yesterday morning when i took mochi (my sister's dog) out for his walk, i saw this man digging through trash looking for cans and bottles. as we passed by him, i said "good morning" and looked into his eyes. i think i was trying to "see" the man and related to him as a fellow human being beyond what he was doing.
ever since i moved back, i've seen homeless people on the streets of our neighborhood and always wondered "what can i do to help?" after talking to some ladies at church, there were cautions that sometimes it can be dangerous for women to talk to these people, but ultimately, just pray and see how God wants me to do.
last night when i was driving home from the office, i saw a small group of people standing on the street corner with the signs "vote yes for proposition 8" (voting yes for this proposition would revoke the legalization of gay marriages in the state of CA.). they were making noises and it was dark already. even with my loud music playing, i could hear the sounds they were making. but i just thought... people are so willing to stand on the street corner to express their views on some law, but what are we as Christians doing to express publicly the kind of self-less, unconditional love of Jesus Christ, which he expressed to those "sinners" around him when he was here on earth?
so back to the man i saw yesterday digging through trash. i saw him again this morning digging through more trash dumps looking for bottles and cans. somehow a thought moved me to gather some of the cans and bottles in our house and give them to him. i hesitated a few times by walking outside of our garage to see if he's still around... finally, i just picked up the bag of cans and bottles and walked to the man.
"excuse me, sir. would you like to have these bottles and cans?"
he looked at me with grateful eyes and took the bag.
he said... "have a nice day" and smiled.
as i was walking back to our garage and got ready to drive out to work, all these emotions rushed through me. somehow, i felt pain and wish i can do more. i felt joy thinking that i've done something finally to help a fellow human being who is struggling in life. as i thought more, i became very humbled by this whole event that had taken place because i know there is nothing i can brag about. what i've done probably can never solve this man's problems. but i can only be grateful that somehow God has provided an amazing life (both materially and spiritually) that some others just don't seem to have. who am i that HE cares for me in such ways?
i am humbled...
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
i love this country :D
went to vote this morning without much wait. 
somehow last night my heart felt very heavy and there were a lot of anxieties within me because we are not only voting for the next president of the United States but living in california, there are also many propositions and other things to vote for. it was as if all that commercial about "your 1 vote counts" is adding pressure for me... my one vote (literally) is going to change the world. i guess it does make a difference but at the same time, the majority voice will prevail at the end of this voting process. i was going to wait till the last minute to cast my vote today, but since there wasn't a very long line (the polling place is right next to our home), all three of us went and got it done within 30 min.
this is the very first time that my parents and i are voting. i think there are also many "new" things in the voting process that amused us. well... for one, we were pretty surprised that they didn't check our IDs to make sure we are those people registered. the american system is still based on trust. my mom said if it's in taiwan, there would be no such thing. everyone's ID must be checked and confirmed before they can get a ballet to vote.
besides this whole honor system observation, all the volunteers at the poll were enthusiastic and helpful. i am especially touched by how helpful this elderly gentleman was. he even gave me 2 "i voted" stickers because i told him i was going home and change after i voted.
well... i guess we'll wait for the results to come out tonight and many things will be different. but to be involved in this election this year, i am suddenly very proud that i am a citizen of this country and can be a part of this society that upholds freedom and respect for human beings.
God bless America!
somehow last night my heart felt very heavy and there were a lot of anxieties within me because we are not only voting for the next president of the United States but living in california, there are also many propositions and other things to vote for. it was as if all that commercial about "your 1 vote counts" is adding pressure for me... my one vote (literally) is going to change the world. i guess it does make a difference but at the same time, the majority voice will prevail at the end of this voting process. i was going to wait till the last minute to cast my vote today, but since there wasn't a very long line (the polling place is right next to our home), all three of us went and got it done within 30 min.this is the very first time that my parents and i are voting. i think there are also many "new" things in the voting process that amused us. well... for one, we were pretty surprised that they didn't check our IDs to make sure we are those people registered. the american system is still based on trust. my mom said if it's in taiwan, there would be no such thing. everyone's ID must be checked and confirmed before they can get a ballet to vote.
besides this whole honor system observation, all the volunteers at the poll were enthusiastic and helpful. i am especially touched by how helpful this elderly gentleman was. he even gave me 2 "i voted" stickers because i told him i was going home and change after i voted.
well... i guess we'll wait for the results to come out tonight and many things will be different. but to be involved in this election this year, i am suddenly very proud that i am a citizen of this country and can be a part of this society that upholds freedom and respect for human beings.
God bless America!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
living in the pressure of the bad economy
my parents are full-time christian workers before i was even born. this life style of faith, dependence on God is nothing new. when i started to raise support for my own finances, i did go through a points in my support raising history that freaked me out until i cry to God and said "You got me here. You have to be responsible for my needs..." and every time He comes thru without fail. just like the Israelite wondering 40 years in the desert with no lack in food, water, clothing, Yahweh is the same yesterday and today.
but this month has been tough for me.
my financial support account is slightly red but i am pulling all the strings, asking for help like i should. with the bad news of how bad wall street and the big banks are not doing well, people's pockets are tight. that thought did cross my mind..."would it affect my finances? would people give less because of the bad economy?" but also "would God continue to provide? isn't He the source of all? everything belongs to Him?"
actually... it's not so much of the "big" things but the small things that are getting to me these few weeks. i was sick when i was in Atlanta. had to go into the emergency room (ke-chin), then go to another clinic to do some additional blood test (ke-chin-chin), had to get medication (ke-chin)... then i also got my book list for ethno module 2 (which is a list of about 16 books... ke-chin, ke-chin, ke-chin).
THEN... my eye glasses broke out of the blue yesterday morning. so i went to get a new pair today. i knew it's going to cost me and i even went to a Christian optometrist that my parents go to but still after all the wonderful discount, i still had to pay an arm and a leg for a new pair of glasses. (ke-chin)
on the way home, emotions were running. tears came down. i was grateful for the discounts and the fact that i am fully supported financially. i am far better than many people living in worse conditions. it's not like i have no money in the bank (although not much) or won't know where the next meal is coming from (we have plenty of food at home). but still... i think i felt that anxiety and fear many people must be feeling now. wondering if we will actually survive this scary time for most people.
with experience and the history, i know it will be better and maybe today will be forgotten. but for now, i am grabbing on God like nobody's business and trust that He does care.
but this month has been tough for me.
my financial support account is slightly red but i am pulling all the strings, asking for help like i should. with the bad news of how bad wall street and the big banks are not doing well, people's pockets are tight. that thought did cross my mind..."would it affect my finances? would people give less because of the bad economy?" but also "would God continue to provide? isn't He the source of all? everything belongs to Him?"
actually... it's not so much of the "big" things but the small things that are getting to me these few weeks. i was sick when i was in Atlanta. had to go into the emergency room (ke-chin), then go to another clinic to do some additional blood test (ke-chin-chin), had to get medication (ke-chin)... then i also got my book list for ethno module 2 (which is a list of about 16 books... ke-chin, ke-chin, ke-chin).
THEN... my eye glasses broke out of the blue yesterday morning. so i went to get a new pair today. i knew it's going to cost me and i even went to a Christian optometrist that my parents go to but still after all the wonderful discount, i still had to pay an arm and a leg for a new pair of glasses. (ke-chin)
on the way home, emotions were running. tears came down. i was grateful for the discounts and the fact that i am fully supported financially. i am far better than many people living in worse conditions. it's not like i have no money in the bank (although not much) or won't know where the next meal is coming from (we have plenty of food at home). but still... i think i felt that anxiety and fear many people must be feeling now. wondering if we will actually survive this scary time for most people.
with experience and the history, i know it will be better and maybe today will be forgotten. but for now, i am grabbing on God like nobody's business and trust that He does care.
Monday, October 06, 2008
人在福中不知福 (being blessed and yet not realizing it)
Last Saturday happened to be my mom's lunar birthday, which coincide with my birthday (which is not my lunar date but the date on the common calendar we use). It is her 60th birthday and it's a big deal for Chinese (or people of any culture I suppose). A few months ago, we (the family) wanted to plan a surprise party for her, but as there are some complicated matters to consider, we told her of the celebration before hand. at the end, we decided not to have a huge celebration with some sort of formal meeting, but invited some of my parents' and our organization's friends for a Chinese dinner.
As we were thinking of the guest list, my dad asked if I have any friends that I want to invite. My reply was..."I don't have any friends here in LA..." but as we sat down at the dinner table on Saturday night (at the "kids" table
), my older sister, Katherine asked everybody to say something nice or some kind of blessings for my birthday. Being Chinese, it is usually hard to take in compliments from people, but I've learned to appreciate what people say and just be grateful. so I listened without the usual reply... "nah... that's not true... blah blah blah..."
Katherine started the whole thing by appreciating me being there for her when she needs it the most. Then the two ladies from our USA CMI office followed by saying how they appreciate having me around. and others also said nice and complimenting things, blessings.
I listened and realized that I've been wrong. In this past year, trying to adjust to the life here, I was expecting the exact same types of friends that I had in SG. Honestly in that sense, I don't have friends. BUT... I do have friends in LA. In the past year, I've shared life with these ladies in the office. They've listened and prayed with me. I've done the same for them. They are my friends here in LA (not to mention the ladies from my church who have been very caring and supportive to me as well).
Even as I am writing this in Atlanta (visiting for 2 weeks), I still have many dear friends here in this city... I am blessed.
As we were thinking of the guest list, my dad asked if I have any friends that I want to invite. My reply was..."I don't have any friends here in LA..." but as we sat down at the dinner table on Saturday night (at the "kids" table
), my older sister, Katherine asked everybody to say something nice or some kind of blessings for my birthday. Being Chinese, it is usually hard to take in compliments from people, but I've learned to appreciate what people say and just be grateful. so I listened without the usual reply... "nah... that's not true... blah blah blah..."Katherine started the whole thing by appreciating me being there for her when she needs it the most. Then the two ladies from our USA CMI office followed by saying how they appreciate having me around. and others also said nice and complimenting things, blessings.
I listened and realized that I've been wrong. In this past year, trying to adjust to the life here, I was expecting the exact same types of friends that I had in SG. Honestly in that sense, I don't have friends. BUT... I do have friends in LA. In the past year, I've shared life with these ladies in the office. They've listened and prayed with me. I've done the same for them. They are my friends here in LA (not to mention the ladies from my church who have been very caring and supportive to me as well).
Even as I am writing this in Atlanta (visiting for 2 weeks), I still have many dear friends here in this city... I am blessed.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
of salvation and condemnation of God
the day before i left Egypt, i was reading John 3 on the story of Nicodemus. somehow i've read thru this a million times but these verses jumped out
v. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. (NIV)
i guess i am one of those people who thinks it's rather unfair for people to be "condemned" based on their choice or being born into a certain religious belief. when we share the Gospel with someone and he/she might say "that's nice, but i don't think it's for me" or "all religions are the same. i believe in God and so do you. there's no need for me to become a Christian or anything like that..." to me... how can a loving and just God condemn someone because they choose to believe another "religion" and not Jesus Christ?
but the Bible seems to be telling me... it's not that they choose to be condemned but it's the fact that we have all been condemned. there's no choice involved here. it's just a straight fact. no one should or have any way to obtain salvation.
although it seems kinda sad and hopeless (i love movies and stories with happy endings), i think the more it seems "salvation through Jesus Christ and Christ alone" (for those who have been saved and have a growing relationship with God) is simply amazing. i hate to use the cliche word--grace, but that's just what it is.
then today in John 6:64b-65...
For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him."
i am not a Calvinist or Armenian. i believe the Bible contains and teaches both at the same time (somehow). but for the above verse, it emphasizes again the fact of human inability to truly "choose" for him or herself.
maybe that's the hardest of all to accept as human beings... it's the fact that i have no absolute control or the ability to decide (not saying we are idiots and puppets because we also do have a mind given by God). for salvation, it simply requires God's enabling and enlightening for a person to believe in Jesus Christ.
v. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. (NIV)
i guess i am one of those people who thinks it's rather unfair for people to be "condemned" based on their choice or being born into a certain religious belief. when we share the Gospel with someone and he/she might say "that's nice, but i don't think it's for me" or "all religions are the same. i believe in God and so do you. there's no need for me to become a Christian or anything like that..." to me... how can a loving and just God condemn someone because they choose to believe another "religion" and not Jesus Christ?
but the Bible seems to be telling me... it's not that they choose to be condemned but it's the fact that we have all been condemned. there's no choice involved here. it's just a straight fact. no one should or have any way to obtain salvation.
although it seems kinda sad and hopeless (i love movies and stories with happy endings), i think the more it seems "salvation through Jesus Christ and Christ alone" (for those who have been saved and have a growing relationship with God) is simply amazing. i hate to use the cliche word--grace, but that's just what it is.
then today in John 6:64b-65...
For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him."
i am not a Calvinist or Armenian. i believe the Bible contains and teaches both at the same time (somehow). but for the above verse, it emphasizes again the fact of human inability to truly "choose" for him or herself.
maybe that's the hardest of all to accept as human beings... it's the fact that i have no absolute control or the ability to decide (not saying we are idiots and puppets because we also do have a mind given by God). for salvation, it simply requires God's enabling and enlightening for a person to believe in Jesus Christ.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
my apple battery woes
a couple weeks ago, i downloaded a widget for all kinds of cool stats on my mac (i think it's called istat). at first, the battery stats showed something like 90% functioning. over after a few days, i looked again and strangely it has changed to 50-ish%. i thought i have been working too hard on my 50-page paper and have turned delusional. but that same horrible number showed up a few days in a row and then stayed.it was then that i realized that my battery capability has gone down the drain dramatically. this thing is only barley 1 year old.
if i don't plug it in, i can only use the laptop for about 1 hour. it gets used up pretty fast and scary.thankfully, i had purchased this laptop with a three-year extended warranty. but that was from sg. i wasn't sure if the NTU offer applies internationally (because when i read the paper works from the time of purchase, it's not very clear). i was running through my brain of what other possibilities i might explore if apple doesn't recognize the warranty here. i thought maybe i will have to mail it back to singapore and get somebody to exchange it for me... or wait until i go back to singapore to visit... or just live with a faulty battery.
so i made an appointment with the "genius" at the apple store genius bar. it seems that they are pretty busy. to make things worse, i got out of the house later than i wanted to. not sure about parking, i grabbed a pretty good parking space that was free (since this is in the pasadena area... i knew parking is hard or expensive or both). i was walking on the street in the wrong directions. called my mom to get some help but she was getting pretty confused too. anyway... i found it at the end (but walked for a good 10-15 min). thankfully, since i had an appointment, the "genius" helped me. he gave me the initial talk that batteries do not last forever. they diminish their capabilities after many usages... blah blah blah. dude. i researched the web before i came. (i think he was just buying time). to cut the long story short, without any more questions, he got a new battery. did the paperwork. and put in the new battery.
moral of the story: make sure you buy the extended 3 year apple care. or else you might be like me... just a few days or months after the 1 year warranty wears out, you might find your computer destroyed (my poor ibook).
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
my first croc
been looking for comfortable sandals to walk with. actually shopped in san diego and san jose area and didn't find anything that is both good quality and priced.last week i got an ad in the email that there's free shipping from endless. since i've been looking on amazon to find suitable crocs, i thought the price was pretty good and bought it.
got it yesterday and surprisingly it is so lightweight. according to the website, it's some kind of special material that also prevents bacterial growth. will try it out and see how good it really is...
Thursday, July 24, 2008
heaven and rewards
was exercising this morning and doing my bible reading on the stationary bike this morning. this thought came... "what happened to the answers from the bible regarding rewards in heaven?" (referring to this blog entry but i guess it's for clichephrase's contacts only...)
basically my friend posted a blog entry about rewards in heaven (what kind? how will we be rewarded? by having big mansions? crowns? and how would that motivate/effect us here on earth?)
so i decided to do a search and list the bible verses in New Testament... (according to my own discretion regarding the relationships between heaven and rewards) (quoted from NIV)
Matt 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 5:12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matt 5:19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 6:1 [ Giving to the Needy ] "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Matt 6:20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Matt 9:21 Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
Luke 6:23 "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.
Luke 10:20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
Luke 12:33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.
Luke 18:22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.
1 Peter 1:4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you,
i did a search on the word "heaven" in NIV and NASB and 278 entries showed up. according to my judgment, there are only about 12 that are sort of relevant to rewards. that's a very small percentage compare to what the New Testament talks about heaven. so it seems to me that rewards and heavens is not a hot topic that Jesus or the disciples focused on. heaven... it's more about other matters. and even when it talks about being rewarded in heaven, it has more to do with how much a person sacrifices (in various ways) for God/Jesus, not so much related to our material giving...
but i think the most obvious bible verses that taught us the concept of heaven and rewards are those highlighted in red.
basically my friend posted a blog entry about rewards in heaven (what kind? how will we be rewarded? by having big mansions? crowns? and how would that motivate/effect us here on earth?)
so i decided to do a search and list the bible verses in New Testament... (according to my own discretion regarding the relationships between heaven and rewards) (quoted from NIV)
Matt 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 5:12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matt 5:19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 6:1 [ Giving to the Needy ] "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Matt 6:20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Matt 9:21 Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
Luke 6:23 "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.
Luke 10:20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
Luke 12:33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.
Luke 18:22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.
1 Peter 1:4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you,
i did a search on the word "heaven" in NIV and NASB and 278 entries showed up. according to my judgment, there are only about 12 that are sort of relevant to rewards. that's a very small percentage compare to what the New Testament talks about heaven. so it seems to me that rewards and heavens is not a hot topic that Jesus or the disciples focused on. heaven... it's more about other matters. and even when it talks about being rewarded in heaven, it has more to do with how much a person sacrifices (in various ways) for God/Jesus, not so much related to our material giving...
but i think the most obvious bible verses that taught us the concept of heaven and rewards are those highlighted in red.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
wild parrots
went out for a jog this morning. along the way, i heard this strange bird noise, unlike those "normal" birds. so i stopped and tried to figure out what kind of bird was making that noise. and woo hoo... those are wild parrots roaming around this area. so cool.... here's a website with their pix. they look exactly like this. :Dwild parrots website
Sunday, July 20, 2008
my voice within
went to Hollywood Bowl for my 3rd concert of this season last night. it was Julie Andrews presenting "the gift of music". the first portion of the concert consisted of songs from Rogers and Hammerstein's musicals. 2nd portion was a newly composed (i think) musical based on Julie Andrews and daughter, Emmy's children's story book--Simeon's gift.
it was really weird to "see" Julie Andrews in person (since she is such a familiar face from The Sound of Music and Princess Diary... and voice...). I had thought that she went thru a vocal cords surgery and couldn't sing anymore but she did. although her voice was hoarse and she couldn't reach very high notes anymore, her presence and expressions are still excellent. She is also an excellent story teller.
and for the 2nd half of the concert, it's kinda a typical children's story with this educational focus on music and also knowing who you are. the songs are nice but not memorable (seriously, i can't sing any of the songs back to you from the show... unlike littler mermaid or something). but the story did resonate something within me.
i guess because the main character, Simeon, is simple minstrel. for the purpose of finding something that would allow him to justify marrying the princess, he went on this journey hoping to perfecting his craft and write music that is beyond the simple tunes he used to sing. along the way, he learned many things but ultimately the noises of the city beat him down and made him very discouraged about his dream. he then decided to sell his lute and return to the village in order to say goodbye to the love of his life. but on the journey back, he encountered three animals that reminded him of his passion for music and eventually for him to find his voice again. and as in all fairy tales, his music was so wonderful, it did earn him the right to marry the princess. he then continued to compose wonderful music for the rest of his life. and thus--Simeon's gift (to the world, i suppose)
i guess since i have composed some songs before (i think those were mainly therapeutic for my own sake). the songs and lyrics just flowed out of me. it never took a long time for me to compose anything in the past. but in the past year or so, i've stopped. partly because i am searching again of why i compose and to whom do i compose my songs for. (or maybe i am coping with my stresses in different ways?) i think also because i am doing this ethnomusicology program. with all the learning and reading, i hesitate in composing because i don't feel that my songs are really reaching many people (of course my friends and family have been encouraging about this and i do appreciate all your support). but i do know that music IS a gift and i should utilize it.
i am not sure which part of the journey i am on right now... maybe just keep walking
it was really weird to "see" Julie Andrews in person (since she is such a familiar face from The Sound of Music and Princess Diary... and voice...). I had thought that she went thru a vocal cords surgery and couldn't sing anymore but she did. although her voice was hoarse and she couldn't reach very high notes anymore, her presence and expressions are still excellent. She is also an excellent story teller.
and for the 2nd half of the concert, it's kinda a typical children's story with this educational focus on music and also knowing who you are. the songs are nice but not memorable (seriously, i can't sing any of the songs back to you from the show... unlike littler mermaid or something). but the story did resonate something within me.
i guess because the main character, Simeon, is simple minstrel. for the purpose of finding something that would allow him to justify marrying the princess, he went on this journey hoping to perfecting his craft and write music that is beyond the simple tunes he used to sing. along the way, he learned many things but ultimately the noises of the city beat him down and made him very discouraged about his dream. he then decided to sell his lute and return to the village in order to say goodbye to the love of his life. but on the journey back, he encountered three animals that reminded him of his passion for music and eventually for him to find his voice again. and as in all fairy tales, his music was so wonderful, it did earn him the right to marry the princess. he then continued to compose wonderful music for the rest of his life. and thus--Simeon's gift (to the world, i suppose)
i guess since i have composed some songs before (i think those were mainly therapeutic for my own sake). the songs and lyrics just flowed out of me. it never took a long time for me to compose anything in the past. but in the past year or so, i've stopped. partly because i am searching again of why i compose and to whom do i compose my songs for. (or maybe i am coping with my stresses in different ways?) i think also because i am doing this ethnomusicology program. with all the learning and reading, i hesitate in composing because i don't feel that my songs are really reaching many people (of course my friends and family have been encouraging about this and i do appreciate all your support). but i do know that music IS a gift and i should utilize it.
i am not sure which part of the journey i am on right now... maybe just keep walking
Saturday, July 12, 2008
ouch
i bought 2 lavender plants today and planted them in my uncle's house (because that's also our office). the ground was rather hard with lots of pebbles and rocks (i think maybe when they built these town houses, they just dumped all the junk into the back yards and that's where all these nasty little things come from)i used a little shuffle. i was digging the first hole for the first plant. dug and dug and dug without wearing gloves (since it was easier. the gloves were too big). suddenly i noticed that some skin on my palm had come off.
i just kept digging and planting the two plants.now it really hurts.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Ice cream!
the july 4th weekend was filled with fun and food. (also lots of sun)after dinner on saturday, we went to Fosselman's ice cream co in Alhambra. and this is the kind of stuff that i was hoping to find many months ago when a craving for really good home made chocolate ice cream like the kind you find at daily scoop that was walking distance from where i used to live in sg.
above picture is my chocolate raspberry cream on a sugar cone (with my little sis in the background and picture taken by my thai-american bro, nat.) (awesome pic, nat!)
the price is not bad and there were lots of people going thru the store even at 9:30pm (when we arrived). i will be going back again (probably need to jog for like an hour before i go again). and if you are ever in the neighborhood, i highly recommend trying out their yummy ice cream.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
EAST graduation photos are up!
Just went to check the EAST website and found the graduations photos up.
There are some pretty nice shots there.
It doesn't allow me to post the exact link to the photos so you have to go to
http://www.east.edu.sg
then click on "photos" in order to see them.
There are some pretty nice shots there.
It doesn't allow me to post the exact link to the photos so you have to go to
http://www.east.edu.sg
then click on "photos" in order to see them.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
travels--HK to Shanghai
from june 5 to 10, i was in shanghai. after taiwan, i flew to HK (cos i was flying cathay pacific). because i want to save money and experience what the everyday mainland Chinese go thru, i decided to take the train from HK to Shanghai. it was a 20-hour train ride. but a pretty good experience.
i learned a few things...
after arriving to shanghai, i spent the next few days with jw's family. (jw is a friend from my previous church.) i was very touched by their hospitality and how well 6 people can be cramped into a 2-bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment without any conflicts. i think they were amused to have a taiwanese living amongst them so jw's father would explain some of the china communist traditions, notable heroes, poems, etc. i think it is beneficial for my research on chinese american music (since i've not narrowed it down to chinese from which area).
because it was 'dragon boat festival', there was an extended holiday for that weekend. i think we went for a very avg chinese kind of weekend stroll in the public parks. it was interesting to see all the families with their young children (maybe pre-elementary school age) with their parents and grand parents.
i think the timing for my trip is pretty providential. before the trip, i already heard that my 3rd aunt's husband was hospitalized. but i think we all didn't think he would stay in the hospital for over a month. i got to visit him in the hospital and prayed along with the family for quick recovery. (thank God that he's gone home from the hospital but need to continue to pray for his full recovery) and because it was 'dragon boat festival', i also had a reunion dinner with my extended family. i've not had a chance to meet some of these relatives who's been living in shanghai all these years. it was good to finally meet them. i also had brief moments to catch up with those cousins that i'm more familiar with (thank God for family!)
hmm... this is getting pretty long. for coming back to HK, i decided to take the plane to shenzhen. that was also quite an experience... i guess i wont elaborate on that now.
for shanghai pix, you can go here.
but a pretty good experience.i learned a few things...
- bring your own cup (they provide hot water only)
- bring your own food (they are slow in selling the train food and i thought it looked pretty oily)
- people were pretty friendly to one another
- men can snore very loudly at night
- it was a long journey (duh!)
after arriving to shanghai, i spent the next few days with jw's family. (jw is a friend from my previous church.) i was very touched by their hospitality and how well 6 people can be cramped into a 2-bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment without any conflicts.
i think they were amused to have a taiwanese living amongst them so jw's father would explain some of the china communist traditions, notable heroes, poems, etc. i think it is beneficial for my research on chinese american music (since i've not narrowed it down to chinese from which area).because it was 'dragon boat festival', there was an extended holiday for that weekend. i think we went for a very avg chinese kind of weekend stroll in the public parks. it was interesting to see all the families with their young children (maybe pre-elementary school age) with their parents and grand parents.
i think the timing for my trip is pretty providential. before the trip, i already heard that my 3rd aunt's husband was hospitalized. but i think we all didn't think he would stay in the hospital for over a month. i got to visit him in the hospital and prayed along with the family for quick recovery. (thank God that he's gone home from the hospital but need to continue to pray for his full recovery) and because it was 'dragon boat festival', i also had a reunion dinner with my extended family. i've not had a chance to meet some of these relatives who's been living in shanghai all these years. it was good to finally meet them. i also had brief moments to catch up with those cousins that i'm more familiar with (thank God for family!)
hmm... this is getting pretty long.
for coming back to HK, i decided to take the plane to shenzhen. that was also quite an experience... i guess i wont elaborate on that now.for shanghai pix, you can go here.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
change of plans
i arrived HK around noon time yesterday. leaving for shanghai this afternoon.
got an email from YM saying that she wont be able to go back to LZ as planned so i am cutting that part of the trip and come back to HK earlier.
when i was leaving sg and going to tw, i asked some people to pray for the people that i will meet, the things that i will see, hear and feel... that all will be what God intended. i think basically it called for an open mind and not insisting on doing this or that... (like going to the awesome party world K tv in taiwan... which i didnt get a chance to...)
basically i met these people...
i was glad that it's also an accumulation of the blessings, and grace i've received during the sg trip. somehow... i was able to talk thru many issues that i am facing and hope to seek some adjustments after i go back home. through conversations, i realized that i am totally passionate about going into ethnomusicology and the vision of seeing nations worship in their own language, music, cultural ways. through the gifts and grace and blessings i received, i feel refreshed and am able to return to the Word... maybe the most important thing is the reminder to have a thankful heart.
there are 2 more weeks in my trip. i look forward to more people, sights, sounds, or whatever God has in mind for me.
got an email from YM saying that she wont be able to go back to LZ as planned so i am cutting that part of the trip and come back to HK earlier.
when i was leaving sg and going to tw, i asked some people to pray for the people that i will meet, the things that i will see, hear and feel... that all will be what God intended. i think basically it called for an open mind and not insisting on doing this or that... (like going to the awesome party world K tv in taiwan... which i didnt get a chance to...
)basically i met these people...
- my old classmates from wesley (some of them)
- uncles and aunties from our old church
- my cousin, his wife, and a wonderful lady who works at ORTV
- office staff and associate missionary of CMI
- one EAST alumna/good friend
- spent time with my godma and her family
- a lady who is in charge of this humanitarian org who also stayed at where i stayed during the first few days
i was glad that it's also an accumulation of the blessings, and grace i've received during the sg trip. somehow... i was able to talk thru many issues that i am facing and hope to seek some adjustments after i go back home. through conversations, i realized that i am totally passionate about going into ethnomusicology and the vision of seeing nations worship in their own language, music, cultural ways. through the gifts and grace and blessings i received, i feel refreshed and am able to return to the Word... maybe the most important thing is the reminder to have a thankful heart.
there are 2 more weeks in my trip. i look forward to more people, sights, sounds, or whatever God has in mind for me.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
in taiwan
after a very long day of flying from SG to HK ... grateful for SM, JJ, crab, qurikie and jeslyn for sending me off (around 6-7am). so touched...
well... just wrote an email to my family. kinda lazy to re-write stuff so just post it here and share with you all. (edited of course)
============
Dear Family
I arrived Taiwan around 3pm this afternoon. i transited thru HK and was delayed because the weather was not good. there was someone on the plane who also needed medical attention... it was a very long day...
i am at starbucks right now (one place that i heard that i can get wifi connection... i thought it's free but i need to pay money... )
just walked through the area around the our old home. first time around, i didn't even know that i was passing by the little lane. i went around the whole block and eventually came back to lane 85 (amazing i still remember..) but nothing is recognizable. maybe only the distance of walking from here to there. it's a very strange feeling
well, i am staying at this guest apartment near our old home... that's why i walked by the old home...
=========
so touched... well... just wrote an email to my family. kinda lazy to re-write stuff so just post it here and share with you all. (edited of course)
============
Dear Family
I arrived Taiwan around 3pm this afternoon. i transited thru HK and was delayed because the weather was not good. there was someone on the plane who also needed medical attention... it was a very long day...
i am at starbucks right now (one place that i heard that i can get wifi connection... i thought it's free but i need to pay money... )
just walked through the area around the our old home. first time around, i didn't even know that i was passing by the little lane. i went around the whole block and eventually came back to lane 85 (amazing i still remember..) but nothing is recognizable. maybe only the distance of walking from here to there. it's a very strange feeling
well, i am staying at this guest apartment near our old home... that's why i walked by the old home...
=========
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
saying goodbye again
after 2 weeks in sg, i am going to say goodbye again to this place that was my home for 7 years.
it is a weird feeling that i had just said my farewells 8 months ago. although there are always changes in sg, it's still familar to me. and the people... i thoroughly enjoyed my time with every single person here. i really feel that there's not enough time no matter how much time we've spent together during this trip.
before i left the US, someone from GMCI emailed and wish me a good trip... to be refreshed. i think i definitely need it. after meeting with different people, venting, processing through all the adjustments, struggles, frustrations of my 8 months back in the US, i do realize many blind spots in my life in the past 8 months. hopefully i will be able to make some changes and adjust better... for my sanity, spirituality... and just the plain fact of continue to enjoy a relationship with the Lord ... serving Him out of joy and willingness.
i will head north tomorrow and go to taiwan for a few days. i am not sure what to expect and who are all the people that i'll meet. but at the end dof last night's meeting with my "ah-teh", i asked her to pray that i will just hear, see, and feel whatever God has in mind for me no matter where i continue to travel during this trip.
everybody asks me when i will come visit sg again. i am not sure... but hopefully i will be better at keeping in touch with everyone here... more emails. more chats. more prayers...
it is a weird feeling that i had just said my farewells 8 months ago. although there are always changes in sg, it's still familar to me. and the people... i thoroughly enjoyed my time with every single person here. i really feel that there's not enough time no matter how much time we've spent together during this trip.
before i left the US, someone from GMCI emailed and wish me a good trip... to be refreshed. i think i definitely need it. after meeting with different people, venting, processing through all the adjustments, struggles, frustrations of my 8 months back in the US, i do realize many blind spots in my life in the past 8 months. hopefully i will be able to make some changes and adjust better... for my sanity, spirituality... and just the plain fact of continue to enjoy a relationship with the Lord ... serving Him out of joy and willingness.
i will head north tomorrow and go to taiwan for a few days. i am not sure what to expect and who are all the people that i'll meet. but at the end dof last night's meeting with my "ah-teh", i asked her to pray that i will just hear, see, and feel whatever God has in mind for me no matter where i continue to travel during this trip.
everybody asks me when i will come visit sg again. i am not sure... but hopefully i will be better at keeping in touch with everyone here... more emails. more chats. more prayers...
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
my mistake but then... sigh...
ever since i stepped foot unto the sg soil, i've been going here and there to meet different groups of people. today is finally the day that i start to work on my assignment that is due on friday.
the day started off bright and breeze. since i've not really exercised, i went out for a short walk/jog. came back all sweaty but felt really good. was checking my emails and everything... then a friend called my mobile phone. since the value on the SIM card is getting low, every time the phone call ends, a msg comes on to tell me how much money i have left on the card. strangely... i had added S$25 unto the card last night but the value never changed. so i called the phone company and asked about it.
then... i realize...
i had punched in the wrong phone number last night (off by one number only) when i was adding money to my card!!! so the support person on the line told me to fax the receipt to them today in order for them to do something about it. i had to crack my brains and tried to figure out where i am going to find a fax machine.
earlier in the morning i was also having a SMS conversation with an old EAST friend who works for OMF. she wanted to meet up but i didn't have any more dinner time slots left... plus she will be busy helping with a friend's wedding prep next week.
so i thought i would try calling her to see if i can have lunch with her as well as fax the receipt to the phone company. thankfully... without much hesitation (besides the fact that she's super busy today), she agreed so i rushed out of the house and met her.
we ate, talked, and had a good time... faxed the receipt then i left. after about 1 hour, i got a call from the phone company... they said the person who benefited from my mistake has only S$9 left on his/her card. i can only get that S$9 back.
i guess then i was happy that i could at least recover the lost from my mistake... but after my OMF friend SMS me back, i thought... "ya... that's really horrible that i couldn't get the whole amount back..."
sigh... can't believe i made this kind of mistake... i think my brain is not working too well these days...
the day started off bright and breeze. since i've not really exercised, i went out for a short walk/jog. came back all sweaty but felt really good. was checking my emails and everything... then a friend called my mobile phone. since the value on the SIM card is getting low, every time the phone call ends, a msg comes on to tell me how much money i have left on the card. strangely... i had added S$25 unto the card last night but the value never changed. so i called the phone company and asked about it.
then... i realize...
i had punched in the wrong phone number last night (off by one number only) when i was adding money to my card!!! so the support person on the line told me to fax the receipt to them today in order for them to do something about it. i had to crack my brains and tried to figure out where i am going to find a fax machine.earlier in the morning i was also having a SMS conversation with an old EAST friend who works for OMF. she wanted to meet up but i didn't have any more dinner time slots left... plus she will be busy helping with a friend's wedding prep next week.
so i thought i would try calling her to see if i can have lunch with her as well as fax the receipt to the phone company. thankfully... without much hesitation (besides the fact that she's super busy today), she agreed so i rushed out of the house and met her.we ate, talked, and had a good time... faxed the receipt then i left. after about 1 hour, i got a call from the phone company... they said the person who benefited from my mistake has only S$9 left on his/her card. i can only get that S$9 back.
i guess then i was happy that i could at least recover the lost from my mistake... but after my OMF friend SMS me back, i thought... "ya... that's really horrible that i couldn't get the whole amount back..."sigh... can't believe i made this kind of mistake... i think my brain is not working too well these days...
Friday, May 16, 2008
in Singapore now
arrived Singapore yesterday around noon (by now it's the day before yesterday...) the whole flight and transit went smoothly.
it seems hotter and more humid than my body remembered. and maybe because i didnt sleep much on the plane, i've been feeling pretty sleepy by the afternoon.
food has been pretty awesome but meeting up with friends is even better.
looking at my schedule, it's filling up quickly. even 2 weeks seem pretty sure for me to have ample time to really catch up.
i am staying at friend's home and they only have internet access for hotmail and yahoo related sites. so i might not be able to check my gmail much or other sites that i am used to... but i just signed up for the free wireless access in certain places (i think it's some kind of experimental thing from sg gov).
well, need to go to sleep (even though my jetlag is keeping me right awake at 2:20am...)
hopefully i can update more frequently later.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
20 years
about the time when i came back to the US, somehow i got re-connected to my junior high school friends thru msn group. about two weeks ago, i got the news that one of them was having a baby and she lives in the area. yesterday afternoon, another junior high friend and i went to visit her.
we spent about 4 hours sitting in their dining room just chatting time away. both of them are young mothers and so they have many things to share and exchange. i just sit there and marvel at how our appearance doesn't seem to have change too much. but... 20 years have gone by. for me, since i've not kept in touch with most of them, i feel that i need to start all over with our relationships. it is like our knowledge of one another only confined to those 3 years living together at school. but so much has happened since then... for those who have kept in touch through out the years, they know how this person got to know her husband and where they have been and what they've done in their studies and work. those 20 years they experienced are like blank tapes to me. same goes for what had taken place in my life... my experiences, the people, the places i've been.
i think i am still processing through what had taken place yesterday afternoon... but looking forward to be re-acquainted with old friends... in our new lives...
we spent about 4 hours sitting in their dining room just chatting time away. both of them are young mothers and so they have many things to share and exchange. i just sit there and marvel at how our appearance doesn't seem to have change too much. but... 20 years have gone by. for me, since i've not kept in touch with most of them, i feel that i need to start all over with our relationships. it is like our knowledge of one another only confined to those 3 years living together at school. but so much has happened since then... for those who have kept in touch through out the years, they know how this person got to know her husband and where they have been and what they've done in their studies and work. those 20 years they experienced are like blank tapes to me. same goes for what had taken place in my life... my experiences, the people, the places i've been.
i think i am still processing through what had taken place yesterday afternoon... but looking forward to be re-acquainted with old friends... in our new lives...
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
my mom came home
thanks again for all your prayers. my mom came home on sunday afternoon from the hospital.
thankfully my little sister was around and was able to stay with us for 2 nights for the initial adjustments. my mom basically stays downstairs and sleep on a reclining chair (since she can't lay flat on a regular bed and was never able to really sleep comfortably even on the hospital bed that is able to rise her head level)
i am just exhausted from staying overnight at the hospital. although i was able to take breaks during the day while Joy from the office went to look after my mom, i just didn't get to sleep much. or even if i sleep, it's never deep because my mom needs my help with this and that or the nurses would come in and out to give her medz or check this or that...
well, i am glad that my mom seems to be getting better everyday and believe that she'll continue to get better. but keep praying for us...
i am also very behind on my reading for this assignment that i need to turn in. sigh.. pray that i can get an extension and also have the energy and focus to read and write... (i seriously don't know how i am going to finish the assignment in time... !!!)
(oh... my little sis also did an awesome job helping to clean up the house these few days... a lot of clutters were removed so my mom can move around the house more easily with the walker. somehow it just makes me feel much better without the clutter... thanks again sis!)
thankfully my little sister was around and was able to stay with us for 2 nights for the initial adjustments. my mom basically stays downstairs and sleep on a reclining chair (since she can't lay flat on a regular bed and was never able to really sleep comfortably even on the hospital bed that is able to rise her head level)
i am just exhausted from staying overnight at the hospital. although i was able to take breaks during the day while Joy from the office went to look after my mom, i just didn't get to sleep much. or even if i sleep, it's never deep because my mom needs my help with this and that or the nurses would come in and out to give her medz or check this or that...
well, i am glad that my mom seems to be getting better everyday and believe that she'll continue to get better. but keep praying for us...
i am also very behind on my reading for this assignment that i need to turn in.
sigh.. pray that i can get an extension and also have the energy and focus to read and write... (i seriously don't know how i am going to finish the assignment in time... !!!)(oh... my little sis also did an awesome job helping to clean up the house these few days... a lot of clutters were removed so my mom can move around the house more easily with the walker. somehow it just makes me feel much better without the clutter... thanks again sis!)
Thursday, March 27, 2008
pray pray pray...
our co-worker, Joy just sent this thru email to some prayer supporters so I thought I would also post the link to the website.
Thanks again for your prayers!
USA CMI Prayer petitions
Thanks again for your prayers!
USA CMI Prayer petitions
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
on the road to recovery...
(I just posted this on USA CMI website... thought I would ask for more prayers... Thanks!)
親愛的代禱同工：
再一次謝謝大家為我媽媽手術代幬。我現在在她的病房，今晚陪她。雖然她看起來不太像剛開過大手術的人，但是離完全復原還有一點距離。剛才突然就感覺非常痛，我跟她禱告後，有一點點比較好，所以她要我發出這封緊急代幬信，請大家繼續為她完全復原禱告。
Dear Prayer partners,
Thank you again for praying for my mom's surgery. I am currently in her room in the hospital. I'll stay here with her tonight. Although she doesn't really look like someone who's gone thru a major surgery, there is still a good distance until her full recovery. Just now, she suddenly felt a lot of pain. After praying with her, she felt a little better and so she asked me to send out this emergency prayer letter. Please do continue to keep her in your prayers until her full recovery.
Blessings,
Pauline 凱萍
親愛的代禱同工：
再一次謝謝大家為我媽媽手術代幬。我現在在她的病房，今晚陪她
Dear Prayer partners,
Thank you again for praying for my mom's surgery. I am currently in her room in the hospital. I'll stay here with her tonight. Although she doesn't really look like someone who's gone thru a major surgery, there is still a good distance until her full recovery. Just now, she suddenly felt a lot of pain. After praying with her, she felt a little better and so she asked me to send out this emergency prayer letter. Please do continue to keep her in your prayers until her full recovery.
Blessings,
Pauline 凱萍
Friday, March 21, 2008
update on my mom
dear all
just a little update and please continue to keep my mom in your prayers.
tues--took another MRI and X-rays of her lower back
wed--went back to the neuro-surgeon and he affirmed that her problem is mainly due to her pinched nerve in her neck.
thurs--she fell in the afternoon after her nap because her legs were weak. thankfully the neighbor came over and helped me pull her up. she was emotionally very tired and thankfully uncle Morley and aunt Sophie came to visit. they talked and she was slightly better.
friday (today)...
she got up around 4am and went back to sleep around 7am then woke up again around 10:30. i fed her breakfast, gave her insulin shot (as usual)... THEN... she said she was blacking out (the middle area from her view looked light blue and the rest is grey). i took her blood sugar level and it was 85 (kinda low but ok). tried to take her blood pressure but couldn't get it. she started to feel numb in both arms and dizzy. not having any more solutions, we called 911 and the ambulance came.
we got to the hospital and they did a series of tests on her. we got there about 12pm and by 7pm, we were transferred to a normal hospital room for her to stay overnight until her doctors decide to release her from the hospital.
the good news is... by the end of today, the neuro-surgeon's office called and said they got approval from both the insurance company and the hospital that accepts the insurance for an operation on next tuesday (Mar 25).
the bad news is... from the examinations at the hospital today, they found some problems with her lung (i couldn't understand what the nurse was saying over the phone)
so... i've cancelled my trip overseas (there will be more chances in the future). my dad went yesterday and will be away for three weeks. thankfully my younger sis can help some since she's cut down her work. well, thankful also for having uncle Morley, aunt Sophie around. thankful for support from our office staff, Joy... and of course talking to people about it also relieves me.
honestly, it was really scary this morning when the paramedics came (although they were really nice and helpful.. also very quick). being in the hospital all day was tiring... i also need strength and prayers.
thanks y'all
just a little update and please continue to keep my mom in your prayers.
tues--took another MRI and X-rays of her lower back
wed--went back to the neuro-surgeon and he affirmed that her problem is mainly due to her pinched nerve in her neck.
thurs--she fell in the afternoon after her nap because her legs were weak. thankfully the neighbor came over and helped me pull her up. she was emotionally very tired and thankfully uncle Morley and aunt Sophie came to visit. they talked and she was slightly better.
friday (today)...
she got up around 4am and went back to sleep around 7am then woke up again around 10:30. i fed her breakfast, gave her insulin shot (as usual)... THEN... she said she was blacking out (the middle area from her view looked light blue and the rest is grey). i took her blood sugar level and it was 85 (kinda low but ok). tried to take her blood pressure but couldn't get it. she started to feel numb in both arms and dizzy. not having any more solutions, we called 911 and the ambulance came.
we got to the hospital and they did a series of tests on her. we got there about 12pm and by 7pm, we were transferred to a normal hospital room for her to stay overnight until her doctors decide to release her from the hospital.
the good news is... by the end of today, the neuro-surgeon's office called and said they got approval from both the insurance company and the hospital that accepts the insurance for an operation on next tuesday (Mar 25).
the bad news is... from the examinations at the hospital today, they found some problems with her lung (i couldn't understand what the nurse was saying over the phone)
so... i've cancelled my trip overseas (there will be more chances in the future). my dad went yesterday and will be away for three weeks. thankfully my younger sis can help some since she's cut down her work. well, thankful also for having uncle Morley, aunt Sophie around. thankful for support from our office staff, Joy... and of course talking to people about it also relieves me.
honestly, it was really scary this morning when the paramedics came (although they were really nice and helpful.. also very quick). being in the hospital all day was tiring... i also need strength and prayers.
thanks y'all
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Pray for my mom
I think I've sent some emails to some of you, but maybe missed out on some.
Well, for the past few weeks, my mom's legs started to lose sensation, getting numbed, and losing strength. After an MRI on her neck area spine, it showed that her nerve in the spine has been pinched pretty badly. It's probably due to her diabetic condition and falls in the past. This past Wednesday we (my younger sis and I) took her to a neuro-surgeon. The surgeon was shocked at the seriousness of her condition and of the fact that we've only brought her to the doc just now. He said that surgery should be done ASAP but there are a few complications.
1. her previous MRI was only of her neck. the doc suspected that there are other areas along her spine that needs to be operated on. so she's getting more MRI and X-rays done next Tuesday.
2. our health insurance has cancelled their contract with the hospital that the doc normally operates from. so.. either he will operate from another hospital (which they might not have available operating rooms that soon) or get the insurance company to grant an exception for my mom to be operated at the first hospital.
another thing is... until my mom gets her MRI & X-rays done next Tuesday, the doc cannot have a surgical plan. thus delaying all processes of trying to schedule an operation room and negotiation with the insurance company.
sigh...
so... please pray that everything will go smoothly and my mom can get surgery done soon. of course also for the surgery itself that there will be no complications (esp since she's diabetic) and for quick recovery.
thanks
Well, for the past few weeks, my mom's legs started to lose sensation, getting numbed, and losing strength. After an MRI on her neck area spine, it showed that her nerve in the spine has been pinched pretty badly. It's probably due to her diabetic condition and falls in the past. This past Wednesday we (my younger sis and I) took her to a neuro-surgeon. The surgeon was shocked at the seriousness of her condition and of the fact that we've only brought her to the doc just now. He said that surgery should be done ASAP but there are a few complications.
1. her previous MRI was only of her neck. the doc suspected that there are other areas along her spine that needs to be operated on. so she's getting more MRI and X-rays done next Tuesday.
2. our health insurance has cancelled their contract with the hospital that the doc normally operates from. so.. either he will operate from another hospital (which they might not have available operating rooms that soon) or get the insurance company to grant an exception for my mom to be operated at the first hospital.
another thing is... until my mom gets her MRI & X-rays done next Tuesday, the doc cannot have a surgical plan. thus delaying all processes of trying to schedule an operation room and negotiation with the insurance company.
sigh...
so... please pray that everything will go smoothly and my mom can get surgery done soon. of course also for the surgery itself that there will be no complications (esp since she's diabetic) and for quick recovery.
thanks
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
funny wine guy
how to distinguish those subtle flavors in wine?
well... got this video from one of my DMiss cohort... we were watching it just now and literately laughing our lungs out... enjoy!
http://view.break.com/343258 - Watch more free videos
well... got this video from one of my DMiss cohort... we were watching it just now and literately laughing our lungs out... enjoy!
http://view.break.com/343258 - Watch more free videos
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
hard questions and answers
i subscribe to some blogs that come my way. i think this one came to me thru SM. i posted the link last time.
well, the new entry on the road to emmaus caught my eye and i was wondering how people responded to the question asked. interestingly, only two people responded. if you read the first person's comments and interaction with the bible illustrator, it's clear that he doesn't believe in God or things in the bible. i guess after finishing another book in preparation for my course, i was also left with the impression that the churches today need to do better jobs in answering and facing some hard questions that people are having (kinda like this guy). and as much as we would like the world to be perfect, it's just not. somehow God has left us with these hard questions to struggle thru as well...
i don't have any answers for this person about God and why the Holy Spirit are not revealing the Truth to him. i also don't have many answers for many questions that i ask on a daily basis. i also don't believe in mere blind faith. i guess what i am trying to post here is that although i have no answers and i live each day by faith (to the extend of grace God has been able to grant me), i AM saddened by the reality of the response of this person...
well, the new entry on the road to emmaus caught my eye and i was wondering how people responded to the question asked. interestingly, only two people responded. if you read the first person's comments and interaction with the bible illustrator, it's clear that he doesn't believe in God or things in the bible. i guess after finishing another book in preparation for my course, i was also left with the impression that the churches today need to do better jobs in answering and facing some hard questions that people are having (kinda like this guy). and as much as we would like the world to be perfect, it's just not. somehow God has left us with these hard questions to struggle thru as well...
i don't have any answers for this person about God and why the Holy Spirit are not revealing the Truth to him. i also don't have many answers for many questions that i ask on a daily basis. i also don't believe in mere blind faith. i guess what i am trying to post here is that although i have no answers and i live each day by faith (to the extend of grace God has been able to grant me), i AM saddened by the reality of the response of this person...
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
campbell soup
it's raining outside (which is rare for southern CA but regular since i moved here :p)... woke up late because i took a nyquil last night. that stuff is very strong. it knocked me off for good many hours. after i got up, took mochi the dog out for a short walk. i was starving and cold by the time we got back. saw the laus have some canned soup in their storage and took it as a fast meal that's also comforting.suddenly it just made me think of coach wagner from parkview, the one who taught me trig and calculus. he used to work at campbell soup before he became a teacher. i rem one day he was telling the class about how they make soup. somehow a vivid imagery of coach wagner (who later got his PhD but still insisted to be called coach) wearing a white hairnet, carrying a writing board with him surveying the soup making factory.
interesting how certain things trigger certain memories.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
free stuff
been seeing advertisement on the web for "free windows vista premium" "free revlon mascara" "free trial version of living christian material" etc. i guess it's also a part of adjustment back to the life here... although i've always known that there's no such thing as a free lunch and greediness for "free" things will always suck you into spending more money than you thought you are saving, i still clicked on these "free offers" a few times in the last couple of weeks and finding out the gimmicks of these "free" stuff giveaway. most of the time they ask you to subscribe or buy one of the products advertised on their website before they would give the things to you. and every time when i reached this step, i just don't see anything that's worth signing up or trying out (even the so-called "living christian" material... the monthly cost will be about $70 after a 14-day trial period. and you would have to call them to cancel the subscription and i know it would be super difficult to win the tele-marketers in their determination to make money off of you). this morning i got 4 or 5 emails of advertisement. (which i also just got my email address off from the mailing lists) i hope i've learned my lesson... 
(which i also just got my email address off from the mailing lists) i hope i've learned my lesson... Monday, January 07, 2008
168 service
yesterday was jan 6, 08. which can be written out as 168. in cantonese, it means prosperity all the way and it was also the date that the Grace Mission Church International (GMCI) had our very first Sunday service. the whole service lasted about 2 hours but i didn't really felt it because of all the excitement and passionate sharing from many pastors both from our own church and those who came as guests.
i had left the house about 7:40am since it takes about 50 min drive (on hwy for the most part) and i wanted to be there to help set up anything that is needed. most of the core group people and their families were there around 8:30ish and everybody helped with anything that was needed. this is really an amazing group of people who are all very willing to serve.
there were about 100 people who came for the 1st service. there was even one family who came from the neighborhood nearby because the wife had a dream the night before about how God wants them to visit a new church. when they drove out from home, they saw one of the beautiful signs of our new church on the street corner so they came.
i pray and hope God will provide more people like this so we can reach the community (about 10% Chinese living in this area and more houses are being built... i can't imagine what would be the racial composition of this community) most of the communities are gated so if we would to build relationship with the unchurched, we definitely need God to open doors for us.
pray for me too... with the responsibilities of coordinating the youth ministry... i need A LOT of wisdom, energy, and creativity...
i had left the house about 7:40am since it takes about 50 min drive (on hwy for the most part) and i wanted to be there to help set up anything that is needed. most of the core group people and their families were there around 8:30ish and everybody helped with anything that was needed. this is really an amazing group of people who are all very willing to serve.
there were about 100 people who came for the 1st service. there was even one family who came from the neighborhood nearby because the wife had a dream the night before about how God wants them to visit a new church. when they drove out from home, they saw one of the beautiful signs of our new church on the street corner so they came.
i pray and hope God will provide more people like this so we can reach the community (about 10% Chinese living in this area and more houses are being built... i can't imagine what would be the racial composition of this community) most of the communities are gated so if we would to build relationship with the unchurched, we definitely need God to open doors for us.
pray for me too... with the responsibilities of coordinating the youth ministry... i need A LOT of wisdom, energy, and creativity...
Friday, January 04, 2008
Interesting new TV shows
so i was doing my usual activity tonight--watching tv (as stress relieve to all the readings that i need to do for next month). came upon two new shows on lifetime tv...
how to look good naked
and
matched in manhattan
(links provided but those who are not living in the US might not be able to see the episodes)
the first show was certainly interesting... unlike the other makeover shows, this is about making women feel their worth in the physical state they are in. of course carson was a little much but it certainly struck a chord with me since weight has always been a struggle. what's more wonderful about the show is teaching women to love themselves as who they are and be smart about how to dress themselves in a flattering way tailored to their bodies... from the first moments of the first show, it is obvious that women might have a false assumption of their physical appearance (my guess is that it's from all these images that we've been fed from the media). it makes world of difference just to have that perception changed. and the 2nd one is almost like the movie Hitch. there were some interesting tips on dating and (for women) where to find men in manhattan (in the 1st episode.... not sure about the subsequent ones). the guy coaches people, gives them tips of what not do to do and what should be done, and sit with them to evaluate on how the dates went. as interesting as these shows are, i think ultimately the message for me is that i need to learn to love myself more and see my worth as who i am. (that will take a while to digest and implement...) so this is mostly for the ladies out there (i think) and also somewhat of a continuation of clichephrase's 2nd blog entry... (er... so now it's only limited for a few eyes to see, huh?)
came upon two new shows on lifetime tv...how to look good naked
and
matched in manhattan
(links provided but those who are not living in the US might not be able to see the episodes)
the first show was certainly interesting... unlike the other makeover shows, this is about making women feel their worth in the physical state they are in. of course carson was a little much but it certainly struck a chord with me since weight has always been a struggle. what's more wonderful about the show is teaching women to love themselves as who they are and be smart about how to dress themselves in a flattering way tailored to their bodies... from the first moments of the first show, it is obvious that women might have a false assumption of their physical appearance (my guess is that it's from all these images that we've been fed from the media). it makes world of difference just to have that perception changed. and the 2nd one is almost like the movie Hitch. there were some interesting tips on dating and (for women) where to find men in manhattan (in the 1st episode.... not sure about the subsequent ones). the guy coaches people, gives them tips of what not do to do and what should be done, and sit with them to evaluate on how the dates went. as interesting as these shows are, i think ultimately the message for me is that i need to learn to love myself more and see my worth as who i am. (that will take a while to digest and implement...) so this is mostly for the ladies out there (i think) and also somewhat of a continuation of clichephrase's 2nd blog entry... (er... so now it's only limited for a few eyes to see, huh?
) Wednesday, January 02, 2008
some people just seem to got issues...
been living in LA for about 3 months now and somehow it never cease to surprise me of how many unhappy people you might encounter that might also just ruin your day...
for example... this lady in our neighborhood (president of our home owners' association).
i don't understand why every time she talks to people about problems, she always seemed to be super pissed with a tone of belittling you all the time.
a week ago my parents' friend came to drop off the dog. he parked his car outside of our garage for just a few minutes, this lady came ringing our doorbell and chewing me off about the car parked outside of our garage. i mean, what was i to do??? the guy was just there for like 5 minutes!!!
and this afternoon we discovered that the pipe outside of our house was leaking so i called the plumbing service. the man came around 5:30pm (which i didn't think anybody would come out this late in the day... things kinda get quiet after 4/5ish). he's pretty friendly and looked at the leak and was waiting for his supervisor to come to give us a quote of how much it would cost to fix the problem. so i just chit chat a bit with the man. but eventually i decided to just come back in and wait... when i was sitting inside the home, i overheard this lady's sharp voice talking to the man outside.
woman: "what are you doing here?"
plumber: "trying to fix the leaking pipe.. waiting for my supervisor to come..."
woman: "(blabber something about the landscape and plants)... you know this is not their property but the community's property... (blabber something more...) if this is what they decide to do to fix this, it's their decision and they've got to take care of everything (meaning the cost to fix the landscape and plants and such..)"
so as the supervisor came, the plumber took me aside and told me about the conversation and said.. "she was a b*tch. pardon my french"
sigh... why can't people just be nice?
and now we are spending a bomb to fix the leaking pipe outside of our house...
for example... this lady in our neighborhood (president of our home owners' association).
i don't understand why every time she talks to people about problems, she always seemed to be super pissed with a tone of belittling you all the time.
a week ago my parents' friend came to drop off the dog. he parked his car outside of our garage for just a few minutes, this lady came ringing our doorbell and chewing me off about the car parked outside of our garage. i mean, what was i to do??? the guy was just there for like 5 minutes!!!
and this afternoon we discovered that the pipe outside of our house was leaking so i called the plumbing service. the man came around 5:30pm (which i didn't think anybody would come out this late in the day... things kinda get quiet after 4/5ish). he's pretty friendly and looked at the leak and was waiting for his supervisor to come to give us a quote of how much it would cost to fix the problem. so i just chit chat a bit with the man. but eventually i decided to just come back in and wait... when i was sitting inside the home, i overheard this lady's sharp voice talking to the man outside.
woman: "what are you doing here?"
plumber: "trying to fix the leaking pipe.. waiting for my supervisor to come..."
woman: "(blabber something about the landscape and plants)... you know this is not their property but the community's property... (blabber something more...) if this is what they decide to do to fix this, it's their decision and they've got to take care of everything (meaning the cost to fix the landscape and plants and such..)"
so as the supervisor came, the plumber took me aside and told me about the conversation and said.. "she was a b*tch. pardon my french"
sigh... why can't people just be nice?
and now we are spending a bomb to fix the leaking pipe outside of our house...
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