I was Born a Christian

Oh my Christian!

I can’t believe I forgot about my long lost Christian Family!  I feel terrible so this post is going to them.  All of them! All 302 of them.   I might be a little off on that, but it’s probably around there. Haha

Anyways, this past summer on my trip to South Korea with fellow student Peace Makers, I met the Christian family from Utah.  I met Brittney and Shaun Christian.  These two were the coolest kids in the entire program besides me and my family.  Haha JK, We were all pretty cool kids.  But Shaun and Brittney stood out the most, in a good way. The first time I saw Brittney and Shaun, they were sitting together on the bus on the trip into Seoul.  Brittney said to me, “Do you want to take a picture out of this window?”  I replied, “No,” and that was it. 

For the first couple of days, I was a quiet fella just mindin’ his own business.   It wasn’t until the night we had free time to eat wherever we wanted.  It was my roomie, Andrew, Jessica, Ryan, Shaun, and Brittney.  We walked looking for American food, darn white people! Haha We stumbled upon Dominoes and ordered pizza.  The time we had that night started our from then until the rest of the trip.  When we returned home, we exchanged numbers and Facebook info. 

The entire Christian family is a wonderful family.  Jessica, Ryan, and Scott are also apart of the Christian family.  Both Brittney and Shaun remained in contact the most after the trip.  Whether it was every Sunday texts or phone calls, we talked about life issues, our friendship, and the Korea Trip.  We all wished we could go back. 

At the end of October, for Shaun and my birthday, I reunited with my long last family.  I went to Utah to meet more Christians including the Ma and Pa of Brittney and Shaun.  I also met the youngest Christian of the family, Jacob.  The time was very memorable and home-feeling.  They gave my sister and I very great food and hospitality for the entire weekend.  The Christians gave us great laughs and great times. 

This post is dedicated to them because I somehow forgot to write thanks to them at the end of the New Years.  I swear I wrote something but when I was looking for it, I couldn’t find it.  But here it goes.

Brittney, you are a creeper!  You hecka took pictures of me from afar when we didn’t even meet each other!  haha. I’m glad you did though.  It is something crazy to laugh about.  We had our great times in South Korea and Utah.  I’m glad we kept in touch all this time.  I miss you so much!   When I was lonely or feeling depressed you were always there to encourage me  on better things.  You are a very sweet and kind person on a different level than the rest of the world.   You put everyone else first before yourself, which is a very admirable trait.  We have lots of similarities on different things.  But we also have very many differences we argue about, which makes our conversations fun.  I’m so glad we continue to talk until today!

Shaun, oh Shaun.  You are a funny kid.  I still can’t believe your 19! I thought you were like, 20 at least.  You are very mature for your age…Sometimes.. haha I’m glad that you and I have kept our talks too.  You are a very cool guy who follows your heart.  Without our talks or times, things could’ve got very boring with Brittney…jk. But seriously, we had some good talks as well.. Mostly on Taylor Swift and other women.. Or your 2 year thing =/  I’m so happy you’re finally getting to do your thing after 18 years of waiting.  I know you’re going to do great.  Your presence will impact hundreds of people down south.  We will continue to talk throughout our lives as well, even if I have to write you LETTERS!

Jacob.  Jacob, Jacob Jacob.  Where do I start with you kid.?  How about WILLIAMS! Hahahaha.  Williams, my oh my how that guy burned you so MANY times.  I hope you’ve been practicing. Haha.  Anyways, I’m sad that you weren’t able to attend the South Korea Trip.  Especially since your cousin, Ryan was able to.  Well I guess he was a little older.  But then again, it was so nice to meet you when I came to Utah.  You are a very smart kid when it comes to life.  Maybe that’s how you Christians are… Anywho, I know you are in good hands following your entire family’s footsteps.  They are great people and thus believe, their knowledge supersedes whatever I have taught you.  Haha, although that night by the campfire was nice to read to you kids.  I will continue to wait for your texts.. You kind of died off with those =[  Anyways good luck with school man!

You all have influenced my life so much.  You guys are amazing people.  All of you Christians!  I hope one day to return to Utah to visit everyone.  I hope we all remain in contact as well.  You guys have helped me a lot in the last year.  If there's anything I can do that is in my powers, please let me know!  Love you all! Happy New Years!

Birthday was Two weekends, Two Trips!

Enchanted!

Shteven

Ivan Lee

Judy Tuei

Kevin Leong

David Leong

Kristina Binks Yee

Jiin Chai

Lisa Nguyen

Jessica Lam[Chops]

Bear Makimoto

Yum Yum

Joce Cruz

Richie

General L

Aunt Pegster

Stephanie Samson

Belen Barrientos

Andrew Millett

Eddie Rakthay

Nina Galang

Edday

Joycelin Leong

Jaeun Choi

Brian Wong

Angela LaVelle

Andrew Kimura

Nikki Yee

Jason Singh

Ivy Rocha

Helen Chu

Tiffany Okada

Johnny Dupree

Alex Palenyy

Kimi Nakamura

Ceddy Padrilla

Jo LU

Alice Xiong

Traci Lee

Yum Yum

Victor Lui

Lil One

Sharon Hu

Celine Bean

Chelsea Woo

Daryl Wong

Jason Lim

Ericka Loui

Michelle Ogata

Kevin Lum

Edwin Yee

Coach Jesse

Toki Tokunaga

Sam Silva

Christina Ko

Shannon Mok

Sam Tsuruoka

Kevin Gin

Ryan Fuki

Chan Kwak

Mike Fong

Keilani Paneda

Brandon Mok

Derek Wong

Jackee Tang

Alvin AA

Angela Wong

Scott Dixon

Samantha Fowler

Clark Hsu

Joyce Chuk

Christoper Clow

Min Hwang

Bryant Calero

Crystal Agee

Kip Kearney

Gary Neatherlin

Brian Park

Jill Zung

Brian Asano

Jason Jung Alonso LLerena

Tricia Ota

Shaun Christian

Briana Abedi

Vanessa Sohn

Ashley Kaihara

Tony Thirakoune

Greg Fong

Jessica Christian

Jeremiah Lee

Darren Wong

Amy Tran

Dana Ohara

Janet Ma

Lillian Jue

Victoria Lanteigne

Darren Lau

Valerie Tam

Tasha Young

Amanda Apostol

Cheryl Moy

Priscilla Ng

B.T

Kyle Kuyama

Richie

James Yee

Scott Christian

Ariel Hicks

Diana Yee

Justin Wong

Derrek Lee

Ashley Satow

Channing Tatum Lee

Gunmaster Wing

Mi Hermana

IsaMoo Saldana

Edday

Thank you all for the wonderful birthday wishes.  You all made my day feel warm and delicious.  Where do II start with. Well, the night before was a great night because my parents flew in from Sactown to attend a meeting (dad's meeting) in Baltimore.  Meanwhile, my mother and II grabbed dinner at Fleming's, a steak house which had some good fillet Mignon. My dad was available to attend the first half of dinner, pay the bill, and cut.  

The next day, the actual day of my birthday/ Thursday the 28th of October, II headed to the airport.  On the plane, it was bittersweet.  II was flying to Utah to meet up some of my great new friends from Korea to reunite our friendship.  But it was also sad cause my parents were spending the entire weekend visiting the rest of the family back in Maryland.  The plane ride itself was weird as well..Being disconnected away from the whole world while it's your birthday.  

Utah.  Man, where do II start.  How does one weekend feel so accomplished?  II don't think accomplished is the right word cause II didn't get anything productive (school-wise) done... But man, what an awesome weekend!  II spent most of the weekend with the Christian's.II met their whole (okay liek 1/5) of the family.  They were very nice, sweet, and generous caretakers for this abnormal kid.  For their son's birthday and mine, they cooked some nice pasta with vegetables.  For dessert, we had the best chocolate cake and apple pie.  Both were home-made, and both were really delicious.  

The next day, II attended Utah Valley University where the chicks are pretty eye-catching and iridescent.  They kept lookin at me like they never seen an asian guy.  II did happen to see a couple asians though.  After that, Shaun and II went to Target to purchase the Taylor Swift CD (His birthday gift II gave him).  We got free Shakes for our birthdays too.  Shaun and II then decide to play some some vintage Madden 2007 on Xbox... No, not 360...Xbox. Sweet!  Guess who won. Yah Boy!  So then, Shaun tells me to play Jacob (Brittney and Shaun's younger brother) .  II thought II was gonna get my butt handed cause that's all Jacob plays, but guess who won again! haha. Yeah, Jacob was talking smack about Vernon Davis and how Antonio Gates was better.. Shame on him.  Alex Smith was Alex Smith we should've had.. But yeah.. Later we went to dinner at Brittney's sister house for her youngest son's 1 year old birthday.  We had pizza and chips. My sister Kimmie also flew in around the same time... After the party, we went back to the house to watch Iron Man.

Saturday, we met up with the rest of the Utah Peace Makers, Sarah, Jeremy, Steve and Scott.  The four of us met the rest of the crew at....mmmm forgot the place. Haha But after we went to the capital to take some pictures and visit Salt Lake City.  At night, the Christian's held a big party for halloween.  II was Tim Lincecum/Superman for halloween.  For most of the night, II hung out with Jacob and his young friends around the campfire.  The rest of the party watched Charades and played board games..

The next day we went to church and had a big feasted lunch.  My sister and II enjoyed our time in Utah learning about the Latter Day Saint religion and our friends huge family.  We learned a lot about Utah as well.  Hopefully, one day, we'll go back.. Here's a video II made for them that you can view. 

                 

Dude...they took out my audio cause it had too much taylor. DANG it.

The next weekend, November 4th through November 7th, II was able to go to NYC via Bus to visit my parents once again.  This trip was awesome as well.  II got to catch up with Derek Andrew Wong, an old CCC fellow baller.  We haven't seen each other for at least 10 years.  It was so awesome to hang with him for a day in NYC.   His mother, cousin, and him were in NEw York for Derek's job interviews.  Fortunately, the timing was perfect.  His last day was his most free day.  My mom and II were able to eat lunch with his mom and him.  He introduced me to Uniqlo, a Japanese H and M type store.  Bought a couple V necks.  We met up later that night to hang out and roam the NYC streets.  II showed him the spot II discovered years ago. We also caught up with each other and our families. 

Saturday, another reunion with a friend and his girlfriend.  David has rotations (eye-doctor) in New Jersey and was able to have the weekend off.  Ashley and David both came to visit NYC .  David and II roamed the NYC streets, looking for things to do.  We had the best NYC pizza, saw the 26 mile finish line (race the following day), and pretty much anything else you can do in NYC.  Ashley and my parents later met up with us to go to City Lobster for dinner.  II did some project work with my dad as well.  Finally, II took Ash and David to the spot too.. They say it's an 8 point place, where II believe it's a 10. But hey, I'm single, so who knows.  II enjoy my spot so it's all good.

Overall, the last two weekends were amazing.  II am very fortunate and grateful for the wonderful friends and opportunities they have given me.  It is always nice to see familiar faces and catch up with old friends.  II miss lots of people and wish everyone would take time out of the day to catch up.  Unfortunately, we all have our own lives.  Thank you everyone who has taken the time to see or talk with me, especially when the times are tough.  Know that II am always here for each and everyone of you, even if you hate me..

Happy birthday to my homie Kyle.. And my home girl Ivy.. (II got to see her in NY for a brief second!)
Oh, II also met a new friend, Richard.  He works at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Times.  Enjoy the photos and video!


GO GET THE TAYLOR SWIFT CD!!! IT IS AWESOME!!!!  (Get it at Target for the bonus cd..yeah II made that mistake.)

Home sweet Home

Home for Now


It’s 4am and it’s time to go…
Although it’s just another day of summer, it’s the start of the work in August
Monday, lovely Monday.
The long wait is over, and it is time to go.
After a week of goodbyes, there’s one last farewell party, one last clubbing night, one last dinner.

The family friends who she grew up with, the dearest friends she has made along the journey, and the friends she’ll never forget.
She’ll remember the ones she’s lost, the ones she’s missed, and the ones who weren’t able to make the departure.
All the emotions she thought she’d have, have come.
All the thoughts she had leading up to today have come.
All the contact information has been exchanged, all the hugs have been shared.
Last minute words have been expressed, all the tears have been shed.
This is it. Everything to this day has led us to this journey. It is time to go.

How can time fly by so quickly? It was only yesterday she was settled at home.
it was only yesterday we were all in San Francisco.
It was only yesterday our family was celebrating our relatives birthdays.
First our cousin’s baby shower, then her birthday.
And the next, day our Veteran grandfather’s 85th surprise party.
My time has flown by.

What lies ahead is nothing but road and opportunity.
1400 miles away is where we are going, 1400 miles away from home.
1400 miles is where the new home is, 1400 miles is where grad school is.
It is a time for change, it is time for a brand new start.

The first hours of dawn are breaking.
Dad is driving as I fall In and out of sleep,
We start on Interstate 80.
We pass through Reno, onto Nevada.
It is now 11A.M, and it’s time for me to drive.
We pass through Nevada and into Utah.
Our newly found friends are contacted, but only one dedicates her time for lunch.
Lunch is at Crown Burgers, where we eat Chili Cheese Fries, Burgers, and Shakes.
But we’re only passing through, and it’s time to go again.

Halfway there, and 750 miles away. Another 8 hours is left, another 8 hours of driving.
Still on 80, we pass through Utah and into Wyoming.
Nightfall is upon us now, and time has never passed any slower.

8 P.M and we’re passing Cheyenne, Wyoming.

As we stopped by McDonald’s for a little snack, this is the last stretch.
150 miles to go.
Out of Wyoming and into Colorado we go.
Still playing the great tunes, time passes by faster.
More road is covered and more scenery has changed.
We have finally reached our goal, and we have finally hit Denver.

We all get some sleep and awake early for the next day.
Today we have one goal, furniture.
Costco!
We rent a uHaul as we purchase a bed, we find a couch.
We put together the couch, we move the bed up to the room.
We put the TV above the fireplace, and we put the bar stools together.

And now it’s time to eat.
Mikuni Sushi Downtown, here we come.
I see my old Boss, good ol Dad.
I see my old co-worker, Claudia.
And it feels like home again.
We talk, we laugh, and we eat.
The food is better, the atmosphere is warmer, and the restaurant is classier.

The house is mostly furnished, the accessories are moved in.
The alarm is installed, the TV and DVD player is put in place.
The dishes are stored, the clothes are hanged.
The day is over, and the mission is complete.
After a sweet, tasty dinner, and a hardworking day, we all retire.

Home Sweet Home.