So much for sleeping-in... My body just can't stay down today. It's either i have to pee badly or my head hurts. Well, it's okay since the day has to start with a bunch of errands. Errands that start from deliver the Accord to the mechanic's, washing the van of its filth, Costco shopping with Mom and post office visit. It was a relatively good day to do stuff.
Oh, Annie! i know you're reading this. The Chinese invitation cards cost 61 cents to deliver out as a whole and the RSVP card is 44 cents. Why am i saying this to you now? i don't know... Lazy? i'll probably tell you again at work. Hahaha! Okay, my mind is sort of out of place now, but it's okay. i just need sleep.
Or maybe just need less...food in my belly... Enough with the overeating and on with the soccer, paintball and whatever i feel like doing. The Frisbee? Well, i blame eating too much steak and i might have one too many. It was awesome that Annie joined us for dinner and Ben came over to talk about...stuff...
God is good today, God is good tomorrow...Ahh, God is GOOD!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Day 271 of 365: Vietnamese pancakes
I'm watching 'Signs' right now and i forgot how uncomfortable this movie makes me feel. Why am i still watching this? Freaky aliens... It's not like i hate this movie, it's a great thriller. It's just that aliens freak me out. It's the stuff that keeps me up.
Well, today was somewhat productive. Worked till 12pm and walked back with enough time to spare on the Spain-Portugal game. i had my doubts for Spain in the beginning of the Cup, but now they are quite the team to keep an eye on. Lunch was at Sushi Raw again, but i didn't mind. After all that, Mom and i went to Target to grab some stuff. Miscellaneous stuff and a couple of Thank You cards. Headed to Ranch 99 to get groceries for dinner later and then we drove back home. i helped Mom with most of the groceries before i headed out for more errands.
Got home and chilled for a while before starting my workout. Showered after and helped Mom with dinner. Had Vietnamese pancakes. Interesting dish. Simple and healthy. Annie came over for a short while and i seriously can't wait for that day she doesn't have to leave at the end of the evening.
Well, today was somewhat productive. Worked till 12pm and walked back with enough time to spare on the Spain-Portugal game. i had my doubts for Spain in the beginning of the Cup, but now they are quite the team to keep an eye on. Lunch was at Sushi Raw again, but i didn't mind. After all that, Mom and i went to Target to grab some stuff. Miscellaneous stuff and a couple of Thank You cards. Headed to Ranch 99 to get groceries for dinner later and then we drove back home. i helped Mom with most of the groceries before i headed out for more errands.
Got home and chilled for a while before starting my workout. Showered after and helped Mom with dinner. Had Vietnamese pancakes. Interesting dish. Simple and healthy. Annie came over for a short while and i seriously can't wait for that day she doesn't have to leave at the end of the evening.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Day 270 of 365: Brazil-Chile
First day of work...after the mission trip. Not a bad day of work, but i was still a tad tired. Coffee helped for the most part and it kicked in earlier than previous times. i was about to walk to work today, but i slept as much as i could. Oh, there was an earthquake this morning. Not a big one, just a 3.5 that was centered about a few miles of the coast of San Francisco. Pretty cool that i was up for this. This makes the second earthquake that i sat through without sleeping through it.
Coming home, i finished the Brazil-Chile game. Pretty intense and somewhat sad for the Chilean team. Shots from the coach tells it all; they are not happy. Well, too bad, i am for Brazil's win! Two goals are enough to secure the game, three seals it! It was a great game to sit with my Mom to watch.
She went to sleep for a short while and i relaxed for a while before i started to clear out the van of the mission trip stuff. Not long before that happened, a bunch of friends of Amos' were over and there was a sudden MW2 party. They stayed for dinner and it was a good dinner. Highlight: Sambal Prawns. Good stuff!
After that, i tried to do some stuff on my to-do list. Did what i could and started to review my current list. Now, i want to grab some sleep. Working out took most of my energy...for the moment. i love it though!
Coming home, i finished the Brazil-Chile game. Pretty intense and somewhat sad for the Chilean team. Shots from the coach tells it all; they are not happy. Well, too bad, i am for Brazil's win! Two goals are enough to secure the game, three seals it! It was a great game to sit with my Mom to watch.
She went to sleep for a short while and i relaxed for a while before i started to clear out the van of the mission trip stuff. Not long before that happened, a bunch of friends of Amos' were over and there was a sudden MW2 party. They stayed for dinner and it was a good dinner. Highlight: Sambal Prawns. Good stuff!
After that, i tried to do some stuff on my to-do list. Did what i could and started to review my current list. Now, i want to grab some sleep. Working out took most of my energy...for the moment. i love it though!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Day 269 of 365: Sushi Raw
i'm still tired... Everyone at church could see it. i'm tired now...
After church, i had lunch with Mom at Sushi Raw, a new Japanese restaurant nearby. Check Yelp for my impression...
Didn't do much after because i was...oh, unmotivated due to the lack of energy. i just chilled and watched TV before i hit my workout. Then it was dinner and it was a late dinner. Didn't get home until quarter to 10pm.
Anyway, i'm going to bed. Hopefully, i'll have another good night's rest...
Saturday, June 26, 2010
[Make-up] Day 268 of 365: Being exhausted
i slept well despite me sleeping on the couch. It's a big change compared with sleeping bag and floor. Breakfast was free and it was good with scrambled eggs, sausages and potatoes. The checkout went smooth and not long after, we were gassing up and heading north to San Francisco. The drive was good and the kids in the back were socializing well with cards, games and singing. i didn't mind it at all and Felix did a good job keeping me up with talks.
At one point on the I-5, Ben got bored and decided to drive along side of my van and Calvin attempted a spit ball war between vehicles. Didn't work well, but that starting something in my van among my passengers. We had to make a couple of extra stops for bathroom breaks, but other than that, we got to the church safely. All the kids got picked up by their parents, who were waiting at church already.
We got back at around 7:30pm, but didn't get all the logistical stuff done, like rental van returns, until 9ish. Amos and i got back at 10pm and we were pooed. Mom made a quick supper for us and we ate, showered and went to bed.
Talk about being exhausted...
Oh, did i mentioned that Mom swapped my room with Amos? Thanks MOM!
Friday, June 25, 2010
[Make-up] Day 267 of 365: Free ones
Waking up is sore, but easy today. We had to pack up and everyone did well to do so. Everyone from every church had to help clean up the whole church and it was great to see such effort. Breakfast was simple: muffins, bananas and granola bars. No devotions today.
In the last hour, we did some shopping for YouthWorks t-shirts, got some free ones, said our good-byes and headed out. A bunch of us had to get gas, so that's what we did. We had a minor detour to Walgreen's and a major detour for Lolita's for one last Carne Asada fries stop before we headed out for Pastor Mike's place where we will stop for lunch. Well, that didn't work out immediate because i got a call from Stuart that someone left their bible at the church, so after all was ate and done, we headed back to the church to retrieved last minute stuff.
On to Pastor Mikes!....got stuck in traffic for a short while and got to Pastor Mike's safely. What a beautiful place to live in! There's a golf course literally outside of Pastor Mike's backyard! Very peaceful and quiet, warm and breezy! My perfect climate! Pastor Mike had some burgers whipped up and we had a great time playing games and relaxing.
Without staying too long, we heading out to Brea. The hardest part of the trip thus far because of all the traffic. Kids were getting antsy, leaders were frustrated and the vans held out okay. When we got to the Embassy Suites, i expected some sort of chaos, but the kids were well-behaved and respectful. Almost went to work-out, but instead, i watch "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" with Amos, Vincent, Dexter, Thomas and Calvin. Oh wait! i skipped the part about dinner! We went to the adjacent mall's food court and ate there. Walked around a little and heading back. What a day!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
[Make-up] Day 266 of 365: Foot washing
i had the hardest time getting up this morning and maybe it's because of all that running around and activeness. Breakfast was waffles and sausages! Good stuff! Devotions was on "Less Ego, More Love". Calvin was joking about how it ought to be "Less Ego, More Eggo" since we had Eggo waffles for breakfast.
Final day of the ministry sites and this morning at Cloisters, we were involved in the senior's bible study. The home's chapelin led the session and he asked us to share a testimony of how God answered our prayers. Some hymns and a short message from him and then we were on. Short and sweet for the most part. Closing the ministry, we help a senior back to their rooms and of course, i took Marion back. i could finally hear something that i understood, which was a muttered "I love you" from her. That was rather sweet!
The home had a bi-weekly BBQ and we were there at the right time! Hamburgers and hot dogs were on the menu and i found it interesting that i got a hamburger, the same thing i ate for lunch on my last ministry day from last year's San Diego mission, but it was from the Huddle, the site i worked at.
Catholic Charities was busier today and i appreciated it. They were running out of items to give out, but we were flexible enough to adapt and substitute. i think this is the hardest we've ever work this whole week and i wish we had more time.
Dinner was at Balboa park and it's another BBQ! Guess what i got myself? Another burger! i love burgers, but i can't wait for Chinese food... Well, this was a cool evening because it was relaxing and fun at the same time. A group playing volleyball made a mistake and had the ball roll down a steep hill. Matt James, one of the YouthWorks staff, courageously went to get it back. *Applause* Annie and i practiced more Frisbee and we are getting better! Our throws are more on target and catching is getting easier. Hopefully we get to play more in San Francisco.
We had some time after dinner to play some soccer and i glad we did. i miss playing soccer and i really want to ask if the Cantonese or Mandarin fellowships play often. If they do, i want in. Continuing on, i managed to score one goal (that went through Amos' feet, as the goalkeeper) and i kicked on curved ball for a corner kick. Loving it!
When we got back, a bunch of kids and leaders decided to fool around with the coolers and used them as percussion instruments. We spent a lot of time playing around and making music all night long! i got my ukulele out, but that was towards the end and Calvin was freestyling to the music i played. i love that kid!
Tonight is the last night and it's usually the most emotional because of the relationships that were made or the "Foot washing" ceremony. i got pretty emotional, but that's just me. Regardless, i felt that God moved in the group and everyone stepped up to pray for one another. Very encouraging evening. We had our reflection time after and we shared what we learned during our work days. Towards the end, Dexter and the other leaders presents Annie and i a gift and a makeshift card. i am going to miss serving, but i really doubt God will let Annie and i out for too long.
Sleep came slowly for everyone tonight, but it's okay. It's the last evening before we head out and back home.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
[Make-up] Day 265 of 365: Three times
Day three...i am getting more and more tired...waking later and later... No clean-up or breakfast prep for my crew, so we technically had a tad more time to sleep. Breakfast was better than cold cereal, though that option was still there. Oh, breakfast was breakfast burritos. Good stuff. Devotions for today focused on "Less Here, More There". i guess it meant that we need to focus ourselves away from the here mentality and go for what's out there.
Cloisters again, but very little time spent with Jimmy. I spent most of my time with Marion, an elderly that had trouble speaking and if i remember correctly, i spent time with her yesterday too. Well, Marion is a little more difficult to handle since i could understand what she wants and i always have to consult with the nurse about her specific needs. Most of my time with Marion was outside around the building where i just walk her around in her wheelchair.
Second site changed to another location, but it was still Catholic Charities in Mid-City. Same thing, but a lot less busy. Oh, wait!! The Site Director, Heather, was there at lunch and she told us that we were early and had plenty of time before CC opened up, so i took my crew to Lolita's for...CARNE ASADA FRIES!! i didn't eat much of it, but a couple of bites help calm my frustration that BEN had his fill of it THREE TIMES (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday). Pheesh!
Well, dinner was pizza, but it was at my most favorite place in San Diego: Coronado island! The most flattest green field i have ever seen! We suppose to have club there, but we could get a pit for the meeting spot, so we spent a good amount of time tossing the Frisbee around (Annie is getting better and better!), playing in the beach and playing instruments. A couple of the kids lost their stuff, but what can i do about that... Oh, my crew was the dinner crew, but all we did was cut watermelons... YAY!
The usual club, church group and sleep!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
[Make-up] Day 264 of 365: Applicable study
Day two... Boy, i slept well the night before, but this morning, i can feel myself feeling tired. This morning, i had to wake up earlier because my crew was on breakfast crew. i wasn't there to make the breakfast; cold cereal again. Vincent, who was the other crew that helped out, and i went to prepare the lunch coolers and filled up the water...things...with water. Oh, did i mention the water tasted like lipstick? Don't ask how i know what lipstick taste like... i got that all week...
Anyway, devotion topic was "More Be, Less Do". What this meant was that we focus on being a Christian and not a person that just do the work. Another applicable study!
First site is at Cloisters again, but this time, my crew had an awesome opportunity to meet Jimmy McGruber, a senior from Scotland, who was going to have his grandson come pick him up the day after today. i was thrilled to have this opportunity to speak with him because he was a World War II veteran and i always wanted to talk to one. The biggest problem to this is that most of them are reaching the end of their days and i can't wait too long before i don't have another chance to speak to one.
The second site, we went to some other place. It's the Catholic Charities in Cedar. Interesting place to work at because they pack food for the homeless and needy by means of a program that gives clients a list of items that they can choose from and staff in the back pack them. i did the intake part, which involve me checking their ID's, inputting information and picking the food items. It felt like the first day of work and i had a lot of questions of what i can and cannot do.
Showers as usual and dinner was tacos. The evening activity was a Prayer Walk in San Diego downtown. i love this last year and i expected much this year, but for some reason i didn't get what i wanted. This activity involved the groups equipped with hygiene packs walking around to look for the homeless and giving these packs to them. my group met only two. One that was sleeping and another that was traumatized from previous youth groups. That was discouraging... Anyway, our group leader, Stuart, decided to walk us through the city and just pray.
Club time and church group time again! Off to bed!
Monday, June 21, 2010
[Make-up] Day 263 of 365: Work sites
Day one of the mission! Everyone woke up quick and easy! Very proud of them for doing so! My crew was assigned Building Clean-up and my crew consist of Alan, Kingston and Evelyn with two other members, Abbey and Alex, of another church. Cleaning up was easier than last year, but maybe it's because i did a little less work this time. Breakfast was simply cold cereal. Devotions was great! It's almost like BSF, which i am starting to miss... The theme for the mission was "More or Less". In other words, it's more of Jesus and less of me. For the topic for devotions, it was "More Courage, Less Fear". Pretty simple and it calls out the fears and worries that we have on our minds. More courage to step out of our comfort zone and it's quite appropriate since today is the first day of our ministry work sites.
My crew headed out to work with the seniors at the 'Cloisters on Mission Hills' nursing home. It was rather awkward and uncomfortable since the seniors were either very senile or unable to speak. It's not a bad thing because i want a ministry site that makes my crew a little more uncomfortable and wake up to the world beyond the secure walls of home. It was great when we started to help the seniors do their morning work out, which was taking floating noodles as a racket to hit a balloon and keeping it up. Lunch was packed after our morning breakfast and it was just sandwiches. Good enough for me, but i know that Alan is a little picky and wanted to eat whatever he brought. Too bad, i say. i think he needs to learn to adapt.
Second site was at a Thrifty Store that helps refugees and immigrants that don't have much to start with and gives them anything in the store for free, but only if they work for it. Well, that's not really free, but it's a good way for someone to start working. We really didn't do much, but cleaning up and organizing. We finished early and i took my crew to Wendy's for a quick refreshment before heading out for our showers. Almost took them for Carne Asada fries, but we had no time.
Showers were at the St. Vincent De Paul and that'll be where we will take showers for the rest of the week. Dinner was pasta and we had an outing to Belmont park after that. Belmont park is like the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, but it feels smaller. Pretty cool place to check out either way. Some of us got ice cream that was so worth it because of the amount we received and it was on a waffle cone too! i had a great time with this group especially when Annie is in the group! Of course, i can't walk around without Annie around me!
After the evening activity, it's Club time. Club is a time where we share encouraging things that we see during the day that God did, some worship and a short message. Church group time came after and we had a good time of sharing too.
Sleeping again was smooth!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
[Make-up] Day 262 of 365: Necessary sacrifices
Today is the day! The day of the mission trip to San Diego! i must say that i am excited, but very much nervous at the unexpected. Well, mostly excited for many things anyway, but this week would be a week full of sacrifices. Sacrifices like internet, the World Cup, Xbox...blogging! All these are necessary sacrifices for God and i'm glad that i could do this since i don't want to be attached to these things for too long. Blogging is just one of those things that i would want to keep track of, but it's not important...for the most part.
Anyway, i had Kyle, Felix and Jeffrey Lee at my home and they were quick to rise and ready themselves. Even Kristy was able to wake up with no problems. With one last hug to my Dad, we headed to the meeting place, Ben's, and gathered everyone together to pray for the journey down. Man, having 19 kids together at 6am in the morning is hard to keep down, but thankful that they were respectful for the most part.
Begin the drive! i believe that most of the kids were knocked out and that's understandable since some didn't get much sleep. Felix was my Driver Assistant and he was great to keep me up. The first stop was at Gilroy for breakfast. A simple breakfast and then we were off again and the next few 'pit stops' were for gas. Traffic wasn't too bad though the I-5 did have a little bit more traffic than usual. The walkie-talkies worked out great and the groupings helped managed the vehicles a little better. Well, nothing bad happened along the way that i could remember. It was a very smooth ride.
Skipping most of the trip and arriving at San Diego, we were greeted by the YouthWorks Site Director, Alecia, and she informed the leaders of what's going to happen. Not too long after, all other churches arrived and we did the 'meet-and-greet' though the usual shyness was apparent. Nothing wrong with that. It just needs a little more time to take that shyness away.
Before dinner started, the leaders had to figure out the crew arrangements and before we had to do that, we moved our stuff to our rooms. Amos and i played a little guitar and ukulele and a few guys from other churches came to check it out. Amos gave a quick lesson to one of them, which was cool. Dinner was Pulled Pork sandwich, but those that came later, such as i, didn't get any because it ran out. So i made a Mac-and-Cheese sandwich. Nasty, but adventurous.
Sleeping was easy. i had a great room of kids that popped into their sleeping bags immediately and slept through the night with no problems. What a day...
After church, i had lunch with Mom at Sushi Raw, a new Japanese restaurant nearby. Check Yelp for my impression...
Didn't do much after because i was...oh, unmotivated due to the lack of energy. i just chilled and watched TV before i hit my workout. Then it was dinner and it was a late dinner. Didn't get home until quarter to 10pm.
Anyway, i'm going to bed. Hopefully, i'll have another good night's rest...
Saturday, June 26, 2010
[Make-up] Day 268 of 365: Being exhausted
i slept well despite me sleeping on the couch. It's a big change compared with sleeping bag and floor. Breakfast was free and it was good with scrambled eggs, sausages and potatoes. The checkout went smooth and not long after, we were gassing up and heading north to San Francisco. The drive was good and the kids in the back were socializing well with cards, games and singing. i didn't mind it at all and Felix did a good job keeping me up with talks.
At one point on the I-5, Ben got bored and decided to drive along side of my van and Calvin attempted a spit ball war between vehicles. Didn't work well, but that starting something in my van among my passengers. We had to make a couple of extra stops for bathroom breaks, but other than that, we got to the church safely. All the kids got picked up by their parents, who were waiting at church already.
We got back at around 7:30pm, but didn't get all the logistical stuff done, like rental van returns, until 9ish. Amos and i got back at 10pm and we were pooed. Mom made a quick supper for us and we ate, showered and went to bed.
Talk about being exhausted...
Oh, did i mentioned that Mom swapped my room with Amos? Thanks MOM!
Friday, June 25, 2010
[Make-up] Day 267 of 365: Free ones
Waking up is sore, but easy today. We had to pack up and everyone did well to do so. Everyone from every church had to help clean up the whole church and it was great to see such effort. Breakfast was simple: muffins, bananas and granola bars. No devotions today.
In the last hour, we did some shopping for YouthWorks t-shirts, got some free ones, said our good-byes and headed out. A bunch of us had to get gas, so that's what we did. We had a minor detour to Walgreen's and a major detour for Lolita's for one last Carne Asada fries stop before we headed out for Pastor Mike's place where we will stop for lunch. Well, that didn't work out immediate because i got a call from Stuart that someone left their bible at the church, so after all was ate and done, we headed back to the church to retrieved last minute stuff.
On to Pastor Mikes!....got stuck in traffic for a short while and got to Pastor Mike's safely. What a beautiful place to live in! There's a golf course literally outside of Pastor Mike's backyard! Very peaceful and quiet, warm and breezy! My perfect climate! Pastor Mike had some burgers whipped up and we had a great time playing games and relaxing.
Without staying too long, we heading out to Brea. The hardest part of the trip thus far because of all the traffic. Kids were getting antsy, leaders were frustrated and the vans held out okay. When we got to the Embassy Suites, i expected some sort of chaos, but the kids were well-behaved and respectful. Almost went to work-out, but instead, i watch "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" with Amos, Vincent, Dexter, Thomas and Calvin. Oh wait! i skipped the part about dinner! We went to the adjacent mall's food court and ate there. Walked around a little and heading back. What a day!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
[Make-up] Day 266 of 365: Foot washing
i had the hardest time getting up this morning and maybe it's because of all that running around and activeness. Breakfast was waffles and sausages! Good stuff! Devotions was on "Less Ego, More Love". Calvin was joking about how it ought to be "Less Ego, More Eggo" since we had Eggo waffles for breakfast.
Final day of the ministry sites and this morning at Cloisters, we were involved in the senior's bible study. The home's chapelin led the session and he asked us to share a testimony of how God answered our prayers. Some hymns and a short message from him and then we were on. Short and sweet for the most part. Closing the ministry, we help a senior back to their rooms and of course, i took Marion back. i could finally hear something that i understood, which was a muttered "I love you" from her. That was rather sweet!
The home had a bi-weekly BBQ and we were there at the right time! Hamburgers and hot dogs were on the menu and i found it interesting that i got a hamburger, the same thing i ate for lunch on my last ministry day from last year's San Diego mission, but it was from the Huddle, the site i worked at.
Catholic Charities was busier today and i appreciated it. They were running out of items to give out, but we were flexible enough to adapt and substitute. i think this is the hardest we've ever work this whole week and i wish we had more time.
Dinner was at Balboa park and it's another BBQ! Guess what i got myself? Another burger! i love burgers, but i can't wait for Chinese food... Well, this was a cool evening because it was relaxing and fun at the same time. A group playing volleyball made a mistake and had the ball roll down a steep hill. Matt James, one of the YouthWorks staff, courageously went to get it back. *Applause* Annie and i practiced more Frisbee and we are getting better! Our throws are more on target and catching is getting easier. Hopefully we get to play more in San Francisco.
We had some time after dinner to play some soccer and i glad we did. i miss playing soccer and i really want to ask if the Cantonese or Mandarin fellowships play often. If they do, i want in. Continuing on, i managed to score one goal (that went through Amos' feet, as the goalkeeper) and i kicked on curved ball for a corner kick. Loving it!
When we got back, a bunch of kids and leaders decided to fool around with the coolers and used them as percussion instruments. We spent a lot of time playing around and making music all night long! i got my ukulele out, but that was towards the end and Calvin was freestyling to the music i played. i love that kid!
Tonight is the last night and it's usually the most emotional because of the relationships that were made or the "Foot washing" ceremony. i got pretty emotional, but that's just me. Regardless, i felt that God moved in the group and everyone stepped up to pray for one another. Very encouraging evening. We had our reflection time after and we shared what we learned during our work days. Towards the end, Dexter and the other leaders presents Annie and i a gift and a makeshift card. i am going to miss serving, but i really doubt God will let Annie and i out for too long.
Sleep came slowly for everyone tonight, but it's okay. It's the last evening before we head out and back home.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
[Make-up] Day 265 of 365: Three times
Day three...i am getting more and more tired...waking later and later... No clean-up or breakfast prep for my crew, so we technically had a tad more time to sleep. Breakfast was better than cold cereal, though that option was still there. Oh, breakfast was breakfast burritos. Good stuff. Devotions for today focused on "Less Here, More There". i guess it meant that we need to focus ourselves away from the here mentality and go for what's out there.
Cloisters again, but very little time spent with Jimmy. I spent most of my time with Marion, an elderly that had trouble speaking and if i remember correctly, i spent time with her yesterday too. Well, Marion is a little more difficult to handle since i could understand what she wants and i always have to consult with the nurse about her specific needs. Most of my time with Marion was outside around the building where i just walk her around in her wheelchair.
Second site changed to another location, but it was still Catholic Charities in Mid-City. Same thing, but a lot less busy. Oh, wait!! The Site Director, Heather, was there at lunch and she told us that we were early and had plenty of time before CC opened up, so i took my crew to Lolita's for...CARNE ASADA FRIES!! i didn't eat much of it, but a couple of bites help calm my frustration that BEN had his fill of it THREE TIMES (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday). Pheesh!
Well, dinner was pizza, but it was at my most favorite place in San Diego: Coronado island! The most flattest green field i have ever seen! We suppose to have club there, but we could get a pit for the meeting spot, so we spent a good amount of time tossing the Frisbee around (Annie is getting better and better!), playing in the beach and playing instruments. A couple of the kids lost their stuff, but what can i do about that... Oh, my crew was the dinner crew, but all we did was cut watermelons... YAY!
The usual club, church group and sleep!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
[Make-up] Day 264 of 365: Applicable study
Day two... Boy, i slept well the night before, but this morning, i can feel myself feeling tired. This morning, i had to wake up earlier because my crew was on breakfast crew. i wasn't there to make the breakfast; cold cereal again. Vincent, who was the other crew that helped out, and i went to prepare the lunch coolers and filled up the water...things...with water. Oh, did i mention the water tasted like lipstick? Don't ask how i know what lipstick taste like... i got that all week...
Anyway, devotion topic was "More Be, Less Do". What this meant was that we focus on being a Christian and not a person that just do the work. Another applicable study!
First site is at Cloisters again, but this time, my crew had an awesome opportunity to meet Jimmy McGruber, a senior from Scotland, who was going to have his grandson come pick him up the day after today. i was thrilled to have this opportunity to speak with him because he was a World War II veteran and i always wanted to talk to one. The biggest problem to this is that most of them are reaching the end of their days and i can't wait too long before i don't have another chance to speak to one.
The second site, we went to some other place. It's the Catholic Charities in Cedar. Interesting place to work at because they pack food for the homeless and needy by means of a program that gives clients a list of items that they can choose from and staff in the back pack them. i did the intake part, which involve me checking their ID's, inputting information and picking the food items. It felt like the first day of work and i had a lot of questions of what i can and cannot do.
Showers as usual and dinner was tacos. The evening activity was a Prayer Walk in San Diego downtown. i love this last year and i expected much this year, but for some reason i didn't get what i wanted. This activity involved the groups equipped with hygiene packs walking around to look for the homeless and giving these packs to them. my group met only two. One that was sleeping and another that was traumatized from previous youth groups. That was discouraging... Anyway, our group leader, Stuart, decided to walk us through the city and just pray.
Club time and church group time again! Off to bed!
Monday, June 21, 2010
[Make-up] Day 263 of 365: Work sites
Day one of the mission! Everyone woke up quick and easy! Very proud of them for doing so! My crew was assigned Building Clean-up and my crew consist of Alan, Kingston and Evelyn with two other members, Abbey and Alex, of another church. Cleaning up was easier than last year, but maybe it's because i did a little less work this time. Breakfast was simply cold cereal. Devotions was great! It's almost like BSF, which i am starting to miss... The theme for the mission was "More or Less". In other words, it's more of Jesus and less of me. For the topic for devotions, it was "More Courage, Less Fear". Pretty simple and it calls out the fears and worries that we have on our minds. More courage to step out of our comfort zone and it's quite appropriate since today is the first day of our ministry work sites.
My crew headed out to work with the seniors at the 'Cloisters on Mission Hills' nursing home. It was rather awkward and uncomfortable since the seniors were either very senile or unable to speak. It's not a bad thing because i want a ministry site that makes my crew a little more uncomfortable and wake up to the world beyond the secure walls of home. It was great when we started to help the seniors do their morning work out, which was taking floating noodles as a racket to hit a balloon and keeping it up. Lunch was packed after our morning breakfast and it was just sandwiches. Good enough for me, but i know that Alan is a little picky and wanted to eat whatever he brought. Too bad, i say. i think he needs to learn to adapt.
Second site was at a Thrifty Store that helps refugees and immigrants that don't have much to start with and gives them anything in the store for free, but only if they work for it. Well, that's not really free, but it's a good way for someone to start working. We really didn't do much, but cleaning up and organizing. We finished early and i took my crew to Wendy's for a quick refreshment before heading out for our showers. Almost took them for Carne Asada fries, but we had no time.
Showers were at the St. Vincent De Paul and that'll be where we will take showers for the rest of the week. Dinner was pasta and we had an outing to Belmont park after that. Belmont park is like the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, but it feels smaller. Pretty cool place to check out either way. Some of us got ice cream that was so worth it because of the amount we received and it was on a waffle cone too! i had a great time with this group especially when Annie is in the group! Of course, i can't walk around without Annie around me!
After the evening activity, it's Club time. Club is a time where we share encouraging things that we see during the day that God did, some worship and a short message. Church group time came after and we had a good time of sharing too.
Sleeping again was smooth!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
[Make-up] Day 262 of 365: Necessary sacrifices
Today is the day! The day of the mission trip to San Diego! i must say that i am excited, but very much nervous at the unexpected. Well, mostly excited for many things anyway, but this week would be a week full of sacrifices. Sacrifices like internet, the World Cup, Xbox...blogging! All these are necessary sacrifices for God and i'm glad that i could do this since i don't want to be attached to these things for too long. Blogging is just one of those things that i would want to keep track of, but it's not important...for the most part.
Anyway, i had Kyle, Felix and Jeffrey Lee at my home and they were quick to rise and ready themselves. Even Kristy was able to wake up with no problems. With one last hug to my Dad, we headed to the meeting place, Ben's, and gathered everyone together to pray for the journey down. Man, having 19 kids together at 6am in the morning is hard to keep down, but thankful that they were respectful for the most part.
Begin the drive! i believe that most of the kids were knocked out and that's understandable since some didn't get much sleep. Felix was my Driver Assistant and he was great to keep me up. The first stop was at Gilroy for breakfast. A simple breakfast and then we were off again and the next few 'pit stops' were for gas. Traffic wasn't too bad though the I-5 did have a little bit more traffic than usual. The walkie-talkies worked out great and the groupings helped managed the vehicles a little better. Well, nothing bad happened along the way that i could remember. It was a very smooth ride.
Skipping most of the trip and arriving at San Diego, we were greeted by the YouthWorks Site Director, Alecia, and she informed the leaders of what's going to happen. Not too long after, all other churches arrived and we did the 'meet-and-greet' though the usual shyness was apparent. Nothing wrong with that. It just needs a little more time to take that shyness away.
Before dinner started, the leaders had to figure out the crew arrangements and before we had to do that, we moved our stuff to our rooms. Amos and i played a little guitar and ukulele and a few guys from other churches came to check it out. Amos gave a quick lesson to one of them, which was cool. Dinner was Pulled Pork sandwich, but those that came later, such as i, didn't get any because it ran out. So i made a Mac-and-Cheese sandwich. Nasty, but adventurous.
Sleeping was easy. i had a great room of kids that popped into their sleeping bags immediately and slept through the night with no problems. What a day...
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Day 261 of 365: Last dinner
Nervousness! The eve of the mission and there is nervousness hanging over my head! i hope that i would have everything that i need in San Diego and i pray that everyone is ready for the week's worth of serving. On top of that, i might be without internet, so blogging my experience might be hard unless the church has wifi, but we'll see what happens.
Today, i managed to go for my tuxedo measurements and i'll be able to try it on in two weeks. Pretty cool! Before that, i had breakfast with my family and after that, i had a small lunch with Annie at Quizno's. i honestly have a new love for Quizno's, but we'll see how far that goes.
Lots of packing for the mission trip today. Also had one last dinner with my Dad before he flies back to Singapore tomorrow. i feel sad that he's flying again, but i've been through this so many times, it's numbing in some sense.
Well, enough of blogging. i'm going to chill with my Dad.
Today, i managed to go for my tuxedo measurements and i'll be able to try it on in two weeks. Pretty cool! Before that, i had breakfast with my family and after that, i had a small lunch with Annie at Quizno's. i honestly have a new love for Quizno's, but we'll see how far that goes.
Lots of packing for the mission trip today. Also had one last dinner with my Dad before he flies back to Singapore tomorrow. i feel sad that he's flying again, but i've been through this so many times, it's numbing in some sense.
Well, enough of blogging. i'm going to chill with my Dad.
[Make-up] Day 260 of 365: First year
No work today, so i slept about an hour more before waking up to the last minutes of the USA versus Slovenia game. Such a depressing game... USA should have got that third goal, but the referee decided against it. Bad call! It was a clean shot and i don't see where the foul was that he caught! Then a couple hours after, England against Algeria. i'm not a supporter of the English, but they were playing selfishly and poorly. On top of that, no offense to Algeria, they were playing against the weakest team in the group! It was very poorly executed and this made the Americans look like they were better prepared!
Well, after all that, i tried to finish some stuff on my to-do list, but the next thing i know, it was almost time for fellowship, or rather, close to the time for worship practice. So i did my workout before hand, showered and headed out to church, only to realized that i didn't have to play. Doesn't matter since i had to join the Youth Pastor Search Committee dinner. We went to 'Morph', an Asian fusion restaurant around the corner that felt almost out of place. A somewhat upscale restaurant in a district filled with burger joints, Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants. Food was interesting, but i'll describe the experience more on Yelp.
Wow! Last Friday before my Sabbatical! It's surreal since for the past 7 years, i've been used to Friday night fellowships. Now that Annie and i have a break, i wonder if God has big plans for the both of us in ministry. A lot is still needed in the church and i know i want to act to serve the church. First things first! Honor my first year of marriage and get fed well! In the word, of course!
Well, after all that, i tried to finish some stuff on my to-do list, but the next thing i know, it was almost time for fellowship, or rather, close to the time for worship practice. So i did my workout before hand, showered and headed out to church, only to realized that i didn't have to play. Doesn't matter since i had to join the Youth Pastor Search Committee dinner. We went to 'Morph', an Asian fusion restaurant around the corner that felt almost out of place. A somewhat upscale restaurant in a district filled with burger joints, Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants. Food was interesting, but i'll describe the experience more on Yelp.
Wow! Last Friday before my Sabbatical! It's surreal since for the past 7 years, i've been used to Friday night fellowships. Now that Annie and i have a break, i wonder if God has big plans for the both of us in ministry. A lot is still needed in the church and i know i want to act to serve the church. First things first! Honor my first year of marriage and get fed well! In the word, of course!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Day 259 of 365: Cute pups
The best part of the day started when i woke up and realized i am alive! Second best part of the day was having Annie take half-day off from work and going out to do awesome stuff! Among those are lunch at Loi's, checking out Koi Palace, dropping by Target, Michael's and the Sleep Train store, getting premium samples (bacon, chocolate covered acai berries, and ribs, as known as 'weebs'.), Polly Ann ice cream, Red Box rental ('Shutter Island'), Rubio's dinner and puppy window shopping.
Wow, that's a lot, but it was awesome fun! i'm starting to like Puggles a lot now. Cute pups. Anyway, it was a great day to spend with my future wife and a near representation of things to come. Good day that the Lord has made!
Wow, that's a lot, but it was awesome fun! i'm starting to like Puggles a lot now. Cute pups. Anyway, it was a great day to spend with my future wife and a near representation of things to come. Good day that the Lord has made!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Day 258 of 365: Appreciate siblings
What can i say about today? Not much actually... i did feel like the day was rather brief since a lot of my time was spent with my family for lunch and errands. We got home pretty late in the afternoon and that's when i fell into a nap. Not too long after, it was time to pick up the family van and for dinner. Dad and Kristy went for a little Father-Daughter time while Mom went with the sons to Fresh Choice. Fresh Choice doesn't taste as good as before...
Anyway, Dad called a family meeting and Annie came over for it. Good discuss about family stuff, which is good to know where we stand within ourselves and how we are to help each other. Siblings are the only immediate tie to your family especially when your parents are no longer around. Without siblings to help each other out, it would probably make one feel lonely in terms of family relations. Growing up in my family, i have learned to appreciate siblings in that way.
Anyway, Dad called a family meeting and Annie came over for it. Good discuss about family stuff, which is good to know where we stand within ourselves and how we are to help each other. Siblings are the only immediate tie to your family especially when your parents are no longer around. Without siblings to help each other out, it would probably make one feel lonely in terms of family relations. Growing up in my family, i have learned to appreciate siblings in that way.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Day 257 of 365: "Magical" ball
Today...was a good day for soccer! Watching Brazil play in the World Cup is always so exhilarating! Although i expected Brazil to pull out ahead in the first 15 minutes. Oh well, the two goals in the second half was amazing! Especially that almost "magical" ball that Maicon curved into the goal! Just when the keeper thought the ball will move in a predictable way, this ball goes the opposite direction! Oh man! Even thinking about it now, it is still an amazing goal!
After that exciting game, i was glad to continue to finish things that i didn't yesterday. Washed my car squeaky clean, called Selix, write up address labels. Pretty cool, but i'm probably going to need some wind down time soon. Just need some time to do superficial things.
Oh, invitation proof came in and Annie was all excited about it. i'm glad that she is! Haha! Now we can try to get this thing out of our way!
For dinner, we took Dad and Mom to Gaspare's and i was surprised at the quality of the pizza! Good dinner and Amos made a great choice! Now, i'm full, but still did my work out!
After that exciting game, i was glad to continue to finish things that i didn't yesterday. Washed my car squeaky clean, called Selix, write up address labels. Pretty cool, but i'm probably going to need some wind down time soon. Just need some time to do superficial things.
Oh, invitation proof came in and Annie was all excited about it. i'm glad that she is! Haha! Now we can try to get this thing out of our way!
For dinner, we took Dad and Mom to Gaspare's and i was surprised at the quality of the pizza! Good dinner and Amos made a great choice! Now, i'm full, but still did my work out!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Day 256 of 365: Almost screamed
So embarrassing that i confused my work hours today... Suppose to start at 8am, but i thought it was 9am. At the end, i was late for work by 30 minutes. i'm thankful for an understanding boss, but i know i never took that for granted. i've always been appreciative of her.
Anyway, work was fine, but the highlight was when i managed to follow the Italy and Paraguay match at 11:30am via a website with minute to minute updates on the match. i almost screamed when Paraguay scored a goal at the 38th minute, but that would be unprofessional. Yeah, Paraguay is not my favorite team, but i was rooting for them. At the end, it was a draw at 1-1. Well, the most exciting team of the World Cup, Brazil, plays tomorrow and i'm super excited for that! The part that sucks is that i'll miss the first half because of work. i guess i'll watch it on that website.
For the remainder of the day, i was working on various errands and my hair cut. Jumping ahead, it feels better to work out with shorter hair. i like it a lot!
For dinner, my family decided to do steak and we cooked another storm! It was good, but honestly, you can eat so much before getting sick of it. And i'm sick of steak...for the moment.
i am starting to like working out. It's like another form of venting out and most of my frustrations fuel my body to push harder. i guess that's why some work out a lot. i know that working out produces some sort of neurotransmitter that makes you feel good. What is it? Dopamine? Nice...
Anyway, work was fine, but the highlight was when i managed to follow the Italy and Paraguay match at 11:30am via a website with minute to minute updates on the match. i almost screamed when Paraguay scored a goal at the 38th minute, but that would be unprofessional. Yeah, Paraguay is not my favorite team, but i was rooting for them. At the end, it was a draw at 1-1. Well, the most exciting team of the World Cup, Brazil, plays tomorrow and i'm super excited for that! The part that sucks is that i'll miss the first half because of work. i guess i'll watch it on that website.
For the remainder of the day, i was working on various errands and my hair cut. Jumping ahead, it feels better to work out with shorter hair. i like it a lot!
For dinner, my family decided to do steak and we cooked another storm! It was good, but honestly, you can eat so much before getting sick of it. And i'm sick of steak...for the moment.
i am starting to like working out. It's like another form of venting out and most of my frustrations fuel my body to push harder. i guess that's why some work out a lot. i know that working out produces some sort of neurotransmitter that makes you feel good. What is it? Dopamine? Nice...
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Day 255 of 365: Window problem
"i think my little sister is the BEST EVER!!! :DDDDD"
Yeah...that's what happens when you're just about to start writing, but got distracted and your little sister pops a phrase. Well, given that she is my only little sister, she has to be the best. Proud of her too for growing so much that i have a different type of respect for her.
Anyway, enough about Kristy! Actually, not really... i let Kristy drive to church, with me shotgun of course. Smooth ride over, so i'm not worried. Happy to see that this family is completely full of competent drivers.
Meetings! Tons of meetings! One after another! i'm just glad that each went well and to the point! Covered all possible points that needed attention and plenty of paperwork that felt more last minute... Otherwise, it was a good meeting with kids, parents and leaders!
i wanted a burger badly, but i didn't feel like dining out for it, so i hit up BK and got the biggest mistake i ever ordered! That XT burger... It was somewhat nasty and it was strange that i preferred the Whopper instead... Never again...
Met up with Annie for an adventure to Tanforan to return and purchase stuff. Dropped by Dairy Queen for a "snack". She got one of those Orange Julius smoothies and i tried a Strawberry Golden Oreo Blizzard. Pretty good, but felt pretty guilt since i was throwing my workout regiment out the window. Didn't feel anymore better after making the Civic's window problem worse... Honey, please send that car to the shop soon!
Had dinner with my parents and when you eat with my parents, large quantities are expected. We went to our current favorite Chinese restaurant at a small plaza on Gellert around the Serramonte area. A lots of good eats, but it was too much...
Of course, ran through my workout...Man, being this consistent is like being in the army again...
Yeah...that's what happens when you're just about to start writing, but got distracted and your little sister pops a phrase. Well, given that she is my only little sister, she has to be the best. Proud of her too for growing so much that i have a different type of respect for her.
Anyway, enough about Kristy! Actually, not really... i let Kristy drive to church, with me shotgun of course. Smooth ride over, so i'm not worried. Happy to see that this family is completely full of competent drivers.
Meetings! Tons of meetings! One after another! i'm just glad that each went well and to the point! Covered all possible points that needed attention and plenty of paperwork that felt more last minute... Otherwise, it was a good meeting with kids, parents and leaders!
i wanted a burger badly, but i didn't feel like dining out for it, so i hit up BK and got the biggest mistake i ever ordered! That XT burger... It was somewhat nasty and it was strange that i preferred the Whopper instead... Never again...
Met up with Annie for an adventure to Tanforan to return and purchase stuff. Dropped by Dairy Queen for a "snack". She got one of those Orange Julius smoothies and i tried a Strawberry Golden Oreo Blizzard. Pretty good, but felt pretty guilt since i was throwing my workout regiment out the window. Didn't feel anymore better after making the Civic's window problem worse... Honey, please send that car to the shop soon!
Had dinner with my parents and when you eat with my parents, large quantities are expected. We went to our current favorite Chinese restaurant at a small plaza on Gellert around the Serramonte area. A lots of good eats, but it was too much...
Of course, ran through my workout...Man, being this consistent is like being in the army again...
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Day 254 of 365: Just awesome
i was supposed to go paintballing today on my own, but i decided against it. Why? Because it doesn't feel like it's worth the experience on your own unless you have friends fighting by your side. At least i got myself some really good sleep and a good time watching the England vs. USA World Cup match. Tim Howard, goalkeeper of USA, performed very well even though England scored at the 4 minute mark. If anything, that goal probably pushed him to be a wall against England's strikers and after getting his forearm rammed by soccer cleats, you have to salute this man's courage. Great time with my parents and brother. i really believe that the World Cup is one awesome way to get people together and share a great time!
Anyway, after the game was over, i tried to do a bunch of things. Being very warm today, i expected myself to slack off since my body doesn't do too well in warm climates; ironic given that i was born in a country with a warm climate... Well, i beat my body to listen to my to-do list and got out of the house to work on my Camry's fog lights. i think i figured it out, though i'm not entirely sure. My thoughts on this was merely based on logic and common sense, but i want to confirm that theory first before i move on. After that, i decided to drop by Target to buy copy paper and not long after that, i got home and did other stuff. Almost took a nap before doing Jillian Michaels, but i managed to get on my feet and do my work out. Showered and ready for dinner at Chaya Brasserie. Awesome dinner!
It was a great day! Just awesome!
Anyway, after the game was over, i tried to do a bunch of things. Being very warm today, i expected myself to slack off since my body doesn't do too well in warm climates; ironic given that i was born in a country with a warm climate... Well, i beat my body to listen to my to-do list and got out of the house to work on my Camry's fog lights. i think i figured it out, though i'm not entirely sure. My thoughts on this was merely based on logic and common sense, but i want to confirm that theory first before i move on. After that, i decided to drop by Target to buy copy paper and not long after that, i got home and did other stuff. Almost took a nap before doing Jillian Michaels, but i managed to get on my feet and do my work out. Showered and ready for dinner at Chaya Brasserie. Awesome dinner!
It was a great day! Just awesome!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Day 253 of 365: Middle sucks
Marriage is difficult...already? Yeah, it's difficult. And this is not just for either the husband or wife, it's for both. Both have their families to think about and both are essentially suck in the middle. Being in the middle is not enjoyable. In most cases, it provides tension that one party might not be aware of. Often times, the selfish ambitions and desires kick in and we get left behind. It's a sad truth, but a real test of faith and courage in this crazy tug-o-war. There is a fact of this part of my life that i have to face. We will always be in the middle. It's that one status that i dislike with passion because it's stressful... What does the Bible say about this? For sure in Genesis, we see that a man and a woman leave their mothers and fathers and become one, but that is to have their own place. The need to support the family as a whole has to stand since it's a principle that will be passed on to the couple's children. It most likely doesn't mean that family ties are cut. That wouldn't set much of an example for future generations.
Middle sucks, but it's life.
Middle sucks, but it's life.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Day 252 of 365: Without prayer
Praying is to sustain a spirit as breathing is to sustain a body. It is important and you don't want to hold your spiritual breath since a lack of it will not benefit you at all. As we hold our breath, the oxygen that the body needs gets depleted and the carbon dioxide content increases. That's bad for the body. It probably works parallel in describing prayer, and thank God for parallel analogies! Without prayer, the spirit lacks that fellowship with Jesus and without that fellowship, the spirit falls under a malnourished state that is vulnerable to attacks. Similar to the body's antagonist, the virus, the spirit has the same adversary, the devil, and he seeks to tear the body down as the spirit fails to maintain its proper defenses, or fellowship with God.
However, there will always be moments in our lives were our body gives in to sickness, even though we were fine prior to that. That would be comfortable viewed as a test of faith in terms of spirit. Like all trials and sicknesses, there is a starting point and there is an ending point. Each end varies on how the body reacts to the sickness and likewise to the trials of our lives, the spirit reacts according to the prayer it prays. How desperate we are when stuck in a tough and sour situation that our spirit begins to increase the nutrients that it needs to fight the sickness. Hence more praying in tough times.
Breathing is important and prayer is more than breathing. It's breathing and speaking to our Creator God. Without prayer, we are stuck and immobile in our walks. You don't have to take deep breaths, but it is beneficial in stressful times!
However, there will always be moments in our lives were our body gives in to sickness, even though we were fine prior to that. That would be comfortable viewed as a test of faith in terms of spirit. Like all trials and sicknesses, there is a starting point and there is an ending point. Each end varies on how the body reacts to the sickness and likewise to the trials of our lives, the spirit reacts according to the prayer it prays. How desperate we are when stuck in a tough and sour situation that our spirit begins to increase the nutrients that it needs to fight the sickness. Hence more praying in tough times.
Breathing is important and prayer is more than breathing. It's breathing and speaking to our Creator God. Without prayer, we are stuck and immobile in our walks. You don't have to take deep breaths, but it is beneficial in stressful times!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Day 251 of 365: Frequent reruns
Woke up to breakfast with my parents, but had a long "lecture" on the principles of being a family man to my own family and my immediate family. Said not to forget my duties as the older brother and first son to this family, which is good to assure my standing in family. It was somewhat tiresome to hear this, but i know that they passionately want me to learn this well and not forget what it means to be the head of the household as well as a sibling and son to my family.
As planned, my family went on to moving some furniture around for the soon-to-be Mrs Lee to join the ranks of Lee's! The move went well and we managed to get quite a lot done. Swapping beds, exchanging spaces and such, but there is still more to work on. We just move what needed to be moved. We took a moment also to go through old family pictures and filter out my pictures from birth. Some are familiar, a handful weren't and was quite a revelation, though i can't let go of the fact that my youth between ages 5 and 20 was quite...dorky.
When that was all done, i went over to my coworkers home to finally get my fog lights installed! Putting the fog lights themselves in was a piece of Red Velvet cake. Taking the steering wheel out to change the dimmer stalk took a while longer to figure out, but thank God that he knew what to look out for since he worked as a certified mechanic before. Once all that was placed at their spots, we fired it up and...no light. i didn't want to stay too long, so i told him that we'll leave it at this and i'll do my homework and research to figure out what really went wrong. Really wished it was done faster, so i could head home to chat with my fiancee!
Dinner was simple and it was with my parents. Amos was out for worship practice and Kristy was napping. Watched more 'Man vs Food', which is slowly becoming a favorite though the frequent reruns are quite annoying...
As planned, my family went on to moving some furniture around for the soon-to-be Mrs Lee to join the ranks of Lee's! The move went well and we managed to get quite a lot done. Swapping beds, exchanging spaces and such, but there is still more to work on. We just move what needed to be moved. We took a moment also to go through old family pictures and filter out my pictures from birth. Some are familiar, a handful weren't and was quite a revelation, though i can't let go of the fact that my youth between ages 5 and 20 was quite...dorky.
When that was all done, i went over to my coworkers home to finally get my fog lights installed! Putting the fog lights themselves in was a piece of Red Velvet cake. Taking the steering wheel out to change the dimmer stalk took a while longer to figure out, but thank God that he knew what to look out for since he worked as a certified mechanic before. Once all that was placed at their spots, we fired it up and...no light. i didn't want to stay too long, so i told him that we'll leave it at this and i'll do my homework and research to figure out what really went wrong. Really wished it was done faster, so i could head home to chat with my fiancee!
Dinner was simple and it was with my parents. Amos was out for worship practice and Kristy was napping. Watched more 'Man vs Food', which is slowly becoming a favorite though the frequent reruns are quite annoying...
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Day 250 of 365: Eating well
Something to think about. People like to receive and we are expected to give. We don't complain when we receive good things and when we give with joy. The complaining kicks in when something is taken without consent. And that sucks. Where am i going with this? i don't know actually. It was something that came to mind during the day and now i forgot the reason for it.
i tell you what is on my mind now. That P90X workout regime! i might want to give that a shot one of these days. i'll keep the Jillian Michaels for now, but when i want to move on to something more...manly...i'll try the P90X. Hopefully, i can get it without costing too much...okay, i actually paused and checked the cost. It's $120 for a set of 12 DVDs covering a variety of workouts. Another thing to think about. If i want to make my money's worth, those 90 days can't be relaxed. We'll think about it for now.
Anyway, i thought today was fairly packed with activities. Well, maybe with the exception of me using the 'Paint' program on Windows to draw the Camry. That took about an hour to finish. What triggered it? i think it was the Toyota Nation forums and i realized that i didn't have an avatar, so i decided to make a quick one. Of course, anything that i really put my mind into, i will see it through regardless of time. That's a good thing, but bad if you have other things to do, which i finished in no time. Ben dropped by to pick up teaching material and we chatted for a while. We are almost similar, yet so different...
After Ben left, i started my workout. For some reason, today's was tough, but not as tough as the first time. i was still able to do some of the workouts without stopping for a breather, so that's still a good thing. i hope this goes somewhere, but that means eating well too...
i tell you what is on my mind now. That P90X workout regime! i might want to give that a shot one of these days. i'll keep the Jillian Michaels for now, but when i want to move on to something more...manly...i'll try the P90X. Hopefully, i can get it without costing too much...okay, i actually paused and checked the cost. It's $120 for a set of 12 DVDs covering a variety of workouts. Another thing to think about. If i want to make my money's worth, those 90 days can't be relaxed. We'll think about it for now.
Anyway, i thought today was fairly packed with activities. Well, maybe with the exception of me using the 'Paint' program on Windows to draw the Camry. That took about an hour to finish. What triggered it? i think it was the Toyota Nation forums and i realized that i didn't have an avatar, so i decided to make a quick one. Of course, anything that i really put my mind into, i will see it through regardless of time. That's a good thing, but bad if you have other things to do, which i finished in no time. Ben dropped by to pick up teaching material and we chatted for a while. We are almost similar, yet so different...
After Ben left, i started my workout. For some reason, today's was tough, but not as tough as the first time. i was still able to do some of the workouts without stopping for a breather, so that's still a good thing. i hope this goes somewhere, but that means eating well too...
Monday, June 7, 2010
Day 249 of 365: Better shape
Thank God i was able to get a lot of things done today. Hopefully, i'll get more things done tomorrow. Though for some reason, my mind was a little absent. Nothing bad happened at work, but i was just not there. As if my body was almost in a state of auto-pilot. After work i was able to make lunch at home, wrap Caden's present, return a DVD, going out to do some property management and then came back home to review hotels for Cairns with Annie. It's a lot that i did, but it felt like i was doing it by instinct. i don't know if it's good, but at least things were done.
Oh, Kristy passed her behind-the-wheel test. Finally, but it's a good thing to take the test a tad late. Good thing for her that it's one thing done for the summer and it's the beginning of summer too! That's good!
The family decided to go out for dinner. Didn't pull a Jillian Michaels, so i have to make it up tomorrow. Probably try to fit it in after lunch. Consistency is key and i know i want to be in a better shape. It's good to see that i'm able to follow this video for the moment.
Oh, Kristy passed her behind-the-wheel test. Finally, but it's a good thing to take the test a tad late. Good thing for her that it's one thing done for the summer and it's the beginning of summer too! That's good!
The family decided to go out for dinner. Didn't pull a Jillian Michaels, so i have to make it up tomorrow. Probably try to fit it in after lunch. Consistency is key and i know i want to be in a better shape. It's good to see that i'm able to follow this video for the moment.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Day 248 of 365: Eyes wide
Today was a good day, i have to say, thanks be to God for a great day! Good worship, good lunch with parents from both sides, good rest, good shopping for stuff and great dinner with Annie at Tani's. i ran into a friend there and it was cool to catch up for a short while before he had to begin his meal. Might have overheard a party that might just be Singaporeans because of their accent, but dare i ask? Nah... of course i didn't want that attention from my fellow countrymen. Not yet at least. Either way, i'm glad that today was a day that was more of a blessing with eyes wide open. Oh, caught up on Jillian Michaels since i skipped the last couple of days due to the lack of time. Even so, i can feel myself getting stronger. That's great and i'm starting to like it!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Day 247 of 365: Little cousins
Feels good to not waking butt early for BSF? Maybe, but it was a good sleep anyway. Had to wake up to make corrections for the mission ride assignments. And yes, mission meeting, but at least it wasn't at 6:55am in the morning. Either way, the meeting was short and sweet. Managed to cover a variety of topics and got it done in a flash.
After that was the SF Food Bank service project with the Jr. High and High School kids. Wasn't too bad and there were a couple of changes in the sign-up. Changes like electronic sign-up! No more papers! Hahaha! But that doesn't really matter. What matters is the work we did! Two groups was made and the one i went with did some work with ears of corn. Pretty fun and managed to pack away 4,500 lbs of corn. Amazing!
I drove home after dropping kids off and found the house empty, but it wasn't for long before the relatives arrived...eating ice cream! Apparently, they arrived not too long ago and were out playing at the nearby park. We hung out and for the younger ones, we played the Xbox for a while before it was dinner time at Empero Taste! Good stuff, good dinner, good times with family. Got a portrait of myself done by my two little cousins, which was awesome!
After that was the SF Food Bank service project with the Jr. High and High School kids. Wasn't too bad and there were a couple of changes in the sign-up. Changes like electronic sign-up! No more papers! Hahaha! But that doesn't really matter. What matters is the work we did! Two groups was made and the one i went with did some work with ears of corn. Pretty fun and managed to pack away 4,500 lbs of corn. Amazing!
I drove home after dropping kids off and found the house empty, but it wasn't for long before the relatives arrived...eating ice cream! Apparently, they arrived not too long ago and were out playing at the nearby park. We hung out and for the younger ones, we played the Xbox for a while before it was dinner time at Empero Taste! Good stuff, good dinner, good times with family. Got a portrait of myself done by my two little cousins, which was awesome!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Day 246 of 365: New phones
i was so out-of-it this morning...probably from working out late last night. Coffee didn't kick in until later in the morning and, even then, i didn't need the extra energy. i'm get glad that the day was over...
Couple of things happened after work:
1) Had lunch with my family after work. It was at Tofu Village. Yup, Korean again, but i didn't mind. This time, it was tofu soup. Good stuff.
2) Renewed the wireless plan and got new phones to replace the outdated ones we've been carrying around. Like most new phones, it takes a little getting use to, but it was a little easier since we have a great wireless rep. Strange that i would praise an employee of a phone store. Most of the time, i would hate on it, but this one was almost too helpful. Like doing everything for us. All we had to do was say what we want.
Fellowship was different today since there was no worship and the format of TNT was altered a little. Overall, i thought it went rather well, but it will always need more refinement. Hopefully, this would be a good direction for Dexter and Ben. Pray also that Katy comes on board!
This week definitely feels like i don't have enough time with Annie. i know that she's feeling the strain, but i know she can hold on. We will have our time together. And it's not just about the wedding!
Couple of things happened after work:
1) Had lunch with my family after work. It was at Tofu Village. Yup, Korean again, but i didn't mind. This time, it was tofu soup. Good stuff.
2) Renewed the wireless plan and got new phones to replace the outdated ones we've been carrying around. Like most new phones, it takes a little getting use to, but it was a little easier since we have a great wireless rep. Strange that i would praise an employee of a phone store. Most of the time, i would hate on it, but this one was almost too helpful. Like doing everything for us. All we had to do was say what we want.
Fellowship was different today since there was no worship and the format of TNT was altered a little. Overall, i thought it went rather well, but it will always need more refinement. Hopefully, this would be a good direction for Dexter and Ben. Pray also that Katy comes on board!
This week definitely feels like i don't have enough time with Annie. i know that she's feeling the strain, but i know she can hold on. We will have our time together. And it's not just about the wedding!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Day 245 of 365: Felix day
Just finished another set of Jillian Michaels... That makes it 4 days in a row! Sheesh! And i'm sweating buckets! If sweat can be used as a form of energy, everyone would save money and work out for their utilities and gas. Haha! Really working hard for a living!
Anyway, today was pretty packed. We have Felix's graduation, dropping by Joe's (even though i didn't get anything), Korean dinner with Felix and watching 'Iron Man 2' with Felix. Oh man, i should just call this Felix day, but that wouldn't be the right thing to do now, would it? Well, it was a day spent 'almost' well. Could make it sweet if that special someone was in the picture! Very soon, it will be! How many more months? Less than 4 months? And from this post, it'll be 120 days to be exact! Well, 120 divided by 30 is 4, so it's exactly 4 months! That's crazy!
Another kid revelation hit me again today when i saw a brother-sister playing with each other, brother being the oldest. It was on the steps that they were playing and the brother was on a higher step than the sister. The sister tried to climb to where the brother was, but couldn't quite do it right, so the brother stood in and pull the little sister up. Cute, eh? Maybe that's an inborn instinct that all little children have, especially blood siblings. Shouldn't that reflect on our brothers and sisters-in-Christ?
Anyway, today was pretty packed. We have Felix's graduation, dropping by Joe's (even though i didn't get anything), Korean dinner with Felix and watching 'Iron Man 2' with Felix. Oh man, i should just call this Felix day, but that wouldn't be the right thing to do now, would it? Well, it was a day spent 'almost' well. Could make it sweet if that special someone was in the picture! Very soon, it will be! How many more months? Less than 4 months? And from this post, it'll be 120 days to be exact! Well, 120 divided by 30 is 4, so it's exactly 4 months! That's crazy!
Another kid revelation hit me again today when i saw a brother-sister playing with each other, brother being the oldest. It was on the steps that they were playing and the brother was on a higher step than the sister. The sister tried to climb to where the brother was, but couldn't quite do it right, so the brother stood in and pull the little sister up. Cute, eh? Maybe that's an inborn instinct that all little children have, especially blood siblings. Shouldn't that reflect on our brothers and sisters-in-Christ?
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Day 244 of 365: Glorious food
i met up with a patient i befriended at work today. It was cool even though work, or professionals around work, might discourage that. The way i see it, someone needs a friend and you wonder if God is calling you to make that move to be a friend to someone. Or maybe a call to His flock to answer His call. The meeting was better than i expected. Didn't feel weird at all and i was able to be frank and honest with him. He told me he is not a Christian after finding out that i am, but he is not new to Christians. Pretty much shared that i don't like to impose my beliefs since a relationship with Jesus is personal and i am not the one that makes this decision for him. i do pray that he is able to experience God for himself and see the joy. My job now is to love him as Christ loved me. When the time comes to witness, it will present itself. Praise God either way for the things to come!
More Jillian Michaels today... It's day 3 and I can sort of feel myself enduring it better. Hopefully i will be able to get some results. That means cutting food down. Oh, glorious food...
More Jillian Michaels today... It's day 3 and I can sort of feel myself enduring it better. Hopefully i will be able to get some results. That means cutting food down. Oh, glorious food...
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Day 243 of 365: Main factor
Jillian Michaels reminds me of my old drill sargent in the army. "Push it! Do one more!" Yeah, you said one more after the last few ones. That was the past though. My maturity and determination was clouded by laziness and sloth. Now that this program is under way, i think i can make this work. Push myself as far as i can until the exercises will be easier to work on. Anyway, being sore is good. Tell tale sign of muscles growing after being put into a lot of stress.
Earlier before that was work and then lunch with my family at Half Moon Bay. The food was okay. Only big plus was the appetitzers that were better prepared and cooked than the entreés. What really counts is the time with the family and it was good moments of chatting and sharing food.
Wedding planning is slowly coming to shape. There are still plenty to work on, but there are moments where trust in God is important. If anything, it is the main factor of making things work. God forgive me for moments of distraction, but seeking God in every thing will be followed by His blessings.
Earlier before that was work and then lunch with my family at Half Moon Bay. The food was okay. Only big plus was the appetitzers that were better prepared and cooked than the entreés. What really counts is the time with the family and it was good moments of chatting and sharing food.
Wedding planning is slowly coming to shape. There are still plenty to work on, but there are moments where trust in God is important. If anything, it is the main factor of making things work. God forgive me for moments of distraction, but seeking God in every thing will be followed by His blessings.
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