I truly believe God works in mysterious ways. When all seems to go down the crapper, He shows us that He's been there all along - we just didn't see Him because we were focusing on everything going down the crapper! I want to live more passionately for what I believe. If I don't have passion, then I have nothing. Living with moderate beliefs is merely existing, just watching life go by without truly participating in it. I just finished this book, Blue Like Jazz. Although I've read it before, the second read definitely gave me more insight. Don't you love that about books? You can read it again and again, and each time you learn something new. That is definitely how I have experienced the Bible time and again. At any rate, I was really moved by Don Miller's passion for truth and meaning, for God...and it made me look at myself and realize how much I have just been living for myself really. Miller makes a sincere point (repeated throughout history by many figures of the great) of how joy cannot be attained by living for your own good self. I've always known this but never practiced it. Yeah, hardly ever. But I want to! I need to...it needs to start with those closest to me. The book reads like a novel, exploring different phases in the author's life as he searches for the object of his passion - it's beautiful, poignant. There is always room to learn and grow, and the journey never ends. I really recommend this book!
July 30, 2009
Change
I truly believe God works in mysterious ways. When all seems to go down the crapper, He shows us that He's been there all along - we just didn't see Him because we were focusing on everything going down the crapper! I want to live more passionately for what I believe. If I don't have passion, then I have nothing. Living with moderate beliefs is merely existing, just watching life go by without truly participating in it. I just finished this book, Blue Like Jazz. Although I've read it before, the second read definitely gave me more insight. Don't you love that about books? You can read it again and again, and each time you learn something new. That is definitely how I have experienced the Bible time and again. At any rate, I was really moved by Don Miller's passion for truth and meaning, for God...and it made me look at myself and realize how much I have just been living for myself really. Miller makes a sincere point (repeated throughout history by many figures of the great) of how joy cannot be attained by living for your own good self. I've always known this but never practiced it. Yeah, hardly ever. But I want to! I need to...it needs to start with those closest to me. The book reads like a novel, exploring different phases in the author's life as he searches for the object of his passion - it's beautiful, poignant. There is always room to learn and grow, and the journey never ends. I really recommend this book!
July 28, 2009
Albums
I meant to do a little review of these albums...but I chose not to. And I'm sure you appreciate that since we all know how many album reviews are already out there. If anything, I'll just say among these 5 albums there is good, decent, and pretty good with the exception of some freaking sweet songs. There you go!
July 25, 2009
The Fray with Jack's Mannequin
Last night's concert was fun! What with an awesome buzz going on and freaking sweet light shows blowing my mind...the night was...carthartic. Like I said, I'm not a huge fan of the Fray, but they put on a fantastic show. And Andrew McMahon of Jack's Mannequin is cute and emo and kind of a show off...everything I like. Superpages.com Center was a decent venue, I really didn't see anything that was so horrible. Afterwards, I watched Superbad by myself and went to bed, sorely missing Danish.
July 24, 2009
Picture from the Rough Riders game
I love these people. Even though I admit there were some similarities to the satirical description Carles gives in this blog entry about the typical girls' hang out rituals, I truly believe they've outgrown that partying stage. I think it happened gradually with Diana moving in with her boyfriend, Angie getting engaged, and Meagan buying a house. Whatever it is, I'm glad it's happened. I'm glad to have these people in my life.
July 23, 2009
Humpty Dumpty
Just kidding, that's mean. Yesterday morning, Danish had quite a fall on his bike ride with his cousin. He couldn't unclip his shoe from the pedal quick enough, so he lost balance and landed on a shoddy chain link fence where a metal prong punctured his hip! It's a small but deep hole surrounded by swelling and redness. It looks disgusting. We went to the doctor's to patch it up and get him a tetanus shot, but apparently it's still bleeding. He was lucky it got him in the hip rather than his side where it could have punctured a spleen or some other organ! The funny thing was he was so excited about his accident and the ongoings of yesterday. Maybe his life is so mundane and that was the most action he's had in a while. I don't know. But I'm glad he's alright.
Eric's mom is on her way back to Dallas today. Thankfully all her matters have been resolved! And I've decided to go to the Fray concert afterall. I wasn't able to sell my ticket. Meagan said she would go with me and I managed to buy a ticket for cheap on Craigslist (how come no one bought mine?!). Tonight, I'm going to another Rough Riders game with Angie, Diana, and Meagan and we'll be doing the whole free food and beer deal. I'm going to miss Danish over the weekend since he's going to an all-weekend bachelor party for Brad. Brad's wedding is next Saturday.
Eric's mom is on her way back to Dallas today. Thankfully all her matters have been resolved! And I've decided to go to the Fray concert afterall. I wasn't able to sell my ticket. Meagan said she would go with me and I managed to buy a ticket for cheap on Craigslist (how come no one bought mine?!). Tonight, I'm going to another Rough Riders game with Angie, Diana, and Meagan and we'll be doing the whole free food and beer deal. I'm going to miss Danish over the weekend since he's going to an all-weekend bachelor party for Brad. Brad's wedding is next Saturday.
July 22, 2009
Prius marketing campaign
Toyota is planting Solar Flowers all across major cities in the U.S. It gives free power and Wi-Fi.
One comment read: It looks like a ploy to turn us all into the gay.
One comment read: It looks like a ploy to turn us all into the gay.
July 21, 2009
Everything's electro
But I still like the "indie" music that has become popular these days. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with how much good music is out there. Sometimes I wish I were made of all ears and had all the time in the world. One day, I'll blog about noteworthy music. I mean I was listening to Sally Shapiro, but the music's not really that noteworthy/bloggable whatever...it's easy-listening, decent. I like the music video, though. It's ridiculously cute.
Speaking of music videos, I hope Violent Still Life makes some dreamy-quality, indie music video with some vague message of autumn love/loss to promote their music, which comes out on iTunes in October. I think it will definitely help boost them into popularity. Not that they are doing it for popularity, just a fun project. That's nice to know, you know? They all have real jobs or what not.
I'm taking Eric's mom to the airport tomorrow morning. It's a coincidence I was recently thinking about how much I care for them and wanted to help them because these past two weeks I have been doing just that. It was stressful, but it's finished - I had to book a flight to Seattle for the poor lady to get some legal matters taken care of. It was a huge ordeal since she wanted to go with Eric but the airline tickets were a scam. Not only that, I had booked a flight for her last week but she had to cancel due to some unexpected circumstances. Did you know if you cancel a flight, it costs $180 in fees to reuse that credit? Then she asked if I was willing to drive her there, and I apologetically had to decline since it would have cost her even more in gas, hotel, and food expenditures. Finally my mom talked her into going on the trip by herself, so she's off tomorrow morning. She's so easily distraught, it breaks my heart. I pray God gives her peace and joy, and for her personal matters to smooth over nicely in Seattle.
Speaking of music videos, I hope Violent Still Life makes some dreamy-quality, indie music video with some vague message of autumn love/loss to promote their music, which comes out on iTunes in October. I think it will definitely help boost them into popularity. Not that they are doing it for popularity, just a fun project. That's nice to know, you know? They all have real jobs or what not.
I'm taking Eric's mom to the airport tomorrow morning. It's a coincidence I was recently thinking about how much I care for them and wanted to help them because these past two weeks I have been doing just that. It was stressful, but it's finished - I had to book a flight to Seattle for the poor lady to get some legal matters taken care of. It was a huge ordeal since she wanted to go with Eric but the airline tickets were a scam. Not only that, I had booked a flight for her last week but she had to cancel due to some unexpected circumstances. Did you know if you cancel a flight, it costs $180 in fees to reuse that credit? Then she asked if I was willing to drive her there, and I apologetically had to decline since it would have cost her even more in gas, hotel, and food expenditures. Finally my mom talked her into going on the trip by herself, so she's off tomorrow morning. She's so easily distraught, it breaks my heart. I pray God gives her peace and joy, and for her personal matters to smooth over nicely in Seattle.
July 19, 2009
Caught Counting
I tagged along to Danish's band practice today. The mixing is coming along great! All the equipment in that recording studio at Derek's house is freaking rad. I think it truly takes an ear to single out rogue sounds or adjust the tempo of one tiny vocal or instrument; I couldn't do it. I can't wait till the end of August when they will play an awesome show. Here are the other two phenomenal talents behind Violent Still Life, Zoe and Derek:
I'm blown away at the details involved in producing a song. It's one thing coming up with the song...then playing it...then mixing it to bring out the best quality of sound. I was pleased when I was told Danish contributed a lyric I wrote, which is now part of the song "Caught Counting": Why oh why do the gray skies cry, soaking the grave in which I lie. Pretty depressing, huh? Well the song doesn't sound nearly as depressing as the lyrics - it sounds pretty freaking awesome and shoe-gazey. I have yet to see them play, but next Tuesday I'll see them practice for the first time after mixing these past few weeks. And Zoe is making her well-known vegetarian lasagna for dinner. Totally looking forward to it!
I'm blown away at the details involved in producing a song. It's one thing coming up with the song...then playing it...then mixing it to bring out the best quality of sound. I was pleased when I was told Danish contributed a lyric I wrote, which is now part of the song "Caught Counting": Why oh why do the gray skies cry, soaking the grave in which I lie. Pretty depressing, huh? Well the song doesn't sound nearly as depressing as the lyrics - it sounds pretty freaking awesome and shoe-gazey. I have yet to see them play, but next Tuesday I'll see them practice for the first time after mixing these past few weeks. And Zoe is making her well-known vegetarian lasagna for dinner. Totally looking forward to it!
July 18, 2009
$5 Car wash
I saw this quote on someone's Myspace and liked it: It's no sign of health to be well adjusted to a sick society. I'm normal.
July 15, 2009
Big monkey, little monkey
Last Saturday was Miriam's wedding where the reception was held at the Stonebridge Ranch country club. Once again, I was too drunk to take pictures of any of the details to my regret because they were beautiful. We had a decent time, although we were both tired from staying out late the night before. Brooke wanted to go to Blackfinn and if you don't know already, everytime I go to Blackfinn I drink too much. Well, I'm glad to say that night made me realize how badly I need to slow my roll with the alcohol. I can't seem to gauge the zone between buzzed and trashed, and my self-control goes out the window when there's an open bar. Why that night and not the other nights that have gotten me sicker and in more trouble? I really don't know, but after throwing up everywhere in Danish's new apartment and eeking through the next two days with the meanest hangover ever, I resolved to never let that happen again. Let's hope that's my final resolution and I don't become a repeat offender.
At my parents' suggestion, Danish and I made a trip to Fort Worth to visit Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where both my parents received their masters degrees in theology. Danish liked the campus, and of course I was elated to be there because it brought back so many childhood memories! We're planning on taking a few enrichment courses there in the future.
July 9, 2009
Campus bookstore buybacks
Damn campus bookstores! How is it remotely fair for textbooks to cost an arm and a leg, only to be bought back for a fraction of the price?! It's asinine! That's what it is! I guess the payoff is the opportunity to be in school to get a degree to work for peanuts in this economy.
Someone responded to my Craigslist ad for the Fray concert ticket. I'm supposed to be meeting with them today. Hopefully that goes swimmingly. I've been meaning to post up other things on the website, particularly junk my dad buys...off Craigslist.
It's unfortunate what's happened with the cyber attack in South Korea and the U.S. They believe North Korea is behind it. Those North Koreans! I find it bizarre that communist countries such as North Korea still exist in today's world. I feel so sorry for the people of those countries whose knowledge of the rest of the world stretches only as far as the government would allow. It definitely takes a conniving, malicious individual with no soul to run a country as a dictator, controlling its people to such a gruesome degree. Sometimes I picture Kim Jong Il as Brain from Pinky and the Brain, waking up every morning and scheming to take over the world. Except Brain is cute and funny and apparently has the world's best interest at heart.
Tonight I'm going to the Rough Rider's game with Meagan. She has that work perk where we get wrist bands that allow us to roam around for all-you-can-eat food and beer. It's going to be sweet!
Someone responded to my Craigslist ad for the Fray concert ticket. I'm supposed to be meeting with them today. Hopefully that goes swimmingly. I've been meaning to post up other things on the website, particularly junk my dad buys...off Craigslist.
It's unfortunate what's happened with the cyber attack in South Korea and the U.S. They believe North Korea is behind it. Those North Koreans! I find it bizarre that communist countries such as North Korea still exist in today's world. I feel so sorry for the people of those countries whose knowledge of the rest of the world stretches only as far as the government would allow. It definitely takes a conniving, malicious individual with no soul to run a country as a dictator, controlling its people to such a gruesome degree. Sometimes I picture Kim Jong Il as Brain from Pinky and the Brain, waking up every morning and scheming to take over the world. Except Brain is cute and funny and apparently has the world's best interest at heart.
Tonight I'm going to the Rough Rider's game with Meagan. She has that work perk where we get wrist bands that allow us to roam around for all-you-can-eat food and beer. It's going to be sweet!
July 8, 2009
Decimate
Lately I've been waking up feeling drained rather than energized. I wonder if it's the bed or the sweltering heat we're forced to sleep in on account of my mother's frugality. I just love to blast the AC. It's my "fat" nature that causes me to be so intolerable of high temperatures. Strangely, summer is my favorite season.
Ok, so brace yourself...I got a job! Or students, rather. Both girls are in 9th grade and I will be tutoring them Algebra 2 and English. I start tomorrow. I really thought God intended me to move on from tutoring kids and seek employment in a different field - particularly the hospital field. I guess that opportunity will come another time. I'm so relieved...as you know I dreaded the thought of working a "real" job - long hours with little pay compared to my few hours with a whopping load of cash!
On the same subject, I have a student named Eric whose brother Joo died three years ago yesterday. He and his mother were going to visit his grave after lunch, but I regretfully couldn't accompany them because I didn't have time. You see, Joo was one of my students three years ago and during that time, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor which progressed rapidly. He was in and out of the hospital and his head swelled up so much it made his face unrecognizable. I remember trying to help him into the bathroom because he wasn't feeling well from the chemotherapy, but we were too late and he threw up all over me. I started to cry as he and his mother were apologizing to me in embarrassment. I desperately wanted to hold them in my arms and tell them it was completely alright; instead I just cried and cried. Sometimes that language barrier can really hinder true feelings - I wanted so badly to express to them my compassion and support. It was a heart-wrenching experience because I had never known someone to die. I don't consider Eric to be a client, but more like family. I'd drop anything I'm doing to help them out. Can you imagine losing your son like that? I can't. It's just too sad to even think about. I hope I can always be there for them and that they would always be a part of my life.
Ok, so brace yourself...I got a job! Or students, rather. Both girls are in 9th grade and I will be tutoring them Algebra 2 and English. I start tomorrow. I really thought God intended me to move on from tutoring kids and seek employment in a different field - particularly the hospital field. I guess that opportunity will come another time. I'm so relieved...as you know I dreaded the thought of working a "real" job - long hours with little pay compared to my few hours with a whopping load of cash!
On the same subject, I have a student named Eric whose brother Joo died three years ago yesterday. He and his mother were going to visit his grave after lunch, but I regretfully couldn't accompany them because I didn't have time. You see, Joo was one of my students three years ago and during that time, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor which progressed rapidly. He was in and out of the hospital and his head swelled up so much it made his face unrecognizable. I remember trying to help him into the bathroom because he wasn't feeling well from the chemotherapy, but we were too late and he threw up all over me. I started to cry as he and his mother were apologizing to me in embarrassment. I desperately wanted to hold them in my arms and tell them it was completely alright; instead I just cried and cried. Sometimes that language barrier can really hinder true feelings - I wanted so badly to express to them my compassion and support. It was a heart-wrenching experience because I had never known someone to die. I don't consider Eric to be a client, but more like family. I'd drop anything I'm doing to help them out. Can you imagine losing your son like that? I can't. It's just too sad to even think about. I hope I can always be there for them and that they would always be a part of my life.
July 6, 2009
I don't know nothing!
It's a brand new week! I hope I get a lot done seeing as I have all the time in the world. I don't have too many pictures to recap this past weekend, but here's what I do have. My parents didn't feel like watching fire works this year. 
Instead we ate a bunch of food and watched a movie at home. Saturday, we went to the lake with Sheldon and Diana, then Wes and Miriam's bachelor/bachelorette party in Fort Worth. Drinking during the day in the hot sun 
makes me tired and groggy, but I managed to become energized again later that night. I was so glad Danish decided to come with me to Fort Worth. I wouldn't have made it otherwise because of the drive. We have so much fun together! Aside from getting kicked out of a bar for no apparent reason and being a tasty man treat for a swarm of gay asians, I think he had fun that night, too. My favorite 
parts of this weekend were: hanging out as a family, watching Meagan be really drunk at the lake, passing around a bottle of Bacardi Lemon in plain view of the bartender at The Flying Saucer, and Miriam pulling her pants down in front of everyone.
My least favorite parts: ugly bare-boobed girls at the lake, losing my sister's Marc Jacobs sunglasses (why would they sink?!), and drama between a couple of girls and their significant others who were part of the bachelor party. I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July. This summer has been very eventful so far. And to think it's not even over yet! Oh yeah, and Danish is completely moved in to his new apartment. I forgot to mention that the apartment building he's in has been fire damaged due to a man who killed himself by setting himself on fire! Awful. The smoke smell in his apartment is almost gone, though. I have an exciting two weeks ahead of me...
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