2010

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a great time last night ringing in the New Year. As I was reflecting back on 2009, there's been a lot of self revelations and inner conflicts that I've experienced. Lots of thinking, questioning, and challenging myself in the things that I want to do. I'm hoping that in 2010 my ambitions and goals won't just be lofty dreams but that they'd come to fruition with dependence on God. I hope you guys had a chance to reflect and think ahead to the new year so whatever your goals may be this time around, always remember to keep your eyes on the prize =)

Here's to 2010.

Give Thanks

Thanksgiving is always a huge 3 day feast for my family. We had a little bit of everything--day 1: traditional Thanksgiving meal--turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, the whole shabang, day 2: dinner with Jeannie & Soonjae (my cousin and her husband from Philly)--steak & Korean food, and finally, day 3: my birthday dinner--ribs, sashimi, & shrimp.

You can imagine how I must feel after eating all of that the past 3 days and not going to the gym, once. I feel like a whale. Please! No more food! Haha. It was really great seeing my cousin Jeannie and my sister from school and the past couple of days have made me realize how thankful I really am for my family. I've always had my own personal issues with my family but recently, they've become my closest friends. Despite our rough history, my family and I have overcome a few obstacles but there are plenty more we need to get through. In the end, family's all you've really got. They'll always be there for you no matter what happens or no matter how much you change. They'll love you for you.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving break with your families and I hope you've had a chance to reflect on all the blessings in your lives.

Taeyang- Wedding Dress

I'm usually not a big fan of Korean music but I've just been introduced to Korean R&B singer, Taeyang. I guess he's like the Chris Brown/Omarion of Korea and I have to say, the boy's got talent. I really like this song called "Wedding Dress". The choreography's got a nice simple swag to it and the tune's been stuck in my head this entire weekend. Thanks to Jane and a few other gals, I think I've found a new obsession. Sigh..this is terrible.

Check out his new video. Pretty good, huh?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2GqcTLiWnE

We will never forget

In light of Veteran's Day, I thought I'd write something to honor our fallen war heroes, one of them being my good friend, Andy Kim.

As many of you remember, Andy was killed in combat back in Nov '06 and just as we pass the 3rd year mark of his death, I can't help but be reminded of his love and commitment to his country, his family and friends, and most importantly his faith.

Some may be deeply saddened by what happened but ironically I feel the exact opposite. I don't mean to discount or deny his loss. Believe me, I've had my share of grief, but over the years I've truly witnessed God take this tragedy and transform it into something so beautiful and worthwhile.

Andy's greatest wish before he left for duty was for his parents to know the Lord. This was something that burdened his heart, so much so that he was even willing to die for it. And when the moment came, God did something amazing and his parents turned their hearts to Christ.

When I think of Andy and his family, I don't think about a death or a loss. I think about life and the incredible gain that has been added to the Kingdom. I'm encouraged, challenged, even exhorted by Andy's passion, sacrifice, and determination, and by all of the courageous servicemen and women from our past, present, and future.

As President Obama addressed today at Arlington National Cemetery, "we mark this day as a celebration of those who made victory possible.” To that, I can only say, thank you.

Michigan alumni weekend

This past weekend I visited Ann Arbor for alumni weekend and went to the Penn State game with Echo. I didn't tell a lot of people I was going so it turned out to be a huge surprise.

The game on Saturday, as disappointing as it was, was still really, really fun. Echo and I sat in row 2, behind the goal post on the opposite side of the field from the student section (where all the alumni and Penn State fans were). I'd never been so close to the field before. It was great. Standing in the cold and rain for 3 hours reminded me how much I despised weather in the midwest but it also reminded me that this is what true Michigan fans do--we endure these kinds of hardships all in support of our Wolverines...no matter how much they suck =)

It was great being back on campus. It made me feel like a student all over again but I have to say it didn't quite feel the same as undergrad.

Visiting HMCC was really good in that I got to see and hang out with old friends and catch up with those few people I haven't spoken to in a while. What was crazy though is that I didn't recognize half the people there. I felt so old school. Damn, where has the time gone? Haha

Um..anyways, I don't have that much more to say about this trip really other than that it was a surprisingly reflective and thought-provoking visit, which I did not expect at all. This trip made me all the more certain that I made the right choice in moving back to New York and I'm glad that after much self deliberation my senior year, I made the step to go back home. If you really want to know the details, call or email me..it's too much to type out..but in the meantime enjoy the pictures on facebook.

Wow, I'm such a hermit

Tonight, some of my co-workers and I went out to celebrate one of our colleagues' new job.  It feels like it's been a while since I've gone out with people and had a good time.  It's made me realize that I've been such a hermit the past couple of months.  But you know what?  I'm actually ok with that.  

Now, I don't want to sound like I don't have any friends (because I do haha) but I'll admit it, I don't hang out all that much--maybe once in a while with a few people but honestly, I can't find the time.  Weekdays are packed with work so the only time I'd actually get to hang out is on the weekends.  But I'd much rather use that time for myself.  You know, get some errands done, do some reading, songwriting, ect.  Is that lame? I even thought about taking a vacation on my own. What do you guys think?  Is this pretty sad?  

Well, if you want to save me from being a complete loser, let me know if you want to visit Vancouver, CN with me, 'cuz I've always wanted to go!

Paramore: Brand New Eyes

Guys, I'm totally loving the new Paramore album.  Lead vocalist Haley Williams is amazing.  She's got one of the most strongest, powerful and wholesome voices I've ever heard.  You guys should check it out!  

A few of my favorites: 

1. Careful

2. Playing God

3. Misguided Ghosts