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This evening, Chris called to play basketball at the same place. Diana called me to carpool, so I drove over to pick up Elliot and told her to meet me at Borders. During that time, I picked up a book I had requested online: Bodies and Souls. Glee! I drove the three of us to meet Chris and Jacky, who had already played for half an hour (yes, I was late). We played “until someone gets hit in the face” since the sun was setting and we could barely see the ball against the dark pavilion. My contact was irritating me (again! ugh) but the guys were pretty lenient on us girls (Elliot, Diana, and I were against Jacky and Chris). Actually, Diana wasn’t kidding when she said she “sucked:” she didn’t even know about double-dribbling, taking the ball back after making a basket, or getting the “secret” ball passes (well, I’m not so hot with those, either), but she did know how to use the backboard! I’m definitely not anything near Laurie Chen, but it was eye-openning that I wasn’t as “beginner” as I thought I was. Then we played Knockout before heading off for food.
I’ve been thinking of mentoring lately; I’m not sure why. I’ve never been a counselor, don’t have the desire yet to have children of my own, and definitely don’t feel “ready,” whatever that means. I also don’t even have a mentor of my own, although a couple of older women keep, on average, annual tabs on me. Plus, I have the worse relationship with my mother compared to that with my father and brother. They say that as you get older, you get back to your roots more. I think this “independence” thing that the United States has is quite alarming, and I want to get back into utilizing the advantages of my Chinese community. I believe it’s also quite Biblical, for we are the Body of Christ. Interdependence is the new trend. One of the reasons I wanted to stay with FBCC (although I “go” to “all” the “churches” around town) was because so many of them had seen me grow up, physically and spiritually, and my parents are still there. I find it incredible to see the adults teaching us, as we teach those younger than us. Instead of starting at ground zero, we are building upon spiritual legacy…..
Anyway, continuing, my contact actually hurt too much that I took it out and crumpled it into a receipt. Elliot took over my car. Our first stop was Chipotle (which was closed), so we made a stop into its neighbor Berripop. Chris “hongkongsupastar” Huang was there talking with…forgot her name. Diana got blueberry, and Chris got strawberry and blueberry. The rest of us refrained from ordering (although Diana did ask for some samples for us). Diana said she used to go there daily, and multiple times a day (e.g. three times), and each time she’d order a medium, and then get a small after that. There’s also free wi-fi. Daniel Yuan walked in with a bigger guy…I think his name is Jason? gosh I really am not as good with names as I thought. Chris apparently was on an IM football team with Daniel back at UT Austin. Elliot and I know him since we were on the same flag football Titan team with Wilson back in last last season. It was hilarious because we looked at each other and said, “Hey” and then….”Okay, well, I’m going to get some yogurt.” LOL, I think you just had to be there. Later in the night (at the restaurant) Elliot said, “I’m still getting over when we just stared at each other awkwardly not saying anything.”
We went to Freebirds, but it just closed. We finally sat down at a booth in 59 Diner. Our waiter seemed good-natured. We first asked for five cups of water. Then, when it came time to order, unfortunately, only Chris and Jacky ordered. And actually, Jacky had to change his order because what he wanted was only on Mondays I think. He browsed and browsed, asking for suggestions (”Well, the Chicken Fried Steak is popular”), so the waiter said he’d come back. Finally, Jacky made his decision: Chicken Fried Chicken lol. He also ordered Cheese Fries for the three of us to munch on (awww). It took a while, so Jacky asked for the appetizer first, but Chris said, “As long as he doesn’t spit in my food.” Our waiter brought out all three orders at the same time. Man, it’s sure hard not to eat food offered right in front of you; Elliot didn’t eat, but Diana and I devoured the fries (although they said it wasn’t very good, probably been out a while, “soggy” and “sticky”). During the night, she kept trying to ask how to say things in Mandarin Chinese (she’s Korean but tutors Chinese, isn’t that amazing?). She said a neighboring girl looked like a man, but I didn’t think so. Chris said that he plans to take ballroom dancing lessons in the future since Diana had said, “You’re boring” while they danced Saturday night haha.
Afterwards, while they were paying, Diana came upon the machine where you try to pick up a stuffed animal. She really wanted to “fobby”-looking pink “uglydoll.” But there was a rat/fox/animal dressed in martial-art attire atop of it. They suggested that maybe even the Batman would be easier to grab, but she pouted like she did at SSQQ. Our waiter came up to us in amusement, and after finding out that Diana really wanted the animal, he took out two quarters from his tip pocket and handed it to her. Elliot controlled the handles, while Jacky and Chris gave instructions. When all three were satisfied, the claw went down and grabbed…nothing. So we finally left (I’m pretty sure Jacky was glad about that!). Elliot dropped Diana off at her car at Borders, then drove me back. Then my mom drove Elliot back.
“Your friend is really bubbly.” That’s what Elliot said at the end of the night. No doubt about that. Bubbly girls even females like (especially one who is so pretty, talented, God-loving, and responsible), but for me after awhile it takes its toll (i.e. my energy is sapped). I can totally see why guys (especially quiet ones) find themselves attracted to her. While at Berripop, Diana would swipe some from Chris to compare the flavors (since Chris said he couldn’t quite tell the difference). She continued scooping that Chris commented, “Oh yeah, let me take another taste, I still can’t quite tell,” you know, the way he always makes wisecracks. At the toy machine in 59 Diner, Diana was tugging Chris’s shirt (you know how he usually just wears an undershirt), begging anyone to get the stuffed animal for her. I was thoroughly enjoying the entertainment. If I were in Chris’s shoes, I’m sure I would have thoughts of whether this girl liked me or not!
The WHCC guys were at Meta retreat, and Linton apparently was taking a nap, so Elliot didn’t really come. I met Chris at T. H. Rogers. It was just the two of us, shooting around. We played a game of HORSE, which he won (I was leading in the beginning, but he said what probably happened was that I kept trying to make three-pointers so my arms got tired). At the end he sat down and rested. I practiced some lay-ups, from both sides. But playing by myself is even worse than just the two of us. So I sat down in front of him, drinking my water. I asked him if he missed Plano, to which he answered, “A little.” He says he has lost touch with most of the people he knew from back there. While we were walking away, Chris said that Linton was taking swing-dancing lessons. I exclaimed that he invited me as well, except that I didn’t want to pay $40 at this time (which isn’t expensive for 4 weekly lessons, but I figure when I start I’d take more than that plus I don’t want to spend that kind of money right now without a job). Chris said the money issue ($50 for guys I guess) was his same idea.
We went to Old Place Cafe (his choice) in Chinatown for dinner. Jacky was napping when Chris called him for basketball, so he called back and joined us. I got eight lamb dumplings (which were okay, not that fond of the lamb taste) and Chris always orders Dan-Dan Noodles. He says that his friends never seem to particularly desire to come here to eat when he suggests it. Jacky said he could understand. He said that his Beef Noodle Soup tasted so bad that he wanted to buy a drink to wash out the flavor. Yet he still finished it all (cleaner than Chris’s bowl, who said, “And I liked my food”); he admitted that the noodles were good because they were home-made. Then we went over to the Dun Huang Supermarket area. Chris got a strawberry drink from Juicebox and met Jacky at Star Snow Ice & Teriyaki. When I went in, I saw Vivian and Christine from BASIC were sitting in the front corner eating dinner, so I went over to say hi and chat briefly. We all forgot each other’s names, but it’s okay, we repeated them. Then I joined Jacky and Chris. Jason So? and Jen Chi Chen? came in. They recognized my face (and Jacky’s) so we waved at each other. Chris, who’s back was towards them, turned around to see who we were waving to, and they recognized him and stopped to talk with him. Apparently, Andrea (who recently got married to Justin?) had recently moved into the same apartment that Chris had moved into. They asked him how long he’s been in Houston, and that’s all I heard (wasn’t exactly straining to eavesdrop).
Did you know that Chris is sleeping on the ground in his apartment? His guy friends have offered to help him move in, but you know him, naw that’s alright. So his bed and other furniture is still in Nathan Kim’s room. Chris is leaving his couch there. But come on, his nice (it is a nice) bed? Doesn’t that backfire on the purpose he got a new place so quickly? Chris says his bedroom doesn’t have a window, so it’s really hard to tell when it’s time to wake up (circadian rhythms). At that time when told us (in the car as we went to the Beacon last week), we were joking that he should draw a sun or something. Anyway, he moved the smaller objects, like his television, his guitar, and his laptop (he somehow has free internet from somewhere). I guess he doesn’t have a table either, which reminds me of what Sarah Su had said when she moved to Virginia: ”sleeping on an air mattress and having nowhere to sit other than a chair and a table makes you surprisingly stressed”–so I would imagine it would be even more unsettling to just use a box as a seat….
psi, why are we like this? Maybe we need to check out something on http://www.baylor.edu/christianethics/index.php?id=15933. I keep wondering if we are so desperately not going in the right direction: http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=19fd9c84c942a08316e0 (Paul David Washer).
Last night I got on the internet and found a slew of emails regarding watching the Houston Rockets. Lisa Leu wanted to see a live playoff game for the first time. With lots of emailing, they decided to go to yesterday’s game, which was much sooner than she expected but she was up for it. I replied saying that I wished they had a good time and that we’d win. Around 8pm (about half an hour before the opening jumpball), Jeff Chen called me to say that he could find no one to go with him to the game. Arnold had a flat tire and decided to hand off the tickets to him. I was hesitant because it was so last minute. I called Elliot to see if he wanted to go, but there was no answer. I was on the fence, and then Jeff said, “Okay, I’m going to make an executive decision. I’m going to pick you up because I’ve already made a U-turn.” Thus I ended up attending the game as well.
Complications were involved, however, beyond being late (which was actually not that big a deal compared to everything else). First, we had a hard time finding a parking space. Then, when Jeff parked and stepped out of the car, an African-American guy came and asked if we had paid. We answered no, so Jeff coughed up $15 to get a ticket. As soon as that happened, another African-American guy in a long red polo shirt started running towards us shouting that this first guy was a fraud. The first guy took off. Before we knew what had happened, this second guy explained what the first guy did. Apparently the first guy just waits around for people to park, pretends to be the attendant, then steals the money and gives a fake ticket. Jeff had put the fake ticket on his windshield, on the outside. The second guy says that obviously that’s not safe because anyone could just take the ticket. The fake ticket was also different from his ticket (although that ticket was different from the rest of the tickets in the parking lot). The second guy insisted that he was legit, saying that these tickets were after-the-start-of-the-game tickets (thus they looked different), that the ticket’s supposed to be put inside the car, and that he’s not running away. Jeff coughed up another $20.
We walked to the Toyota Center, but I think he was so preoccupied because I had stopped to put back my contact that was paining me and he didn’t notice at all - he just kept walking. We stepped off the really tall escalators (whoa, I don’t think I’ve been in that building since…elementary school, and it still looks huge), and then Jeff said he was going to go back and check on his car. He couldn’t shake it (I don’t think I would’ve been able to, either). I didn’ t think it was good for him to walk around by himself, so we both went downstairs. The people at the door said that there is no re-entry. Thus we went back upstairs, found our seats (1 and 2 next to some big/tall UH white dudes) near the aisle of row 8 in Section 404, and watched…I think we caught the second half.
At halftime, Jeff said that he was going to try to convince the people at the door to let him leave and return. I didn’t see that happening, so I didn’t join him. I watched the show, which was entertaining for me, all that breakdancing and such. Turns out Jeff was able to convince a guy at the door to let him leave/return (the guy told Jeff to come back to the same door and if the guy wasn’t there, for Jeff to name him). Jeff decided to leave his car at the parking lot. Then we continued watching the game. They made some good plays (we stood up), but the Jazz immediately snatched it away (by making their own good play). And there were some disappointing plays (wow, that was a really bad shot). And when Bobby Jackson (whoever he is, he seemed to make a lot of points for this game when I watched) made a 3-pointer but the points didn’t show, the game died. Thus today I read, “As Jackson swished his 3, Scola was called for an offensive foul. Seconds later, the Rockets were out of chances.” Indeed. I’d like Rafer Alston to come back for Game 3, but I don’t know if that’s a good idea for him (you know, don’t want to re-injure and really be out for the season).
Anyway, near the end they had a memorabilia throw which I guess they have all the time. I didn’t think we’d get anything, but a Rockets cap fell on our seats! Yet I saw another hand and so I let him have it. Jeff asked me, “You didn’t want it?” Well, I don’t really wear hats/caps, and it seems like the African-American guy was a big fan (in all Rockets attire and holding Rockets gear). Doh, I guess I could’ve first asked Jeff if he wanted it. Too late.
After the game, I saw Judd! with his FOB friends ;-P For those of you who don’t know, Judd is the older brother of Tina Huang (not spunktina). She and I were the only girls in our grade at FBCC for Sunday School. Then, Lisa saw me! They were at Section 409. So we were united with the rest of the HCC BASIC members who went: James Hsia (who drove), Robert Hwang, and Chi-Chi. At first I wanted to ride with Lisa since we live only a few minutes away from each other and that would save Jeff some mileage, but James said that it would be better if I ride with Jeff so that he wouldn’t be driving by himself. So we walked to Jeff’s car, and then they continued walking to James’s vehicle. Oh, I forgot to mention, it was interesting, a woman almost fell over a huge traffic cone, but James saved her, haha. And so Jeff dropped me off and I went to bed a bit past midnight. Tired.
ROCKETS-JAZZ PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
Utah leads series, 2-0
Game 1 - Sat. Utah 93, Houston 82
Game 2 - Mon. Utah 90, Houston 84
Game 3 - Thu. @ Utah 9:30PM TNT
Game 4 - Apr. 26 @ Utah 9:30PM ESPN
Game 5 * Apr. 29 @ Houston TBD
Game 6 * May 2 @ Utah TBD
Game 7 * May 4 @ Houston TBD
I was invited to lunch, which I thought would be a lot of people, but it turned out arriving at Yantze there was just Linton, Vickie, Chris, and Phoebe. Which I like of course (since I prefer smaller groups). As soon as I walked in Vickie exclaimed, “So cute!” LOL. I had this half-length-tie-in-front purple clothing item that I had bought awhile back (maybe even a year ago?) but never wore in public (because it’s different for me) that I finally wore over a red tank top. And I wore my plaid red cap. Yeah, I look cute ;-P I ate their leftovers (or rather, Phoebe’s leftovers, although I had eaten at home). Linton went to take Phoebe back, so Chris went to Juicebox for a drink. Vickie went there to change, and I ended up getting a parking space just as the two of them were finished. Outside the place, Vickie bumped into Cindy? (from HCC?) so we said hello.
Afterwards we went to play basketball (also with Linton and Laurie) at T. H. Rogers. Vickie left for San Antonio, then Jeannette came. I hear she’s a pretty good basketball player (on the team in middle school?), but she is also such a light-hearted person, playing around with me like sticking out her butt and waving like a maniac. I can tell when everyone isn’t playing up to par around me (like the guys), but otherwise I’d be crushed, haha. Linton had to leave around 5:30, so we ended then.
I still went to football. I pulled up just as Robert C got into his vehicle to leave. I came up to Jesslyn and James talking. I wasn’t sure if I was interrupting the couple, but I wasn’t about to go up to Nathan Kim and the other guys surrounding Wilson (they looked like a team going over plays). I was lamenting on there not being any girls, but James pointed out that they were flying kites! So I ran to join them. The Hello Kitty one was a cinch to fly (but the winds were so strong to break off the string after awhile), but the butterfly wouldn’t go up at all. James and Alison and I tried and tried and tried. We thought maybe it was too heavy and took off some of the plastic rods. We tried flying it upside down. We tried all directions (the wind was flying all directions). Finally we headed over the main field. Lindi had bought a pack of bubbles, so we all took a bottle. They were having trouble, but I just utilized the wind - ingenius ;-) hehe. James ended up wrestling with Robert H, who ended up fixing our kite problem. It was apparently assembled to in effect not utilize the wind (instead of buoying itself on the breeze). Thanks! Yay!
Afterwards, we headed to Boston Market for dinner again. This time Alison, Lisa, Lindi, Robert, James, and I shared the chicken group combo deal. The sides we chose were garlic mashed potatoes, vegetable casserole, greens in cream, cream corn, and other creamed items. Discussion involved guys needing to take leadership, how us females need to respond (in one case you don’t want to say anything to the guy because then the guy will be nagged on and feel they have not made the decision even if the best gentlest encouragement was given), if we females need to wait/pray it out, etc. And sometimes, James admitted, he just doesn’t want to do something so he should just say he doesn’t want to do it instead of giving excuses of too busy and things like that because at the end of the day it’s, he could’ve made time to do it if he really really wanted to.
Later, I joined the others at Robert C’s house. There was already a group there playing poker. Katie Chong was there reading/studying the lecture video on her laptop while playing. Andrew, Wilson, and Chris Lu (who asked me to leave the door open as I was leaving because it was cool outside/hot inside) were also there. Robert H came because he wanted to play Nertz (and Jeff Tang had expressed interest, because he was simply watching them play - since they were really betting, even if the money was nominal). But first, we were like, where did James go? So Robert and I headed upstairs into his room. I said, “Let’s sing!” and I didn’t realize it but Robert sort of teased/imitated my hand gestures and then gave this “Um, ookay” face about my suggestion. But the three of us really did end up singing the songs we sing in church while James played his keyboard. At one point I thought, oh wait, is Robert C sleeping? But James said that Robert has told him in the past that he doesn’t hear anything since right behind the wall is the bathroom and not the bed. At times Robert Hwang and I would switch voices (I would sing low and he would sing high). David Zhao came up to take a shower, and he commented that he thought there were more girls besides me, haha! Katie asked if I could take her home, which I obliged, but then she changed her mind for some reason. She was all sunburned because she hates the texture of sunscreen (reminds me of Nathan Kim). We were all like, well, better than getting…skin cancer?
And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers.”
(”Mary’s Song” from Luke 1:46-55)
I had a work field trip today (honor code). First, since they’re only open in the mornings on Wednesdays, I had my eye appointment with Dr. Tou at 9:30 am. With a couple of hours to kill, I went to Home Depot. My dad had originally asked me to get them for him but he changed his mind because he figured I wouldn’t have time. Well, since I passed it while driving, I thought, why not. Turns out they don’t have any toilet flappers at that specific Home Depot store. Seems like the guy who helped me, “Chris,” and I had a little guy-girl thing going on because usually these guys who help don’t usually have such a huge smile on their face (unless he’s always like that, of course). But both of us were all professional about it, and nothing was exchanged in concrete. I guess things like that, it’s more for, making your day. I stopped at Panera Bread to use a little bit of their wi-fi before heading off to my “field trip.”
You can find the history and background for Magnificat House in the links below. They have a rule to be home by 9 pm. They have enough staff to provide guidance but not enough for it to run without the consistent multiple input from members. The house they are in is quite an old house–it even has servants steps from upstairs down to the kitchen for back in the day when they are to stay out of sight as much as possible and to be readily available to quickly bring refreshments. They have a sand volleyball court in the back, but it doesn’t seem to really be used. They gave me a video to watch (about how this clubhouse model started, playing “Against Me” by Godspeed in the background), and a guy who had slight tongue thrust came in, sat in a chair, and started rocking back and forth. It really is a clubhouse because you just come in and do whatever you want, hang and chill or do work, etc.
I met an African-American called Charles, a Hispanic called Steve, Father ? (at the end of the day, who led the evening Mass), Sister Agnes (an Asian Indian nun) and Sister Mary Jude (a Korean nun), and Ernie, to name a few. Ernie, an HCC professor of transportation law, comes Tuesday nights from 4 to 5 pm to teach Bible study. Sometimes he tries to solicit for donations to support the work of Magnificat House. I was paired up for about an hour? with an ex-prisoner (this is his second time) for him to tell me about what they do out in the yard (horticulture’s quite a big factor here - I helped with flower arranging earlier). However, he just came to Magnificat House a few weeks ago, so he couldn’t tell me much compared to sharing his own life journey. He was born in New York City but moved to Philadelphia, then went into the Navy. He has lived in El Paso before, but his heart is really in Philadelphia. When I said I was born in Pottstown, he reacted as if he found a kindred spirit :-) He mentioned Reggie Theus, but I’m not sure what he was saying about him. He showed me a picture of his girlfriend who broke up with him due to the incident that involved him in prison; she’s the daughter of an Austin minister and is 62 years old. I was told one of the Sisters is actually an OTR (pediatrics), but she’s not here today.
“Work is a regenerative force.” They have a sense of together helping the house run well. It gives them a sense of success and companionship. In fact, they don’t only have the opportunity to contribute but the expectation to do so. They are members for life, because it’s okay to not be strong 100% of the time. They utilize horticulture duties as I mentioned earlier, hospitality and kitchen (I ate lunch with them, which was prepared and served by the members), chapel, household/newspaper (they have their own newsletter that they work on together and print), admissions, and education/employment (learning skills, helping each other out, etc.). Actually, the girl who served my lunch is a Filipino who I think is actually younger than me and I initially thought she was staff but she’s actually a member. They work and reach out to help get student loans forgiven. They make and edit videos to give to sponsors as to what their money is going towards. I only asked a few questions, which was answered like they all have a Gold Card for health care, although a few have private insurance.
After Magnificat House, I had planned to go to Panera Bread to eat dinner and use their internet, but all those U-turns took a toll. Instead, I took the wrong way and saw Chipotle so I ate there and used next door Which ‘Wich’s free wi-fi. I played basketball (James called a few more times than I think is normal) with James, Linton, Jonathan, and Michael, who left and was replaced by Chris. Afterwards we went to eat at the Kona Grill in the Galleria, where Peter Lee met up with us. They warned us to be careful of flashing headlights, that it’s gang initiation and everyone needs to just not react tonight if that happens, because they will hunt you down and murder you. I got home by 11:30, showered, then went to bed.
- Four Guaranteed Rights of Membership:
1.) A right to a place to come
2.) A right to meaningful relationships
3.) A right to meaningful work
4.) A right to a place to return. - Magnificat Houses Inc, is a nonprofit charitable organization chartered by the State of Texas in 1968. The agency has been providing the poor and homeless of Houston not only with the basic needs of food and shelter, but with hope and the belief that every human being has dignity. The Magnificat House, Inc. was founded by RoseMary Badami with the intention to help those in Houston who are most in need. Magnificat Houses, Inc. now includes nine residential houses for the homeless, the recovering mentally ill, ex-offenders, women and children, and anyone who might need a place to stay. In addition to the nine residential houses, Magnificat also runs multiple programs including a house for those with HIV/AIDS, St. Joseph ClubHouse, a psychosocial program for residents recovering from mental illness, a soup kitchen located on Houston’s “skid row”, an overnight emergency shelter for street women, and a thrift store that offers discounted furniture, clothing, etc. For more information on the organization, see: http://home.surfree.com/~magnificat/houses/index.html (Aurora Seminara, GSBS).
- Eli Lilly and Company announced today the winners of the 2004 Helping Move Lives Forward Reintegration Awards. The annual awards honor individuals or groups who help and support people living with severe mental illness; the achievements of people living with severe mental illness who offer hope to others facing similar challenges; and local and national efforts to raise awareness for mental illness: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/micro_stories.pl?ACCT=916306&TICK=LLY&STORY=/www/story/11-11-2004/0002403814&EDATE=Nov+11,+2004
- The Artistic Contribution Award honors accomplishments in self-expression, in areas such as painting, video, dance performance, music, design or fashion. The Fountain House Audio Visual Department (New York, NY) won first place with ”Opening the Door,” a thoughtful, well-crafted feature length documentary that tells the story of Fountain House, the first clubhouse program for individuals suffering from severe and persistent mental illness. The film was created by the Fountain House Audio-Visual Department, which is comprised of ten Fountain House members and a staff member. Founded in 1948, Fountain House offers a rich array of social, residential, educational, vocational, and advocacy opportunities. Membership is lifetime, voluntary and fee-free. Upon visiting the clubhouse, located in a Georgian colonial-style building complex in mid-town Manhattan, one is immediately aware of the commitment and teamwork of members and staff who are working together to enhance the program, while maximizing the ability for each member to achieve his or her greatest potential.
- “A model of the dissemination of self-help in public mental health systems” by Edward L. Knight, Ph.D. (DOI: 10.1002/yd.2330227406). Self-help in public mental health systems has been disseminated with five different strategies; these strategies sometimes overlap and complement one another: The four forms of self-help discussed are mutual support, advocacy, consumer/survivor-run services, and coping.
- Fountain House Sketch by Scott Martin (book)
- Prince Michael
More links:
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St. Joseph’s Clubhouse - http://www.magnificathouse.com/Clubhouse.htm
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The Gathering Place - http://www.gplace.org/about_us.htm
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International Center for Clubhouse Development - http://www.iccd.org/article.asp?articleID=1
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Fountain House: Linking Lives for Mental Health - http://www.fountainhouse.org/
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Fountain Gallery: More Than a Gallery. A Movement. - http://www.fountaingallerynyc.com/
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We Are Not Alone by Anderson (a book) - http://biblion.co.uk/books/8834180.html (Prince Mica
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Project MEND: Medical Equipment Network for those with Disabilities - http://projectmend.org/
Aw, the Rockets lost to the Celtics tonight, breaking our 22-game winning streak (so the streak is flanked on both sides by the Celtics).
After work, Tiffany Lin picked me up. I had planned to walk to the restaurant early (for tonight) and then take the bus home, but she was really concerned for me (waiting aimlessly at the restaurant, then taking the bus at night) so this was the plan that ensued. She had just finished exercising so when we got to her apartment she took a shower. She said that one time she messed up her lower limb from the stairs, and another time it was already messed up so she needed a friend to help her up the stairs all the time.
Her room was interesting because she has no desk! She said that she gave the bigger room to her roommate, and also because she doesn’t study at home so she doesn’t need a desk in her room. On her bed was her baby blanket, the same exact one that I have at home! She asked to make sure, but it also had a zipper on the edge (so he could be zipped into a mini sleeping back). Yeup. It’s the yellow one with the bears on it. She has a photo album with random photographs and recipes. She also has a recipe group from a school, where there were contributions from everyone. I liked to peruse her book titles. She has this gigantic Rice Univeristy graduation diploma framed on the wall. She says it was ridiculously priced due to the material (sheepskin?) and size.
When she came out, we chatted. She asked if I wanted to watch TV, which I didn’t. She says she rarely watches TV because she doesn’t want to get sucked into a series and she just isn’t home when a show is broadcasting. She shared about her past, which I was interested since I don’t know anything about her (and was piqued when she was Grace..Ou’s bridesmaid and she sent a picture of snow from Maryland). She got into Rice’s go-directly-into-med-school-without-the-MCAT program so she didn’t have to stress about that. She was commenting how anyone could know what they want to do when they grow up, that she was simply fortunate enough to have guessed it right. She says she misses the sports from the East Coast, like lacrosse.
Then it was time to meet at Wilson’s. We briefly chatted with Andrew, David, and Robert Hwang, whose car we four piled into (not Andrew or Wilson). Alison showed up at Wilson’s just as we were carpooling to Van Loc. Going around the table, it was Tiffany, Cynthia, Nathan Kim, Andrew, James Hsia, Wilson, Alison, David Zhao, and Robert. Aw, Alison is by herself with the guys. Later, Liang wedged in between Tiffany and me (they ordered for her). Since I had ended up next to Robert, I finally got to see the “normal” side of him. He was born in Houston but moved to Oklahoma when he was one year old. He became a teacher and accepted a job as a high school orchestra teacher (through connections since there’s not many openings for that). Well, his parents moved back to Houston since his younger brother’s here for medical school, which helped him meet BASIC. He decided to move here as well since his family was here and he had experienced this community. The only drawback was leaving where he grew up as well as his nice job. He is currently an elementary school music teacher (he prefers his old job, that’s what he really likes).
We ate quickly and paid because they had to get to the Toyota Center to watch the game. My fortune cookie said: “Your winsome smile will be your sure protection.” It better be. I waited in the restaurant’s oustide-but-covered/walled room (chairs were stacked up). When my parents picked me up, I let Tiffany know I was safe. I came home, read the comics, then tried to figure out next Wednesday’s schedule.
w00t! The Houston Rockets added another game (104-92) to their streak by beating the Los Angeles Lakers, who hold the longest-running streak in history with 33 games in a row. There was a newspaper heading with Catch-22 in its title. I’m not sure what context it conveys, but I hope that we’ll end up in the playoffs. The BASIC Titans are going to watch the Rockets play the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, and it would be such a letdown for them to see our team lose on home court. And the last time I really really watched basketball, it just so happened that those were the years Hakeem Olajuwon led the Rockets to back-to-back NBA Championships. I don’t know why I was watching basketball in fourth and fifth grade. All I remember them playing against is the Utah Jazz and the Orlando Magic. And I think I watched the first season of the birth of the Houston Comets.
