Maybe you’re pregnant

That’s what Elliot said when I was sharing with him while driving back to Stafford tonight.  I certainly hope not!  Just because I’m surrounded by women preggers with little girls (and a few boys) haha.  And I am definitely not involved in some sort of immaculate conception, no visions that I recall.  In order to try to figure out what happened, let me start where I left off:

Friday, as everyone knows, was the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.  As I’ve typed before, I went to Vickie’s part of town after brunch at home, studied, ran for fifteen minutes, then watched the Parade of Nations while eating pizza and drinking milk tea at Ariel’s house.  I went to bed around 2 am. 

Saturday I slept in as usual until about 11 am, ate my usual breakfast, read the comics, finally checked my email (last time I was on my computer was Tueday evening), rested and reflected a little regarding this past week.  I actually didn’t feel all that well stomach-wise, so I ate at home (from Yellow River restaurant, the usual).  Since I missed the dinner with Sarah Su and company at Sweet Tomatoes, I hoped to join them afterwards.  I was informed they were going to go dancing at Wild West afterwards, however, and that was definitely out of the question for me.  I played the piano a bit, took a shower, then went to bed at 10 pm because I really was tired (as Hannah helped point out to me on the phone).  I had a hint of a vague headache floating so I figured I’d might as well since usually I sleep and it disappears.

Sunday/Today, instead, I woke up with a double-hint of headache.  I drove Ariel and myself to Houston Chinese Church (our default is Fort Bend Community Church, and actually today Andy Wong was scheduled to talk at Encounter).  As I drove toward the back, I commented that I could feel the rush of anxiety I typically feel on Sundays.  We walked through the back (from the parking lot) and saw Stanley and Leanne coming out.  Ariel explained that we were there to see a friend in town.  I guess they lead Sunday School for the youth.  As we entered the old but renovated building, Ariel commented that it still smelled the same LOL.  As we passed the long curving brown sofa, I waved hello to Sandy!  I haven’t seen her in ages.

We were a bit late to the English service (we only sang the last song), but apparently Kelvin, Lesley (pregnant), Amy, and Michelle came in even later (during the sermon).  Lindi was one of the people who passed out the bulletins.  I didn’t expect to see Wilson up there with a guitar, either, with Liang singing, Anny playing the piano, and Andrew playing the bass guitar.  There was another guy who I didn’t recognize.  James and Robert came in a bit after the sermon started and sat on the left side of the room.  Pastor Tow introduced one of their missionaries, Tim Chang, who’s proposition for today’s sermon was that “a life that treasures the things of Christ by faith is a life marked by a radical, risk-taking, sacrificial type of love” (Hebrews 11:24-26).

We loitered inside for a bit as Amy and Michelle came over.  Ariel says she saw the back of Gee’s head (he’s in town) when I pointed out that Linda was here.  Grace came over to say hello.  I don’t think Peter saw us (Michelle says he looked different but couldn’t pinpoint in what way).  Leon waved until I noticed him and acknowledged him.  Jasmine was behind him.  I think I heard Dan’s voice somewhere.  Grace’s mom came and said hello to me, asking what I’ve been up to, why we were here, how we knew who, and informed me of the possible Sunday School classes I could attend if we didn’t head off to lunch soon after (Book of James, Who You Are When No One’s Looking, the cultural religious views of today, etc.).  I saw Sharon, of course no longer pregant since I’ve seen pictures of Eric Thomas, but I was still not prepared to not see her big belly hehe.  Alison came over to say hello as well.

Ariel and I joined the Chong and Wong family for lunch at Fung’s Kitchen (including the two sets of parents and us, there were twelve of us).  We had dim sum (coincidentally later Vickie called for us to join WHCC for lunch and they were eating dim sum at Golden Foods?).  We then headed to JuiceBox for some shaved ice topped with fruit, condensed milk, and ice cream.  I had great fun watching the family dynamics (the Wong sisters, Kelvin and Lesley, Kelvin and Katie, Katie and Chris, and the parents).  Ariel asked me if my dad talked, and I was curious as to what sprung her question.  She says that the Mr. Wong was super quiet, and indeed, he was.  No, my dad makes small talk.

I took Ariel back because she had to show their house to a family friend (he was coming over at 2 pm).  I stopped by the Wal-mart off of Beltway 8 for $3.49/gal gas, though.  My head was definitely worse by then (thus I didn’t eat all that much for lunch) but it was bearable and I had had something similar before.  Vickie called to play basketball and I figured I’d go to distract myself but I’d probably won’t be up for playing.  I drove Elliot, Ariel, and myself over to our usual location.  Ariel and I sat and chatted, and eventually she read a little of the book Elliot returned (Lies My Teacher Told Me).  It wasn’t too bad with the breeze.  Everyone bought lots of fluids (stacks of water and gatorade).  Ariel drew funny pictures to label the bottles, using my permanent marker.

Linton came later to join James, Jonathan, Chris, Hannah, Vickie and Elliot for volleyball (Vickie finally bought one with Chris) and then ultimate football (on the baseball field–they climbed over the fence).  Hannah left around 4:30 pm.  I joined them after they played 3:3 basektball for Knockout and Poison (Chris sat out for this latter game lol).  Linton took Ariel home.  Interestingly, during the games, as long as I didn’t move terribly fast, my headache felt much better (Jonathan: “Amy, why didn’t you move?” when he made 3 baskets in a row and I was supposed to run so I would be far when he tries to tag someone out by rolling the ball).  But when I sat down, I felt much worse than before, the worst headache I’d ever had in my life as I can remember.  Yet I didn’t think it was a migraine (though I guess I don’t know the definition of one).  I remember Cynthia not being able to stand the light, and the light wasn’t too bad, except flashing ones or something, and that even if was was completely healthy would find that extremely bothersome (e.g. at the MercyMe concert).  I was moaning and trying to lay my head down (Vickie moved away hahaha!).

I called Jessica to ask her to bring Tylenol when she showed up at the UT Rec Fields.  She said she’d bring them, but recommended that I just don’t come, to stay away from the heat.  I did not know that.  Oops.  I should have just stayed home I guess.  I didn’t want to talk, but others talking regularly around me was okay (i.e. listening wasn’t a problem).  Chris suggested that I go to James’ condo to rest.  Elliot drove me there (the stop/go definitely worsened the pain).  James, Braden, and Michael were in the pool.  The slow walking actually temporarily relieved my headache (Elliot: “You better walk near the grass, so if you fall over you have something soft to land on”).  Eveline was already taking a nap on the couch, so James said I could sleep on his bed.  I wanted to save him the hassle of washing his sheets, so I was thinking of putting his sleeping bag over, but then Jonathan remembered James had a futon bed under the bed, so he pulled that out.  He also gave me (I requested two) Tylenol - Extra Strength before Vickie drove him, Elliot, and Chris to the UT Rec Fields.

I tried to lie down, but immediately my headache intensified (it was near the front, slightly to the left).  In fact, I felt like emesis, so I made the typical noises over the sink, and I really thought something was going to come out, but nothing did.  I decided I’d simply sit instead and try not to move.  Eveline got up and gave me a little trash can lined with two plastic bags in case I’d have to hurl.  I sat on the couch curled up.  I dozed off. 

The guys returned to take showers, and Brian came over as well.  Michael asked James to turn off the lights for my sake (aww).  We watched the gymnastic Olympics qualifiers.  I burped, but Eveline thought it was Braden lol (I soon admitted it was me and then when Braden really did burp (he was drinking beer), he blamed it on me but Eveline knew it was Braden).

We met up with Peter, Jacky, and the sports players at Hong Kong Food Street (Hong Kong Cafe closed at 9 pm).  The twelve of us surrounded the front round table on the right corner of the restaurant where they store their soft drinks and dirty kitchenware.  I felt much better, like I had felt on Saturday night, just a bit off but definitely without pain.  Elliot said that people were asking where I was, and the answer given was that they had dropped me off at someone’s place.  “It sounded worse than we meant” haha.  Apparently they had played volleyball!  For example, Vickie and Wilson played the entire time.  Even Chris Lu came out and played.  And then there were those, like Tiffany and Elliot, who played Ultimate Frisbee.  Even Inch and Nathan Wang came out (Sarah was there, too).  At the restaurant we cheered as US’s men’s swimming relay team won gold over France.  I drove Elliot back and came home.  Dad told me how the Chinese don’t tend to win team sports because they invest in single individuals to win as many gold medals as possible (teams other than swimming - they don’t have that big of a pool - usually only win one gold for the entire team). 

Some quick searches:

• It doesn’t seem like a tension, migraine, or cluster headache.  I meet the “lying down aggravates” part of it, but that’s it, thank God.
• Belladonna seems to always pop up.  I’m not sure if it is describing a type or a therapeutic solution.  But again, thank God, I only meet the part that says “cannot lie down.”  The Complete Homeopathic Resource for Common Illnesses by Dennis Chernin says that a Belladonna is “one of the most important remedies for headaches.  This remedy is often useful for headaches that occur from overexposure to sun or heatstroke.  Symptoms associated with this type of headache are clearly defined; throbbing pain that can drive the person almost wild is the most important symptom.  The location of the pain is usually in the right frontal area and is associated with a flushed face and dilated pupils.  The person cannot lie down or bear any light, direct air, noise, or jarring.  Sometimes sitting up makes the headache feel better.  Headaches are often better with warm wraps around the head or firm pressure (as with Bryonia).”
• From Special Pathology and Diagnostics with Therapeutic Hints by Sigmund and C. G. Raue:  “Therapeutic Tips:  China.  The pain is increased from slight touch, from opening the eyes, or from keeping them shut; sometimes the pain is relieved by lying down, at other times the patient cannot lie down; better while moving about gently, or sitting up erect.  Nursing females after loss of vital fluids.”
• Less Frequently Encountered:  http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/Headaches/hic_Less_Frequently_Encountered_Headache_Types.aspx
• Hot or Cold Treatment for Headaches: It’s Your Choice:  http://www.headache.healthcare-advice.com/Articles/Menstrual_Migraines_Its_Nature.php
• Homeo Expression: http://homeocare.blogspot.com/2006/07/migraine-or-hemi-crania.html

[edit]  I definitely still have an aura this morning.  And this afternoon.  When I took my dad to Wal-mart (we ran out of toilet paper) and Fry’s, the heat definitely aggravated my head until I had a headache again.  But as soon as I cooled down it didn’t hurt (just an aura)….  By the way, my menstrual cycle is ending (tomorrow/Tuesday should be my seventh/last day), so maybe that plays a factor, though I don’t usually get headaches when my period is ending….

Independence weekend

Friday, July 4, 2008. We were running a bit late.  Jonathan woke up early to bake pigs in a blanket, then picked up James and Chris before coming back to his own house at around 9:45.  Jonathan got gas then we caravanned around 10 am for San Antonio.  We chatted (curiously nothing about boys), including discussing Ecclesiastes 7:2 briefly, and then “Learning How to Die” started playing, haha!  We split while driving because Jonathan continued on the highway but we (Hannah driving Phoebe and me) took a shortcut (we still arrived at about the same time).  We met Vickie’s roommate Amy and her younger sister who was studying for her MCAT, then left for lunch at La Terraza de Jalisco (located at 9425 Fredericksburg where a Vietnamese restaurant used to stand).  Most of us ordered the special because it was less than $6 (some got the heavy pot that the waitresses literally had to lug, and some of us got the nonspicy fajitas).  It came with iced tea so I drank that (maybe to help me stay awake for the rest of the day; also the tap water is not completely clear).  We also got ice cream at Brindles (located at 11255 Huebner); I ordered their popular flavors Brindle and Cake Dough.  We returned to Vickie’s and lounged around (while some of them got on the computer to discuss what to do next); I took a light nap.  We checked out two missions (Mission Concepción and Mission San José) while it sprinkled/rained/poured. 

Apparently Austin has one as well (and other cities around, so I guess El Paso could’ve had one since I checked out a lot of their art galleries), but we checked out First Friday, which “is an ongoing arts, entertainment, and social block party held the first Friday of each month.”  Our first stop was the Armon Art Studio (?).  I took a black/white copy of what was displayed on the walls and went around the room.  As I was leaving, the man overseeing the room asked if I would leave the two-page packet back on the pile because he said people took a lot yesterday (Thursday).  I understand that it costs money, but I just had never been asked to not keep my program.  As I was hesitating, he asked why I would need it “unless you plan on buying one of the pieces.”  I explained that I enjoy keeping souvenirs.  He then proceeded to take the packet out of my hand because I was too taken by surprise to move.  We checked out the rest of the artwork in the Blue Star Contemporary Arts Complex (along South Alamo Street).  Most didn’t pique my fancy.  I liked a couple of the neon items (forGIVEne$$) by Ray Lynch and the dress (wearable) made of guitar picks by Elijah Echeveste.  Phoebe pointed out a purple-hue night sky, and I was blowing on a raised metal spiral (but stopped immediately when I realized that the title of the piece was “Madonna”).  There was a stack of tires that had people painted on it using white as if the people were running up the tires.  Many of us liked the works of Min-Tse Chen and Bill Amundson. Min-Tse Chen is talented in a variety of media, portraying “Neither once upon a time nor on-going now, the story suspends in another space-time continuum. No beginning, no end.”  Bill Amundson uses only colored pencil but details in a way that reveals the non-idealized American scene.  Our last stop was at Sushi Art.  It was actually a warehouse storage space that the two older men had converted into a living space.  The project had been ongoing for nine months and they finally opened up their home for the Sushi Art to be displayed (i.e. a sushi chef explaining the visual appetite that the presentation can stimulate).  There were explanations posted around the house (e.g. the sliding Japanese door into the bedroom), and there was a HUGE brown dog (I was tempted to ride it).

Then we went on the crowded Riverwalk for dinner at Michelino’s/Cafe Ole.  The seven of us literally walked around in a circle after descending the winding staircase, passing some crafts displays, until we sat down at a small table.  By the time we finished, it was too late to watch the fireworks (and we didn’t exactly bring much to see it with either, such as dry lawn chairs).  We stopped by the chocolate shop before continuing talking romance at the Flying Saucer Pub.  It was interesting that no one really asked me questions, but I’m glad.  Chris said I was in the best position because I’m just sitting, observing, listening, and storing the information.  Honestly, though, since I didn’t write it down, I don’t remember much.

Saturday.  Again, running a bit late, we stopped by HEB for beer and snacks then McDonald’s for breakfast to go.  We tubed for about two hours with Texas Tubes.  This is my third time, and of the three times I think this is the best weather because it was cloudy (first time rained, second time was too sunny for my preference).  We named a few shapes that the clouds made in the sky.  As Phoebe says, if we could read a book, it would’ve been perfect.  The chutes were fun, and fortunately a guy standing in the water stopped my tube and asked if I wanted to go over the ridge, and I said definitely not!  Chris (with the cooler of drinks), Phoebe, Ren, etc. unfortunately were too late and some were scratched up (e.g. James).  Afterwards we ate “lunch” at around 3:30 at Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar (located at 1287 Gruene Road / New Braunfels, TX).  Phoebe and I shared the Chicken Enchiladas with yummy (not avocado) green paste (six pieces for $10 kind of pricey eh?).  Ren was wearing a pair of sunglasses that was found in my orange mesh bag (the one that I carried everyone’s shoes in lol).  On the way to Austin, Vickie wanted to stop by San Marcos for Victoria’s Secret’s $9.99/bra sale.  My size was long gone, so I got a pink tank for $10.81 (I realized when I got home in Houston that there was a tag that had $8.99 on it.  Oh well). 

We arrived at my brother’s apartment and took showers (the twins went to David’s new house that he’s sharing with two girls, and the three guys finally checked into their hotel).  After some confusion and calls, we met at the hotel (Jonathan let in three vehicles) and then carpooled (Chris drove Debbie’s car) to Hyde Park Bar and Grill from around 9 to 10 pm.  This is the restaurant that has the fries Hannah raves about (crusted in potato? and comes with a special dipping sauce).  Thus I ordered the Turkey Burger with the extra $1.95 for fries.  Afterwards we made a stop at Mozart’s, where the BASIC people were hanging out (Andrew, Lisa, Robert, Leanne, Shaoen, and Chi-Chi).  Vincent Tao and Yeeland were there as well.  We head out to 6th street, where the guys had James and Jonathan do the Blue Wave (Vickie recorded it).  We do a little more hopping, making a last stop at SOHO where some of the Angela Pan/Andy Wong wedding congregation were dancing it up.  It was cute, Denise and Brad.  Brad was taking a break or something and gave all of us a hug when we arrived.  When 2 am came around, there was a fight outside.  We walked past on the other side and headed back into the hotel where Phoebe uses the advantage of alcohol and this late-night out-of-town opportunity to break Chris to tell-all, mwahahahaha!  But just to her.  I drove Vickie (she felt dizzy?) back to my brother’s around 4:30 am.

Sunday.  I woke up to the sound of the hair dryer in the bathroom around 10:45.  Vickie reported being up since 8 am!  I asked her where she was going, and she said the Austin Stone, held inside Stephen F. Austin High School.  Oh! Rudi says she really liked it, and I wanted to check it out, so in ten minutes I combed down my hair, put on my clothes and contacts, and grabbed my Bible and GPS out the door.  Vickie said the first time she went was with Rudi, but the worship leader wasn’t Chris Tomlin and the speaker wasn’t the regular pastor.  She says Shaoen used to go there when he was in Austin, so he took the rest of the BASIC people there.  We arrived only a few minutes after they did, so we sat behind them on the right front section (with some guys that she and Leanne know).  At the end it seemed Andrew recognized someone so we had to wait for him, and then outside the auditorium was Jessica and Derrick, so we said hi and bye before leaving.

Afterwards we went to Juan in a Million to meet David, Meson, Chris, James, Jonathan, Phoebe, and Hannah.  Being my first time, I didn’t know how big of a portion they gave.  But I combined mine with Vickie’s to take back to my brother.  As we got up to pay, Hannah snatched the bill from my hand (since Vickie and I arrived late, we had a separate one).  I snatched it back, but Hannah snatched it and gave it to the cashier!  Vickie exclaimed, “Why did you give it to her?!”  “I didn’t!  I didn’t know I had to guard it with my life!!”  Jonathan paid for all of us getting Jim Jims‘ water ice.  Meson pointed us to some “steps” nearby to chill–it was littered with trash.  Meson said that it’s near the Austin Police Department down the street.  Vickie seemed off but wouldn’t tell me what’s up when I asked, so I hope she got it settled when she was talking with Phoebe.  Meson and Chris caught up more, and the rest of us sat, chatted, and made a cup/twig sculpture.  Meson commented that Chris talks more, “or he just talks more to me” haha.  Reminds me of that time at Sarah Su’s place and Chris on his turn bust out saying something about thinking so much about the past that the present becomes the past and he never catches up or something like that (yes, I butchered it).  Linton said, “Wow, Chris, I never knew you were so deep.”

The twins went to meet with Sabrina while Meson opened his house in Buda to the rest of us to play Rock Band (after having a house tour and meeting his roommate Joe).  He has a room designated as his gym (with a mirror he bought from someone who was remodeling and didn’t want the huge mirror), a game room (the TV had shorts atop it, there was a poker table, and another gym equipment), and a small foldable table for his eating table.  He introduced us his and his roommate’s dog (and there were at least two more in the restroom), and proudly presented us a football jersey and his two-head shower.  I sang and played the drums and guitar, but it was funny that I happened to sing to “Say It Ain’t So” by Weezer and drummed to “Maps” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs twice each! 

The three guys left to return to Houston.  Vickie drove us back to my brother’s apartment for a nap before she left for San Antonio.  I ate dinner with my brother at Cheddar’s (only close place we could find that’s open on Sunday night at 9 pm).  He made a suggestion so we quickly orderd (I got the tilapia with shrimp and he got the Key West chicken with shrimp).  We caught up.  We returned home and stayed up until 1:30 am watching “Avatar: The Last Airbender”:

• http://www.watchshowsonline.net/cat/174-Avatar_the_Last_Airbender.html - eps
• http://www.tv.com/avatar-the-last-airbender/show/28841/episode_guide.html?season=3&tag=season_nav;next - eps
• http://www.nick.com/shows/nick_mag/nicktoon_comics/index.jhtml - toons
• http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=133106 - interview with creator
• http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS147837+30-Jun-2008+PRN20080630 - movie info
• http://alexds1.deviantart.com/art/Paradox-86584716 - fan ‘toon
• http://rufftoon.deviantart.com/art/Why-Avatar-episodes-are-late-82897585 - another fan ‘toon
•  http://www.freewebs.com/mermer202/index.htm - avatargate
•  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kLeQgrZaKs - Iroh’s prison break LOL!

Monday.  My brother turned on the washing machine for me, woke me up, said goodbye and gave a hug, then left for work.  I got up around 9:30, ate last night’s leftovers for breakfast, combed down my hair, packed, folded the laundry, took an almost-hour-long nap, ate again, and began and finished The Timothy Principle quickly.  The twins came in to check out the apartment then we went to pick up Ariel at Lantern Lanes.  Judy was there as well to say goodbye.  A bit past halfway, we stopped at McDonald’s for a restroom break and for Phoebe to get a vanilla shake because she was taking over driving the rest of the way.  They dropped me off at my house around 5 pm.  I read the comics, and Jonathan dropped off my mattress around 6 pm.  I ate dinner by myself (leftovers in fridge) so I turned on the television and ended up watching the Bachelorette finale and “After the Final Rose.”  My parents had gone to The Incredible Pizza for a Senior Monday dinner (citizens 55 and up only pay $3.99) and then FBCC for praise-xercise.

Bible: James 2:1-13

Last night I went to FBCC Bible study.  Jamie (born in Beaumont, TX), Carol (Chicago, IL), Eric (Philadelphia, PA), Brad, Andrew Fong (Houston, TX), Joe (Houston), BJ (quickly moved to New Orleans, LA), DeHorne, Jason (Mississippi), Stephen, Emily, Grace (from Korea? friend of ?), and Janet (Hong Kong) were there.  Even Alice Wen (Taiwan), Raymond, and Simon came.  BJ led our group’s discussion on James 2:1-13 after the video presentation:

• Describe some ways in which we in the church show favoritism today.  Some are viewed as “more godly” or “less godly.”  Although there is some reality in both good and bad stereotypes, we should gradually know another in order to see where that person fits.  We tend to flock to those we are more like, whether through ethnicity or personality or age.  Is that favoritism?  Well, favoritism is based on face value while preference is based on knowing someone already.
• What is God’s view of favoritism?  In what ways is favoritism “judgment without mercy” (v. 13), and what kind of judgment will God bring on those whoshow favoritism?  Where is your heart?  Are you shunning another based on preconceive notions?  Favoritism is acting like you are God, in that you can judge another (but only God can judge).  What if no one finds a connection with this one person?  There’s a reason that no one really bonds with this one person.  Do we make the extra effort to dig until we find a connection?
• According to James 2:8, what is “the royal law found in Scripture”?  Why is showing favoritism a violation of this law?  “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  You wouldn’t want another to shun you, or to make base their behavior towards you on a false claim.
• What is God nudging you personally to do to become more accepting, appreciative or affirming of others?  What practical steps can you take to help others feel God’s love and acceptance?  Don’t assume simply from hearing one thing and blowing up and assuming so many more other characteristics.  Before even meeting, you have already sized another up!
• Make a list of the pros and cons of our career group, in reflection of today’s lesson.  These are things people said that we’re doing well in:  We’re good at providing opportunities to connect (e.g. basketball, socials, Sunday lunch, birthdays, snacks after Bible study).  There are a lot of friendships and relationships.  We’re good at asking newcomers if they’d like to be on the distribution list.  It’s a big-sized group where responsibilities can be rotated with others, instead of someone stepping up to do it due to “forced” necessity in smaller churches (e.g. like Jiyoo).  Many people here have a desire to grow.  There are areas of growth they mentioned:  We need to work on following up with newcomers or even regulars we haven’t seen in awhile.  There needs to be more reaching out.  We have cliques.  We need more participation on the online blog (xanga) and pictures (shutterfly).  We need to publicize more within church regarding the existence of this group.  Changing up the location could be helpful.  All members need to remember that this is our fellowship, and not just those “leaders” should be doing the welcoming, etc.

Afterwards I chatted with Alice and Simon and exchanged numbers with them.  Then, I made a pitstop at Pastor Doug’s house in Stafford.  BASIC had put together a potluck that night there.  I showed up at around 11:30.  I slowly opened the door, and James Hsia said hello.  Then I spotted Linton’s sisters.  Rebecca aske,d “Did you just come from small group?”  “Haha, yes, I did.”  They asked why I was so late, and I said that I just wanted to stop by since it was so close and on my way home.  Pastor Doug introduced himself to me, and he says his wife’s sister or other relative goes to FBCC.  They encouraged me to take some food, so I did, after thinking I probably need some breakfast. 

Yvonne introduced Joseph to me, but of course we already knew each other.  He says he’s back in Houston for work.  I think I rambled way too much, about nothing (I seem to do that a lot lately).  And then it was awkward, so we moved on.  Lisa exclaimed hello, then returned to her responsibilities.  Robert, as always, enthusiastically greeted me, with, “She came!”  He convinced me to take a slice of pizza back.  He says that his metabolism is not like it used to be, not like our younger ones, haha.  Wilson and Tiffany said hello; I caught them just as they were leaving.  I helped clean up just a little bit, then took my food home.  I was home before midnight, isn’t that amazing?

Daniel 11:35

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.

Unintentional

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.

Houston Rockets

 

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

BTPC: Week 11

Monday, April 14, 2008.  We have five new patients today, so Rick helped out by reporting in rounds and taking over task group for me: Thanks!  I was able to meet with four of them.  At lunch, Jennifer was so sweet and bought an angel-food cake to celebrate Sally’s birthday.  Sally was gone for her birthday last week, so that’s why we celebrated today.  Jennifer had already cut it so that she could layer it with strawberries she had already cut and topped each layer with whipped cream.  Sally was excited and took a picture of the cake, and then with Janet and Rick, awww.  After work, I called Vickie to tell her that as I was walking from the BTPC through the hallway to the BTGH, I thought I saw Grace (JoJo’s wife) and waved, and I think she at least recognized my face.  Then I went to the MFAH. 

Tuesday, April 15, 2008.  I only had self-care group today, and good thing.  I had four discharges, and forgot one on Team C (we had traded, and I knew she was leaving, but I forgot since I was her therapist I had the responsibility to give her home instructions).  I performed two evaluations along with one home instructions.  Some common patterns among Team B patients:  if you’re a female then you have pseudocyesis (delusions of being pregnant), you have a past history of running naked in the streets, or you are somewhat malingering to stay here instead of to go “home.”

Wednesday, April 16, 2008.  Due to EPIC training, Theo preferred that Rick not be gone to his Patient Education Committee meeting that he has once a month.  I went by myself to present my brochure.  It was nice since I could go in a bit later since the meeting starts at 9 am.  I was the first one there, so I went to the restroom.  When I returned, the woman who last week presented on an already-published patient-education-worksheets packet regarding diabetes management sat to my right.  She’s quite outspoken about corrections, which helped me because I didn’t want to really say much by the end since I’m just sitting in for Rick.  For example, I wrote a certain correction on the sheet (Rick had printed out the materials for me beforehand) that we were sharing, so she spoke up and it was a good suggestion that everyone agreed upon (they were debating between two phrases, and I provided a third option).  When I went to my park, I had a parking violation (I had read the sign about only those going to Holly Hall, and I interpreted it wrong) but the police officer at the front desk from which I inquired from said that I didn’t have to pay a fine or anything, just that if I were to continuously do it I would be banned from parking there in the future.  Whew. 

To celebrate OT month, Theo offered to treat us out for lunch at Murphy’s Deli (we walked there).  It was interesting because she printed out the menu and indicated which ones on the menu we could pick from.  They had a salad bar, but Sally changed her mind about it and ordered the combo (sandwich, chips, drink).  Sammy stopped by to say hi, and Jennifer couldn’t make it because she felt sick (and interestingly enough, Theo didn’t schedule her for anything).  It was nice to have a break in the morning, but I had to catch up in the afternoon about the goings-ons.  I spent the rest of the afternoon administering two evalutions then writing up 5 of 7.  Rick had given me $10 to pay for parking; isn’t he generous?  I was happy that I could leave without waiting, but unfortunately I forgot where I parked so I walked for some good minutes before finding it, haha, sigh.  I really didn’t want to miss Ladies’ Group, but after mental calculation I knew that I just wouldn’t be able to make it, and missed it for the first time.  At home I made some last minute changes on the brochure (since the BTPC computers display it different from my home laptop) then went to eat dinner at Old Place Cafe at 7 pm with my parents.  They saw a dentist and his wife who they recognized; he was in Mississippi for six years with the army but is now retired and having a lot of enjoyment traveling.  Afterwards we went to Kinko’s to print out four brochures (very nice quality, and I paid for it - $12, for paper, ink, and time spent on the computer).  Then we went to Wel-Farm to buy potstickers (I figured dumplings would be nasty the next day being soggy and all).  We got home at 8:30 pm and turns out that potstickers are tricker to cook than dumplings.  We learned we could not cut corners (i.e. cook more than 7 at a time).  A plate dropped and shattered.  Dad ended up cooking the mass majority of them.  I printed out handouts (regarding where to get them printed at BTGH) and then went to bed past midnight.

Thursday, April 17, 2008.  I presented the brochure to the OT department.  Rick negotiated our groups for the day so I could have time in the afternoon to finish my paperwork; wasn’t that sweet?  And I did finish, so that I spent some time helping Elderine on Excel for her employee project (after Jennifer helped her for two hours).  I semi-re-learned about =average() and helped set up the chart so that she wouldn’t have to calculate by hand each time before inputting, but that all she had to do was input the number of people who attended and the number of people who were present.  Jennifer offered to take me home, so I asked Rick if it was okay that I left early with her at 4 pm.  He gave me permission, and in fact he himself stayed and administered an evaluation for Elderine (the patient spoke Spanish).

When I got home and checked my email, at 4:14 pm Linton had emailed asking if we wanted to watch When Autumn Sunlight Comes at 1915.  Linton picked up Elliot and me.  Afterwards we went to CiCi’s to eat.  I explained the Beacon to Elliot, if he wanted to join us in the future.  Told him about how the manager of the Beacon used to work for CiCi’s.  Elliot informed me that Chase Culpepper proposed to Lauren Drake!  She’s graduating tomorrow in Galveston, so they’re going to support/celebrate with her.  Somehow relationships popped into the conversation, so I mentioned about someone asking me out, back in November or something.  Linton asked if it was Robert Hwang, “the annoying loud guy” LOL.  No, it wasn’t.  I don’t think I had even met him at that point in time.  I told Vickie about this comment haha.

Friday, April 18, 2008.  Rainy morning!  Rick’s not here today, preparing to attend Dr. Barber’s wedding tonight.  In fact, it was just Elderine, Jennifer, and me, but it wasn’t as bad as I anticipated because they “closed downstairs” (i.e. outpatient appointments).  Since I’m the student, I helped with all three groups.  I helped give hurried home instructions to one patient (-Tuesday) because it seemed like she was going to leave (they were gathering all her belongings from her locker).  Turned out her parent (-Wednesday) didn’t pick her up until after we OTs were gone.  I tried to blow up the beach ball, but it didn’t work.  I was afraid to ask to leave early to try to watch Road to Partition since I had already left early yesterday, but I finally did (10 minutes early) and Elderine let me go (still got lost a bit in the parking garage).

After the movie, I rushed out and ordered my usual burrito from Chipotle at the corner at 7pm.  Vickie called, so I told her where I was and what we were doing.  I barely made it to Magazine Gap Road that started at 1915.  I went in just as the WorldFest guy was making some announcements.  During that time Hannah had called me back (do’h, my phone was on silent), so I called her again, but I think by then she had put her phone on silent.  I was thinking that maybe they had gone to see another movie, since I didn’t see them.  Finally I just decided to go up to the seats, and good thing, they were all sitting on the bottom row on the left on the third tier: Phoebe, Chris Sun, Jennifer Yu, Hannah Kwan and her boyfriend? from WHCC?, and Hannah Lin.  Linton came when the movie ended.  He was debating as to what to do with it (watch another movie? give it to someone? refund?); I don’t know what he did with it.  We went to Grand Lux Cafe afterwards for dinner outside with their dim lighting and high heating.  I didn’t order anything, but finished up my burrito.  I went home.  Linton and Chris went to his apartment, then Linton took Chris out drinking, haha.

Just jammin’

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 (used to go to WHCC now goes to Access) 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, 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?

Swirll

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….

Easter

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?

Irish luck

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.

Boldness