Tag Archive

I’ve been trying to incorporate more exercise into my daily routine in order to better focus on studying (and combat depression and be healthier overall).  I asked Lisa Leu (she lives about five minutes away) to run with me at the Dulles track (so as to prevent knee erosion) and today was our first time.  We met at Mamie George Branch Library so I could show her where to go.  When we arrived, there were a lot of African-American people (and some other ethnicities).  It appeared they were there for a race.  I wanted to turn back (can I blame social phobia?), but Lisa asked one of the men if we could use the track.  He was a jokester and teased us saying we could run many kilmeters.  Apparently they had just finished a race.  We walk a lap to warm up (and wait until everyone left) before stretching and starting our first lap jogging.  Nearing the end, Lisa asked to stop, but I said we could at least finish one lap.  Then we started walking.  And talking.  She is on HCC BASIC’s steering committee this year (along with Andrew, James, Jesslyn, and Robert).  A large part of our conversation turned to community and inclusivity.  I ask her about her past (she left Taiwan at the age of 12 to Virginia, then California, then Dallas, then Houston).  I ask her her testimony (she’s one of those “always believed” kind of gals), and she asked me mine.  She offered to pray for me regarding studying, taking, and passing my NBCOT exam.  

Oh yeah, and she’s also one of those gals who tend to be very..”girly” she describes herself, and…hopeful, trusting, steadfast in her faith.  In other words, very different from someone like me who more readily identifies with “Doubting” Thomas.  Not that it’s a bad thing of any of us, as long as by the end we all proclaim, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).  She basically attributes anything to God, and after a few “explanations” to her I found myself saying “It was all God’s doing” and related statements.  I felt kind of funny about it because I’m not used to that (and was I also trying to “keep up” with her?), but also I think because a part of me really likes to suck the awe out of many phenomena.  Positively, to point out all the facts and then view it with a better understanding, for me it’s even more amazing on God’s part!

One of the things we talked about last last week was our experience(s) in dating.  Amidst the discussion, I was asked why I’ve only had one romantic relationship though I reported feeling comfortable around guys.  Up until maybe a few months ago, I’ve only been asked by guys who don’t believe in God (yes, my options are becoming better, just need to hold out a little longer, eh? lol).  Nonetheless, I think perhaps that is due to me being around hanging out with so many guys.  And deeper still, I’ve come to realize that I may be pretty closed off, not to guys (because I love guys) but to feelings in general:

friend:  i like the romanticism
me:  i’m turning around to it
friend:  you dont like it?
me: kinda cynical, i guess?
  or
  the other night we had dinner
  and i think “feelings” are very foreign to me
friend:  hm why do you think
  or… i mean, well youve dated before
  did you not have feelings then?
me: but then, i was all depressed
  so when ___ came along, i basically decided to throw myself into it
  regardless of the consequences
friend:  so whys it so foreign to think that you could feel the same way for another person
  you would rather not try at all than to try and risk getting heartbroken?
me: well, i wasn’t conciously doing it back then
  like, “amy, build wall so i won’t get heartbroken”
  but right now, i realize i really didn’t give “feelings” a fair chance in anything
friend:  lol
  well…feelings are fleeting
me: probably a big part of how i ended up becoming depressed
  yes, they are, but they have their rightful place
  and i wasn’t giving them the credit due them

This not only includes limerance but also anger, anxiety, sadness, disappointment, even happiness, amusement, you name it!  So much so that I don’t know how to handle them at all; I deny that I feel them.  Only recently have I accepted the challenge to process and put them into words.  You know how it is with the immigrant Asian parents (most of them that I know).  You try to ask them about their past, or how they’re feeling, and it’s like I’m talking alien.  So having copied that, and adding a good dose of my own tendencies, I’ve gone too far on the end of the spectrum.  Counseling was fail, so I took things into my own hands and am slowly figuring things out:  “As stress increases, ‘learned behavior’ tends to give way to the natural style, so the ISTP will behave more according to type when under greater stress, such as withdrawing from people, sorting out detailed points that could perhaps wait, and ignoring their feelings.  Under extreme stress, the ISTP’s shadow may appear, a negative form of ENFJ.  Example characteristics include displaying intense feelings towards others, insisting on things being done without any logical basis, being very sensitive to criticism, having a gloomy view of the future, and attributing unrealistic negative meaning to others’ actions or statements.” 

When I flew to New Jersey without telling anybody to see my first..boyfriend (haha, what a weird label), I was at one of my lowest points in my life.  After I confessed to my parents and friends, I still felt “not right.”  The entire time I tried to convince myself out of doing it, even with my fellow spiritual brothers and sisters’ help, but the truth that it didn’t work is because part of me would do it all over again, and that scares me.  Being so vulnerable at the time (and foolish, headstrong, and impulsive), let’s just say that if he wanted to have sex, he would’ve gotten in.  And oh my, the shame I would have to deal with!  I thank God every day that He didn’t let me put myself in the hands of someone who didn’t care about me, someone who could’ve taken full advantage of me.  I was pretty reckless, so I knew I’d be caught eventually, even though I think I felt bad for being caught (reputation?) and not for doing what I did (grieving God, my family, and my friends). 

I brought up my concern with my brother, who said, out of experience, that the remorse will come in due time.  I’m not sure what I was looking for, but I sure don’t look forward to that time, because who wants to feel guilty?  Even if it is godly (2 Corinthians 7:8-10), not many people I know wants to go through the fire to the purified part (Malachi 3:2-3).  But the part that wants to do it all over again is getting smaller and smaller.  And yes, my knowledge that I will reap the consequences of those actions in my marriage is growing because I did indeed “arouse or awaken love [before] it so desires” (Song of Solomon 2:7, 3:5, 8:4).  Right now, I’m so glad that the way God let me fall forced me to be open with my close family and friends (interesting that some who are depressed only tell their families, and others only tell their friends) so I won’t have to go through trying to tiptoe around them until I break (again).  I hope I’ve learned the lesson well this time around so that there won’t be some even more drastic fall in the future for me!

Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.

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.

Rockets guard Tracy McGrady, center, scored a game-high 23 points and added 13 rebounds and nine assists in Game 2 of Houston’s first-round playoff series with the Utah Jazz, but it wouldn’t be enough to prevent the Rockets from losing 90-84 at Toyota Center. Houston fell to 0-2 in the series, which heads to Salt Lake City for Game 3. James Nielsen: Chronicle

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? 

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….

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?

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.

Saturday, Feburary 16, 2008.  In the morning from 10 to 11:30 I did something but I forgot.  I tried to be productive by uploading pictures and comics, neatening up my room, and showering.  After picking up the Lins, we met Vickie at House of Bowls at 5:30 p.m.  She just wanted a discussion with her close girl friends without the guys for once.  I enjoyed it because it’s not often to hang out as a group of females nowadays.  Then, the guys started showing up.  Linton came, then David Kalloor, who brought his STIM friend Leslie.  They didn’t go to the same locale (she went to the Philippines), but they did the training together, as did Andrew Eng (he went to China) that year.  Much later Brad Eng and Denise (who apparently are dating right now) came by as well.  Hannah is the first to give me her Bible verse memory scrapbook page from my birthday!  I was so excited so when I came home I read it.  Along with it and a homemade card (talk about awesome), she gave me Diary of a Wimpy Kid: A Novel in Cartoons by Jeff Kinney.  I read the whole thing in one sitting.  It’s an easy read, but I found it so dejecting.  It’s a story about an immature boy who thinks he’s all that but in reality doesn’t take responsibility for any of his actions.  I guess the essence reflects the human condition.

Gladys Aylward in what is thought to be her only photograph
Courtesy of Moody Bible Institute

Inch came later all dressed up.  Apparently yesterday he and Sarah Kim had spent literally the ENTIRE day (since 5:30 a.m.) together because they drove to Austin to attend Eunice’s wedding.  It was an enjoyable day.  Unfortunately, the last fifteen minutes of their drive back wasn’t too hot.  I told him about Friday.  Jeff asked why I wasn’t playing (my ankle).  Anyway, tonight Harvest Community Church has an evening service and he was going to attend and thus he just wanted to drop by and enjoy the weather.  It really was splendid.  Andrew Eng arrived late and he came over to say hi.  He said he wasn’t playing because this is supposed to be a ministry so he’s letting the other people play first.  Inch commented on how Andrew’s shirt wasn’t as tight as he thought it would be (it’s a medium apparently).  We made other random comments, such as James Hsia climbing to retrieve the frisbee that ended up on the awning over the windows of the school.  I saw Kelvin so I went over to return the wrap that he lent me for my ankle.  Nathan Wang joined in later.

Tiffany Lin is amazing.  She struck up a conversation with me.  She asked me where I was working, and she said that actually she thinks that’s where she thinks she’s going to go for her psychiatric rotation (near April).  She expressed her disappointment in the working world and in herself when it came to God.  She said right before she started she had gone on a mission trip where she incorporated her medical skills and at the same time was able to ascertain the patient’s spiritual well-being as well.  However, now she’s so busy and on-the-go that she finds that she doesn’t have the time to do that, and isn’t even sure if it’s appropriate.  She reminded me of myself, when I went to Mexico with Nathan Kim, Lois Lim, Melvin Feng (”!esta bien!”), and Jane Park the week right before I moved to El Paso.  I didn’t even go home–my parents picked me up from Laredo and then we drove up to the Mountain Time Zone.  I was so hyped, and I really did feel like I was still in Mexico.  *Psi*  I find it also interesting that she asked if I found a church community.  It was like she got the core of my current issues.  How did she know?  I explained to her that the past year I had actually attended as many FBCC, WHCC, and HCC events I was invited to.  Somehow FBCC doesn’t plan as many or something, but the group I’ve ended up feeling the closest to has been HCC due to their weekly sports outings. 

I also asked Jesslyn to walk with me (I had anticipated Lindi was going to come so I could return her jacket, or Teresa Chii since she’s leaving Houston).  At the end she asked me if I was interested in missions.  I found that interesting; was she thinking about it?  She said somewhat, like either supporting here in the United States or teaching overseas or something of that nature.  I said that I hadn’t seriously thought of it, but I was always enamored of it even before I believed in God.  I told her how just this past Friday I had heard the descendent of James Hudson Taylor speak, and how I grew up being awed not only by him but by George Mueller, Gladys Aylward, Elisabeth Elliot….

I left early to join Phoebe, Hannah, Vickie, and Linton.  He decided to cook dinner for us since his sister was away and Vickie was in town and he usually eats with the Lins.  Vickie and he went to buy groceries, then the girls did work while he cooked.  He made lamb with two different sauces (ketchup with hoison sauce, and one with oyster sauce), baby bok choy (slightly over-cooked), sauteed onions, corn, and baked boned salmon.  Rebekah came home later.  Vickie initiated a conversation about flirting for attention from guys (doing good for the other versus leading the other on), emotional attachment (is okay), codependency (if the other’s wellbeing is wholly dependent on another), and other similar topics. 

A weekend of many thoughts….here’s a list of books about missionaries:  http://servinghimathome.blogspot.com/2005/12/missionary-stories-to-inspire-children.html