This past weekend was my fourth and first Summit. My fourth in general and my first as staff. It was fun as just as I expected, no matter how much I tried to deny it before I went. I was sad that I was missing out on the Mac-Guelph spirit, but one day UT, Ryerson, and York will give Guelph and McMaster a run for their money.
It was a great weekend working alongside the other staff, not that I had much to do, getting to know the students, and connecting with Jesus. God hit home some very important points that I need to digest before going on campus. I can't wait to go on campus. This weekend definitely confirmed that THIS is where I am suppose to be. Not at law school, not in the states, not in church ministry, not in Guelph doing a victory lap, not even in East Asia. Toronto is it.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Waiting
I don't wait well. I wait better than I did two years ago, but I know I don't wait well. So the following passage from Girl Talk came at a good time.
"Waiting on God isn't about the suspension of meaning and purpose. It's part of the meaning and purpose that God has brought into my life. Waiting on God isn't to be viewed as an obstruction in the way of the plan. Waiting is an essential part of the plan. For the child of God, waiting isn't simply about what I'll receive at the end of my wait. No, waiting is much more purposeful, efficient, and practical than that. Waiting is fundamentally about what I'll become as I wait. God is using the wait to do in and through me exactly what He's promised. Through the wait He's changing me. By means of the wait He's altering the fabric of my thoughts and desires. Through the wait He's causing me to see and experience new things about Him and His kingdom. And all of this sharpens me, enabling me to be a more useful tool in His redemptive hands."
However even though I know what it says to be true, part of me is getting really tired of waiting for my support to come in. The issue is not whether it's going to come in, but WHEN. And the when isn't happening fast enough for me. I feel like such a tool sitting around waiting for contacts. Just what exactly am I suppose to be learning here? I wish I knew. Then I'll rock that lesson and get out of here. But again not my timing but the Lord's.
"Waiting on God isn't about the suspension of meaning and purpose. It's part of the meaning and purpose that God has brought into my life. Waiting on God isn't to be viewed as an obstruction in the way of the plan. Waiting is an essential part of the plan. For the child of God, waiting isn't simply about what I'll receive at the end of my wait. No, waiting is much more purposeful, efficient, and practical than that. Waiting is fundamentally about what I'll become as I wait. God is using the wait to do in and through me exactly what He's promised. Through the wait He's changing me. By means of the wait He's altering the fabric of my thoughts and desires. Through the wait He's causing me to see and experience new things about Him and His kingdom. And all of this sharpens me, enabling me to be a more useful tool in His redemptive hands."
However even though I know what it says to be true, part of me is getting really tired of waiting for my support to come in. The issue is not whether it's going to come in, but WHEN. And the when isn't happening fast enough for me. I feel like such a tool sitting around waiting for contacts. Just what exactly am I suppose to be learning here? I wish I knew. Then I'll rock that lesson and get out of here. But again not my timing but the Lord's.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Stress Response
Lydia Elder was in town this week for a conference so tonight I had a chance to get together with her to go over my Birkmann. It was a really enlightening experience and it definitely helped me understand my behavioral patterns lately. In a nutshell most of my behaviors right now are all stress behaviors.
Some of the patterns I already knew were stress responses, but others I didn't. Yet I still continue to operate in stress mode. What I really need right now is, at the very least, one solid day away in a lonely place to just sit, read, draw, listen to music, stare off into space, or whatever. What's happening is a few days of driving around to support appointments and then Summit. Hello stress.
Next week I will go hide out at Rockwood or some other conservation area for a day.
On a similar note in good fun, we confirmed the fact that I absolutely cannot marry a pansy with me having an authority score of 91. This is the chick who is most likely to be the dictator of a small island. I will run over the guy...twice and then once more just for good measure. But I already knew that.
Please note: I know that submission is a choice, etc...but let's not get into that. It's not one of those posts.
Some of the patterns I already knew were stress responses, but others I didn't. Yet I still continue to operate in stress mode. What I really need right now is, at the very least, one solid day away in a lonely place to just sit, read, draw, listen to music, stare off into space, or whatever. What's happening is a few days of driving around to support appointments and then Summit. Hello stress.
Next week I will go hide out at Rockwood or some other conservation area for a day.
On a similar note in good fun, we confirmed the fact that I absolutely cannot marry a pansy with me having an authority score of 91. This is the chick who is most likely to be the dictator of a small island. I will run over the guy...twice and then once more just for good measure. But I already knew that.
Please note: I know that submission is a choice, etc...but let's not get into that. It's not one of those posts.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Bed Snob Travelled Out
Usually I'm a low maintenance sleeper. I pretty much can fall asleep anywhere on anything even a hardwood floor. I'm not that picky about where I sleep, but recently when I've been traveling for support appointments I've found it sad to leave my bed and my room. I would say I miss my bed. It's so comfy and custom tailored for...me with all the pretty pillows and canopy. After thinking about it more I think it's just a symptom of over-traveling. I never thought I'd say this, but man I think I'm traveled out. I haven't slept at home consecutively for more than three weeks since May. I'm getting sick of moving around so much. I would just like some stability and structure in my schedule. Although being in this line of work...
Sanctuary
I'm in Guelph's library right now, and it's so peaceful. It's funny in a place where I went during the most stressful times of the past four years I feel at rest. My heart rate slowed down from the coffee and I am ready to relax and dig into work. Weird, but good.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Rarities of All Rarities
Single men who actually want to learn how to dance,
who aren't sketchy or creepy,
who are friends,
who won't get the wrong idea about being your dance partner are hard to find.
They're rare, but they exist!
My roommates and I saw an advertisement for free salsa lessons at the local pub. We wanted to go, but we had no partners and who knows what kind of random guys would be there. Luckily for us a few of my guy friends actually WANTED to learn to salsa. I didn't even have to cajole, cast vision, list pros, or doing anything else to persuade them. It pretty much made my day.
We were talking about guys leading in any kind of social dancing and one of my friends said something to the effect of, "Even if I suck you still have to let me lead." That really struck me as a good example of the complementary roles of Biblical manhood and womanhood. When dancing the guy has to lead and the girl has to follow in order for the pair to dance well, period. The pair won't move in unity if either steps out of the bounds of his or her role.
I had more to say, but I'll save it for another day. I left this post sit on the backburner for a long time as it were.
who aren't sketchy or creepy,
who are friends,
who won't get the wrong idea about being your dance partner are hard to find.
They're rare, but they exist!
My roommates and I saw an advertisement for free salsa lessons at the local pub. We wanted to go, but we had no partners and who knows what kind of random guys would be there. Luckily for us a few of my guy friends actually WANTED to learn to salsa. I didn't even have to cajole, cast vision, list pros, or doing anything else to persuade them. It pretty much made my day.
We were talking about guys leading in any kind of social dancing and one of my friends said something to the effect of, "Even if I suck you still have to let me lead." That really struck me as a good example of the complementary roles of Biblical manhood and womanhood. When dancing the guy has to lead and the girl has to follow in order for the pair to dance well, period. The pair won't move in unity if either steps out of the bounds of his or her role.
I had more to say, but I'll save it for another day. I left this post sit on the backburner for a long time as it were.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Friday, September 07, 2007
When You Wish Upon a Star
Well in exactly a month it's going to be Thanksgiving Sunday AKA my birthday so I decided to write a wish list because...I've always wanted to write one. For those of you who like giving gifts, I like gifts! It's one of my love languages. For those of you who don't, just read and be amused. Really.
I'll Tell You What I Want...What I REALLY REALLY Want.
~ Gackt's new single Returner 闇のしゅうえん。(If you can't read the font don't worry, it's in Japanese anyways.) I am pretty much in love with this man...or rather his voice...actually his whole image. But he does have THE most amazing voice ever. His range is so wide, and his voice is just so...rich. Beat that Josh Groban!
~ Jay Chow's very very very first album. It has all of the ballads that I like on it. Yet I can never find the real copy at Pac Mall.
The Bookworm in Me
~ Shopping For Time by the Mahaney Girls
~ Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye? by Carolyn McCulley
~ The Art of War by Sun Tzu
Suscribe!
I would love a suscription to any of the following magazines...I know I'm a total geek.
~ "The Economist"
~ "Foreign Policy"
~ "The Globe and Mail"
~ "Real Simple"
Life Imitating Art Imitating Life!
~ Shimmery eyeshadow from M.A.C. :P
~ Anything from M.A.C.
The Practical Side of Things
~ Ribba 4X6 black pictures frames from IKEA. Lots and lots of them.
~ Photo Albums in general.
~ A Chinese-English dictionary.
~ Coasters
My Pie in the Sky
~ Roundtrip vacation to Japan to visit Hiuks AND see Gackt in concert...with backstage passes. When pigs fly. I know.
I'll Tell You What I Want...What I REALLY REALLY Want.
~ Gackt's new single Returner 闇のしゅうえん。(If you can't read the font don't worry, it's in Japanese anyways.) I am pretty much in love with this man...or rather his voice...actually his whole image. But he does have THE most amazing voice ever. His range is so wide, and his voice is just so...rich. Beat that Josh Groban!
~ Jay Chow's very very very first album. It has all of the ballads that I like on it. Yet I can never find the real copy at Pac Mall.
The Bookworm in Me
~ Shopping For Time by the Mahaney Girls
~ Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye? by Carolyn McCulley
~ The Art of War by Sun Tzu
Suscribe!
I would love a suscription to any of the following magazines...I know I'm a total geek.
~ "The Economist"
~ "Foreign Policy"
~ "The Globe and Mail"
~ "Real Simple"
Life Imitating Art Imitating Life!
~ Shimmery eyeshadow from M.A.C. :P
~ Anything from M.A.C.
The Practical Side of Things
~ Ribba 4X6 black pictures frames from IKEA. Lots and lots of them.
~ Photo Albums in general.
~ A Chinese-English dictionary.
~ Coasters
My Pie in the Sky
~ Roundtrip vacation to Japan to visit Hiuks AND see Gackt in concert...with backstage passes. When pigs fly. I know.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
In Hindsight Jesus' Always Right
I don't know when exactly, but I do remember in the folly of my youth I ranted online to the entire world wondering why I couldn't have met someone in university, got married, and then joined staff. Might I emphasize the fact that this happened during the FOLLY OF MY YOUTH. Henceforth known as "FOMY".
In hindsight Jesus is Sovereign, and I praise Him that He is. MPD is enough work as it is. I can't imagine adding the stress of graduation, transitioning to another stage in life, beginning a marriage in addition to MPD. That would have been madness. I think I would've died or killed my new hubby. Praise God that He knew and knows best. Props to my friends who have done it, and thank God they're still alive. I'm completely content as a cheshire cat to do MPD alone. Less stress and more air time. Can you imagine doing the VACA on half the time? I speed talk as it is.
It's a similar story with STINT. For three years I had planned on going overseas right after graduation. Praise God that He is sovereign and that He thwarted my plans. As much as I love Asia, graduating, raising support, and moving to a different continent all in four months would've been too much for me. Granted yes, I could've done it on the Lord's strength, but I'm so glad He didn't ask it of me.
I like my new apartment. I like my new roommates. I like my new staff team. I like Toronto. I love Jesus.
So what about my current situation? Well, I would love to be on campus right now, but the Lord is Sovereign. Something good will come of this, like an increase in my Japanese vocabulary and hearing comprehension due to an increased consumption of J-drama, anime, and J-pop. That'll definitely come in handy if and when the Japanese partnership goes through. Yippee! Please Lord, let that be soon.
Side Note: The traditional Chinese in me is so going to go on a guilt trip if and when my Japanese literacy exceeds my Chinese literacy even though my Chinese literacy will increase as a by product of learning Japanese. But there is just so much more incentive so study Japanese.
In hindsight Jesus is Sovereign, and I praise Him that He is. MPD is enough work as it is. I can't imagine adding the stress of graduation, transitioning to another stage in life, beginning a marriage in addition to MPD. That would have been madness. I think I would've died or killed my new hubby. Praise God that He knew and knows best. Props to my friends who have done it, and thank God they're still alive. I'm completely content as a cheshire cat to do MPD alone. Less stress and more air time. Can you imagine doing the VACA on half the time? I speed talk as it is.
It's a similar story with STINT. For three years I had planned on going overseas right after graduation. Praise God that He is sovereign and that He thwarted my plans. As much as I love Asia, graduating, raising support, and moving to a different continent all in four months would've been too much for me. Granted yes, I could've done it on the Lord's strength, but I'm so glad He didn't ask it of me.
I like my new apartment. I like my new roommates. I like my new staff team. I like Toronto. I love Jesus.
So what about my current situation? Well, I would love to be on campus right now, but the Lord is Sovereign. Something good will come of this, like an increase in my Japanese vocabulary and hearing comprehension due to an increased consumption of J-drama, anime, and J-pop. That'll definitely come in handy if and when the Japanese partnership goes through. Yippee! Please Lord, let that be soon.
Side Note: The traditional Chinese in me is so going to go on a guilt trip if and when my Japanese literacy exceeds my Chinese literacy even though my Chinese literacy will increase as a by product of learning Japanese. But there is just so much more incentive so study Japanese.
My Inner Nerd
I am fully embracing my inner nerd.
Things I do for fun:
1) Read my Japanese textbook from high school.
2) Read online research journals on the assimilation of Muslim immigrants into European societies.
3) Read www.foreignpolicy.com
4) Watch Shakespeare
5) Listen to Classical 96.3
6) Browse tutorials on html, dhtml, css, and etc.
7) Watch anime
8) Watch Japanese dramas
9) Sketch
Things I plan on doing for fun:
1) Read my Japanese dictionary to boost vocabulary.
2) Borrowing a calculus textbook from the library because I miss doing math. (Where was this love in third year when I needed motivation to get through econ math?)
3) Making flash cards to relearn my Hiragana (A Japanese script)
4) Finish reading my economics textbooks from last semester and third year since I didn't have time to do it when it mattered.
5) Salsa lessons!
6) Copy recipes from the internet so that I can expand my cooking "skills".
8) Paint
I think I just miss school and learning.
Things I do for fun:
1) Read my Japanese textbook from high school.
2) Read online research journals on the assimilation of Muslim immigrants into European societies.
3) Read www.foreignpolicy.com
4) Watch Shakespeare
5) Listen to Classical 96.3
6) Browse tutorials on html, dhtml, css, and etc.
7) Watch anime
8) Watch Japanese dramas
9) Sketch
Things I plan on doing for fun:
1) Read my Japanese dictionary to boost vocabulary.
2) Borrowing a calculus textbook from the library because I miss doing math. (Where was this love in third year when I needed motivation to get through econ math?)
3) Making flash cards to relearn my Hiragana (A Japanese script)
4) Finish reading my economics textbooks from last semester and third year since I didn't have time to do it when it mattered.
5) Salsa lessons!
6) Copy recipes from the internet so that I can expand my cooking "skills".
8) Paint
I think I just miss school and learning.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Let Go
"moving on will be great...just not right now."
Tonight I missed the annual Guelph Pep Rally, and all that it embodies and entails. Let me just sit and let that sink in.
I missed my friends.
I missed the excitement, the thrill, the anticipation of a new school year.
Four years ago I was one of those wide-eyed frosh staring out onto the field wondering what the future beheld. Four wonderful years. Now I'm here in that future. A bright treasure chest of a future that's still opening to reveal its mysterious contents, but a part of me still wants to go back to the comfort of the past four years.
I feel like I'm in mourning.
"moving on will be great...just not right now."
Tonight I missed the annual Guelph Pep Rally, and all that it embodies and entails. Let me just sit and let that sink in.
I missed my friends.
I missed the excitement, the thrill, the anticipation of a new school year.
Four years ago I was one of those wide-eyed frosh staring out onto the field wondering what the future beheld. Four wonderful years. Now I'm here in that future. A bright treasure chest of a future that's still opening to reveal its mysterious contents, but a part of me still wants to go back to the comfort of the past four years.
I feel like I'm in mourning.
"moving on will be great...just not right now."
All Around the World
My diverse week/weekend included:
A few episodes of anime. (Japanese)
Some Gackt music videos. (Japanese)
Two thali brunches. (Indian)
Two arias from Carmen. (French)
One Shakespearean play. (English)
A visit to the furniture store. (Swedish)
One yummy family dinner. (Chinese)
Without planning. Imagine the possibilities with planning and creativity. We could go all around the world in one city.
A few episodes of anime. (Japanese)
Some Gackt music videos. (Japanese)
Two thali brunches. (Indian)
Two arias from Carmen. (French)
One Shakespearean play. (English)
A visit to the furniture store. (Swedish)
One yummy family dinner. (Chinese)
Without planning. Imagine the possibilities with planning and creativity. We could go all around the world in one city.
Friday, August 31, 2007
It's ALWAYS Thanksgiving!
Please Note: This one is PURELY self-centered.
You know how the saying goes "Always a bridesmaid, NEVER a bride"?
No, this is not a rant about never getting married, it's about my birthday.
It's about how it's NEVER my birthday. It's ALWAYS Thanksgiving. October 7 is always inevitably THANKSGIVING weekend. No ifs, no ands, and no buts. ALWAYS Thanksgiving. I'm always second fiddle to Thanksgiving.
I never had an issue with this until university. You see in high school the majority was the minority. We were all Asian. Thanksgiving to us was a foreign holiday. It'd just be one meal with the parents and that's it. The rest of the weekend was ours. It also helped that none of us were living AWAY from home. So at that time all of us were trying to get OUT of the house, which meant I got my fete.
At university my friendships "diversified". Most of my friends were Caucasian and Thanksgiving was a BIG thing. Even the Asians left because once you leave home, you miss home. EVERYONE went home at Thanksgiving to celebrate....you know it, Thanksgiving. Which left me pretty much alone with no real celebration on the day of. {insert "All By Myself" by Celine Dion here}
I know we'd celebrate a week later. Or some friends would do things with me to make up for the day either before or after October 7th or some friends would call or would call AND serenade on the day of, and I appreciated all of that, but I longed for a party with all my closest friends on the day OF. Which at this point is pretty much impossible anyways since two members of my SWAT team are now out of the beautiful country of Ontario. It just doesn't feel like my birthday anymore a week later or a week before.
This is all to say I wish Thanksgiving was in November like the USA so the poor souls who are born the weekend of November 24-26 would have to deal with this, not me. Because I actually do enjoy Thanksgiving. I love stuffing, but it's ALWAYS on my birthday! But since this won't change unless I move out of the country (i.e. STINT...kidding) I will suck it up...now.
Another Disclaimer: I know I'm not the only one whose birthday lands on another major event. I feel the pain of my friends whose birthdays are ALWAYS Summit, Day of Evangelism, Christmas, project, and etc...
What prompted this? Trying to figure out when to host a shindig for said birthday and realizing that good dates are few and far between. 22 may have to pass quietly.
And puh-lease don't pity me. This is not me wanting attention or extra special stuff or sympathy or whatever. This is me wanting to get it out of my system once and for all.
You know how the saying goes "Always a bridesmaid, NEVER a bride"?
No, this is not a rant about never getting married, it's about my birthday.
It's about how it's NEVER my birthday. It's ALWAYS Thanksgiving. October 7 is always inevitably THANKSGIVING weekend. No ifs, no ands, and no buts. ALWAYS Thanksgiving. I'm always second fiddle to Thanksgiving.
I never had an issue with this until university. You see in high school the majority was the minority. We were all Asian. Thanksgiving to us was a foreign holiday. It'd just be one meal with the parents and that's it. The rest of the weekend was ours. It also helped that none of us were living AWAY from home. So at that time all of us were trying to get OUT of the house, which meant I got my fete.
At university my friendships "diversified". Most of my friends were Caucasian and Thanksgiving was a BIG thing. Even the Asians left because once you leave home, you miss home. EVERYONE went home at Thanksgiving to celebrate....you know it, Thanksgiving. Which left me pretty much alone with no real celebration on the day of. {insert "All By Myself" by Celine Dion here}
I know we'd celebrate a week later. Or some friends would do things with me to make up for the day either before or after October 7th or some friends would call or would call AND serenade on the day of, and I appreciated all of that, but I longed for a party with all my closest friends on the day OF. Which at this point is pretty much impossible anyways since two members of my SWAT team are now out of the beautiful country of Ontario. It just doesn't feel like my birthday anymore a week later or a week before.
This is all to say I wish Thanksgiving was in November like the USA so the poor souls who are born the weekend of November 24-26 would have to deal with this, not me. Because I actually do enjoy Thanksgiving. I love stuffing, but it's ALWAYS on my birthday! But since this won't change unless I move out of the country (i.e. STINT...kidding) I will suck it up...now.
Another Disclaimer: I know I'm not the only one whose birthday lands on another major event. I feel the pain of my friends whose birthdays are ALWAYS Summit, Day of Evangelism, Christmas, project, and etc...
What prompted this? Trying to figure out when to host a shindig for said birthday and realizing that good dates are few and far between. 22 may have to pass quietly.
And puh-lease don't pity me. This is not me wanting attention or extra special stuff or sympathy or whatever. This is me wanting to get it out of my system once and for all.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
The Reality of Yellow Fever
Y'all have probably seen WongFu Production's "Yellow Fever" making fun of the "phenomenon" of white guys dating asian girls in North America.
Well here's the reality of it called "The Hunt for Foreign Husbands" on CBC's website on why white guys who are social pariahs in their native country automatically achieve stud status the minute they set foot in Asia. For example one lanky acne ridden dude dated 30 women within a month. Think Screech with the magnetism of Brad Pitt.
I haven't fully fleshed out my thoughts on this one yet. My first reaction is that of disgust and repulsion because I automatically assume that these men are just sexual predators preying on the unsuspecting and the innocent. But wait! What kind of girl dreams of having a forty year old balding white man with a beer belly as her Prince Charming? A gold digger!
The CBC shines a light on the motives of the women as well, and these motives aren't snow white either. The Asian women want to marry foreigners because they think they're richer and that the white guys can get them legal access to G8 countries. Read: permanent residency or citizenship. Apparently the trend nowadays is not even to marry for love, just the wallet. A person's character isn't even on the top ten.
In the end I guess it's all even in a warped sort of way. An eye for an eye. A tooth for a tooth. Everyone's using everyone else. Tis' a sad state of affairs.
For the record I am NOT against interracial marriages just in case someone random stumbled onto this page. My mom married a white guy. I know some beautiful interracial marriages where the couples married for the RIGHT reasons. It's just the warped reasons that irk me greatly.
I also know that I went to the polarized extremes. There are probably tons of motives in between.
Well here's the reality of it called "The Hunt for Foreign Husbands" on CBC's website on why white guys who are social pariahs in their native country automatically achieve stud status the minute they set foot in Asia. For example one lanky acne ridden dude dated 30 women within a month. Think Screech with the magnetism of Brad Pitt.
I haven't fully fleshed out my thoughts on this one yet. My first reaction is that of disgust and repulsion because I automatically assume that these men are just sexual predators preying on the unsuspecting and the innocent. But wait! What kind of girl dreams of having a forty year old balding white man with a beer belly as her Prince Charming? A gold digger!
The CBC shines a light on the motives of the women as well, and these motives aren't snow white either. The Asian women want to marry foreigners because they think they're richer and that the white guys can get them legal access to G8 countries. Read: permanent residency or citizenship. Apparently the trend nowadays is not even to marry for love, just the wallet. A person's character isn't even on the top ten.
In the end I guess it's all even in a warped sort of way. An eye for an eye. A tooth for a tooth. Everyone's using everyone else. Tis' a sad state of affairs.
For the record I am NOT against interracial marriages just in case someone random stumbled onto this page. My mom married a white guy. I know some beautiful interracial marriages where the couples married for the RIGHT reasons. It's just the warped reasons that irk me greatly.
I also know that I went to the polarized extremes. There are probably tons of motives in between.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Cooking Conundrum
This entire summer I cooked an astounding TWO times excluding the times I boiled water for cup noodles, dumplings, and wontons. What a feat. Once was scrambled eggs. The other was your typical tomatoes and egg, red-roasted chicken, and stir fry. Thus far it doesn't look like my goal to become a great cook is off to a good start. Sadly enough I think my cooking skills have actually regressed.
To break out of the poor eating habits of a bachelorette I hit up T and T again today. (INSERT HALLELUJAH CHORUS FROM HANDEL'S MESSIAH) I needed inspiration to start cooking. The items on on the shelves were just screaming, "Cook me!" I bought some much needed ingredients that were hard to find in Guelph, but there are others that are still missing. I was so tempted to buy those prepackaged jars of sauces to cook with, but I am resolved not to cop out. Seriously how much authentic Szechuanese food can you get in Toronto? All those signs and labels claiming to be from Szechuan? LIES!
Aye, there's the rub. I long for the delicious food from my childhood, and long to make them, but I lack ingredients and an authentic teacher. Even the best cook in our family can't make REAL food from our province because of the lack of ingredients. No matter how much those labels claim to be from Szechuan, they're not. There are some ingredients that just can't be imported. Like Panda liver. Just kidding. So until the day China really takes over the world I'll have to make due with pseudo Chinese food whilst outside the Motherland.
Read: If my cooking sucks it's because I lack ingredients.
To break out of the poor eating habits of a bachelorette I hit up T and T again today. (INSERT HALLELUJAH CHORUS FROM HANDEL'S MESSIAH) I needed inspiration to start cooking. The items on on the shelves were just screaming, "Cook me!" I bought some much needed ingredients that were hard to find in Guelph, but there are others that are still missing. I was so tempted to buy those prepackaged jars of sauces to cook with, but I am resolved not to cop out. Seriously how much authentic Szechuanese food can you get in Toronto? All those signs and labels claiming to be from Szechuan? LIES!
Aye, there's the rub. I long for the delicious food from my childhood, and long to make them, but I lack ingredients and an authentic teacher. Even the best cook in our family can't make REAL food from our province because of the lack of ingredients. No matter how much those labels claim to be from Szechuan, they're not. There are some ingredients that just can't be imported. Like Panda liver. Just kidding. So until the day China really takes over the world I'll have to make due with pseudo Chinese food whilst outside the Motherland.
Read: If my cooking sucks it's because I lack ingredients.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
The Warmth of Family
Sometimes I get so caught up being Miss Independent that I forget about how much warmth family brings, and how much I need family and community. Today during a bout of loneliness I got a call from my aunt in T.O. inviting me over for dinner. That was great in itself, but I think the best part was when she used a chinese term of endearment that mums use for their kids. It felt like a hug. I love family.
Homesick
I miss Guelph.
A lot.
Not just the people, but the city and the school itself.
The beauty, the memories, the dreams and the aspirations the university embodied.
Not that Toronto is worse. Not that Toronto is better.
Toronto is just different.
Not that I don't like Toronto. I do. Immensely so.
It's just that Guelph holds a special place in my heart.
It was the place where dreams came true.
Where I came into my own. Where I grew up.
My home.
A lot.
Not just the people, but the city and the school itself.
The beauty, the memories, the dreams and the aspirations the university embodied.
Not that Toronto is worse. Not that Toronto is better.
Toronto is just different.
Not that I don't like Toronto. I do. Immensely so.
It's just that Guelph holds a special place in my heart.
It was the place where dreams came true.
Where I came into my own. Where I grew up.
My home.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Final Stretch
I've got around $1,300 in monthly support left to raise. Jesus totally brought in lots of monthly supporters this past week from previous support appointments, and I didn't do anything at all because of the busyness of moving. Praise God. I could totally be on campus by early September.
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