The AA's

The Academy Awards' nominations were announced this morning. There are really only three categories which interest me: Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor...maybe Best Animation and Best Visual Effects too, if I'm in the mood. Last year, I was pretty money in choosing the winners for these three. So, here are my picks this time around:

Best Picture: "Brokeback Mountain" is the front-runner although with "Crash" winning the SAG award, its no longer the clear favorite. I'm pulling for "Good Night, and Good Luck" but I think Brokeback is gonna take it.Best Director: With Brokeback being so huge, I think Ang Lee will win this award. Spielberg didn't garner enough attention for "Munich" making his chances very slim. But again, I'll be rooting for George Clooney.Best Actor: This is a tough pick; both Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman won a Golden Globe but Hoffman also got the SAG which gives him the slight edge. He's my pick based on that and the fact that "Walk the Line" was ignored in both Best Picture and Best Director categories.

What surprised me was the Academy snubbing Russell Crowe in "Cinderella Man" for Best Actor, "Star Wars" for Visual Effects, and "Walk the Line" for Best Picture. What's up with that? Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing Jon Stewart host the show. Like last year with Chris Rock, he should be very entertaining.

I concur.

"They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers." Acts 1:14
Pastor Scott explained this word "all" Sunday morning in a way that made me think about it all day. He said that the word indicates not only the individual in the totality but the totality of the individual as well; meaning that each and every person was there together as part of a cohesive group but also that each person, himself or herself, was totally unified in spirit and intent. He called it a picture of "beautiful community". I had never thought of community in regards to both aspects; not only do I belong to community but all of me must be fully devoted to seeking our King alongside my brothers and sisters.
These thoughts brought to mind a song we sang,"One Pure and Holy Passion" but I felt inclined to replace the singular with the plural.

Give us one pure and holy passion

And give us one magnificent obsession

Give us one glorious ambition for our lives

To know and follow hard after You

To know and follow hard after You

To grow as Your disciples in the truth

This world is empty, pale and poor

Compared to knowing You, my Lord

Lead us on and we will run after You

Lead us on and we will run after You

sports review

Tiger, Tiger Woods y'all! The most dominant athlete in the world right now as well as the #1 ranked golfer started the 2006 season with a huge win at the Buick Invitational. The guy is flippin' incredible; coming from behind, Tiger caught up to force a 3-way playoff in which he takes it all on the 2nd playoff hole against Olazabal. Tiger bested a pretty good field too with Mickelson and Garcia in contention through the back nine. But you can't stop the guy at Torrey Pines where he won Junior World there; the dude flat out owns the joint.
St. John's lost again but, seriously, they have got the hardest schedule of all of college basketball having to play both #1 teams(Duke and UConn), other ranked ones too(Louisville, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Georgetown) and perennial powerhouses(Syracuse, Marquette,Villanova, Seton Hall). We're 10-8 right now which isn't that bad...good thing we took down Louisville and handed Pitt their only loss. A few more W's, and St.John's should be tourny bound.
I'm picking the Steelers to beat the Seahawks in the Super Bowl(I can't stand Shaun Alexander). But I really don't have a vested interest in the game, I just wanna check out the outrageously-priced commercials and see which ones flop. There aren't any good story lines to follow or get excited about since both the Patriots and Colts are out but I hope its still gonna be a good game nevertheless.

Happy New Year!

To everyone of the Asian persuasion, Happy New Year! In case you haven't figured it out, 2006 is the year of the dog. May you all have a great year of peace, prosperity, and happiness.

Speaking of a quarter-life crisis, I found the post last year when I was 24 in which I wrote about how I was anxious for the year to begin. I was so optimistic...at least it started kinda well.

Aquarii unite!

Oddly enough, my cousin's son and I share the same birthday. How weird is that? I've been trying to figure out his actual relation to me. I think he's my second cousin but I'm not quite sure. If anyone knows for certain, please inform me. Oh and I also found out that Jenna, one of the high school girls from my youth group, turned 18 yesterday as well. For an even more bizarre birthday connection I had, read this.

Here is a link to Abundant Life Christian Fellowship's Katrina Relief Trip page. We partnered up with Pastor Steve and his people along with Wantagh Baptist Church while we were down in New Orleans. Unlike us, they actually had skilled people working on the projects. Everybody from those two communities were very cool...it was awesome serving with such humble servants.

just this one time

This little quiz revealed that I'm actually just like the Web-Slinger...who knew me and Peter Parker could be buds?

Again, unbeknownst to me until I completed this, I'm the human version of Link. Oddly enough, thats who I use in Super Smash Bros.
However, for my birthday, I wish to be the hybrid of both creation...Spider-Link. I'd keep Spidey's colors and mask but wear Link's looser fitting gear. I'd still possess my Spidey senses and natural athleticism but will also use the green guy's sword and gadget belt. I wouldn't need his boomerang or any other projectile weapon since I have webbing capabilities now. How sic would that be!? I'm a bit sad now b/c I know that it'll never happened...haha.
Oh, I almost forgot...I'd definitely take MJ over Zelda.

I think its safe to say that humility is not an easy trait to possess. However, I daresay that its a harder thing to grasp than patience or kindness or generosity. It seems that, in regards to the latter qualities, one can simply pray for them and, with the right intentions, begin to nurture them to fruition. But as for humbleness, its something I must do myself (with the Lord's help of course). Throughout the Bible, there are two actions that deal with this: either God humbles man or man humbles himself. Both carry great implications with the former having grave consequences as well. As I read the words "humble yourself" over and over throughout the Scriptures, I'm horrified at how much pride permeates so many facets of my life. How easy it is to tear someone down and place myself before them...to not think of myself greater or better than someone else goes against my sinful predisposition.
But I realize its something that must be an integral part of who I am if I truly intend to follow His example of complete humility. I'm convicted by this verse in 1 Peter: All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." It reminds me that humility doesn't come naturally but must be purposefully embraced. In the same way that I put on clothes before I leave the house(thankfully), I gotta be intentional in the same manner as I interact in humbleness with those in my world especially the ones I find difficult or disagreeable. For me, I think it starts with seeing each and every person God places in front of me as a child of His, to slow down and remember how much He loves them...
"For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." Matthew 23:12
This is my birthday resolution this year; to be lifted up by the Lord as I lift up others.

SURVIVOR

Yay-yeah!! As a huge Survivor fan, I cannot wait for this next season to begin next week! The new tribal breakdown is really interesting with the four groups consisting of older men, older women, younger men and younger women. Also, the exile island banishment every week is intriguing. This is the only show that I get worked up to watch...however, I'm glad its at 8 so that I can see "The Office" and "My Name is Earl" at 9. Oh, how the anticipation mounts!

Note to self: Never, ever watch Last Call with Carson Daly again! No matter what, not even if you can't sleep...just stare at the wall instead. What an absolutely awful show!

Hahahahaha...its been such a long day but I'm so filled with joy and energy. Thank you Father for Your incredible Spirit. May my life be a blessing to You.

I'm turning 26 tomorrow which isn't all that cool but what makes it stand out in my mind is the fact that I'll officially be over my quarter-life crisis. Now before you scoff at the notion of a "quarter-life crisis", I must tell you that I once thought the idea to be absurd as well when my friend MJ told me about it. Not only was she claiming to be going through one but she was also reading this book which was supposed to reveal the intricacies of such a life-altering event. I hadn't given the whole thing much thought until the other day when I realized how tumultuous this last year has been for me: the shift in perspective, location, vocation, spiritual journey...this huge upheaval from San Jose where I've lived 23 of the 25 years of my life to New York City where I had to begin everything fresh...I remember the confusion and frustration towards God, the constant prayer for something new to begin, the heavy-heart that weighed me down at the start of 2005...all that turned around now for which I'm absolutely thankful. All that when I was 25...coincidence? I don't believe in random chance so maybe I have struggled and came out of such a thing with the help of the Spirit leading and nudging along the way. And honestly, I wouldn't want it in any other fashion. I'm just glad that whatever it was, its over with.
By the way, yes, you were right MJ. But I don't even want to hear anything with the words "mid" or "life" in it.

New Orleans MT-5

One of the few places in New Orleans not badly affected by the hurricane or the subsequent flooding was the French Quarter. The FQ (as I like to call it) is pretty sweet. We went to the famous Cafe Du Monde for some Cafe Au Laite and beignets which I was told I had to have. We strolled down Bourbon St. where they have Mardi Gras every year. Now, that section of the FQ is pretty shady and dirty with all kinds of things going on. I can honestly say that after just walking through there, I no longer entertain the idea of doing Mardi Gras. Its kinda strange because once you leave that area, everything else is fantabulous...Jackson Square is kinda in the center off it all just in front of the St. Louis Cathedral. During the day, there are really good performers and street artists doing their thing, the streets are lined with small shops and cafes very cool architecture with tons of history, the people who are actually from New Orleans are great, the Mississippi River is right there as well. Again, just an amazing place and a wonderful experience...good times with good people.

Father, you are everywhere I am...I pray that my life be one of an active pursuit to dwell within Your presence, to simply abide in You...knowing that You care for the little things in my life and in my heart...instill in me a desire to acknowledge You throughout the moments of my day...may I always remember that I can never escape such infinite love...

New Orleans MT-4

I have to admit that as excited as I was to come to New Orleans, I was equally excited as I left. Not that I was eager to go back to school and work or anything...but there was a certain peace that filled me from knowing that there was still hope in that city, faith in better days to come.
I remember leaving Geraldine's house and hearing the gladness in her voice and sensing the confidence that the Lord's work that day gave her to push forward and move on. And I believe that was the general feeling from those around us as we left; that the people of New Orleans have started to close that tragic chapter of their lives and their city and are beginning to start another one...one of life renewed, an assurance restored. As my thoughts linger on those few days, I'll forever be thankful that the Lord allowed me to be a tiny part of His plans to usher forth His kingdom little by little in New Orleans by slowly mending broken hearts and lifting crushed spirits and healing damaged lives.

I had such an awesome day yesterday. It started during the Sunday celebration when Pastor Scott asked those of us who went on the New Orleans trip to come up and share a bit about our experience down there. It was really cool to hear how the others saw it through their own eyes and perspective. As we were sharing stories with the church, my thoughts rushed down to Lee and Bonnie, Geraldine, Jeff and his wife and two hilarious kids...I can just see the joy on their faces, the laughter and good times we shared.
After serving with Pastor Scott, Ric, Kaiti, Kristen and Keith in New Orleans and seeing the Christ-like community that exists here at the 411 and how they have such a desire to worship the Lord in all aspects of life, I've decided to become a member. I hadn't pictured myself being part of a church this early, having only attended the 411 for a few months, but upon praying about it, I felt God calling me to take that step of faith and see where He'll lead me as I begin to serve here. So, last night was the first week of the 8-week New Members class; I had talked to Pastor Scott about this before and was totally excited to start the journey.
After the class, Pastor Scott and I went to see The End of the Spear which is essentially the Jim Elliot story but told by Steve Saint whose father, Nick Saint, was one of the missionaries killed there. It was a very powerful and emotional movie; I was so pleased that it wasn't overtly "Christian" but done in a way where you wouldn't miss the message behind such tragedy and yet not be put off by religious undertones. As we left the theater, I found the movie to be a fitting end to a great day that started with a missional presentation in the morning and ended with one at night as well.

In case you didn't hear, my boy Kobe dropped 81 points last night by shooting over 60%. Only Wilt's 100 pt. game tops this performance; MJ's highest was only 69. Let me also remind you that Kobe put up 62 pts. in only 3 quarters a few months back. With this game included, his scoring avg. this season is 35.9. He also has the Lakers over .500 and in the 7th spot in the West. He is hands-down the most exciting athlete to watch...people are already asking when, not if, he's gonna drop 100.

Your love has captured me

Your grace has set me free

Your life the air I breathe

Be glorified in me

You set my feet to dancing

You set my heart on fire

In the presence of a thousand kings

You are my one desire

I stand before you now

With trembling hands lifted high

Be glorified

New Orleans MT-3

I don't know which is worse; having the hurricane destroy all your things or having the flooding partially damage them? On one hand, you lose everything but on the other, you have to painfully go through and sort it all out. On the second day, we worked in Gentilly at the house of a lady named Geraldine who hadn't been in her home since she left 5 or 6 months ago. Before we went inside, we all had to wear masks due to the mold and mildew everywhere; there was still water in some of her stuff. As we were clearing out her things and practically gutting the house, we threw out all the rubbish onto the sidewalk near the street. You can imagine how the pile got bigger and bigger as time went by. It was sometime in the afternoon when I was walking towards the porch that I saw Geraldine standing there with a look of anguish and brokenness that I'll never forget; what she said next broke my heart. I don't recall her exact words but it was something to the effect of,"All these things in my life, in my home are now out there on the street." Such a sentiment may lose its impact in the here and now even as I'm retelling it but there, right next to her, I didn't know what to say or do...no words came to mind and so I just stood beside her, praying that God would comfort her right then and there. Such heartfelt words revealed a sadness that took me off-guard, reminding me that these weren't just "things" in and of themselves but, added up, comprised her lifelong memories of events and times shared; that this wasn't just a wooden table but a place where she's had meals with friends and family, that we weren't just clearing out any regular room in any ordinary building but that we were working in a private place in her home where she rested and slept. I could see the despair in her eyes as they wavered from object to object in the pile. As odd as it may sound, I don't think I was emotionally prepared to encounter such sorrow...Geraldine's pain-filled words floored me, humbling me completely.

New Orleans MT-2

The most shocking thing about being down there is the sheer enormity of all the devastation... When I watched video clips of all the damage and stuff on the news, I realized that it didn't seem that horrific because I was only seeing little bits and pieces of it here and there; I'm accustomed to seeing damage like this on TV on a small scale but to be in the midst of something on a huge scale like that was sincerely overwhelming. House after house, street after street, block after block...and it wasn't like it was relegated to an area of the city either. We went from one parish to another, and the effects of the hurricane seemed to be everywhere. You stand in the road looking at the remains of a building, the remains of life once there and it renders you speechless. Like my friend Katie said, it was the weirdest thing driving on the freeway at night as we passed neighborhood after neighborhood of darkness devoid of light and people. Its crazy to imagine that all this emptiness was full of life just 6 or 7 months ago...it was and still is difficult to process such a juxtaposition.

This last week has been the busiest week I have ever had. Coming back from the trip and starting class and lab work again has drained me...I haven't even been able to fully reply all my emails. Its weird...I'm fatigued at the end of the day but have all the energy in the world when the day starts again. I'm sure I'll get back into the rhythm of things soon enough.

New Orleans MT-1

New Orleans was such a remarkable experience...as I attempt to put my initial response in words, I'm overwhelmed by the range of emotions and thoughts that flood my mind and inundate my heart. If I had to wrap this experience into one word, it would be humbling...the trip to New Orleans was very humbling in all aspects. As I traveled around the city and talked to people, I could feel the pain still lingering beneath the smiles and hospitality. However, I also got a strong sense that such tragedy and loss was giving way to hope and love, that broken hearts are mending as crushed spirits are rising once again. I think I still need a few more days to digest everything that transpired mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally and allow it to soak through...

What they say here in New York is very true: in a city this large with this many people, you can still feel all alone.

Whats more important: people thinking of you or people contacting you?

Its been about ten days since my grandma in Vietnam passed away on the first day in 2006. Her death has devastated my mom...but whats been kinda tough for me is that I haven't had any opportunities to share this sadness with any of my friends. The only one I've grieved with is my mom. I know people are busy and life pulls you in all sorts of directions and I, usually, don't mind people not calling and stuff but...this time it saddens me that I had to bear this thing alone here in New York. And its not like I can call someone and say," Hey how are ya? My grandma just died" either...it just doesn't work that way, I guess. I know the Lord is in the midst of all this but it'd still be nice to hear words of comfort from time to time without having to initiate the contact. Needless to say, its been a weird start to the new year. Oh well, I've dealt with personal tragedy by myself before so its nothing new...it just sucks.

Just a few more days until the New Orleans Mission Trip on Thursday. This morning during the Sunday celebration, Pastor Scott talked about the early church's first official commission of Barnabas and Saul as missionaries (its in the first three verses of Acts 13). He paralleled that with how the 411, as a young and growing church too, will be sending us as their first short-term missions endeavor. After the message, the church prayed over us and commissioned us to go and allow God to work in and through us to usher in His kingdom down there in New Orleans. I felt very humbled and thrilled to be included in the growing stages of this gathering as well as in the midst of the stirring of the Spirit.

When I think about the Lord
How He saved me
How He raised me
How He filled me up with the Holy Ghost
How He healed me to the uttermost
When I think about the Lord
How He picked me up and turned me around
And set my feet on solid ground
It makes me want to shout
Hallelujah, Thank You Jesus
Lord You're worthy of all the glory
All the honor
All the praise

I went to the MoMA again last night during their free Friday evening special(I'm all about the free stuff) to check out the Pixar:20 Years of Animation exhibit(and to view out my favorite painting, "The Starry Night"). Now, Pixar is the only animation I'll watch(Toy Story is untouchable) so I was totally stoked that the MoMA held it there. It was wicked cool especially with this thing called the Toy Story Zoetrope. Its hard to explain but it basically spins stationary Toy Story characters super fast under a strobe light to make it look like they're jumping and running around and moving all over the place. Sic.
On my way there, I stopped by NBC studios in time to catch Sarah Chalke arriving for Conan. I timed it perfectly, and she was cool enough to take a photo. (In case you're wondering who Sarah Chalke is, she plays Elliot on one of the funniest shows on TV, "Scrubs".)

[stones from the river]1

I've always been one who likes to assign significance to things, whether its places, events, people or mementos. It helps remind me of specific moments in life, of their true meaning which, unfortunately, sometimes fades away with the passage of time and new experiences. Thats one of the things I love about the Old Testament(you know, the other half of the B-I-B-L-E); when people would commemorate blessings they've received or battles they've just won with altars and sacrifices and memorials. I think that aspect of praise is lost upon us now; although I know that praise and worship emanates from the heart, I believe we miss out on opportunities to celebrate good things by doing something special in its honor. I'm reminded of the altar Noah built when the flood receded to celebrate God's new covenant or the stones Joshua and his people took to remember how God lead them across the river Jordan or how piercing one's ear back then was a symbolic gesture to show that one is no longer a slave but a willing bond-servant to his master. These weren't things done in and of themselves as rituals, but in addition to the thankful spirit and gladness of heart shown towards the Lord.
So in an attempt to continue this tradition of celebratory symbolism of praise, I did something I had been wanting to do for a long time. But I held it off until the proper time came, a time of significance and importance. About a year and a half ago, the moment was right for me to get my first tattoo. I saw it as my stone from the river, a physical reminder of the goodness of what He was doing in my life at that point.

[stones from the river]2

I wanted to wait until I absolutely knew what I wanted to be inked forever on my skin(as in something I wouldn't regret later on). I was also hoping someone else would get one with me and, sure enough, the stars were aligned just right as one of my best buds was gonna get inked too. The tattoo is in kinda in reference to Jesus' words in Matthew," If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." I've always been attracted to the image of the Celtic ringed cross. The flawless circle symbolizing the unconditional love God has for us, pointing out not only such perfection but its endlessness as well showing us how His love has no beginning or conclusion...He has always and will always love me. Furthermore, such love isn't such a idealistic notion but was demonstrated on the cross through the person of Jesus Christ. The words running down are "Our Father" in Greek, taken from the Lord's Prayer. These two words opened my heart to things I had lived without...such small, simple words with life-changing meaning. God began to breathe new life starting with those words and continuing with the rest of the prayer. That was a turning point; as I look back, I'm glad took the time and effort to praise Him and distinguish it from the trivialities of life.
As I ponder this new season of life here in New York, I feel inclined to do the same as I have done before; to get inked again in remembrance of how He has lead me here and the richness of this current adventure. An in similar fashion, I'm in no hurry...just waiting for the right moment coupled with the spirit of inspiration.

Did you see David Letterman blast Bill O'Reilly the other night on the Late Show? If not, you have to read the transcript or, even better, watch it. Letterman was well ready for O'Reilly and totally bested him at his own format. I usually don't watch Letterman but was extremely impressed with what he had to say and the manner in which he said it. But the best moment came when Letterman straight-up said, "I'm not smart enough to debate you point to point on this, but I have the feeling, I have the feeling about 60 percent of what you say is crap." Glorious!

Looks like our pal Pat Robertson is back at it again. I've said enough about this guy. Here's what others have to say:
"A religious leader should not be making callous political points while a man is struggling for his life," he(Rev.Barry Lynn) said. "I'm appalled."
Ralph Neas, president of liberal advocacy group People for the American Way, said "it is astonishing that Pat Robertson still wields substantial influence" in the Republican Party. "Once again, Pat Robertson leaves us speechless with his insensitivity and arrogance," Neas said in a written statement.
"Way to go, sport," said Danny Nguyen, president of Who is still signing Pat Robertson's checks?! coalition.

5 months into this new adventure, 4 days into this new year and living here in NYC still seems surreal. As I was having lunch in Manhattan yesterday, I looked out the window onto the wet street filled with people and cars and stores and started to laugh at the strange turn of events that has lead me to life here in the city. On the surface, a series of random occurrences and chance happenings seemed to have funneled me down this current path but I know better. I don't believe in coincidences, and I believe one create one's own luck. God has revealed the next few steps for me to take, and I'm just taking them with a spirit of enjoyment and gladness. I really don't need to see past those plans; in fact, I don't want to know more than that. I've learned to operate on the stuff He's set before me until He replaces it with other stuff. (Although, I'm quite thankful that He has placed NYC on my plate.)

Thanks be to Thee, Jesus Christ
Who brought'st me up from last night,
To the gladsome light of this day,
To win everlasting life for my soul,
Through the blood Thou didst shed for me.
Praise be to Thee, O God, for ever,
For the blessings Thou didst bestow on me -
My food, my speech, my work, my health

Morning Prayer from the Carmina Gadelica

Hey, stupid!

1. There is no need for you to use a flippin' golf umbrella in Manhattan. First of all, the sidewalks aren't that big especially when there are other people trying to get by you and your huge dome of plastic. Second, if you're that inconsiderate to use such a device to cover just one person, namely yourself, could you at least raise it when people are walking towards you? Nobody likes getting hit with pointy objects, dude. But I guess if you're inconsiderate enough to use one, you've probably neglected the fact that there are other people walking on your sidewalk as well.
2. This may not be such a widespread social convention as I had originally thought but I'll go ahead and say it and then we'll take it from there," There is always a line to get on the bus. In fact, there is usually a line to get on anything." While perhaps the notion of a line is unfamiliar to you, it still exists! Let me get this straight, even though there are about 15 people facing one direction while walking in a seemingly coherent order towards a common destination, you can skip all that "line" stuff and head into the bus anyway? Again, you've probably just forgotten that there are other people using your bus as well.
3. Now, I know that many people come from out of town to visit and sight see and all that good stuff, and I'm all good with that. Heck, I did it when I first got here. But I can tell who lives here and who doesn't by the pace in which they walk. I have to get somewhere, so I need to walk faster than you which means I would like to pass you preferably on your left side just like if we were on the freeway. Must you and/or your entire group stop in the middle of the sidewalk and stare upwards while other people are trying to get to work? Just move over to the side and stare as long as you want; why would you just take up the most used space on the sidewalk for recreational purposes? And do you need to stop in the middle of the crosswalk too? Really, you have to take that picture smack-dab in the center of the street? Probably didn't realized that other people live in your city too, huh?

Extraneous stuff I miss from home:
My car, Netflix, In-N-Out, pictionary, my flatscreen TV, Carl's Jr., student movie tickets, 45 degree "cold" days, Madden 2005, my clothes rack, Halo 2, filling up the water bottles, my matching red toilet seat cover and bathroom rug, Texas Hold'em, playing b-ball, not cooking, Safeway, getting my hair cut, the remote control, my DVD/VCR combo player, Comedy Central, wearing flip flops, Jake's, buying donuts on Sundays, my front window view, Aquafina, watering the lawn, my game chair, Lord of the Rings RISK, not buying groceries, the beach, sleeping on the futon, my showerhead, walking less than a block every day, my sofa, not worrying about the weather, having my car washed and cleaned, Cheesecake Factory, taking 15 minutes to get anywhere, Hume winter camp, having friends over, Manley's donuts, my numchuks, sports radio, Loveline w/ Adam Corolla, the broken skeetball machine in the high school room, the backward handicap signs in the parking lot, recycling, singing w/ the kids, Jack in the Box, working out, the moonroof in my Civic, my Matrix battle scene, Capital Expressway, 280/101, making fun of Mike's pink(?) shower curtains and the Kleins' prototype TV from the 30's, Costco, assorted Kirkland Signature products, not having flippin' Advanced Organic Synthesis homework(!)...I think thats about it. Oh, did I mention my car?

I'm such an idiot when it comes to this...I don't know why I allow such a small and stupid feeling to affect me to this extent. Its like a splinter in the skin or a pebble in my shoe; tiny but still big enough to occupy that uncomfortable space in the back of my mind. But it seems the more I try not to think about it, the more I do think about it; the more I attempt to ignore it, the more my heart cringes. But why and for what? And thats where it becomes ridiculous: there is no reason for me to feel this way. Its really not even worth mentioning because then I've given in to it...but here I am blogging about it in light-hearted frustration. Such a catch 22 if there ever was one. I think I'm doing this just to punish myself by reminding me how absurd I truly am...hahaha, this is gonna be really funny to look back on later. (Hopefully, funny in the good way and not funny in a pitiful one.)
I guess the only way to deal with it is to allow it to linger a bit without neglecting its presence...acknowledging it until it fades away. Hopefully, all this silliness departs shortly but I've discovered in the past that the longer I fight it, the longer it remains...the only real remedy is to fully accept it which, somehow, simultaneously pains my heart and sets it free making such course of action not only necessary but bittersweet.
(Great start in 2006, sport...let's try to pick it up from here huh? Hahaha.)

Times Square NYE

This was the sweetest party ever! Seriously, it was wicked sic...everyone was dancing and singing and celebrating with great music, live performances, confetti, fireworks...you name it, it pretty much happened. You could feel all the excitement and enthusiasm as people were there having crazy good time.
Some pretty wild things happened too as you can imagine with about a million people at one event. 30 blocks were sealed off from Times Square to Central Park. To be honest, getting there and leaving afterwards wasn't as horrific as people have told me. We got a good spot on 47th St and waited a few hours before the ball dropped. It went by pretty fast with all the entertainment and fun you have with friends and those around you. Totally worth the price of admission; like I said before, its really tough to beat free entertainment.