The Proverbial Puttering

the calm before the storm

2012-01-31T22:48:00.000-08:00

It's odd to think that six months from now, I will be launched into a stressful environments, studying like I've never studied before, living in a new city and hopefully maturing into someone who is real world-ready at a more rapid rate than ever before.

Now is like the calm before the storm. The menial tasks seem somewhat pointless, while any steps toward preparation can only do so much. And yet there is nothing else to do but to press on.

The Water Ride Smell

2012-01-13T14:55:00.001-08:00

I have a confession.

I enjoy the smell of water rides. You know, that mix of dirty water, chlorine, and constantly damp cavernous area that you find on rides like Splash Mountain. When I mention this to people (usually on the ride itself and not out of the blue), everyone always makes a face and thinks that my weird affinity for such a disgusting smell is reprehensible. I always maintain that the “water ride smell” is not nearly as bad as such toxic smells like cigarette smoke or gasoline, but I admit that it is a bit weird.

I think I have finally determined an explanation.

While I suppose it is possible that I just inherently enjoy that mildewed smell, I realized that I only enjoy the scent because it is reminiscent of the smell of my old basement where I hung out growing up. It was my feel good place in the house, the spot where I could escape the heat of summer and invent crazy makeshift sports and watch the Cardinals or Blues game while eating a nice cold grapefruit. It was freedom from (my little) responsibility, my own little cave that I could rule over and have fun in before having to attend to the drone of homework or practicing piano. That basement constantly required the hum drum of a dehumidifier, frantically and pointlessly fighting a battle it couldn’t win.

This correlation explanation applies to other things in our lives too. So many people going to Las Vegas seek freedom and an escape from the real world, a place where people can leave their responsibilities behind. Getting drunk and doing what people commonly do in Vegas is thus associated with these positives ... but in reality, all you’re doing is smelling bad air.

2011: The Year That Was

2011-12-31T19:53:00.000-08:00

Twenty-eleven is the first year in a while that I can look back at and say, "Yeah, it's been a long year." Usually I'm in disbelief that it's already the next calendar year, but for a variety of reasons, 2011 felt like a complete year, in a good way.

A quick rundown of times to remember, with apologies at any momentarily forgotten moments.

- My last Edge retreat (Jeff Lee's posse)
- WWKDDMTAP (and maybe a few other things)
- BWAM Boise (the first)
- UCI vs. UCLA baseball (walk-off at Jackie Robinson)
- Graduation (four celebratory meals in two days)
- The last shining moments in 122 (probably never to be replicated)
- Mammoth (a return to the joys of fishing)
- A LV 4th of July (no photographic evidence of the men)
- LSAT studying (Blueprint, not leaving the house much)
- LSAT taking (unfortunate borderline score, fortunate no retake)
- Applications (round two)
- The birth of Zotcubed (thanks for the readership)
- Cardinals Winning the World Series (Phillies, Brewers, David Freese Game 6)
- Boston (Lechmere, Dunkin' Donuts, Scarves and hats)
- Black Friday madness (madness, i tell ya)
- UCLA (third time's a charm)
- Pujols leaving (sad days)
- Finding my first full-time job (get money, get paid)

Thanks for the good times 2011. You were a year to remember.

Wowzers

2011-12-04T13:40:00.000-08:00

Three days later, and I remain flabbergasted.

It feels great to know where I will be next year, and also to know that I won't be far from friends and family. I'm humbled and amazed by the opportunity I now have before me.

Thank you all for your overwhelming firestorm of support. God is good, and his plan is greater.

Now, I just have to get used to rooting for another SoCal school besides UCI...

get money, get paid.

2011-11-29T00:18:00.000-08:00

It's somewhat weird that my first full-time job starts tomorrow. The fact that it's not the most prestigious gig doesn't help either. Nonetheless, I am thankful that I found a paying job somewhat quickly, and I am thankful that it is close to my present location.

Recently I've realized that in my struggle to cope with this gap year and the liminal in general, I need to slow things down and enjoy the present more. I'm in a hurry to find out my next step of life, to move on to independent living, to be able to tell people what I'm currently up to without dreading doing so. This period of life, as unappreciated as it generally is by all who share it, is still unique and valuable as a growing process. Although it's harder to discover how exactly that growth is supposed to happen, I think being grounded in humility is a beginning.

Cheers to new stages in life and being able to appreciate them despite their frustrations.

Done

2011-11-13T16:31:00.000-08:00

It's weird to be done with the whole application process that started back in June. I'm excited to move on to my next stage in life, trusting that I will end up where I am supposed to be. Hopefully these next nine months will be productive in the interim.

On a separate note, welcome Mike Matheny and a new era of Cardinal baseball. Always liked him as a player, and I will go on the record to say that I think he will do a good job, along the lines of a Joe Girardi.

11 in '11

2011-10-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a day for not only the history books, but the memory books as well. The improbable run and underdog mentality (21 of 25 ESPN "experts" had Texas winning) is just icing on the cake. I found it heart-warming that everyone, even those who don't even like baseball, were congratulating me yesterday right after the fact. I said thanks as if I had done something, but really, it's about being a fan for every single year paying off on days like these. Although I did lose a lot of enthusiasm when they were down in the dumps, I'm proud to say that I never gave up on them. It's a lesson in perseverance and giving it your all even when the odds are stacked up against you. It's a classic example of teamwork with everyone contributing their own part. Most of all, it's an example of just how much unifying joyful exuberance can come from a simple game of baseball.

Thanks everyone for sharing the memory.

Cardinals 10, Rangers 9

2011-10-28T00:31:00.000-07:00

What a magical night of baseball. It's hard to even recap in words all the different moments that piece together into an outcome that I will never forget. I'm glad that I never gave up hope when we were down in the 8th inning (and Facebook can prove this). I had a good feeling against Adams and once they showed that statistic of Feliz being 7/7 in save chances in the postseason, I had this gut feeling that we definitely had a shot. As everyone keeps saying, it really is the perfect metaphor game for a season where the Cards have never quit. I'm going to reserve further comment on the season until after Game 7, but I wanted to preserve this night of jubilation. Or as ESPN would say, "Freese Frame."

Joe Strauss's fitting lede in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: "The Cardinals have moved beyond the unlikely, through the implausible and onto the absurd. Thursday night before the largest crowd ever to watch a game at new Busch Stadium they added a chapter too complex to fully understand but too compelling to ignore."

These are the games that make baseball truly a special sport, unique from every other. It was great to see people that usually don't watch actually get into it and admit to being sucked into the excitement. It was great to have people reach out to me because I'm one of the only Cardinal fans they know, and wanted to express how happy they were for me. Just crazy. I'll see you tomorrow.

World Series 2011

2011-10-17T23:42:00.000-07:00

Somehow, this series seemed anticlimactic and less triumphant than the Phillies series, despite all the bad blood and rivalry that was supposed to make this Cardinals-Brewers series exciting. Maybe because most of the games weren't that close, but the Brewers' "beast mode" antics seemed like more of an annoying side act than a full on nuisance, and somehow our bullpen pitched so well that we didn't even have to worry, which is half the fun. Just a weird, dominant, but mostly weird series.

Anyway, I'm still very appreciative of the Cardinals appearing in only their third World Series since my birth. Considering that we've been in the NLCS seven times over that span, this is quite the rarity. Of course, Padres fans and most every non-large market team (and some large market teams, hello Cubs fans) probably think I'm taking it for granted. I guess sometimes it's just hard not to take things for granted when you have been the greatest National League team over the last 15 years.

Ok, done gloating. Hopefully this hasn't been too obnoxious to read.

for the love of the Cardinals

2011-10-07T21:51:00.000-07:00

Warning: this post is going to be me basically just geeking out and reveling in the greatness that is being a St. Louis Cardinals fan. Just so you can stop reading now if you so desire.

6 NLCS appearances and 8 playoff appearances in the last 12 years.

I have been blessed. The Cardinals have never really had a team that has been embarrassing to root for, but in recent years, the magic of the cards had seen to ware off somewhat. No playoffs in '07 and '08, a forgettable NLDS in LA in '09, and once again no playoffs in '10. Many thought we were done in '11 too, and I admit that I all but threw in the towel this year. Never stopped following them, but it looked pretty dang grim. And now, the Cards are NLCS bound, having toppled the mighty Phillies, the team with four aces, about to face their hated divisional foes... I can't say for sure whether we'll advance to the World Series, but I can say that I'd rather have Albert, Carpenter, Yadi, and the rest of the gang over any other team in the world.

And just for kicks, a look back at the rest of the NLCS teams I've had the pleasure to follow in my lifetime.

'96 - I confess that this was the first year I really paid attention to baseball, and in a time before the internet, my knowledge about things were spotty. All I knew is that we choked a 3-1 lead against the Braves in grand fashion, and that Donovan Osbourne didn't cut it. But we had the Benes brothers, HOF closer Dennis Eckersley and soon forgotten Todd Stottlemyre who I really liked for some reason, Brian Jordan, Ron Gant and Ray Lankford, the immortal Gary Gaetti, and of course the last years (and only year for me unfortunately) of Ozzie Smith and Willie McGee. A fan was born.

(Home run chase interlude, Big Mac craze comes and goes)

'02 - I remember I was in 6th grade, and we watched parts of Game 1 of the NLDS during school when Rick Ankiel inexplicably lost his command. Still a great great team that featured a 20 win season from Darryl Kile and one of those one-year wonder years from Garrett Stephenson. Loved Vina, Renteria and Tatis from this team, as well as Jim Edmonds in his absolute prime (42/108/.295). Loved Placido Polanco and Will the Thrill, and also Woody Williams' phenomenal 2.28 era in 11 starts to end the season. To be honest I don't even remember how we lost to the Mets 4-1.

'03 - OK so we didn't make it to the NLCS, but only because we faced a brutal Diamondbacks team with Schilling and Randy Johnson in the NLDS. Should be noted for the beginning of the Albert Pujols era and the end of the Big Mac era.

'04 - The 105 win team. MVP3 plus Larry Walker. Just a phenomenal team that was a pleasure to watch. Coincidentally the first year So Taguchi really played a big part on the team. Unforgettable 4-3 NLCS win against the Astros. Of course, Jimmy Ballgame's walk-off jack in the 12th of Game 6, but people forget that Jeff freakin' Suppan outdueled Roger Clemens (on steroids) in Game 7. This should never be forgotten. This is an Astros squad that features Biggio, Berkman, Beltran, Jeff Kent and Jeff Bagwell, along with Roy Oswalt and Clemens. I don't even care that the Red Sox did something memorable this year.

'05 - Another fantasy team and 100 win squad. Memorable for having Carpenter's 21-5 season as well as Mark Mulder's one year of usefulness. Also, David Eckstein's grit and Albert's monster jack off of Brad Lidge in Game 5. Sadly, this was the Astros' year to go to the world series and get demolished.

'06 - Can't believe this is the last time the Cardinals were in the NLCS. Of course, this team was worse than all of the other ones above, and of course this was the team that won it all. People forget So Taguchi's home run in the 9th off of Billy Wagner in Game 2, and the unlikelihood of Yadi's bomb in Game 7. Taguchi hit 2 homers all year, and Yadi hit .216 on the season. Enter Wainwright, enter freezing Beltran on the called three strike, and enter a fitting cap to the end of the Edmonds/Rolen/Pujols glory years.

With all that being said, I get the same excitement of cheering for the underdog for this '11 team, except with more confidence. It was just bewildering seeing Jeff Weaver and Anthony Reyes win big games for us, but this team is more solid. I like the veteran presence, and I like the spunk from the young guys. Instead of Eckstein, we have Punto. The confidence and "nothing to lose" attitude is evident. Instead of the Astros, enter another NL Central rival, the Brewers. You couldn't ask for a better drama filled series. It's good to be a Cards fan.

Phil 4:6

2011-09-30T22:31:00.000-07:00

Grant me strength and trust in Your abundance tomorrow morning. You are so good to me, and no matter what, Your plan is wonderful.

And as City Harmonic says... AHHH-MENNNNNNNNNNNN!!!

gratifying

2011-09-22T22:24:00.000-07:00

There is something gratifying about receiving email responses from people on the same day that the original email was sent. Sort of like when you see an increase in your score over time due to steady studying. It's a feeling of "hey, this is exactly how I hoped things would turn out."

I hope things can continue down this path in a grander scale, but I know that even if they don't, God's plan not aligning with my own is something I can embrace anyway.

blogging

2011-09-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

Is it just me, or do writers oftentimes question their own writing ability? But "non-writers" (if that is a real category) probably do that too. Maybe everyone is a writer, just of varying skill levels. Who knows.

I'm also pretty sure that blogs exist only so you can look back in the future and laugh at yourself, and (hopefully) see how far you have come.

Ranch > Two-story

2011-09-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

Having lived in both structures for a thorough amount of time now, I just wanted to provide a note to self for the future...

Everyone being on one story promotes community and communication. You get less people separating themselves into their own rooms on different floors with people hollering and replying "WHAT?!" because they're too far away to hear each other. Plus, in the summer time the second floor gets too dang hot.

On a separate but related note: trade that second story in for a basement. Provides the perfect cool (in both senses) hangout place yet with ample communication ability - just a shout downstairs or loud stomp away.

more thoughts on living at home

2011-08-30T01:56:00.000-07:00

85% of college grads moving back home. 35% of young people unemployed. These are stats that have been bandied about recently, but it only scratches the surface. The real hardship with living at home is the abrupt departure in community that college grads face; we go from being "kings of the campus" with comfortable circles and familiar faces to the seemingly barren and isolated bottom of life's totem pole.

Beyond not having some of my best friends just a phone call and five minute drive away, my spiritual walk is gasping for air too. I tried my best all of senior year to comprehend and prepare for it - leaving my stable church community and returning to somewhere that is no longer what I am accustomed to or even what I left really. But I guess you can't ever fully prepare for it. "Making your faith your own" was a mantra my older friend imparted on me regarding post-grad life, but now that I actually have to do it... it's tough. Being spoon-fed messages and bible studies and worship practices was like a convenient pull-up machine stand that helped guide my way up. Without it, it's much harder to do pull-ups. (Note: Not saying that it is impossible to find a new church community back here at home, but it is hard to see any fellowship/young adult ministry being as dynamic/intensive as a college group, if for no other reasons than time.)

I've been going over the books in the Gospel recently, and even though they're such familiar stories, it's amazing how you can always glean something new from them. In John 18, Jesus is arrested and Peter denies him three times before the rooster crows. It's an emotional and gripping 40 verses. What's interesting though, is that when the heat of the moment is there, and Jesus is actually getting arrested, Peter has no problem acting out and being the bravest and most action-oriented disciple - he freaking slices off poor Malchus' ear (Another name in the Bible that for some odd reason has not lasted into modern times. Poor Malchus). But then when Jesus is gone and Peter is all of a sudden left alone, he loses the ability to even admit any affiliation with Jesus. On top of this, Jesus had called Peter out beforehand, and predicted that this would happen. If someone says to you "You're totally going to fail me man. Just watch. I know it..." you usually try even harder to not fail that person, if only to prove them wrong. But not Peter. And this is Peter, one of the strongest disciples, that we're talking about.

These next ___ months at home will be interesting, despite being anything but interesting at times. I hope that at the end of it all I can say that I was able to make the most out of it and come away with a faith that is my own, and even stronger than before because of it.

St. Louis/SD

2011-08-22T01:04:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is but in the last couple of weeks, I have had four separate occasions of random people in San Diego acknowledging/talking to me about their connections with St. Louis.

1. We're at the Del Mar Racetrack two weeks ago, and I'm wearing my So Taguchi Cardinals T-shirt Jersey. This girl walks by with her friends/family and points me out, saying "This is what I'm TALKING about! True fans. Go Cardinals!" while walking away. A slightly amused mother quips "..She's from St. Louis."

2. At Starbucks last week, I was minding my own business, studying by myself because ~~this is the sad sad life I lead nowadays~~ I was trying to get some studying done when the guy next to me wearing a UCSD Surgery fleece says "Excuse me, I saw your laptop sticker (STL represent) and was wondering, are you from St. Louis?" "Oh yeah, I grew up there." This turns into a decently long conversation about how he went to medical school there and his various thoughts about how it really is the most dangerous city in America and how his friend is going there for law school. I converse with him about such topics as best as I can before bringing up the fact that there are actually a lot of people I meet in San Diego from St. Louis. He says "really? I don't know many.." when, IMMEDIATELY,

3. Another guy, older in age, looks up from his laptop about 15 feet away from us and says "You guys talking about St. Louis?" Turns out he grew up there "way back in the day." He makes some comments about how it's a great place to grow up (word), whereas the UCSD Surgery rep repeats his thoughts about crime and violence to this new guy. Point proven.

4. At the Padres Marlins game, a nice older lady looks at my scorebook and asks how long I've been doing it for. I say "about ten years" to which she responds "good for you! You know, there's a new book on Stan Musial, my husband is reading it and he is really enjoying it. Just thought you might enjoy it too." I know about this new book because I am a Cardinals fan. I tell her this and the fact that I used to live in St. Louis, and she responds that her and her husband were originally from St. Louis as well. Apparently they used to live around old Busch (not sure I or II) and listen to Harry Carey while simultaneously hearing the crowd reactions from outside the stadium.

There is no real point to all this, but I just thought it was funny and enjoyable. Every time I have one of these sorts of conversations, I feel an odd rush of adrenaline tinged with nostalgia. I'm glad that I grew up in such a different and pride-evoking place. It has definitely added some dimensions to who I am today.

humbling

2011-08-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

I knew moving back home would be different, but I never expected it to reveal my inadequacies so blatantly. You expect to have moved on past certain mistakes and boneheaded judgments once you graduate, but evidently that is not the case.

God, thank you for humbling me. Please allow me to be persistent in doing everything I can to follow you and start thinking with more clarity and wisdom.

thankful for this girl

2011-07-23T23:37:00.000-07:00

Top 25 Songs of College

2011-07-07T18:16:00.000-07:00

Thought this would be interesting to look back at: The soundtrack of my undergraduate career, as told by my iTunes top 25 from my trusty Dell laptop.

I have no explanation as to why there are so many Owl City songs. Don't judge!

1. It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday - Boyz II Men (64)
2. Rainbow Veins - Owl City (61)
3. On the Wing - Owl City (58)
4. Hosanna - Hillsong United (56)
5. Brick - Ben Folds Five (55)
6. Hello Seattle - Owl City (53)
7. One Headlight - The Wallflowers (52)
8. The Saltwater Room - Owl City (52)
9. Sloop John B (cover) - Relient K (50)
10. Unashamed - Starfield (50)
11. Sweetly Broken - Jeremy Riddle
12. Africa (cover) - Straight No Chaser
13. Let it Snow - A Fine Frenzy
14. Forrest Gump Theme - Alan Silvestri
15. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (cover) - Keane
16. Everything - Michael Buble
17. I Am Free - Newsboys
18. Luv (Sic) Pt3 - Nujabes
19. Daylight - Matt & Kim
20. Feather - Nujabes
21. Wishlist - Pearl Jam
22. The Stand - Hillsong United
23. Sleigh Ride - Relient K
24. Viva la Vida - Coldplay
25. Come On Eileen - Dexys Midnight Runners

Notable late arrivals to the party (as revealed by my lastfm last 12 months)
Silhouettes - The Nylons
Happy Ending - MIKA
You Never Let Go - Matt Redman
Savior King - Hillsong United
Elephant Love Medley - Moulin Rouge

New Layout

2011-07-06T10:48:00.000-07:00

Decided to change up my blog design to mark being done with my college career, (although it still doesn't really feel like it) with the main inspiration coming from a recent trip to Mammoth Lakes.

To paraphrase Traci...it's as if God were up there painting the skies, smudging beautiful streaks of color together in the sunset.

When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze;
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee; How great Thou art!
How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee;
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

Movin' Out

2011-06-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

Note to self: never wind up packing up to leave a place by yourself. Somehow it winds up being more wistful and depressing.

It's been fun, 122. I'll see you around.

Memory Sketching

2011-06-21T11:19:00.001-07:00

My first ever major league baseball game was less glamorous than my little league game that previous week. I had gone 2-3 with a couple of infield singles, and I had been plunked on the hip by an errant pitch. We had lost by a wide margin, but at least I had played every single inning. Unfortunately, I couldn’t say the same for the game between the big boys later that evening.

My father had received two free tickets to the Cardinals game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, a relatively normal game in a long season of baseball. The game started at seven, but I knew we would probably be a little late as my dad usually got home around 6:30. By the time we left the house, it was already seven. Driving away from our comfortable suburban brick house and into the doom and gloom of downtown St. Louis was a daunting experience for a third grader. As we drove farther and farther in, more and more graffiti lined the undersides and pillars of towering highway bridges and rundown factory buildings. As we exited the highway, I tried to look unfazed by the homeless people roaming the streets. Steam rose from the manholes covering the streets as if we were in Gothem City. I couldn’t wait until we actually got into the ballpark.

Unfortunately, my dad had rarely been downtown either, and did not know where to park. For some reason, he decided to pull into a random lot with no attendees, under one of the soaring highway bridges that I had marveled at earlier. Now we were directly underneath one of them, cars roaring by some 50 miles overhead, shaking the very beams that supported the concrete behemoth of a structure. There were some other cars in the lot, as well as a rickety coin slot machine where you were supposed to pay according to your parking stall. After deciphering the coded hieroglyphics from the chipping yellow paint, my dad put a quarter in.

It simply fell to the bottom. He tried again, and the same thing happened.

My dad shrugged, and chuckled to himself. “Uh-oh. I guess we don’t have to pay.”

By the time we maneuvered our way into the outfield bleachers, it was the fourth inning already. The entire game itself was hard to follow. The outfield seemed an awful long ways away, and every time a major play happened, everyone stood up and blocked my vision. As my interest in the game waned, my nervousness over our parking situation overtook my mind.

What happens if we go back there and our car is gone? What if there’s a huge parking ticket? What if there’s graffiti all over our car?

As my panic level arose, I grew fidgety.

“How long did you want to stay?” my dad, who wasn’t a fan of baseball asked after an inning.

“We can leave after the next inning…” I quickly replied.

We went back to our car shortly after the sixth inning. Our car was sitting there as we left it.

X-Men and Related Thoughts

2011-06-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

A bunch of us celebrated the end of senior year by going to see X-Men: First Class last night. It appealed to me a lot because it was actually my first X-Men film/real exposure to the world of Doctor Xavier and co. Similar to watching the latest Star Trek movie last year, it was a cool new world with compelling storylines that I was getting to know all at once.

Marvel has made a lot of money from this super hero motif, one of normal people becoming unnatural people in some way or form, and then adapting to their new world. They are so successful because everyone wants to be taken to this whole new world, to make believe that there are these cool characters out there that can defy normal rules of gravity. Now, starting in a couple days, us graduates have our own real-life opportunity to do just that.

The grand connection: graduating college is like getting this new power. Albeit it is not that cool or rare, but for the first time, we have a freedom and unwritten script ahead of us.

With great power comes great responsibility... or something like that.

Softball, I will miss thee

2011-06-06T16:31:00.000-07:00

After four years of playing softball at the ARC, I can honestly say it is one of my most cherished memories of college. We've come a long ways since freshman year in housing league when I desperately tried and failed to recruit a full team, scrounging together a "Cielo" team with the help of some random guys that were already at the field.

Sophomore year, we came within one game of winning the softball classic with a random group of players, including a certain outfielder named Jason Chung. And from there, a friendship was born.

In the spring of sophomore year, we found some takers to form another housing team, this time for VDC Norte. I still remember getting womped 17-1, 15-0, 9-3 which was seen as a good game. But then in the playoffs, everything clicked. Maybe it was because we had Smalls, maybe it was because we finally figured out our defensive alignment. But who am I kidding? It was all because of "the red bat."

In the summer between sophomore and junior year, Mwen couldn't play, and we unfortunately went 2-3 or something like that.

Junior year, we were able to take the softball classic, but scuffled in the Spring with too many players missing again.

Summer season before senior year, we were dominant. Unfortunately, the whole Jason Chung coming back from Spain fiasco happened, but we can take solace in being the best team in that league.

And then this year, after getting over the heartbreak of not being able to play in the Classic, I had a grand time with both my co-ed and men's teams, which was able to win the championship against the Balco Beasts this past Tuesday.

I will miss being out on those fields with so many friends and great teammates. It was an honor being captain, really cool to play shortstop and master my opposite field stroke, and obviously nice to experience some success. I am proud that none of us really had prior baseball experience past little league, but that we all were able to improve our skills through the years. Special shoutouts to Yi Bu's transformation into an outfielder, Anne's overall learning of the game, and of course Vanessa's emergence as an all-star second baseman. But beyond all of that, there is nothing quite like being on the good old baseball diamond, rooting on your teammates swinging the bat and throwing the ball.

No More Sundays in Gateway Commons

2011-05-31T20:31:00.000-07:00

Sitting here in the New U Office for the last time is pretty surreal.

As a freshman, I had disparaging first impressions about the paper, its size, and its layout. I thought that my time with the paper was over, but when I found out how available certain articles were, I couldn't help but jump in. I still won't forget my first interview at UCI, with 6'7 Darren Fells and Scott Roeder's fancy camera equipment. As a freshman I got to write stories on both Fells and Patrick Sanders, the two star players on the basketball team, and after that I knew I had to keep writing, if only on the side.

Moving into sophomore year and the drama of deciding on a major, I got to cover my first men's basketball game (at Fullerton late in the season no less), as well as write stories on two more of my favorite players - Kevin Bland and Rebecca Maesson.

As a junior, I went into becoming Sports Editor with a vigor and an excitement. I had a solid number of supporting writers, and I was happy with what we were able to do in terms of quality control and different features. The lovely DLy kept me company every week, while Melk Man came through with reliable coverage every week. Loquacious Lumbchops captained the ship well, even if he says he didn't know what the heck he was doing at first. At first, although I enjoyed my time with the New U, I thought about moving on in my senior year so as to free up my Sundays. But as the year went on, I realized that I cared too much about the paper, too much about UCI, to simply let go.

I never thought coming in that I would become EIC of the New U, but what a humbling blessing it has been. I do not think of myself as a natural vocal leader, and I do not think of myself as a powerful public speaker, but somehow we've made it through the year. Obviously, I couldn't have done anything without the talents of my awesome team. I've been extremely lucky to have TGL by my side. And last but not least, I can't thank TLou enough for never wavering in providing encouragement and support every time I'm stressed or tired, keeping me company on all those late Sunday dinners when every place in Irvine is closed.

While I now happily leave the New U and UCI, it's weird to think that I will no longer have those 12 hour Sundays. It's been one heck of a run.

work weight

2011-05-15T11:03:00.001-07:00

I now realize why people gain weight in adulthood.

When you're sitting at a desk for extremely long hours in a day, the only thing you can look forward to is eating a delicious lunch and/or dinner. Or, it's a potluck day at work and you spend the entire workday munching on unhealthy snacks. All of this is compounded by the fact that you're sitting at your desk like a sloth, only moving your fingers, whispering quietly to yourself.

And now, back to work at the New U. I can't wait for lunch.

Optimism

2011-04-20T15:34:00.000-07:00

Note: what follows is the typical "i'm about to graduate and my future is so uncertain" post. Bear with me.

Coming into freshman year, I remember being on the pessimistic side about things. I don't even really remember why, but I do distinctly contrasting with Yeebs, who was a lot more optimistic all the time. Maybe it was because I was still not very excited about being at UCI, maybe because parental pressures had turned college into a time of pressure and worry... but they were some not so good times.

Now, I feel like I am generally regarded as the optimistic one. This is partially because my workplace almost requires it, for the sake of not being depressed and down all the time, but it also goes beyond that. This past Friday at Re:Act, Luke from YWAM Kona was kind enough to pray for me, and offered an interesting image - that of a bucking bronco. He said that many people don't see the hard work that I put into [fill in the blank], but that God sees it, and affirms that. He said that I had a higher threshold to stay on the bronco. Crazy stuff!

I used to dread graduating and the (at least) year of uncertainty that was to follow, but I tend now to think about it as an exciting exploration of opportunity. Life is at as big of a crossroads as it ever has been before, but there's something thrilling about that. Don't get me wrong... the disappointing rejections and (even worse) no-replies are sure to keep coming, but at the same time, I have this sense of trust that God will eventually lead me to where I'm supposed to be. And with that in mind, how can you not be optimistic. (insert brubaker voice: C'MON!)

So even with parental pressures picking back up, striking at my self-confidence and overall sense of worth, I will keep up an optimistic mindset. Not that I'm endorsing ignorance and obliviousness to what is out there, but everything will indeed be okay in the end.

anti-social

2011-04-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

For a variety of reasons, I feel like I have been increasingly anti-social last quarter. It takes effort to initiate lunches and catch-ups, or even just small talk banter after certain events, and I think my overall busy schedule and subsequent tired nature has taken away from that.

But upon celebrating my 22nd (ew) birthday, I realized that this is the last quarter that everyone from UCI will all be around, and that made me pretty sad.

Here's to putting in quality time with good friends. Ptl.

Bwam Recap

2011-04-01T22:30:00.000-07:00

In short, BWAM was amazing. And I know people always say that, but I feel like Boise and Create Common Good was truly a one of a kind BWAM experience. Things are detailed much fuller in our lovely team blog, but here is a quick personal recap.

Vision
- it was inspiring to see the leadership, passion, and ultimate vision that the team leaders of Create Common Good had. It inspired me to have a better vision of my own life and future endeavors. Once that is established, it's only a matter of hard work achieving the desired results.

Hand-Selected
- it was thrilling to be able to apply creativity and our personal skills to the projects that we were assigned to do throughout the week. Not only were we able to leave a tangible mark on the organization, but we all felt like God had put us on team Boise for a reason.

Fresh Air
- even though we didn't do it for long periods of time or anything, working on the farm, shoveling and wheelbarrowing, was a refreshing time. Something about being in the brisk air and doing some good old fashioned manual labor was just so much more appealing than say, cleaning out an attic.

Eye-Opening
- it was really cool to get to know the refugees there, and just talk to them and get to know their stories. In SoCal, most people have similar stories and lives. These refugees have had incredibly hard lives, and yet they still managed a sheepish grin and joyful spirit.

Go Team
- once again blessed with an awesome team that made a 15 hour drive not so bad at all. Just going through this experience with them was a huge blessing - icing on the cake. Even with the totes pops abbrevs.

boise

2011-03-20T00:12:00.000-07:00

For those proverbial few who still check this blog, stop doing so for a week and instead follow my bwam team at thefirstbwamboise.blogspot.com.

Full recap to follow!

car troubles

2011-03-09T12:30:00.001-08:00

With all the issues I've had with my car these past few weeks, I feel like God is telling me to become more handy and more well-versed with the different intricacies of the beast of a machine that we Southern California residents have all grown to depend on so much.

Also, that I should value all my possessions a little more than I do.

Let this post serve as a reminder... but first, second to last finals of my undergrad career, and the very tail end of UCI basketball as a student. More thoughts on these subjects to come. Here we go!

good old webreg

2011-02-22T09:59:00.001-08:00

Signed up for classes for the last time in my undergraduate career today. Felt no real emotion or elation, but just thought I'd throw out a small tribute to the fact that webreg and websoc are uniquely UCI's. Just search them on google and it's the first thing that pops up. Here's to those short bursts of fun that was going back and forth between these sites and rate my professor.

thoughts

2011-02-09T22:38:00.000-08:00

To be honest, I went into this year hoping for a smooth process. Nothing too controversial, nothing overly strenuous or difficult. I saw what happened last year and told myself that I wouldn't let anything like that happen. Maybe I was a coward, maybe I was just trying to get away without the backlash.

I wasn't afraid to do the work, which is why I signed up. But this I don't know if I was prepared for.

problems

2011-02-07T21:47:00.000-08:00

Well, this week has taught me to rule out "psychologist" from the potential future careers list.

It's brutal to hear about an aggravating problem or frustration and not be able to say anything to really help the situation.

God, thank you for blessing me with peace. It is much appreciated.

Phil 4:6-9

a weird quarter

2011-01-27T19:05:00.000-08:00

Is it possible to feel like the days are weirdly long and exhausting, yet the quarter is zooming by faster than ever before?

I can't quite grasp how to describe it right now, but I don't like it.

pioneer spirit

2011-01-22T12:21:00.000-08:00

At this critical juncture in life, many of us are following this unmarked path into the wilderness. Though there is no highway or cattle trail to follow, there is an end goal, and a certain excitement that lies ahead. You never know when you're going to see some crazy guy with a bear head for a hat, or stumble into the one thing you're looking for while filling up for water on the banks of a stream.

Just make sure you have someone to pick you back up when you fall into a pit with venomous snakes.

immediate post-retreat thoughts

2011-01-17T18:57:00.000-08:00

Going into this retreat, I knew it was going to be different from before because of the workload I had to take care during the weekend. Throughout Friday and Saturday, this distanced me somewhat from the usual "hang out" times and free time that I usually took for granted. Then on Sunday, we were packed with practicing and such, and so I feel like I didn't get to SEE people as much as I wanted to. But moving on to other things...

Reminders to remember:
Spreading seeds indiscrimantly
Dancing like David, "I will be less esteemed than this!"
Radical doesn't necessarily mean large actions, but instead large effect
Renouncing and severing
Strength, beauty, and power in community
Rejuvenation and rest in him
We don't do the work
Not just forgiveness, but blessing that individual
Tears of joy
Being in tune with the holy spirit
Glimpse of eternity

100: 10 for 2010

2010-12-31T12:04:00.000-08:00

So I thought it'd be quite fitting to make my 100th post on this here blogspot the last post of 2010, and maybe have 100 things or something crazy like that. But alas, that would take too long, and I have articles to edit, and so we're only doing 10. 10x10=100 right? I digress.

Bests of 2010

Music Added/Discovered - for the memories and for the musical goodness
- Daylight, Matt & Kim (i had to)
- Faith + Hope + Love and This is Our God albums, Hillsong
- Conditions album, Temper Trap
- Tarzan Boy, Baltimora
- I Stand in Awe, Jeff Johnson
- Aim and Ignite album, Fun.
- Come What May, Moulin Rouge
- The First album, DK Daniel Kim
- The Very Best of the Eagles, Disc 2
- Leaving on a Jet Plane, Peter, Paul and Mary
- In My Dreams, Matt Cheah (adding it to my iTunes anyway)
- Go West, Pet Shop Boys
- Meet with Me, Ten Shekel Shirt
- Saviour King, Hillsong
- Crossfire, Brandon Flowers
- Invented album, Jimmy Eat World
- Starfield self-titled album
- Silhouettes, The Nylons/The Rays
- In The Light, DC Talk
- Airplanes/Brick by Boring Brick and Fireflies remix, M. Henry & J. Robinett
- Happy Ending, Mika

Sports, for the epicness and the memories
10. Being a stringer for the Casper Star-Tribune
9. Fantasy Baseball Champion for the first time since 2003 (Thanks Jaime Garcia!)
8. UCI hiring new Head Coach Russell Turner
7. UCI women's soccer Sweet 16 run
6. Getting to meet Bud Black and family for a story
5. All-star game work and Fanfest Anaheim
4. Softball Classic Champions!
3. Dominating summer softball, winning every game until an unfortunate forfeit
2. World Cup fever, and USA Soccer making it out of their regional
1. Welcome to St. Louis, Sam Bradford! (notable wins: Seahawks, 49ers, Chargers)

10 more disjointed random things/comments, in no particular order...
1. 122 days of spring, summer, fall and winter. Squids basketball, it's yo birfday, weird tastes in guys, Yi Bu's transformation... it has been great. I don't think a full-length montage would be appropriate just yet.
2. BWAM LA love. First missions trip, and learning to go in with no expectations. Giving, receiving... loving.
3. The unexpected trials and tribulations of being EIC. I appreciate the fact that this book has yet to be closed. It's been an interesting and definite growing experience. 12 down, 19 to go.
4. Speaking of the New U, I am extremely thankful of T. G. Lee for her dedication and perseverance. To have a partner that goes beyond doing her own job but also inspires me to do mine better is a great thing.
5. Note to self: do not let yourself be mired in poor internships. Never again.
6. I think 2010 will go down as a year of unexpected (and maybe undeserved) opportunities. Reminders of trusting in Him.
7. ELC time, when my mindset changed from being happy about the now, and not wanting to graduate, to being excited for the future, and whatever that may entail. Still appreciative of now, but ok with the bit of uncertainty within 2012.
8. Giving into the Gmail and Twitter movements, with the latter especially something I thought I would never do. However, I guess I have learned not to be so judgmental of certain fads and trends.
9. Banquet 2010... memories that will go down in history. We may not be the world, but we indeed do not stop, and never give up.
10. A year of Traci. From the ashes of a miserable class is born a special friendship. Incredibly blessed to have gotten to know this girl; still wake up every day not taking this fact for granted. And it's only the tip of the iceberg. <3

The Final Page Count Down

2010-12-09T11:20:00.000-08:00

16 pages to go by 6 p.m. tomorrow. May this running tracker keep me accountable and maybe even help ease the load.

1:00 p.m: 15 pages remaining.

2:54 p.m: 13.8 pages remaining.

5:52 p.m: because of a New U meeting in between, 13 pages remaining. Agh.

6:50 p.m: 12 pages left.

8:08 p.m: 10.7 pages left. Dinnertime.

10:55 p.m: 10 pages remaining. Roadblock: WRITE or STUCK.

FRIDAY 12:40 a.m: 8.8 pages remaining. I can smell the end of e105!

2:52 a.m: 7 pages left = done with e105! just got to proofread now.

11:00 a.m: 6.5 pages left. I can feel the stretch run a-coming.

12:05 p.m: 5.6 pages left.

12:51 p.m.: 4.6 pages remaining. Lunch, campus... birthday shindig.

3:19 p.m: 2.8 pages left. Let's go!

4:43 p.m: 1.6 pages left. So...tired.

6:33 p.m: done... and it feels so nice.

self-awareness

2010-12-08T16:55:00.001-08:00

This word has been on my mind a lot as of the past few weeks, and recently I have realized the benefit of having people in your life that are not afraid to point out your flaws. In this sense, you are not so much self-aware, but aware through your community. I don't know if that makes sense, but too bad, it's finals week and I'm not going to go back and edit this right now.

Basically, thank you people for pointing out what I need to improve on, and not just staying silent. I think this in many ways is God speaking through your community. Without community, one would just keep on keeping on, oblivious to his faults and ways in which he is not glorifying God.

I blame the brevity of my posts this quarter on the monstrosity that is e105 and lj103 reading and writing assignments. And some other extra-curricular stuff perhaps.

Weep not, children. Winter break is almost here.

meaning behind the obvious

2010-11-17T21:02:00.000-08:00

God's strength + believing you can do it = success

Give us self-awareness for that which we do.

"Giving your best to equip yourself for God's work."

Isaac Bruce

2010-11-15T01:49:00.001-08:00

[This post is a bit late, but I thought Isaac Bruce's jersey retirement ceremony warranted mention. I truly miss watching that guy play for the Rams.]

During the number retirement ceremony for No. 80 of the St. Louis Rams, Isaac Bruce was introduced at last after a lengthy introduction.

Walking up to the podium with boisterous cheers and a standing ovation, Bruce simply says "Glory to God, Glory to God" to start off his speech. No "I want to thank..." Just re-directing the praise right away.

"Just another example - you honor God, he honors you."

Thank you Isaac for always being a player who despite not being the tallest or the fastest receiver, always played the game the right way and got the job done.

"[Bruce is the] standard of the definition of how that position is supposed to be played." - Mike Martz

against better judgment

2010-10-29T01:22:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, going with something that seems somewhat silly can turn into moments you don't forget.

Case in point:
1. Being at Disneyland for 1.5 hours
2. Karaoke-ing at 11:30 p.m.

All in all, not a bad Thursday. Not bad at all.

Pause

2010-10-18T17:11:00.000-07:00

I feel like life is whisking by at a rapid pace right now, and I just want to click the pause button and take a second.

A second to appreciate how unbelievably good God is, and how much He has provided.

Looking back, this time period will probably go down as one of the greatest eras in my life, and I don't want to go through it in an unappreciative manner.

So let's all take a deep breath, smell the roses, and maybe even clip a few...pink ones while we're at it.

thunder!

2010-10-03T23:59:00.000-07:00

So lately some random clashes of thunder (sans significant rain) have disrupted the dreary and anti-climactic Southern Californian skies, much to the delight and amusement of some of my friends and colleagues. We take whatever variance in the forecast we can get.

However, my dog Ranger has apparently yet to experience such shattering and booming noises of nature, and keeps freaking out every time he hears the thunder. The first time he frantically clawed at the door, which my Mom misinterpreted as a need to pee. Nope. Ranger took off galloping around the neighbor in a delirious stupor, winding up at the local elementary school where kind folks called us reporting our "scared little puppy." (Despite being 3 years old, he will forever look like a puppy German shep) Next time around, my mom ignored his escape requests, so Range dove under the kitchen table, scrambling for whatever cover he could get. Silly dog.

In some ways, I can understand what he's going through. "I know how you feel, Rangedogs." It's frightening to go through experiences that you haven't dealt with before, especially when things may be out of your direct control. Luckily, my Californian public school education (thanks Dr. Parham!) and well, God (thanks Holy Spirit!), have equipped me with the tools to carry on without ducking under the table.

And so I will keep trotting along to the best of my ability, and maybe someday, that thundering will be from the confidence and knowledge of my step.

give 'em some air

2010-09-23T00:32:00.000-07:00

You can't hold too close,
for God needs room to shine His light in.
Nary a rip will be painfree,
shredding that which has been intertwined.
But remember to guide with love.

. . .

Cheers, Summer '10. Cheers.

Glorify

2010-09-16T00:47:00.000-07:00

To unveil a majesty that could not be seen before AND/OR To bring joy to God.

I love finding deeper meanings of cliched English words.

"Jesus was not a religious man." - Darryl Brumfield (quote of the while back on popular demand!)

Subtle Racism

2010-09-14T01:04:00.000-07:00

Call it harmless stereotyping if you want, but the roots of racism are still alive and kicking in the US of A.

Ex. 1: At Capital Seafood Express this past week, my Caucasian looking friend and I both bought two item combos. Upon sitting down, he incredulously realized that they had not given him chopsticks. Half laughing, half shaking my head, I reached into my bag to find chopsticks that I didn't mind giving him to use. However, upon further groping around the bag, I realized that they hadn't given me a fork. My friend gave me his, and the reverse stereotype was complete.

Ex. 2: "Hey David, you're good at computers right?! Can you help me fix this?"

Ex. 3: "Hey David, can you solve this rubik's cube for me?"

Sigh.

Melbourne, Victoria

2010-08-31T00:08:00.000-07:00

So Melbourne reminded me of a New York or something along those lines. We weren't really in the city much (except to go to Chinatown for dinners), but I didn't mind. Instead, we went out to Phillip Island to see rafts of little penguins waddle on to shore, and the ruggedly beautiful coastline of the Great Ocean Road.

Both places required a lot of tour bus traveling, but the tour guides were great fun, and there was plenty of cheesy music involved. Good times.

In other news, I also found out about Australian Football, which is their own crazy version of football. There is no offense and defense (like soccer), and they kick field goals at any opportune moment. However, there are four poles, and if goes through the middle, it is a touchdown, whereas on the sides, it's only 1 point. They also seem to punch and kick the ball downfield, rather than ever throwing it overhand. [This is a very primitive understanding of the game] They also call soccer, soccer! Amazing.

Best Parts of the Stay:
Finding out that "kangaroo" in aboriginal language meant "I don't know what you are talking about," which is apparently what the aboroginals told the English explorers when they inquired about the animals (don't know how accurate this is, but this is what the tour guide said)

A group of squawking parrots and lorikeets landing on us and eating bird feed out of our hands, in groups of four and five. This was much more enthralling than words can describe for some reason.

Go West, by the Pet Shop Boys. (Look it up on youtube.)

Worst Parts of the Stay:
The bug bites that started to itch like crazy, but really, a minor nuisance compared to the rest of the trip.

Quote of the Stay:
Cairns Taxi Driver: Where you guys off to?
Mom: Melbourne.
Taxi Driver: Nice.
Mom: Oh yeah, there's no ice there. But it's pretty cold huh.

Cairns, Queensland

2010-08-29T03:06:00.000-07:00

note: this was written back on the 23rd when we were leaving Cairns but I never got internet access on my laptop. Melbourne and overall thoughts that aren't so tourist-y coming soon.

Cairns is in far north Australia, and consequently much closer to the equator, and tropical in nature. Several flowers were ones you would find in Hawaii, and people walked around with no shoes to combat the muggy climate.

The town’s industry is 70% tourism, with its most famous attraction being the Great Barrier Reef. Up north a bit from the city is one of the only places in the world where legitimate rain forest lies side by side with coral reef (off the beach). However, most of the city had ugly mud flats instead of beaches, and waters that you couldn’t swim in because of lurking crocodiles.

Best parts of the stay:
Wearing boat shoes while driving a boat (albeit one that puttered along at a snail’s pace)
Catching weird Australian fish
Learning crazy facts about the rain forest and how God has created things in such a fascinating way
An impromptu family volleyball match that was actually great fun

Worst parts of the stay:
Probably my worst sunburn ever while out on the reef
Subsequent irritation that marred my next couple days there
Walking 25 minutes each way out of the hotel every time we wanted to go into the city

Quote of the stay:
"You can be speechless and still express everything perfectly." - random ad outside our hotel

Sydney, New South Wales

2010-08-21T14:54:00.001-07:00

note: this was written back when I was leaving Sydney a couple days ago

Sydney is a beautiful place. There are a bunch of peninsulas that create uniquely large harbors and bays, as well as some areas that overlook rocky ocean on one side and tranquil waters on the other. The Blue Mountains right outside of town is like a smaller Grand Canyon—if it were completely covered in rain forest with a hanging blue hue draping the canopy. There are also “exotic” birds such as giant parrots, big white cockatoos, and various other cawing, vibrantly feathered avian creatures gracing the sky.

Speaking of animals, they are no where to be seen in Sydney itself, but man are they cute. George Lucas must have gotten his inspiration for ewoks (and maybe Yoda a little too) from koalas. How can you not like the little guys that just slowly munch on eucalyptus leaves while hugging the branches with their little paws? Kangaroos and wallabies too are pleasant enough, at least as babies.

Sudden revelation on this trip—platypuses and bats are seriously like hybrid animals. If they can exist, why can’t mermaids?

The major downfall to traveling in Australia—everything is expensive. A McChicken costs $4.75! I saw that and was heartbroken for Yibs. Regular bottled sodas in machines are like $2.50 or $3. Considering that an American dollar is about 90 Australian cents, it’s not like the conversion rate is the reason. Apparently, the Australian minimum wage is around $15.

I feel like Australia is Europe-lite (tried to find an unoffensive way of saying this… half-hearted, poor man’s…). People drive on the other side of the road, and have accents that if you try to imitate, sometimes turn into British accents (I know this from experience). There are a bunch of school kids dressed like Madeline running around, and people watch rugby and cricket on TV. [[A side note on Cricket: this must be the most boring sport ever. It makes baseball seem like a fast paced endeavor. I’m sure me not knowing the rules has something to do with it, but all I see is a pitcher running about 20 yards down the field before he pitches this bouncing thing that the batter awkwardly tries to make contact with. I think runs are scored when the ball goes foul. If there is even a foul. Sigh. I miss intramural softball.]]

Some of the Australian terms I’ve picked up on: in the queue instead of “in line,” take away instead of “to-go,” and Hungry Jack’s instead of “Burger King.”
I would say the population is about 50% Australian, and 50% immigrant. I’m sure being in Sydney has to do with this, but it’s definitely not a different sight for natives to see Chinese people in Australia. Along these lines, I think I’ve seen something like 3,482 white guys with Asian girls. I digress. Definitely a melting pot of culture here, arguably even more so than in America.

It’s nice to get a breath of winter air. Not that it’s terribly cold. It’s usually around 16 Celsius which I believe is around the low 60’s during the day. Cairns, the next city we’re going to, is up north, and so it’s a lot warmer. More to come! And yes, I “miss you guys or something.”

Quote of the stay:
"Now that's a cheeky smile!"- random Australian guy commenting on my smile during a picture... still not sure what he means.

Leadership

2010-08-14T01:33:00.000-07:00

"Take ownership of your leadership." - Welcome Pet

For whatever reason, I have been thrust/presented the opportunity to lead in various roles recently. This has been going on for awhile now, but alas, I have only been thinking about it more lately (It also happened to come up on Wednesday in JL^2/EKu's small group). Plus, as men, we must be responsible for leadership roles more readily, in general.

Sometimes I feel as if I too naturally take the backseat. My mom always criticized me for being like a "wooden plank" when I had to notice things to do myself--i.e, people too often had to verbally tell me to do something for me to do it. This is obviously not what being a leader entails. For anyone reading this and thinking to themselves, "uhh you still do this David," I apologize.

I pray that I can become someone who takes ownership of their leadership position at all times. Someone who can speak up knowing what to say at all times and someone who represents qualities that people want to follow. Besides not wanting to let anyone down (which is huge in itself), I know that these positions and opportunities are key foundational building blocks for the rest of my life... and I don't want a weaksauce foundation.

"Tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy" - Isaac Newton

Heh

2010-08-09T18:21:00.000-07:00

And of course last night was a clear sky with stars shining brightly.

God and his sense of humor...

How Great Thou Art

2010-07-19T01:38:00.000-07:00

There is something beautiful about impromptu worship on a warm summer night with just a keyboard, a few voices, and a cool breeze floating in through the open windows.

Let's do it more often!

Oh, Happy Day

2010-07-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

God is good, all the time. Thankfully, I have been more aware of his brilliance lately.

Much congratulations and jubilance over my brother, Michael Wen. As the first person I have witnessed through the process, it makes my heart soar with immense joy. Excitement and hope have filled the air like a refreshing deep breath of deliciousness, and praise the Lord for that.

At small groups this week, besides having a good time of fellowship, we were able to dwell upon who God is, and who God is to us (a God of grace and never ending blessing), delving deeper than just the normal descriptions that people throw out as the "right answers". Through reading Psalms 112, we also got on the topic of "the fear of the Lord."

Wisdom, knowledge, and apart from being anxious about worldly things, my fellow leader Amy summed it up nicely. Having a fear of the Lord is being fearless of worldly things. Amen!

You are over comer,
You are heart transformer
You are life forever, ever more.
You give songs to the hopeless
Shower grace on our weakness
You are love forever, ever more.

Sure Enough

2010-07-10T10:53:00.001-07:00

One of the best things I learned from AP English in 11th grade was to cut out all the unnecessary words and clutter in your writing. Recently, I've been reading a book about becoming who God intended, and the author has some great ideas, but is less than eloquent.

I especially didn't like his use of the phrase "sure enough". As in, "I surmised that Johnny would be playing video games. Sure enough, when I looked inside, there he was, playing video games." What does that even mean? "Sure enough"? There is no 'enough' involved, Johnny in this case IS playing video games. I love my figures of speech (and catachresis apparently), but this one just seemed overly hackneyed.

It's weird, because "sure enough" is never usually used in its literal context anymore--the debating of whether you are confident enough in your decision. Instead it is like a guarantee of sorts--basically the "enough" is silent.

Hmm. In other news, cheers for successful new experiences and challenges, back-to-back walk-off wins in summer softball, Jesus equalling the rock in the bible, and the All-Star Game in Anaheim.

A Blast to the Past

2010-06-21T14:38:00.000-07:00

Get Him to the Greek. MLB Showdown. Board and Brew. Strolling the Beach. Padres - Blue Jays. BP Home Run Balls. Oh Canada. Jose Molina. Not right now. World Cup Craziness. North Korea - Brazil. Del Mar Fair. Dennis DeYoung performing the music of Styx. Desert Moon. Domo Arigoto, Mr. Roboto. Come Sail Away. More World Cup. Steve Cherundolo. Vienna. Lakers - Celtics at 126. Home made spaghetti. Monopoly Deal. Moulin Rouge Singalong. Phantom Redux. Elephant Love Medley madness. USA - Slovenia on the projector. Stupid Mali ref. Donovan and Bradley. Taco Truck. Lollicup. Pick-up basketball at the arc. In-n-out. Boy Meets World. A wrench in the plans. Jamba Juice. UCI campus tour. More Vienna attempts. Toy Story 3. Korean BBQ. Three ice cream cones each. Pick-up softball. The epic socal road trip of death. Irvine - El Segundo - Montclair - Hacienda Heights - El Segundo - San Diego. Showdown comeback and an epic Game 5. Leaving on a Jet Plane.

It doesn't get much better than that.

helpless

2010-06-19T00:18:00.000-07:00

The inexperienced boy stood like a firefighter without water, exasperation and a lingering wistful aftertaste hanging in the air.

"Just wanted to say that I love you man," he said quietly, looking at his feet. "I freaking can't wait to talk to you again."

Three Years

2010-06-12T01:34:00.000-07:00

Today marks the end of my third year of college, as well as the end of my vegetarian challenge. On one hand, it all seems to have passed so quickly. When I think of my college experience as 3/4ths over, I shudder and can only shake my head. But then I think back to certain moments from this year, times that I can reflect on and contrast to today... and I can find a sense of peace in the year gone by.

This quarter in particular was not an easy one. It definitely was filled with plenty of good times and new friendships, but above all, it was a quarter filled with challenges.

One in particular, the vegetarian one, I can soundly say was a success. I hope that all of my challenges this quarter can turn out that well.

But all in all, God has repeatedly been good. So very good. And for that, I am thankful.

Lessons from Love & Estrangement

2010-06-04T02:17:00.000-07:00

As daunting and challenging this class was at times, I left it saying to myself "Man am I glad I'm a LJ major..." more times than not, and that pretty much speaks for itself.

"Life moves fast. Memories fade. People die. Only storytellers have the power to slow down time, force us to pay attention to the quiver of an old man's lip, the lavender streaks in a Missouri sky, the flutter of a woman's heart. How often do we ignore these details in every day life? How lucky are we to document them for the world to read?"

"God is in the details."

"Put yourself aside. Because the stories you write are so much bigger than you. Because the people you interview deserve to have their stories told. Because it is our responsibility."

Call me a sucker for the motivational speech, but I am pretty dang motivated. How can you not be after reading that on the last day of class?

LOVE, the whole campus singing along

2010-05-24T20:15:00.000-07:00

Last year's spring quarter was a memorable time of fun--I seemed to just float through it all, lounging around in Aldrich Park during breaks, going to concerts, watching movies, all while doing decently well in school.

This spring however, I feel like I've been picked up by a slow moving tornado and whirled around town at a rapid pace. This tornado hasn't been moving too fast so as to kill me, but it does leave very little time to well, stop and smell the roses.

---

Being a coordinator for senior banquet 2010 was an opportunity of a lifetime, and I am so thankful to have gotten a chance to work with my fellow point leaders. Special shoutout to the Munster and Welcome Pet, you guys really stepped it up big time. I know this is kind of tumblresque, but I feel like Welcome Pet put it best:

"I've had so much fun working with everyone on banquet these past few weeks. It was pretty stressful but I never regretted it at all. Just seeing how everything was coming together and getting to know a bunch of you so well was an amazing experience for me and honestly, I'm going to miss it a lot. I really appreciate the time and effort that everyone gave and I think it really came out looking amazing. Awesome job everyone."

It's weird and very bittersweet being done with it all, but I know that besides all the amazing videos that I will re-watch again and again, I will come out of this experience with new and strengthened friendships, some xp in leadership and decision making, and even a few dance moves to boot. I'm also really glad it was this senior class that I got to honor, because I truly love a bunch of them to death. It's mind-boggling to think of myself as a senior so soon.

---

The softball season ended today on a disappointing note. I totally choked in the last inning, and George's huge hit was nullified by the ump giving the other team another inning. It's funny because in co-ed, we lost when the umpire took away an inning a bit prematurely. Still, it was a blast (as always) being able to play softball with a great group of guys and girls, even if attendance was much more difficult than in the past. Interestingly enough, we felt much more confident in our co-ed team at the beginning of the season, and we also felt really confident in this men's semi-final game at both the beginning of the game and after we took the lead in the bottom of the 6th.

Things don't always turn out like you anticipated, and that's part of life I guess. I'm excited to have some relative "downtime" for the rest of the quarter, and spend more one-on-one time with the big man upstairs. Lord knows I need it.

God Provides

2010-05-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

In a time of challenges:
Veggie Grill gift cards for the vegetarian thing.
Journalism sources falling into my lap.
An amazing group of co-coordinators for banquet that are picking up my slack.

Skunk! Part II

2010-05-11T01:43:00.000-07:00

At 11:30 p.m. last Sunday, as I was merrily walking Rangedogs through the brisk but not too chilly neighborhood, I was in pretty high spirits. The day back home had gone very well, with a groundbreaking interview in the morning and an enjoyable family dinner at night. All I had left to do was finish up a couple of articles, and I looked forward to getting a solid night's sleep. On top of all that, I was listening to the newly acquired fun. CD and it's borderline impossible to feel anything but happy while listening to them.

About 50 feet away from returning home, after Ranger had raised his stupid leg about 37 times, this fatty skunk or racoon type animal waddled across the street a little ways down the road. Ranger went ballistic, somehow ripping himself free of not his collar, but the metal carabiner that linked his leash and his collar. This newfound freedom allowed Range to frantically sprint around the neighborhood for about a minute, joyously seeking out his prey, while I tried in vain to get a hold of him.

Finally, Ranger stops by a car and barks a few times. A rotten stench wafts through the air. It was most definitely a skunk. Drained from his jubilant adventure, Rangedogs puts his head down and promptly trots back to our house.

I go home, proclaiming the bad news. We decide to wait for my brother to get home because he knows the concoction. Meanwhile, Ranger somehow got loose from the backyard, and is once again roaming the neighborhood.

By the time we finally find him, get the delightful mix of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and water all over Ranger's pungent fur, shampoo and bathe him, it is 2:30. At this point I still have to deal with the slightly mind-boggling fact that my sister had gotten all my whites stained a pale green because she had inexplicably threw some of her own green clothes into my batch of whites (that was already done) and re-started the wash. I also still had to finish my articles, and drive back to Irvine early the next morning.

God has an interesting way of reminding us about things. Patience, unconditional love, not being too comfortable to the point of stagnancy, humbleness...

I can feel the stretch run a-coming

2010-05-04T19:44:00.000-07:00

Every year, spring quarter always ends with such a bang. School stuff seemingly goes on the backburner, and all these awesome events like dance practice and trainings and softball take over my daily thoughts. This year, it seems like it's even more pronounced because I have been thrust into a leadership position in many of these roles. Sometimes, I feel this overwhelming burden of not messing up/being an inadequate leader. Other times, I feel a rush of satisfaction of a job well done, or something that went better than expected. Overall, I'm glad I took these opportunities. Definitely some good character building and all that jazz.

These moments are only going to intensify as the year comes to a close. For some reason, the stretch run where Zenyatta bursts to the front of the pack comes to mind. ZEN-YA-TA!!!!

The vegetarian run has been good thus far. I think the first time that I started wanting meat again was last Wednesday. Some meals are a bit pathetic looking. But in any case, I think it is a very good reminder for me in the midst of my busy days to take a breather and look up to God and just honor him. I have a budding sense of encouragement about the goals that I want to see accomplished.

(Side note: I think the style of this post was kind of similar to Fooks' "Week 5" post. I have this slightly disturbing, somewhat uncanny ability to (sometimes unknowingly) imitate writers that I read. Like when I read the entire "Roll my Thunder, Hear my Cry" series in eighth grade, I picked up that Southern reconstruction era style. When we read Frankenstein, it was the depressingly romantic stuff that I started spewing. Reading Bill Simmons usually makes my sports columns a little funnier.
So the question remains: am I merely some kind of chameleon writer who, like we learned in music 3, can perform, but cannot compose?)

Curveball

2010-04-29T00:06:00.000-07:00

A common problem for many minor leaguers who may boast the best athletic tools or raw talent is that they can't hit the curveball. Sometimes, they even know the good old breaking ball is coming, and they still can't hit it.

So when that 12 to 6 pitch comes, I hope that I am either able to hit it, or that I realize relatively quickly that I can't, so I can retire gracefully and pursue other things in life.

vegetarian experiment & NBA Love

2010-04-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

Inspired by DSzeto, I am undertaking a two month vegetarian experiment (with the exception of fish) from April 24 to June 24. Results to be updated.

In other news, how great that there is so much love for our NBA group the same week that I write a column lambasting the real NBA.

Spring quarters always seem to have an interesting way of coming together.

softball love

2010-04-20T10:57:00.000-07:00

*And it's a well-hit ball over the shortstop's head, the left-fielder is racing towards it, andd Shi is there, the ball is bobbled, but he MAKES THE CATCH! AHHHH AND THE CROWD GOES CRAZY! GAME OVER, IT'S A TIE FOLKS. I DON'TTT BELIEVE IT, runners on first and third with no one out and the Sandlot defense absolutely cracks down!*

Another reminder of why I love the game of baseball (and its alternate versions).

self-consciousness

2010-04-10T00:28:00.000-07:00

Imagine a world where everyone acted the same regardless if they were in the public or in private. Where everyone wasn't so self-conscious about how people interpreted them or self-conscious about giving the wrong impression.

And I'm not even talking about simple stuff like outgoing-ness and lewdness. What about interactions with each other? Do we change how we act with certain people based on if we are in public or private? Maybe it is a necessary thing. Maybe it isn't even a bad thing. Nonetheless, it would be interesting to live in a world where no one felt hindered in public.

21

2010-04-04T23:35:00.000-07:00

Shucks guys. Y'all are too good to me. Not sure if it was planned that way, but the waves of surprise thing was really like four times the fun. I know I said I was giving up sweets for the rest of junior year, but I am going to thoroughly enjoy all these treats.

. . .

In other news. These last three days have been a crazy reminder of many things:
Of sickness and not getting enough sleep
Of a contrarian God and mind-boggling love
Of my important responsibilities, priorities, and being a bit selfless this summer
Of the very real danger and possibility of car crashes

. . .

Baseball is back for my 15th conscious season. Another summer to enjoy my boys. And I am as excited as ever. Thank you Albert Pujols for being the man you are.

BWAM LA & other realizations

2010-03-28T23:20:00.000-07:00

It dawned upon me today that I only have a third of my undergrad college career left. The first third and the second third couldn't have been more different in nature, really. Now, going into the third, I really want to reach that proverbial palace. But I must admit, amidst my confidence and motivation, I still have some streaks of self-doubt and insecurity. It only hit me right now how relevant Francis Chan's message this morning was. Such a nifty reminder to be at peace with what we're doing, and to know that God has planned it this way. Humility is thinking about other over yourself, not thinking about yourself at all. Humility is not putting yourself down.

On a sidenote: Writers always seem to have a mentality to try especially hard on introductions/hooks/leads. What if we wrote everything with as much effort and emphasis as we did our leads? Anyway, another thing about writing is if you do too much of it in one chunk, no one will read it. So without further ado...

~BWAM LA 2010 Thoughts~
1. First time I actually enjoyed working with kids, something I've never particularly felt very comfortable doing. Maybe because I only get along with certain types of kids, but it was an eye-opening and encouraging experience. It was just saddening to have to leave so soon after barely getting any time with them. Hearing their stories made me want to go back.
2. I LOVE my BWAM team forreals. I feel so blessed to have spent spring break with the specific people that the LA Confidants consisted of. So much laughing, insight, and honesty. :)
3. Speaking of being blessed... this trip made me realize God is too good to us. Complaints for me should be non-existant.
4. Quick hits from devotionals... Listen and understand, love on the lost and the forsaken, even when it is a lot harder to do so, love intentionally and without agenda (and do it yourself), friends shouldn't be the exact same as you, but rather challenge you to be more than you are.
5. As Christians, we should not tell others "you need to do this, you need to do that". Rather, just keep giving encouragement and support. Pray for specifics, and look to God for change.

Let's do this like Brutus Spring 2010.

finals week moments

2010-03-15T21:54:00.000-07:00

1. songs that transcend time
2. "if the price ain't right, then the price is wrong."
3. "does it look like there's a girl on my bed?"

resolved

2010-03-10T00:31:00.000-08:00

1. another sweets ban... until the end of junior year
2. a revitalized attempt at some kind of facial hair/scruff
3. synth + keys + welcome pet + rk music

so much fun

2010-03-07T23:57:00.000-08:00

Despite it being a bit rushed at parts, botched in others, and the mike not being in the best position for the drums, this was still a great reminder of how fun playing music with other people is. I couldn't stop smiling after getting off the stage.

In other news, the goal of getting an intramural champion shirt every year is alive and well. I don't know what it is about our softball team dynamic, but something about it just clicks and works. THE SANDLOT, 2010 SOFTBALL CLASSIC CHAMPS! A special shoutout to our all-star 2nd baseman's line drive snag, our left fielder's diving catch, absolutely stellar digging at first, and a couple of bombs from the usual big boppers. Actually, everyone played well, and all the bats made good showings as well. Last but not least, I'm loving the navy blue baseball t's and the pre-defense huddle. <3

PTL

2010-03-01T16:39:00.000-08:00

My original intention was to put up another laundry list of things I had to get done this week in an attempt to gain some sympathy or look back fondly at the week and nod my head in accomplishment. However, through Philippians 2:14, I have learned not to complain or grumble. The thing is, looking back at the week that was, I can only smile and thank God for how well everything went.

1. Thanks to the New University staff for bestowing their confidence in me, and thanks for my community for lavishing me with congratuations. To be honest, I was not planning for or expecting the position going into this year, but really appreciate the chance to do something great. I can promise my utmost dedication and effort.

2. Thanks to my small group guys for participating in my first bible study for a good amount of time. I can only hope they will forever take away something applicable from the topic we discussed.

3. Thanks to Chef Yu for accompanying me on a softball team shirt journey. You never know what kind of discounts you can get without asking =)

4. Thanks to Welcome Pet for being an absolute blast to play with. We can't stop now! Let's cut the legs off our pants and slip and slide on subway grates!

5. Thanks to Squids for the great season. The results might not have been there in the win/loss column, but we had our moments. Also a side note thanks to the unicorns for their undying support.

6. Thanks to KSong for the history essay conversation. It is pretty hazy now but I just know I got out of it alive.

7. Thanks to the amazing planners, acts, and behind the scenes people that put on Moca. It was probably the best talent show I have ever been a part of it, and very well organized. Good job everyone, seriously.

8. Thanks to my Los Angeles BWAM Team! I'm excited to get this going.

9. Thanks to Fooks for all the help with worship team tryouts. I at least know that I did what I could given the circumstances, and can proceed without regrets. As for Fooks, you are so great at giving and serving, be sure to open up and let others serve you sometimes too. We'll talk more soon.

10. Thanks to my UCI Anteaters basketball team for pulling out this homecoming game for us. It was a thrill, and I'm really rooting for you guys to finish this season strong.

11. Thanks to the Glory people who came up and supported us during MOCA and hung out for the weekend. Sorry I could not see you guys for longer, but Silent Library was hilarious nonetheless (really, when is it not).

12. Thanks to Dave Gibbons for the inspiring message and prayer that managed to strike a chord. Great vision comes from great relationships indeed.

Sociology Research Ideas

2010-02-20T18:33:00.000-08:00

Things I've wondered about and would research if given the opportunity...

I. The effect of your placement in terms of your siblings (i.e. only child, youngest daughter of 3, oldest brother of 4, twins etc etc), and also factor in age differences

II. The effect of the spring time on blooming romances (i.e. the warming of the weather, the pleasantness of spring blossoms, the time of the school year)

III. The effect of your interests relating to where you grew up, and what your parents interests are

Copyright Dvdgao, 2010

Full House

2010-02-18T18:37:00.000-08:00

You know how when you have something huge coming up like the AP test in high school, that day becomes ingraved in your mind as the ultimate doomsday or day of infamy? Like when the day finally arrives, it's a sinking feeling in your stomach just because of how long you've dreaded it. But then maybe you decide to drop that AP test, and the day kind of disappears from your mind. When the day comes, it's like "whoa", today would have been the day...

notes from a conversation

2010-02-15T01:13:00.000-08:00

After writing ~20 pages in the last week or so, I am unfortunately going to keep it to bullet points once again. Here are some things that stood out and that I agreed with from a conversation I had on this lovely Chinese News Year and Valentines Day night.

- As male leaders, we sometimes need to be able to be honest and not always present this warm unabrasive conversation that gets nothing done.
- "Chatting" is time better spent than regular time wasted, because at least it is towards a relationship.
- Be careful of using "God's plan" or "what God was trying to show me" as a crutch for past issues
- Have confidence in new things and your own ability to do them; better to try out and go for it and not make it then be too paralyzed by fear and keep it safe
- Sometimes, it is necessary to take risks by doing something whatever it is that seemingly does not make sense. This usually results in being vulnerable in order to love others.

one of those weeks

2010-02-06T02:22:00.000-08:00

beginning today ending friday, the 12th...
- 2 intramural basketball games
- UCI game
- New U production
- Super Bowl
- Worship team app
- EIC Platform
- sister appreciation weds
- 2 essays due thurs
- midterm thurs
- essay due fri
- commotion fri

CHARACTER BUILDING on 3... BREAK!

Relevant for the Week

2010-01-22T10:25:00.000-08:00

These lines randomly came to me while I was traipsing across the numerous puddles on campus, sans umbrella.

Hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me
Hallelujah, all my stains are washed away, washed away

Amazing Grace will probably always be on my top 3 favorites list. Old-school hymns ftw.

Sunflower Seeds

2010-01-12T22:09:00.000-08:00

First off, props to JGao on the new photo. Even though it took way longer than it should have.

During last finals week, I was up late studying and instead of energy drinks or coffee, I had a bag of salty sunflower seeds. They became addicting, and the salt somehow pruned my fingers, while my tongue shriveled up. Whether it was the sodium levels, or the mechanical flow of the crack, flick, and crunch, I didn't get tired at all staying up super late studying for boring topics.
- - -
Instead of life is like a box of chocolates... Girls are like a bag of sunflower seeds, you never know what you're going to get.
On the exterior, for the most part, all girls are the same. Decently friendly, dressed nice, incapable of farting. All the seeds are salty, crisp, and gray. But when you go a bit deeper...

- The plain jacked up
The few that are cracked with scarred holes in the shell, half the seed has disappeared, and you have no idea how a sunflower seed can even taste like this. Sometimes, they manage to be still normal tasting. Other times... well. Approach these at your own risk.

- The run of the mill
On the interior, the majority of the seeds are ok, about what you expect. Decently courteous, can hold conversation for awhile. Pleasant, nothing to object about.

- The naked
There are a few random ones without shells, and at first your eyes light up because hey, no work needs to be done. An easy treat. But then you realize the flavoring is a bit weird and its been over saturrated and exposed. I mean, anyone can just come along and eat these seeds without shells and not do any work for them. This is probably also why this variety is more expensive (by the bag).

- The blindsiding rotten.
The type that seems fine on the outside, just like your run of the mill sunflower seed, but on the inside is for some reason, rotten. These are the nastiest things ever. A sour taste takes over your mouth, and you wish you never would have even started eating these blasted unreliable excuses for snacks.

- The cream of the crop, diamond in the rough.
It tastes as if it has been slowly roasted and bursts with richness. The flavor to size ratio is out of this world. But there is absolutely nothing on the outside that gives away what lies inside.

(if you're reading this, you are probably in the last category :)

What a Decade...

2010-01-01T03:41:00.000-08:00

I regret to say that my last few minutes of the decade were spent asleep somewhere in the middle of no where, past Barstow but not quite into civilization yet.

However. I would just like to say that the decade largely defining my childhood was largely, un-freakin-believable. I have been incredibly blessed in so many aspects, graced in so many ways, and the health of my family has been kept so in tact... thank God so, so much, for all this. His greatness really cannot be expressed in these mere putterings.

Without further ado, the bests of 2009, because the entire decade would take too long (and since it would pretty much be 85% of the best of my entire life).

Music Added/Discovered - for the memories and for the musical goodness
- Africa, Straight No Chaser
- Phil Wickham Album (Self-Titled)
- On the Wing, Owl City
- Hosanna, Hillsong
- It's So Hard to Say Goodbye, Boyz II Men
- Come on Eileen, Dexys Midnight Riders
- Sweet Caroline, Neil Diamond
- Brick, Ben Folds
- The Crane Wife Album, The Decemberists
- The Fray Album (Self-Titled)
- Sing, Sing, Sing - Chris Tomlin
- (If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You to To, Weezer
- For Good, Wicked
- Magic Perfume, Charlyne Yi
- Burndt Jamb, Weezer
- Forget and Not Slow Down Album, Relient K
- Heaven & Earth Album, Phil Wickham
- She Drives Me Crazy, Fine Young Cannibals
- Hello Hurricane Album, Switchfoot
- Amazing Grace, Sufjan Stevens

Sports, for the epicness and the memories
10. The greatness that was Pujols, Carpenter, and Wainwright
9. NLDS Game 2... The Holliday drop game
8. John Smoltz debuts with Cards by striking out 7 straight Pads
7. UCI Baseball 5, UCLA 4 (10 Innings)
6. UCI 84, LMU 78 @ LMU with EJ and Pappy
5. Mizzou Elite 8 Appearance
4. UCI Men's Volleyball National Champs
3. Hoai's Game saving catch in summer softball
2. Welcome Week Dodgeball Champs
1. Spring Softball, 0-4 reg season, 4-0 Playoff Champs

The People I have gotten to known better. And to prove that I don't like drinks more than eating.
- Ms. Black tea with milk and 12 pumps of classic & panda express
- Mr. 85 degrees milk tea & Watermelon
- Ms. Gingerbread latte & Ice chips
- Mr. Wine & Carrot Quesadillas
- Ms. Bottled thai tea & Massive pot of chili
- Mr. Ju hua cha & Bao Ze
- Ms. Candy Cane Hot Cocoa & Chicken Pesto Pasta
- Mr. Apple Juice Chugger & Buttered Chicken
- Ms. Bon Epi Tea & Crazy Homemade Cakes
- Mr. Arizona Ice Tea & Weinerschnitz chili cheese burgers
- Ms. Coffee Bean & BJ's alcoholic drinks
- Mr. Hawaiian Punch & Minato sushi

<3

From Williams, Arizona

2009-12-29T23:18:00.001-08:00

I've kept a travel journal since the 7th grade but they have always been rushed entries that barely resemble comprehensible sentences. This is because I usually start getting motion sickness from writing too long in the car or I'm too cramped to really write something of substance. But after reading Vikram Seth's "From Heaven Lake", I think it'd be cool to travel the world with your buddies and just write travel logs about them. They'd be titled "The Daring Travels of Dvdgao: (Place)" or something. Here are some excerpts if this ever actually happened.

1. The tap water in Williams is icy cold. Finger numbing cold. I never thought of Arizona as a cold place. I thought wrong.

2. Today at the Hoover Dam, I cupped some water in my hands and tried to toss it down the 1000+ feet into the Colorado River, but it just splashed onto the side of the dam. It looked like someone took a pee off the dam.

3. The Best Western we're staying at apparently provides full breakfast (not Continental!) and free wifi! Treasure Island which we were staying at earlier did not provide these amenities, but instead provided constant smokiness and room service that took two hours to get to our room. Best Western, truly the best in the west!

And that, ladies and gentlemen, was a homeless man's combination of Seth and Bill Simmons.

2009 Wrap-up Post to come.

E100: Bane of My Existence

2009-12-10T01:59:00.000-08:00

Dvdgao9 (5:10:46 PM): Vikram Seth > any of these guys
Dvdgao9 (5:10:48 PM): my goodness
TisforT1MMY (5:10:54 PM): haha
TisforT1MMY (5:11:16 PM): i'm not sure there are many authors who are not > any of these guys
Dvdgao9 (5:11:40 PM): well, me for one
TisforT1MMY (5:11:58 PM): you could definitely do what they do
TisforT1MMY (5:12:00 PM): make up random terms
TisforT1MMY (5:12:06 PM): make it sound legit
TisforT1MMY (5:12:22 PM): "yes, im going to call this.... SUPERPHILOSOPHY"
Dvdgao9 (5:12:57 PM): hahaha
TisforT1MMY (5:13:01 PM): "what is superphilosophy? it's philosophy without actually thinking. By excluding the thinking part, the philosophy is therefore purer in form"
TisforT1MMY (5:13:03 PM): etc etc
Dvdgao9 (5:13:09 PM): true.
TisforT1MMY (5:13:16 PM): do i sound like i could belong in Norton's Anthology?
TisforT1MMY (5:13:36 PM): yeah. i rest my case!
Dvdgao9 (5:13:44 PM): "It is important to note that the beautiful transcends the imagination, superceding the natural tendency to transcribe the sublime"
Dvdgao9 (5:13:54 PM): eh? eh??
TisforT1MMY (5:15:06 PM): "yet, the ugly actually is superior to the beautiful because the shock factor forces our emotions out more efficaciously"
TisforT1MMY (5:15:20 PM): this is easy
TisforT1MMY (5:15:23 PM): lets write a book
Dvdgao9 (5:15:24 PM): hahaha
Dvdgao9 (5:15:25 PM): lets do it!
TisforT1MMY (5:15:26 PM): and make people take classes on us
TisforT1MMY (5:15:33 PM): and fail them just cause
TisforT1MMY (5:15:36 PM): we feel like it.
Dvdgao9 (5:15:41 PM): Horng: "On the Subject of Efficiency"
TisforT1MMY (5:15:46 PM): hahaha
Dvdgao9 (5:15:59 PM): Gao: "Essay on the Perplexing"
TisforT1MMY (5:16:38 PM): we'll get jenny and diane deanna carly to all chip in on this
TisforT1MMY (5:16:41 PM): and we'll have an anthology
TisforT1MMY (5:16:51 PM): we'll publish our own books
TisforT1MMY (5:16:54 PM): and mark up the prices
Dvdgao9 (5:17:00 PM): bible thin pages too?
TisforT1MMY (5:17:07 PM): yes, because they're cheap
TisforT1MMY (5:17:11 PM): and the students will HAVE to pay $200 for our book
Dvdgao9 (5:17:20 PM): hahah
Dvdgao9 (5:17:39 PM): we got to get some foreigners too with cool sounding names
Dvdgao9 (5:17:47 PM): de Berkenmuller
Dvdgao9 (5:17:57 PM): McAlifixander
Dvdgao9 (5:18:05 PM): Podsednik
TisforT1MMY (5:18:43 PM): LOL
TisforT1MMY (5:19:03 PM): and we need one name that is subtley perverse for comic relief
TisforT1MMY (5:19:18 PM): Deeck

Skunk!

2009-11-28T12:42:00.001-08:00

Today coming home from getting my breaks replaced on ole mounty (let it be stated and confirmed for the record on this date so that the next time they say i need to replace my breaks, i can check), I saw a skunk on the side of the highway off-ramp.

Due to my attentive and fast (but safe) driving, I could not tell if the skunk was dead or alive, but I made out the definitive black and white fur pattern. Weirdly enough, I didn't smell anything when I saw the little guy, until about 2 blocks later, when the smell hit me like a brick wall. This lovely aroma went on for another 1.5 blocks or so.

Skunk : Stinky Smell \\ Us : The impact of our love and care for others

Giving Thanks 2009

2009-11-26T21:05:00.000-08:00

1. Proverbial Putts is 1 year old, today.
2. My mother served cranberry sauce today that expired last year. She calmly noted that she bought it last year for Thanksgiving, but that it was still perfectly fine and unspoiled. Thankfully, I had the other type of cranberry sauce on the table hahah... gotta love being back home for family meals. =]
3. I'm pretty sure my sister has an addiction to whipped cream. Not only did she ask to bring it out at the beginning of the meal, but she asked to use some more when she literally had the tiniest possible piece of pumpkin pie left.
I feel like this is an apt metaphor for what the holidays have become in America. Let's all remember to use the whipped cream as a bonus trimming, and not the reason why we're eating the pie in the first place.

Would You Rather

2009-11-24T01:36:00.000-08:00

Because we are the fun-loving, good ole chaps that we are, my small group guys were playing "would you rather" the other day. They included..

Eat chocolate flavored turd or turd flavored chocalate
Marry at 22 to someone who is just alright or at 50 to the person of your dreams
Die of laughter or of suffucation (...)

But the one that made me think the most:
Live with someone who was super cocky, or who lied all the time

At first I said the liar, because genuinely cocky people are super annoying. But then I realized that being close to someone whose words you cannot trust/believe ultimately is the worst. You think you're getting somewhere, or you have some basis of understanding, but in the end, you are just a fool for believing them. Lame.

What y'all think?

Forget and Not Slow Down

2009-11-18T15:44:00.001-08:00

So Relient K is talking about something else in their album title, but recently I feel like I've been breezing through this quarter too quickly. How do I take a step back and soak things in?

Every day I look towards my to-do list, and finally get it done after the curse that is procrastination. Take a deep exhale, and go to bed. Next day, same routine.

I had to go through one more hideous 0/4 with 4 K's day before REALLY getting some extra batting practice.

In other news, after not leaving SoCal for basically the entirety of 2009, I'm excited for my upcoming escapades, whether it be with friends, family, or self.

But for now... going to try and slow down and take it in more. Tonight, UCI @ LMU... the game that no one else really cares about that Pappy and I have been waiting for forever. Our own little super bowl of sorts.

P.s: One of the only things E100 has taught me this quarter: I like Back to the Future because it achieves the sublime. ANDDD now... back to our regularly scheduled programming, an essay on "an essay on criticism"

Extra Batting Practice

2009-10-31T16:37:00.000-07:00

I think over the summer, I got lucky with some bloop hits and clutch moments that covered up for my poor mechanics, but now they are starting to catch up to me.

Let this post remind me to get out of this slump and get some extra batting practice in. Starting with this english midterm coming up.

... UCI Basketball coming up in a week and a half!!!

friendship

2009-10-24T22:20:00.000-07:00

Don't know why, but I've always valued dedication and longevity in my friendships. Maybe not consistency all the time, because that's just an impossible road to maintain at times, but i just don't get people who prefer to go through phases of friends, forming and breaking bonds like alkali metals.

Currently listening to:
Phil Wickham's Heaven & Earth Album (omg concert on 10/19 was not only amazing, but uplifting and refreshing)
She Drives Me Crazy - Fine Young Cannibals

Goobly Gook and The Ewing Theory Analogy

2009-10-15T21:52:00.000-07:00

Today I went through the entire day of lecture without thinking that anything I learned was all that interesting or useful.

Instead of memorizing who was Zeus' dad or Poseidon's roman name, what Longinus thought about poetry or what sublimity was, or the historical/economical breakdown of China through the last 5 centuries... two completely different thoughts that randomly popped in my head today.

1. Goobly Gook. Used in the context today, to mean 'absolute gibberish.' My question is... who decided on goobly gook to mean that?! Literally anything at all could be an example of gibberish, yet people usually know what you mean with "goobly gook". Why not... woombaja hoobamja?

2. Ewing Theory is the ESPN coined phenomena of a mediocre team getting better when they lose their best player. The as of yet untitled phenomena of not being friends with your exes, is when you don't spend any time at all on the friend you used to spend the most time on.
--> my analysis/analogy: People never like losing their star player, because everyone likes watching a dominant player, someone they can always count on. However, this star player is not always best for the TEAM dynamic. Sometimes, in the absense of this go-to guy, the rest of the players on the team all step up and end up doing better where it counts--the win/loss column. Obviously, championship teams still have go-to guys often times, guys that carry their team to the top. Indeed, the argument can be made that true dynasties need go-to guys. But the Ewing Theory doesn't apply to everyone. When it does, you know that the go-to guy wasn't the right one.

So sometimes, you have to get rid of the sweet swinging lefty power hitter, the 6'10 menacing lefty who throws 100, and the good-looking shortstop who can seemingly do it all, and go out and win 116 games.

Songs of the Moment (slightly stretched out to catch up):
Entire Forget and Not Slow Down CD by Relient K, especially Savannah & Sahara
When She Loved Me - Toy Story 2 (thanks Luigi)
Bruises - Chairlift
Entire The Resistance CD by Muse
Burndt Jamb - Weezer
Everything - Michael Buble
Magic Perfume - Charlyne Yi
Spaceman - The Killers

Avoiding the Issue

2009-09-30T15:55:00.000-07:00

So I have been MIA on here because I have been focusing all my writing brainstorming efforts on my sports column for the New University. Here are my two columns so far, in case you, random reader, are interested.

http://www.newuniversity.org/2009/09/sports/sports-programs-are-on-the-rise-at-uci-don%e2%80%99t-miss-out-on-the-fun/

http://www.newuniversity.org/2009/09/sports/drowning-out-that-which-is-redundant-and-recycled-in-sports/

In other news, I have come to a realization about avoiding situations. Namely, that it is not the right way to go about things. For example, as a kid, when we had to get tests signed, and I got a bad grade, I would wait until the last possible day to get the test signed, just because I was scared of my parents scolding. My thought process was basically "hey, if I can avoid it for a few extra days and pretend like I haven't gotten my test back, let's do it!". Basically, I was a coward.

Ashamedly, I still do that in some ways to this day. When I get a test score back on a test that I don't think I did very well on, I'll often times not check for a few days, out of some stupid fear. "Ignorance is bliss" or something like that.

I have now realized that I should just check right away, and in general, address issues as soon as possible. Sure it may be more unpleasant in the short run, but waiting and avoiding in no way can make the situation better. At least if I get something over with, I can start on the path to correction or improvement sooner.

In other words, I'm going to start manning up. Face consequences, get stuff done, sacrifice the easy way out in the short run to do what's right in the long run.

And now, back to thinking up a column idea for next week.

Blink and Smell the Roses

2009-09-17T18:04:00.000-07:00

In the Music World...
Last night's Blink 182/Weezer concert was like I had always imagined, sans the horrible traffic and the stunningly good looking company. I don't think it even sunk in that I was witnessing freakin Weezer and bloody Blink 182 until after the concert. Highlights: Rivers' dance moves, shouting out Burndt Jamb, holding up the weezer sign, Tom's banter and whiny voice, Travis' sheer awesomeness rotating around the sky, Blink's band moment, and of course, Mark Hoppus still being the best. Like Halloween on Christmas.
It was indeed the perfect last shabang of Summer, 2009.
And now, there are new albums from Muse, Relient K, Switchfoot, Weezer, and Phil Wickham to look forward to. Wowzers.

In the Sports World...
The Cardinals are entering the playoffs, and with that the hopes and joys of the playoffs and hopefully a return to the World Series. The Rams are starting up a new season, and with that the fears and dissapointment of another embarassing campaign. I mean... hopes and joys of a clean slate. The Blues are starting up soon as well, and with that the promise of seeing them in Anaheim with a good chance to actually win this year. College football is back, and with that the confusing and unfamiliarity of the BCS and a new generation of Mizzou Tigers. And justtt a little bit off on the horizon is college basketball, and with that the triumphant glory and utter brilliance that is UCI basketball.

In Dvd's World...
Summer 2009 was not quite what I expected in some ways, but looking back now I would have to say it was a satisfactory success. Like a lot of things in my life, it really picked up in the end, what with grades turning out for the better, the founding of turtle rock vista apartment 122, ELC in Hesperia (a reminder to love radically and with risks), and the slow but sure process of creating friendships that I will cherish for a long time. God's plan never quite develops quite like what we had in mind, but the reassuring thing is that He knows what He's doing. I find that any initial fears or worries are not only taken away, but in the end improved for the better.

There may only be a week left before classes start, but the beautiful thing is, it only gets better from here. In the words of the immortal Keisha Phillips, Let's do this like Brutus!

and i'm not talking about Spiderman

2009-09-05T01:40:00.000-07:00

This is my gift, this is my curse.
(A little dramatic, I know.)

eventful

2009-09-02T04:32:00.000-07:00

Resolved: That it is worse/harder for the cool roller coaster to break down right before you're about to go on it for the first time, then to be sorely disappointed by a hyped up roller coaster that didn't turn out that great.

Also, this extended weekend was definitely the last shabang of summer school summer.
Childhood couches, revolving sushi bars (inari), loaded questions (mistaken someone for Diane), Irvine dim sum (ginger tofu dessert), hw cramming (torture), Silent ninja (getting hit in areas other than my hands), Stories about Anne (no no no!), Target (1 day too late axe/mikeykoo), Iron Chef (hawaiian chicken, red pepper salad decorating), and 9 person karaoke (can't take my eyes off of you, two words: jason chung).
Definite Priceless stretch.

Noticing the Little Things: Eye Contact

2009-08-26T02:44:00.000-07:00

I guess when it comes down to it, eyes are just a complex set of lenses and muscles that allow the ability of sight. Camera lenses can do the same thing, but there's a reason why robotic eyes are so creepy.

Eyes are in essence a direct portal into someone's soul. Cover everything else up, and you could still tell if someone was giving you an icy glare, a far off mind-on-something-else look, a roll of annoyance, or watering lip-biting emotion.

Staring deep into someone's eyes while a smile creeps up on their face can be as affectionate as a tight embrace, and as reassuring as concrete spoken words.

The added bonus is that it's very hard for eyes to lie. Empty words and empty hugs are everywhere, but I don't think I've ever experienced a fake gaze of affection. Tis unfortunate, but with reason, that this special eye contact is considerably harder to find.

Songs of the Moment:
Sing, Sing, Sing - Chris Tomlin
Phantom Limb - The Shins
First Day of my Life - Bright Eyes
In the Still of the Night (I'll Remember) - Boyz II Men

Although Unnecessary

2009-08-16T00:14:00.000-07:00

Went to Harvest Fest today, drawn by the "headlining" act of Relient K. I was pretty excited, despite this being my 7th time seeing Matty T and the boys. However, they only ended up playing 5 songs (Who I Am Hates Who I've Been, High of 75, Forgiven, Office/5 dollar footlong, Be My Escape), and I was stuck on the walkways watching them in the middle of the infield, so it wasn't a concert feel at all. I was disappointed by that whole ordeal, since I definitely wasn't there to see Skillet or Greg Laurie.

However, we decided to stay, and walked around to the area directly behind home plate. I'm not sure what we were looking for, since the place was beyond capacity, with even the seats in the outfield, behind the stage, being full. Then, all of a sudden, the usher looks at us and says "three? come with me" and leads us to the fourth row behind home plate. Definitely one of those everyday miracles.

But at the end of the day, there were so many little things I complained about or mocked and focused on.

Did Skillet have to jump down to the field, fall, and run awkwardly around the stadium? Did Greg Laurie have to go on tangents about jumbo shrimp, women drivers (ok this one is fine in my book), Shia Lebeaouf, and Travis Barker? Did Relient K have to waste valuable stage time playing silly covers? The answer is no. People include things or do things that are unnecessary or bad decisions that can leave a sour taste in our mouths. It is all too easy to go back and chastise them for those small things. But looking back at the grand scheme of their intentions, do those small things really matter? In the end, we should appreciate what people are doing, or just that they're there for us, and let the little things go, even if they strike personal pet peeve chords in us.

living by yourself

2009-08-08T20:32:00.000-07:00

Pros:
1. You can sing loudly and generally make a lot of noise without fear of anyone noticing you and thinking you're a bad singer/freak.
2. No one else making noise when you don't want noise.
Cons:
1. Too much eery quiet.
2. Ok screw this list, it's just going to sound depressing and lame.

Resolution: I'm going to have roommates until I get married.

raspberries

2009-08-01T01:47:00.000-07:00

I haven't been eating enough fruit lately (but then again according to my mom I never have enough fruit, ever), so I decided to have a thing of raspberries tonight. Summertime must be a good time for the berries of rasp, because these suckers were huge. Unlike previous boxes of berries, I did not need to add any "sugar" and thus was blissfully flicking these gigantic berries of joy into my mouth, heartily enjoying that unique mini-seed popping that only raspberries can offer.

Suddenly, my prancing taste buds came to a screeching halt. The raspberry that had just entered my mouth was definitely coated with... concentrated dishwashing liquid soap.

Thinking this run to the sink was all too familiar, the soap proved to be much harder to rinse out of my mouth than salt. Even though the salt was more overpowering, at least it is a generally accepted cooking ingredient. The soap on the other hand, was busy killing off 99.9% of the beneficial bacteria in my mouth, and definitely had no business being on a raspberry (that wasn't stuck to a dirty plate).

Sometimes, things are simply out of your control.

39

2009-07-23T01:31:00.000-07:00

This last weekend, I was able to watch Up, The Fiddler on the Roof, and 500 Days of Summer in successive days. All three were excellent. The things I have learned...
1. I want a girl like Ellie.
1a. Don't let your life go by, putting off what you want to do for a later year. Time flies by quicker than you think.
2. "Every one of us is a fiddler on the roof trying to scratch out a pleasant, simple tune without breaking his neck..."
2a. The constant battle between tradition and forward thinking is tricky.
3. I won't get into it too much, so as not to ruin anything. But this movie was so refreshingly different.

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If baseball is a game of inches, then life is a game of balancing. The more I think about it, the more everything, EVERYTHING is about balancing. For example, there is a fine line between being confident and being arrogant. Should I just admit I'm wrong in the interest of kindness, or should I put up a fight, to stand firm in what I believe in? Have I been spending too much time with family? Or do I need to get out more. The list goes on and on, but ultimately we all hope that life sort of balances itself out. That we naturally just stay within the lines. Unfortunately we all bleed outside on either side occasionally. It gets worse when we micromanage, actively thinking about it on every single action you perform throughout the day. Unfortunately, there's no conclusion to this one. I don't really know what I'm getting at. It just sucks when I'm left hopelessly trying to erase crayon.

The Feckless Sunrise!!!!

2009-07-17T14:15:00.000-07:00

Just found this new band yesterday night. They're pretty rad. =)