I know, this sounds like an overdue post about July 4th. Keep reading though.
I was in the library the other day and came across some donated art work. It was a collection of statuettes of the Statue of Liberty. Who in the world would collect 5983487 statues of it? WELL, this couple did and donated it.
From that point on all I could think about was the ridonkolousness of the collection, Lady Liberty, and all that surrounds this statute.
Why did the French build it? Why make it out of copper? Why haven't I been yet?
I then remembered these words engraved on her plaque...
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me.
I lift my lamp beside the golden door."
I was then reminded of His words in Matthew 11:28-30...
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Both invoke a sense of freedom. Both recognize a sense of hardship. Both offer a sense of hope.
Paul writes about Christ setting us free from the Law (in this case ceremonial law) and in turn from sin in Galatians 3.
This is why we think about freedom.
This is why we dream about freedom.
This is why we sing about freedom.
It's beautiful.
Friday, July 30, 2010
who will stop the rain?
Yes, a "CLEAR" reference to that CCR song.
Pulling from the recesses of my memory, I remember this event...
About 9 years ago I was in the motherland visiting 媽媽的爸爸和媽媽的媽媽. It just so happened to be hurricane season and we were hit with this long bout of rain. This rain was ridonk. Given this part of the country does sit on a tropic, so it was expected, but I'd never seen THIS much rain.
There was so much that it flooded the whole first floor of their house. I remember me and 婆婆 were trapped in it and couldn't do anything about it but wait for it to go into the drains. To pass the time, we played mahjong. It was beautiful. I tell you this story to tell you this one...
Just yesterday it rained so much it flooded a good chunk of the 757. Thunderstorms too. I heard one story of how lightning struck a church, tearing off some pieces of the building spilling it onto the streets below.
The old school, fire and brimstone oldster in me thought...what did that congregation do??? At the same time I was reminded of the planks in my eye.
Could it be that natural disasters are a way of Him admonishing us? Yes, I know this sounds SOOO fire and brimstonish, but humor me on this. Just another reminder of His presence in whatever form it maybe and that of the evanescence of it all.
Pulling from the recesses of my memory, I remember this event...
About 9 years ago I was in the motherland visiting 媽媽的爸爸和媽媽的媽媽. It just so happened to be hurricane season and we were hit with this long bout of rain. This rain was ridonk. Given this part of the country does sit on a tropic, so it was expected, but I'd never seen THIS much rain.
There was so much that it flooded the whole first floor of their house. I remember me and 婆婆 were trapped in it and couldn't do anything about it but wait for it to go into the drains. To pass the time, we played mahjong. It was beautiful. I tell you this story to tell you this one...
Just yesterday it rained so much it flooded a good chunk of the 757. Thunderstorms too. I heard one story of how lightning struck a church, tearing off some pieces of the building spilling it onto the streets below.
The old school, fire and brimstone oldster in me thought...what did that congregation do??? At the same time I was reminded of the planks in my eye.
Could it be that natural disasters are a way of Him admonishing us? Yes, I know this sounds SOOO fire and brimstonish, but humor me on this. Just another reminder of His presence in whatever form it maybe and that of the evanescence of it all.
my mind on the City, the City on my mind
2 Virginia hams and a flat screen t.v. roll into a apartment lobby in Nolita at 2am. Guess which of these front desk security wanted?
I'm pretty sure this is nothing out of the ordinary in the hustle and bustle of New York, but I thought this amusing since I perpetrated this.
Every time I go, I always learn a little bit more about family, human nature, and all that stuff that makes life go.
Grave sites visit, pizza runs, bubble tea run (YESSS!), 正骨水 runs (for VR and SB, of course), Cantonese food galore, dim sum (bigger YESSS), crying babies, running babies, attacks from a bubble gun, bookstores, open air markets, etc. etc.
Last Monday, I also inherited a family heirloom from 爺爺. A genealogy book of 34 generations of folks who made me, me. No joke and corniness intended, a history buff's dream and finding buried treasure all in one. It's now sitting in a ziploc bag in my dining room, I think I'm gonna have it digitized.
I realize more and more why people make and have "I ♥ NY" paraphernalia now. Because it's true. Catch me wearing mine next time you see me.
I'm pretty sure this is nothing out of the ordinary in the hustle and bustle of New York, but I thought this amusing since I perpetrated this.
Every time I go, I always learn a little bit more about family, human nature, and all that stuff that makes life go.
Grave sites visit, pizza runs, bubble tea run (YESSS!), 正骨水 runs (for VR and SB, of course), Cantonese food galore, dim sum (bigger YESSS), crying babies, running babies, attacks from a bubble gun, bookstores, open air markets, etc. etc.
Last Monday, I also inherited a family heirloom from 爺爺. A genealogy book of 34 generations of folks who made me, me. No joke and corniness intended, a history buff's dream and finding buried treasure all in one. It's now sitting in a ziploc bag in my dining room, I think I'm gonna have it digitized.
I realize more and more why people make and have "I ♥ NY" paraphernalia now. Because it's true. Catch me wearing mine next time you see me.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
post Gov Skoolness
It's been ONE WEEK since you looked at me...Excuse the BNL reference, couldn't help myself.
But it has been almost a week after the fact and it has been full of randomness.
Writing, yoga, unpacking, old movies, catching up on 2 weeks of emails (sorry if I haven't in a while!), bowling, fooding adventures, lack of fooding adventures, and just general grabbing life by its horns.
I can't help but think and be reminded that there is this void that Gov Skool leaves. I also can't help but keep falling back on Ecclesiastes 3. What time is it for me?
I am reminded He provides. Just gotta keep pursuing Him.
But it has been almost a week after the fact and it has been full of randomness.
Writing, yoga, unpacking, old movies, catching up on 2 weeks of emails (sorry if I haven't in a while!), bowling, fooding adventures, lack of fooding adventures, and just general grabbing life by its horns.
I can't help but think and be reminded that there is this void that Gov Skool leaves. I also can't help but keep falling back on Ecclesiastes 3. What time is it for me?
I am reminded He provides. Just gotta keep pursuing Him.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Gov Skool Part 3, Day 21
LAST DAY!
Full of packing, running around, and people all over the daggone place. Like I predicted, another ridiculously HOT day.
Closing ceremonies was in the all too famous Hibbs and there was less crying than I expected. Good, less awkward that way. Ha. The final showcase of all our hard work and memories over the past 3 intense but amazing weeks were shown.
After many goodbyes was a last excursion to TT Lounge, post-Gov Skool. JC, me, and a bunch of our students rolled in for one last hurrah. Street shoutout to another student and her mom while on the way over.
After finishing packing, JC and me went around our students' dorms for one last cleaning round. The stuff that we found...tsk, tsk, tsk. People left a costume, food from last week, a million water bottles, moldy Tuperware, and A WHOLE FREAKIN CAKE?!?!? That one took the cake, pun intended.
Untouched and fully intact. Needless to say, we were incredulous/in utter disbelief/all kinds of what in the world??? So we ate some. BUTTERCREAM=ALWAYS AMAZING! We left the rest for security at the front desk of GRC. Along with a box of bananas from weekend breakfast. They were syked.
Drove JC back to his house out in the OC. I was so hyped to see cows on his farm. Had to take an obligatory picture with them. Enjoyed some curry courtesy of JC's mom. So good. Didn't get back to the 757 until midnight.
It's finally over! What am I gonna do with myself now that I'm out of another job? My Gov Skool children! Y'all truly are dearly missed.
Full of packing, running around, and people all over the daggone place. Like I predicted, another ridiculously HOT day.
Closing ceremonies was in the all too famous Hibbs and there was less crying than I expected. Good, less awkward that way. Ha. The final showcase of all our hard work and memories over the past 3 intense but amazing weeks were shown.
After many goodbyes was a last excursion to TT Lounge, post-Gov Skool. JC, me, and a bunch of our students rolled in for one last hurrah. Street shoutout to another student and her mom while on the way over.
After finishing packing, JC and me went around our students' dorms for one last cleaning round. The stuff that we found...tsk, tsk, tsk. People left a costume, food from last week, a million water bottles, moldy Tuperware, and A WHOLE FREAKIN CAKE?!?!? That one took the cake, pun intended.
Untouched and fully intact. Needless to say, we were incredulous/in utter disbelief/all kinds of what in the world??? So we ate some. BUTTERCREAM=ALWAYS AMAZING! We left the rest for security at the front desk of GRC. Along with a box of bananas from weekend breakfast. They were syked.
Drove JC back to his house out in the OC. I was so hyped to see cows on his farm. Had to take an obligatory picture with them. Enjoyed some curry courtesy of JC's mom. So good. Didn't get back to the 757 until midnight.
It's finally over! What am I gonna do with myself now that I'm out of another job? My Gov Skool children! Y'all truly are dearly missed.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Gov Skool Part 3, Day 20
The end is near!
Once again I am filled with mixed emotions. Just like graduation, which was all but 2 months ago. Reluctance and relief. You think I be used to this feeling by now.
Today was nothing but straight rehearsal for the gala. 4-5 hours in Hibbs today. Embarrassed by my awful Chinese rendition of a Wonder Girls' song, writing parts of the MCs' script, collaborating with other folks on the RAs' performance, and just general checking up on everybody was the general rundown of today.
PJ was coincidentally in the Student Commons today when I went to check on our reservations. Still apartment hunting.
The gala was beautiful. Despite being riddled with one too many technical difficulties. The French Banquet music fiasco took the cake. Hahaha. That was too funny. Nevertheless, I was much impressed by all my students' performances.
Final night in the GRC was full of singing and popsicles. Good stuff.
JC had to burn CDs as parting gifts for our students. To relieve pent up stress, JC and I smashed a rotting watermelon and an apple. We then burned our schedules on the grill while roasting rotting bananas and stale bagels. Nothing like burning stuff to get it all out. JC seemed like he needed it. Reminded me of my A-Skool projects 4 years back. The boss came out to do a final lights out and thought we had gone slightly mad. She might have been right.
Ahhh, it's so close!
Once again I am filled with mixed emotions. Just like graduation, which was all but 2 months ago. Reluctance and relief. You think I be used to this feeling by now.
Today was nothing but straight rehearsal for the gala. 4-5 hours in Hibbs today. Embarrassed by my awful Chinese rendition of a Wonder Girls' song, writing parts of the MCs' script, collaborating with other folks on the RAs' performance, and just general checking up on everybody was the general rundown of today.
PJ was coincidentally in the Student Commons today when I went to check on our reservations. Still apartment hunting.
The gala was beautiful. Despite being riddled with one too many technical difficulties. The French Banquet music fiasco took the cake. Hahaha. That was too funny. Nevertheless, I was much impressed by all my students' performances.
Final night in the GRC was full of singing and popsicles. Good stuff.
JC had to burn CDs as parting gifts for our students. To relieve pent up stress, JC and I smashed a rotting watermelon and an apple. We then burned our schedules on the grill while roasting rotting bananas and stale bagels. Nothing like burning stuff to get it all out. JC seemed like he needed it. Reminded me of my A-Skool projects 4 years back. The boss came out to do a final lights out and thought we had gone slightly mad. She might have been right.
Ahhh, it's so close!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Gov Skool Part 3, Day 19
Pit stop at Jean Jacques Bakery. I had promised some folks I would get some and it didn't help that I was craving the stuff too. Ha. I haven't been in forever and it is the only patisserie that I know in Richmond that would not disappoint. I left with chocolate croissants and Orangina. Smuggled in and shared some with a few select students who will remain unnamed. Y'all know who y'all are. Il était beau!
Dumplings galore! The first time in a long time that I've cooked anything. Me and some students went to work on making these little wonders. The boss didn't like the fact I wasn't letting everybody cook. Quality control and perfectionism would not let me allow that to happen. Besides they turn out tasting REALLY good. Thanks to those that helped out.
Made a Coldstone run with LS for the students. Decided against letting the masses get it for themselves. The boss would have had both LS and my head on a platter if we took away from movie screening time. Good thing too, imagine moving this many people as quickly as possible. It was not going to happen.
Since we were borrowing a kitchen in GRC Phase III, we had to move our stuff through the other Academy hallways. One of the RAs residing in the building got an attitude with us. "No females in opposite gender's hallway." We left, we were late for the movie and I ain't had time to deal with his "protocol". Deal with his disrespectful tail some later time.
Spent a good portion of the night translating this one song into English.
Done.
Dumplings galore! The first time in a long time that I've cooked anything. Me and some students went to work on making these little wonders. The boss didn't like the fact I wasn't letting everybody cook. Quality control and perfectionism would not let me allow that to happen. Besides they turn out tasting REALLY good. Thanks to those that helped out.
Made a Coldstone run with LS for the students. Decided against letting the masses get it for themselves. The boss would have had both LS and my head on a platter if we took away from movie screening time. Good thing too, imagine moving this many people as quickly as possible. It was not going to happen.
Since we were borrowing a kitchen in GRC Phase III, we had to move our stuff through the other Academy hallways. One of the RAs residing in the building got an attitude with us. "No females in opposite gender's hallway." We left, we were late for the movie and I ain't had time to deal with his "protocol". Deal with his disrespectful tail some later time.
Spent a good portion of the night translating this one song into English.
Done.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Gov Skool Part 3, Day 18
KARAOKE.
If Chinese Academy didn't fulfill my "Asian quota", yesterday did.
Gala practice drama. Was bound to happen. A mix of homesickness, general tiredness, lack of Me time, and mix of other stuff just spilled over into practice. All across the board. Gov Skool tenure and experience truly put to the test that day. Can only pray for my poor students now.
Following dinner was karaoke. This was too Asian. But good nonetheless.
Coldstone ice cream cake! Took part in it along with 2 of our students who worked tirelessly to put this Memory DVDness together. A much deserved reward to them. I cannot thank them enough for all the hours they put in for this one DVD.
Tea, homemade cookies, and pop rocks. So thankful for my students this year and for their kindness AND to have shared food with them. Y'all are freakin awesome.
If Chinese Academy didn't fulfill my "Asian quota", yesterday did.
Gala practice drama. Was bound to happen. A mix of homesickness, general tiredness, lack of Me time, and mix of other stuff just spilled over into practice. All across the board. Gov Skool tenure and experience truly put to the test that day. Can only pray for my poor students now.
Following dinner was karaoke. This was too Asian. But good nonetheless.
Coldstone ice cream cake! Took part in it along with 2 of our students who worked tirelessly to put this Memory DVDness together. A much deserved reward to them. I cannot thank them enough for all the hours they put in for this one DVD.
Tea, homemade cookies, and pop rocks. So thankful for my students this year and for their kindness AND to have shared food with them. Y'all are freakin awesome.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Gov Skool Part 3, Day 17
Haggling and hustlin' at its best.
International Market.
I spent the whole day preparing for this 2 hour manifestation of greed at its finest. Mainly cooking and getting all the stuff that was needed ready so we could be the greediest of them all. Gathering all the stuff and moving the finished products was the most ridonkolous part. SOOO much stuff to move and most of it was heavy. Luckily we drafted a bunch of guys to do it for us. Thanks for y'all's manpower.
Joking aside, I always enjoy International Market. The "ethnic" food there is always great and inexpensive. So many languages spoken all across the board, due to the ban of English usage. Makes the greediness more interesting. Every year I recall me speaking Mandarin and broken French. This year was no different.
Near the end of the Market, I was asked to write out "Jesus" in calligraphy for one of the French teachers. I only remember how to write half of it. Need to get on my Chineseness...
Sushi party hosted by the Japanese Staff! The boss treated us (yet again) to another fooding event. I had already paid my share but she insisted. I'm gonna let her. Enjoyed some great green tea afterward.
Thank the Lord for food. Food always=good stuff. Unless it's bad food. You HAVE to fix that...
International Market.
I spent the whole day preparing for this 2 hour manifestation of greed at its finest. Mainly cooking and getting all the stuff that was needed ready so we could be the greediest of them all. Gathering all the stuff and moving the finished products was the most ridonkolous part. SOOO much stuff to move and most of it was heavy. Luckily we drafted a bunch of guys to do it for us. Thanks for y'all's manpower.
Joking aside, I always enjoy International Market. The "ethnic" food there is always great and inexpensive. So many languages spoken all across the board, due to the ban of English usage. Makes the greediness more interesting. Every year I recall me speaking Mandarin and broken French. This year was no different.
Near the end of the Market, I was asked to write out "Jesus" in calligraphy for one of the French teachers. I only remember how to write half of it. Need to get on my Chineseness...
Sushi party hosted by the Japanese Staff! The boss treated us (yet again) to another fooding event. I had already paid my share but she insisted. I'm gonna let her. Enjoyed some great green tea afterward.
Thank the Lord for food. Food always=good stuff. Unless it's bad food. You HAVE to fix that...
Gov Skool Part 3, Day 16
The final bday surprise today.
More bday festivities today. Surprised our student at dinner with ANOTHER bday cake. I hid it in a tote box and we used Shafer's plates and silverware to eat it. We didn't have to wash a thing.
I tire of this running around. Especially in this humidity. Almost unbearable.
To counter the humdrum of Gov Skooling me and a group of people who will remain unnamed (y'all know who y'all are) got Thai food. TOOO good. SOOO glad I got to enjoy it with them! We paid for it later though.
Praise Him for GREAT food. It was much needed and most enjoyable.
More bday festivities today. Surprised our student at dinner with ANOTHER bday cake. I hid it in a tote box and we used Shafer's plates and silverware to eat it. We didn't have to wash a thing.
I tire of this running around. Especially in this humidity. Almost unbearable.
To counter the humdrum of Gov Skooling me and a group of people who will remain unnamed (y'all know who y'all are) got Thai food. TOOO good. SOOO glad I got to enjoy it with them! We paid for it later though.
Praise Him for GREAT food. It was much needed and most enjoyable.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Gov Skool Part 3, Day 15
Today was FULL of WIN.
I went to Mass with some of my students today. Always interesting going. We sung a variation of one of my favorite hymns. Good stuff. Was reminded to be a Good Samaritan. Haven't been doing so to my fullest potential as of late. Gotta get on that.
We ate at Good Taste Chinese Restaurant. I heart this name. Was told we were going to eat 點心. My soul leapt for joy. Then found out it was just a buffet, minus the dim sum. Still good nonetheless, a change from Panera bagels on the weekends. Them serving 番茄炒雞蛋(西紅柿炒雞蛋 for the Northerners...) totally made up for the fact it wasn't 點心.
Ate it with the Divas. Always an interesting bunch. The restaurants' owners' daughter was there. A 4 year old named Luna, SOOO cute. She passed out napkins to us and skipped all over the place. I think LS wanted to kidnap her like Madonna did that other child...
Free Slurpee Day! Enough said.
After our excursion to 7-11 we had our second bday surprise. Got him in the classroom.
JC, LS, and me each did a seminar for the cultural immersion part of the intensiveness that is Chinese Academy. JC=Chinese sports. LS=Chinese education. Me=Chinese beliefs/religions.
My seminar was the longest one, probably due to my tendency to ramble, going off on tangents, and I spent like daggone close to 2 months preparing for it. To make mine more bearable, refusing to let my students sleep during my lecture, and probably cuz I've become more of a jerk due to lack of sleep I forceably made my students get up after like 5-10 minute intervals. Hopefully these children learned something.
World Cup Final today.
We watched this all go down on the first floor of Shafer. Spain vs. the Netherlands with España winning in overtime. Every eye was glued to the screen. Crowds went wild, no less.
Helped VR with her laundry, who is still trying to recover from her bum ankle.
Rest of the day is a blur. That's it for now. So thankful for today.
I went to Mass with some of my students today. Always interesting going. We sung a variation of one of my favorite hymns. Good stuff. Was reminded to be a Good Samaritan. Haven't been doing so to my fullest potential as of late. Gotta get on that.
We ate at Good Taste Chinese Restaurant. I heart this name. Was told we were going to eat 點心. My soul leapt for joy. Then found out it was just a buffet, minus the dim sum. Still good nonetheless, a change from Panera bagels on the weekends. Them serving 番茄炒雞蛋(西紅柿炒雞蛋 for the Northerners...) totally made up for the fact it wasn't 點心.
Ate it with the Divas. Always an interesting bunch. The restaurants' owners' daughter was there. A 4 year old named Luna, SOOO cute. She passed out napkins to us and skipped all over the place. I think LS wanted to kidnap her like Madonna did that other child...
Free Slurpee Day! Enough said.
After our excursion to 7-11 we had our second bday surprise. Got him in the classroom.
JC, LS, and me each did a seminar for the cultural immersion part of the intensiveness that is Chinese Academy. JC=Chinese sports. LS=Chinese education. Me=Chinese beliefs/religions.
My seminar was the longest one, probably due to my tendency to ramble, going off on tangents, and I spent like daggone close to 2 months preparing for it. To make mine more bearable, refusing to let my students sleep during my lecture, and probably cuz I've become more of a jerk due to lack of sleep I forceably made my students get up after like 5-10 minute intervals. Hopefully these children learned something.
World Cup Final today.
We watched this all go down on the first floor of Shafer. Spain vs. the Netherlands with España winning in overtime. Every eye was glued to the screen. Crowds went wild, no less.
Helped VR with her laundry, who is still trying to recover from her bum ankle.
Rest of the day is a blur. That's it for now. So thankful for today.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Gov Skool Part 3, Day 13, 14
Day 13
By far the most stressful day ever in all Gov Skoolness. Was as stressful as it could get. We nearly, and I do mean nearly, sent two students home this day. Me writing about the situation would do it no justice, I'm leaving it at that.
The boss broke down after our movie screening and the series of events of the day. Truly a teacher at heart, caring for all students. No one less. No one left behind. Just like Father, we gotta get everybody on board.
Day 14
The students did their Chinese culture projects. TOO stressful, was being yelled at for miscommunication and stuff out of my control. Glad it's over.
My half-day off. Finally! I'd been waiting for this day for what seemed like forever. The original plan was to meet up with CW to get food. PJ and PD last minute decided to show up too. The more the merrier but I was mad that fooding was delayed. 2 hours?!?!?
Beforehand our students got ready for this joint dance thing. Picture taking all over the place. Transported VR and SB fashionably late, just like true divas would have it. haha.
Anyways CW, PD, PJ and me went to get pho. I could just drink the broth straight this stuff is so good. I still want some. We later went apartment hunting for PJ. In the sketch part of Richmond. Fun and scary all at the same time. We hung out at CW apartment later on. She has this huge pandas-in-a-bamboo-grove picture. SOOO awesome.
I need more of these during the Gov Skoolness. Makes it bit more bearable, but it doesn't take away from the fact that it has been truly AMAZING the last two years I've done it. He brought me to it, He'll bring me through it.
By far the most stressful day ever in all Gov Skoolness. Was as stressful as it could get. We nearly, and I do mean nearly, sent two students home this day. Me writing about the situation would do it no justice, I'm leaving it at that.
The boss broke down after our movie screening and the series of events of the day. Truly a teacher at heart, caring for all students. No one less. No one left behind. Just like Father, we gotta get everybody on board.
Day 14
The students did their Chinese culture projects. TOO stressful, was being yelled at for miscommunication and stuff out of my control. Glad it's over.
My half-day off. Finally! I'd been waiting for this day for what seemed like forever. The original plan was to meet up with CW to get food. PJ and PD last minute decided to show up too. The more the merrier but I was mad that fooding was delayed. 2 hours?!?!?
Beforehand our students got ready for this joint dance thing. Picture taking all over the place. Transported VR and SB fashionably late, just like true divas would have it. haha.
Anyways CW, PD, PJ and me went to get pho. I could just drink the broth straight this stuff is so good. I still want some. We later went apartment hunting for PJ. In the sketch part of Richmond. Fun and scary all at the same time. We hung out at CW apartment later on. She has this huge pandas-in-a-bamboo-grove picture. SOOO awesome.
I need more of these during the Gov Skoolness. Makes it bit more bearable, but it doesn't take away from the fact that it has been truly AMAZING the last two years I've done it. He brought me to it, He'll bring me through it.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Gov Skool Part 3, Day 12
Washington D.C.
We took our students on a day trip to the capital. Much, much fun each time I go.
Of course, we caught that DC traffic heading up there, but along the way we discussed all the goodies that that place Northern Virginia has to offer. (H-Mart, Ikea, Potomac Mills, Tysons Corner, etc.)
Freer-Sackler Gallery was first. It's always a treat to go in there, SOOO much East Asian art and a bunch of random other stuff too. This time around they had a lot of Islamic and Tibetan Buddhist art on display on top of the countless other pieces of art. Couldn't help but wonder how our Father inspires people to make art, regardless of creed.
We stopped over in Fashion Centre in Arlington for lunch. Au Bon Pain, jalapeño eating games, and Häagen-Dazs ensued. LS and me put in an entry to win a Jag, still waiting to hear back form them. Ha.
The AC had stopped working on the charter bus (I think the driver knew about it and didn't tell us from the beginning) and so we roasted as we rode through DC to the Chinese Embassy.
I tried to persuade the driver to swing by Georgetown since we were in the neighborhood. Free campus tour??? NOPE, Huge fail.
The Chinese Embassy was immaculate. And beautiful. And huge. And full of comfortable furniture. Full of ridiculously magnificent works of art, poetry, and just brimming with question mark. I'm gonna leave it at that.
One of our students sprained their ankle as they got off the bus in Chinatown. Poor girl. We got her an ankle brace and some 正骨水 to help some. Luckily for her, piggy back rides solve it all.
Tony Cheng's Seafood Restaurant for dinner. I feel like this is free promotion and I should get a cut on the profits that this post generates for them. SOO much good food there, I've not had this much good, REAL Chinese food in a while. One of our students suggested we get 乾炒牛河. He is truly Cantonese at heart, kudos to him. Nostalgic of this dish, since I cooked this same dish for my students 2 years earlier.
Bubble tea from Wok and Roll and a trip to Urban Outfitters. Was more excited for the bubble tea of course, but was glad there was some Americanness to the whole Chinatownness.
Bus ride back was TOO funny. To pass the time, a bunch of our students wrote a faux love letter between LS and one of the Japanese RAs. Botched delivery ensued after we touched ground. These folks crack me up.
Needless to say, DC trip=awesome and hot bus for too many hours=a string of expletives. So tired right now. That's it.
We took our students on a day trip to the capital. Much, much fun each time I go.
Of course, we caught that DC traffic heading up there, but along the way we discussed all the goodies that that place Northern Virginia has to offer. (H-Mart, Ikea, Potomac Mills, Tysons Corner, etc.)
Freer-Sackler Gallery was first. It's always a treat to go in there, SOOO much East Asian art and a bunch of random other stuff too. This time around they had a lot of Islamic and Tibetan Buddhist art on display on top of the countless other pieces of art. Couldn't help but wonder how our Father inspires people to make art, regardless of creed.
We stopped over in Fashion Centre in Arlington for lunch. Au Bon Pain, jalapeño eating games, and Häagen-Dazs ensued. LS and me put in an entry to win a Jag, still waiting to hear back form them. Ha.
The AC had stopped working on the charter bus (I think the driver knew about it and didn't tell us from the beginning) and so we roasted as we rode through DC to the Chinese Embassy.
I tried to persuade the driver to swing by Georgetown since we were in the neighborhood. Free campus tour??? NOPE, Huge fail.
The Chinese Embassy was immaculate. And beautiful. And huge. And full of comfortable furniture. Full of ridiculously magnificent works of art, poetry, and just brimming with question mark. I'm gonna leave it at that.
One of our students sprained their ankle as they got off the bus in Chinatown. Poor girl. We got her an ankle brace and some 正骨水 to help some. Luckily for her, piggy back rides solve it all.
Tony Cheng's Seafood Restaurant for dinner. I feel like this is free promotion and I should get a cut on the profits that this post generates for them. SOO much good food there, I've not had this much good, REAL Chinese food in a while. One of our students suggested we get 乾炒牛河. He is truly Cantonese at heart, kudos to him. Nostalgic of this dish, since I cooked this same dish for my students 2 years earlier.
Bubble tea from Wok and Roll and a trip to Urban Outfitters. Was more excited for the bubble tea of course, but was glad there was some Americanness to the whole Chinatownness.
Bus ride back was TOO funny. To pass the time, a bunch of our students wrote a faux love letter between LS and one of the Japanese RAs. Botched delivery ensued after we touched ground. These folks crack me up.
Needless to say, DC trip=awesome and hot bus for too many hours=a string of expletives. So tired right now. That's it.
Gov Skool Part 3, Day 11
Site visit from the people who run STARTALK today. Not sure how to feel, because they scrutinized every aspect of the program, grilling people, and then some. Completely understandable, I would want to know how all this government money is spent as well.
Still a lot of running around, which is both exhilarating and exhausting.
Still recovering from being hoarse after all that screaming from yesterday.
Mini reunion of 2008 Chinese Academy! 2 of my former students are going to VCU in the fall. I just felt slightly old again.
I've been downing this honey for a good portion of the night now to soothe this throat.
One of our students is sick. Was in tears because she was so uncomfortable. Couldn't get her a humidifier so I improvised with a pan of water. Poor girl.
Looking at maps of DC, looking for places to eat for lunch, and talking to RS. It is a blessing to hear from a dear old sister from CCF. He always knows when to surprise us.
Still a lot of running around, which is both exhilarating and exhausting.
Still recovering from being hoarse after all that screaming from yesterday.
Mini reunion of 2008 Chinese Academy! 2 of my former students are going to VCU in the fall. I just felt slightly old again.
I've been downing this honey for a good portion of the night now to soothe this throat.
One of our students is sick. Was in tears because she was so uncomfortable. Couldn't get her a humidifier so I improvised with a pan of water. Poor girl.
Looking at maps of DC, looking for places to eat for lunch, and talking to RS. It is a blessing to hear from a dear old sister from CCF. He always knows when to surprise us.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Gov Skool Part 3, Day 10
OLYMPICS!!!
Not really, but the Global Village version of it.
Today was TOO hot. Earlier today, LS and me were moving boxes of stuff for Olympic preparation. We honestly (more so me) looked crazy (read: a hot mess) wearing a dragon head carrying around plastic tote boxes from my car to the top of Hibbs. Hilarity ensued.
Besides classes today was full of running around, getting stuff together, yelling and screaming at the top of my lungs, chanting, singing, cheering, running around, dancing, celebrating, eating, and did I mention running around? I just finished like 3 popsicles, a freeze pop, a granola bar, half a sandwich, a Capri Sun, and countless bottles of water.
The 3rd time is definitely a charm, because we won first place for overall games...GO CHINERRR!!!
Now I'm hoarse. I can't yell at full capacity now, lucky for my students. Good thing one of the 老師們 graciously bought me the honey I requested. HAHAHA!
Not really, but the Global Village version of it.
Today was TOO hot. Earlier today, LS and me were moving boxes of stuff for Olympic preparation. We honestly (more so me) looked crazy (read: a hot mess) wearing a dragon head carrying around plastic tote boxes from my car to the top of Hibbs. Hilarity ensued.
Besides classes today was full of running around, getting stuff together, yelling and screaming at the top of my lungs, chanting, singing, cheering, running around, dancing, celebrating, eating, and did I mention running around? I just finished like 3 popsicles, a freeze pop, a granola bar, half a sandwich, a Capri Sun, and countless bottles of water.
The 3rd time is definitely a charm, because we won first place for overall games...GO CHINERRR!!!
Now I'm hoarse. I can't yell at full capacity now, lucky for my students. Good thing one of the 老師們 graciously bought me the honey I requested. HAHAHA!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
momentary pausing
Gov Skooling=me always on the go.
Likewise, life, still goes on despite the bubble that Gov Skool creates. There have been a few situations which Father showed me His face, however grim and however beautiful.
Yesterday on the way to dinner I saw a lady with her face to the cathedral with hands folded, raised above her head. It wasn't until much later that I realized she was praying into the cathedral wall.
On the way to breakfast this morning, I saw a sparrow on the road. It had died. No track marks, did it drop dead? Poor bird.
Later this morning, BB had called me and told me AC had given birth to little HC.
Happy Bday HC!
For the third year in a row now, I've felt this almost overwhelming sense of seclusion during this Gov Skool business. It's good and bad, all for valid reason. I realize more and more how this bubble can separate me from Him. I'm glad He makes an active effort to show me His face. At the same time, I gotta do the same. He's always had my back. Gotta do the same for Him.
Likewise, life, still goes on despite the bubble that Gov Skool creates. There have been a few situations which Father showed me His face, however grim and however beautiful.
Yesterday on the way to dinner I saw a lady with her face to the cathedral with hands folded, raised above her head. It wasn't until much later that I realized she was praying into the cathedral wall.
On the way to breakfast this morning, I saw a sparrow on the road. It had died. No track marks, did it drop dead? Poor bird.
Later this morning, BB had called me and told me AC had given birth to little HC.
Happy Bday HC!
For the third year in a row now, I've felt this almost overwhelming sense of seclusion during this Gov Skool business. It's good and bad, all for valid reason. I realize more and more how this bubble can separate me from Him. I'm glad He makes an active effort to show me His face. At the same time, I gotta do the same. He's always had my back. Gotta do the same for Him.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Gov Skool Part 3, Day 7, 8, 9
Why is 6 afraid of 7? Because 7 was hungry and 7 8 (ate) 9.
Anyways, going to summarize the last 3 days because they have been so ridonkolusly busy I haven’t had a decent amount of time to write something of substance.
Day 7: We had our Academy talent show Saturday evening. A lot of great and clever performances. I made an off screen cameo in my class’ performance starring myself, no less. Haha. LS, JC, and me did a VERY last minute impromptu dance performance to Jay Chou’s Fearless (霍元甲). Awkward. Embarrassing. Funny.
The boss treated us to some Cold Stone (strawberry w/actual strawberries)!
However, new levels of high blood pressure/stress/anger were seen later that night. Not to go into too much detail but, one of our student (later: students) got into trouble for a little mishap. Personal/public apology and some punishment ensued.
Day 8: Happy 234th Birthday America!
From being tired from the day, being ridonkolously hot outside, and not wanting to make the young folks play sports after dinner I made them translate 月亮代表我的心 into English. Being ever the perfectionist, I scrutinized every translation and sent it back if it was anything less than perfection. If only Chinese classes for me back in the day was this easy…
As part of the ongoing punishment for the students who got in trouble yesterday, they had to sit out the fireworks that were to occur on top of the parking deck. I stayed behind to watch them. There’s always fireworks next year…
Since I didn’t get to celebrate properly, I decided to go out and celebrate. Nothing like a cold Slurpee on a hot night.
Day 9: Academy shopping trip again. Last minute purchases for Olympic preparation and International Marketing. LS and me arrived early, so I went and got me a Blizzard (Midnight Truffle) from DQ as we waited. We then went to Bath & Body Works to smell some stuff. Why not? LS definitely deserved some much needed R and R and needed to be removed from the hustle and bustle that is Gov Skool.
Our students are so nice. I got a sweet potato fry, a Pokémon card, and was invited to a nail polish party. (I unfortunately didn't get my nails did)
Saving my breath for tomorrow. Gotta get my voice ready for the Olympics.
Anyways, going to summarize the last 3 days because they have been so ridonkolusly busy I haven’t had a decent amount of time to write something of substance.
Day 7: We had our Academy talent show Saturday evening. A lot of great and clever performances. I made an off screen cameo in my class’ performance starring myself, no less. Haha. LS, JC, and me did a VERY last minute impromptu dance performance to Jay Chou’s Fearless (霍元甲). Awkward. Embarrassing. Funny.
The boss treated us to some Cold Stone (strawberry w/actual strawberries)!
However, new levels of high blood pressure/stress/anger were seen later that night. Not to go into too much detail but, one of our student (later: students) got into trouble for a little mishap. Personal/public apology and some punishment ensued.
Day 8: Happy 234th Birthday America!
From being tired from the day, being ridonkolously hot outside, and not wanting to make the young folks play sports after dinner I made them translate 月亮代表我的心 into English. Being ever the perfectionist, I scrutinized every translation and sent it back if it was anything less than perfection. If only Chinese classes for me back in the day was this easy…
As part of the ongoing punishment for the students who got in trouble yesterday, they had to sit out the fireworks that were to occur on top of the parking deck. I stayed behind to watch them. There’s always fireworks next year…
Since I didn’t get to celebrate properly, I decided to go out and celebrate. Nothing like a cold Slurpee on a hot night.
Day 9: Academy shopping trip again. Last minute purchases for Olympic preparation and International Marketing. LS and me arrived early, so I went and got me a Blizzard (Midnight Truffle) from DQ as we waited. We then went to Bath & Body Works to smell some stuff. Why not? LS definitely deserved some much needed R and R and needed to be removed from the hustle and bustle that is Gov Skool.
Our students are so nice. I got a sweet potato fry, a Pokémon card, and was invited to a nail polish party. (I unfortunately didn't get my nails did)
Saving my breath for tomorrow. Gotta get my voice ready for the Olympics.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Gov Skool Part 3, Day 6
I've said it once before...Once an academic, always an academic.
I was Jewish for an hour today.
But before I explain that, gotta touch on today's rundown. One of our students had to get some gravel out from under their eyelid. It was scratching up their retina...scary stuff. Long story short, they were prescribed some drugs that made them loopy. Their reaction to the drugs and interactions with other people...scary/funny stuff.
BUBBLE TEA trip!!! Me and some unable-to-be-disclosed-at-this-moment individuals when to TT Lounge again. Second day straight for bubble tea!
The day went as regularly scheduled, but I rushed through dinner so me and some folks could go to temple. Temple was interesting. A lot of singing but very good music at that. Most readings and singing were in Hebrew. The very little I did pick up on were some form of addressing God.
Being the religious studies major that I am/was, I was fascinated by the whole experience. Every song. Every passage. Every word that was spoken. Makes me wonder about Jesus' upbringing as a Jew and what He sang/read to God.
Movie Night! Together (和你在一起). Great movie, especially if you love violin and Tchaikovsky. Sooo good.
A student gave me a cookie from one of their care packages. That made my day. Thanks!
That's it for now. Very grateful for bubble tea and good music. It is in these little joys, of food and music and everything wonderful, that makes me wonder again and again of His invisible hand in the creation of everything.
I was Jewish for an hour today.
But before I explain that, gotta touch on today's rundown. One of our students had to get some gravel out from under their eyelid. It was scratching up their retina...scary stuff. Long story short, they were prescribed some drugs that made them loopy. Their reaction to the drugs and interactions with other people...scary/funny stuff.
BUBBLE TEA trip!!! Me and some unable-to-be-disclosed-at-this-moment individuals when to TT Lounge again. Second day straight for bubble tea!
The day went as regularly scheduled, but I rushed through dinner so me and some folks could go to temple. Temple was interesting. A lot of singing but very good music at that. Most readings and singing were in Hebrew. The very little I did pick up on were some form of addressing God.
Being the religious studies major that I am/was, I was fascinated by the whole experience. Every song. Every passage. Every word that was spoken. Makes me wonder about Jesus' upbringing as a Jew and what He sang/read to God.
Movie Night! Together (和你在一起). Great movie, especially if you love violin and Tchaikovsky. Sooo good.
A student gave me a cookie from one of their care packages. That made my day. Thanks!
That's it for now. Very grateful for bubble tea and good music. It is in these little joys, of food and music and everything wonderful, that makes me wonder again and again of His invisible hand in the creation of everything.
Gov Skool Part 3, Day 5
BUBBLE TEA GALORE!!!
Not only did I get to enjoy free bubble tea from TT Lounge, I got to enjoy it 3 TIMES!!! (chocolate, jasmine, and almond) I knew 3 was one of my favorite numbers for a reason.
I spent the morning shopping again with the boss. I bought this AWESOME fleece throw blanket. I felt like I was 6 when I bought it. SOOO AWESOME.
After the dream come true that is bubble tea fulfillment, we spent the afternoon in Maymont Park. Even though I've been every year, I still can't get enough of this park. Koi ponds, Italian villa walkways, gardens, bamboo groves, waterfalls, fountains, lakes, birds, and the lack of animals not showing up are always something to enjoy there. Another testament to the beauty that is His hand. Ended with an intense jump rope session. SOOO FUN.
After the wonderful afternoon in the park, we had catered Chinese food. Yes, it was that non-authentic greasy good kind. It was great. Just took back to my place 3 pans of leftovers.
I just finished some leftover hot and sour soup, I'm still feeling the burn on my lips.
So grateful that He keeps providing me with stuff like this. I really don't deserve any of this, but then again why does He love us? We don't deserve it, yet He still does. He is TOO good!
Not only did I get to enjoy free bubble tea from TT Lounge, I got to enjoy it 3 TIMES!!! (chocolate, jasmine, and almond) I knew 3 was one of my favorite numbers for a reason.
I spent the morning shopping again with the boss. I bought this AWESOME fleece throw blanket. I felt like I was 6 when I bought it. SOOO AWESOME.
After the dream come true that is bubble tea fulfillment, we spent the afternoon in Maymont Park. Even though I've been every year, I still can't get enough of this park. Koi ponds, Italian villa walkways, gardens, bamboo groves, waterfalls, fountains, lakes, birds, and the lack of animals not showing up are always something to enjoy there. Another testament to the beauty that is His hand. Ended with an intense jump rope session. SOOO FUN.
After the wonderful afternoon in the park, we had catered Chinese food. Yes, it was that non-authentic greasy good kind. It was great. Just took back to my place 3 pans of leftovers.
I just finished some leftover hot and sour soup, I'm still feeling the burn on my lips.
So grateful that He keeps providing me with stuff like this. I really don't deserve any of this, but then again why does He love us? We don't deserve it, yet He still does. He is TOO good!
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