Monday, March 31, 2003

GONE
After spending Sunday afternoon cleaning up the apartment, Karena and I took one last look around the place. Yes, this Westside apartment was vintage '70s, had more than its share of spiders (and that mouse too!), and sometimes smelled funny, but it had character. And I called it home for two years.
As I stood at the door to give it one last look, I felt like this was the series finale of some TV sitcom. But it is sort of a finale since the Glendale apartment we moved to will be the first home for Karena and me as husband and wife. So, I wasn't just closing the door to some apartment, I was basically closing the door to my singlness and bachelorhood.
I felt sad for a second, but then I turned around, slammed the door shut, locked it, and walked away without looking back. With each step, I knew I was moving forward.

Sunday, March 30, 2003

ON THE MOVE
My suggestion to everyone is don't ever try to move when you don't have a car. Just getting from point A to B becomes such a necessity. But if you are forced into doing it (like I am), then you MUST have a good fiance (like I do) and good friends (like I have).
Yesterday's move after work went amazingly smooth thanks to Mark, Jason, Jacob and Victoria, Mike, Ko and Charice, and of course, Karena. Everyone was instrumental in doing something. My favorite part of the day was how everybody just fell into some very well-defined roles (without being told) and that really sped up the job. Maybe these fine individuals don't want me to advertise this, but I have to say I was really impressed with their abilities to stack, move large amounts of things, get things through tight spaces, secure things with a little rope and some good knots, all while still keeping a positive attitude. These guys all could be professional movers ... if they current day jobs don't pan out. (But they're good at those too.)
And to end the evening, we piled into a nearby Jack-N-The-Box and loaded up. As I sat there looking at each person who helped, it reminded me of that last scene in Ocean's Eleven when they are all outside the Bellagio water show and kind of look at each other one more time with a little satisfied smerk (knowing they had done a good job) before slowly walk away one by one.
Thank you guys for a job well done.

Saturday, March 29, 2003

THIS HOSPITAL STINKS!
This afternoon, there was the foul odor of rotten eggs all over the UCLA Medical Center. I don't know what started it, but I do know it got into the vents so the whole place smelled. It was pretty gross, especially when you were in the elevators since you're in such an enclosed area with so many other people. And you know everybody in the elevator is thinking, "Okay, so who did THAT?"
THIS HOSPITAL STINKS!
This afternoon, there was the foul odor of rotten eggs all over the UCLA Medical Center. I don't know what started it, but I do know it got into the vents so the whole place smelled. It was pretty gross, especially when you were in the elevators since you're in such an enclosed area with so many other people. And you know everybody in the elevator is thinking, "Okay, so who did THAT?"
BIG DAY
Just think, by tonight, I will no longer be a resident of the West LA area. Instead, I will now be a citizen of Glendale. That means, more driving to and from work. That means more Armenian food (which I'm still not totally sure what they really is). And that means living closer to Karena. It will be an adjustment, but I think it'll be good.
As for the process of moving today after waking up at 4:30 am to pack stuff up and after enduring a full day's schedule at work, we'll just have to see. But thank God for good friends who will be driving me all over town today and helping me move.

Friday, March 28, 2003

MY FRUSTRATION CUP OVERFLOWS
First off, I have to start off with something positive. There has been a great response to my cry for help with moving. Thank you to Jason, Ko, Jacob, Victoria, Nathan, Mark, Allison, Jonathan, and my aunt. You guys are appreciated!
Now, for more frustration. My car was supposed to be ready for pick up today. I really needed to get it today since I have to drive back to Montebello for a meeting with Ruth and back to my West LA apt for work tomorrow. Plus, I would need it to drive to Glendale to pick up the U-Haul truck tomorrow. But no such luck. The car is not ready, after the guy told me repeatedly over the last two weeks, that it would be ready by Fri. Now, it won't be done until next Tuesday. Frustrated? You bet. I don't even know how I'm going to coordinate this now. Basically, it just sucks.

Thursday, March 27, 2003

GETTING A RIDE INTO WORK
I've had the privilege of having my co-worker London drive me to work in the mornings. It's been such a pleasure just watching him interact with his wife (they drive in together) before work and how dedicated he is to his role as the spiritual leader. They are very affectionate towards each other (but not in a bad way where you end up thinking to yourself, "Man, get a room!"). It's very sweet to watch them interact. And every morning, they take some time out to pray for the day and for their interaction with others, and for their conduct. That's an amazing way to start each work day!
And guess what? Next week, Karena and I will be driving in together on Mondays and Wednesdays. We could (and will) do the same thing!

P.S. I still need help moving Saturday night. So far, there haven't been any takers. Please!!!

Wednesday, March 26, 2003

I NEED YOUR HELP!
I desperately need your help! I will be moving out of my West LA apartment THIS Saturday after work (roughly 5pm or so) and moving to an apartment in Glendale. The problem is I need some able bodies to help me move! Please email me (vshen@hotmail.com) or call me to let me know if you can help. I need lots of help!
Thanks.

Tuesday, March 25, 2003

THE BUS
I'm about to leave work (after working out) to take the bus for the first time. I'm not sure how long it's going to take to get home, but I know it'll take me there. And really, that's all that matters.
It's funny that there are so many people who rely on public transportation on a regular basis and don't even think twice about it. But look at me! I have never had to rely on it to go anywhere and I'm a nervous wreck over just having to take the bus for one short week. This should be a good lesson learned ... and a new life experience.

Monday, March 24, 2003

SUNDAY WEDDING
Karena and I drove all the way out to Cow Country (better known as Ontario, CA) to celebrate my friend from high school Kioko get married yesterday.
Now, I have to admit that I went in with a pretty bad attitude about it. I was excited about the wedding itself, but I wasn't all that thrilled to drive all the way out to Ontario (well, actually Karena drove since I was car-less). Plus, it got pretty hot under the sun, especially since I was decked out in my suit. Plus, it felt weird to be going to a wedding on Sunday.
But as it turned out, we ended up having a really good time and I was glad to see some of my high school friends again.
Besides, it was a good precursor to what's going to happen next month.

Sunday, March 23, 2003

THE RING
Karena and I went over to Suzanne, Aaron, and Simon's last night to hang out and watch "The Ring." I have to admit that I was pretty disappointed. Yes, it had it's scary moments, but the story made no sense at all. But it was so fun getting a chance to hang out with the Wai clan at their place. For three people who are our age and no parents around, it's pretty amazing how hospitable they are (and how clean and neat their place is!)
MAKING MYSELF SICK
Okay, that's enough. After re-reading the entry I posted yesterday, I felt sick. Can you believe that? I made myself sick!
I have been blessed with so much -- a beautiful girl I will soon call my wife, a quaint house that I will soon call my own, an amazing wedding scheduled in late April, countless family and friends who have bent over backwards at times for us, etc. What am I complaining about?
The next time I get stressed and start complaining, I'll have to say this:
Note to self: Shut up.

Saturday, March 22, 2003

SOMETHING MUST BE WRONG
I have to apologize for complaining so much these days (and for sounding so whiney), but I'm seriously concerned now. Something must be wrong.
As I've previously mentioned, I am a man who enjoys his comfort -- sitting in front of the TV, eating a good meal, getting a good night's sleep. It sounds very lazy and even the word "glutton" comes to mind. But after a hard day's work, I do like to have some time to myself to relax. But lately, there has been no rest for the weary. Between all the wedding planning, meeting all the deadlines associated with the house, trying to survive without a car (I return my aunt's van today and go car-less), taking care of Koinonia things, dealing with some tough financial burdens, meeting family responsibilities, etc, I've been stressed. And yes, this is supposed to be the "best time of my life." I get told everyday how I should enjoyt his time to the fullest. But I have to say that it's been difficult to do that. Something must be wrong.
I can't wait until June when I can sit on the couch after work next to my wife and just watch some TV in my home.

Wednesday, March 19, 2003

MY THREE CENTS
1. Karena, Rani, and I went to see Stomp last night at the Wilshire Theater. Even though I had seen the show about 5 years ago, I was still very impressed with how well they can beautiful music out of ordinary things. And it's great that this percussion music transcends all age boundaries and all cultures. Plus, it's amazing how they can get the audience to laugh out loud without even speaking one word. Let's see how many of our so-called comedians try that one!
2. Thank you to Karena's dad for keeping the two of us on track with our escrow paperwork deadlines. I just feel VERY BADLY that I wasn't more on top of things. I'm quickly beginning to realize that I will be "the man of the house" so I better get my act together.
3. It's going to take me about an hour or two to get home (I'm sure) because all major streets around UCLA (Wilshire, Westwood, etc.) are closed due to rioting over the war. I saw on the news that police in riot gear were beating down the protestors. Now, I don't want to give my opinion on the war. And frankly, that doesnt' matter at this point. We always take pride in having freedom of speech so I support people who want to protest against the war. But, isn't it ironic to protest a war by trying to beat up on police and having them beat back. Isn't that just basically creating your own war here? And what's worse, how do you think our troops over in Iraq are going to feel when they see that this is what they're fighting for. Good one, guys.

Tuesday, March 18, 2003

GROUNDED FOR LIFE
When I was a kid, I really got in trouble one time. My parents decided to try a new method and let me choose how long I would be grounded. I knew I had made a big mistake and felt the need to punish myself for it so I said, "27 days!" For a kid, that's a life sentence, an eternity. Even 10 days into it, my mom felt bad for me and said I didn't have to serve my entire self-imposed sentence. But I did it. All 27 days. Why? Because I did the crime and now I had to serve the time.
And now that I am older, I still have a little bit of that thought process in me, no matter how stupid people think that is. Since my car is going to be in the shop for at least two weeks and I will be carless next week, I'm forced to bum rides off my co-workers or take the bus. Yes, the bus ride is going to take about twice as long. And yes, going with my co-workers will force me to get up much earlier so that I don't make them late. But this inconvenience is minor to the punishment I almost feel like I deserve for not driving more carefully last Thursday night.
Dumb? Stupid? Maybe. But this is the only way I know how to live my life so that I can look at myself in the mirror.
I guess you could say I'm "grounded for life."

Monday, March 17, 2003

NEW FLOOR
I'm back at work today and life is getting back to normal after the accident. But there is still all kinds of things going on -- looking for a home loan, looking for a home insurance company/agent, filling out escrow paperwork, etc.
And just to make things even more crazy, we rotated floors at work and I am now on the cardiac floor (not my first, second, or even third choice). I had to leave the floor I loved (the orthopedic one) for one that I wasn't thrilled about going to.
I guess I just have to take the highs with the lows.

Sunday, March 16, 2003

NO PICTURES TODAY
We thought we were going to be able to take our outdoor pictures today. We have been fighting so hard to get everything together (the gown, the accessories, the wedding bands, etc.) in time for today. Even though it was pouring rain yesterday, we figured it would clear up by today so that everything would work out. But we were mistaken.
Yes, the rain did go away. And yes, it is sunny outside. But the ground is still way too wet (with too many puddles and muddy areas) for Karena to go out there with her brand new wedding gown. Besides, we wouldn't be able to take any pictures on the grass. And why take outdoor pictures if you can't take pictures on the lawn? Oh well, I guess we'll have to reschedule.

Saturday, March 15, 2003

GOOD FRIENDS
It's funny. Just two weeks ago, I was telling Karena what good friends we have. And I said that not because of something big they did (although my friends have done those things too). A lot of the time, it's just something small that make me realize how great my friends are. Sometimes, it's just a phone call from Mike or Jas, an email from Luong or Gary, a sincere "how are you?" from Dewey & Janet or Julie, a encouraging word from Ray or Sanj, etc.
Yesterday, I was reminded of this fact once again when Nathan offered to drive out from Montebello to my West LA apartment to pick me (and all my stuff) up and drive me back so I could be home and so I could make it to church on time to lead worship. That time turned out to be VERY emotional and also therapeutic for me. Now, how generous is that? Nathan, you are the man for helping to carry my burdens. And not only that, but he is the type of friend who tells me what I need to hear, when I need to hear it. So, Nathan, thank you.
And thank you to all of you who have shown me what true friendship is all about.

Friday, March 14, 2003

DICK AND JANE
The story of Dick and Jane from Saturday until today:
See Jane finish big exam.
See Dick and Jane finalize guest list and pass out invitations.
See Dick and Jane register for wedding gifts at Crate & Barrel and Macy’s.
See Dick and Jane receive many reply cards in the mail already.
See Dick and Jane see and put an offer down on a house.
See Dick and Jane’s offer get accepted and begin escrow.
See Jane bring home wedding dress, veil, tiara, shoes, flower girl dress.
See Dick bring home Jane’s wedding band.
See Dick decide to drive around his soon-to-be house late Thursday night.
See Dick get into a car accident that ruins both cars.
See Dick be able to drive his car back to his apartment only to not be able to start it again, stranding him at his apartment.
See Dick practically stay up all night with his heart jumping out of his chest.
See Jane try to console him.
See Dick have “Sweet” towed to a body shop in Culver City.

It just goes to show that there are still things for Dick and Jane to learn about blessings, faith, and perseverance.

Thursday, March 13, 2003

MORE BLESSINGS
All you guys need to know is that Karena and I put an offer on a house in Glendale on Tuesday night and it has been accepted! Praise God!

Wednesday, March 12, 2003

A MESSAGE TO GUYS EVERYWHERE
I just found out that a friend of a friend is getting a divorce because he was involved with internet porn and phone sex. They had only been married for about a year.
Hearing this news really made me sad, especially since I know they're both such good people, not to mention strong Christians.
But the facts are that we need to be careful what we look at, hear, and experience in this world. There's a lot out there that can "get us," especially for the guys.
Trust in His strength and keep running that race.
And be careful.

Tuesday, March 11, 2003

CHRISTIAN TODAY ARTICLE ON BONO
Janet forwarded me this site with the article about U2's lead singer Bono. Click here to read.

Monday, March 10, 2003

DID I START THE MADNESS?
Part of the reason why it's so busy at work is because we've had so many people out for various reason. But a part of me can't help but think that I started this whole mess. Here is a rundown of what has gone on since I hurt my knee one year ago, forcing me out to be out of work for two months:
1. An OT gets in a serious car accident. She's out for eight months with numbness/tingling down her arms and a torn rotator cuff.
2. A PT gets in an even more serious car accident and is out indefinitely. Later, her doctors tell her she can no longer work as a physical therapist because it is too physically demanding. She is a mother of three young kids and is now getting ready to go back to school to become a speech therapist.
3. A PT develops such a serious upper respiratory infection while being pregnant that she was out for her last trimester, as well as the six months of maternity leave.
4. A PT will back trouble for over 5 years has a microdiskectomy surgery and is out a total of 3 months. She will probably never work in the hospital again, instead, getting transferred to outpatient.
5. And just last week, a PT was snowboarding and suffered a serious concussion and will be out indefinitely.

Did I start this madness? Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, I think this department is cursed.

Sunday, March 09, 2003

AN EVENTFUL SATURDAY
My aunt came over first thing Saturday morning to bring breakfast for Raymond, Sandra, and Gabe only to discover that Raymond and Gabe were still sleeping (they didn't get in until 6am!), Sandra had already left with my mom to get her dress altered, and my dad had left too. But that allowed the two of us to chat (and help ourselves to a larger portion of the food!). Afterward, I had to drive out to Pasadena to pick up Jonathan's eagle scout packet. Yes, that crazy cousin of mine has already earned his eagle scout status at the tender age of 14 (most don't do it until around 18). He's like the Kobe Bryant of our family.
Next, I finally had the privilege of having a meal with my four groomsmen. We ate a decent lunch at Ledo's Cafe and ended up playing games at Jason's. The highlight was playing "The Typing of the Dead." It's a game where you have to type certain words and phrases as quickly as possible to kill the zombies coming after you. Raymond and I, who were both subjected to multiple typing classes as kids, had a blast!
Afterward, Raymond cooked dinner while Karena finished up her OCS exam. She had been studying for about six months. And now, it was finally over! Thank God. That freed us up to register at Crate & Barrell in Old Towne and allowed us to work on our invitations. They come out today! Of course, all that led had us up until after 2:30am ... and we're only halfway done.
But I'll tell you the truth, even though I'm exhausted, it was a near perfect day.
AN EVENTFUL SATURDAY
My aunt came over first thing Saturday morning to bring breakfast for Raymond, Sandra, and Gabe only to discover that Raymond and Gabe were still sleeping (they didn't get in until 6am!), Sandra had already left with my mom to get her dress altered, and my dad had left too. But that allowed the two of us to chat (and help ourselves to a larger portion of the food!). Afterward, I had to drive out to Pasadena to pick up Jonathan's eagle scout packet. Yes, that crazy cousin of mine has already earned his eagle scout status at the tender age of 14 (most don't do it until around 18). He's like the Kobe Bryant of our family.
Next, I finally had the privilege of having a meal with my four groomsmen. We ate a decent lunch at Ledo's Cafe and ended up playing games at Jason's. The highlight was playing "The Typing of the Dead." It's a game where you have to type certain words and phrases as quickly as possible to kill the zombies coming after you. Raymond and I, who were both subjected to multiple typing classes as kids, had a blast!
Afterward, Raymond cooked dinner while Karena finished up her OCS exam. She had been studying for about six months. And now, it was finally over! Thank God. That freed us up to register at Crate & Barrell in Old Towne and allowed us to work on our invitations. They come out today! Of course, all that led had us up until after 2:30am ... and we're only halfway done.
But I'll tell you the truth, even though I'm exhausted, it was a near perfect day.

Saturday, March 08, 2003

WORKING TWO JOBS
It always amazed me to hear about people who worked two jobs to have the necessary money to raise their family. I could never ever dream of working one job by day and then driving to the other job at night. Maybe I'm just lazy, but that just sounds like torture to me. Besides, I don't think I have the energy to do it.
But lately, I feel like I'm working multiple jobs. Work has been VERY busy lately, forcing me to put in a little overtime (not much, but still a little). And that has stressed me out at times. Then, after work, I work on wedding things with Karena. A part of me is very scared and nervous because I feel like we're so behind on getting some things done, even though I know we're right on track with Ruth's schedule. And THAT has stressed me out. And when I come home on the weeekends, my job is to help rehabilitate my grandmother and care for my family. And that's not to mention the job I have as Koinonia core chair.
Don't get me wrong, I am VERY happy to play these roles. In fact, I am still passionate about them. They are all "fun jobs." But they are still jobs and at times, they can take their toll on me.

Thursday, March 06, 2003

NOT ALONE
When people are in the car, they think they're alone. That leads them to do some things they wouldn't otherwise do in public. But as we all know, they are not anywhere near close to being alone!
In the past, I have seen people pick their nose, dig deep into their ears, and wipe snot on their shirts. But today, I saw possibly the grossest of them all. I was sitting on Westwood and Wilshire when I turned to look at the car next to me. It was a UCLA doctor that I recognized. I hate to say this, but I recognized him because he always seemed to be a very peculiar guy. He dressed funny. He looked funny. His glasses were too big for his face. And his toupee is WAY too obvious. (I know, this is VERY bad and superficial of me).
Anyway, so there he was sitting in his car, looking at himself in his rear view mirror. So far, nothing unusual. But then, he started flossing his teeth. And I'm not talking about gentle flossing. I'm talking vigorous flossing, and all the way into the his back molars. His mouth was so wide open, I could count the number of teeth he had. And the floss he pulled out had all this junk on it. So gross! And there he was, just going and going as if he were in the privacy of his own home. I tried to look away, but I just couldn't. It was so bad, I had to look.
Finally the light turned green and I sped off. But I kept wondering what he ended up putting that used floss.

Wednesday, March 05, 2003

CHANGE
The only thing that never changes in life is change itself. Right now, my life is going through some major changes and there may be more in store for me. In general, I'm not a big fan of change because it's very uncomfortable for me. Change stresses me out. I prefer going through a routine where things are all laid out and I know what to expect. But, most of these changes are good ones. So I guess I just have to suck it up and deal with my issues with change. That way, I can truly enjoy them.

Tuesday, March 04, 2003

NAME HUNTING
I'm in the process of collecting addresses and names of spouses for our wedding invitations. Here's a funny conversation I had with a co-worker while I was trying to find out my boss' husband's name:

Victor: Do you know Ellen's husband's name?
Joe: It's Roger.
Victor: You sure?
Joe: I'm 100% sure. It's my final answer.
Victor: Because I thought it was Brian.
Joe: Hmm... Brian ... Roger ... Brian ... Roger. Both sound right, but I'm sticking with Roger.
Victor: (asking Althea, another co-worker) Do you know Ellen's husband's name?
Althea: Yeah. It's Brian.
Victor: (turning to Joe) See, I told you!
Althea: Did you think it was Roger?
Victor: Yeah. Who's Roger anyway?
Althea: (laughing) Roger is their dog!!!

Monday, March 03, 2003

FUN DAY IN MONTEBELLO
In honor of Gary's birthday, a group of 20 went to Montebello's Hometown Buffet. Little did we know, apparently that's the place to be on a Sunday because the line was out the door and almost around the corner. Plus, the place was so busy that we didn't even get to sit together, eventually sitting at 5 different tables.
But in the end, I still think Gary enjoyed himself. I have to say that it was VERY nice of his fiancee Regina to plan such a thing and get the word out so quickly via email. The information superhighway is a powerful tool. And I think everybody had a good time.
The highlight was definitely when the workers sang to him and gave him a little dessert with a candle on it. At the time, we joked that they probably just grabbed it from the dessert area and put a candle on it. But afterward, we found out that that's EXACTLY what they did. How sad.

Sunday, March 02, 2003

THE LIMITED
As I get older, I've come to realize more and more just how limited I am as a human being. Let me explain.
As a kid, you can do anything. The possibilities are endless. If you want to be a doctor, play in the NBA, or win a pie-eating contest, you could grow up to do all those things (I made a run at all three during one time in my life, only to fail at all three). But as you get older, you realize that your mind slows down a little, your body starts to talk back to you (and it doesn't say anything good!), and eating whatever you want just leads you to growing horizontally until you look like Fat Bastard (Get in me belly!!!).
I think the thing for me that I really valued most growing up was the ability to come close to being in two places at once. Have two parties scheduled on the same night? No problem. I'd show up to the first, say my hellos, work the room, and be out in time to catch the tail end of the second and work the room one more time. Two places at once! But now, it just doesn't seem to work out for me anymore. Plus, I don't have the energy I once did to do that sort of thing.
And the worst part of it is, I'm only 26. What will happen when I turn 46 or 76?

Saturday, March 01, 2003

REALITY CHECK
Last night during Koinonia, we had a bible study on Philippians 2:1-11. It's a very familiar passage about following Christ's example of humility so we can be like-minded and have unity. It was pretty amazing timing on God's part because all week I have been to the point of near frustration and depression over my own issues. All week, I've been thinking about how I think I work harder at work than most of my co-workers. One day it got so bad that I had to leave during lunch and just sit in my car with the radio on to tune out all the negative thoughts going through my head.
But God is good. He was quick to remind me that I should have the same attitude of Christ Jesus (v.5). That's powerful ... and very hard to do.
But Father, I'll try.

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