Saturday, November 25, 2006
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Sunday, November 05, 2006
football
Purdue finally won a game this Saturday.... against the lowly Michigan State. Oh well... the defense is finally catching up and again... the offense is a bit lack-luster. But a win is a win. No complaint there.
As for the Bears... they finally lost a game. A team cannot overcome 6 turnovers no matter how good it is. Well.. it's about time that they lose one. It will make them a better team.
As for the Bears... they finally lost a game. A team cannot overcome 6 turnovers no matter how good it is. Well.. it's about time that they lose one. It will make them a better team.
Ice-cream
Took my parents shopping yesterday... found a really good deal for an ice-cream maker attachment set (to the kitchen-aid mixer I have). Only $20... freeze mixing bowl + drive assembly + ice-cream scoop. I just looked up Amazon... the same unit being sold for $80. Unbelievable!
Anyway, I put the freeze bowl in the freezer last night. So earlier today, I bought some heavy whip cream and milk... With the powder mix that came with the set, I made ICE-CREAM! It was soooo easy. Just let it stir for 25 minutes... you get a soft ice-cream (like frozen custard). Now the ice-cream is in freezer... it should be ready for dinner dessert. Haha ha....
Anyway, I put the freeze bowl in the freezer last night. So earlier today, I bought some heavy whip cream and milk... With the powder mix that came with the set, I made ICE-CREAM! It was soooo easy. Just let it stir for 25 minutes... you get a soft ice-cream (like frozen custard). Now the ice-cream is in freezer... it should be ready for dinner dessert. Haha ha....
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
"home"
For those of you who are in the States or... in a country that you are not born in... have you ever considered where you are currently living "home"?
For me, I guess I am quite adaptable in that I can pretty much go anywhere and settle down and consider that place my home. I guess I can be classified as a settler... but the truth is I don't like changes either. There is a certain security about status quo.
What would you do if you don't think of your home "home" and always have the desire to go "home"? What really make a home "home"? What makes you belong to a place, a city, or a country?
For me, I guess I am quite adaptable in that I can pretty much go anywhere and settle down and consider that place my home. I guess I can be classified as a settler... but the truth is I don't like changes either. There is a certain security about status quo.
What would you do if you don't think of your home "home" and always have the desire to go "home"? What really make a home "home"? What makes you belong to a place, a city, or a country?
Sunday, October 29, 2006
weekend
Good friends from Indianapolis came visit yesterday. We went to see a locally produced musical in town--- Beauty and the Beast. The musical was good, actually surprisingly well done for limited budget and talents. My coworker was in the cast too... she's Babbette... the duster lady. She did really well.... very "fung show" indeed. The lady who did Belle was a really really good singer... very professional.
Today... we all went up to Chicago to do some shopping. Dinner at China town... we had Szecheun food. Haven't had Szecheun stuff in a while. It was good... but I can't imagine eating that stuff every single day.
Today... we all went up to Chicago to do some shopping. Dinner at China town... we had Szecheun food. Haven't had Szecheun stuff in a while. It was good... but I can't imagine eating that stuff every single day.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Fight
Mom and Dad had a fight tonight. Well actually this fight has lasted for more than a week already. I spent my whole evening talking to them. They are still fighting as I am writing this. Sigh.... One of these days, the inevitable might just happen. I truly feel sorry for Dad when he said... I deserve to be happy for my last few years of life.... I'd use all my money to do things that I like to do... go places that I like to go.
Sigh....
Sigh....
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
life
life is short. really short.
talking to a friend on the phone today... she worried about his dad's health... about the inevitability of death.
got another friend's email tonight... her dad just passed away over the weekend.
was it a coincidence?
my dad looks older as each day flies by. he is sleepy all the time. i am worried.
life is too short.
talking to a friend on the phone today... she worried about his dad's health... about the inevitability of death.
got another friend's email tonight... her dad just passed away over the weekend.
was it a coincidence?
my dad looks older as each day flies by. he is sleepy all the time. i am worried.
life is too short.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Tonight... tonight...
In the middle of my barbershop chorus rehearsal tonight, my director suddenly said to me in his usual stammering way, "I... I have a personal matter that I need to talk... talk to you." (Not trying to make fun of him, but he does stutter every now and then.) I was kinda worried coz I was the only tenor tonight and thought that he might have something to say about my singing. (Oh, yeah... due to the lack of younger/higher voices in the chorus, I am officially a tenor now. I guess it's a good fit for me. My voice is not loud enough to be a lead anyway. And surprisingly, I like singing tenor.) Anyway... getting back to my story....
He then pulled me aside after rehearsal and with a bashful smile, he asked "You are still single, are you?"
?!?!?!
I was stunned for a moment. Then I realized that he was trying to be a matchmaker. He said he wanted to set me up with the organist at his church. Oh boy....
On a side note, my mom declared the other day. "You cannot have a foreigner wife!"
On another side note and on the subject of being 阿Q, I have given up trying to look for my other half or more accurately speaking--dreaming about it. Facing with the reality of my family situation (mainly with my mom) makes me realize that the chance of finding a woman who can tolerate me and my mom is literally slimmer than winning the lottery. No more 阿Q. I just have to give up trying.
:`|
He then pulled me aside after rehearsal and with a bashful smile, he asked "You are still single, are you?"
?!?!?!
I was stunned for a moment. Then I realized that he was trying to be a matchmaker. He said he wanted to set me up with the organist at his church. Oh boy....
On a side note, my mom declared the other day. "You cannot have a foreigner wife!"
On another side note and on the subject of being 阿Q, I have given up trying to look for my other half or more accurately speaking--dreaming about it. Facing with the reality of my family situation (mainly with my mom) makes me realize that the chance of finding a woman who can tolerate me and my mom is literally slimmer than winning the lottery. No more 阿Q. I just have to give up trying.
:`|
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Starved Rock State Park
The colors were disappointing. I knew it's too early. Only 25% of the foliage has put on its autumn colors. The guy at the visitor center said this year's color won't be as good as usual anyway because of the cold weather. It was worth the trip though. It's good that my parents get some exercise.
Starved Rock is a pretty place. There are many canyons with sand stone bluffs. The canyons are very deep... more spectacular than those at Turkey Run. I will go there again in the Spring to see the waterfalls.
The town Utica is just to the north of the state park. A little midwest town. I checked out a pottery store. The guy was really nice. He's been in business for 30 years. I wish some day I could set up a workshop at home. I really miss doing pottery. Next year... some time next year.
Had lunch in town at a small restaurant called Nodding Onion. The building, I guess, was converted from an old home, very nicely decorated. The food was surprisingly good. I had the wasabi tuna wrap. They only serve breakfast and lunch. Highly recommended!
I'll post some pictures tomorrow. Only took a few shoots.
Starved Rock is a pretty place. There are many canyons with sand stone bluffs. The canyons are very deep... more spectacular than those at Turkey Run. I will go there again in the Spring to see the waterfalls.
The town Utica is just to the north of the state park. A little midwest town. I checked out a pottery store. The guy was really nice. He's been in business for 30 years. I wish some day I could set up a workshop at home. I really miss doing pottery. Next year... some time next year.
Had lunch in town at a small restaurant called Nodding Onion. The building, I guess, was converted from an old home, very nicely decorated. The food was surprisingly good. I had the wasabi tuna wrap. They only serve breakfast and lunch. Highly recommended!
I'll post some pictures tomorrow. Only took a few shoots.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Snow in October
Snow, snow, snow!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok... it were just flurries. But still, it's only October 12. This is gonna to be a long, cold, snowy winter. White Halloween, anyone?
Ok... it were just flurries. But still, it's only October 12. This is gonna to be a long, cold, snowy winter. White Halloween, anyone?
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Selective Memory
Talked to my best friend couple nights ago. We both have the problem of losing our memory. More accurately speaking, selectively losing our memory. It's not a matter of choice sometimes. When we forget, we just forget with no reason. I guess using the word "selective" implies active control. Hmm... maybe something or someone else is in control here, definitely not me consciously by choice.
The most distant memory I have... has to be my sister's birth. No, I didn't see her birth exactly. I remember standing on the sidewalk, holding my grandpa's hand and pointing at the ambulance that was transferring my mom to another more well-equipped hospital. I was three years old then. I am not quite sure if it was a real memory, but to this day, that image is still stuck in my head. Was I crying at the time? I must have been.
I tend to forget everyday mundane things. So keeping this blog is a good way to help me remember. I was going through my year-old posts the other day. I was surprised how many things have since escaped from my memory already. I think I am getting old. Ha ha.
The most distant memory I have... has to be my sister's birth. No, I didn't see her birth exactly. I remember standing on the sidewalk, holding my grandpa's hand and pointing at the ambulance that was transferring my mom to another more well-equipped hospital. I was three years old then. I am not quite sure if it was a real memory, but to this day, that image is still stuck in my head. Was I crying at the time? I must have been.
I tend to forget everyday mundane things. So keeping this blog is a good way to help me remember. I was going through my year-old posts the other day. I was surprised how many things have since escaped from my memory already. I think I am getting old. Ha ha.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Jambalaya
Made jambalaya today for dinner. Mom is on strike so Dad and I have to take turn cooking. First time ever making jambalaya... I am a big fan of Creole/Cajun cooking, but I never really did make any Cajun food before. Well... the jambalaya turned out ok. Haven't had any Cajun food lately.. and kinda forgot how jambalaya should taste like. At least edible... ha ha.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Picasa Web
Have been so busy at work. Got a really really tricky flood study from the engineering company next door (my other boss). The next two weeks I'll be working on it. Gotta redo the hydrologic model and more. Time is of essence for that project. My boss winced when he heard that I'll be occupied by my other boss for 2 weeks. Oops too bad. Hope we can hire a helper for me some time next year. Oh well... small company... have to stay lean and mean.
Finally got around to upload some of the pictures from the yellowstone trip. Picasa is amazing. Now that it has a web album thing... uploading pictures is a breeze. 250 MB of storage. not bad for free.
Finally got around to upload some of the pictures from the yellowstone trip. Picasa is amazing. Now that it has a web album thing... uploading pictures is a breeze. 250 MB of storage. not bad for free.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
football
Purdue's playing Notre Dame tomorrow.... crossing my fingers... praying hard... Will miracle happen?
Update 1:
Purdue is down by 14 at the half. The defense is not playing very well, but I love the offense. Curtis Painter (our quarterback) is better than I thought. Lymon's (wide receiver) got a big body and a damn good receiver. Of course Kory Sheets (running back) is a delight to watch. Hope the defense will show up in the second half.
Update 2:
Didn't watch the second half. A family from church invited us to their home for dinner. Anyway, I just checked the score and we lost. Oh well... Purdue has a very young defense. Next year will be better I hope.
Update 1:
Purdue is down by 14 at the half. The defense is not playing very well, but I love the offense. Curtis Painter (our quarterback) is better than I thought. Lymon's (wide receiver) got a big body and a damn good receiver. Of course Kory Sheets (running back) is a delight to watch. Hope the defense will show up in the second half.
Update 2:
Didn't watch the second half. A family from church invited us to their home for dinner. Anyway, I just checked the score and we lost. Oh well... Purdue has a very young defense. Next year will be better I hope.
Friday, September 29, 2006
A Giant Bug
A giant bug was found near the town of Hulen, Germany. Here's the aerial downloaded from Google Earth.
The bug measured 167 feet long. Huge!
The bug measured 167 feet long. Huge!
Monday, September 25, 2006
mid week
Sunday... I was nervous. Never had led a worship service before. I didn't start very well... kinda fumbling with words and forgot the name of the family who gave the flowers on the altar. But everything turned out ok in the end. I am glad that I did it.
Work has been incredibly busy lately. Now that I have to do all the cad and gis work for the ecological group, meaning I have prepare all the maps and figures for their reports and stuff. On top of that I have my own flood studies and projects to do. My to-do list is usually 10 items long. I wish I have help, but we are not going to hire anyone this year. Bummer.
Mom was mad at Dad (as usual) today. But today, she has a good reason too. She was making the lotus seed paste for mooncakes... and she ran into a math problem. She had a bowl of sugar measured at 16 "lurn" and she only needed 11 "lurn" of sugar. So she poured some sugar out until the whole thing measured at 5 "lurn" (remaining sugar + bowl). The whole time my mom was doing it, my dad kept challenging her that she was not doing the math right and that she didn't take into the account the weight of the bowl. My mom got soooo annoyed that she almost wanted to call me at work. Over dinner, I tried to explain to my dad that the weight of the bowl didn't matter. But my dad still didn't get it. Poor dad.
Work has been incredibly busy lately. Now that I have to do all the cad and gis work for the ecological group, meaning I have prepare all the maps and figures for their reports and stuff. On top of that I have my own flood studies and projects to do. My to-do list is usually 10 items long. I wish I have help, but we are not going to hire anyone this year. Bummer.
Mom was mad at Dad (as usual) today. But today, she has a good reason too. She was making the lotus seed paste for mooncakes... and she ran into a math problem. She had a bowl of sugar measured at 16 "lurn" and she only needed 11 "lurn" of sugar. So she poured some sugar out until the whole thing measured at 5 "lurn" (remaining sugar + bowl). The whole time my mom was doing it, my dad kept challenging her that she was not doing the math right and that she didn't take into the account the weight of the bowl. My mom got soooo annoyed that she almost wanted to call me at work. Over dinner, I tried to explain to my dad that the weight of the bowl didn't matter. But my dad still didn't get it. Poor dad.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
To delete or not to delete
ok... duplicate posts. wasn't intentional and wittybb has spotted the difference. to delete or not to delete. oh well.... who cares.
i am still a little apprehensive about tomorrow. I need to read the scriptures tonight and make sure i don't screw up.
baking a cake with my mom for my dad's b-day tomorrow. just finished whipping the cream. and the cake is out from the oven. we'll see. man... that kitchen aid mixer is sure worth the money.
went to IKEA today with a coworker. she needed some shelves. she never been to IKEA b4 and was excited (and a bit overwhelmed) about the whole thing. oh... actually... we had to work today. there's this detention pond in Schaumburg that we had to look at and see if we can make any improvement on the landscaping and type of vegetation. anyhow... my parents tagged along as well... coz they wanted to go shopping... and they got bored sitting at home. a fun day i guess.
damn it. the cake didn't turn out right. have to redo it.
i am still a little apprehensive about tomorrow. I need to read the scriptures tonight and make sure i don't screw up.
baking a cake with my mom for my dad's b-day tomorrow. just finished whipping the cream. and the cake is out from the oven. we'll see. man... that kitchen aid mixer is sure worth the money.
went to IKEA today with a coworker. she needed some shelves. she never been to IKEA b4 and was excited (and a bit overwhelmed) about the whole thing. oh... actually... we had to work today. there's this detention pond in Schaumburg that we had to look at and see if we can make any improvement on the landscaping and type of vegetation. anyhow... my parents tagged along as well... coz they wanted to go shopping... and they got bored sitting at home. a fun day i guess.
damn it. the cake didn't turn out right. have to redo it.
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