So it's been way too long since I've posted on here. So sorry! To be honest, I've forgotten about this blog. Crazy huh? Well, I have my Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and other social media sites, then I have a blog for a class that I maintain a whole lot more frequently than this one (kkino708.edublogs.org).
Nevertheless, I graduate in 43 days! So hopefully once December comes, I'll be posting more regularly.
Just wanted to say even though this blog has fallen off the face of the earth, I haven't. Yet.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
A column that never really became a column
As young children, my mom never wanted us to use the word “hate,” because of its strong and negative meaning that, as youngsters, we probably wouldn’t fully understand. So my siblings and I learned to say that we “didn’t like” something instead. That worked for a little bit, until I realized there were things that I could truly hate.
One of those things is casseroles. I absolutely hate casseroles.
When we were growing up, my parents had this philosophy where each of us kids had to try everything set before us—twice. Yes, not one bite, but two. This mild form of torture was supposed to ensure that we weren’t letting our mind say we didn’t like something before our taste buds told our brain it really was okay. That was probably a good rule to establish, and I’m not a picky eater today thanks to this philosophy, but everyone in my family knows when it comes to casseroles, I really struggle to get my fork up to my mouth.
My mom is one amazing and talented cook, so thankfully, casseroles do not make it onto our dinner table very often. Most of my experiences with casseroles have been either at potlucks or friends’ houses.
It’s always amusing to see the variety of casseroles—chicken and rice casserole, chicken and pasta casserole, green bean casserole, tuna casserole, broccoli and cheese casserole—the list could go on and on about all these one-dish-mix-it-all-together-mystery-meals.
You may be wondering exactly what types of casseroles I hate. Basically, any combination of creamed soup, meat, veggies, cheese or bread crumbs that is then assembled into a Pyrex pan and left to bake itself to death in the oven, or “until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted.”
I never understood why one would concoct such a meal. I’ve heard it’s a good way to use up all those leftovers from the week. In my family, we still eat leftovers, but never in the form of casseroles. I’ve also heard it’s economical. Well, I’ll leave that up to you to decide, but I think there are plenty of other food choices that would be just as appealing to the checkbook as they are to the palate. And then finally, I’ve heard it’s quick. However, zapping something in the microwave for a minute sounds much quicker to me than waiting for a casserole to bake an hour at 350 degrees.
But before you conclude that I’m simply and ungratefully rambling on about food I don’t like, believe me when I say that I’m thankful for all the food that is set before me—I’m just trying to find a way to be thankful for something that I hate so much.
Kalyn Kinomoto
Column
Spring 2009
One of those things is casseroles. I absolutely hate casseroles.
When we were growing up, my parents had this philosophy where each of us kids had to try everything set before us—twice. Yes, not one bite, but two. This mild form of torture was supposed to ensure that we weren’t letting our mind say we didn’t like something before our taste buds told our brain it really was okay. That was probably a good rule to establish, and I’m not a picky eater today thanks to this philosophy, but everyone in my family knows when it comes to casseroles, I really struggle to get my fork up to my mouth.
My mom is one amazing and talented cook, so thankfully, casseroles do not make it onto our dinner table very often. Most of my experiences with casseroles have been either at potlucks or friends’ houses.
It’s always amusing to see the variety of casseroles—chicken and rice casserole, chicken and pasta casserole, green bean casserole, tuna casserole, broccoli and cheese casserole—the list could go on and on about all these one-dish-mix-it-all-together-mystery-meals.
You may be wondering exactly what types of casseroles I hate. Basically, any combination of creamed soup, meat, veggies, cheese or bread crumbs that is then assembled into a Pyrex pan and left to bake itself to death in the oven, or “until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted.”
I never understood why one would concoct such a meal. I’ve heard it’s a good way to use up all those leftovers from the week. In my family, we still eat leftovers, but never in the form of casseroles. I’ve also heard it’s economical. Well, I’ll leave that up to you to decide, but I think there are plenty of other food choices that would be just as appealing to the checkbook as they are to the palate. And then finally, I’ve heard it’s quick. However, zapping something in the microwave for a minute sounds much quicker to me than waiting for a casserole to bake an hour at 350 degrees.
But before you conclude that I’m simply and ungratefully rambling on about food I don’t like, believe me when I say that I’m thankful for all the food that is set before me—I’m just trying to find a way to be thankful for something that I hate so much.
Kalyn Kinomoto
Column
Spring 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
What was that again?
My entire family is indecisive. The end. All my friends know just how indecisive I am. I've written a column about it. I've written a blog about it. This is my SECOND blog about it. This plagues me and my family everyday. Someone, please help!
Latest instance . . .
Day: Friday
Topic: Mini family vacation
Issue: To go or not to go.
Who would think a mini vacation would be so hard to discuss! It was Friday night after all (yes, make that 10 p.m.) and we only have until Sunday morning for this little vacay. My response from the very start was this: "I don't care, just make a choice and tell me to get in the car." Now, I had to argue this point in my column too, but this "I don't care" statement is not said in any attitudinal way, but clearly I-DO-NOT-CARE!
So sitting on the couch with this little family discussion. Where should we go? Do we get one bedroom at the hotel or do we get one bedroom studio at the hotel (is there that much of a difference)? Do we go to Portland, Seattle or Bellevue? Do we want to just chill in the hotel or go do something in the city? By this point, I was on Facebook chatting with friends.
Verdict made! Finally. Except now it is 11:30 p.m. I run upstairs to pack up, and because I didn't know what I wanted to wear for the next two days, I pack a week's worth of clothes. Great. Anyway, done packing and went to the car. Sat there for a good bit. I guess my family is a bit slow at packing, too.
We decided on a hotel in Bellevue (midway from my house to Seattle). Very nice hotel and very nice that our stay is free. Nice room, one bed, one pull-out, a kitchen, flatscreen, views, etc.
Next problem: battle of the snorers. This room is nice but kinda small (studio, remember?) so the parents' bed is directly across from the pull-out, only baracaded by the TV. Both parents and the little sister snore. I finally fell asleep after spending the night planning my road trip for later this month. Thankfully I was tired enough to stay somewhat asleep throughout the snoring.
Anyway, so this mini vacation with half the family has been fun so far. Well, I guess except for the fire alarms going off in the entire hotel this morning due to someone's ignorance of learning how to properly toast bread. Yep, burnt toast sent the entire hotel in an evacuation mode. Fun times!
Latest instance . . .
Day: Friday
Topic: Mini family vacation
Issue: To go or not to go.
Who would think a mini vacation would be so hard to discuss! It was Friday night after all (yes, make that 10 p.m.) and we only have until Sunday morning for this little vacay. My response from the very start was this: "I don't care, just make a choice and tell me to get in the car." Now, I had to argue this point in my column too, but this "I don't care" statement is not said in any attitudinal way, but clearly I-DO-NOT-CARE!
So sitting on the couch with this little family discussion. Where should we go? Do we get one bedroom at the hotel or do we get one bedroom studio at the hotel (is there that much of a difference)? Do we go to Portland, Seattle or Bellevue? Do we want to just chill in the hotel or go do something in the city? By this point, I was on Facebook chatting with friends.
Verdict made! Finally. Except now it is 11:30 p.m. I run upstairs to pack up, and because I didn't know what I wanted to wear for the next two days, I pack a week's worth of clothes. Great. Anyway, done packing and went to the car. Sat there for a good bit. I guess my family is a bit slow at packing, too.
We decided on a hotel in Bellevue (midway from my house to Seattle). Very nice hotel and very nice that our stay is free. Nice room, one bed, one pull-out, a kitchen, flatscreen, views, etc.
Next problem: battle of the snorers. This room is nice but kinda small (studio, remember?) so the parents' bed is directly across from the pull-out, only baracaded by the TV. Both parents and the little sister snore. I finally fell asleep after spending the night planning my road trip for later this month. Thankfully I was tired enough to stay somewhat asleep throughout the snoring.
Anyway, so this mini vacation with half the family has been fun so far. Well, I guess except for the fire alarms going off in the entire hotel this morning due to someone's ignorance of learning how to properly toast bread. Yep, burnt toast sent the entire hotel in an evacuation mode. Fun times!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Book Review
So those of you who have known me for any length of time know that I do not find reading to be a pleasurable experience. Well, I've been trying to change that. Not because I have so much time on my hands (although, I guess I do), but rather because this journalism thing has been good for me and you know what they say--in order to write better you need to read other people's writing.
This summer I've read five books (this is when Kara gasps, right?!). The most recent was "True Grit: Women Taking on the World for God's Sake" by Deborah Meroff. This is not a light read, in terms of content. It covers the personal stories of many women around the world, who for the sake of the Gospel continue to fight the good fight. Some of the stories and statistics were disturbing. Statistics on child trafficking, arranged marriages, abortions, etc. These statistics are very real, but it just seems unreal that things like this still occur at such enormous proportions in other parts of the world.
I've been blessed to live in America, I know that. But reading this book made me appreciate my life more. It made me think: even though I don't agree with everything in my family, at least I haven't been sold off to some stranger, never to see my family again. It made me think: even though sometimes I get tired at work, at least I can work a "normal" day. It made me think: even though sometimes I don't approve of our government, at least I don't feel like I have to run for my life to escape (yet).
When I first read the book, my initial thought was, "Man, there are lots of spelling errors in here!" But then, I looked at the copyright and it was from the UK . . . so many of the common spellings in our stylebooks are done differently. After I got over that, I enjoyed the read.
Overall, good book filled with serious content.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
The Bite of Seattle really did bite
So it was the long-anticipated day of my summer: The Bite of Seattle. I've been looking forward to it all summer because it is a festival involving lots of food, fun and sun. We planned to go right after church today and spend the day there before heading back north for church again tonight. This was truly an adventure and I almost cursed out my steering wheel. If this blog entry doesn't explain anything, just know that I realized today I'm very persistent. I really, really, really wanted to go to The Bite, and we eventually got there.
Bad thing #1: I forgot to charge the camera battery, so in the middle of church I plugged my charger and battery into the wall outlet in the nursery (I had planned to charge it while I was on nursery duty during Sunday School, but alas, I forgot to do that). We left church and got on the freeway before I realized I forgot to take my charger and battery out of the wall. No camera. Great. So we decided to come home to use Dad's camera. Problem solved . . . kinda.
Bad thing #2: Horrible traffic. Nobody had to tell me there would be bad traffic, but there was SO much traffic. We were going to park at my grandparents' house and take the new Link Light Rail down to Seattle Center, but we thought we'd try a parking lot closer to the Center. Bad idea. Circled around multiple blocks multiple times.
Bad thing #3: Low on gas. Yep, I didn't realize we were so low on gasoline until we got ourselves lost. Read on.
Bad thing #4: Lost in Seattle. This has never happened to me before--I've never gotten myself lost in the city before but today I got myself completely lost. I made ONE wrong turn and ended up on a road (Aurora) that has no option to turn around. So from Downtown we went . . . driving, driving, driving. More driving. We passed over Lake Union. We passed Queen Anne. We passed Woodland Park Zoo. We passed Shilshole Bay. We passed Ballard. We passed Phinney Ridge. We passed Green Lake. I knew we were going the WRONG way, but there was no way I was going to turn around and find which way we were supposed to go. I thought for sure there would be a freeway entrance soon. I was very wrong. I have no idea what road we ended up on, but it EVENTUALLY got us to somewhere in Seattle and I spotted a sign that said "Seattle Center." Wonderful! Finally (like 1.5 hours later, finally). We followed the sign and eventually saw the Space Needle in near distance. You see, if you can spot the Space Needle in some sort of eye-shot, you can normally find your way back to Seattle Center.
So finally after we got back to Seattle Center, the parking lot had some spaces open (the whole mess we got into started after the parking lots all said "full" posted on signs). We paid the $12 to park then we walked across the street to the festival. Finally!
We walked around through the mobs of people and scouted out places we wanted to try. The weather was really hot, so there were lots of people out and about everywhere. We tried some fried calamari with Greek sauce. It was great! Then we stood in line for some Filipino BBQ chicken on a stick. Again, very yummy! We made our way to the Snoo booth. I'm on this kick for frozen yogurt, so we had to get some. Also good! We took advantage of the free water stands and kept walking. Snapping pictures here and there. You know, it's the Asian in me to snap pictures of everything (especially the Space Needle). Our last stop was this Vietnamese stand where I got some fresh spring rolls. They were pretty good, not as amazing as I thought they'd be, but not horrible. I wanted to go all-out and try lots of things, but I had to remind myself that I'm trying to pay of a school loan so I can't be spending tons of money.
Overall, it was a good experience. I was really ticked on the way there and especially when we got lost. I'm definitely doing this again, but hopefully next time we can go with friends. And note to self: I am NOT going to park near the Center next year. Metro, here I come!
Bad thing #1: I forgot to charge the camera battery, so in the middle of church I plugged my charger and battery into the wall outlet in the nursery (I had planned to charge it while I was on nursery duty during Sunday School, but alas, I forgot to do that). We left church and got on the freeway before I realized I forgot to take my charger and battery out of the wall. No camera. Great. So we decided to come home to use Dad's camera. Problem solved . . . kinda.
Bad thing #2: Horrible traffic. Nobody had to tell me there would be bad traffic, but there was SO much traffic. We were going to park at my grandparents' house and take the new Link Light Rail down to Seattle Center, but we thought we'd try a parking lot closer to the Center. Bad idea. Circled around multiple blocks multiple times.
Bad thing #3: Low on gas. Yep, I didn't realize we were so low on gasoline until we got ourselves lost. Read on.
Bad thing #4: Lost in Seattle. This has never happened to me before--I've never gotten myself lost in the city before but today I got myself completely lost. I made ONE wrong turn and ended up on a road (Aurora) that has no option to turn around. So from Downtown we went . . . driving, driving, driving. More driving. We passed over Lake Union. We passed Queen Anne. We passed Woodland Park Zoo. We passed Shilshole Bay. We passed Ballard. We passed Phinney Ridge. We passed Green Lake. I knew we were going the WRONG way, but there was no way I was going to turn around and find which way we were supposed to go. I thought for sure there would be a freeway entrance soon. I was very wrong. I have no idea what road we ended up on, but it EVENTUALLY got us to somewhere in Seattle and I spotted a sign that said "Seattle Center." Wonderful! Finally (like 1.5 hours later, finally). We followed the sign and eventually saw the Space Needle in near distance. You see, if you can spot the Space Needle in some sort of eye-shot, you can normally find your way back to Seattle Center.
So finally after we got back to Seattle Center, the parking lot had some spaces open (the whole mess we got into started after the parking lots all said "full" posted on signs). We paid the $12 to park then we walked across the street to the festival. Finally!
We walked around through the mobs of people and scouted out places we wanted to try. The weather was really hot, so there were lots of people out and about everywhere. We tried some fried calamari with Greek sauce. It was great! Then we stood in line for some Filipino BBQ chicken on a stick. Again, very yummy! We made our way to the Snoo booth. I'm on this kick for frozen yogurt, so we had to get some. Also good! We took advantage of the free water stands and kept walking. Snapping pictures here and there. You know, it's the Asian in me to snap pictures of everything (especially the Space Needle). Our last stop was this Vietnamese stand where I got some fresh spring rolls. They were pretty good, not as amazing as I thought they'd be, but not horrible. I wanted to go all-out and try lots of things, but I had to remind myself that I'm trying to pay of a school loan so I can't be spending tons of money.
Overall, it was a good experience. I was really ticked on the way there and especially when we got lost. I'm definitely doing this again, but hopefully next time we can go with friends. And note to self: I am NOT going to park near the Center next year. Metro, here I come!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Whoever said it rains 90 days out of the year in Seattle was . . .
on crack! Seriously.
It does not rain 90 days out of the year here, but even if it did, it rains normal rain--none of that sideways, monsoon or flash-flood stuff. And the rain here is refreshing. Laugh if you want, but it's true.
Just a couple of weeks ago, our attempt at breaking the most recent no-rain-streak ended at 29 days. Not bad, huh? This week has been in the high 80s and sunny!
So for all you who are skeptics about visiting Seattle, come! Just believe me: it doesn't rain all the time. And we don't use umbrellas . . .
It does not rain 90 days out of the year here, but even if it did, it rains normal rain--none of that sideways, monsoon or flash-flood stuff. And the rain here is refreshing. Laugh if you want, but it's true.
Just a couple of weeks ago, our attempt at breaking the most recent no-rain-streak ended at 29 days. Not bad, huh? This week has been in the high 80s and sunny!
So for all you who are skeptics about visiting Seattle, come! Just believe me: it doesn't rain all the time. And we don't use umbrellas . . .
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Independence . . . from what?
Today is the 4th of July--everyone knows it. But as I hear the continuous bursts of fireworks around the neighborhood and think of the BBQs and various other events of the day, I wonder: have we gotten away from what this holiday really means?
Do we really show our patriotism when we spend our three-day (or four for some) weekend blowing up fireworks, stuffing our faces with more food than some people will ever see in their lives, and spending time with our family and friends? Sure, I love doing all of the previously mentioned things, but really, does that show patriotism?
What am I celebrating? I need to remind myself that even with problems in society, with a government I might not agree with, with various family issues, that I am blessed to live in America.
So tonight, when the big firework shows begin, I'm going to try and remember why we really celebrate.
Do we really show our patriotism when we spend our three-day (or four for some) weekend blowing up fireworks, stuffing our faces with more food than some people will ever see in their lives, and spending time with our family and friends? Sure, I love doing all of the previously mentioned things, but really, does that show patriotism?
What am I celebrating? I need to remind myself that even with problems in society, with a government I might not agree with, with various family issues, that I am blessed to live in America.
So tonight, when the big firework shows begin, I'm going to try and remember why we really celebrate.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
I've figured it out!
Two things I've always enjoyed in life are 1) being creative and 2) helping people. With the realization that I really am graduating from college soon (as in five months soon), I backtracked in my mind a bit and found that my course of study is a perfect fit for those two things I love. Good thing, because after coming this far I'm not changing my major again!
Why journalism? Why public relations? How do these two aspects of my major correlate to being creative and helping people? Simply stated: everything!
In journalism, it's my job to inform people, to bring topics of interest within reach for them. It also requires a large amount of creativity. I'm not only informing people, I'm trying to get them engaged and interested in the news topic at hand. This cannot happen without some degree of creativity. In public relations, my entire job is (or should be) devoted to helping people. Whether I'm on the outside looking in or on the inside looking out, it is crucial to be helping those in my organization and/or "public." Tackling this responsibility (among others) also requires a great deal of creativity.
It's exciting for me to have finally figured out that this major was for me. Sure, when I was an FCS major and later a piano major I could've been creative and helped people, but not quite to this degree. I absolutely love what I'm learning and can't wait to use it all in the world outside of academics in a few short months from now.
My only question to myself: Why did it take me this long to figure it all out?!
Why journalism? Why public relations? How do these two aspects of my major correlate to being creative and helping people? Simply stated: everything!
In journalism, it's my job to inform people, to bring topics of interest within reach for them. It also requires a large amount of creativity. I'm not only informing people, I'm trying to get them engaged and interested in the news topic at hand. This cannot happen without some degree of creativity. In public relations, my entire job is (or should be) devoted to helping people. Whether I'm on the outside looking in or on the inside looking out, it is crucial to be helping those in my organization and/or "public." Tackling this responsibility (among others) also requires a great deal of creativity.
It's exciting for me to have finally figured out that this major was for me. Sure, when I was an FCS major and later a piano major I could've been creative and helped people, but not quite to this degree. I absolutely love what I'm learning and can't wait to use it all in the world outside of academics in a few short months from now.
My only question to myself: Why did it take me this long to figure it all out?!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
On the hunt
With Father's Day soon approaching (too quickly, I might add), I'm searching for that perfect gift for my amazing, yet not-so-perfect Dad. I love him dearly, but he is so hard to shop for. You'd think after 22 years of celebrating this holiday with him that I'd have this gift-giving thing down. Wrong. Every single year I'm plagued with this inability to find a gift for him.
To aid me in this traumatic experience, I ask him, "So, what do you want this year?" Without fail his answer is, "Oh, I don't need anything. I'm just glad you're in my life." Aww, now isn't that sweet? Maybe, but it doesn't help me! Those who know me (even just on the acquaintance level of the friendship scale) know I'm very indecisive. I'm so indecisive, I even wrote a column about it!
Since my dad won't help with my gift-hunting efforts, I decided to check the media. After all, there are always articles about "Top Dad's Day Gifts" or "Trends for This Father's Day." Sure enough, I found this article. The headline? "11 Great Gadgets for Father's Day." Wonderful! Dad can use more gadgets. But if you look, you'll quickly notice that most of these "great gadgets" are not very college-budget friendly.
So, I'm stuck again. I don't want to pull an "Oops, I forgot it's Father's Day," and resort to giving him yet another necktie. Oh! He loves doing laundry and frequently mentions that we don't have enough clothing hangers--but I give them to him for part of his Christmas gift every year. I will not be buying more hangers for him!
Well, while I'm "jogging in oatmeal" on my gift hunt, I might read more news articles in hopes of finding that perfect (and budget-friendly) gift. This is going to be one long marathon!
To aid me in this traumatic experience, I ask him, "So, what do you want this year?" Without fail his answer is, "Oh, I don't need anything. I'm just glad you're in my life." Aww, now isn't that sweet? Maybe, but it doesn't help me! Those who know me (even just on the acquaintance level of the friendship scale) know I'm very indecisive. I'm so indecisive, I even wrote a column about it!
Since my dad won't help with my gift-hunting efforts, I decided to check the media. After all, there are always articles about "Top Dad's Day Gifts" or "Trends for This Father's Day." Sure enough, I found this article. The headline? "11 Great Gadgets for Father's Day." Wonderful! Dad can use more gadgets. But if you look, you'll quickly notice that most of these "great gadgets" are not very college-budget friendly.
So, I'm stuck again. I don't want to pull an "Oops, I forgot it's Father's Day," and resort to giving him yet another necktie. Oh! He loves doing laundry and frequently mentions that we don't have enough clothing hangers--but I give them to him for part of his Christmas gift every year. I will not be buying more hangers for him!
Well, while I'm "jogging in oatmeal" on my gift hunt, I might read more news articles in hopes of finding that perfect (and budget-friendly) gift. This is going to be one long marathon!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
I made the big switch
to a Mac! This change, however, didn't come without its problems--or complications. I have to agree with a friend who wrote this column about her new Mac experience a few months ago, that switching from a PC to a Mac is different, but I don't regret it.
Although my switch was a bit complicated. You see, there was this sale and I'm Asian, and I love sales. So I waited patiently for this student promotion (buy a Mac get an iPod) to begin. The day after I buy my new Mac, I read in the Seattle Times of a newer Mac that had been released that day. Yep, the this always happens. Right after I fork over (or more like swipe the plastic in this case) the money and hope I won't regret my big purchase, something bigger and better comes out. I know the marketing strategy behind that, but seriously, the DAY after? Come on!
Well it's no big deal that there's a new Mac, right? Not exactly. This newer one is faster. And has an illuminated keyboard. And has a battery with the potential 7-hour charge. And is not only a Macbook but a Macbook Pro. And lastly, but most importantly, it was CHEAPER. What? How could this be? I could save more money? What was I going to do now?
I look at my receipt and find that I can return my opened Mac, but I would be charged $120 because it was already opened. Hmm . . . was it worth the trouble? We would soon find out. Skeptical of my ability to return and re-buy, I went to the Apple Store and talked to their "specialist." Sure enough, I could return my open Mac and purchase the newer Mac. Believe it or not, even with the 10% restocking fee, I would still get money back--for a better computer!
So, now I'm the owner of a newer Macbook Pro. And I saved money. That's what I call a deal!
Although my switch was a bit complicated. You see, there was this sale and I'm Asian, and I love sales. So I waited patiently for this student promotion (buy a Mac get an iPod) to begin. The day after I buy my new Mac, I read in the Seattle Times of a newer Mac that had been released that day. Yep, the this always happens. Right after I fork over (or more like swipe the plastic in this case) the money and hope I won't regret my big purchase, something bigger and better comes out. I know the marketing strategy behind that, but seriously, the DAY after? Come on!
Well it's no big deal that there's a new Mac, right? Not exactly. This newer one is faster. And has an illuminated keyboard. And has a battery with the potential 7-hour charge. And is not only a Macbook but a Macbook Pro. And lastly, but most importantly, it was CHEAPER. What? How could this be? I could save more money? What was I going to do now?
I look at my receipt and find that I can return my opened Mac, but I would be charged $120 because it was already opened. Hmm . . . was it worth the trouble? We would soon find out. Skeptical of my ability to return and re-buy, I went to the Apple Store and talked to their "specialist." Sure enough, I could return my open Mac and purchase the newer Mac. Believe it or not, even with the 10% restocking fee, I would still get money back--for a better computer!
So, now I'm the owner of a newer Macbook Pro. And I saved money. That's what I call a deal!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Just because I'm bored
I used to enjoy doing these dumb little surveys, but since then I've had too much "other stuff" to do. But, I figure since I'm a bit bored at the moment, I'll let you know a bit more about myself via this dumb little survey.
Do you have a laptop?
Yes, my HP is practically broken, so I'm buying a Macbook!
How about a desktop?
Yes, but it's not functioning quite right
How many cell phones do you own?
Three, but only one is activated
Are you right - handed or left- handed?
Right
Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
Umm, like parts of my body? Only teeth
What is the last heavy item you lifted?
A bookshelf
Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
If I have, I don't remember
How many pairs of flip flops do you own?
Two
Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
A year ago when I locked my keys in the car . . . with a child in the backseat . . . completely unintentionally
Last person you talked to?
On the phone? Kristine
Last person you hugged?
Eli
Favorite Season?
Summer, but before it gets too hot
Favorite Day of the week?
Friday
Missing anyone?
What is the last song to make you cry?
There Will Be A Day
Plans tonight?
Sleep is last on the to-do list for today
Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?
Several times
Have you ever been given roses?
Yep
Met someone who changed your life?
Lots
How did you ring in the New Year?
I don't remember, isn't that sad?
Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?
Sure, why not?
Have you ever dated someone longer than a year?
No
Who was the last person you took a picture of?
Some random lady at Target who sported one heck of an ugly mullet
What kind of music did you listen to in elementary school?
Steve Green
Are most of the friends in your life new or old?
A few old, a lot new
Do you like pulpy orange juice?
Yes
What were you doing at 12 AM last night?
Outside in my tent watching The Office
What is your salad dressing of choice?
Soy ginger or raspberry walnut
What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
Cheesecake Factory or Fuji Sushi
What food could you eat everyday for two weeks and not get sick of?
Rice
What are your pizza toppings of choice?
Sausage, olives, onions, peppers
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Dark chocolate
How many televisions are in your house?
Two
Soy ginger or raspberry walnut
What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
Cheesecake Factory or Fuji Sushi
What food could you eat everyday for two weeks and not get sick of?
Rice
What are your pizza toppings of choice?
Sausage, olives, onions, peppers
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Dark chocolate
How many televisions are in your house?
Two
Do you have a laptop?
Yes, my HP is practically broken, so I'm buying a Macbook!
How about a desktop?
Yes, but it's not functioning quite right
How many cell phones do you own?
Three, but only one is activated
Are you right - handed or left- handed?
Right
Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
Umm, like parts of my body? Only teeth
What is the last heavy item you lifted?
A bookshelf
Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
If I have, I don't remember
How many pairs of flip flops do you own?
Two
Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
A year ago when I locked my keys in the car . . . with a child in the backseat . . . completely unintentionally
Last person you talked to?
On the phone? Kristine
On chat? Molly
Last person you hugged?
Eli
Favorite Season?
Summer, but before it gets too hot
Favorite Day of the week?
Friday
Missing anyone?
This is not supposed to sound cliche, but I really miss my Collegian family
What are you listening to?
The wind blowing the trees outside. Exciting, huh?
Watching?
Nothing
First place you went this morning?
Eli's house
What's the last movie you saw?
UP
Do you always answer your phone?
I'll confess, I screen my calls and ignore the people I don't care to talk to
You get a text message at 4 a.m. Who is it?
One of my Twitter friends (tweeps)
If you could change your eye color what would it be?
Someday I'm going to have purple eyes
What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic?
Strawberry limeade, light on the ice
Do you own a digital camera?
Yep
Have you ever had a pet fish?
Unfortunately
Favorite Christmas song(s)?
Jingle bell rock
Can you do push ups?
Yeah
Can you do a chin up?
Potentially yes, probably no
Does the future make you nervous or excited?
Excited
Do you have any saved texts?
Yep, lots
Ever been in a car wreck?
Yeah
Do you have an accent?
Thankfully no . . . at least not a natural one. I pretend I'm boater sometimes though and can make myself have an accent
What are you listening to?
The wind blowing the trees outside. Exciting, huh?
Watching?
Nothing
First place you went this morning?
Eli's house
What's the last movie you saw?
UP
Do you always answer your phone?
I'll confess, I screen my calls and ignore the people I don't care to talk to
You get a text message at 4 a.m. Who is it?
One of my Twitter friends (tweeps)
If you could change your eye color what would it be?
Someday I'm going to have purple eyes
What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic?
Strawberry limeade, light on the ice
Do you own a digital camera?
Yep
Have you ever had a pet fish?
Unfortunately
Favorite Christmas song(s)?
Jingle bell rock
Can you do push ups?
Yeah
Can you do a chin up?
Potentially yes, probably no
Does the future make you nervous or excited?
Excited
Do you have any saved texts?
Yep, lots
Ever been in a car wreck?
Yeah
Do you have an accent?
Thankfully no . . . at least not a natural one. I pretend I'm boater sometimes though and can make myself have an accent
What is the last song to make you cry?
There Will Be A Day
Plans tonight?
Sleep is last on the to-do list for today
Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?
Several times
Have you ever been given roses?
Yep
Met someone who changed your life?
Lots
How did you ring in the New Year?
I don't remember, isn't that sad?
Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?
Sure, why not?
Have you ever dated someone longer than a year?
No
Who was the last person you took a picture of?
Some random lady at Target who sported one heck of an ugly mullet
What kind of music did you listen to in elementary school?
Steve Green
Are most of the friends in your life new or old?
A few old, a lot new
Do you like pulpy orange juice?
Yes
What were you doing at 12 AM last night?
Outside in my tent watching The Office
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
"The Game of Life"
I've always liked playing this game. That game being the board game. OK, so I've been enjoying myself in the real deal too, but I'm beginning to wonder which number I'll spin next. Which spot am I going to land on? Will it give me money or take it away from me?
So in the game, you choose one of two paths of life: the college or the career (something like that). I clearly have chosen the college. Now supposedly, I'm supposed to be ahead in the game, theoretically making more money in a better career than those who chose to just tackle life and its problems without a degree. Props to them. Maybe? The way things are looking now, I wonder if the $68,000 I will have spent by December for my degree will set me apart that much from my peers. Let's be optimistic and hope so because that is a lot of money that's come from my pocket in the last four-and-a-half years. Oh wait, I've never had that much money in my pocket, so add a few loans and a large percentage of interest to that number.
The game continues and you choose an occupation, a house and a car. Well, I know I want my occupation in the fields of journalism and public relations--preferably together. I've been researching, contacting and keeping reference files for each organization I would like to work with. It sounds like great pre-planning now, but December is only six months away. As for a house, I have no clue. None whatsoever. I want to move out on my own after graduation, but again money plays a big roll in this factor. Do I rent from someone? Do I share with roommates? Then a car. I have a nice car that was given to me for graduating from high school, but it's not really mine. So do I lease a car? Do I buy a clunker? Do I walk? We'll have to wait and see.
Then we're all familiar with the bumps in the road, unexpected costs and taxes and other "pay this amount" spaces you potentially land on in the game. I've already experienced quite a few of these in real life, and I know they'll just keep coming.
Game continues. Marriage. Job promotions. Kids. Taxes. Vacations.
Anyway, you get my point -- I'm beginning to wish life was as simple as the game. But since I know it isn't now and won't ever be, I might as well be happy with what I have now and plan as best as I can for the future.
As scary as it is, I think I'm ready to tackle life. Bring it on!
So in the game, you choose one of two paths of life: the college or the career (something like that). I clearly have chosen the college. Now supposedly, I'm supposed to be ahead in the game, theoretically making more money in a better career than those who chose to just tackle life and its problems without a degree. Props to them. Maybe? The way things are looking now, I wonder if the $68,000 I will have spent by December for my degree will set me apart that much from my peers. Let's be optimistic and hope so because that is a lot of money that's come from my pocket in the last four-and-a-half years. Oh wait, I've never had that much money in my pocket, so add a few loans and a large percentage of interest to that number.
The game continues and you choose an occupation, a house and a car. Well, I know I want my occupation in the fields of journalism and public relations--preferably together. I've been researching, contacting and keeping reference files for each organization I would like to work with. It sounds like great pre-planning now, but December is only six months away. As for a house, I have no clue. None whatsoever. I want to move out on my own after graduation, but again money plays a big roll in this factor. Do I rent from someone? Do I share with roommates? Then a car. I have a nice car that was given to me for graduating from high school, but it's not really mine. So do I lease a car? Do I buy a clunker? Do I walk? We'll have to wait and see.
Then we're all familiar with the bumps in the road, unexpected costs and taxes and other "pay this amount" spaces you potentially land on in the game. I've already experienced quite a few of these in real life, and I know they'll just keep coming.
Game continues. Marriage. Job promotions. Kids. Taxes. Vacations.
Anyway, you get my point -- I'm beginning to wish life was as simple as the game. But since I know it isn't now and won't ever be, I might as well be happy with what I have now and plan as best as I can for the future.
As scary as it is, I think I'm ready to tackle life. Bring it on!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Who knew bleach was for cleaning?
So I just finished cleaning the upstairs bathroom. It definitely took long enough. No, not because I'm a slow cleaner, but because my sibs have saved so much JUNK in there.
Seriously, how many bottles and tubes of shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and hairspray does one person need? OK, so there are four of us, but there were enough of these half-empty bottles to start our own discount convenience store. I mean, if they were half-full, I would have kept them, but these were clearly half-empty! Ridiculous.
I'm definitely not a pack rat. I hate keeping things. So I had a lot of fun (or at least I tried to tell myself it was fun) throwing all my sibs random stuff in the trash. I hope they won't miss their stuff!
The next enjoyable part of cleaning was bleaching. Yes, I like the smell of bleach. And no, I don't sniff bleach for fun. I promise. But after bleaching the shower/tub, counters, sinks, toilet and floor, I think I'm done smelling bleach for a bit!
Another reason it took so long is because I got distracted by Twitter texts, Facebook updates and the radio. But I limited myself and continued cleaning.
So now that the bathroom is neat and bleachy-clean smelling, I need to go find something really fun to do!
Seriously, how many bottles and tubes of shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and hairspray does one person need? OK, so there are four of us, but there were enough of these half-empty bottles to start our own discount convenience store. I mean, if they were half-full, I would have kept them, but these were clearly half-empty! Ridiculous.
I'm definitely not a pack rat. I hate keeping things. So I had a lot of fun (or at least I tried to tell myself it was fun) throwing all my sibs random stuff in the trash. I hope they won't miss their stuff!
The next enjoyable part of cleaning was bleaching. Yes, I like the smell of bleach. And no, I don't sniff bleach for fun. I promise. But after bleaching the shower/tub, counters, sinks, toilet and floor, I think I'm done smelling bleach for a bit!
Another reason it took so long is because I got distracted by Twitter texts, Facebook updates and the radio. But I limited myself and continued cleaning.
So now that the bathroom is neat and bleachy-clean smelling, I need to go find something really fun to do!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
The musician's nightmare . . .
Came true for me this morning at church.
Every Sunday before I leave for church, I double-check to make sure that if I'm on the music schedule for the day that I have all my necessary music. Somehow, I forgot to do that today and it was nearly disaster.
I was talking to a friend before the service and she was mentioning having me accompany her next week. She didn't have the music, but said she'd get it to me before next week. Right when she said "music," I realized something really bad: I forgot my music for TODAY at home!
By this time, I had 5 minutes to get over to the piano to begin prelude. Not enough time to go home! The violinist for whom I was accompanying didn't have an extra copy of piano music so I was a bit stuck. I sent my little sister home to get the music, telling her to "drive quick!" I thought to myself, "there is NO way she is going to get home and back in 15 minutes." That's when the panic began.
I ran over to the violinist and told her my troubles. Then I ran over to our pastor and told him my problem. I mangaged to have him move the order of service so the offertory could be later . . . just hoping Kristine would be back in time!
The service started. Still no Kristine. The announcements were made. Still no Kristine. The second, third, fourth songs were sung. Still no Kristine. The scripture was read. Still no Kristine. My brother gave a camp testimony. Still no Kristine. I'm looking at the order of service thinking, "there is NOTHING left to postpone!" But then our pastor had the special music perform. Still no Kristine . . . UNTIL the last verse of the special. I motion her to run over to me and give me the music. Right then, there was prayer and the offertory started.
Such a close call! I cannot tell of the panic that was rushing through my mind before I got the music. It all went well, but I'm definitely checking for my music before walking out the door next time!
Every Sunday before I leave for church, I double-check to make sure that if I'm on the music schedule for the day that I have all my necessary music. Somehow, I forgot to do that today and it was nearly disaster.
I was talking to a friend before the service and she was mentioning having me accompany her next week. She didn't have the music, but said she'd get it to me before next week. Right when she said "music," I realized something really bad: I forgot my music for TODAY at home!
By this time, I had 5 minutes to get over to the piano to begin prelude. Not enough time to go home! The violinist for whom I was accompanying didn't have an extra copy of piano music so I was a bit stuck. I sent my little sister home to get the music, telling her to "drive quick!" I thought to myself, "there is NO way she is going to get home and back in 15 minutes." That's when the panic began.
I ran over to the violinist and told her my troubles. Then I ran over to our pastor and told him my problem. I mangaged to have him move the order of service so the offertory could be later . . . just hoping Kristine would be back in time!
The service started. Still no Kristine. The announcements were made. Still no Kristine. The second, third, fourth songs were sung. Still no Kristine. The scripture was read. Still no Kristine. My brother gave a camp testimony. Still no Kristine. I'm looking at the order of service thinking, "there is NOTHING left to postpone!" But then our pastor had the special music perform. Still no Kristine . . . UNTIL the last verse of the special. I motion her to run over to me and give me the music. Right then, there was prayer and the offertory started.
Such a close call! I cannot tell of the panic that was rushing through my mind before I got the music. It all went well, but I'm definitely checking for my music before walking out the door next time!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Trip to see a movie
So I finally did it! I finally went to see a movie . . . after being home for 3 weeks, it was long overdue. This was truly an adventure and in my perspective, merits its own blog entry.
Scenario: Me, my brother and my mom want to see a movie. My uncle and my two cousins also want to see a movie. My little sister decides to meet us after work to see a movie. This is the story of seven silly Asians who tried--and succeeded--in going to see a movie late on a Friday night.
8 p.m. At my aunt's surprise 60th birthday, my brother decides he wants to see a movie. It was opening night for "Up," and he wanted to see it in 3-D. We checked listings and the next showing was at 9:50 p.m. After leaving the party, we went to Bellevue Square (those not from WA, that's 15 minutes northeast of Seattle). We get there around 9:20 p.m. and meet Kristine only to find out all showings of "Up" are sold out for the evening. Go figure.
9:30 p.m. We call my uncle who was going to see "Star Trek" at the Imax with two of my cousins, because now that our movie is not available, we had no plans. There are lots of movies I've been wanting to see (Star Trek, Obsessed, Up, Brother's Bloom, Ghosts of Girlfriend's Past, etc.) We drove to Seattle to meet them at their house and get the times for the Imax. For some odd reason, the 11:30 p.m. showing of "Star Trek" wasn't showing up online, so we decided to see it at Southcenter (those not from WA, that's 20 minutes south of Seattle). Crazy, right? I suppose, but we really wanted to see a movie and Southcenter had "Star Trek" at 11 p.m.
11:05 p.m. Right as we are exiting the freeway to Southcenter, my uncle finds out that the Seattle Imax really was showing "Star Trek" at 11:30 p.m. We pull into a Denny's parking lot to double-check and sure enough, it was playing. So instead of pulling into the mall parking lot (we were across the street), my uncle decides that he really wants to see the movie on the Imax screen. We get back on the freeway and head back to Seattle.
11:20 p.m. I'm gunning it down the freeway, watching all around me for any signs of cops. This was only the beginning. It's Downtown on a Friday night during prom season . . . tough luck finding parking! But somehow after circling around for a while, I found a spot somewhat near the Imax.
11:31 p.m. Remember, we'd just come from my aunt's party, so I was in heels. Not good for running up a hill on uneven concrete! But, somehow I make it and we get our tickets to Imax. We very briskly walk to the entrance and the place is nearly packed. The movie has been playing for several weeks, but I guess it's still a big hit. We found a row of seats three up from the front . . . kinda close, but whatever.
1:40 a.m. Movie is over and all of us enjoyed it. Time for food! Yes, we're Asian and anytime is a good time for food. We decide to wait a bit until we're closer to home (because I live about 30 minutes north of Downtown).
2:40 a.m. McDonald's! Yep, we got burgers, fries and yogurt parfaits at 2:40 a.m. Crazy? Yeah, probably. Worth it? Definitely.
3:43 a.m. I'm sitting here writing this blog entry. It's not nearly as entertaining or interesting in print/screen as it was in person. And I'm super tired, so it probably doesn't all make sense. But the whole point was, that we went to three different theatres just to try and watch ONE movie! I'm not normally a "Star Trek" type of person, but I really enjoyed the movie. Intense, entertaining and funny. This is most certainly a night to remember!
Scenario: Me, my brother and my mom want to see a movie. My uncle and my two cousins also want to see a movie. My little sister decides to meet us after work to see a movie. This is the story of seven silly Asians who tried--and succeeded--in going to see a movie late on a Friday night.
8 p.m. At my aunt's surprise 60th birthday, my brother decides he wants to see a movie. It was opening night for "Up," and he wanted to see it in 3-D. We checked listings and the next showing was at 9:50 p.m. After leaving the party, we went to Bellevue Square (those not from WA, that's 15 minutes northeast of Seattle). We get there around 9:20 p.m. and meet Kristine only to find out all showings of "Up" are sold out for the evening. Go figure.
9:30 p.m. We call my uncle who was going to see "Star Trek" at the Imax with two of my cousins, because now that our movie is not available, we had no plans. There are lots of movies I've been wanting to see (Star Trek, Obsessed, Up, Brother's Bloom, Ghosts of Girlfriend's Past, etc.) We drove to Seattle to meet them at their house and get the times for the Imax. For some odd reason, the 11:30 p.m. showing of "Star Trek" wasn't showing up online, so we decided to see it at Southcenter (those not from WA, that's 20 minutes south of Seattle). Crazy, right? I suppose, but we really wanted to see a movie and Southcenter had "Star Trek" at 11 p.m.
11:05 p.m. Right as we are exiting the freeway to Southcenter, my uncle finds out that the Seattle Imax really was showing "Star Trek" at 11:30 p.m. We pull into a Denny's parking lot to double-check and sure enough, it was playing. So instead of pulling into the mall parking lot (we were across the street), my uncle decides that he really wants to see the movie on the Imax screen. We get back on the freeway and head back to Seattle.
11:20 p.m. I'm gunning it down the freeway, watching all around me for any signs of cops. This was only the beginning. It's Downtown on a Friday night during prom season . . . tough luck finding parking! But somehow after circling around for a while, I found a spot somewhat near the Imax.
11:31 p.m. Remember, we'd just come from my aunt's party, so I was in heels. Not good for running up a hill on uneven concrete! But, somehow I make it and we get our tickets to Imax. We very briskly walk to the entrance and the place is nearly packed. The movie has been playing for several weeks, but I guess it's still a big hit. We found a row of seats three up from the front . . . kinda close, but whatever.
1:40 a.m. Movie is over and all of us enjoyed it. Time for food! Yes, we're Asian and anytime is a good time for food. We decide to wait a bit until we're closer to home (because I live about 30 minutes north of Downtown).
2:40 a.m. McDonald's! Yep, we got burgers, fries and yogurt parfaits at 2:40 a.m. Crazy? Yeah, probably. Worth it? Definitely.
3:43 a.m. I'm sitting here writing this blog entry. It's not nearly as entertaining or interesting in print/screen as it was in person. And I'm super tired, so it probably doesn't all make sense. But the whole point was, that we went to three different theatres just to try and watch ONE movie! I'm not normally a "Star Trek" type of person, but I really enjoyed the movie. Intense, entertaining and funny. This is most certainly a night to remember!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
It makes my head hurt
Since I'm a relatively poor college student, I think about money. I think about money a lot. And in the process of thinking about it, I wonder: What makes these 2.61" x 6.14" (yes, I looked it up) pieces of glorified paper worth anything?
I know, I know, there is supposed meaning, significance and worth to these legal tenders, but really, how can a piece of paper really do that much?
Take it to yet another level--plastic. One swipe here, another swipe there and all of a sudden I have debt to pay. All because of my spending via a magnetic strip on the back of a piece of plastic.
I'm not interested in the scientific explanations for the logic of the financial world, and I'm probably taking this too far, but it really makes my head hurt to think about it.
I know, I know, there is supposed meaning, significance and worth to these legal tenders, but really, how can a piece of paper really do that much?
Take it to yet another level--plastic. One swipe here, another swipe there and all of a sudden I have debt to pay. All because of my spending via a magnetic strip on the back of a piece of plastic.
I'm not interested in the scientific explanations for the logic of the financial world, and I'm probably taking this too far, but it really makes my head hurt to think about it.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Am I "amusing [myself] to death" with technology?
Facebook. Twitter. Text messaging. Netflix. Gtalk. Blogger. YouTube. Hulu. iPod. LinkedIn. Email.
The list could go on and on about the technology that has invaded my life. But am I complaining? Definitely not. I love technology and the vast amount of information it affords to me, but I do realize it has established itself in my life and is not planning on leaving anytime soon!
My mom recently mentioned to me that I use too much of my day on technology. One minute I'm sending a "tweet" to my Twitter. Another minute I'm texting a friend. Then I login to my Facebook. Before I know it, it's time for another "tweet" as I simultaneously bring myself to my happy place with my iPod.
How did this all happen? I mean, how did I become so reliant--so dependent--on technology? My parents didn't own any cell phones until I was 10. We didn't own a computer until I was 12, and even then, all we could do was type on Microsoft Notepad . . . not even Word! We thought we upgraded when we got dial-up Internet. I bought my first digital camera for my 16th birthday. I bought my own laptop right before going to college my freshman year. We finally got broadband Internet after I went to college.
Do you catch the trend here? My family has always been a bit S L O W when it comes to technology. How have I gone from growing up in such a technologically-challenged family to being so addicted to it?
It amazes me how quickly things just creep into my life. I didn't take computer classes until my sophomore year in college, yet I knew how to work these things. Nobody taught me how to text with T9, but somehow I caught on. Nobody gave me little tutorials with Facebook, Twitter or Hulu, and yet--with a few minor mistakes--I'm a pro (slight exaggeration) with each of these.
So I understand how my mom thinks I use too much time on technology--I'm not denying that in the least bit. I just wonder when it all started.
The list could go on and on about the technology that has invaded my life. But am I complaining? Definitely not. I love technology and the vast amount of information it affords to me, but I do realize it has established itself in my life and is not planning on leaving anytime soon!
My mom recently mentioned to me that I use too much of my day on technology. One minute I'm sending a "tweet" to my Twitter. Another minute I'm texting a friend. Then I login to my Facebook. Before I know it, it's time for another "tweet" as I simultaneously bring myself to my happy place with my iPod.
How did this all happen? I mean, how did I become so reliant--so dependent--on technology? My parents didn't own any cell phones until I was 10. We didn't own a computer until I was 12, and even then, all we could do was type on Microsoft Notepad . . . not even Word! We thought we upgraded when we got dial-up Internet. I bought my first digital camera for my 16th birthday. I bought my own laptop right before going to college my freshman year. We finally got broadband Internet after I went to college.
Do you catch the trend here? My family has always been a bit S L O W when it comes to technology. How have I gone from growing up in such a technologically-challenged family to being so addicted to it?
It amazes me how quickly things just creep into my life. I didn't take computer classes until my sophomore year in college, yet I knew how to work these things. Nobody taught me how to text with T9, but somehow I caught on. Nobody gave me little tutorials with Facebook, Twitter or Hulu, and yet--with a few minor mistakes--I'm a pro (slight exaggeration) with each of these.
So I understand how my mom thinks I use too much time on technology--I'm not denying that in the least bit. I just wonder when it all started.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Why read the news?
Here's a recent editorial I wrote for The Collegian.
The Collegian Online: "Do you know what today’s top news headlines are? When is the last time you read the news? Why don’t we keep up with what is happening around us?
Many Christians are ignorant of the news of the day. Maybe time is the issue—the news is not high on our list of priorities. Perhaps we discount the importance of the news because we believe the coverage is presented from a liberal, left-wing point of view. While many media outlets may present their ideas and stories with an imbalanced perspective, we still need to keep informed. Thus we must use good judgment in evaluating what we hear and read.
Current events are often great conversation starters with those we come into contact with on a daily basis. If we’re not up-to-date with the news, we have little to converse about with those around us, making us appear uninterested and uninformed.
By staying informed, we can more effectively represent Christ and our faith. We’re reminded in I Peter 3:15 to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” How can we defend our faith and our viewpoints on current events if we don’t know what is going on in the world?
The way news is presented will always reflect the particular media outlet that we choose to read, watch, listen or subscribe to, and we have the responsibility to evaluate and discern which outlets to follow.
The bottom line is that news is news, and it’s worth our time to know what is around us so we’re not uninformed when we discuss current events with others."
The Collegian Online: "Do you know what today’s top news headlines are? When is the last time you read the news? Why don’t we keep up with what is happening around us?
Many Christians are ignorant of the news of the day. Maybe time is the issue—the news is not high on our list of priorities. Perhaps we discount the importance of the news because we believe the coverage is presented from a liberal, left-wing point of view. While many media outlets may present their ideas and stories with an imbalanced perspective, we still need to keep informed. Thus we must use good judgment in evaluating what we hear and read.
Current events are often great conversation starters with those we come into contact with on a daily basis. If we’re not up-to-date with the news, we have little to converse about with those around us, making us appear uninterested and uninformed.
By staying informed, we can more effectively represent Christ and our faith. We’re reminded in I Peter 3:15 to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” How can we defend our faith and our viewpoints on current events if we don’t know what is going on in the world?
The way news is presented will always reflect the particular media outlet that we choose to read, watch, listen or subscribe to, and we have the responsibility to evaluate and discern which outlets to follow.
The bottom line is that news is news, and it’s worth our time to know what is around us so we’re not uninformed when we discuss current events with others."
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Time Change
Time zones are such wonderful things. Completely false statement. Time zones are horrible, especially when trying to get back in a routine.
I've been home for 9 days, and I am STILL on the East Coast time. Or at least my body thinks I am. I can't help but wake up every morning at 5:30-6 a.m. wide awake and ready to tackle the day. Only problem: at 5:30 a.m. there is nothing to tackle!
I've tried to compensate by staying up really late. Since I'm used to staying up late, this "late" is really subjective, but it's been around 3 a.m. My logic is if I can stay up late, then I'll be tired enough to sleep-in and get a normal night's sleep. Right? Wrong. I've tried this, and the latest I've been able to sleep-in has been 8 a.m.
So it's been fun being home, but I just wish my body would catch up to the rest of life. It's about time to get on the West Coast timing!
I've been home for 9 days, and I am STILL on the East Coast time. Or at least my body thinks I am. I can't help but wake up every morning at 5:30-6 a.m. wide awake and ready to tackle the day. Only problem: at 5:30 a.m. there is nothing to tackle!
I've tried to compensate by staying up really late. Since I'm used to staying up late, this "late" is really subjective, but it's been around 3 a.m. My logic is if I can stay up late, then I'll be tired enough to sleep-in and get a normal night's sleep. Right? Wrong. I've tried this, and the latest I've been able to sleep-in has been 8 a.m.
So it's been fun being home, but I just wish my body would catch up to the rest of life. It's about time to get on the West Coast timing!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
School is Out!!!
Yep, yep, school is officially out for the summer!!
I am so excited to go home tomorrow, but at the same time I am really sad that a lot of my friends graduated and are leaving me to begin their lives away from college. I know that is selfish, but it is true!
Anyway, I'll be home in less than 24 hours and will be blogging a lot more frequently for sure!!
I am so excited to go home tomorrow, but at the same time I am really sad that a lot of my friends graduated and are leaving me to begin their lives away from college. I know that is selfish, but it is true!
Anyway, I'll be home in less than 24 hours and will be blogging a lot more frequently for sure!!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
It's been too long!
So I am realizing it's been a while since my last post. So sorry, my life has been (according to several reliable sources) a train wreck the last couple of weeks!
I'm in the middle of training for my new position as copy editor for The Collegian. It has been going well, but I have to say, there is so much information to try and remember! Yikes! Thankfully I have some background knowledge of the inner workings of InDesign, so that isn't completely new territory for me.
This is the last week of production with the current editors (each of whom I love!) before Molly and I take over the last issue of the semester. Yep, you read that correctly . . . Molly and I will be in charge of issue 26! As exciting as that is, it is a scary thought.
I am also a bit behind on getting the latest editorial for The Collegian written. Oops. I just can't think clearly right now. I have my topic set, but I am having a hard time getting past that.
In midst of all this craziness, there are tons of high schoolers on the campus right now. It's the annual national competition for Christian high schools that is always held at BJU. One word: insane!
Well, the countdown has started. Today marks 24 days until I board the plane and get myself back home!! Yeah, baby!
I'm in the middle of training for my new position as copy editor for The Collegian. It has been going well, but I have to say, there is so much information to try and remember! Yikes! Thankfully I have some background knowledge of the inner workings of InDesign, so that isn't completely new territory for me.
This is the last week of production with the current editors (each of whom I love!) before Molly and I take over the last issue of the semester. Yep, you read that correctly . . . Molly and I will be in charge of issue 26! As exciting as that is, it is a scary thought.
I am also a bit behind on getting the latest editorial for The Collegian written. Oops. I just can't think clearly right now. I have my topic set, but I am having a hard time getting past that.
In midst of all this craziness, there are tons of high schoolers on the campus right now. It's the annual national competition for Christian high schools that is always held at BJU. One word: insane!
Well, the countdown has started. Today marks 24 days until I board the plane and get myself back home!! Yeah, baby!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Specific prayer
Everyone should pray specifically, I am sure of it. One of my professors my sophomore year challenged us to start praying very specifically so it's easier for us to see how God answers our prayers.
I tried it shortly thereafter, and am convinced that it keeps me encouraged, or at least aware of the things God is trying to teach me. The neat thing is that I don't tell people about what I'm praying for when I choose to pray specifically, because then I know it's like God is answering my prayers.
A few examples:
Next time you pray, pray specifically.
I tried it shortly thereafter, and am convinced that it keeps me encouraged, or at least aware of the things God is trying to teach me. The neat thing is that I don't tell people about what I'm praying for when I choose to pray specifically, because then I know it's like God is answering my prayers.
A few examples:
- My sophomore year, Dad was out of work, and I decided to pray that he'd land a job by March 1st. It was leap year, and on March 3rd, Dad called and said he got a job a few days before, specifically on February 29th!
- Again my sophomore year, I prayed that someone or somehow Dad and Mom would get $3,000 by April 15th. When I was talking with Mom, she said she got a check from the government that was $3,000! It was the first week of April.
- Most recently (as in a few weeks ago), I was praying that I would get $1,000 from somewhere before April 5th, because I had to pay off $950 on my school bill before the first week of April, and I am more broke than a homeless person. When I was in Washington D.C. a few weeks ago, I received an email from the school stating I was awarded the Minority Scholarship. I came back to school and checked my PO box to see how much I received, and the check that was put on my account was $1,500!
Next time you pray, pray specifically.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Lovin' Life
I am in a happy mood right now. That has been rare in recent months, but I am happy because:
- I love my friends, and we're having A LOT of fun in Washington D.C. this week. Lots of my Collegian friends are here, and we've been doing lots of fun things together around this amazing city.
- I am learning so much this semester. From my classes that are finally more concentrated on my major to writing on The Collegian, I am enjoying the semester.
- I am ONE semester away from g-r-a-d-u-a-t-i-o-n!!!
- I have been eating good this week. Yummy seafood restaurant yesterday, yummy panini sandwich for lunch today, yummy huge donut today, etc.
- I've had Starbucks three times . . . yes, 3 times . . . in the last two days!!
- I'm rooming with three of my close friends from school while in D.C. and that makes me happy!
Anyway, I'm really loving life right now. So much fun. More to come. Check my Facebook for D.C. pictures!!!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
I hate making decisions
Summer is looming around the corner -- again. I love summer, but I hate all the decisions that come with it.
I have a job offer, which is amazing, because I know a lot of people who have a difficult time finding a job. I also have the opportunity to visit China for a few weeks. That'd be amazing! And then, because I'm approaching graduation, I'd like to get an internship in my field of study to get a foot in the door and get some experience. There is a PR firm in Seattle that offers a paid internship that would include journalism and PR, which would be wonderful.
I don't know.
Life is so confusing.
Too many options, and I've never been one enjoy making decisions.
Do I work to pay my loan that is due in August? Do I go to China and see the opportunities there? Do I get an internship and get some experience working with a firm?
The summer has been on my mind a lot recently, and I just don't know what to do. I've narrowed my choices down by one -- I declined the Camp Ironwood contract. That helped a little bit, but I still have so many choices . . .
I have a job offer, which is amazing, because I know a lot of people who have a difficult time finding a job. I also have the opportunity to visit China for a few weeks. That'd be amazing! And then, because I'm approaching graduation, I'd like to get an internship in my field of study to get a foot in the door and get some experience. There is a PR firm in Seattle that offers a paid internship that would include journalism and PR, which would be wonderful.
I don't know.
Life is so confusing.
Too many options, and I've never been one enjoy making decisions.
Do I work to pay my loan that is due in August? Do I go to China and see the opportunities there? Do I get an internship and get some experience working with a firm?
The summer has been on my mind a lot recently, and I just don't know what to do. I've narrowed my choices down by one -- I declined the Camp Ironwood contract. That helped a little bit, but I still have so many choices . . .
Saturday, February 7, 2009
So busy, but having so much fun
I think this is the first semester that I'm admitting to having a lot of fun at school! For crying out loud, it's about time . . . I am almost finished with school, and now I'm having lots of fun?!
Part of it is that I am really enjoying my course of study. I love journalism. I love public relations. And combining the two is just like, well, amazing.
Another part of it is I love my teachers -- most of them!
Yet another part is The Collegian. I am loving this opportunity to write for the campus paper. It is so time consuming, but I love it. It's so rewarding to see the paper in stages; from getting my assignment on Tuesday and having no clue how to approach it, to scheduling and executing interviews throughout the week, to actually sitting down and writing, to submitting and re-submitting my articles, to staying up late while the rest of campus is in deep slumber, to finally seeing the product come out every Friday. I love this.
And what would life be without friends? I have met so many new people this semester, partly from The Collegian, but also from classes, and new girls on my hall, etc. I have a little group of close friends, and they have been amazing.
The semester has been great so far, and I really hope it will continue.
Part of it is that I am really enjoying my course of study. I love journalism. I love public relations. And combining the two is just like, well, amazing.
Another part of it is I love my teachers -- most of them!
Yet another part is The Collegian. I am loving this opportunity to write for the campus paper. It is so time consuming, but I love it. It's so rewarding to see the paper in stages; from getting my assignment on Tuesday and having no clue how to approach it, to scheduling and executing interviews throughout the week, to actually sitting down and writing, to submitting and re-submitting my articles, to staying up late while the rest of campus is in deep slumber, to finally seeing the product come out every Friday. I love this.
And what would life be without friends? I have met so many new people this semester, partly from The Collegian, but also from classes, and new girls on my hall, etc. I have a little group of close friends, and they have been amazing.
The semester has been great so far, and I really hope it will continue.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
I'm back
So it's been quite a while since I've posted on here . . . but I am still alive!!
School has been really busy. My classes aren't too bad this semester, but they do keep me pretty busy. In addition to my classes, I am writing for The Collegian and am a member of the Handbell Ensemble. So I don't really have free time this semester, but it's been good.
Tomorrow is the big and exciting day!! The first issue of the semester of The Collegian comes out! I am pretty excited to see it. It's weird to be on the other side of the paper this semester; I am used to being on the reader side, but now that I'm on the writing side, it's fun to see all the hard work and brainstorming come into production. Check it out at www.collegianonline.com
Anyway, I need to get going. Just wanted to say I'm still alive on here!!
School has been really busy. My classes aren't too bad this semester, but they do keep me pretty busy. In addition to my classes, I am writing for The Collegian and am a member of the Handbell Ensemble. So I don't really have free time this semester, but it's been good.
Tomorrow is the big and exciting day!! The first issue of the semester of The Collegian comes out! I am pretty excited to see it. It's weird to be on the other side of the paper this semester; I am used to being on the reader side, but now that I'm on the writing side, it's fun to see all the hard work and brainstorming come into production. Check it out at www.collegianonline.com
Anyway, I need to get going. Just wanted to say I'm still alive on here!!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Stupid Cough
Man, I am so upset that I am getting sick. Stupid. I have a stubborn cough and I sound like a barking frog (imagine that . . .) when I talk. The really bad thing is that we go back to school on Monday. Yes, like Monday in 2 days. Stupid.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Blog shift
So I've kept up with this blog on a semi-regular basis, but I want to shift the content a bit.
Currently, I just type away about whatever is on my mind, which isn't bad, but I want to have a theme or a central idea to my blog postings.
Hmm, I better start thinking . . . .
Currently, I just type away about whatever is on my mind, which isn't bad, but I want to have a theme or a central idea to my blog postings.
Hmm, I better start thinking . . . .
Sunday, January 4, 2009
You're kidding, right?
More snow? Not cool! As I am typing, more snow is falling. I think we have about 7" of new snow just from tonight.
Oh joy.
Oh joy.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Just To Be Different
I didn't post yesterday for the New Year. So here is my Day-After-New-Year post. I think the past year has been one of the busiest that I can clearly remember. It might just be my failing memory!
So in 2009, I hope it is a bit less hectic (good luck, right?!), yet I also hope it is full of new things. I usually don't keep resolutions for myself, but I like to think of things that I'd like to do or change . . . so a resolution of sorts, without saying that it is a resolution. Are you confused yet?
Here are a few things I'd like to do or change this year. I have 364 days to do these . . . . !!!
So in 2009, I hope it is a bit less hectic (good luck, right?!), yet I also hope it is full of new things. I usually don't keep resolutions for myself, but I like to think of things that I'd like to do or change . . . so a resolution of sorts, without saying that it is a resolution. Are you confused yet?
Here are a few things I'd like to do or change this year. I have 364 days to do these . . . . !!!
- Lose 1.5lbs each week from now to Thanksgiving
- Travel to Japan or China
- Graduate from college (it's looking good so far . . .!)
- Move out and get my own place
- Go whale watching or go up in hot air balloon
- Save at least 10% of all my earnings (hard to do with school bills to pay)
- Workout at the gym at least 4 times every week
So we will see how all of that goes. What are you trying to accomplish this year?!
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