stories, spiritual testimonies, occupational therapy efficacy, Bible verses (like during my birthday), suriviving homelessness, ….really I just like to read these things haha.

Anyway, some more map links:

• An Atlas: Radical Cartography Exhibition - http://www.theredhouse.org/gallery/article.php?article_id=cO1201534566c479df66640fce; http://www.timeout.com/chicago/articles/art-design/24982/charting-new-territory
• New Urban Arts had some youth works displayed - http://www.flickr.com/photos/newurbanarts/sets/72157594408295097/detail/
• Exhibits that have closed - http://home.earthlink.net/~docktor/1999ex.htm
• In Chicago - http://festivalofmaps.com/index.aspx

Happy Exelaune/o/ei Day!  I’ve never taken a Greek class, but I have taken Medical Terminology (with Vickie?) in Austin.  Dr. Nethercut reminded me of the most excitable Santa Claus, and he adored words.  I know without a doubt the class would’ve been ten times more dull if not for his contagious spirit.  Well, apparently this idiosyncratic holiday became a tradition over fifty years ago at Roxbury Latin as a pun on the Greek verb exelauno, meaning “to march forth”.  On that day, Latin and Greek students were excused from homework, and students declaimed passages in Latin and in Greek. Since 1957, the competition has been an annual schoolwide celebration.  Another website says that the name alludes to Xenophon’s Anabasis, a military narrative traditionally read by students learning Ancient Greek. The Anabasis is easy to read because of its fairly montonous style, in which every paragraph begins, Enteuthen exelaunei stathmous X, where X is a number: “From there, he marches forth X days’ journey…”  I don’t know, but I am a sucker for puns :)

Feb. 29, 2008, 6:54PM   |   Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
A story everyone can be proud of:  When a young Muslim-American stood up for a group of Jews, he became a hero
By Barbara Karkabi

Hassan Askari made headlines in December. SHARÓN STEINMANN: CHRONICLE

Hassan Askari spoke at an Anti-Defamation League board meeting, at the ADL’s Coalition for Mutual Respect’s Clergy Institute and to several middle and high schools during his three-day visit to Houston. SHARÓN STEINMANN: CHRONICLE

Everyone loves a hero — especially a New York City subway hero.

When the Good Samaritan also happens to be a young Muslim man defending four Jewish train riders during the holidays, it’s a cause for celebration.

And since the evening of Dec. 7, Hassan Askari, a slight 20-year-old student who grew up in Bangladesh, has been celebrated.

He has been showered with praise by politicians, including New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. He attended President Bush’s State of the Union speech in January as the guest of Congressman Joseph Crowley, D-N.Y. The Anti-Defamation League, an organization that fights anti-Semitism, bigotry and extremism, honored him with its first Stand-Up New Yorker Award.

But the soft-spoken Askari, a native of Dallas, does not believe it has changed his life dramatically. Though he has made at least four new friends.

“I still have to get up and go to school, do my reports and go to work and do all the same things that I did before,” he said during a visit to Houston sponsored by the ADL’s Southwest regional office. “I don’t feel like I have changed that much.”

Askari was invited here because Jodi Bernstein, senior associate director of the local ADL office, felt he illustrated the group’s mission.

“Jodi thought he would be a good person to talk about how one person can make a difference, even in a situation where he is outnumbered,” said Dena Marks, ADL associate director. “It also shows how important it is to step in when someone is being attacked for race, gender or religion. He kept a bad situation from getting any worse.”

During his three-day visit, Askari spoke at an ADL board meeting, at the Coalition for Mutual Respect’s Clergy Institute and to several middle and high schools.

Farha Ahmed, a lawyer and member of the Islamic Society of Greater Houston, met Askari at an ADL luncheon. She was aware of his story, as are many members of Houston’s Muslim community.

“I think everyone was very proud, and they felt that it was really nice to hear some good news about Muslim-Americans and how well he was treated by the police,” Ahmed said. “This is part of our culture and faith to speak up and defend someone without thinking who they are. But the negative image is so often what defines us.”

And it’s another opportunity for the Jewish-American and Muslim-American communities to continue their dialogue, she said.

Rabbi David Rosen, senior rabbi at Congregation Beth Yeshurun and a participant in the Clergy Institute, was impressed by Askari’s eloquence, humility and gentleness. He said it was heartening “to meet a young man who is so deeply devoted to his faith and its teachings that he felt an obligation to help some young Jewish fellow travelers.”

A hate crime, Askari and the clergy members agreed, is an attack on the entire community.

“But when someone stands up and acts with faith and for justice, that also becomes an act on behalf of the entire community,” said the Rev. Dwayne Johnson, senior pastor of Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church.

Memorable day

Askari said the memory of what happened that December night will stay with him for the rest of his life.

Exhausted after a 10-hour day at the restaurant where he works, Askari was heading home to Brighton Beach about 11:30 p.m. He got on the Q line at 14th Street and sat in front of four young people.

At the Canal Street stop, a loud group of 10 got on the train and at one point shouted “Merry Christmas!” to everyone in the subway car.

When one of the young Jews responded “Happy Hanukkah,” the other group took offense, Askari recalled. “After that, one of the guys came across to Walter (Adler, one of the Jewish riders) and asked: ‘What did you say?’ “

The man showed the group his tattooed arms, claimed he was Catholic and said, “Hanukkah is when the Jews killed Jesus Christ.” The belligerent subway rider continued making nasty remarks and became more confrontational. Askari watched as Adler tried to defuse the situation.

“Walter kept telling him: ‘I’m just saying Happy Hanukkah the way you say Merry Christmas,’ ” Askari recalled. “It’s the same way we would say ‘Eid Mubarak’ on (Muslim) holidays. But no matter what he said, they were looking for a fight, and at one point they started beating him up.”

A young woman from the larger group started pulling Angelica Krischanovich’s hair, and a man spat in Krischanovich’s face.

“I remember she told him that Jesus would turn the other cheek, and at that he raised his hand to hit her,” Askari told Houston clergy members. “I grabbed him and said: ‘What is wrong with you?’ “

The group then turned on the 130-pound Askari, pushing him against the wall and beating him. He ended up with two black eyes.

The assault gave Adler a chance to pull the emergency brake, and the subway came shrieking to a halt. The lights went off, and when they came back on, everyone was keeping his distance, though still saying ugly things.

“I think it was God intervening, because we found out later that they were planning to pull the four out on the platform and beat them senseless,” he said.

Instead, as the subway pulled into the next stop, the attackers were met by police and arrested. In addition to assault and harassment charges, all 10 have been charged with hate crimes, which Askari believes is the correct decision.

“When an incident like this happens, it doesn’t just affect you, but the whole community,” he said.

A devout Muslim

Askari was born in Dallas, but when he was 1 year old, his parents returned to their native Bangladesh. A practicing Muslim, he prays at mosques in Manhattan and Brooklyn when he can — though not as often as his mother would like, he admitted to the smiling clergy members.

“My mom and dad have both grown up with God,” he told the group. “To them it’s important to keep up your faith. You do what you have to do, but you always remember God and everything he has given you.”

Askari, who is majoring in finance at Berkeley College and engaged to a Catholic woman, said he has enjoyed talking to high school students.

“The way I look at it, this generation is going to have to make a lot of major changes,” he said. “I think they will be better informed because the world is a smaller place, but they will also need to come up with solutions.”