Sunday, September 22, 2002
Europe Update:
The latest time to decide if you want to come to Europe during summer 2003 is THE END OF JANUARY... so make it your new years resolution if you want to come. You have 4 months to decide what could change ur life forever. Diamonds are 4K, travel is forever.
The cheapest airfare I found for going to London was $880 (June 16 to Aug5)... meaning an extra 11days to self-explore London(6 before tour, 5 after tour). It is cheaper to book on weekdays and I had to work around our Contiki Tour date (jun23 to july31). If we wish to leave earlier, then it would be on a weekend, so we pay an extra 30 bucks... worth it?
The cheapest airfare for a stopover to new york first is $1,670. At double the price, needless to say, the New York stopover is now out of consideration.
The latest time to decide if you want to come to Europe during summer 2003 is THE END OF JANUARY... so make it your new years resolution if you want to come. You have 4 months to decide what could change ur life forever. Diamonds are 4K, travel is forever.
The cheapest airfare I found for going to London was $880 (June 16 to Aug5)... meaning an extra 11days to self-explore London(6 before tour, 5 after tour). It is cheaper to book on weekdays and I had to work around our Contiki Tour date (jun23 to july31). If we wish to leave earlier, then it would be on a weekend, so we pay an extra 30 bucks... worth it?
The cheapest airfare for a stopover to new york first is $1,670. At double the price, needless to say, the New York stopover is now out of consideration.
Global Positioning of Abe: I am departing for Arcadia at 9am tomorrow, and will be there till at least october 6th. I will be in com-blackout (can't go online) during that time to focus on cramming for the LSAT oct5... then I will return to Irvine with my top priorities being sitting in classes, measuring roommate interactions, and ambassador council.
Europe Update: I didn't expect Justin would decide he couldn't go so quickly and absolutely, and I didn't expect Rh to suddenly decide this trip was something he wanted today... Before they were of opposite opinions... I'm keeping my expectations for companions on this trip low and simply gonna sit back and see what happens cuz its just too unstable out there... the only thing that is stable about this trip is me... and the strength needed to accomplish the trip has already been awakened within me-- this trip isn't for everyone, but whoever happens to want to come for the ride is welcome.
**Warning: The strength I speak of will make sure this trip becomes a reality, but it also can be interpreted as stubborness to get things done the way I want it... if I listen to too many opinions about alternative plans, then the strength I provide will waver. So if you are set on a specific way of doing things, we may have to go our separate ways.
**Warning: The strength I speak of will make sure this trip becomes a reality, but it also can be interpreted as stubborness to get things done the way I want it... if I listen to too many opinions about alternative plans, then the strength I provide will waver. So if you are set on a specific way of doing things, we may have to go our separate ways.
Ambassador Retreat: Got briefed on some of the activities for the year, kinda miffed that i'll have to skip out on some of the first activities cuz i'm taking the quarter off. It's a group of people which is new to me... I'm not used to dealing with people that can be competitive academically, are oftentimes better informed about issues than I, and talk about various topics. The group was bigger than I expected and first contact was especially hard to make because I felt overdressed and my preference in approaching people is in college clothes that aren't showy. Next time should be better because general meetings are totally casual.
We had serious orientation time over a long continental breakfast, lunch and lounging at the beach, and dinner at El Torrito... I didn't eat much cuz I wanted to focus on what was being said... I think more sleep the night before would have totally helped. That would have helped me remember and recall names which i'm usually good at if I put my mind to it... not today. So at din, I changed tactics and talked only to two of the 20something people that were there (total bill $400 paid by the Council) over a juicy steak and the finest tap water they served.
I also didn't expect the loose attitude that most students had... the Council was one of many activities they were involved in... I thought everyone would be like me and put this charge up front in the priorities to keep. Whatever the case, I plan to put a lot of time into this because it is trailblazing new programs and the cause is a good one. I am kinda concerned about the "elite" vibes I get from some members, but I'm there are some good people (who I can tell do the less publicized work) that could potentially become lifelong friends.
I don't think I communicated abe-ness across to these people, but I am confident that I will able to... perhaps help set the tones and standards in which the Council was so ideally first envisioned.
We had serious orientation time over a long continental breakfast, lunch and lounging at the beach, and dinner at El Torrito... I didn't eat much cuz I wanted to focus on what was being said... I think more sleep the night before would have totally helped. That would have helped me remember and recall names which i'm usually good at if I put my mind to it... not today. So at din, I changed tactics and talked only to two of the 20something people that were there (total bill $400 paid by the Council) over a juicy steak and the finest tap water they served.
I also didn't expect the loose attitude that most students had... the Council was one of many activities they were involved in... I thought everyone would be like me and put this charge up front in the priorities to keep. Whatever the case, I plan to put a lot of time into this because it is trailblazing new programs and the cause is a good one. I am kinda concerned about the "elite" vibes I get from some members, but I'm there are some good people (who I can tell do the less publicized work) that could potentially become lifelong friends.
I don't think I communicated abe-ness across to these people, but I am confident that I will able to... perhaps help set the tones and standards in which the Council was so ideally first envisioned.
Saturday, September 21, 2002
SHOUT's Last Stand:
Hi SHOUT leaders,
Thank you all for making SHOUT memorable the last year. Everyone worked together to build SHOUT into an asset for the UCI community. As a result of our efforts, the students, faculty and administration have begun to know what SHOUT stands for once again. I'm proud of you guys who stuck thru the past year as we continued to fight the good fight.
Will SHOUT of this year be better than the next? The answer to that lies within all of you combined. We have the following, but we need new leaders to step up and organize our members so they can continue to serve the community.
The test will be welcome week coming up THURSDAY, SEPT26TH, in which we need you to call each other up and arrange for posters and flyers to be made, a table out on ring road to be staffed, and energy to get new prospective members to sign up. Veronica has kindly reserved lot 63 for boothing space, located across the flagpole in front of the commons. Please first pay for all the materials and save the receipts so i can reimburse you when I return october6th. We have $200 in our treasury for the year so we know u will spend wisely.
Unfortunately, I cannot be a leader this coming year, although I can be an advisor at the sidelines cheering and sharing what I know about club functions. I cannot be in Irvine during welcome week, and the earliest I will return to Irvine is october6th, so it is up to all of you to call each other up. Many of you have tabled before and those that haven't possess spirit and organization skills. I know you can not only do it, but do it well.
here are some contact numbers:
…
…
…
For the year, Veronica Mikey and I typed up a 5 page listing of all the contact numbers, addresses, and dates of our typical activities. Armond and Gail have copies of it, and if any of you want copies then I can make more in the future. You have all that is necessary to build SHOUT of the future.
Best wishes for the coming year,
abe
Hi SHOUT leaders,
Thank you all for making SHOUT memorable the last year. Everyone worked together to build SHOUT into an asset for the UCI community. As a result of our efforts, the students, faculty and administration have begun to know what SHOUT stands for once again. I'm proud of you guys who stuck thru the past year as we continued to fight the good fight.
Will SHOUT of this year be better than the next? The answer to that lies within all of you combined. We have the following, but we need new leaders to step up and organize our members so they can continue to serve the community.
The test will be welcome week coming up THURSDAY, SEPT26TH, in which we need you to call each other up and arrange for posters and flyers to be made, a table out on ring road to be staffed, and energy to get new prospective members to sign up. Veronica has kindly reserved lot 63 for boothing space, located across the flagpole in front of the commons. Please first pay for all the materials and save the receipts so i can reimburse you when I return october6th. We have $200 in our treasury for the year so we know u will spend wisely.
Unfortunately, I cannot be a leader this coming year, although I can be an advisor at the sidelines cheering and sharing what I know about club functions. I cannot be in Irvine during welcome week, and the earliest I will return to Irvine is october6th, so it is up to all of you to call each other up. Many of you have tabled before and those that haven't possess spirit and organization skills. I know you can not only do it, but do it well.
here are some contact numbers:
…
…
…
For the year, Veronica Mikey and I typed up a 5 page listing of all the contact numbers, addresses, and dates of our typical activities. Armond and Gail have copies of it, and if any of you want copies then I can make more in the future. You have all that is necessary to build SHOUT of the future.
Best wishes for the coming year,
abe
It's now 6:30am... so full... gonna lie down and rest for an hour before showering and getting ready. I came up with a list of goals for "Europe 40/40"
**Primary Goals Fulfilled As Soon As the Plane Lands on British Soil:
1. Do what most people don't get to do.
2. Completed pass-- sketching, researching, and going
3. Gained foothold into Europe/ Closer to conquering the world thru travel.
**Primary Goals to Accomplish While There:
1. Conquer chickenassedness
2. Bond with companions
3. Make friends
4. Secure rock samples
5. Have fun/ take a bite out of life
6. Learn about other cultures
7. Grow spiritually
8. Become problem solver
**Primary Things-to-Do List BEFORE Departure:
1. Research countries and history of Europe
2. Complete LSAT/ law apps
3. Make day-to-day itinerary of 3-4 day early arrival self-tour into London
**Primary Goals Fulfilled As Soon As the Plane Lands on British Soil:
1. Do what most people don't get to do.
2. Completed pass-- sketching, researching, and going
3. Gained foothold into Europe/ Closer to conquering the world thru travel.
**Primary Goals to Accomplish While There:
1. Conquer chickenassedness
2. Bond with companions
3. Make friends
4. Secure rock samples
5. Have fun/ take a bite out of life
6. Learn about other cultures
7. Grow spiritually
8. Become problem solver
**Primary Things-to-Do List BEFORE Departure:
1. Research countries and history of Europe
2. Complete LSAT/ law apps
3. Make day-to-day itinerary of 3-4 day early arrival self-tour into London
It is now 6am, and I'm making miso soup... the thinking process continues... currently listing goals and coming up with a slogan for the Europe 40 day 40 night trip....
Most of the failures I can think of in my life were due to inaction rather than wrongful actions... acts of negligence.
hahahaha. Ok I relive my embarrassing moments more than any other moments in my life. And some of this stuff is laugh out loud funny.
It's now 5am, and I still don't want to go to sleep... too many thoughts... everything needs to be re-evaluated when I'm in a good mood because that is when I give myself a real chance of allowing dreams to bridge into reality. The Ambassador Council Retreat is in 4hrs, and I can't wait to show them what abe-ness is all about. I'm not meant to be cooped up in a room scribbling this and that, i'm for the world.
Expand my horizon beyond what I see.
General Mood: Confident. Expectant. It's an Abe Day.
In High School, I was involved in building a club called Tutor/Volunteer Club from ground zero. I later left the club for what I thought would be the good of the club... a club that was stronger when I left than when I first came... There was an impeachment attempt of me, and though it quickly was proven largely groundless, it left bitterness within the TVC leadership. I survived impeachment, and after it all, when it was clear that I wasn't resigning out of fear, I decided that resigning was the best thing I could do to heal the clubs' differences. My thinking at the time was that thru political power struggle, our club was going to fall, so I left knowing I did the right thing but feeling seeds of bitterness to some.
It is only today, reflecting back with Rh about our tvc days, that I realized that to some degree I was at fault....
Big BeeBee: here's my thinking,
Big BeeBee: lack of appreciation for people doing their best and working for you is one of the worst crimes in the world
Big BeeBee: the need to test the club constitution thru trial was stupid
Big BeeBee: the reasoning for why i should be impeached was equally stupid
Big BeeBee: because the things they said reflected my style of leadership, not anything i failed to do... i may have delegated, but i do not recall one instance of me being lazy and not being around to solve probs as they occurred
Big BeeBee: i was there altho not always jumping in the fray
Big BeeBee: BUT,
Big BeeBee: i think i deserved impeachment on the count of failure to show gratitude.
Big BeeBee: its kinda like al capone
Big BeeBee: who did some really bad things
Big BeeBee: but got convicted for something stupid like tax evasion
Big BeeBee: did he deserve jail?
Big BeeBee: hell yeah
Big BeeBee: for tax evasion?
Big BeeBee: errrm
Tomorrow I am going to call a former friend of mine who helped me build the club from nothing and later became my foremost opponent and leader of the impeachment trial and apologize. For at least five years, I have painted her within my mind as a spiteful creature, and I can't help thinking-- what if I simply showed appreciation for her and what she did to build the club from the beginning? How much more great could our club have been had we both been there to work together to build further?
We, not I, built TVC from the ground up. TVC would not exist without her because I do not possess the strength and encouragement she provided. I would not have played my role and learned so much from my TVC experience had she never existed. I got her in the club, but it was thru my lack of appreciation that I ended up driving us both out.
I once read that if one is wrong, then one should apologize quickly and emphatically. Well, I can't apologize quickly, but at least I can do so emphatically. And this time, I will not fail.
It is only today, reflecting back with Rh about our tvc days, that I realized that to some degree I was at fault....
Big BeeBee: here's my thinking,
Big BeeBee: lack of appreciation for people doing their best and working for you is one of the worst crimes in the world
Big BeeBee: the need to test the club constitution thru trial was stupid
Big BeeBee: the reasoning for why i should be impeached was equally stupid
Big BeeBee: because the things they said reflected my style of leadership, not anything i failed to do... i may have delegated, but i do not recall one instance of me being lazy and not being around to solve probs as they occurred
Big BeeBee: i was there altho not always jumping in the fray
Big BeeBee: BUT,
Big BeeBee: i think i deserved impeachment on the count of failure to show gratitude.
Big BeeBee: its kinda like al capone
Big BeeBee: who did some really bad things
Big BeeBee: but got convicted for something stupid like tax evasion
Big BeeBee: did he deserve jail?
Big BeeBee: hell yeah
Big BeeBee: for tax evasion?
Big BeeBee: errrm
Tomorrow I am going to call a former friend of mine who helped me build the club from nothing and later became my foremost opponent and leader of the impeachment trial and apologize. For at least five years, I have painted her within my mind as a spiteful creature, and I can't help thinking-- what if I simply showed appreciation for her and what she did to build the club from the beginning? How much more great could our club have been had we both been there to work together to build further?
We, not I, built TVC from the ground up. TVC would not exist without her because I do not possess the strength and encouragement she provided. I would not have played my role and learned so much from my TVC experience had she never existed. I got her in the club, but it was thru my lack of appreciation that I ended up driving us both out.
I once read that if one is wrong, then one should apologize quickly and emphatically. Well, I can't apologize quickly, but at least I can do so emphatically. And this time, I will not fail.
Abe friends, my power is your power.
It's 3am, and I can't sleep. Too excited. I feel energy, like I want to get things done and there are events coming up that I can't wait to happen. Maybe it's the retreat coming up, maybe it was talking to Sunny, talking to Rh, or helping roommates move in... I was looking back on my life thusfar and remembered the watercolor splashes of it... the good moments, the gut-happiness of being me having people like the real me, and simply doing the right thing when it wasn't in my interest to do so or when I felt a conflict in self. I really do have my moments.
It seems like all along, my friends have had a better understanding of me than me. They believe in an abe greater than I think I am-- an ideal abe. I'm happy, and I really do feel worry-free... not because I don't have things to worry about, but because the confidence others have in me makes me feel like things are gonna be alright. I feel understood by so many, that people really care about how i am, and my willingness to share what resources I have with others.
I look at LSAT and simply think that i'll do fine. Like more study is cool, but I think I got the importance stuff covered. What's most important is that people know me for who I am, and a decent number of people like me for who I am.
It seems like all along, my friends have had a better understanding of me than me. They believe in an abe greater than I think I am-- an ideal abe. I'm happy, and I really do feel worry-free... not because I don't have things to worry about, but because the confidence others have in me makes me feel like things are gonna be alright. I feel understood by so many, that people really care about how i am, and my willingness to share what resources I have with others.
I look at LSAT and simply think that i'll do fine. Like more study is cool, but I think I got the importance stuff covered. What's most important is that people know me for who I am, and a decent number of people like me for who I am.
New roommates are in and the volume of house has increased to a pleasent level... ahhh, a new nest to manage once again.
When asked to list the top five words to describe abe-ness, this is how someone responded:
fun
cheerful
smiles
glasses
worry-free
What are your five words to describe me?
fun
cheerful
smiles
glasses
worry-free
What are your five words to describe me?
Got some Richardness tonight... Friend Rh stopped by on the way down to SD to have din and hang out. Good relaxation from a regimen of LSAT study all the time. From the variety of topics we covered, it shows that no matter how old friends are, there is always something new to talk about.
Friday, September 20, 2002
Justin moved the New York pictures here... http://www.justintsai.com/~me/east_coast.htm
And for those who have not seen the China picts yet... please look here (click next at the top of the page cuz there are TWO pages... http://www.geocities.com/cgee411/china/index.html
And for those who have not seen the China picts yet... please look here (click next at the top of the page cuz there are TWO pages... http://www.geocities.com/cgee411/china/index.html
I need supplies!!! Chopsticks, bleach, window screens, canned soup, soybean milk, cutting board, shower curtain + rings, paper towels, OH MY!!! Sigh, the duties of the benevolent landlord.
Looking forward to the Ambassador Council retreat coming up tomorrow. Starts early, ends late, and promises to great fun.
What is Ambassador Council? School organization who job it is to promote the social sciences at UCI, welcome new and visiting faculty to UCI, and build high school outreach programs in the surrounding community. Although this is entirely new to me, the Council has been around for 2 years, recruiting the best and brightest of the social sciences.
What's my role? still working on it...I think will be using my rather loud sonorous voice and my weird idea generation abilities.
Why did I join? To meet people. UCI social science students tend to lack in brains and/or motivation, so the opportunity to interact with people who actually give a damn is great.
What about SHOUT??? (Students for Homeless OUtreach United Together) Dohs, I don't know... I won't be there welcome week and we have a lot of followers but no one is willing to take leadership at the moment. I would lead, but I'm graduating... even if I could take the reins, I wouldn't be around next year to advise (unlike this year), so SHOUT would be without experienced leaders next year... Aside from that, Ambassador Council is something new and exciting, while SHOUT I have fought the good fight in already. In short, we need a miracle of biblical proportions. Still waiting... one week to go... errm...
What is Ambassador Council? School organization who job it is to promote the social sciences at UCI, welcome new and visiting faculty to UCI, and build high school outreach programs in the surrounding community. Although this is entirely new to me, the Council has been around for 2 years, recruiting the best and brightest of the social sciences.
What's my role? still working on it...I think will be using my rather loud sonorous voice and my weird idea generation abilities.
Why did I join? To meet people. UCI social science students tend to lack in brains and/or motivation, so the opportunity to interact with people who actually give a damn is great.
What about SHOUT??? (Students for Homeless OUtreach United Together) Dohs, I don't know... I won't be there welcome week and we have a lot of followers but no one is willing to take leadership at the moment. I would lead, but I'm graduating... even if I could take the reins, I wouldn't be around next year to advise (unlike this year), so SHOUT would be without experienced leaders next year... Aside from that, Ambassador Council is something new and exciting, while SHOUT I have fought the good fight in already. In short, we need a miracle of biblical proportions. Still waiting... one week to go... errm...
The move-in process continues... Good news tho, we got a new router with aerodynamic curved edges and IT WORKS!!!
As I was reflecting back to all the stupid things I did as a kid, I remembered playing with electric outlets for fun and experiementation. Back then, it was totally logical to stick metal wire into them and see a flash of sparks... Now, looking back, I could have burned myself, burned the house down, blinded myself, cooked myself.... Since I did it, doesn't it make it likely my kid will do the same? humm... I'm getting those plastic outlet plugs... in case if Lady Wang is supposed to be looking out for the kids and happens to let her mind stray thinking of me and Kiddy Wang decides he wants to find out how electricity works....
Why did God create mosquitoes?! I have been sleeping in irksome fear because of them... or NOT sleeping I should say. The West Nile Virus reaching Cali report doesn't help either...
Dude!!! I found another way to make money!!! The legality of it is questionable...
I'm Alive!!!! I was living it up just now... a friend of mine came back from UCDC and we were comparing notes. I'm gonna find out the details tomorrow at the Ambassador Council retreat, but he went to DC, New York, and Boston. It's totally awesome being able to bitch about details and having the other person know EXACTLY WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT. Sweet action dude.
Thursday, September 19, 2002
Took a break from studying and contemplated the sheer number of people that have faith in me. It gladdens my heart and makes me feel like I can do all things.
Neutral News:
Justin said today that he isn't going to be able to join me on the Europe trip being planned this coming summer. I understand his reasoning, and if the trip becomes an obstacle to reaching med school, then he should totally go for what he really wants. Justin, if u are reading this, DiDi power to u man.
I can't help feeling kind of "awww" though. Not out of disappointment because even before Justin became interested I already made a pledge to self that I would conquer Europe soon. But a trip without Justin is simply not as good as it could be... I feel now like we all did during the New York trip when Justin, Rh, and I all wished that the rest of our inner group of friends could join us as we celebrated our moments.
As far as I know Cynthie is still coming, and I'm thankful for her companionship. She and Justin have been pillars on which I stand (and continue to stand on), because their urning to go reaffirms that my investment is a good one, that my dream is a worthy one even if it is not a popular one among my friends.
Being that I can't be certain of outside events which happen to people, I hereby declare again that I'm going to Europe even if I must go it alone. I'm going to stay the course, make my stand. If I don't backpack it now, I know I'll never get to do so. If I can't find the confidence and courage to do this, then I won't be able to survive law school. This trip is meant to harden me to help me overcome bigger challenges in law school... I gotta take the hill before taking the mountain. My chickenassedness is going DOWN!!!
ROAR!!!!
Justin said today that he isn't going to be able to join me on the Europe trip being planned this coming summer. I understand his reasoning, and if the trip becomes an obstacle to reaching med school, then he should totally go for what he really wants. Justin, if u are reading this, DiDi power to u man.
I can't help feeling kind of "awww" though. Not out of disappointment because even before Justin became interested I already made a pledge to self that I would conquer Europe soon. But a trip without Justin is simply not as good as it could be... I feel now like we all did during the New York trip when Justin, Rh, and I all wished that the rest of our inner group of friends could join us as we celebrated our moments.
As far as I know Cynthie is still coming, and I'm thankful for her companionship. She and Justin have been pillars on which I stand (and continue to stand on), because their urning to go reaffirms that my investment is a good one, that my dream is a worthy one even if it is not a popular one among my friends.
Being that I can't be certain of outside events which happen to people, I hereby declare again that I'm going to Europe even if I must go it alone. I'm going to stay the course, make my stand. If I don't backpack it now, I know I'll never get to do so. If I can't find the confidence and courage to do this, then I won't be able to survive law school. This trip is meant to harden me to help me overcome bigger challenges in law school... I gotta take the hill before taking the mountain. My chickenassedness is going DOWN!!!
ROAR!!!!
People!!! Help me think of reasons NOT to go to law school. I need to make sure I have every rational and irrational reason for NOT going before I go. Interrogate me about why I'm spending $120,000, why I may have to go out of state, why I'm putting myself thru hell,....everything!!! Be a friend, gimme a 3rd degree.
*gasp*.... check out these rather disturbing figures:
apply to 10 schools-- cost=$500
apply to 15 schools-- cost=$750
apply to 20 schools-- cost $1000
luckily... cost of law school education=priceless
apply to 10 schools-- cost=$500
apply to 15 schools-- cost=$750
apply to 20 schools-- cost $1000
luckily... cost of law school education=priceless
Confidence Preferable, but Not Required: Telling a gurl you like her after you get to know her (and there is mutual love) doesn't require confidence. If you like her enuf, it will feel natural telling her u love her... you will have no fear because there is no risk. No gurl wants a guy to have a heart attack while saying "i love u" cuz that suggests that u are fighting some inner battle within; it suggests uncertainty.
What if you (as the guy) find out u like the gurl first before she likes you? Then you show by actions that you appreciate her. And by doing so, she will know. If she is particularly dense and lacking in female intuition, then her friends will definitely be able to spot you and tell the gurl in the form of "girl talk."
**Please comment thru IM
What if you (as the guy) find out u like the gurl first before she likes you? Then you show by actions that you appreciate her. And by doing so, she will know. If she is particularly dense and lacking in female intuition, then her friends will definitely be able to spot you and tell the gurl in the form of "girl talk."
**Please comment thru IM
RAD Skills: Must take the time to do these problems because I need better decision skills… Reading, Analyzing, and Deducing. What I get on the LSAT or which law school I get into is not as important as skills learned. Of course, the better the score the better the school, but adding usefulness into what I’m doing totally helps. :o)
Wednesday, September 18, 2002
where there are fools, there will be love.
What I thought was a forgone conclusion is now boundless hope. Just took down a logic game problem set without peeking occasionally check and guess style. I actually wanted to continue, but felt I needed to celebrate thru blog declaration.
While chewing on microwaved ravioli, I started fiddling with my keyrings and thought about the Italian coin ring given to me by Cousin Ellen two years ago (which I promised to return for her when I tackled the European continent in the future).
Six months ago when I thought no one was interested in going, I hated the reminder of dreams unmet by reality each time I unlocked a door. But just when I decided that even if no one went, I would go visit Europe anyway, friends interested in travel found me two months ago. Now I look at the coin in the ring thinking, “you’re going home buddy!!!”
Both instances remind me of this line:
“Coming to an impasse; change; having changed, you will get thru.” -- I Ching.
Come to think of it, one can tell a lot a person by their keyrings….
While chewing on microwaved ravioli, I started fiddling with my keyrings and thought about the Italian coin ring given to me by Cousin Ellen two years ago (which I promised to return for her when I tackled the European continent in the future).
Six months ago when I thought no one was interested in going, I hated the reminder of dreams unmet by reality each time I unlocked a door. But just when I decided that even if no one went, I would go visit Europe anyway, friends interested in travel found me two months ago. Now I look at the coin in the ring thinking, “you’re going home buddy!!!”
Both instances remind me of this line:
“Coming to an impasse; change; having changed, you will get thru.” -- I Ching.
Come to think of it, one can tell a lot a person by their keyrings….
Tuesday, September 17, 2002
It's Time to Pray Much and Study More: Got a UC Davis Law school application in the mail yesterday. Inside, there was a chart of the entering class of last year.... with my current gpa and lsat score, I stand a 10% chance of getting in. :o(
Motivated mostly by fear, I quickly launched an attack on the logic games section which I have been putting off...
Motivated mostly by fear, I quickly launched an attack on the logic games section which I have been putting off...
Eating Around the Clock...
Big BeeBee: old roommates left,
Big BeeBee: so there is a lot of good food left behind
Big BeeBee: which they "relinquished responsibility" for
Big BeeBee: so i eat around the clock
Big BeeBee: the new roommates are starting to move in
Big BeeBee: but they haven't brought food in
Big BeeBee: so if i can cut down some of the food in the fridge,
Big BeeBee: everyone is happier
Big BeeBee: of course i threw away anything that looks too korean or more than 6 months
Jeffm238: wow, so u are always eating
Big BeeBee: even so, plenty of variety'
Jeffm238: hehe
Big BeeBee: dude that is what jules says
Big BeeBee: maybe i should start believing it
Big BeeBee: humm..
Jeffm238: yup!
Jeffm238: hahahah
Big BeeBee: old roommates left,
Big BeeBee: so there is a lot of good food left behind
Big BeeBee: which they "relinquished responsibility" for
Big BeeBee: so i eat around the clock
Big BeeBee: the new roommates are starting to move in
Big BeeBee: but they haven't brought food in
Big BeeBee: so if i can cut down some of the food in the fridge,
Big BeeBee: everyone is happier
Big BeeBee: of course i threw away anything that looks too korean or more than 6 months
Jeffm238: wow, so u are always eating
Big BeeBee: even so, plenty of variety'
Jeffm238: hehe
Big BeeBee: dude that is what jules says
Big BeeBee: maybe i should start believing it
Big BeeBee: humm..
Jeffm238: yup!
Jeffm238: hahahah
Interesting Wedding Idea Developed with Friend Richard:
RHsu830340: who's gonna be the best man?
Big BeeBee: see,
Big BeeBee: my thinking is,
Big BeeBee: why can there only be one?
Big BeeBee: the women have bridesmaids by the dozen
Big BeeBee: why can't the guys be the same
Big BeeBee: if I’m not married last,
RHsu830340: beats me
Big BeeBee: I’m making sure Lady Wang is inviting all of her fine friends to the wedding
Big BeeBee: for those not married yet
RHsu830340: haha
Big BeeBee: if u can't hook it up with a gurl at my wedding,
Big BeeBee: ur confirmed single for life
Big BeeBee: or homosexual
Big BeeBee: i should say fine single friends that is
Big BeeBee: the ones that are hooked up might come,
Big BeeBee: but to make sure everyone knows,
Big BeeBee: i'll make it so that the single people get different color ribbons
Big BeeBee: so that way,
Big BeeBee: the guys will know
Big BeeBee: the gals will have no idea
Big BeeBee: but the guys will know
Big BeeBee: that way u don't go stalking up to someone’s wife and trying to hook it up
RHsu830340: hahahaha
RHsu830340: interesting
RHsu830340: who's gonna be the best man?
Big BeeBee: see,
Big BeeBee: my thinking is,
Big BeeBee: why can there only be one?
Big BeeBee: the women have bridesmaids by the dozen
Big BeeBee: why can't the guys be the same
Big BeeBee: if I’m not married last,
RHsu830340: beats me
Big BeeBee: I’m making sure Lady Wang is inviting all of her fine friends to the wedding
Big BeeBee: for those not married yet
RHsu830340: haha
Big BeeBee: if u can't hook it up with a gurl at my wedding,
Big BeeBee: ur confirmed single for life
Big BeeBee: or homosexual
Big BeeBee: i should say fine single friends that is
Big BeeBee: the ones that are hooked up might come,
Big BeeBee: but to make sure everyone knows,
Big BeeBee: i'll make it so that the single people get different color ribbons
Big BeeBee: so that way,
Big BeeBee: the guys will know
Big BeeBee: the gals will have no idea
Big BeeBee: but the guys will know
Big BeeBee: that way u don't go stalking up to someone’s wife and trying to hook it up
RHsu830340: hahahaha
RHsu830340: interesting
Helping new roommates move in today… it wasn’t as busy as I thought because everyone moved in at different time with perfect breaks for me so I could slip in a few meals in between. The new roommies also brought one person each to help move so moving stuff wasn’t nearly as physically tiring as yesterday. I also got to talk to some parents, answer some questions, and calm some fears by giving them my address and phone number. Got plenty of compliments on the welcoming service I provided and general attitude. Yes, I do treat House Manager as a job. Parents love me. And I find that I am good at managing and organizing… possible career?
Some People Simply Amaze Me: I was talking to a dad of one of my new roommates who backpacked thru europe for 19 months (one year and 7 months) seeing sights and taking odd jobs along the way as an 18 year old. I couldn’t tell from looking at him, but I think he may be the most traveled man that I have met. I talked to him and Daniel (new roommate) for like 3 hrs as they put together a desk getting ideas about this and that. Truth be told he gave me a lot of ideas and allayed a large number of my initial fears about backpacking (overcoming language barriers, my illogical fears of buttrape and sleeping on the streets, etc) and more importantly, ideas about taking a “bite of life.”
The guy isn’t what society would term a high status, high class; but in my book, he’s like one of those guys that have been to the moon and back… and I am glad I took the time to introduce myself and chat. Cuz believe u me, as he was happy to tell, I was that much happier to listen.
The guy isn’t what society would term a high status, high class; but in my book, he’s like one of those guys that have been to the moon and back… and I am glad I took the time to introduce myself and chat. Cuz believe u me, as he was happy to tell, I was that much happier to listen.
Ideas Come in Pairs (read “Some people amaze me” entry first please)…
First Idea: After talking to Daniel’s dad, I thought up an idea based on what he said. The dilemma I faced was that people wanted to save money on traveling to Europe, but were not enthusiastic about staying in hostels.
Well it seems like hostels are clean and safe from what I have been hearing from everyone who has actually tried it, so to test out what hostel conditions are like, we can go to a hostel at Santa Monica to stay for a weekend. It’s nearby, cheap, and we might meet some foreign students along the way.
Second Idea: Bon is moving apartments at the end of dec, so we can make a trip up to SF and help Bon move too. By then, I’ll have a minivan, learned how to drive again, we can celebrate our New York Trip Anniversary in a new place, and that’s when I have Winter Break anyway.
First Idea: After talking to Daniel’s dad, I thought up an idea based on what he said. The dilemma I faced was that people wanted to save money on traveling to Europe, but were not enthusiastic about staying in hostels.
Well it seems like hostels are clean and safe from what I have been hearing from everyone who has actually tried it, so to test out what hostel conditions are like, we can go to a hostel at Santa Monica to stay for a weekend. It’s nearby, cheap, and we might meet some foreign students along the way.
Second Idea: Bon is moving apartments at the end of dec, so we can make a trip up to SF and help Bon move too. By then, I’ll have a minivan, learned how to drive again, we can celebrate our New York Trip Anniversary in a new place, and that’s when I have Winter Break anyway.
Idea Generation Increases as I Talk to Brilliant People (read “Some people amaze me” entry first please)…
Big BeeBee: dude, i think i should go to more lectures at UCI when famous people come
Big BeeBee: might gather some ideas
Big BeeBee: cuz talking to Dan’s dad totally spurred another revolution in thought
Big BeeBee: along with the anniversaries of New York trip and china
Big BeeBee: along with roommate changing
Big BeeBee: dude, i think i should go to more lectures at UCI when famous people come
Big BeeBee: might gather some ideas
Big BeeBee: cuz talking to Dan’s dad totally spurred another revolution in thought
Big BeeBee: along with the anniversaries of New York trip and china
Big BeeBee: along with roommate changing
Monday, September 16, 2002
Quiet Anniversary: It's been over a year since I visited China, and in a couple months it will be a year since we went to New York. It really seems like the day before yesterday since I re-entered reality.
As I flipped thru my pictures of China and read thru my journal accounts of New York, I tried to ask myself what was it that made these trips different from past travels...
Both trips stand out because it was I that set the daily standard of what would be accomplished, I determined what I would see, and I pushed myself to see. I knew from the start that I wouldn't be able to see it all, but I had everything to gain from pushing self. I was exhausted in during and after both trips (and it showed in the picts taken of me when I wasn't looking), but in "travel mode" I could simply laugh off all weariness.
In daily life, I feel like I have taken full advantage of the day only some of the time... especially when I do repetitive tasks or stuff that isn't very interesting. I usually don't give my all in daily life... I mean I live a productive lifestyle, but it doesn't challenge me. During travel, I have to put my senses on full alert cuz it's a new environment; during daily life, one eye open and one closed is fine most of the time cuz you been to one class, u have been to them all. How to make myself go into travel mode each day is something I haven't figured how to do... yet.
As I flipped thru my pictures of China and read thru my journal accounts of New York, I tried to ask myself what was it that made these trips different from past travels...
Both trips stand out because it was I that set the daily standard of what would be accomplished, I determined what I would see, and I pushed myself to see. I knew from the start that I wouldn't be able to see it all, but I had everything to gain from pushing self. I was exhausted in during and after both trips (and it showed in the picts taken of me when I wasn't looking), but in "travel mode" I could simply laugh off all weariness.
In daily life, I feel like I have taken full advantage of the day only some of the time... especially when I do repetitive tasks or stuff that isn't very interesting. I usually don't give my all in daily life... I mean I live a productive lifestyle, but it doesn't challenge me. During travel, I have to put my senses on full alert cuz it's a new environment; during daily life, one eye open and one closed is fine most of the time cuz you been to one class, u have been to them all. How to make myself go into travel mode each day is something I haven't figured how to do... yet.
New AIM Greeting: How is YOUR college adventure going?
Lady Wang: I used to think that finding Lady Wang would jumpstart my life and motivate me to do great things in her name. She would encourage me, inspire me, and make me smile even broader than I do now. Now I realize that the wait for Lady Wang may be a long one, so if I motivate myself I can start today instead of waiting till tomorrow.
My Baby Birds Are Flying Away: Helped roommates again with moving today... Aside from a few boxes and knic-knacks, everyone is moved out with their security deposits and keys returned. Nothing sets differences aside faster than surrendering one's key... it is even shaped like a cross (the significance being two lines that symbolize lives that have crossed and whence they will cross again is unknown).
I cleaned a lot after they left... dusting, vaccuming, bleaching--the less fabulous part of being house manager... but I didn't mind cuz it gave me time to think. I think about the past two years living in Oxford 59... How I have changed for the better, for the worst, and sometimes managed to stay the same.
Looking back I remember our times of team work and innovation like when we built a shoerack out of cinderblocks and plywood after we saw the rip off prices of the ikea brand. Or feeling miffed when the dishes were unwashed or the trash not dumped and I would have to do it alone or with whoever was unfortunate enuf to be home at the time... Or the small bickerings over bills that don't seem as big now... Or our combined repulsion we had to clean out the fridge when it broke down; we had to trash all the putrid meat together, then scrub the entire thing down with 409 (lemon scent of course)... Or perhaps when the water heater went on strike and cold showers were standard for three whole days (yes, guys shrink in the shower).
And for all the difficulties and regrets, I have to say that my roommates have been the cornerstone of my college experience.
Tomorrow, the new people start moving in. And I will be here to welcome them in and offer a helping hand. This will be the last round of new roommates before I graduate. It has been said that history doesn't repeat-- it rhymes. To roommates!!!-!!!-!!
I cleaned a lot after they left... dusting, vaccuming, bleaching--the less fabulous part of being house manager... but I didn't mind cuz it gave me time to think. I think about the past two years living in Oxford 59... How I have changed for the better, for the worst, and sometimes managed to stay the same.
Looking back I remember our times of team work and innovation like when we built a shoerack out of cinderblocks and plywood after we saw the rip off prices of the ikea brand. Or feeling miffed when the dishes were unwashed or the trash not dumped and I would have to do it alone or with whoever was unfortunate enuf to be home at the time... Or the small bickerings over bills that don't seem as big now... Or our combined repulsion we had to clean out the fridge when it broke down; we had to trash all the putrid meat together, then scrub the entire thing down with 409 (lemon scent of course)... Or perhaps when the water heater went on strike and cold showers were standard for three whole days (yes, guys shrink in the shower).
And for all the difficulties and regrets, I have to say that my roommates have been the cornerstone of my college experience.
Tomorrow, the new people start moving in. And I will be here to welcome them in and offer a helping hand. This will be the last round of new roommates before I graduate. It has been said that history doesn't repeat-- it rhymes. To roommates!!!-!!!-!!
It seems like the majority of my fellow bloggers have not blogged recently. What happened? Are we too busy, have we nothing to report, felt that fewer people are reading, or have the long lounging summer days finally enchanted us? Well, I shall stay the course for the faithful few and continue journaling.
IT WORKS!!!! I have cable modem access at home!!! Mikey miraclously fixed it!!! hecks yeah!!!
Saturday, September 14, 2002
Internet Status: Cox has reconnected our cable modem service, but our router is still broken so I still can't go online at home. I am usually online sometime between 1pm to 5pm... thanks to school ethernet. I am borrowing a roommates' moniter for the weekend so I can do massive blogging (as you can see below). It will be a while until I can go online night owl style... I still have yet to go moniter and router shopping...
I am Grateful For:
--my family (including DiDi Dawg)/Godfamily
--my choice in friends
--fulfilled basic needs
--choice in how I live
--my health and health of those around me
--luxury of being able to make money to devote to travel
--my position as house manager of Oxford
--95.9 the Fish (radio station)
--UCIrvine choosing me even though I didn’t choose it at first
--my luck in life
--not getting an allowance or video games when young
--being well traveled growing up as a kid
--never breaking or spraining any part of my body
--the invention of AIM/ the age in which we live
--Joining TVC/ Speech & Debate Team/ Decathlon Team in high school
--having the perfect date for prom
--my surrounding environment
--the name given to me
--being short
--having a place to do my gardening at home
--the existence of fear
--being in Times Square during New Years
--climbing the Great Wall
--my freshman dormmates/ having the perfect roommate first year
--the unconditional love and support given to me by family and friends
--inspirational songs/ movies/ posters…
--my family (including DiDi Dawg)/Godfamily
--my choice in friends
--fulfilled basic needs
--choice in how I live
--my health and health of those around me
--luxury of being able to make money to devote to travel
--my position as house manager of Oxford
--95.9 the Fish (radio station)
--UCIrvine choosing me even though I didn’t choose it at first
--my luck in life
--not getting an allowance or video games when young
--being well traveled growing up as a kid
--never breaking or spraining any part of my body
--the invention of AIM/ the age in which we live
--Joining TVC/ Speech & Debate Team/ Decathlon Team in high school
--having the perfect date for prom
--my surrounding environment
--the name given to me
--being short
--having a place to do my gardening at home
--the existence of fear
--being in Times Square during New Years
--climbing the Great Wall
--my freshman dormmates/ having the perfect roommate first year
--the unconditional love and support given to me by family and friends
--inspirational songs/ movies/ posters…
Talkable Topics: The easiest way to start a conversation with me is to talk about travel to Europe. Bouncing ideas around is also fun, so if u have an idea, let’s talk.
I Pride Myself On Being:
--approachable
--caring and kind
--straightforward
--being a builder of things and people
--innovative
--understanding
--being right-brained/ thinking differently
--family and friend oriented
--willing to explore/ esp doing things people hesitate to do
--a good judge of people
--easily amused
--my general fitness
--my green thumb
--thinking in terms of others
--independent
--loud/ vocal
--optimistic
--Taiwanese-American
--able to recognize problems early
--able to generate child-like curiosity
--approachable
--caring and kind
--straightforward
--being a builder of things and people
--innovative
--understanding
--being right-brained/ thinking differently
--family and friend oriented
--willing to explore/ esp doing things people hesitate to do
--a good judge of people
--easily amused
--my general fitness
--my green thumb
--thinking in terms of others
--independent
--loud/ vocal
--optimistic
--Taiwanese-American
--able to recognize problems early
--able to generate child-like curiosity
I Fear: It has been said that a person can be understood by what he/she fears. These are some of my primary fears…
I fear being too afraid to take needed actions when opportunities arise. In short, I fear chickenassedness.
I fear loneliness. I love quiet time and wandering off alone to think, but only if I know I can return to the world whenever I want by a click of a mouse, through a phone call, by peaking back down the hall, or by simply opening my eyes. I have this fear because I feel my powers are limited and the power that I possess is the ability to inspire the boundless greatness hidden within those around me. I’m an introverted social person. I’m trying to get to know God, and if I accept religion as my truth in the future, then I’ll never be alone…
I fear talking to strangers. I gotta know something about them in advance or have a common situation to reflect on with them in order to make first contact. I am getting better at meeting people, but the fear remains.
I fear asking a girl out. If I don’t know them well (but want to know her better), then I’ll make the excuse that I need to get to know her better first. How can I be truly attracted substantially to someone I barely know? If I know her well, then I refuse to jeopardize a beautiful friendship. For me to ask a girl out, I would have to be 99.99% sure that she would say yes. Fear of rejection? More on how one can tell that I am interested in a gal later…
Interestingly enough, I don’t fear the prospects of an unknown future like other people do. It isn’t about what the job is; rather, it is about how you do something and your attitude towards performing the job at hand. I am confident that I can provide the basic needs for my family if need be. Plus, our family has Bon Power… enuf said.
I fear being too afraid to take needed actions when opportunities arise. In short, I fear chickenassedness.
I fear loneliness. I love quiet time and wandering off alone to think, but only if I know I can return to the world whenever I want by a click of a mouse, through a phone call, by peaking back down the hall, or by simply opening my eyes. I have this fear because I feel my powers are limited and the power that I possess is the ability to inspire the boundless greatness hidden within those around me. I’m an introverted social person. I’m trying to get to know God, and if I accept religion as my truth in the future, then I’ll never be alone…
I fear talking to strangers. I gotta know something about them in advance or have a common situation to reflect on with them in order to make first contact. I am getting better at meeting people, but the fear remains.
I fear asking a girl out. If I don’t know them well (but want to know her better), then I’ll make the excuse that I need to get to know her better first. How can I be truly attracted substantially to someone I barely know? If I know her well, then I refuse to jeopardize a beautiful friendship. For me to ask a girl out, I would have to be 99.99% sure that she would say yes. Fear of rejection? More on how one can tell that I am interested in a gal later…
Interestingly enough, I don’t fear the prospects of an unknown future like other people do. It isn’t about what the job is; rather, it is about how you do something and your attitude towards performing the job at hand. I am confident that I can provide the basic needs for my family if need be. Plus, our family has Bon Power… enuf said.
Resident House Manager: I am grateful at having the opportunity to manage my Godfamily’s condo almost daily because it has taught me so much and saved my hundreds of dollars in rent. I wake up daily when I’m at this place and think about how fortunate that someone my age be allowed this hands on experience. My wise mentor Catherine said my job was an awesome learning experience that was worthwhile even if I couldn’t put it down on a resume.
But today I realized again how tough my job really is. Being house manager can make a person extremely lonely because I can never quite talk to my roommates on the same level. The very roof we share looks different to us here at Oxford 59—I see it from a landlords’ perspective, and they see it from a tenants’ perspective. I sigh at the countless times when problems occur and their interests are directly opposed to mine, or how I clean up after everyone at times because to me it is my own house. My roommates know I am more accommodating than most landlords and I would rate our relations as good in terms of fundamental trust, but to do my job I need to distance myself from everyone else. Despite it all, I still wouldn’t trade this charge I have been given to keep for anything.
But today I realized again how tough my job really is. Being house manager can make a person extremely lonely because I can never quite talk to my roommates on the same level. The very roof we share looks different to us here at Oxford 59—I see it from a landlords’ perspective, and they see it from a tenants’ perspective. I sigh at the countless times when problems occur and their interests are directly opposed to mine, or how I clean up after everyone at times because to me it is my own house. My roommates know I am more accommodating than most landlords and I would rate our relations as good in terms of fundamental trust, but to do my job I need to distance myself from everyone else. Despite it all, I still wouldn’t trade this charge I have been given to keep for anything.
Unhappy Miracles: Even if I get a good score on the LSAT miraculously, as of now I will still feel like I have failed because I have refused to face the fear of studying for the most difficult parts of it. I study the parts that seem easiest trying to improve that which I am already good at, but shun the parts I suck at (where I can gain major points from). I dropped the ball by not studying as much as I could have. Sigh, so much regret today.
I gotta set a schedule of study, it’s all about ME conquering my fears now, not simply getting a good score. If I drop the ball on this one, I will be unhappy. Unhappy that I took a pre-emptive dive by giving up before the test, rather than face possible defeat by charging into battle. If I don’t really do my best, it will haunt me. *sigh*
I gotta set a schedule of study, it’s all about ME conquering my fears now, not simply getting a good score. If I drop the ball on this one, I will be unhappy. Unhappy that I took a pre-emptive dive by giving up before the test, rather than face possible defeat by charging into battle. If I don’t really do my best, it will haunt me. *sigh*
Education vs. Degree: I realized that I’m in college to get an education and not just a degree—although recently it seems like college is only about getting a degree. A degree I have obtained by going to my required classes. A education I need to work on… it will require several more trips to the library and bookstore, more involvement in school affairs, and sitting in a few more non-required classes.
Foolishness: Sometimes I say the most stupid things. I know what I am saying is right, but I just say it entirely in the wrong way. My mind has betrayed my heart far too often. My friend Mike alerted me this tendency and suggested I say “sorry” whenever I act foolishly. I don’t know if it helped neutralize the negative vibes from today’s argument… I seriously feel like such a heel. Dude, I swear I was smarter in kindergarten.
Let’s Talk: I find that the inner group is running out of topics to talk about… we actually have to think about topics to talk about or play quite a bit of truth poker to unearth anything new. A commonly repeated phrase I hear nowadays is “haha, go ahead and ask, u know everything about me already anyway.”
Not that I have a lot to share myself… I too haven’t gone on an expedition for quite some time, slayed any dragons recently, or tried something new. I gotta get out there and live life so I have something to report next time we meet. My ship is leaving port… coming? :o)
Not that I have a lot to share myself… I too haven’t gone on an expedition for quite some time, slayed any dragons recently, or tried something new. I gotta get out there and live life so I have something to report next time we meet. My ship is leaving port… coming? :o)
Friday, September 13, 2002
Revised Global Positionin of Abe (GPA): Currently in Irvine studying LSAT, helping people move in and out of the apartment, and preparing for a retreat with Ambassadors Council. I can't go online cuz Cox cable confused our service... will be online on saturday at the earliest. Will be in Irvine till the 22nd, and then I should be in Arcadia till the end of Sept and return to Irvine for LSAT on October 5th. Ugh, THE DAY.
Tuesday, September 10, 2002
Global Postioning of Abe (GPA): I came back from Sleepover UCLA over the weekend and am now in Arcadia. I will be returning to Irvine on Sept 10th, and will be in Irvine until I leave on the 18th to 20th for Arcadia again. If you see me, tell me to go away and go study for LSAT please.
DiDi Dawg snores... and snores loudly at that. When it's hot at night, he sleeps on his back with his paws in the air... My gosh, he is more human than us all afterall...
In Pursuit of a More Productive Lifestyle:
--Only going to read one chapter/section of selected outside reading a day.
--Only going to listen to the radio when I'm working out and/or during meals.
--Wake up before 9am, sleep before 2am.
--Eat breakfast every morning.
**Temporary halt of "one idea a day" and "2hrs of outside reading" policy until after LSAT (early October).
--Only going to read one chapter/section of selected outside reading a day.
--Only going to listen to the radio when I'm working out and/or during meals.
--Wake up before 9am, sleep before 2am.
--Eat breakfast every morning.
**Temporary halt of "one idea a day" and "2hrs of outside reading" policy until after LSAT (early October).
Came back from Sleepover LA:
H.P.O.--Hella Partied Out. Plenty of lobster, plenty of pasta, and plenty of wine tasting (which was very influencial in getting people to drop their reservations about sharing).
Frances and Cynthie were overjoyed about getting birthday parties and personalized cakes... and our rather vocal attempts at singing the birthday song (which captured the heart and deadened the ears).
Going to the Getty art museum reminded me of New York and brought some educational values to our trip.
Going to the beach to watch the sunset and climb the ropes and swing the hoops was awesome fun, although had everyone helped me build my mound on the beach, then it would have been a mountain instead of a hill... still, it was all about the kinestetic feeling of touching the wet sand with ones hand that makes one sigh with gratification.
I still can't believe we finally took on my suggestion for a group hug!!! Hecks yeah!!!
Multiple kudos comments to everyone, and it being impossible to mention them all (and possibly scandalous to do so), I shall limit myself to one per person in alphabetic order:
Cynthie--It is through you I can truely recount my childhood... thank you for remembering and taking the time to befriend an insignificant boy so little in the past and to dream along with a man aspiring to be great in the future.
Frances--Your words of encouragement (and occassional flirtation) help justin to become a better justin and delight the rest of us.
Jules--Your laugh is as ever friendly and welcoming as ur character.
Jeff--Consistency is what I will choose to compliment you about and my examples include the tireless, safe transportation you always provide and the meals you so meticulously prepare.
Justin--Great hosting, you have become a great fellow problem solver of our group issues.
Linda--You are a wonderful representative our group and your up-to-date knowledge of and communication with the members of our group strengthens the unity between us all.
Rh--The spunky attitude u have been revealing to us all is inspiring.
Tammy--Your first show of faith by showing up and playing with us at the sleepover was both impressive and refreshing, and I think we would all agree that ur "thighs" deserve as many kudos as ur "eyes." Oh and thanks for being my wave warning beacon so that I could focus on building my mound of sand to the sea gods... teamwork rules!!!
Abe--I was there to dance with you all, and the kudos that belongs to me is in the people I have chosen to befriend. To friends!!!
H.P.O.--Hella Partied Out. Plenty of lobster, plenty of pasta, and plenty of wine tasting (which was very influencial in getting people to drop their reservations about sharing).
Frances and Cynthie were overjoyed about getting birthday parties and personalized cakes... and our rather vocal attempts at singing the birthday song (which captured the heart and deadened the ears).
Going to the Getty art museum reminded me of New York and brought some educational values to our trip.
Going to the beach to watch the sunset and climb the ropes and swing the hoops was awesome fun, although had everyone helped me build my mound on the beach, then it would have been a mountain instead of a hill... still, it was all about the kinestetic feeling of touching the wet sand with ones hand that makes one sigh with gratification.
I still can't believe we finally took on my suggestion for a group hug!!! Hecks yeah!!!
Multiple kudos comments to everyone, and it being impossible to mention them all (and possibly scandalous to do so), I shall limit myself to one per person in alphabetic order:
Cynthie--It is through you I can truely recount my childhood... thank you for remembering and taking the time to befriend an insignificant boy so little in the past and to dream along with a man aspiring to be great in the future.
Frances--Your words of encouragement (and occassional flirtation) help justin to become a better justin and delight the rest of us.
Jules--Your laugh is as ever friendly and welcoming as ur character.
Jeff--Consistency is what I will choose to compliment you about and my examples include the tireless, safe transportation you always provide and the meals you so meticulously prepare.
Justin--Great hosting, you have become a great fellow problem solver of our group issues.
Linda--You are a wonderful representative our group and your up-to-date knowledge of and communication with the members of our group strengthens the unity between us all.
Rh--The spunky attitude u have been revealing to us all is inspiring.
Tammy--Your first show of faith by showing up and playing with us at the sleepover was both impressive and refreshing, and I think we would all agree that ur "thighs" deserve as many kudos as ur "eyes." Oh and thanks for being my wave warning beacon so that I could focus on building my mound of sand to the sea gods... teamwork rules!!!
Abe--I was there to dance with you all, and the kudos that belongs to me is in the people I have chosen to befriend. To friends!!!
Thursday, September 05, 2002
Study Break of Weekend Proportions: Looking forward to Sleepover LA being planned for this weekend. Tomorrow I get up early to wait up for the Fedex man to bring 20 pounds of fresh lobster straight from Maine, which we will bring to Justin’s apartment near UCLA to recreate the first Lobster and Crab night we had in Boston (New York trip). Rain predicted by the radio stations, but we won’t let it foil the Ultimate Seafood Nite and all night bonding sessions. Excitement in the air as LA hosts their first sleepover, courtesy of Justin and Frances. Thanks guys!!!
Why spend so much time in the garden?:
--Because organic veges are healthier,
--I can think quietly when I am in the garden and admire nature,
--It feels good to do some productive physical work as a break from the mental gymnastics of the LSAT,
--It is a great way to get to know the neighbors as everyone tends our own gardens at dusk,
--Some people don’t grow what we grow and/or don’t have gardens at their homes,
--Delivering produce is a great reason to walk the dog,
--There is a mutual joy when someone comes home from a hard days’ work and finds veges at their doorstep (joy of giving AND someone in the world knows we care enuf to take the time to harvest and deliver food to them),
--Moms love it and might introduce their daughters to me and female dogs to DiDi (hasn’t happened yet, but wouldn’t that be cool?!). ;o)
--Because organic veges are healthier,
--I can think quietly when I am in the garden and admire nature,
--It feels good to do some productive physical work as a break from the mental gymnastics of the LSAT,
--It is a great way to get to know the neighbors as everyone tends our own gardens at dusk,
--Some people don’t grow what we grow and/or don’t have gardens at their homes,
--Delivering produce is a great reason to walk the dog,
--There is a mutual joy when someone comes home from a hard days’ work and finds veges at their doorstep (joy of giving AND someone in the world knows we care enuf to take the time to harvest and deliver food to them),
--Moms love it and might introduce their daughters to me and female dogs to DiDi (hasn’t happened yet, but wouldn’t that be cool?!). ;o)
Delivery of Good Health: Put your hand out regularly to support people and chances are they will support you. The fledgling you help will always fly back an eagle with food when food is scarce. And if abe the vege deliverer knocks at ur door, open the door!!!
Today I picked four bales of yam leaves as I pruned, picked, and then fertilized the area again with our new soybean complex. My mom went to a meeting and took two bales with her to give to Edward’s parents and another friend, and I took DiDi to deliver one bale each to Wilson’s parents and Teacher Chiou before dinner. The area I harvested from actually doesn’t look that big, but it yields like crazy. My pet theory is that the plants know they are growing for the entire family friend network so give us their very best.
Also in gardening news, I also dug another hole 5 feet in diameter and widened the weedless area around the newly planted date tree so we could dump future grass clippings and food scraps for composting in the coming fall and winter. These areas are going to become the future sites for yam plants when we rotate crops next year… and the current space for yams is going to become tomatoes, beans and/or bitter melon. Next year I expect to double the amount of arable land in our yard and a triple yield.
Today I picked four bales of yam leaves as I pruned, picked, and then fertilized the area again with our new soybean complex. My mom went to a meeting and took two bales with her to give to Edward’s parents and another friend, and I took DiDi to deliver one bale each to Wilson’s parents and Teacher Chiou before dinner. The area I harvested from actually doesn’t look that big, but it yields like crazy. My pet theory is that the plants know they are growing for the entire family friend network so give us their very best.
Also in gardening news, I also dug another hole 5 feet in diameter and widened the weedless area around the newly planted date tree so we could dump future grass clippings and food scraps for composting in the coming fall and winter. These areas are going to become the future sites for yam plants when we rotate crops next year… and the current space for yams is going to become tomatoes, beans and/or bitter melon. Next year I expect to double the amount of arable land in our yard and a triple yield.
LSAT Studying Gets a Boost!!!: I’m finding as I study for LSAT that some of the facts I read about as actually extremely interesting. Yesterday, I found that running may be bad because it can cause bone fragmentation. Today, I found out that plants “fart” in the soil so planting the same thing over and over again in the same area results in veges not as lush as in the previous year… hence the need for crop rotation.
I find that I can focus better if I go thru the test looking for interesting facts. Before, I thought that the LSAT was an abstract way of testing academic knowledge I would never use (so therefore I studied mostly out of guilt).
I find that I can focus better if I go thru the test looking for interesting facts. Before, I thought that the LSAT was an abstract way of testing academic knowledge I would never use (so therefore I studied mostly out of guilt).
If one is to be extreme, then one should be constantly vigilant to curb negative thinking and to follow conviction with action.
Wednesday, September 04, 2002
The Scary Lawyer: People fear power. Fear of lawyers suggests that they have power. What makes lawyers are powerful?
The scariest thing about interacting with a lawyer isn't the knowledge he/she wields, it's the thinking ability. With thinking ability comes the abilities of knowledge synthezation and knowledge manipulation. That is why people fear lawyers in matters outside of law.
People who think going to law schol inevitably means a career in law seem to also believe that law school is about acquiring knowledge, but i'm not sure that is the most important lesson to be learned. Thinking ability is more important than knowledge because it is a precursor to gaining wisdom, and THAT is what is of the highest value.
The scariest thing about interacting with a lawyer isn't the knowledge he/she wields, it's the thinking ability. With thinking ability comes the abilities of knowledge synthezation and knowledge manipulation. That is why people fear lawyers in matters outside of law.
People who think going to law schol inevitably means a career in law seem to also believe that law school is about acquiring knowledge, but i'm not sure that is the most important lesson to be learned. Thinking ability is more important than knowledge because it is a precursor to gaining wisdom, and THAT is what is of the highest value.
Idea About Ideas: If I think of one idea a day, then after year, there has to be at least one idea out of 365 that is feasible. At the very least, I will train myself to recognize opportunities.
Doggie Food: My mom went to buy stuff and came back with groceries today. Oh the irony. We have reached the day when DiDi Dawg's doggie food outcosts mine. DiDi got some beef jerky snack, and I got baked pretzels. Dude, he betta be a good dog!!!... all whinning all over the place when we tied him up while painting the gate AND waking me up when I was taking a nap after painting the gate to recover from the fumes.
Arcadia vs. Irvine: Food is cheaper and better in Arcadia. Irvine has better weather. So I shall vacation between both. Exxxxcellent!!!
Tuesday, September 03, 2002
Err??? said Didi???:
RHsu830340 (12:38:33 AM): so what's up?
Big BeeBee (12:38:37 AM): earthquake
Big BeeBee (12:38:47 AM): dude my dog didn't bark
Big BeeBee (12:38:53 AM): :-(
Big BeeBee (12:38:59 AM): like the one time something happens,
Big BeeBee (12:39:10 AM): he didn't do his job
Big BeeBee (12:39:17 AM): sadness
Big BeeBee (12:39:26 AM): sigh, well we like him despite himself
RHsu830340 (12:38:33 AM): so what's up?
Big BeeBee (12:38:37 AM): earthquake
Big BeeBee (12:38:47 AM): dude my dog didn't bark
Big BeeBee (12:38:53 AM): :-(
Big BeeBee (12:38:59 AM): like the one time something happens,
Big BeeBee (12:39:10 AM): he didn't do his job
Big BeeBee (12:39:17 AM): sadness
Big BeeBee (12:39:26 AM): sigh, well we like him despite himself
Fundraising for Travel: I have been trying to figure out different ways to raise funds for members in our group that say "lack of money" is the main reason why they cannot join me in travel... but as I was entertaining another idea the other day, I realized that the reality of the matter is that I shouldn't be working as hard on raising cash; rather, I should be raising peoples' expectations of themselves to raise the cash themselves. Instead of telling everyone that "sponsorship" for travel is the way to go, I should be convincing everyone that "self-reliancy" is the key to group travel.
What these friends may not know is that all the money I use to travel is earned and saved by myself. I don't tell people this, but I think some people need to know that I can be done independently. Working can provide money as well as job experience. Furthermore, I calculated that even working minimum wage for the school for a year one could gather enough money for our trip to Europe. I will continue to think of ideas to fundraise for those with extenuating circumstances, but for those that can conceivably raise the cash by getting a job, I preach self-reliance to thee!!!
What these friends may not know is that all the money I use to travel is earned and saved by myself. I don't tell people this, but I think some people need to know that I can be done independently. Working can provide money as well as job experience. Furthermore, I calculated that even working minimum wage for the school for a year one could gather enough money for our trip to Europe. I will continue to think of ideas to fundraise for those with extenuating circumstances, but for those that can conceivably raise the cash by getting a job, I preach self-reliance to thee!!!
Monday, September 02, 2002
Neighborhood Watch, the Midnight Shift: The neighborhood is changing as new people move in once again. When we moved in about 15 years ago, we were the first Asians on the block… Then came the rest of the Taiwanese crowd… and now the Chinese crowd has come in… The streets also seem busier at night and cricket chirps have given way to car revving in the distance.
If U Are Ever Hella Bored:
Big BeeBee (11:56:26 PM): two things I recommend
Big BeeBee (11:56:49 PM): one is go take a shower with the radio turned up hella loud to ur favorite station
Big BeeBee (11:57:11 PM): the other is lift weights while turning up ur most hated radio station.
Big BeeBee (11:56:26 PM): two things I recommend
Big BeeBee (11:56:49 PM): one is go take a shower with the radio turned up hella loud to ur favorite station
Big BeeBee (11:57:11 PM): the other is lift weights while turning up ur most hated radio station.
Self-Imposed Hero: Bad times breed heroes, good times breed the mediocre. Therefore, to be a hero in good times, one must self-impose difficult conditions.
Thinking Different and Being Different: It is clear to myself and most others that I think differently and my way of doing things is different. Yet when I feel lost and turn to others for advice, they inevitably tell me to turn toward conventional careers and lifestyle. Why is that?! Would you tell a penguin to enter a foot race?! I now have to decide whether their advice is worth listening to.
A couple months ago, I was really worried about my future. I expected to be a mediocre lawyer at best, had no ambition (or only had a vague conception) about the benefits of law… I felt that this career path I was walking was not one that I wanted to walk on, but I could not think of an alternative.
Now I realize I am going into law for my benefit as well as for the benefit of those around me. If I make no money from it, so be it. Now the difference is confidence, confidence in that whatever I do, I will be successful in. The ambition that is suddenly clear to me is family, travel, building a business, and having as much leisure time (for books and gardening) as possible. Law school can only help me learn to do things better by stimulating my critical thinking skills, my people skills, and my knowledge database… being an awesome lawyer isn’t my criteria for life success (altho if I was, that would be unfoo-coolness).
As for law school affecting all areas of my life from the quality of my future friends to wife I potentially meet in the future, I think that’s bullshit. Good people will always attract good people. I have met and made many great friends who I can continue to deepen my relationships with and if I am a good enough person, who wouldn’t want to by my friend?
As for my future spouse, she doesn’t have to be high status and high income, all she needs to possess is my love for life. I will attract her by me… and somehow I think that is worth more than a law degree from some kick-ass mighty law school. I definitely want to get into an awesome law school cuz state schools tend to be more economical and a better education can facilitate my learning more.
How will I make the big bucks then? Well, I recently found that if I just sit down and think about how to solve problems, I can. Since making money is all about solving the problems people can’t solve or don’t have time to solve, then perhaps abe ingeniuty can carry the day. I need to have faith in my own ability to adapt. Examples include when I used the stone to scrub a burned pot my mom couldn’t figure out to get rid of, devising a way to tie Didi to the chair safely and effectively, Loftybeds marketing plan, helping Justin solve the logistics to Sleepover LA… The point is that I must trust myself, not panic and end up giving into what others think I should do, because then their failings shall be my own. But if I listen to self and become good, I’ll attract goodness.
My way is harder, and I do not disillusion myself into thinking that I am infallible or better than others are. The conventional road simply isn’t for me so there are no precedent I can rely on or detailed directions people can give me.
A couple months ago, I was really worried about my future. I expected to be a mediocre lawyer at best, had no ambition (or only had a vague conception) about the benefits of law… I felt that this career path I was walking was not one that I wanted to walk on, but I could not think of an alternative.
Now I realize I am going into law for my benefit as well as for the benefit of those around me. If I make no money from it, so be it. Now the difference is confidence, confidence in that whatever I do, I will be successful in. The ambition that is suddenly clear to me is family, travel, building a business, and having as much leisure time (for books and gardening) as possible. Law school can only help me learn to do things better by stimulating my critical thinking skills, my people skills, and my knowledge database… being an awesome lawyer isn’t my criteria for life success (altho if I was, that would be unfoo-coolness).
As for law school affecting all areas of my life from the quality of my future friends to wife I potentially meet in the future, I think that’s bullshit. Good people will always attract good people. I have met and made many great friends who I can continue to deepen my relationships with and if I am a good enough person, who wouldn’t want to by my friend?
As for my future spouse, she doesn’t have to be high status and high income, all she needs to possess is my love for life. I will attract her by me… and somehow I think that is worth more than a law degree from some kick-ass mighty law school. I definitely want to get into an awesome law school cuz state schools tend to be more economical and a better education can facilitate my learning more.
How will I make the big bucks then? Well, I recently found that if I just sit down and think about how to solve problems, I can. Since making money is all about solving the problems people can’t solve or don’t have time to solve, then perhaps abe ingeniuty can carry the day. I need to have faith in my own ability to adapt. Examples include when I used the stone to scrub a burned pot my mom couldn’t figure out to get rid of, devising a way to tie Didi to the chair safely and effectively, Loftybeds marketing plan, helping Justin solve the logistics to Sleepover LA… The point is that I must trust myself, not panic and end up giving into what others think I should do, because then their failings shall be my own. But if I listen to self and become good, I’ll attract goodness.
My way is harder, and I do not disillusion myself into thinking that I am infallible or better than others are. The conventional road simply isn’t for me so there are no precedent I can rely on or detailed directions people can give me.
What's up: I have returned to Arcadia after spending a week in Irvine. I have Didi Dawg in my lap while i'm typing, the reason being that he whines and won't go to bed till late the first 2 days or so after I return. The weather here is hot, it is 108 degrees, but there is much to do so my foremost challenge each day is to combat slothfulness that comes with hot weather... the second challenge to keep my vegetable garden from wilting.
I am thankful for being able to hitch rides with various friends up and down SoCal so that I can get things done... I find that I am able to complete the chores in one area just before another area needs chores to be done.
Been studying and writing mostly, it is peaceful. Temporarily have taken myself off the daily 2hrs of self-required free reading since I am in Arcadia for lack of books to read. I'm going to use the free time to elaborate on my post-it note ideas in my journal. More on that later.
Tomorrow we set out on another mission to deliver organic homegrown produce to neighbors and family friends, the expected highlight of the day. Next week, I return to Irvine to perform my role as house manager, which I expect to keep me hair-raisingly busy, but luckily something I know I can handle well.
I am thankful for being able to hitch rides with various friends up and down SoCal so that I can get things done... I find that I am able to complete the chores in one area just before another area needs chores to be done.
Been studying and writing mostly, it is peaceful. Temporarily have taken myself off the daily 2hrs of self-required free reading since I am in Arcadia for lack of books to read. I'm going to use the free time to elaborate on my post-it note ideas in my journal. More on that later.
Tomorrow we set out on another mission to deliver organic homegrown produce to neighbors and family friends, the expected highlight of the day. Next week, I return to Irvine to perform my role as house manager, which I expect to keep me hair-raisingly busy, but luckily something I know I can handle well.
