Ruth's Ramblings

A New Change

2006-07-07T23:29:00.000-07:00

This will be my last post here on this blog. Sad to say, I will be transitioning out of Blogger (due to growing frustrations), and will using my own domain/host for my blogs instead. Come visit me, HERE!

(P.S. I will also be moving my knitting blog here. Things are still under construction, and I still have some final template details to tinker with, but that shouldn't take too long.)

See you over there!

Fun Tidbit

2006-06-26T13:09:00.000-07:00

You Are Big Bird

Talented, smart, and friendly... you're also one of the sanest people around.

You are usually feeling: Happy. From riding a unicycle to writing poetry, you have plenty of hobbies to keep you busy.

You are famous for: Being a friend to everyone. Even the grumpiest person gets along with you.

How you life your life: Joyfully. "Super. Duper. Flooper."

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

Heat Explosions

2006-06-23T23:28:00.000-07:00

Due to the excessive heat, things in our cars have been melting/bursting/changing colors. Some examples:

1) Receipts that have turned black (just from an hour in the car)
2) Lipsticks melting and leaking all over my purse
3) Soda cans popping/bursting

Pretty gross.

Hello, Summer

2006-06-22T00:57:00.000-07:00

Oh boy. Here we go again.
(Notice the weekend weather)

A Hello Kitty Morning

2006-06-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

I finally got a chance to use that lovely HK waffle maker I got for my birthday. Wayne has been requesting these waffles ever since I received the gift.

Waffles were the faces of Hello Kitty and a few friends. They were small (palm-sized) but very cute:

A shot of a plateful of HK waffles with the flowers Wayne got me for our 4th anniversary:

Close-ups (aren't they adorable?):

4 Years, Today

2006-06-01T11:53:00.000-07:00

No longer newlyweds, but not feeling quite seasoned in this just yet. It's still delicious as it was since the beginning, but now with a deeper sense of security and foundation in our relationship. Our individual identities have been altered forever - and our cups overflow with the goodness and blessings of God, beyond what we could ever imagine or hope for!

My Thorn

2006-05-31T14:07:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I came to Church Camp with anticipation for some fun, relaxation, and quiet times. I didn't get much quiet time as I wanted, but the fun part was evident. I also had plenty of opportunities to catch up with friends and get to know some people more deeply. God also surprised me by showing me some things deep down inside of me - as I dug beneath my layers, I discovered a chasm of porportions in my heart. I was shocked and taken aback by how deep this hole was, and how painful it was to confront it and expose it to the surface. I felt incomplete, broken, and completely ineffective, with a wound like this.

To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
(2 Corinthians 12:7-8)

I questioned God - Why did you bring this to the light? What purpose does this have (besides bringing me pain)? What am I to do with this? What are you challenging me to do with this?

I didn't get a straight answer. Instead, from my questions came a silence that was warm and inviting, and it drew me to His Word. I opened it and this is what He said to me:

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
(2 Corinthians 12:9)

I'm not quite ready to boast about my weaknesses like Paul so freely says, but I'm reminded that it is through my weaknesses that God can work in and through me. In the meantime, I will lean on Him because my strength comes not from me, but from Him alone.

Robbing God

2006-05-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.

Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. (Psalm 24:1-6)

I have been reminded lately of a simple truth: everything in my life belongs to God. All my material posessions, my relationships, my skills and talents, my personality traits, my time, my current occupation, even the very breath I breathe - none of these things belong to me.

Thinking that I am living on borrowed time with borrowed things and borrowed tools is hugely humbling for me. After finishing a fairly busy season the past 6 months, I'm re-evaluating what all this busyness lately has come to. Was it worth it? Or did I just take all the things that didn't really belong to me (my time and talents) and squandered it away? And if so, for what? Just to be busy? To have fun? To please others? To make me feel good about myself? I am disgusted at myself - I used to live by higher standards than these. I'm ashamed that the goals I've had as of late, have been purely selfish, lacking in purpose, without an ounce of self-control.

I've heard that what people eat, reveals what they hunger for. What we make time for, reveals what's important to us.

I have been incredibly blessed - will I continue to waste what's given to me? Or will I wisely invest in the Kingdom of God? Will I offer up my life (once again) for the purposes of God's glory? With all that I temporarily have in this life, will I use all I have to daily live for God and worship Him with it?

Humbling, yes. And I also have to admit, it's a bit freeing as well. To know that as long as I give the very best that I can, He will take care of the rest. His will is good and perfect, and they are all in His hands. Putting my trust in this, I can rest easy.

Summer Heat

2006-05-15T15:03:00.000-07:00

Today is very significant. After suffering early summer heat (we literally had no Spring here - we jumped from cold rainy mid 60's, straight into sunny mid 80's, and now we're hitting the 90's)... today we finally TURNED ON THE AIR CONDITIONING.

Very significant indeed. I practically melted into a puddle all last week.

And speaking of significant times, this Wednesday will be my LAST DAY OF MANDARIN CLASS. Although it will be the final, still, its very significant. Can't wait for it to be over. Woohoo!!!!

Breakdown

2006-05-09T18:05:00.000-07:00

It's been a really busy season. I was glad for April to be over, because April was jam-packed, and I had high hopes of taking a much needed break and relaxing in May. I was sorely disappointed. I hit my breaking point last weekend - I took my emotions (anger, frustration, tears) as an indication that something was internally wrong. I logically concluded that I am just so very tired. Emotionally, physically, socially.

I knew this season would be busy because I said "yes" to alot of things - not because I didn't know how to say "no", but because I really was interested and excited to be involved and to do all the fun activities I committed to. But I failed to notice that I had signed up for too many things. Next time, I'll do better. I'll take better care of my time. Because, obviously, when you spread yourself thin, you don't do a good job in anything. And right now, I'm doing a half-job with everything, and that in itself is frustrating, because a bunch of these commitments are ministries. What a disservice to everyone that I am serving! And I take ministry very seriously.

Currently frustrated at myself, tired, and burnt out. Even my knitting is not enjoyable, it's "work". At this point, I'm teetering on very thin ice - survival is day to day, week by week. Vacation comes in July, August, September, and October. Somehow it's not coming up sooner than I'd like. =P

Friday's Feast

2006-05-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

It's Friday!!!! =D

Feast Ninety-Two

Appetizer
From which country(s) are some (or all) of your ancestors?
China: My mom's family - Guandong Province (Taisan). My dad's family - Fujian Province. Ironically, I don't speak a lick of Cantonese.

Soup
How would you describe your sneeze?
Short, and held in.

Salad
What is the last thing you cleaned?
The dishes. Before that, my teeth (I brushed them).

Main Course
Who made the strongest first impression on you?
Hmmm, hard to say.

Dessert
Name one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime.
There are lots of things - but I guess for now, one of them would be to experience motherhood, in one form or another (I'll let God figure out that one). =)

Easter's Lamb

2006-04-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

My first time roasting lamb, recipe here.

Juicy, very flavorful. My meat thermometer makes roasting meat SO easy. =)
The only regret I have is that I didn't rotate the meat halfway through, so it didn't cook equally throughout the roast. So next time, I'll do that.

Easter

2006-04-16T16:17:00.000-07:00

To closed chapters and new beginnings...

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
(Lamentations 3:22-23)

KC
2/8/06 - 4/2/06

C&B
4/17/06

Our love to J&I, B

Chinese Homecooking (College-Style)

2006-04-12T20:24:00.000-07:00

Tonight's dinner menu - some simple homemade dishes I used to make in college:

Chicken Wings:

Baby Bok Choy:

Eggflower Soup (from the Kikkoman's mix)

Chicken Wings:
3 lbs. of chicken wings and drumlettes
Marinade (rice wine, sugar, soy sauce, some slices of ginger)

Marinade chicken briefly. Heat wok/pan and add chicken (with a little bit of oil). Fry a bit, then add the rest of the marinade. Continue frying meat, adding water if necessary to cook. Fry until water evaporates and chicken is cooked and browned.

Baby Bok Choy:
5 bulbs of baby bok choy
Sauce: 1 Tbsp. oyster sauce, 1 tsp. cornstarch, 1 Tbsp. water

Cut ends off and soak in water. Cut in small pieces, separating green leaves from the white bulb pieces. Fry whites for a moment with a bit of oil, adding a bit of sugar and salt. Add leaves to frying pan and cover (to steam) for a couple minutes. Uncover (leaves should be wilted by now), toss around briefly. Meanwhile, put sauce ingredients together and stir. Add sauce to center of pan and stir until it thickens. Toss altogether with the rest of the baby bok choy until done.

Another Day's Snapshot

2006-04-12T12:47:00.000-07:00

8:45am - Alarm goes off.
9:10am - Rolling out of bed. Wash up, check some raffle stuff for the Spring Tea.
9:20am - Realizing some time deadlines, rushing out the door to make some raffle pick-ups all over town.
10:10am - Back in my neighborhood, head straight for the Clubhouse to work out.
10:45am - Devos at the Clubhouse.

12:00pm - Back at home. Turn on computer, input raffle items picked up. Check email, do more Spring Tea correspondence. IMing with a couple friends.
1:00pm - Lunch.
1:30pm - Putting first load of laundry in. De-cluttering downstairs mess.
2:00pm - Wayne comes home (today is his half-day).
2:45pm - Shower. Wayne tries to convince me to run errands with him.
3:00pm - I get out of the shower, and agree to go with Wayne. We go to Fidelity and Costco.

4:40pm - We get back home. I take a call from S.
5:00pm - Off the phone, I head to the kitchen to start dinner. I also ask Wayne to help me sort the laundry while I cook.
6:10pm - Dinner's done. Eating in front of the TV with Wayne (who is watching the Red Sox play the Blue Jays - yep, did you know he's a Toronto fan?)
6:45pm - Clearing dishes and cleaning up the kitchen. Running dishwasher and put another load of laundry in.
7:00pm - Hanging out and vegging in front of the TV with Wayne.
8:00pm - Doing a 3rd load of laundry.
8:30pm - Blocking a knitted item.
9:00pm - Relaxing in front of the TV with Wayne, knitting my lace. =)
9:40pm - Phone call (long-distance).
10:15pm - Got off the phone, pulled out last batch of clothes out of the dryer. Watching "Top Chef".
11:30pm - Answering some more emails (from my knitting blog account).
12:00am - Bringing all the clean clothes upstairs, bedtime!

Easter Bunnies

2006-04-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Stolen from my brother. Enjoy!

Survivor

2006-04-10T13:09:00.000-07:00

I had a mad week and weekend. But I survived! Yay! I'm pretty sure I got an A on my midterm, Spring Tea stuff is up-to-date so far, and the wedding was in order and we got through it. With pictures to spare!

First of all, a big congratulations to Viv & Pete! I am so excited for them and wish them the very best. Hopefully their wedding day was special and memorable.

Viv and Dad, ready to walk down the aisle:

Viv & Pete, fresh from their vows:

Reception table centerpieces:

Wedding cake, made by Pete's aunt:

Such cute cake top figurines!

Yours truly (reception coordinator), right before the reception mayhem:

Exhausted, but hugely happy for my friends. The wedding day is such a special day, and the pressure to make everything perfect for your friends (yet not get in over your head on every single little detail) is a difficult balance. After all the running around in my high heels, a nice pedicure sounds really nice just about now, so I may pay a visit to Blue Sky Day Spa really soon. Anyone care to join me?? =)

After the wedding, we stopped by Todd & Tracy's to see Matt & Carina and their new baby, Carissa. She's such a darling, and I wish I had pictures to prove it, but we were so pooped out by the wedding that all my brain cells were too mushed to remember to bring a camera.

It's spring break now (yay, no Mandarin for an entire week!!) and I can finally get to my very much neglected housework. Plus, I'll have a bit more time for Spring Tea stuff.

Whew!! =D

Mid-Week Ramble

2006-04-05T10:57:00.000-07:00

Been busy this week, but I spread out my stuff so I wouldn't be too overwelmed. I do miss my knitting though (I know, I don't even have time for that either!!) =( By next week I should have more time, so I'll finally get to tackle some things I haven't been able to do in awhile:

1) Knit (aka: seam blue sweater neckline, get some more lace rows in)
2) Workout!!
3) Housework (bathrooms, organize craft room clutter, do bed sheets)
4) Laundry

By May I want to:

1) Finish both knitted sweaters (the Bella Paquita and the Peppermint Twist)
2) Organize my closet (aka: throwing out old clothes I barely touch)
3) Refilling my closet (aka: shopping!)
4) Get started on my sewing! =)

My head is a bit clearer now. I would love to have a weekend all to myself for a mini self-retreat, but who has the luxury of that? My journalling and prayer times are keeping me grounded so far. I've also recently been thumbing through Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Church, since our church is currently searching for a new pastor. It'll be a big change/adjustment, since our current pastor has been there for several decades. I've also been going through some marriage books for our Couples Kinship, only to find some intriguing books for myself. The thing about leading a fellowship group for the lifestage you're at - there's a fine balance between feeding yourself while feeding/guiding your group. Even though I have 3-4 more years of marriage, I'm still fumbling around myself.

Ok, enough of the rambling. I have some Spring Tea phone calls to make, still have to review my Mandarin for the midterm tonight, and skim through some wedding details for Pete & Viv for Saturday. Off I go!

Stunned

2006-04-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

Prayers for J&I:

Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to
the ground and worshiped.

He said,
"Naked I came from my mother's womb,
And naked I shall return there
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away.
Blessed be the name of the LORD."

Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.

(Job 1:20-22)

Recipe for What I Feel Today

2006-03-31T20:22:00.000-08:00

3 Tbsp. of Disappointment
1 cup of Anger
2 handfuls of Hurt
1 dash of Confusion
3/4 cup of Discouragement

Mix ingredients well, under low heat, for 2 hours. For explosive results, stir furiously under high heat, for 30 minutes.

Easiest Brownie Recipe EVER

2006-03-27T11:29:00.000-08:00

I don't claim to be an expert in brownies, but when Jon first made this a while back, I was hooked. I'm picky about them though - I don't like them airy and cakey, I like them dense and fudgy. These came out with the perfect moisture (not to dry) and not too wet/gooey. In fact, the recipe says to bake it for 35 minutes. You can probably cook it for less (30-32 minutes).

I made it the night before:

Cut it up the morning after:

They came out exactly how I like them.
Armed with my glass of milk, I'm ready to chow down!! YUM!

One Bowl Brownies
(recipe can be found here)

4 (1 oz) squares unsweetened chocolate
3/4 cup butter
2 cups white sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
2. Microwave chocolate and butter/margarine in large bowl at HIGH for 2 minutes or until butter/margarine is melted.
3. Stir until chocolate is melted. Stir in sugar. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour and nuts.
4. Spread in greased 13 x 9 inch pan. Bake for 35 minutes (do not overbake).

Friday Feast

2006-03-24T11:41:00.000-08:00

Yay, it's Friday!

Appetizer
How would you describe your personal comfort zone?
If there's an inkling of distrust I have with you, then you're probably not in my comfort zone. There are alot of un-safe people out there, so I keep my personal comfort zone tight and small. I'm a pretty private person (believe it or not). =)

Soup
What is your favorite tree?
Japanese maples. I used to love white birches, but Wayne said they would be too messy to maintain.

Salad
List 3 foods you'd like to include in your dinner plans for tonight.
- Red wine
- Veal
- Vegetables (carrots, celery, onion, garlic)
(If you didn't know, these ingredients make Osso Bucco. Not sure if I'm making it tonight, but I would love to one of these days if I have time)

Main Course
What is the best advice you've ever been given, but didn't heed?
Not sure. I can tell you plenty of terrible advice I've chosen to ignore, and some really good pieces of advice I kept for myself (and/or passed on to others). I'm sure there are pieces of good advice that I've passed up, probably because I wasn't mature enough to understand it or receive it properly. But I don't have any regrets on what I've taken and what I haven't taken.

Dessert
On a scale of 1-10 (10 being highest), how much attention do you feel comfortable receiving from others?
3. I don't particularly like it.

Wrestling With Myself

2006-03-24T11:04:00.000-08:00

Recently I've realized the unique position I've been placed in. People around me have told me about it for almost 3 years, but I've always brushed it aside and not taken it as seriously as I probably should have. A recent sermon encouraged the congregation to stop being "whining Christians" (I, unfortunately, am in that category), and start taking advantage of where we're at. A carpe diem, like Esther, who was divinely placed in a situation that she alone had influence over.

On the other hand, what happens if you didn't want to be placed in such a position? Whether divine or not, my heart isn't in it at all. Just the opposite, actually. If I was divinely placed here (which I have to agree, there is a purpose to everything), what is the divine intention? According to Experiencing God, God is at work around me (do I believe it? do I see it?), and He invites me to join with Him in that work. Is being in this unique position a sign that He is inviting me to "join in"? But if He is indeed inviting me to participate and labor for Him, ought not He equipt me properly for the work (as Experiencing God also says) as well?

I certainly don't feel equipt at all for the supposed "task" at hand. But then again, I am also a feeling type person - my motivations and resources come from my heart, not my head. If my heart is empty, there's nothing I can give. It would just be dry-heaving on my part, and that's not pretty.

After venting and hashing out it out with Wayne, I came to this conclusion: If it is my heart that hinders me, then why not ask God to change it? If it is His will for me to do something about this, then do something about my heart first. With that divine request, I can rest easy and trust Him more wholly.

March Madness

2006-03-23T23:02:00.000-08:00

Today is one of the happiest days in college basketball for Wayne. Why? Two reasons:

1. Duke lost.
2. UCLA won.

What I'm Making Tonight

2006-03-17T12:37:00.000-08:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! The only reason why I would even notice this holiday is because of Wayne's insistance that I make corned beef. One of his favorites. I've tried several variations and have enjoyed them. This year I'm making an easy-peasy one out of beer:

Pub Style Corned Beef

1 large corned beef brisket (including spice packet)
+ 2 cans/bottles Guinness Draught
1 cup water
1/2 cup honey
2 cups small, halved red potatoes
1 cup cut up carrots
1 large onion, cut into wedges
1/2 head green cabbage, cut into wedges

Combine meat, beer, water, and honey in a large stockpot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 40 minutes per pound or until meat is very tender, adding vegetables to the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Place meat on a cutting board and cut into 1/4- inch thick slices; place on a serving platter. Strain vegetables from cooking liquid and place on platter; drizzle with some of the cooking liquid.

* Edited to add pictures of the finished results:

To-do List

2006-03-15T09:49:00.000-08:00

Today:

Take MCL to the airport
Drop off dry cleaning
Drop off Rent DVD at Blockbuster

Clean both guest bathrooms (upstairs & downstairs)
Sweep floors
Laundry - 2 loads, and bed sheets

Study: Mandarin and finish homework (class & grammar quiz tonight)
Knitting: Seam both sleeves of sweater

Tommorrow:

Clean master bathroom
Do bills/check on budget
Email FF reminder
Shopping for shower gift
Knitting: Seam up lace neckline of sweater
Finish whatever chores I couldn't finish on Wednesday

Weekend R & R

2006-03-13T12:10:00.000-08:00

Hubby worked some weekends to get last Thursday and Friday off. We were aiming to hit the slopes, but because of the incoming storms, we figured we probably wouldn't be able to make it. So we ended up spending some time in Monterey and Carmel, had some really great seafood, and when the weekend rolled around, CAT people came over for a weekend retreat.

(Pictures courtesy of Cindy L.)

It was alot of fun and I was able to catch up abit with various people. I know in the previous weeks, God had been preparing my heart for this retreat. At first I struggled alot with my attitude on it, but I was able to see the Holy Spirit change my heart, and I was really able to receive the things that I was meant to experience, hear, and feel. With brokeness comes blessings, once again. I am in the midst of "working out my faith", while feeling out whether where I'm at is where I'm supposed to be at. On the drive back, hubby and I had a good discussion on that (ministry-wise, where we are as a couple, among other things). It's an ongoing journey, one that I am hopeful for as the future unfolds.

Sensitive

2006-03-06T16:35:00.000-08:00

Woke up keenly aware of the hole in my heart. Gotta be careful - my spiritual armor is missing lately, so I'm guarding my heart the best I can today.

Friday Feast

2006-03-03T15:04:00.000-08:00

Appetizer
How many pillows and blankets do you sleep with?
Two flat pillows, one comforter with a flat sheet.

Soup
What are you currently "addicted" to?
Lace knitting. And a particular brand of hot milk tea.

Salad
If you could make a small change to your current routine or schedule that would make you just a little bit happier, what would it be?
Cut a couple activities out of my schedule. I've overcommitted from now til summer.

Main Course
Which adjective do you find yourself using often?
I have absolutely no idea. But I'm sure my friends could tell me.

Dessert
Have you ever picked up a hitchhiker?
Never.

Defective Biological Clock

2006-03-02T15:12:00.000-08:00

I've always been mystified by this "biological clock" that women claim to have. I must be missing out, because, really, I don't hear any internal ticking whatsoever. I've never had a timeline made out in my mind on how my life should lay out (I have friends who had planned to be married at 25, kids at 27, what their names are, what cars the family will drive, what neighborhood and house they will live in, etc, the list goes on and on). To me, the future has always been scary, so I've never ventured into thinking what will or might happen. Perhaps in fear of being disappointed? Maybe. So I've made no plans.

With being married, as a single person, I never wished for it. I never wished NOT to, I just kind of let the whole subject sit far away, somewhere in the future, the backburner. Didn't want to think about it, didn't want to deal with it. I never pined for it, never thought I ought to be at that place at a certain age and then waited eagerly for it.

Then I met Wayne.

I really do think once you meet the right person at the right time, even if you didn't have the desire to get married, all of a sudden, you want forever to start right now. It sounds incredibly cheesy and probably a line from a movie, but I swear, it's completely true. I knew I was young, but when the time came, I knew I was ready.

Now that I'm married, the subject of kids comes into the picture. This is something I've never even imagined would happen to me - never really thought about it, E-V-E-R. So at the wedding when friends are teasing me about when we'll have kids, I freak out, because... hang on there... I still feel like a kid myself!! At the time, I was only 24 years old, freshly emancipated from my parents, newly married. I have a new life to explore for myself as an adult, who has just entered into a new world with another human being.

We're approaching marriage four years now, and I'm turning 29 at the end of this year. Still no ticking. But starting to get nervous from all the comments and questions around me. Should I be worried? Why is it that everyone else feels like their eggs are rotting except for mine? Should I just jump for it? Dive into planning for a family motived by the social pressure around me? Doesn't sound like healthy motivations to me. Will I ever feel ready? Not sure. I don't mind the occasional questions on when we plan on having children (a perfectly legitimate question for people who are curious) but these days, not only are people asking, but they are making comments on my age, like I am not getting younger and implying that time is ticking, my clock is ticking. What clock?!? And I know the stats and risks on ages, no need to repeat it to me again, thank you very much. I'm married to a family doctor, remember?! And since when do people all of a sudden feel like they have to tell everyone what to do, the moment they are pregnant? Who wanted your advice anyways?! I certainly didn't ask for your opinion.

I can't imagine how magical it is to bring a child into the world, I hear from friends how much work but what incredible joy it is. But I take this kind of thing very seriously, and I don't feel quite right making a decision like this based on outside pressure, or just because that's "what you're supposed to do at this age".

Maybe that's it. Maybe in my head I've never thought of living my life through a life-template. In my head there are no rules or guidelines as to where I'm supposed to be at a certain time, or what I'm supposed to do at a certain age, and just because everyone else is doing it.

Maybe I have a defective biological clock. No life-template here, either.

Friday Feast

2006-02-24T00:38:00.000-08:00

Quote of the day:
We were watching the Olympics ice skating long program last night. While watching tiny girls fly across the ice and spin like crazy (hoping they won't fall), Wayne exclaims: "She looks like a drill bit!!"

With that, here's your Friday's Feast:

Appetizer
Choose one: moving to another state, having triplets, or never being able to eat chocolate again.
Depends on what state. If it's a state I don't like, I'll opt for the chocolate. I'm ok with chocolate - I can appreciate it, but I only truly crave it once a month. You know.

Soup
Name a news story that truly shocked you.
9/11. The tsunami in southeast Asia.

Salad
What was your very first job?
Babysitting for a neighbor's cats and dogs while they were away on vacation. I don't even remember how much I got paid for that. I also babysat my baby sister when she was an infant (I was probably in 5th or 6th grade at the time), and was paid a quarter an hour by my parents.

Main Course
If you had the chance to read the diary of someone you're really close to, would you? Why or why not?
If given permission, my husband. He doesn't keep a journal, but I would love to get into his head on some things. There's alot of stuff guys don't verbalize (sometimes because there really is nothing going on in there to verbalize at the time) but I would still love to read his stream of consciousness thoughts on various topics and issues.

Dessert
What's something you're looking forward to?
Summer. And more knitting. =)

Congratulations

2006-02-21T12:59:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Stephen & Chien-Ling this past weekend!

Indicators

2006-02-15T21:23:00.000-08:00

I'm understanding my body better these days. Sometimes when I don't really understand what's going on in the inside (or rather, I just don't want to go there), my physical body will tell me otherwise. Particularly when I'm 1) stressed or 2) depressed/upset over something. Here are, what I've recently noted, my physical symptoms for each:

Stressed:
- Decrease in sleep
- Decrease in appetite

Depressed:
- Increase in sleep
- Increase in appetite

Interesting, no? And lately I was wondering why I've been sleeping +10 hours a night (when my body usually tops out at 8), and constantly snacking, just to fill myself (and not because I'm hungry). Ok, well, so those really weren't my first indicators. The very FIRST thing that caught my eye was that my "loose" jeans (the ones that have always been a tad baggy for me) are now on the tight side. Devastating. I know my snacking has to do with it, but beyond that, something deeper is going on. Do I want to explore it? I have to force myself to do it.

I heart you

2006-02-14T00:15:00.000-08:00

Wayne's Online!!

2006-02-07T12:25:00.000-08:00

Between the two of us, I'm the one that's online all the time. My computer is always on, I leave my trillian on all the time (it holds my AIM, Yahoo Msgr, ICQ, MSN), and I get an instant notification if I get an from any of my 3 email accounts. Yep, this way you can reach me faster than a phone call.

On the other hand, the last time Wayne was online was probably back in college, when ICQ was all the rage. That was almost 10 years ago. Now barely anyone is on it (except for me and a select few), most are on AIM or Yahoo. Anyhow, now that he is all settled in his new job, they've given him a laptop for work-related purposes. He brings it home and of course, with our wireless network, I'm playing around with it all the time. I installed for him Yahoo Msgr, and it took awhile for him to get accustomed to all the screennames and little symbols. Now he can message me when he's in between patients! Here's a clipit of some of our chats:

wmlee_75: just did a circumcision
roofth: ewww

Off the ground running

2006-01-31T10:43:00.000-08:00

The new semester has finally started and MAND 402 has taken off in a flurry. It's the first evening of class and already we have homework and a quiz tommorrow. [insert groan here]

This season will be an extremely full one for me. I've been asked to participate and commit to various things last month, and I've agreed to many of them until I realized that to do all these things would make my February through July pretty busy, and specifically March through May as hectic. I hate going back on my word, so instead of flaking out on things, I'll do my very best on them and keep it at that. So I'm acknowledging that I've hit my limit - I can't do anymore than what I'm already juggling, so if I'm approached for anything else, I will have to decline. Sorry.

I also had a sudden realization lately. Often times I when I meet people, they don't know how to respond when I tell them I'm not employed (and not actively seeking employment either). Being a "housewife" or "homemaker" or whatever you call it is strange when you don't have kids. I get alot incredulous looks and questions like, "Then... what do you do with your time?!" as if life is absolutely unthinkable outside of work.

I do my best to give these people grace - if they define themselves (and everyone else) based on what they do, how much money you make, blah blah blah - who can blame them? That's how the world teaches us to define ourselves. Of course, that's not how God defines us and where our real value/worth comes from. He sees us for who we are, not on what we do.

And then it hit me like a ton of bricks - that I am no different than these people. I define myself based on my own achievements as well. Perhaps not in the workforce, but in ministry. When things fail, I feel like a failure. For several YEARS I have been disatisfied with where God has placed me; community, ministry, everything. I have whined, complained, fought, pouted.

I often forget that God is holding these things in His hands, He is the Master Orchestrator. I often yearn to be in ministry in other places and my spirit is restless and unsatisfied with where I'm at. And then it dawned on me a week ago that perhaps my sphere of influences is EXACTLY where I ought to be, right here, where I have always been. My ministry is here where I'm at, THIS is where God has placed me.

And the next question posed at me is this: What are you going to do about it - sit and continue whining, or get your focus straight and be obedient with what God has given you?

[/whine]

Year of the Dog

2006-01-29T20:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year!

I made the Nian Gao (New Year Cake) from scratch for the very first time. I was pretty impressed with how it went - I made two batches (one for the Couples Kinship and another for T&A's baby shower) and both were gobbled all up. It tasted the best fresh and hot right out the the oven - a crunchy sweet crust with a gooey sweet and sticky inside. Here's what's left of the yummy goodness:

I'm definately keeping this recipe for future chinese new years. =)

Character

2006-01-17T23:49:00.000-08:00

Stolen from Joey, but it was worth sharing. =)

Watch your thoughts...
they become words

Watch your words...
they become actions

Watch your actions...
they become habits

Watch your habits...
they become your character.

Weekend with Friends

2006-01-16T21:40:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was full but fun. Wayne and I were pretty happy about it - without feeling TOO rushed, we had alot of opportunities to spend with people we hadn't otherwise. Alot of relationship-building!

We spent some time with MCL, my brother-in-law and his girlfriend, Mike & Shelly, and I got to hang out with some knitting friends. We also spent a day in the bay area for a co-worker's birthday party and I got to hang out with some high school friends as well!

Tea at Lisa's Tea Treasures:

What we ate!

Joel's 40th surprise birthday party (he really WAS surprised!):

And lastly, big congratulations to my brother-in-law's engagement!

Serving

2006-01-11T14:46:00.000-08:00

From now until summer, I'll be pretty busy. I've been given plenty of commitments and projects, so from now on, I won't be able to take on anymore than I already have. I'm grateful for so many exciting projects/programs to come, but I'm already anticipating my need to pace myself when the busyness comes.

As is with many others, I am the servant type that likes to be involved and busy (a Martha-type). When I'm not in a purposeful role, I feel a lack of meaning and identity within myself. This is something I'm hoping to shift away from, because there will be busy and not-so-busy seasons.

I am also not a natural leader. Nor a natural "mentor" (however you define that role). Even though by birth, I'm a first-born and the eldest of 2 other siblings, I have never really fit the big-sister stereotypical role that well (I'm not the bossy type and I doubt that my presence commands as much respect as others do). These past 5 years I've been challenged to "step" up and take on these roles that don't come natural to me. With these challenges, I've been discovering my style of leading and my own personal style of influence. I'm not the assertive hands-on type (aka: I'm not your mom), and I am certainly not going to tell you what to do. I am noticing that when I serve, I like to treat others like peers/equals. I am not comfortable "mommy-ing" people, and I would hope that I do my best to help others THINK FOR THEMSELVES rather than be carbon copies of their role models. I've seen people base their spiritual lives on their leaders/role models, and I hope to never do that to those under my influence. I hope to guide people DIRECTLY to God, rather than towards myself. You have a question on how God is speaking/guiding to you? I won't have the answer for you. But I would want to guide you in how to listen to His voice on your own.

Lord, thank you for the many opportunities You've given me to serve You and give myself to You. Equip me for the roles You've placed before me - Holy Spirit, grant me Your wisdom and strength!

Worshipping

2006-01-10T10:32:00.000-08:00

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be all over the earth.

~Psalms 57:7,9-11 (NIV)

A Christmas Blessing

2006-01-09T17:02:00.000-08:00

At my inlaws house (San Jose); Christmas Eve, 2004.
(From L to R): Me, Priscilla, Danny.

New Look

2006-01-05T14:38:00.000-08:00

If you've noticed, my blog is looking different. This week I've been changing up all the templates for my blogs (including my knitting ones). Hope you like it!

2006 Beginning Thoughts

2006-01-02T13:35:00.000-08:00

It's not exactly New Year's Day anymore, but we're at the start of a new year, and people are thinking about resolutions. I stopped having resolutions since grad school - I always end up discouraged that I never follow through. There are things I would like to work on and improve on, but why wait for a new year to start them? I start whenever I feel the urging to (end of the year, middle of the year, whatever). Plus, this relieves some pressure because there is no deadline, and it's just dependent on where I'm at. Everyone goes at a different pace, right? No need to be overly ambitious, because sometimes it just leads you to a deadend and frustration.

If we keep in touch with you, you've probably received our annual Christmas newsletter. Every year Wayne does it (it's 110% fueled by him - I'm always trying to fight for a picture card every year but I lose). But this year, we procrastinated a bit, so I ended up doing 70% of it. And all the clipart. And finding the fun Christmasy paper to print it on. For the most part, the newsletter is accurate and true. I'd have to admit, though, that some parts were glazed over (for space reasons) and if you really wanted to know more details about what's REALLY been going on, you would have to keep in touch with us on a regular basis to know where we're at.

It's been a good year - one that I've been waiting for for awhile. This year was the year I had the most quality time with my husband - which was a huge blessing since we started our marriage right when he dove into residency and his mind-numbing intern year. But we survived it, and we're still intact. =)

I am also ending this year with a couple new friends - a renowned interest in new crafts and hobbies. Not only has knitting taken up so much of my time and heart, it's been personal therapy for many occasions. I also acquired a sewing machine, a few crochet hooks, and a couple books for future projects. I think what I enjoy about these crafts is the process of putting things together, the challenge of teaching myself and figuring things out on my own, and the satisfaction I get with the end product. It's a similar feeling with cooking, but it lasts alot longer because it won't spoil and disappear right away since people won't eat it.

Some discouraging things clouded those blessings though (if you know me, you know I struggle with being discouraged easily and constantly needing more faith). Ministries fell through and accountability/community was growing scarce. I don't know if God is either teaching me contentment where I'm at, or He's preparing me for something larger. Either way, I ought NOT to depend my faith on circumstances around me, but keep going steadfast in my spiritual journey, independent of all the things around me. It certainly takes faith to walk through life. (Which I don't have, but I'm always asking for more.) =)

So with this new year, a verse that would reflect where I am and push me forward to where I want to be!

...that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:10-14, NAS)

Happy New Year!

What I did today

2005-12-27T12:18:00.000-08:00

People are always wondering what I do with my time. I know this is not an accurate picture of what every day is like all the time, but here's one day out of my life:

9:00am - Alarm goes off.
9:40am - I actually get up (mind you, I went to bed at 2am the night before), washed up. Went downstairs, turned on the computer, took the chicken out of the fridge to thaw/defrost in a bowl of water on the kitchen counter.
10:00am - Head over to the Clubhouse to work out.
10:05am - Hopped on an elliptical.
10:25am - Practically fell off the elliptical, cooled down.
10:30am - Went to the lounge to spend some time with God.
10:55am - Drove to the grocery store.
10:56am - After parking, realized I didn't bring my wallet.
10:57am - Drove to Blockbuster to drop off DVDs.
11:00am - Arrived home.
11:01am - Checked email, chatted briefly with Jon and Natasha online.
11:15am - Shower.
11:30am - Started making lunch (garlic scallion noodles with marinated chicken and vegetables, potstickers with dipping sauce). Said good morning to Gene (who is staying over) who just came downstairs.
12:10pm - Eating with Gene, while chatting a little with Mary and Lorraine online.
12:45pm - Started cleaning up the kitchen (put away leftovers, clear dirty dishes, load in dishwasher, handwash other dishes, etc.).
1:20pm - Starting to make almond jello for tonight.
1:25pm - Wayne calls to say hi.
1:40pm - Put a load of dirty laundry in the washer.
1:45pm - Swept/broomvac'ed the kitchen and entryway.
2:00pm - Took a break and surfed the net (e.g. reading blogs, message boards, etc.)
2:15pm - Found a message thread on the recent movie Memoirs of a Geisha and how some people don't understand the "silly" controversy about Chinese actresses playing Japanese roles... (mentality of it being "it's all the same, right?"). Was hugely upset and began to write a message on that thread regarding this issue and about the whole controverial bit on Arthur Golden's book.
2:25pm - Put the almond jelly in the fridge to chill.
2:30pm - Put the washer clothes in the dryer. Hung some out to line dry.
2:45pm - Sat on the couch with Gene and chatted a bit.
3:00pm - With Gene accompanying me, I got the mail and ran errands (grocery store, Walmart, etc.)
4:15pm - Got home, unpacked groceries. Rushed to put the pumpkin pound cake together (thank goodness for my KitchenAid stand mixer!!)
4:50pm - Finally got the poundcake in the oven.
5:00pm - Got the laundry from the dryer, separating clothes and putting them away.
5:35pm - Poundcake timer goes off, I check the cake. Totally jiggly, not done at all! I put the timer for 10 more minutes. I put together the almond jello in a pan, ready to go.
5:45pm - Timer goes off again. I stick a sharp knife in (ran out of toothpicks) and it's STILL wet! 80% wet!! Upset, I set the timer for 15 more minutes and call Wayne (who isn't home yet) to tell him to call up Ryan & Val to say that we can't make it to dinner at their place at 6pm, as expected. Instead, aiming for 6:20pm, with or without the stinking poundcake. I google directions to their place, write it down, and set them on top of the almond jello pan at the foot of the stairs, ready to go.
6:05pm - Wayne comes home. I check the cake again, and it's finally done. Do I have time for it to cool before I wrap it? Barely. I wrap it anyways.
6:10pm - We say goodbye to Gene (leave him with a housekey) and leave for Ryan & Val's, with almond jello and pound cake in tow.
9:30pm - Return home. Bum around for awhile. Check email, watch TV, surf online, knit a little bit.
10:00pm - Boys (Gene and Wayne) are playing Halo 2 on Gene's Xbox.
11:30pm - I remind boys of what time it is (I'm starting to get tired).
12:00am - Second reminder.
12:15am - Third reminder.
12:30am - Boys shut off game and Wayne finally heads upstairs to bed with me. Goodnight!

Merry Christmas!

2005-12-25T18:00:00.000-08:00

An Ornament for Christmas

2005-12-22T22:51:00.000-08:00

(Information/details on the mini-sweater here.)

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6, NAS)

Merry Christmas!

Weekend (12/10-11)

2005-12-14T23:30:00.000-08:00

Had a blast in the south bay area with old friends - enjoy the pictures!

Grace's Baby Shower

2005-12-14T23:29:00.000-08:00

I met Grace in Davis - we were actually summer advising roommates before our freshman year began. She got married a year before I did, and now I can't believe she's having her first child. I made this for her.

All the gifts:

The happy and expecting couple:

Group shot of everyone at the shower:

Grace, Annie, and myself:

Howard & Wendy's Wedding

2005-12-14T23:28:00.000-08:00

I first met Howard in junior high. His wedding was in San Jose, and it was a good chance to see old high school friends again. Congrats to Howard & Wendy! =) (pictures curtesy of Jimmy Yeh - thanks Jimmy!) =)

The happy couple:

Yours truly with hubby:

Wilma & Alvin:

Jean & Dennis:

Karen, Cindy, and myself:

Clement, Alvin, and Alan:

Cindy & Mitch:

Jimmy & Alvin:

Myself, Karen, Cindy, Jean having fun:

Kings Game

2005-12-07T00:08:00.000-08:00

They were playing the Caveliers. Tickets were from Todd W. We walked from Raleys (it was cold, but a nice walk nonetheless - plus no parking fees!). Some pictures:

Me outside the Arena:

Our nosebleed seats:

Some of the action:

Me in the lower stands:

Final score:

Tagged

2005-12-05T14:08:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I was sick as a dog. Chills (fever), body aches, coughing nonstop, and just overall miserable. My hubby was a darling and did his best to take care of me - made me tea, took care of the dishes, made me dinner (tried to feed me even though I wasn't hungry). I didn't eat much, just drank alot of cold and hot liquids to soothe my itchy and irritated throat. I also slept +12 hours a day.

In anycase, I'm feeling much better this morning (yay), so I can finally study for that Mandarin grammar test for tonight and reply to Pak tagging me:

==============================================================
Rules of this game: Post 5 weird and random facts about yourself.

1. I can move my nose up and down my face.
2. My husband was my very first (and only) boyfriend.
3. I still play/sleep with stuffed animals.
4. I love knitting. I've even had dreams about it before.
5. I want to learn Japanese one day (after I've mastered Mandarin, of course).
==============================================================

I won't tag anyone else, but if you want to post 5 weird and random facts of yourself on your own blog, leave a comment on this blog to let me know so I can read it too. =)

Funny Survey

2005-11-30T00:39:00.000-08:00

Tell me if you're doing this survey too, so I can read your results. =)

( ) Smoked a cigarette
( ) Crashed a friend's car
( ) Stolen a car
(x) Been in love
( ) Been dumped
(x) Shoplifted
( ) Been fired /laid off
( ) Been in a fist fight
(x) Snuck out of your parent's house
(x) Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back
( ) Been arrested
( ) Gone on a blind date
(x) Lied to a friend
(x) Skipped school
( ) Seen someone die
(x) Been to Canada
(x) Been to Mexico
(x) Been on a plane
( ) purposely set a part of yourself on fire
(x) Eaten Sushi
(x) Been skiing
(x) Met someone in person from the internet
(x) Taken pain-killers
(x) Love someone or miss someone right now
(x) Laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by
(x) Made a snow angel
(x) Had a tea party
(x) Flown a kite
(x) Built a sand castle
(x) Gone puddle jumping
(x) Played dress up
(x) Cheated while playing a game
(x) Been lonely
(x) Fallen asleep at work/school
( ) used a fake id
(x) Watched the sun set
(x) felt an earthquake
(x) Touched a snake
(x) Slept beneath the stars
(x) Been tickled
( ) Been robbed
(x) Been misunderstood
(x) Petted a reindeer/goat
(x) Won a contest
(x) Ran a red light
( ) Been suspended from school
(x) Been in a car accident more than once
( ) had braces
( ) eaten a whole pint of ice cream in one night
(x) Had deja vu
( ) Danced in the moonlight
(x) Liked the way you look
( ) Witnessed a crime
(x) Questioned your heart
(x) been obsessed with post-it notes
( ) Squished barefoot through the mud
(x) Been lost
( ) been to the opposite side of the country
(x) Swam in the ocean
(x) Felt like dying
(x) Cried yourself to sleep
( ) Played cops and robbers
( ) Recently colored with crayons
(x) Sung karaoke
(x) Paid for a meal with only coins
(x) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
( ) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
(x) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
( ) Danced in the rain
(x) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(x) Been kissed under a mistletoe
(x) Watched the sun rise with someone you care about
(x) Blown bubbles
(x) made a bonfire on the beach
(x) Crashed a party
(x) Gone roller-skating
(x) Had a wish come true
(x) Worn pearls
( ) Jumped off a bridge.
( ) ate dog/cat food
( ) told a complete stranger you loved them
(x) kissed a mirror
(x) Sang in the shower
(x) Had a dream that you married someone
(x) Glued your hand to something
( ) Got your tongue stuck to a flag pole
( ) Kissed a fish
( ) Sat on a roof top or jumped off of a roof into a swimming pool
(x) Screamed at the top of your lungs
( ) Done a one-handed cartwheel
(x) Talked on the phone for more than 6 hours
(x) Stayed up all night
(x) didn't take a shower for a week
( ) pick and ate an apple right off the tree
( ) Climbed a tree that had a tree house
(x) Been told by a complete stranger that you're hot

(Leftover) Food Thoughts

2005-11-28T12:53:00.000-08:00

Monday
Lunch:
Finish vegetable stirfry leftovers (2 dishes)
Leftover thanksgiving ham
Steamed rice

Dinner:
Fried rice (mushrooms, snow peas, leftover ham, egg)
Pork rib soup

Tuesday
Lunch:
Leftovers

Dinner:
Out

Wednesday
Lunch/Dinner:
Leftovers

Thursday
Kimchee soup
Black Bean pork ribs

Tahoe Weekend

2005-11-27T12:44:00.000-08:00

Spent the weekend with some old friends. It's always great to hang out with these friends, they are practically family to us and they still are. I wish I was 100% there though (I think I caught a cold from one of W's aunts in SJ during Thanksgiving) so I was a little woozy. Tahoe was COLD - highs at 35 degrees during the day. But not much snow... I hope it rains/snows soon so the winter season can finally start! But the lake was beautiful as usual. Good times! =)

My Black Friday

2005-11-25T19:02:00.000-08:00

~ Late Thursday night (at the cousins' place): Contemplated going to the Gilroy outlets, after hearing that stores opened at midnight and slashed prices up to 50% all across the board. After 5 minutes of thinking about it, I decided I was too tired to go.

~ Woke up around 9am. Hubby was tugging at me to get up (practically dragged me out of bed). Apparently we already missed some sales. My philosophy is, if people have been crazy enough to be in line all night to get items at 5am in the morning (I heard that people were already lined up at Best Buy at 10pm the night before), those items are probably gone by 9am. But Hubby wanted to check anyways. I was right, all the good stuff was gone.

~ 10-11:30am: Browsed around Oakridge Mall. It was really crowded. Just looking at the lines made me think twice about buying anything. So I didn't.

~ Noon: Lunch at the in-laws. Active discussion on how the heck to teach my FIL on how to use his new digital camera.

~ All afternoon: Doing Mandarin homework (yes, I have a quiz on Monday), did some more knitting on a baby blanket. Pretty proud of myself for almost finishing the blanket and being ahead of schedule on this project. Also watched Bewitched. Cute movie. Will Ferrell always cracks me up and Nicole Kidman was so cute. "Bewitched" has always been a favorite of mine as a TV show.

~ 7:30pm: Dinner with the cousins at Pruneyard.

~ Rest of evening: Met up with C and G in San Jose. Drove back up to Sac with them. Repacking for the rest of the weekend (will be in Tahoe). =)

Turning 28

2005-11-23T11:19:00.000-08:00

Like last year, it doesn't feel like anything different. Just another day. Maybe when I turn 30 it'll really feel different. But right now it's all same-ness to me. I just have a stinkin' Mandarin midterm tonight. But yesterday I got a fun and nice package from my sister (p - very thoughtful, thank you!) and something else from some friends:

One of the items from my sister's package (who knows what it says?):

And YAY for Hello Kitty!!!!!

Wayne also took me to Chanterelle for dinner (very nice). =)

Weekend in Arizona

2005-11-22T10:01:00.000-08:00

It was my first time in Arizona - we flew into Phoenix, rented a car, and drove down to Tuscon for Josh's wedding. Some pictures for you to enjoy!

Evidence that we were really in Arizona - tons of cactus everywhere:

Sightseeing at the Pima Air and Space Museum (Wayne's idea)!

We met up with an old friend there. Here we are inside an old aircraft (Wayne took the picture):

We took a zillion pictures of all the old aircraft (many dating back to the cold war years, and the world wars). I'm not a big fan of aviation history, but it was still very interesting. I'm not posting all the airplane pictures here (there are WAY too many) so you'll just either have to ask me, or go to Tuscon and see it for yourself. =)

Ok, so the real reason why we were in Tuscon - wedding stuff! Here's a group shot of us Sacramento friends at the rehearsal dinner: (Bottom row L to R: Darren, Jerry, Jon, Jeannie, me, Wayne, Syd; Top row L to R: Josh the groom, Peter, Cindy)

I don't have all the fun wedding pictures of all of us (there were alot of goofy ones), but here's several of the newly married couple at the altar.

Tracy wiping away tears:

Josh doing the same:

Congratulations Josh & Tracy!! =D

Friday's Feast!

2005-11-18T11:04:00.000-08:00

Time for some feasting!

Appetizer
When do you feel impatient?
Alot of times. I'm a terrible customer. If you stick me in a really long line and are terribly inefficient with what you do, be prepared for a big fuss.

Salad
How many times in your life have you had a broken heart?
Twice.

Soup
Name a book you would like to see made into a movie.
Gosh, I have no idea.

Main Course
If you could thank one teacher for what they taught you, who would it be and what would you thank them for?
There are a handful of them, for varying reasons. The one that comes to mind at the moment is an English teacher who taught a summer writing course at a local junior college. I was 14 at the time, and he helped me loosen up my writing. And my world (he was gay). And at the time, I was pretty naive and blown away by it.

Dessert
What is your favorite kind of pie?
Dutch apple. I also LOVE banana cream.

Visiting Little Elizabeth

2005-11-13T20:44:00.000-08:00

Tracy, Jeannie, and I paid Lina a home visit this past weekend to see how mother and newborn child were doing. Lina is tired but doing better; little Elizabeth is such a little cutie!

Me carrying her:

A closer look (in Tracy's arms):

Hawaiian Christmas

2005-11-12T01:00:00.000-08:00

Ok, so it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but I couldn't resist posting this. This is off of a local Hawaiian Christmas postcard:

Have a good weekend! =)

Reflecting

2005-11-11T19:33:00.000-08:00

...on life and relationships. I'm reminded lately that my strong desire for a mentor (and my draw towards any older figure around me) is a direct result of my real desire for a mothering figure. I miss having a daughter-mother relationship. Last Mother's Day I was missing my mom alot. Alot of it was because another lady told me she could be my surrogate mom (because of my broken relationship with my parents), and that she could even be the godmother of my future children. Instead of feeling incredibly honored, I actually came away feeling unusually sad and a bit hurt. I'm appreciative of this friend's offer, but I ended up concluding that my heart felt troubled because I realized that no one can replace my own mom. Others can play a similar mother-role, but none can actually be my flesh-blood mom.

I hate sharing my emotions (or being vulnerable) in this way, so I rarely talk about it, or even in person I shrug it off or even joke about it. But in truth, I avoid it alot because it still hurts like hell. I'm still struggling with forgiveness and the subtle bitterness that has crept in my heart this past year. But as I was reminded by Lewis Smedes, my journey to forgiveness is MY OWN journey, no one can force me or push me along (if you're trying to push me, don't be surprised if I bite back at you). Everyone has their own pace in healing and learning to trust God with it. Reconciliation isn't as easy as people think it is - I'm realizing that it still hurts to much to even think about the big "R" word. I'm not ready for it yet; it's too scary. And God knows my heart in this.

In anycase, for some odd reason, I'm missing her alot today. And it's driving me crazy. I hate feeling this way.

The Problem of Demandingness

2005-11-09T09:37:00.000-08:00

Such arrogance! But I am guilty of this, along with many others (an excerpt from Larry Crabb, Inside Out, pp. 142-143):

In this chapter, I want to explore neither our outside sinfulness nor our inside struggles. I want to expose the sin in our heart. I want to be more precise, however, than those who think of internal sinfulness as a tendency toward impatience or an occasional critical spirit. The problem in our heart is far worse than many suspect. When we look inside, we'll bump into more than bad memories and painful feelings. An honest look will in every case eventually expose something terribly ugly - something I want to label demandingness.

We are a demanding people. Because we stubbornly walk right past God's water supply to dig our own wells, we end up depending for our own survivial on finding water when we dig. Our efforts at self-protection must work. When we take the responsibility for dealing with our thirst, then survival depends on success in our digging expeditions.

We demand that spouses respond to our needs; we demand that our children exhibit the fruit of our godly training; we demand that our churches be sensitive to our concerns by providing certain ministries; we demand that slow drivers get out of the passing lane; we demand that no one hurt us again the way we were hurt before; we demand that legitimate pleasures, long denied, be ours to enjoy.

How absurd! Can you imagine an army where new recruits give orders or a company where errand boys set policy? And yet mere people shout orders to the universe. Such foolishness is the inevitable result of taking responsibility for securing our own happiness, a burden that's simply too heavy for our shoulders. when we assume responsibility for what we desperately require but cannot control, we irrationally demand that our efforts succeed.

What God does with a demanding spirit, coming soon....

Revlon's Plum Seduction

2005-11-06T20:30:00.000-08:00

Spent part of the afternoon painting my nails. This is the darkest I've ever done!! But I've been eyeing these types of colors for a long time, and couldn't wait til fall to try them out. When I first put it on, I was really hesitant because I wasn't used to my nails being so dark - but Hubby told me I need to be more bold and adventurous with my color palette, and so I finally did it.

I modeled my pretty nails in front of my pretty kitchen appliances. I love my Kitchen Aid food processor and electric mixer! (now that winter's coming, the mixer will get alot of use very soon) =D

The 2nd Greatest Commandment

2005-11-02T12:41:00.000-08:00

From Larry Crabb's Inside Out, pp. 117:

When we learn to accept people who disappoint us by no longer requiring them to satisfy us, then we're free to love them, to reach toward them for their sake without having to protect ourselves from feeling disappointed by their response to us...

The mature Christian is one who is growing in his ability to love people as they are, not as he wishes them to be.

Potsticker Tips

2005-11-01T12:47:00.000-08:00

Potstickers, gyozas, fried dumplings, whatever you call them:

~ Don't boil them before panfrying them. They end up a mushy mess.

~ If they start out raw (freshly wrapped), do the following:
1. Heat a frying pan over the stove, add cooking oil enough to coat pan.
2. Place raw dumplings bottom down on the pan. Don't crowd them too much.
3. Fry the bottoms until desired brown-ness.
4. Add warm/hot water, and cover, to steam.
5. When water is all evaporated, tada! Ready to eat.

~ If they start out frozen, do the following:
1. Heat a frying pan over the stove, add cooking oil enough to coat pan.
2. Place frozen dumplings bottom down on the pan. Don't crowd them too much.
3. Add warm/hot water, and cover, to steam (approx. 8 min or so)
4. When water is all evaporated, remove cover and continue frying the bottoms until desired brown-ness.
5. Tada! Ready to eat.

Sauce thoughts...
~ My own homemade sauce: soy sauce, a touch of white vinegar, and chili sauce. (Wayne likes it sweeter so maybe some sugar.)
~ If you have the packaged sauce from frozen dumplings like Ling Ling or whatever, empty the packaged sauce onto a saucepan. Warm over stove. Add a tad of white vinegar and chili sauce and tada! Yummy sauce!

My Aura

2005-10-31T15:33:00.000-08:00

Whoa, ok. So maybe one test is surprisingly accurate:

Your Aura is Blue

Your Personality: Your natural warmth and intuition nurtures those around you. You are accepting and always follow your heart.

You in Love: Relationships are your top priority, and this includes love. You are most happy when you are serious with someone.

Your Career: You need to help others in your job to feel satistifed. You would be a great nurse, psychologist, or counselor.

What Color Is Your Aura? Take This Quiz :-)

A Nudge from Above

2005-10-30T22:12:00.000-08:00

This morning I was reminded of a very simple but profound truth - of just how much I need God.

More Fun Crap

2005-10-27T12:53:00.000-07:00

Let me reiterate that some of this is crap. Actually, all of it is (I disgree with at least one element in each test result). But it's still fun anyways.

Your Brain is 73.33% Female, 26.67% Male

Your brain leans female
You think with your heart, not your head
Sweet and considerate, you are a giver
But you're tough enough not to let anyone take advantage of you!

What Gender Is Your Brain?

Your Birthdate: November 23

With a birthday on the 23rd of the month (5 energy) you are inclined to work well with people and enjoy them.
You are talented and versatile, very good at presenting ideas.
You may have a tendency to get itchy feet at times and need change and travel.

You tend to be very progressive, imaginative and adaptable.
Your mind is quick, clever and analytical.
A restlessness in your nature may make you a bit impatient and easily bored with routine.
You may have a tendency to shirk responsibility.
Very sociable, you make friends easily and you are an excellent traveling companion.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Your Animal Personality

Your Power Animal: Deer

Animal You Were in a Past Life: Panda

You are a fun-seeker - an adventurous, risk-taker.
While you are spontaneous, you are not very rational.

The Animal Personality Test

How You Are In Love

You fall in love quickly and easily. And very often.

You tend to take more than give in relationships.

You tend to get very attached when you're with someone. You want to see your love all the time.

You love your partner unconditionally and don't try to make them change.

You stay in love for a long time, even if you aren't loved back. When you fall, you fall hard.

How Are You In Love?

What Your Sleeping Position Says

You are calm and rational.
You are also giving and kind - a great friend.
You are easy going and trusting.
However, you are too sensible to fall for mind games.

What Does Your Sleeping Position Say About You?

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to obedience and warmth.

In love, you feel the most alive when your partner is patient and never willing to give up on you.

You'd like to your lover to think you are loyal and faithful... that you'll never change.

You would be forced to break up with someone who was ruthless, cold-blooded, and sarcastic.

Your ideal relationship is traditional. Without saying anything, both of you communicate with your hearts.

Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.

You think of marriage as something that will confine you. You are afraid of marriage.

In this moment, you think of love as something you can get or discard anytime. You're feeling self centered.

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?

Gangsta Sesame Street

2005-10-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

This is almost as disturbing as those Smurfs being bombed! (BTW, has anyone actually seen the smurf bombing video? I saw it and was deeply disturbed)

Thursday Menu

2005-10-20T17:26:00.000-07:00

Lunch:
Mini Battered Fish/Cheese Sandwiches
Coleslaw w/ Mustard dressing

Dinner:
Light soup (from roasted chicken/pork bones stock)
Southern Collard Greens (with bacon, onion, garlic, stock, red pepper flakes)
Leftover roasted chicken and roasted pork
Steamed rice

Blogthings

2005-10-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

These were fun little tests, but oh so inaccurate and very limited. Here were my results:

Your Personality Profile

You are dignified, spiritual, and wise.
Always unsatisfied, you constantly try to better yourself.
You are also a seeker of knowledge and often buried in books.

You tend to be philosophical, looking for the big picture in life.
You dream of inner peace for yourself, your friends, and the world.
A good friend, you always give of yourself first.

The World's Shortest Personality Test

Your Inner Child Is Scared

Like a kid, you tend to shy away from new experiences.
You prefer what's tried and true - novelty is scary!
New foods, new places, and new friends are difficult for you to deal with.
Some say you're predictable, but you enjoy being comfortable.

How Is Your Inner Child?

You Are Likely an Only Child

At your darkest moments, you feel frustrated.
At work and school, you do best when you're organizing.
When you love someone, you tend to worry about them.

In friendship, you are emotional and sympathetic.
Your ideal careers are: radio announcer, finance, teaching, ministry, and management.
You will leave your mark on the world with organizational leadership, maybe as the author of self-help books.

The Birth Order Predictor

The Italian Tomato Garden

2005-10-13T22:09:00.000-07:00

(Just for kicks. I stole this from Natasha)

The Italian Tomato Garden

An old Italian man lived alone in the country.
He wanted to dig his tomato garden, but it was very hard work as the ground was hard.
His only son, Vincent, who used to help him, was in prison.
The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament.

Dear Vincent,
I am feeling pretty bad because it looks like I won't be able to plant my tomato garden this year. I'm just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. If you were here my troubles would be over. I know you would dig the plot for me.
Love Dad

A few days later he received a letter from his son:

Dear Dad,
Not for nothing, but don't dig up that garden. That's where I buried the BODIES.
Love Vinnie

At 4 a.m.the next morning, FBI agents and local police arrived and dug up the entire area without finding any bodies. They apologized to the old man and left.

That same day, the old man received another letter from his son.

Dear Dad,
Go ahead and plant the tomatoes now. That's the best I could do under the circumstances.
Love Vinnie

Mandarin craziness

2005-10-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

Because I have been out-of-town for nearly 3 weeks, I have alot to make up. For those who don't know, I am taking a mandarin class (my humble attempts at rebuilding all those years of chinese school that I flunked out of). So far I have missed 5 quizzes, 3 vocab quizzes, 1 grammar quiz, and 1 oral. I'm so glad Wayne forced me to study at the airport - making all this up AND being at speed with where the rest of the class is, it sure sounds daunting. But I sure want to make all this up ASAP. So this is what I have proposed to my Lao-Shi:

Monday (tommorrow): Make up all 3 vocab quizzes at once
Wednesday: Make up the oral and grammar quiz

I also have another oral test tommorrow (with the rest of the class).

Can I do it?
I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...

September 16th - October 5th (Pictures)

2005-10-05T23:02:00.000-07:00

We're back! It was sad to leave, but once we're home, it's nice to be back. Now we're sorting through huge piles of mail (picking out all the bills) and doing lots of unpacking and laundry. In the meantime, here are some tidbits of our adventures the past couple weeks!

Giants Game

2005-10-05T22:59:00.000-07:00

Our first time at PacBell Park - really nice. Saw Barry Bonds, and had a good time with friends. Giants were playing the Dodgers, and it was close until the bottom of the 9th, and the Giants won! Yay! =)

Melaka, Malaysia

2005-10-05T22:58:00.001-07:00

A couple days later, we took a flight to Singapore and then took a bus to Melaka, Malaysia. It's a small town with lots of history. Armed with our Lonely Planet book, we took a walking tour (boy was it hot!!) and saw some of the sights. Here are a couple clipits:

Wayne posing in front of a colorful street sign right outside our hotel ("Jalan" means "street").

At the town square, Christ Church and the famous clock tower:

Me at what's left of St. Paul's Church (built by the Portugese in 1521) - we walked around looking at all the tomb markers and it was really fascinating to read about the history (all the Portugese and British influence).

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2005-10-05T22:58:00.000-07:00

"KL" for short, we really had alot of fun here. We spent several nights here, and got very comfortable with their public transportation system (KTM, LRT, PRT). We did alot of sightseeing, lots of shopping, and of course, eating some of our favorite foods. =)

The Petronas (twin) Towers, overlooking KLCC:

The Menara KL Tower, the 4th highest tower in the world. We went up to the top, where there are tours and a viewing deck (very much like Seattle's Space Needle, minus the rotating restaurant).

And of course, some yummy snacks at a hawker stand:

Wayne and his beloved ice kachung:

Maui!

2005-10-05T22:51:00.000-07:00

Ok, so skipped our weekend at Johor Bahru and our very brief time in Singapore. Didn't have any sightseeing pictures from there - sorry. It was mostly meeting up with friends and family, shopping, and eating again. =) But here's Maui! The most relaxing part of our trip!

First, here are the gas prices we found (yikes):

We went to the beach quite a bit - some swimming, some laying around. This is a self-portrait of yours truly while I was lying down and soaking up some rays:

Wayne in the pool:

We drove through parts of Hana Hwy, and found some waterfalls through some remote and hidden trails along the way:

Spent an afternoon at Maui's Ocean Center (Aquarium). Loved their turles and jellyfish!

Took a drive to Haleakala National Park. A tropical storm was passing through that day, so it was pretty cloudy and we didn't see as much as we could have on a clear day. Darn!

Despite the storm, we drove all the way up (it's an active volcano) and we were up to 10k feet up, past several layers of clouds!

Rita happenings

2005-09-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

"Katrina was the wash cycle, Rita was the rinse cycle. I hope we get time to hang on the line and dry and not go into the spin cycle."

- New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, at a news conference. ("Rita Crashes Into Gulf Coast," Reuters news article, 9/24/05)

p.s. Still currently in Malaysia and watching BBC over here (CNN is here, but it doesn't cover as much international news; we can even watch Al Jazeera here as well on the Arabic News Channel, it's interesting to see the different slants on various world events).

Out and About

2005-09-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

The places I will be in the next several weeks:

- San Francisco (Giants game)
- Redwood City (a wedding)
- San Jose
- Singapore
- Johor Bahru, Malaysia
- Melaka, Malaysia
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Kaanapali, Maui

Wheeeeeee!!

Congratulations, Todd & Tracy!

2005-09-13T00:49:00.000-07:00

Another wedding weekend! This one was in Monterey, and we had a blast with all our Sacramento friends coming down and crashing at my inlaws' Seaside home (too bad I don't have any pictures of the late night poker games - we stayed up til 4am!) I also don't have pictures of us heckling Syd, the best man, who almost won that hoola hoop contest. Priceless stuff.

Wedding location was just on the other side of the Fisherman's Wharf parking lot, right on the beach.

Wayne & Me! =)

The wedding worship team: Josh, Andrew, and Heidi hamming it up (Wayne had the camera on the "sepia" option if you're wondering about the coloring of this picture).

True to Tracy's wishes, it was a beach luau, roasted pig and all (I am SO sorry I didn't take more food pictures, everything tasted WONDERFUL!!)!

Us with the newlyweds!! Congrats, Todd & Tracy!

One last picture - this one really has nothing to do with the wedding. This is at the Seaside house, with Wayne (still under the covers) sharing his bed with Enoch, while they are yuking it up. I know my husband and Priscilla's husband had some intimate moments this weekend (one of them being that both were sharing a bathroom while one of them was buck naked but I won't get into that one). I don't want to cause anyone to stumble any further than they already are from reading this post, so I'll just... stop... here.

How Weird Are You?

2005-09-11T01:17:00.000-07:00

We're still in the bay area, but we'll be back up tommorrow and I'll be posting weekend pictures soon. Until then, another funny quiz for your enjoyment (see, I'm not THAT off):

You Are 20% Weird

Not enough to scare other people...
But sometimes you scare yourself.

How Weird Are You?

Our Very Long Weekend

2005-09-07T21:27:00.000-07:00

Our weekend lasted from Friday evening to Wednesday morning. Pretty long, filled with old faces, and not enough time to catch up with everyone! Here are some VERY BRIEF pictures to describe some of the events:

The main reason for coming down was for Thomas and Esther's wedding (Congrats, Thomas & Esther!!). Going to their wedding was one of the most nostalgic events I've gone in a long time. There were old CCIC faces that I barely recognized (and vice versa - according to some, apparently I am unrecognizable from my high school days!). It was a bit weird and surreal at the same time. Of course there wasn't enough time to catch up with everyone. Maybe the next wedding? =P

We also took a brief trip to Seaside/Monterey, and took pictures at Point Lobos:
(Beautiful, isn't it??)

(Danny & Eileen)

(Cindy Y. & me!)

I had a mini-reunion with some old high school girlfriends. Sometimes you don't realize how much you miss people until you see them again. Wished we can hang out more often!
(Bottom, L to R: Jess, Jean, Karen;
Top, L to R: me, Cecilia, Cindy L.)

And of course, we don't have pictures to document our yummy greek lunch with Clement, catching up with Barb, my BIL, etc. But I do have to say that with this long weekend, comes a really short week, and then we're off again to Monterey this Friday. Whew!

Busy Month

2005-08-31T23:26:00.000-07:00

What happened to the summer?! It practically flew by and I barely blinked! I suppose I'm still in a summer-mode since the weather is still pretty hot, and Wayne is still on "summer break".

Update:
September is going to be a busy month. We'll be out of town every weekend (the first three are bay area weddings) and the last weekend, we'll be in Singapore. And the first weekend of October, we may be lounging somewhere on the beaches of Maui... =)

I'm still knitting, and now armed with a new sewing machine (yay!!), I have plenty to keep myself occuppied. I'm also taking a mandarin class this fall. It's an introductory course at SCC. I figured at this point in my life, I have seriously backpeddled from my writing and reading skills. I would still like to learn pinyin and the simplified form. Everyone but Taiwan is using it, and I figured it would be more useful (I still think simplied is uglier than traditional, but it's more practical nonetheless). I've had one class so far, and already I have to study for a quiz. But it'll be ok - I'm secretly a bit more advanced than the rest of the students, but I'm keeping it on the dl for now (I don't want to stick out).

On the spiritual front of things - I met up with an older friend who challenged me a bit on my perspective of my "lack" of purpose. Feeling alot more encouraged in several things, and I'm reminded that I'm unrealistically hard on myself. It's ok to be human, and it's ok to fall. We're still on this broken and imperfect world, and heaven is definately NOT here, nor should I expect it to be here. My hope has been displaced, and I'm glad for the reminder. =)

Food Thoughts/Notes

2005-08-30T00:43:00.000-07:00

Brunch:
- Spinach and Sausage Frittata, green salad (Raley's recipe)

Lunch:
- Ravioli w/ Wild Mushroom Sauce, green salad (Raley's recipe)
- Chicken Fettucine w/ Cream Pesto Sauce (Everyday Food recipe)
- Homemade Tortilla Soup w/ sandwiches (Everyday Food recipe)

Dinner:
- Cabbage & Sausage (with green beans, onions, potatoes) - crockpot dish
- Baked Chicken Potpie w/ Green Beans & Squash; w/ puff pastry topping (Everyday Food recipe)

Spiritual Disciplines

2005-08-29T00:04:00.000-07:00

Been questioning my role/place and purpose lately - specifically with where my community, accountability, and ministry opportunities are. Still struggling and processing and praying.

On another note, found an interesting point of view regarding the topic of spiritual disciplines - it answered some questions that I've had in the back of my mind for awhile now. It's written by a CCIC friend in San Jose - check it out.
What do you think?

Egghunt

2005-08-26T16:34:00.000-07:00

My friend Paul Yan has made a short animation film that will be featured on Nickelodeon's NickToons. I have totally (and shamelessly) ripped this from their website. Check it out and vote for him!

Film #7: Egghunt
Filmmaker: Paul Yan, California, USA
Medium: CG
Description: Egghunt is the tale of a hungry caveman on a quest to fill his stomach. He discovers a nest full of plump eggs just inches beyond his reach, and must devise a way to get them before he loses them all. Egghunt served as Yan’s graduating thesis project from Cogswell College. It is based loosely on a Chinese parable about the difference between heaven and hell. http://www.paul-yan.com

See it at 9pm, August 27th, at NickToons.

Dumb Fun Tests

2005-08-23T23:44:00.000-07:00

Here we go again!

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

What Classic Movie Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

Happy 30th Birthday Sweetie!!

2005-08-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

Our Northwest Road Trip (8/8 - 8/15)

2005-08-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is going to be a sizeable post, with lots of pictures, so get ready!
We took a road trip, driving up the coastline to Vancouver, and stopping in Oregon and Washington, and then back down again. It was fun, but tiring. Here goes!

OREGON
Like the stereotypes, we saw an awful lot of logging and small cities. Portland is probably the biggest, and only slightly more developed than Sacramento (but not by much).

We stopped by Corvallis and visited the hospital where I was born!

And of course, Oregon State University! I went to preschool here. =P

A shot of downtown Portland (where we stayed overnight and grabbed lunch before heading off to Washington):

WASHINGTON
We totally forgot about traffic and we were stuck for over an hour trying to get into Seattle. Other than that, I totally loved it. If I were to live outside of California, Seattle would be my second choice.

First of all, look how they have their state highway signs - it's Washington's head. Wayne and I got a real kick out of it.

Near downtown Seattle, at the bay, between Pier 38 and 39 (I'm taking the picture and the water is behind me). See the downtown skyline in the background? To the left of Wayne is Elliot's Oyster House, where we had an unforgettable oyster dinner. To the right is a ferry dock, where we later took a ferry ride around the bay and took in all the wonderful sights.

Our ferry!

Another shot of us with the water behind us (it was so beautiful out there).

The Space Needle. We went up to the rotating restaurant at the top and got slightly dizzy.

A local newsstation. We just took this shot because of Ichiro, of course. =)

Spent an afternoon walking and browsing through Pike's Market:

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Ok, to preface - I had absolutely no idea how "asian" Vancouver has recently become. I knew there was alot of great chinese food, but not to the extent that we saw when we were there. It was like walking into Hong Kong ("Hong Kouver" is a common nickname). A bit of a culture shock, to say the least. But the food was terrific, of course. =)

Downtown Vancouver skyline from the Harbor Center Tower (similar to the Space Needle):

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park (it was pretty, but a big fat tourist trap):

We rented bikes and rode around in Stanley Park. If you look closely, you can see that I'm holding a video camera. I actually tried to film while biking, and nearly fell over several times while doing it.

A yummy snack after all that biking!! We had dinner at a Czech restaurant, and had some pretty rockin borscht soup, the Russian version. If you've never had borscht (a red beet soup) you are really missing out, seriously.

Vancouver Island! We got on the island via BC Ferries, car and all.
Here we're in Victoria (the capital of BC, if you didn't know). It has a very British feeling to it. Below is Bastion Square, the Parliment Building, and the famous Fairmont's Empress Hotel (in that order):

We also went to the famous Butchart Gardens... lots of lovely flowers!
(click on any picture for a close-up look)

Some of my personal favorites:

What Kind of Christian Are You?

2005-08-16T15:58:00.000-07:00

From Larry Crabb's Inside Out, pp. 65-66:

If we are to become people who know God, who taste Him with a richness that sustains us through hard times of rejection and loss, then we must take an inside look. In the minds of thousands of Christians, the route to abundant living and spiritual maturity requires only that we become disciplined students of God's Word, people who faithfully and fervently pray, eager witnesses of the gospel who seize opportunities to tell others about Christ, and tireless church members willing to give our time, talents, and tithes to the local church.

Many wish they were doing better in their Christian responsibilities. They live with a mixture of guilt for not measuring up and assume their problems could be resolved if they exerted more effort to live as they should.

Others have tried their hardest and failed. After giving their best efforts to doing all they think they should do, they sit numbly in church going through the motions of worship, while feeling cheated, pressured, disillusioned, and wondering what other hoops God requires them to jump through before He'll straighten out their lives and make them happy.

Still others - and I suspect they're the majority - regard zealous commitment to Bible study, prayer, witnessing, and service as appropriate for the specialty called. Jeremiah was chosen before he was born. Paul was called through a blinding encounter with a heavenly light. Pastors are set apart for unique service by ordination. But ordinary folks need only be friendly to people, faithful to their spouses, hard-working in their jobs, and balanced in their distribution of time between family, church, and personal leisure. Churches are filled with folks who, as long as they think about their lives only during commercial breaks on television and polite Bible studies, are really quite content, pleased with themselves, and perhaps a bit smug in their gratitude to God for His blessings.

Two categories of Christians emerge: those who have high standards of commitment and those who are content to live ordinary, respectable lives. The first group includes people who are frustrated with their inability to measure up to their lofty ideals and a few who are satisfied with their performance. The second group consists mostly of folks who live reasonably happy lives as long as money, health, and relatioships are doing well. If things fall apart, they scramble to restore a measure of order to their lives. If that proves impossible, then a search for alternative sources of comfort begins. When available comfort is exceeded by inescapable suffering, then bitterness, depression, and a commitment to escape develop.

There's more, but I'll leave it at that. I'm constantly guilty at trying to grow from the outside in, rather than the other way around. It takes complete surrender and submission of my heart to let Him change me from the inside out.

On another note: Road trip/vacation was good. It was great to get away, but it wasn't exactly relaxing either (we aren't the types of people who enjoy packing in our vacation days filled with sightseeing activities and such - we just like to hang out and relax instead). I'll post pictures soon, after we sort through our +200 pictures. I know, I know... ridiculous for only a one-week vacation... But we really DID do a million and one things packed in those short 7 days. =)

Self-Protection

2005-08-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

This past couple weeks have been silently frustrating for me. My diet is off, my quiet times are off, my house cleaning is off, my schedule is off, ministry/direction is unstable and unclear, EVERYTHING feels thrown off. And being the perfectionistic procrastinator that I am, once everything is off and I'm not quite sure where I'm going, I get frustrated and overwelmed and I can't function normally like I would like to.

But something this past weekend drew me back to Larry Crabb's Inside Out book, and I've been skimming it. I love skimming books that I've already read, because I process the material a whole lot better (and I get to re-read all the original markings/margin notes I've made with a fresh perspective). And guess what I found (The answer to my question on whether self-protection is a sin or not)...

"The sin of self-protection to which I refer occurs when our legitimate thirst for receiving love creates a demand not to be hurt that overrides a commitment to lovingly involve ourselves with others. When that demand for self-protection interferes with our willingness to move towards others with their well-being in view, then the law of love is violated." (Larry Crabb, Inside Out, pp. 127).

Of course I have to re-read this book again. I'm at a different place, with different life experiences than when I first encountered these words. I've also purchased myself another journal (I never did find my other one). I tried to function without my journal and realized that I can't. Especially when everything is "off" like this lately, I'm needing some sort of tangible medium to keep me going with God.

The next week or so we'll be out-of-town (again). Armed with my journal, Larry Crabb, and some knitting, I'm off to "get away" and find my soul again.

Spontaneous Reno Trip

2005-08-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

Tired of vacation pictures? TOO BAD!! There will be a whole lot more later too! =D
We went to Reno for a couple days ($36/night deal at Circus Circus). It was pretty spontaneous - my inlaws were on their way there and invited us to join them. So we had about 30 minutes to pack and get on the road before traffic hit. Turns out there was the Hot August Nights in Reno this week too! They closed off parts of downtown for the car show.

Cars!

The Truckee River running right through Reno:

JJ

2005-07-31T11:52:00.000-07:00

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep;
And if I die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take.

Fervently praying
with Much Love,

Ruth

Lambtown 2005

2005-07-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

It was a hot day, but it was fun! Details here.

Sucker Survey

2005-07-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

A SUPER LONG survey from Danny. And yes, I am a sucker (I should be running errands this morning rather than playing with my blog right now).

THREE NAMES YOU GO BY
1. Ruthie
2. Roofie/Woofie/Toothie (and other variations)
3. Sweetie, goofball, wifey, etc. (from Wayne)

THREE SCREEN NAMES YOU HAVE HAD:
1. roofth
2. roofth3
3. ruthclee
Sorry, not very original. And I still use these, btw.

THREE THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. down-to-earth/personable
2. people-person
3. somewhat intuitive

THREE THINGS YOU DON'T LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. sometimes neurotic
2. somewhat fearful of confrontation (gotta work on that)
3. i'm too forgetful

THREE PARTS OF YOUR HERITAGE:
1. chinese
2. american
3. christian (well, it has more to do with my identity than heritage)

THREE THINGS THAT SCARE YOU:
1. insects with +6 legs
2. cleaning our shower. i hate hard water stains.
3. something bad happening to wayne and losing him

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE BANDS OR MUSICAL ARTISTS (at the moment):
1. newsboys
2. green day
3. U2

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE SONGS
(at the moment, not for all time):
1. "Adoration", Newsboys
2. "Rasberry Beret", Prince
3. "Dancing with Myself", Boomtang Boys

THREE NEW THINGS YOU WANT TO TRY IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS:
1. finding a part-time job
2. knitting new/challenging projects (lace!!)
3. re-learning my mandarin

THREE THINGS YOU WANT IN A RELATIONSHIP:
1. --
2. --
3. --
i'm married. no more lists of what i want anymore because i've got it. whew!!!!

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE: (no particular order)
1. i broke my little toe in college.
2. i kicked my little brother's nuts when we were little.
3. when i first met wayne, i thought he was a little weird.

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS ABOUT THE OPPOSITE SEX THAT APPEAL TO YOU:
1. height
2. good-looking masculine hands (i know, i'm weird)
3. nice smile

THREE THINGS YOU JUST CAN'T DO:
1. remember anything!!! argh
2. betray wayne
3. eat peas

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES:
1. cooking
2. knitting
3. reading

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO REALLY BADLY RIGHT NOW:
1. shopping
2. knit
3. go on another vacation with wayne

THREE CAREERS YOU'RE CONSIDERING:
1. continuing to be a housewife (the lifestyle totally rocks)
2. research
3. not sure about social work

THREE PLACES YOU WANT TO GO ON VACATION:
1. going to oregon/seattle/vancouver in a couple weeks
2. going to hawaii/singapore/malaysia in sept
3. east coast in oct

THREE KID'S NAMES:
1. ??
2. ??
3. ??
absolutely no idea.

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE:
1. travel
2. knit, of course!!
3. experience motherhood one day

THREE WAYS I AM STEREOTYPICALLY A BOY:
1. i hate anything too mushy/sappy - makes me want to throw up
2. i hate crying in front of anyone. it's embarrassing
3. i hate admiting weakness sometimes.

THREE WAYS I AM STEREOTYPICALLY A GIRL:
1. i cry/whine/nag/bicker.
2. i sometimes indulge in gossip.
3. sometimes i secretly wonder if i'm prettier than the next girl.

THREE CRUSHES (past and present):
1. --
2. --
3. --
i know it doesn't matter anymore since i'm married now, but i'm still too ashamed to talk about it (see #1 and #3 on how i'm stereotypically a boy).

THREE PEOPLE WHO HAVE TO TAKE THIS SURVEY NOW:
anyone who reads this. this means you!! (just kidding - i won't be offended if you don't)

Oxtail

2005-07-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

I stewed this last night for 3 hours (recipe courtesy of Ken Hom):

Tonight's menu:
- Baked Salmon Steaks w/ Dill
- Oxtail Soup
- Steamed broccoli
- Steamed rice

Can't wait to eat dinner tonight!!! =D

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

2005-07-27T23:33:00.000-07:00

You Are a Plain Ole Cup of Joe

But don't think plain - instead think, uncomplicated.
You're a low maintenance kind of girl... who can hang with the guys.
Down to earth, easy going, and fun! Yup, that's you: the friend everyone invites.
And your dependable too. Both for a laugh and a sympathetic ear.

What Kind Of Coffee Are You?

Ruth's Reflections (RR)

2005-07-25T23:14:00.000-07:00

It's RR time again!

A couple realizations lately:

1. I'm completely over my quarter-life-crisis. I dove right into it right after I got married, and sometime last year I fell out of it. What a relief to be over that!

2. Marriage is work (again). Now that Wayne is back home, we're readjusting our relationship dynamics all over again. It almost feels like we just got married, except we're more familiar with each other now (as opposed to 3 years ago when we were still getting used to our quirks). The work part isn't so hard though - but it does take conscious effort to maintain and sustain. But I don't want to just maintain, I want to enjoy and celebrate. And I'm making conscious choices to choose Wayne regularly, thus not choosing anyone else nor anything else that would replace him. I'm enjoying him all over again.

3. My individual identity - holding tightly to it! Never forgetting who I am, and where I came from. This goes hand in hand with #2; whenever I'm doing #2, #3 follows closely behind. Even though I'm married and am one with this wonderful man, I am still a distinct person with my own opinions, feelings, priorities, boundaries. Here's one terrible example... I can't sit around waiting for Wayne to jumpstart my relationship with God (which is an awful expectation, but subconsciously I think hold him to that and I know I shouldn't), then I ought to do it myself. But all the while thankful for Wayne's leadership and example, I understand that he is still a human being with flaws and all. Learning to love all of him (see #2).

4. Currently struggling with the idea of self-protection. I have a faint recollection (please correct me if I'm wrong!) that Larry Crabb once alluded that self-protection was actually a sin (not sure which book of his says something like this). Not sure if I read it wrong or got the wrong idea or what context this was from. Over the years as I watch myself (self-awareness is very important to me) I realize how often I do it. I don't mind taking risks, don't get me wrong, but if I sense that a situation or an individual may hurt me, I prematurely back away. This is why some of my close friendships have staled. I admit that I consciously back out of them, suspicious and very self-protective of my heart. (Once my trust in you has diminished, it's a death-defying feat to regain it.) Is that wrong? Because I'm feeling my heart harden up over my parents overtime. Not over bitterness (I'm quick to check myself with that), but with self-protection and suspicion of them. I'm always checking to see whether I'm walking blameless in this.

5. Struggling with God. It's starting to become way too comfortable here. I'm slipping and not happy with it (I hate being comfortable). And God's not giving me any huge shake-up to get me back in the saddle (I wish He would - Nepal was cancelled, among other things). Back to working on my self-disciplines and waiting.

p.s. I've taken out Haloscan comments - switched to Blogger comments (that means all the old comments on Haloscan are gone - sorry!).