"Faith must be tested, because it can only become your intimate possession through conflict."
Sigh.
Sunday, August 29, 2004
I went to Tivoli yesterday which is in Copenhagen, Denmark. Tivoli is the world�s first ever amusement park, built in 1843 and which is rumored to be the inspiration for Disneyland. My favorite moments was riding The Flying Trunk, which depicted scenes from the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen (The Princess and the Pea, The Little Mermaid, The Emperor�s New Suit, The Ugly Duckling, Thumbelina, The Little Match-Seller, The Nightingale), and staying until the park closed to watch the fireworks show behind the Tivoli Concert Hall. True it was no Disneyland, but I could see how Walt Disney was definitely influenced by Tivoli and its attractions. But I loved Tivoli for its simple and quaint beauty and for retaining its original history for all these years instead of losing itself to capitalism and consumerism.
Friday, August 27, 2004
There is one and only one thing in Lund that does not cost anything: free washing machines with free laundry detergent and fabric softener, and free dryers with free dryer sheets. This is very, very important.
I was initially reluctant to meet my corridor mates because the air in the hall smelled dank and stale. But I have met most of them now, and they are all nice and friendly. I think the smell is due to the fact that 10 boys live on my floor while there are only 2.5 girls. These are the nice things they have done for me so far: let me borrow bedsheets, give me toilet paper, give me a TV, teach me to sing in Swedish about a busdriver, give me a TV cable for the TV, set up internet illegally for me, and teach me to use the microwave.
It has been raining sporadically since I've arrived here. I think I have experienced every single type of rain thus far: light sprinkling rain, drizzly rain, scattered and sudden showers, rain while the sun is still shining, rain while everything is gray and overcast, chilly rain, warm rain, thunder storms with heavy showers, and etc. It has been fun. But my favorite days are the days after a heavy rainfall when the sun is shining and the blue sky is crisp and clear and filled with the puffiest and fattest white clouds.
People here are TALL. I always thought myself a considerable height until I was humbled by the blond, long-legged Scandinavians. I wasn't even tall enough to buy a regular bike but was instead degraded to a mountain bike with a wheel circumference of only 24 inches. I get sad everytime I see my dinky little bike parked next to all the loftier and impressive big people bikes.
I was initially reluctant to meet my corridor mates because the air in the hall smelled dank and stale. But I have met most of them now, and they are all nice and friendly. I think the smell is due to the fact that 10 boys live on my floor while there are only 2.5 girls. These are the nice things they have done for me so far: let me borrow bedsheets, give me toilet paper, give me a TV, teach me to sing in Swedish about a busdriver, give me a TV cable for the TV, set up internet illegally for me, and teach me to use the microwave.
It has been raining sporadically since I've arrived here. I think I have experienced every single type of rain thus far: light sprinkling rain, drizzly rain, scattered and sudden showers, rain while the sun is still shining, rain while everything is gray and overcast, chilly rain, warm rain, thunder storms with heavy showers, and etc. It has been fun. But my favorite days are the days after a heavy rainfall when the sun is shining and the blue sky is crisp and clear and filled with the puffiest and fattest white clouds.
People here are TALL. I always thought myself a considerable height until I was humbled by the blond, long-legged Scandinavians. I wasn't even tall enough to buy a regular bike but was instead degraded to a mountain bike with a wheel circumference of only 24 inches. I get sad everytime I see my dinky little bike parked next to all the loftier and impressive big people bikes.
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Lund is beautiful. Every day I continue to wake up unable to believe that places like this can still exist in the world.
But Lund has bees instead of flies. I never minded the bumblebee until I was recently stung by one on my lower lip. Now I utterly despise them and I can't wait until it gets colder so that every single one of them dies and I don't have to cower in fear whenever one of them flies near me.
The Swedish people have many traditions. One is to eat ice cream or frozen yogurt in waffle cones whenever it's a sunny day. The rationale behind this is that such days are precious and thus are very deserving of a celebration. I have most readily acclimatized myself to this cultural convention, and having tried Swedish ice cream, frozen yogurt, and popsicles, I find them all very worthy of acclamation and praise. One of my most favorite popsicles is the Itsakadoozie from 7-11. The discovery of its Swedish counterpart, the Pirulo, in a dodgy Arab shop one day for only 12 kronors, was definitely one of the happier moments I've had so far in Sweden.
And look at this:
P.S. I have internet now so email me home addresses so I can write. And don't forget to say hi. =]
But Lund has bees instead of flies. I never minded the bumblebee until I was recently stung by one on my lower lip. Now I utterly despise them and I can't wait until it gets colder so that every single one of them dies and I don't have to cower in fear whenever one of them flies near me.
The Swedish people have many traditions. One is to eat ice cream or frozen yogurt in waffle cones whenever it's a sunny day. The rationale behind this is that such days are precious and thus are very deserving of a celebration. I have most readily acclimatized myself to this cultural convention, and having tried Swedish ice cream, frozen yogurt, and popsicles, I find them all very worthy of acclamation and praise. One of my most favorite popsicles is the Itsakadoozie from 7-11. The discovery of its Swedish counterpart, the Pirulo, in a dodgy Arab shop one day for only 12 kronors, was definitely one of the happier moments I've had so far in Sweden.
And look at this:
P.S. I have internet now so email me home addresses so I can write. And don't forget to say hi. =]
Sunday, August 22, 2004
I'm starting to feel my first pangs of homesickness. If you've had the slightest inkling of what I've been through, you'd understand why.
People in Sweden encourage me to walk home alone at night. I find this ironic since for the past 4.5 years, I was told to do the exact opposite. The nights here are simply beautiful though. I wish I knew more constellations.
People in Sweden encourage me to walk home alone at night. I find this ironic since for the past 4.5 years, I was told to do the exact opposite. The nights here are simply beautiful though. I wish I knew more constellations.
Sunday, August 15, 2004
I was at BR when the worker-man saw my shirt and exclaimed, "Cal?! You go, girl, you go and represent the Cal State System."
Bob, my tomato plant, is thriving and doing well. The tomatoes are not as plump as Bob from Veggies Tales is, but in my opinion, are still just as red and shiny. Naming a plant is not such a bad thing after all.
Bob, my tomato plant, is thriving and doing well. The tomatoes are not as plump as Bob from Veggies Tales is, but in my opinion, are still just as red and shiny. Naming a plant is not such a bad thing after all.
Saturday, August 14, 2004
Thursday, August 12, 2004
Monday, August 09, 2004
The days are just flying by and I'm finding that each day here left in Berkeley needs to be treasured. This past weekend, I was able to re-visit some favorite places, create new memories, and was forced to say some very difficult goodbyes. And keeping my emotions under control is becoming more challenging every day.
Monterey Bay Aquarium, Carmel, Golden Gate Bridge: I've loved the opportunities I've had to spend time with my cousins this summer. But after two days with my baby cousins, I've been having second thoughts about my previous resolution to have my five children in a yearly succession.
Nursery: My initial motivations for serving in nursery were very selfish and prideful ones [I'm getting Andy's "Serving Small" tingles]. I can't explain it well, but reflecting on these past two years, I can see how much I've grown in reliance and faith from the relationships I've developed from the babies and the teachers, even though I thought I was the one offering my help to nursery. Everything always seems to work out that in that twisted and ironic sort of way.
Jane's 22nd Birthday: I've known Jane Kim now for at least half of my life. I consider myself so blessed for such a loving friend who has stuck by me despite all my faults and my shortcomings. Look at how beautiful she is. =]
Monterey Bay Aquarium, Carmel, Golden Gate Bridge: I've loved the opportunities I've had to spend time with my cousins this summer. But after two days with my baby cousins, I've been having second thoughts about my previous resolution to have my five children in a yearly succession.
Nursery: My initial motivations for serving in nursery were very selfish and prideful ones [I'm getting Andy's "Serving Small" tingles]. I can't explain it well, but reflecting on these past two years, I can see how much I've grown in reliance and faith from the relationships I've developed from the babies and the teachers, even though I thought I was the one offering my help to nursery. Everything always seems to work out that in that twisted and ironic sort of way.
Jane's 22nd Birthday: I've known Jane Kim now for at least half of my life. I consider myself so blessed for such a loving friend who has stuck by me despite all my faults and my shortcomings. Look at how beautiful she is. =]
Friday, August 06, 2004
Thursday, August 05, 2004
I ate dinner with Janet at Asqew Grill at Bay Street. When I went up to order, the guy asked me, "May I help you, sir?" I didn't know what to say so I just stood there until he looked askance and saw what I can only imagine as sadness and horror on my face.
I've most reluctantly become unfazed by graphic sexual imagery. Thanks, Kenny. I'm sure you take great pride in knowing that you're responsible for this.
I've most reluctantly become unfazed by graphic sexual imagery. Thanks, Kenny. I'm sure you take great pride in knowing that you're responsible for this.
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
My last VBS ever. I can't believe it. I've been incredibly blessed for being able to serve for three consecutive summers, and I'm thankful that every year, I'm reminded of just how much He loves each and every one of us.
VBS 2004: The Race is On =]
Thursday night: Albert's comment about not wanting to brush his teeth and feeling my insides wanting to upchuck the delicious dinner the parents prepared in sheer disgust. John Song and I spending over 30 minutes on one poster, yet proudly declaring it to be the best looking flag ever. Richard trying to join our team because he knew it was the best. Talking about random stuff with John Song and being glad for the opportunity to be able to talk. Finding out that there's a typo on our green VBS shirts. Asking everyone for advice on how to paint our railroad sign and Kwansoo's genius suggestion to use pale yellow. Trying to count out pieces of candy for the kids only to have Carolina help me. 307. Being unable to guess any of the Bible Taboo questions. John Song and I being nice and outlining the finished posters with black marker. Wanting to leave the earliest, but ending up staying the longest.
Friday: Not being grumpy in the morning. Dennis' purple tights and his leg hair poking out of them. Realizing that my one 2nd grade girl wasn't here. Not understanding Pastor Chang's messages because they were too advanced. Playing with Heidi instead and trying to help her make her butterfly magnet. Getting exasperated at Heidi because she wanted everything Isaiah was using and didn't want to share. Disgusted that Heidi likes boys so much and that her newest favorite ended up being Kwansoo. "Crayon." Kwansoo, Heidi, and rubber band. Heidi thinking it was her birthday and not Nathan's. One of the largest cakes I've ever seen. Poking the cake and licking the frosting. Richard used to wipe his mouth on his shirt's sleeves. Nicole calling me Teacher Candy. Kwansoo and John Yi's amazing freezing game and having Joshua and Andrew be frozen for over 16 minutes. Nicole sharing her Smarties with Madison. Nicole having 4 different girls make her stars. Joanna's amazingly creative skit that rhymed. Talking with Jenny and Sharon in the baby room and wishing we had more chances like this during college. Sharon and I eating about 8 pieces of chicken each. Trying to bribe Sydney to play with me. Watching John Chae almost throw up twice when eating the meal worm. Isaac's unbearable snoring, snarling, and grunting.
Saturday: Meeting Iris, Cory, and Emily. Discussing birthdays with them. Sharon making fun of my tail bone. Finally having a student only to have her think she was in the 1st grade. Joining classes with Joanna. I like Joanna. Watching Iris, Sarah, and Esther pose prettily for the camera like little models. I like ketchup. Being amazed at how young Kimmy's mother looked. Packing lunch with Albert Kae and insisting on using the Saran Wrap. Bindi. =[ Watching Kristy and Sharon play ping-pong and watching Kristy continually lying to the kids to prevent them from playing. John Chae and Kristy's intense ping-pong game. Going to the park one last time only to find it dark, cold, and gloomy. Sitting with Sewon, Sharon, and Carolina and yabbering like ajummas. Making a candy assembly line. Watching the junior guys beat all the other guys in tug-of-war. Danny's amazingly high jump in the air. Watching the kids spit into the water when trying to grab their letters. Stephanie sad because a boy accidentally spit into her hair. Saying "No" to Pastor Eugene's request. Telling Stephanie to throw her water balloons at John Song and Kwansoo. Shivering, miserable kids. Hearing Sarah and Sumi talk about boys, boys, boys. Jandre thinking he was prettier than all the girls at VBS. Jandre and his Hosanna motions. Tired boys all sleeping. An anti-climactic ending. Lee's Buffet. The most disgusting pineapples ever. Older guys preferring quality over quantity. I like Jandre. A fried banana that looked like don-katsu. Who knew that Advil was not just for headaches? Watching movies with the significant other vs. watching movies with friends.
VBS 2004: The Race is On =]
Thursday night: Albert's comment about not wanting to brush his teeth and feeling my insides wanting to upchuck the delicious dinner the parents prepared in sheer disgust. John Song and I spending over 30 minutes on one poster, yet proudly declaring it to be the best looking flag ever. Richard trying to join our team because he knew it was the best. Talking about random stuff with John Song and being glad for the opportunity to be able to talk. Finding out that there's a typo on our green VBS shirts. Asking everyone for advice on how to paint our railroad sign and Kwansoo's genius suggestion to use pale yellow. Trying to count out pieces of candy for the kids only to have Carolina help me. 307. Being unable to guess any of the Bible Taboo questions. John Song and I being nice and outlining the finished posters with black marker. Wanting to leave the earliest, but ending up staying the longest.
Friday: Not being grumpy in the morning. Dennis' purple tights and his leg hair poking out of them. Realizing that my one 2nd grade girl wasn't here. Not understanding Pastor Chang's messages because they were too advanced. Playing with Heidi instead and trying to help her make her butterfly magnet. Getting exasperated at Heidi because she wanted everything Isaiah was using and didn't want to share. Disgusted that Heidi likes boys so much and that her newest favorite ended up being Kwansoo. "Crayon." Kwansoo, Heidi, and rubber band. Heidi thinking it was her birthday and not Nathan's. One of the largest cakes I've ever seen. Poking the cake and licking the frosting. Richard used to wipe his mouth on his shirt's sleeves. Nicole calling me Teacher Candy. Kwansoo and John Yi's amazing freezing game and having Joshua and Andrew be frozen for over 16 minutes. Nicole sharing her Smarties with Madison. Nicole having 4 different girls make her stars. Joanna's amazingly creative skit that rhymed. Talking with Jenny and Sharon in the baby room and wishing we had more chances like this during college. Sharon and I eating about 8 pieces of chicken each. Trying to bribe Sydney to play with me. Watching John Chae almost throw up twice when eating the meal worm. Isaac's unbearable snoring, snarling, and grunting.
Saturday: Meeting Iris, Cory, and Emily. Discussing birthdays with them. Sharon making fun of my tail bone. Finally having a student only to have her think she was in the 1st grade. Joining classes with Joanna. I like Joanna. Watching Iris, Sarah, and Esther pose prettily for the camera like little models. I like ketchup. Being amazed at how young Kimmy's mother looked. Packing lunch with Albert Kae and insisting on using the Saran Wrap. Bindi. =[ Watching Kristy and Sharon play ping-pong and watching Kristy continually lying to the kids to prevent them from playing. John Chae and Kristy's intense ping-pong game. Going to the park one last time only to find it dark, cold, and gloomy. Sitting with Sewon, Sharon, and Carolina and yabbering like ajummas. Making a candy assembly line. Watching the junior guys beat all the other guys in tug-of-war. Danny's amazingly high jump in the air. Watching the kids spit into the water when trying to grab their letters. Stephanie sad because a boy accidentally spit into her hair. Saying "No" to Pastor Eugene's request. Telling Stephanie to throw her water balloons at John Song and Kwansoo. Shivering, miserable kids. Hearing Sarah and Sumi talk about boys, boys, boys. Jandre thinking he was prettier than all the girls at VBS. Jandre and his Hosanna motions. Tired boys all sleeping. An anti-climactic ending. Lee's Buffet. The most disgusting pineapples ever. Older guys preferring quality over quantity. I like Jandre. A fried banana that looked like don-katsu. Who knew that Advil was not just for headaches? Watching movies with the significant other vs. watching movies with friends.
Monday, August 02, 2004
Sunday, August 01, 2004
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: gosh
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: im so annoyed
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: how did this happen
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: its th woerst time to happen to also
bCxaNgeL143: yea
bCxaNgeL143: but u don't take care of ur body
bCxaNgeL143: it's gonna fail u now, if not later
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: stupid retared body
bCxaNgeL143: hahaha
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: really
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: WHY do i have the wrost luck
bCxaNgeL143: hey man, i'm in the same boat
bCxaNgeL143: nothing in my (our) lives ever runs smoothly
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: thats true
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: =[
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: why, do you think??
bCxaNgeL143: yea
bCxaNgeL143: it's God's will that we meet
bCxaNgeL143: He put two unfortunate souls together to keep each other accountable
bCxaNgeL143: sigh
bCxaNgeL143: what can we do?
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: isnt it so sad though?
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: to lok at our pathetic lives?
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: for once, i wish something went smoothly
bCxaNgeL143: did i tell u?
bCxaNgeL143: on thursday, i was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO annoyed
bCxaNgeL143: b/c i went to costco right after class
bCxaNgeL143: and then i entered costco
bCxaNgeL143: and the man that stands by the door ran after me and kicked me out of the store
bCxaNgeL143: b/c i'm a "gold star member" and not business
bCxaNgeL143: and i couldn't get in til 11
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: hahahahah
bCxaNgeL143: so i had to wait in the car til 11
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: hahahah
bCxaNgeL143: so for an hour, i studied in my car
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: that sso sad
bCxaNgeL143: i was sooo annoyed
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: =[
bCxaNgeL143: and then...
bCxaNgeL143: i go in and they don't even have the memory card i wanted
bCxaNgeL143: i was soooooooooooooooooooooooooo mad
bCxaNgeL143: the only reason i bought the memory card was b/c i didn't want to have waited in the parking lot for nothing, yanno?
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: yeah
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: you could have gone home by 11
bCxaNgeL143: u would think we'd get used to life just playing a practical joke on us by now
bCxaNgeL143: but everytime, i still get annoyed
bCxaNgeL143: sigh
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: me too
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: the costco chicken and wild rice experience got me really sad
bCxaNgeL143: hAHAHAHAHAHa
bCxaNgeL143: ooooh that reminds me of gomtang
bCxaNgeL143: :-(
bCxaNgeL143: i want their kim chee
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: gomtang would be sooooooooooo good rihgtnow
bCxaNgeL143: yea!!!!
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: im so annoyed
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: how did this happen
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: its th woerst time to happen to also
bCxaNgeL143: yea
bCxaNgeL143: but u don't take care of ur body
bCxaNgeL143: it's gonna fail u now, if not later
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: stupid retared body
bCxaNgeL143: hahaha
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: really
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: WHY do i have the wrost luck
bCxaNgeL143: hey man, i'm in the same boat
bCxaNgeL143: nothing in my (our) lives ever runs smoothly
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: thats true
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: =[
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: why, do you think??
bCxaNgeL143: yea
bCxaNgeL143: it's God's will that we meet
bCxaNgeL143: He put two unfortunate souls together to keep each other accountable
bCxaNgeL143: sigh
bCxaNgeL143: what can we do?
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: isnt it so sad though?
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: to lok at our pathetic lives?
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: for once, i wish something went smoothly
bCxaNgeL143: did i tell u?
bCxaNgeL143: on thursday, i was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO annoyed
bCxaNgeL143: b/c i went to costco right after class
bCxaNgeL143: and then i entered costco
bCxaNgeL143: and the man that stands by the door ran after me and kicked me out of the store
bCxaNgeL143: b/c i'm a "gold star member" and not business
bCxaNgeL143: and i couldn't get in til 11
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: hahahahah
bCxaNgeL143: so i had to wait in the car til 11
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: hahahah
bCxaNgeL143: so for an hour, i studied in my car
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: that sso sad
bCxaNgeL143: i was sooo annoyed
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: =[
bCxaNgeL143: and then...
bCxaNgeL143: i go in and they don't even have the memory card i wanted
bCxaNgeL143: i was soooooooooooooooooooooooooo mad
bCxaNgeL143: the only reason i bought the memory card was b/c i didn't want to have waited in the parking lot for nothing, yanno?
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: yeah
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: you could have gone home by 11
bCxaNgeL143: u would think we'd get used to life just playing a practical joke on us by now
bCxaNgeL143: but everytime, i still get annoyed
bCxaNgeL143: sigh
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: me too
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: the costco chicken and wild rice experience got me really sad
bCxaNgeL143: hAHAHAHAHAHa
bCxaNgeL143: ooooh that reminds me of gomtang
bCxaNgeL143: :-(
bCxaNgeL143: i want their kim chee
jAhNdEe aT wOrK: gomtang would be sooooooooooo good rihgtnow
bCxaNgeL143: yea!!!!
