Fatman Returns

Thur-삼겹

Fri Dinner #1-Pasta

Fri Dinner #2-삼겹

Fri Late Late Night-KFC

Sat-Pizza

Sun-Turkey(s)

I think I need a timeout. But speaking of which, my freaking phone freaking froze up again. It's been very frustrating not having anything to listen to (them subways is loud!) and no calls/messages throughout the weekend. I dread the thought of having to go into the A/S center again and wait there for hours only to find out that I need to pay some ridiculous amount again. It's things like this that prevented me from enjoying my weekend even though I had much reason to. I couldn't stand seeing so many people using their well-functioning Galaxy S's everywhere I went. I truly do believe that idols are best revealed when they are taken away from you. I guess in my case, it was my comfort and convenience. Maybe these smart phones are too smart for their own good.

Thought of the Day: Thanksgiving Dinner

Song of the Day: Glee-Empire State Of Mind

쌩유

So today is Thanksgiving in the states, and I am still here in Korea just like all those other years. I don't know how many times I've described the joys of eating turkey and pumpkin pie and getting ready for Black Friday to my many students. But as it is a holiday for giving thanks, I am reminded of the many people I am thankful from this past year.

Nate

Nate has been a very refreshing addition to my life with his youth, energy, and optimism. He has a great desire to share his positive view of life and not taking everything so seriously. I have introduced him to a few of my friends who have been able to reap the benefits of his silliness and fun nature, which I was very thankful for. I think I particularly appreciate his openness in actually hearing me out on my opinions and thoughts on Korea or theology. I think he is a great great presence in our church. What I'm trying to say is I love him because he makes some

wonderful hamburgers!

Pastor Mike

Mike Ra aka Hyunsoo Ra was one of the youth group teachers back when

I was in middle school. Somehow, God brought us together in the motherland where he would not only preach to me every Sunday, but, more importantly, shepherd me as no pastor has ever done before. He is a terribly good listener with much patience and love along with a wide open mind on Korea and the church. I've never had a pastor who has been so transparent with me but also so admirable in a very personal kind of way. PCL will definitely take a hit with his loss in the upcoming year.

Tim Keller

Although he has no idea who I am, I have listened to him speak in over 200 sermons and

lectures this past year. He is definitely the best preacher I have yet to hear who has given me a life-changing view of Christ through his incredibly practical yet theological sermons that I never get tired of. I have shared several of his sermons with numerous friends and hope to continue to share more in the future. The only thing I curse him for is setting the bar that much higher with every sermon that I hear from other preachers. If you wanna get a taste, lemme know!

Dago

More widely known as Dinko or Daniel. We started lovefest in our second year of university but have somehow made an effort to keep it going through gchat even in nations apart. I think of all my friends, I pray for him the most only because I know just how sinful he really is. But if I know just how sinful he is, that just comes to show how transparent he is with me along with my great love for him. He is wise in many ways that I am not and is very good at pointing out various dangers I may not be aware of in my life. I am thankful that he is a seminarian right now and look forward to seeing how God will use him in many other lives as well. The fact that a guy this great is still single gives me great hope and encouragement. Ha.

Zen

I've befriended many girls throughout my life career, but I have yet to have

a female friend for this long in my life. Zen is the only person who has consistently sent me gifts for Christmas and my birthday just about every year that she has known me even though I completely stopped after coming to Korea. She totally became Simon's older sister and my mom's new best friend very quickly. As I've told her a million times already, I really don't understand how we're still friends, but we still are...and I'm still very thankful for that.

우석

This is my basketball buddy that I became really tight with. I probably see him more than I see anyone else during the week. We had played against each other many times last year but finally decided to become partners some time this spring. Through our partnership, we added more and more to our "team" as we now play together in obsessive frequency. I've never met a person who could shoot mid-range so consistently. As my Korean sucks and my shots aren't as good as his, I'm always flattered whenever he asks me to have dinner with him. I truly believe 2010 would have been significantly different if I hadn't met him. I'm still looking for ways to be a bridge for Christ to him.

엄마

After 28 years in the states, she finally returned to her homeland this past July. Her adjusting was a bit rough in the beginning, but she has been settling in much better lately through the help of siblings and friends. I forgot how powerful the presence of a woman could be in a man's world where we tend to eat and clean in such simple and unhealthy manners. My mom brings a great brightness to our home with her wonderful food but also her incomparable love for her husband and son. She washes and irons my clothes with no bitterness. She shops and cooks only out of the interest of her beloved son. My mom shows me a very sobering reality of God's love.

As cliche as it may sound, I can go on and on about the many people that I'm thankful for. But if you didn't make it onto this year's list, try harder in 2011. =D

Happy Thanksgiving.

Thought of the Day: Preaching to the Choir

Song of the Day: J-The Father's Song

8:30

Friend: Let's grab dinner tomorrow. What time do you get off?

Me: 8:30.

Friend: Mmm...let's get dinner next time.

(Dad comes out of bedroom and enters bathroom while I'm brushing my teeth)

Dad: What time do you come home from work tomorrow?

Me: I finish at 8:30.

Dad: Mom wants to eat 삼겹살, so I was thinking of buying some.

Me: Ok.

(Mom yelling NO from her bedroom).

Dad: We can just eat first, and he can eat it later!

(Mom starts scolding).

(Dad walks back into bedroom and closes the door in defeat).

Freaking tutoring.

Thought of the Day: North Korea Bombing

Song of the Day: Buzz-여자가 싫다 (feat Venny)

Teaching on Preaching

A while back when I first started listening to Tim Keller, I found a podcast on Christ-centered preaching that had a series of talks by him and Edmund Clowney. Somehow, I forgot about it and just looked for other things to listen to. But several weeks ago, a Westminster seminarian reintroduced it to me by chance, and I started listening to it today.

I never knew I could be so interested in talks on HOW to preach. I never intend to be a pastor let alone preach a sermon, but I am absolutely fascinated by these lectures and discussions. They describe everything that I look for in a sermon and also share many examples of how to deliver a "good" sermon. I'm even amazed by the challenging questions that the students ask during the Q&A time and realize I'm not as nerdy as I thought I was. One of them even used the word, "corollary," a few times, and I realized that I had never used that word in my life (b/c I didn't know what it meant). Are you looking up dictionary.com right now too? =D

One humbling quote that that seminary friend once shared with me was a quote by Martyn Lloyd Jones: "I can forgive a man for a bad sermon, I can forgive the preacher almost anything if he gives me a sense of God, if he gives me something for my soul, if he gives me the sense that, though he is inadequate himself, he is handling something which is very great and very glorious, if he gives me some dim glimpse of the majesty and the glory of God, the love of Christ my Saviour, and the magnificence of the Gospel. If he does that I am his debtor, and I am profoundly grateful to him."

For all you pharisees out there, join me in loving faithful preaching that always points to Christ but also learning to love our inadequate preachers who are used and loved by God. Less complaining, more praying.

Thought of the Day: Bicycle lock

Song of the Day: Son Dambi & 4Minute-Amoled

Basketball Blues

Liar, Liar

Earlier during the week, I had caused so many turnovers and wasn't making too many of my easy shots, so I was growing in frustration. But on one of the plays where the opposing team knocked it out with my finger oh-so-slightly skimming the ball, I didn't bother to mention that it was out on me cause no one would've known except for me...and Satan...and God.

Ankle Breaker

According to Urban Dictionary, an ankle breaker is "when a person crosses over or changes directions very quickly, getting another player so off balance that they fall over." Earlier tonight, I experienced my first ankle breaker in a more literal sense. This guy crossed me over so fast that I almost twisted/sprained my left ankle in my failed attempt to guard him. I made a pretty ugly noise too. I so would've made it onto ESPN.

Sometimes, I don't "love this game."

Thought of the Day: The Hunger Games

Song of the Day: SNSD-Hoot

Pan's Labyrinth

Last night, I watched Pan's Labyrinth and remembered Prairie mentioning that she had been so disappointed with the movie. I guess that thought lingered in my mind because I had a dream about her and Priscilla and was so happy that I was back in California. Lately, I've been having lots of dreams being back at home and being so happy to see old friends again, only to be that much sadder when I wake up. I call these "nightmares."

Although I didn't care too much for the movie, the one quote that I liked from it was: "Because it is in pain that we have meaning of life."

Thought of the Day: Froyo

Song of the Day: Nada Surf-Where Is My Mind

Relationships

I met up with a friend last night that I hadn't seen in nearly two years. As we caught up, I learned two very shocking bits of news.

1. I met her older brother and his fiancee about three years ago. I was convinced that they would be one of those amazingly happy and fun couples that were totally meant for each other. They ended up getting divorced within a year!

2. We both have a mutual friend who used to date my cousin. I didn't have a very positive first impression and never cared much for her while she was dating my cousin. Not particularly warm or attractive in any way. Homegirl ended up getting married last month!

Even my friend took me by surprise! She has an awesome personality and great sense of humor, but I never thought any guy could fall for her. Turns out she had dated two different guys, one for two years even.

Why are people and relationships so unpredictable? I have a feeling God's going to throw me a curveball too. Hopefully, it doesn't curve so much that I end up living alone in Simon's basement. Somebody tell my wife to stop playing hide-n-seek and come out already. It's not funny anymore!

Thought of the Day: 신당동

Song of the Day: Far East Movement-Like A G6

Monopoly

I pride myself in Monopoly, knowing all of the rules and costs of property. I can jump pieces to the appropriate spots without having to count how many spaces to move. I can also gauge just how much you suck after your first three rolls. In case you haven't noticed by now, I'm known to be a real bastard when I play too. Hehe. The only person I respect in this game is my beloved Snugs.

You know how some people host basketball or poker tournaments? If I had a big ol' house and knew lots of people who were decent Monopoly players, I think I'd like to host a Monopoly tournament. Not only is it America's oldest family game, but it's probably the only board game that I enjoy playing. I wonder if it's because I'm hungry for money/power. When did they change that box? Happy 75, Mr. Monopoly Man.

Thought of the Day: Goodreads

Song of the Day: 2AM-전활 받지 않는 너에게

Two Months Left

Right now, I'm reading and watching so many things at once.

Books:
1. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
2. Hinds' Feet on High Places
3. The Hunger Games

4. Among the Hidden

Shows/Movies:
1. Castle Season 1
2. Seven Samurai
3. Band of Brothers
I'm a man of great simplicity, so doing multiple things at once has always been a challenge for me. I usually commit to one thing and go all out, but I've somehow put myself in this multi-tasking place. It kinda reminds me of how I've been doing my Bible reading for the past few years. Ever since I started the 1 year Bible reading schedule, I've always been reading four different books at once, two from the OT and two from the NT. But I've found myself lacking in meditation and being so focused on finishing that day's "assignment."

However, I have exactly two months left before 2010 ends, so I think I'll be able to 정리 everything pretty well. In that sense, I look forward to a new year with a more focused approach on a just a few things. I've never liked spreading myself thin with my friendships, so I definitely don't want to do that with the other areas of my life either. Two months left. How are we going to finish up?

Note: all those dark marks on the reading schedule are the body count of several mosquitoes that died this year. Another reason to change up my devotionals. =D

Thought of the Day: Giants 3-1

Song of the Day: Girls' Generation-Hoot

Coolest Reformed Theologian

"So if we can agree that the election of the Father is not universal, and the regeneration of the Holy Spirit is not universal, why would the atonement of the Son be universal? That would put the person of the trinity completely at odds with one another. But the triune God is completely unified."

-Shai Linne from "Mission Accomplished"

He's also got a cool blog with a very interesting discourse in his August 25, 2010 entry about one of his songs that I like. He's awesome in everything I'm not! Thanks, Dago.

Thought of the Day: Among the Hidden

Song of the Day: Shai Linne-Mission Accomplished

FANtastic

Sports fans back in the states are pretty different from the ones over here. One of the things I love about watching American sports is the fans' signs that are held up in the game. During yesterday's World Series game, I particularly liked the sign: "What TX does big, SF does GIANT!" Gotta love them puns. My brother tells me that NOBODY is into the World Series in LA while he's going nuts all by himself. Haha. As much as I love So Cal, I will never cheer for any of their teams. Ever. Go Giants!

I think Korean fans can be quite wild when it comes to sports and singers. But I gotta say that I was really disappointed with the audience during Psy's recent comeback stage. The guy has got so much charisma and sweat. I don't see what there isn't to like.

It's a shame the audience wasn't really digging him. Probably my favorite Korean song these days.

Thought of the Day: Hunger Games

Song of the Day: Girls' Generation-Hoot

Celebrate good times, come on!

Yeah, yeah. I'm total bandwagon after I heard that they had gotten into the playoffs and started to keep up with all the games through mlb.com. All I gotta say is the sports commentator for Texas sounds old and boring. Let's go, Frisco!

I asked my mom what she wanted for her birthday, and she obviously told me she didn't want anything. But when I told her I'd take her shopping at Times Square (best mall in the world) and she could choose something she liked, she didn't refuse. She bought herself a handbag. I never knew handbags could be so expensive. I never knew my mom could let me spend that much money on her. I never knew handbags could make her so happy.

My dad bought her a hiking backpack for her birthday. My gift is so much better.

The other day, my mom and I were talking about the irony of my dad being so tone-deaf even though he loves music. Homeboy can't even sing Happy Birthday properly! Haha. Since it never crossed his mind to get her a cake, I went out to my neighborhood Dunkin Donuts that is open til midnight to surprise my mom in the middle of the night.

And surprised she was.

Don't forget, Sheemones.

Thought of the Day: 혜미

Song of the Day: Not To Us

Booked

I've added more books to the reading list, some by choice, others by obligation.

This was one of the few books at Elite that I never got to read. Johanna had told me it was whatevers, but I thought it was great. It's so hard to find films or literature on Korea's colonization period, let alone something in English. If you're Korean, I think you should pick this up.

This is one of the books that I have to read for one of my classes. Unfortunately, it's not that great so far, and my student has decided to give up halfway. Her adolescent fickleness is starting to get to me, but more than that, I'm too stubborn to not finish it. Does anyone know any other good books for 6th-7th graders? Chances are my student has already read all the fun ones.

성은 introduced me to a bookstore in 이태원 called Whatthebook. They buy/sell used books and even have new books for a slightly cheaper price than Kyobo. Although I wasn't able to get rid of my heavy and thick hardcovers, I used my store credit to find a used copy of Wicked. I was THIS close to buying a new copy but made one final look around the store and discovered the used fantasy books section. Jackpot!

The other used book I got was Dracula since I've always wanted to read it. Although the Twilight books/movies have totally ruined vampires for the world, I have always had a special interest in the father of all vampires. If it weren't for him, vampires wouldn't be the coolest monsters out there. They're strong and good-looking. They can fly and pick up babes. I guess turning into bats is cool too?

I wish I was a fast reader.

Thought of the Day: 12AM/PM

Song of the Day: Psy feat. 서인영-Thank You

Jordan Classic Low

I take pride in the fact that I'm able to go through a pair of shoes for several years. My current basketball shoes are a few months shy of two years, but I'm going to have to retire them quite soon due to cheap quality and excessive use. That is why I got these Jordans. I've never gotten Jordans for myself because they were always too funky or expensive. When I was in college, my mom and I got Simon a pair of some awesome Jordans that he still claims are the best shoes he's ever had. I don't think my new pair will be on par, but I'm very excited to use them for 2011.

I don't like how I have small feet.

Thought of the Day: Brian

Song of the Day: OLIVIA-Into The Stars

Can you keep it down?

For the past 15 years, I needed to have music wherever I was. I got my first walkman when I was in 4th grade and always listened to it in the car. I bought my first cd player when I was in 9th grade and always listened to that in the bus. In high school and college, my car ALWAYS had something on. And after mp3s and file-sharing, my computer was always playing some playlist. Now, I'm always listening to music on my phone in the subway or when I'm riding my bike.

But for the past couple of months, my computer has been very quiet with no music on. Even now, I type away in silence and feel perfectly fine. This used to bother me as I couldn't stand any silence in my room. Why do I no longer feel the need for sound?

I read an article on cnn.com about noise harms and how many people "stated that street or traffic noise was bothersome...[others] said it was so bad that they wanted to move. More Americans are bothered by noise than by crime, odors and other problems listed under 'other bothersome conditions.'" Reading this article helped me to realize that I'm constantly surrounded by noise because I live in the city. One of the big reasons why I listen to music or sermons is to block out all the noise of this world. But when I come home to my room, that's the one place where I don't have to worry too much about hearing people, traffic, or construction. My ears can take a break for once.

According to the article, Robert Fifer, an associate professor of audiology and speech pathology at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, says: "If you can still hear what people are saying around you, you are at a safe level. If the volume is turned so loudly that you can no longer hear conversation around you, or if someone has to shout at you at a distance of about 2 or 3 feet to get your attention, then you are up in the hazardous noise range." In the end, we all live in a noisy world that needs a lot of blocking out, but I think I need to turn my music down.

Thought of the Day: 대공황

Song of the Day: M.I.A.-There's Space For Ol Dat I See

Actually, better make it pizza day #5. Breakfast and lunch, baby. =D

Pizza Day #4

I came home from basketball only to find a midnight snack waiting for me. Destiny, anyone?

Thought of the Day: Margaret

Song of the Day: De La Soul-Ooh feat. Redman

Piece of Pizza

I had pizza three days in a row. Once for dessert with Nate. Once for church dinner. Once for tonight's last class snack (I love this family).

For my 5th birthday party, I remember going to Round Table and opening up a pack of red peppers. Unfortunately, I spilled all the peppers onto my single slice but didn't want any of it to go to waste. After taking the first few bites, I started crying because my mouth was on fire. I think that's when I fell in love with red peppers.

Like everyone else, I used to pretend to be a Ninja Turtle any time I ate pizza. Of course, I chose Michaelangelo.

I remember going to Ben Kim's pizza birthday party when I was in 5th or 6th grade and seeing boxes and boxes of pizza. That was the first time I had ever heard of Meat Lovers. That was the first (but not the last) time I ever ate so much that it hurt to breathe.

I think it was my fourth year in college when I used to tutor Juho and took him to church on Friday nights. A couple of times, he wanted to stop by Little Caesar's to pick up a $5 pizza on the way home. That boy never offered a single slice to me...and I was so mad every time. Selfish little...

This one time in Korea, I was so excited to eat Costco pizza that I ended up finishing half the box. My friend looked at my uncomfortable face and asked why I had done that. I told him I didn't even know.

But the truth is, I LOVE P-I-Z-Z-A.

Thought of the Day: Korean

Song of the Day: De La Soul-Set The Mood (Feat. Indeed)

Out Of Place

The other night, I had two dreams that were so vivid that I can still remember what they were about. The first one was about being in a world where everything was black and white in the 40s or 50s. I was the only one in color and stood out for obvious reasons. The second dream was about being at a new church but having a lot of difficulty fitting in. In both dreams, I was definitely out of place and very alone. I wonder if this means anything.

A couple of days ago, I asked my 아줌마 students what their short-term and long-term goals were. They all had boring answers like raising their kids well and having good health. So when I told them that I had expected someone to have something related to English, one of them responded, "English isn't a goal; it's a dream," and they all laughed. I don't know whether to think that's funny or sad.

Thought of the Day: PnP?

Song of the Day: Nada Surf-Where Is My Mind

I want to ride my bicycle

Everyone always eats a grip on 추석. I actually didn't eat as much as usual this year though. I had a much better picture of my cousin and aunt taking big bites, but somebody deleted the picture. Why would somebody do that?

I'd been wanting to buy a cheap bike for a long time now and finally got a used one a couple of weeks ago. Ever since, I've been taking more notice of nicer looking bikes and found myself being surprisingly excited over the bike design exhibition at Sports Complex.

The future of bicycles.

The grand prize winner won my heart. Notice how none of these future bikes have chains? Amazing!


We don't have anymore red days until 설날 in freaking February. It was good while it lasted.

Thought of the Day: 유미나

Song of the Day: Naughty By Nature-Feel Me Flow