Whale fail.

Pointing...at nothing.

Nice Boats.

Taking the ferry...with the car parked on the ferry :)

Whale watching. 2.5 hours. No whales. 1 free voucher to go again.

We vowed to not go together next time. Instead, with a date. hehe :)

Tae Kwon Do

Im on the far right, holding the red jacket.

Much has happened since my last post; however, I will choose to focus on my present pursuit.

Last week I decided to start training in Tae Kwon Do. Why?

Consciously, I was tired of going to the gym every so often and lifting weights, swimming, and heading home. I wanted to train in something I could document my progress in as well as have an environment where I was allowed to hit things. It may seem nomadic...which it may be. But it feels good.

For those of you who don't know, I started Tae Kwon Do in 7th grade 3 months before my mom passed away. She had registered me in Karate in 1st grade, but I made sure that was a failure by way of hiding in the closet, underneath my bed, or behind a tree when Karate time came around. So, she tried again with Tae Kwon Do. After her passing, I became very involved in the art. With my dad's support, I went to the studio 5-7 days a week, riding my scooter on Saturday mornings and taking part in the Sunday bible study/training sessions that were offered. My life was school, homework, and tae kwon do. I was eventually awarded the best black belt trophy 2 times (after obtaining my black belt), but I think it had to do with my master trying to advertise the studio (I was a pretty good student at school, so he liked to read the recommendations at belt tests). Although I was not aware of it at the time, tae kwon do was my way of releasing stress and driving any negative energy towards my opponents. After training rigorously for more than 3 years in the martial art, I would stop because I didn't want to pay the steep $800 price for more advancement in the black belt.

7 years later I have returned. Thankfully my friend Bryan is an instructor at a studio near my house, so I have a good reason to go. After spending one week at the studio, I am working on regaining my form and technique, and was fortunate enough to participate in the Montrose Christmas Parade as a tae kwon do martial artist. Waving to people and helping lead the young tae kwon do students, I was in a parade for the first time in my life.

I don't have anything profound to say about the martial art except that it has helped me revitalize discipline in my life and allowed me the opportunity to build on a pastime that has played such a huge role in my life.

Tae! Kwon! Do!

Necessary Humiliation

I have been told not to dwell or be consumed by failure, as failure due to taking risks shapes and propels you forward.

My most recent rejection was quite humbling and I forced myself to sit here and write about it so that my ego may be deflated publicly.

Some of you may know that I applied to be part of the 2011 Teach for America Corps. I spoke confidently of going to Hawaii or a Native American reservation to spend two years teaching in under-served elementary schools. On my resume sent to the corps, I boasted of a 6 month leave of absence to perform a similar teaching mission in South Korea, 3 years of teaching workshops and leading discussion sections for education classes at UCLA, analytical experience as a Morgan Stanley intern, social justice awareness as a researcher/organizer for the United Farm Workers labor union, sports writer for my school newspaper, numerous awards and highest academic honors…it never entered my mind that I would be rejected. Memorizing the website and characteristics the program was looking for, I thought I performed well at the interview and responded to all the questions asked of me. There was no way I would be rejected! I was the ideal candidate! I looked forward to November 9^th and receiving a welcoming email or a congratulatory call. Instead, I received a short message thanking me for my efforts and website links to recommended organizations.

Immediately, I felt embarrassed and shocked. What was I going to tell others? What should I do next? I have a comfortable finance job right now, but desire for more. Embarrassment to confusion to panic. My immediate response was to create other plans. Law enforcement? Should I take the Foreign Service exam sooner than I had desired? Time to call up the alumni contacts I had built at IBM and other organizations while I was a student. Then, I stopped.

I need to respond, not react. Pray to my sovereign God and meditate on his word. Realizing how imperfect I am in my relationships with others and myself. My natural characteristics are selfishness, pride, and rivalry. Only by the grace of God can I be loving, composed, and at peace. I fail all the time, but that doesn’t stop me from striving forward to be a man after God’s heart.

This rejection was a very needed reminder of my humanity and the need to fight my sense of entitlement. No matter how much I try to qualify and equip myself for the world, I am still in the hands of God. Remember the church of Ephesus, and don’t forget your first love.

Another rejection, yes. Another obstacle, yes. Another revelation of God’s sovereignty and the trivial pursuit of human decoration.

Any accomplishment going forward....may it reflect the undeserved grace that has been poured onto me.

Examination

I hoped this blog would be utilized to document any adventures I partake in outside of my normal routine. However, in the past few months my situation has been more of isolation. As a result, I have had many opportunities to examine myself.

Recently my good friend's parent passed away. I wondered how to reach out to him. Since I had lost a loved one before, shouldn't it be easier for me than others? Then I realized that the loss of my mother had been isolated within me for so long that I have been subconsciously affected by it to this present day.

It was right before my first winter break in junior high, and I was finishing P.E. getting ready to go home. Suddenly, the school intercom announces: "Jason Tae Hee Lee, please report to the office immediately." Never one to desire attention, I immediately went in fear of having done something wrong. As I get to the office, all the secretaries look at me with pitiful eyes, and I see my father in the corner of the room. He tells me that we need to go to the center where my mother is as this will be the last time I will see her again. As a 12 year old, my reasoning and cognitive abilities were limited as I never truly understood the gravity of the moment; instead, I just did what was expected of me and obeyed authority. So, I go along with my father to the center I have been visiting for the past month, and see my mother practically paralyzed on the bed. I'm told that she can't speak because she's so weak, but can hear everything being said. I ask for my dad and sister to leave the room, as the next 15 minutes will be the last 15 minutes of conversation I will ever have with my mother. What I said in that room will stay in that room, but I remember my mother's tears streaming down her face as my dad and sister came back into the room.

The next few years were the hardest in my life, but I didn't realize it. Instead, I was motivated by very simple things and tried to live as normal a life as I could.

I've been considering how to advise my friend, but I realize that I responded to my mother's death in a way...that I probably would not do again. I isolated myself, unintentionally isolating myself from anything that reminded me of her. No longer walking to school or spending time with my neighbor and one of my best friends Sean, making sure nobody saw me sad, not informing anyone around me about what had happened, avoiding displays of sympathy from others, and closing contact with rituals that were associated with my mom (watering the garden, eating healthy, etc etc). I am thankful in that I became closer with friends I had not spent as much time with, but at the cost of abandoning my old community. So many things happened during those next few years that I feel as though I may still be processing my responses. How I responded has left me very much an isolationist in trials and my approach to many of life's issues today.

Peter, don't be like me and isolate your life. Allow others to partake, learn, and struggle with you. That's what your community is for.

Temporal

I am truly thankful for the disarray, chaos, and dissatisfaction in the environment surrounding me.

Trials make me hold even tighter to God because of the recognition that my reliance is not dependent upon feelings of peace, happiness, and self-fulfillment. Most important is the recognition of my state as a sinner and the necessity for a savior.

In the recent past I have told myself that as a Christian man I must be excellent in all I do. As good as this sounded, I was blind to understand the foundation upon my statement. First, what is the standard measurement I am using to determine excellence? Admittedly, it was the approval, praise, and admiration of men. All of a temporal nature.

Excellence? Quite simple. Looking at the life of Jesus. God in the form of a man to live among his creation and save them. In everything, Jesus was quick to point the glory to his father in heaven. Submission to the will of God and steadfast faithfulness.

May I be excellent.

Random note:

In my daily planner, this quote by Margaret Thatcher came up:

"If you just set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time and you would achieve nothing."

Striving

Boldness. Criticism. Compassion.

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but not have love, I gain nothing.

[And this is what love is] Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." 1 Corinthians 13:1-7

I am so unloving. May I be humble enough to love. Courageous enough to love. Ambitious enough to love.

Is the gospel offensive? Really? Get behind your pride and complete indulgence in your honor and see what the gospel means...

Grace, undeserved, given freely by God, through the acceptance of his Son...we must grasp our sinfulness before understanding the need to confess, and the necessity and pure goodness of grace.

Dream big o foolish creature.

Why?

"For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 26-31

Update

Beginning to appreciate the Dodgers.

Softball practice.

It's been almost a month since I've updated this blog, so I am now taking the time to jot down a few things in order to reflect upon in the future.

So, I've already been working at my financial firm for a month. I have my routine of waking up at 5:30, going to work, dropping by my the gym for a steam sauna session, and then sleeping by 11. During the week I have a Monday bible study with 3 co-workers, Tuesday Korean class, Wednesday late work days due to preparing a report for portfolio meetings on Thursday, and then the week coasts forward. In between there has been a financial district softball tournament, preparation for firm fantasy football, and random trips to go to Korea-town for lunch. My co-workers are all very cordial and friendly in all our short conversations. Company unwritten laws include buying breakfast for everyone with your first paycheck, buying breakfast when you come back from vacation, and buying breakfast when you make the accounting department work a little harder from a mistake you made. Common lunchroom talks range from complaining about car payments to discussing the latest merger. Overall, I am enjoying my experience, but would have to admit it is very different from academic life.

On a more serious note, I've noticed something missing in me ever since I came back from Korea. I began to consider...is it due to my lack of opportunity in the Korean countryside to articulate my thoughts to another English-speaking person...perhaps a slight shattering of my idealistic mindset...I am still in reflection. One thing is certain; I am definitely not the same person I was one year ago.

I value sincerity very highly; thus, I sincerely admit I am lacking in so many different aspects of my persona...So I pray constantly for empathy, love, and discernment.

The Lord is my shepherd. I am but a dumb sheep.

Play dead

My dog stares maliciously at the possum (who for some reason ran straight to my dog).

Escaping from the trash can.

In the trash can.

A few weeks ago my dad told me to follow him outside. Once we arrrived at our driveway, he opens up a trash can....and I look into the eyes of one of the ugliest creatures alive: a possum. Apparently, my dog had tackled and pinned down a possum last night. The possum had played dead, but my unaware dad put the possum into a bag to place into the trash can. When he opened the trash the next morning, the possum had come out of the bag and was eating our trash. My father and I then allowed the possum to escape by toppling over the trash can.

Interesting Sunday morning.

Ungrateful Fool

Alarm goes off at 5:30...Wake up and see the darkness that is still the morning. Make breakfast, read the paper, and then off to downtown LA. Make my way through traffic, arrive at my building, take the elevator, and walk to my cubicle (I must add it's a very nice cubicle). Eat lunch with co-workers at 12:30 and then go back to work. At 5, drive home or meet up with people around the area. Sleep by 11.

On the surface, this encompasses my daily schedule. Just ended my first week of real full-time work, and still adjusting to the routine (feels a but like high school). It is sad, but I've discovered many people have become jaded in the workplace, and it has become a place of drudgery and responsibilities. And I have already begun the process of daily complaints and the yearning for lunch hour.

How dare I! I am so fortunate to be working and learning so much every day. I am blessed to be breathing (literally). I am blessed to have found work so quickly. I am blessed to have been given an opportunity to learn about risk management, credit analysis, portfolio management, and the entire process of asset-based lending, approvals, disbursements, and collection at a small and growing financing firm (factoring, letters of credit, insurance). I am blessed to have great co-workers, and a small group to do bible study after work every Monday in a board room looking over Los Angeles. I am blessed to have a family to go back to every day and share dinner. I am just super blessed and fortunate.

I will try my best to refrain from complaining; instead, strive to learn and pursue excellence in the work that I do.

Wake up at 530AM. Praise God for another day. Praise God constantly during the day. Make a positive impact on my workplace. Do not succumb to drudgery. Love, and then love some more.

Irrational Exuberance

Deciding to wait in line for a restaurant filled with people, acting as the S&P 500 spirals downward, stock market booms, animal spirits...irrational exuberance. If a group of people trigger the result of other groups following similar action, then the action is perpetuated and grows in magnitude. Whenever I see a line for something at the front which I cannot see, I am tempted to wait in line despite not knowing what awaits me at the end. When I see a group of people sprinting towards me in fear, I am going to run with them despite having no idea what they are running away from. In the case of the housing bubble, upward spiraling home prices spurred people to purchase homes (in some cases multiple) in the hopes of selling the homes at a profit a short period of time later. This increasing demand for houses that pushed prices upward was artificial as the purchased houses were to be added to the supply soon after purchase. As this process continued for a few years, and many people were making money easily, a rumor arose among the public that real estate was recession-proof and a fool-proof investment due to the fact that people need shelter. However, the irrational exuberance of the whole episode points to the eventually stabilization of prices and the loss of available capital (perceived) to homeowners.

While at Cambridge, I still remember one of my finance professors saying: stocks are like cows. I assume he used this term not only to describe irrational exuberance of stock price fluctuations and booms, but also the implication that investors can have the brain capacity/ability of a cow when it comes to stocks.

Is it really irrational to follow mindlessly after a group? Yes, if you are in a position of having contradicting information, flexible time, a cynical state of mind, being the factor causing the movement, and a few other positions. However, it is also rational to follow mindlessly after a group if you are in a case of asymmetric information, believe that others have undergone the rationalization process, or even for the sake of just following others with the mindset that if you win, we all win, and if we lose, we all lose.

Irrational exuberance and rational movement is merely dependent on position. Behavioral finance attempts to predict certain movements and allocations; knowledge of the subject's perspective and position is crucial. Do you see the glass half full or half empty? That depends on your position, in reality and theory.

Position. Perspective. Before judging the perceived irrational exuberance, let us be partial to the factors that may not be in front of us...we must learn to be more empathetic to peoples' cases.

Birthday

Welcome to Montrose

Cho loves his ice cream trash bins.

Waiting...

For dinner.

Tri-tip roast.

I forgot what this was called.

Dinner...forgot to include our waiter, my elementary school friend.

In the streets of Montrose.

MIT crew with the Dane Cook-like comedian.

We love the Laugh Factory.

Laugh Factory in Hollywood...PK was an awesome host!

Hey oldie. How do you feel now that you're 22? Marriage soon, eh?

These are a few of the common things I've heard said to me on my birthday, or days around the date. O yes, and happy birthday.

As a summer baby, I used to be jealous in elementary school of the other children who had their birthday during the school year and had the class sing for them during a coveted school day. However, I soon realized being a summer baby was a blessing in disguise, as it complemented my realized image of my birthday. The truth is that I don't like putting much attention on my birthday, and desire to make it a casual celebration to appease my friends, family, and my own desire of something out of the ordinary. Don't get me wrong, I encourage celebration of birthdays. We need occasions that facilitate the process of celebration, and celebrating the day of someone's birth is worthy and justified.

So, I'm 22 now. Except now, it is no longer marking a year of progression in school; instead, it marks the beginning of my professional life post-college. So, does it feel different to be 22? It is because of the circumstances. If I was 22 yet still had a year left in college, I do not imagine it to feel much different than 21. However, my 22 is experienced and seen differently because it marks a different era in my life. As enjoyable, disciplining, and exposing my past years have been, I sincerely believe that the best years are ahead of me. Starting this year and beyond, it is time to make a tangible impact on my community, local and global.

Home

Dinner time! BBQ

DK's house

Stephen and my uncle.

So, I've been resting at home for the better part of a month.

The majority of my time is spent reading novels, watching Korean dramas, eating ice cream, and taking naps...all in the comfort of my home.

There are random outings: taking my cousin to the airport before he goes to Mongolia for a short term mission trip, DK's birthday surprise, going to my doctor check-ups, visiting the library, Al Joo's goodbye dinner, Adam and Suzie's wedding, and...that's all that comes to mind.

Resting at home is actually pretty exhausting. Waking up, eating, sleeping, reading, sleeping...is tiring. By the time my parents come back to feed me dinner (that's how it basically is because I eat the most), it seems as though I have the same amount of energy as they do (very little). It's actually pretty depressing. As much as I want to be lively and hip at night, my parents come home to a fully rested, yet extremely indolent, lethargic, and inept young man. If I was them, I would probably think...not something good. Instead, my parents are extremely patient with me and my dad is extremely accomodating to my condition. In fact, he is often the one who musters the energy to approach me and cheer me up. What a rebuke to me! Here is a guy who has just come back from working sunrise to late evening, and comes to encourage a guy in his prime youth who has spent the whole day eating and sleeping. Amazing.

Well, I am super thankful for such patient parents and happy to be recovering well. I was actually able to jog (veryyyy slowly) one mile this morning. My lungs haven't worked that hard for a while, so I was very drained when I came back home. I even boxed 3 rounds on the Wii :)

By next year and probably for the majority of the rest of my life, these moments at home with my parents will become quite desirable. Eating dinner together, watching Korean shows together, and spending our evenings together...as routine and insipid as these things appear to be, will become sought after memories in the coming years.

Home.

Graduation -pt1

Lingie and Daniel

Family and pastors from my youth

Walking away from what others look at...while returning to my seat

Each of us getting a chance to speak to family and friends.

What I said:

"Trumping my future plans is the fact that I am lucky to be here today...My lungs collapsed twice within the past 2 weeks, and more than anything I just want to say I love my family, friends, and everyone here for their support. We would not be here if it was not for all of you with us."

Not exactly how I planned to approach graduation or ever foresaw in my mind.

But in its own way, it was good.

Brevity

Cho and me enjoying my entrance into the ER

Insertion of the tube into my lung...Cho enjoys it

Jon enjoying the moment...

Little Tokyo before the 2nd collapse

Dinner before going to the ER

I will be brief. There is no possibility for me to explicate what went on in the past few weeks in this blog.

Going back to the previous entry...I was in a state of confusion. Why had my lung collapsed and how will I respond? I responded by residing back into my comfort zone and acting as though nothing had ever happened. As a result, God wanted to make sure that I learn and develop as he sees fit, and in his love, my lung collapsed a second time.

For 11 days, I was hospitalized at UCLA Santa Monica hospital and experienced a medley of emotional, physical, and spiritual episodes. First of all, I have to recognize the wonderful nurses who watched over me (baths, bathroom trips, food, medication, encouraging words). Nurses run hospitals. During my stay at the hospital, I was met with an unexpected outpouring of love from my church community, friends, and family. Despite the constant encouragement and community, my mind and body continued to suffer to the point that I wish that nobody I know has to go through the same thing. The tube inside of me linking me to the outside world made every movement painful, every trip to the bathroom tedious, eating unattractive, and sanity unattainable.

Though my stay in the hospital was quite cathartic physically and mentally, I am quite thankful for everything that has happened. Appreciation for life, breath, and the environment around me has grown exponentially. My response to a second chance at living inundates with full appreciation and vitality towards the present as well as what is to come. Discipline will continue, and I will gratefully accept it.

The future is bright. The present is just as bright. Pursue your goals in full acknowledgement that despite whatever you do, God's will is certain to govern your life...many times through the incessant and innumerable variables that are not in your control.

With a 10-15% chance of re-occurrence in my left lung, I am left uncomfortable and without control over what may happen in the future...and that is why I will live.

breathing

Every time I sin, recognize what I did, and then repent, I feel a bit apprehensive for what discipline is awaiting me.

Again, common theme of my life, my life has become comfortable. Urgent things are happening, yet I am not acting like a man with only one life to live and glorify Christ.

This morning as I walked with Jon Kang towards SAC to play Friday morning basketball, the right side of my body became tense and I doubled over with pain. It was as if a crane had come and crushed my right side. As my vision began to become dimmer with the seconds, I could feel something in me flutter over and over again. As I fell down on my knees on the sidewalk, I thought to myself: this is it, I'm leaving this world. As I limped over to the sidewalk to wait for Jon to bring his car to take me to the ER, I watched people pass by me looking at me with confusion, yet going on with their lives. Before heading to the ER I tried to walk to the Ashe center because I knew UCLA's policy was to have students first go to Ashe before any medical center. The 50 yards I walked to the Ashe center (which was closed) and the 50 yards back to Jon's car at the turnaround combined into the most difficult walking, hiking, or running experience in my life. Marathon? nothing. Walking through Spain? nothing. That walk exposed me as a vulnerable, helpless being. Amazingly I made it to Jon's car again, and we headed to the ER.

The next 2 days are kind of a blur to me. Had 3 different operations, one of them in which the doctor made a mistake. 8 chest x-rays. Being pushed through the hallways of the ER on a bed for the first time. Honestly, I cannot write everything that was going through my mind in this blog entry. I was trying to process so many different thoughts racing through my mind. Truthfully speaking, typing is very tiring to me as well as any physical activity.

Missed a case competition for my class, KCM senior banquet, church, and tons of other things in the near future. Man, I was dealing with my helplessness, and...just so much.

Just so I can take notes for future reference (this is for my own comprehension):

-weakness, strength

-assistance

-discipline

-tolerance

-breathing

-running, jumping

-despair

-urgency

-seek

I will be spending the next few days in solitude and in evaluation...

I will respond. God is my refuge, and to be feared.

To be continued with more introspection and a sane mind...

Honors

In a few weeks I will be graduating with an Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from UCLA. Under my graduation status, I will be labeled with the college honors program, summa cum laude latin honors, and a member of the honors society Phi Beta Kappa. The only distinction that I am actually very glad about is being a member of Phi Beta Kappa. It allows my family to attend an exclusive Phi Beta Kappa induction/graduation ceremony while I can celebrate with friends at a separate departmental graduation. Other than that, it doesn't carry much worth. By no way am I attempting to trivialize the value of the work and discipline that paved the way for these honors. I recognize and respect the sacrifices that many students had to make in order to achieve whatever academic distinction they incurred during their collegiate careers. What I am trying to get across is that whatever honors or distinctions we are able to incur can be described with one term: fleeting. Sure, it feels great to have your name called out and be able to add another line to your resume. However, in reality these awards are like the fancy buildings you drive by in downtown. They are a result of your willingness to drive through, but once you pass them, they are forgotten (unless you make an effort to go back).

What we are exposed to every day is what shapes our lives, feelings, beliefs, and identities. Does your Phi Beta Kappa membership carry any weight in your relationships with family, friends, and everyone around you? At most, the distinction is a reflection of who you are already (a person who enjoys learning and challenging your intellectual side). Focus on your daily interactions and the impact you have on your environment. Cho, one of my closest friends, stated in a senior interview that relationships are what last, and external accomplishments are not relevant in your meaningful relationships. I agree completely. Your accomplishments should not drive your meaningful relationships. We all have those friends with whom we will support and cherish regardless of what they accomplish. In many cases who you are will determine what you do.

Mark 8:35-36

"For whoever who would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the world but forfeit his soul?"

As a man who sins and is faint at heart, I must remind myself every day that true honors comes from above. Strive for excellence in order to glorify the sovereign one above.

Instead of finishing some school work on Saturday, I found the time to re-evaluate and write my current mission statement (inspired by my spontaneous viewing of the movie Jerry Maguire).

Leave situations better than how you found it. Live a life that makes people wonder at your source.

I can confidently say that I will fail many times; however, just like with sin, I will pray and rely on my savior. Victory is certain and has been obtained.

John 16:33

"I have told you these things, that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Romans 8:38-39

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Thursday and Friday Pursuits

Kayaking in the early morning...also dropped my phone into the water.

Welcome to the Port of Los Angeles.

Us being silly.

Farmers Market lunch

Chilling with the professor

Getting ready to have our boat tour

Enjoying the cruise

Watching cargo ships

Honey Kettle. JK is extremely happy because of the chicken

Ready to feast on the chicken...

Oops...I forgot to make an entry about my short trip to the Grand Canyon. I will do that as soon as possible.

On the other hand, went kayaking Thursday morning which was great fun; however, I managed to drop and watch my phone sink to the bottom of the harbor. After brunch in Santa Monica, picked up my cousin Allison from school to have at quick lunch at Cafe Bolivar. Had a quick conversation before she had to go back to school. Went swimming at sunset rec, then went to the joint KCCCM meeting. For late night fellowship, Dnoh and I shared 3 dishes at Noodle Planet.

Friday was an awesome day because I went on a school field trip! For the first time since probably elementary school, I went on a field trip with my professor and urban planning class to the port of Los Angeles. The scale of activity was mind-boggling...cargo ships with countless containers and cranes that I would be very hesitant to even attempt to operate. On our boat tour we had a glimpse of a federal prison located at the port, and my highlight: a navy battleship and a princess cruise line ship side by side. Hilarious! It was a perfect representation of polarized Los Angeles. A person on a vacation with the cruise line and a military officer with commitments to national security...on the same water surface but in totally different situations. After the fun field trip, went home to play basketball with Albert and then ate dinner with JK, Cho, and Shalom at Honey Kettle.

Alright I need to get back to my midterm paper, so farewell for now.

Welcome to my neighborhood

Wilshire Blvd.

When I come this point, I get excited because I'm almost home.

There's Stevo walking to Subway.

I have seen people waiting at this corner waiting for a friend with a car to randomly come by and pick them up. The informal taxi stop.

This entry will be devoted to my neighborhood, the 'hood south of Wilshire.

When people ask UCLA students where they live, there are 3 typical responses.

1) Dorms

2) North of Wilshire

3) South of Wilshire

Each living area is distinct and carries pros and cons. Since this entry is dedicated to my area, I will explicate the area south of Wilshire.

Many stereotypes my neighborhood faces:

Cheaper rent.

Isolation from UCLA.

The unknown to many UCLA students.

Cheaper rent. Living south of Wilshire Blvd. entails many benefits and one of these benefits is more value rent. Rent is not really less than apartments to the north. Instead, apartments typically have more square footage, parking spaces, and are quiet due to the many families that live in the area. Let me be clear: my description of south of Wilshire is anywhere within walking distance of the Wilshire Shuttle. Anyways, yeah living down south gives you more value for your money (it ain't cheap).

Isolation from UCLA. There is a free shuttle provided by UCLA that operates from 7:30AM-5:30PM Monday-Friday that drops students off at campus. Just like at the dorms when you see the same people every day walking to classes when you go to classes, I see the same people when going to class by way of the shuttle. It gets crowded sometimes, but it's manageable. It is necessary to be kind to the drivers, as they will return the favor one day when you are running late and they stop just for you to get on the shuttle. You should be nice anyway, but it's an added bonus. Living south definitely puts you apart from campus as you must take a vehicle to campus (actually you can walk...it's only a mile...but nobody really does that). I definitely spend less time on campus as I know I can retreat to my cozy neighborhood to the south.

The unknown. I still don't know my neighborhood that well. There are so many restaurants and boutique chops that I end up resorting to those I know: La Choza, Mr. Noodle, Subway, Thai Fresh, and a couple others that I can't seem to remember. When I run around my neighborhood I am constantly amazed at the variety of housing and the serene neighborhood across Westwood Blvd. that houses an elementary school and unique houses. Basically, you can always be surprised down south.

While a bit detached from campus (that is probably my personal fault), I am very happy to be living at the apartments south of Wilshire Blvd. It definitely helps that I always run into friends who live in apartments close by. Actually, I know why I like living down here. It's because of the people around me.

It's not where you live, it's who you live with :)

Update-college years

I told my dog to sit and stay...he obeyed me for 5 seconds and then right when I took a picture he lunged forward. I caught him in an awkward moment.

My home is like a ranch. Random well in the middle of the lawn.

As I was about to leave home Sunday morning, my dad reminded me that I have one month left of school. 7 weeks to be exact, but it pretty much seems like a month. A couple more weeks and I will be finished with what I have heard is "the best time you will have." Time to evaluate that statement.

College encompasses a medley of experiences that I probably would never imagined I would have participated in when I graduated high school. When else am I going to break into a board meeting as a protester slamming trash can lids? When else am I going to slap the butt of an economics professor in England after a basketball game? When else am I going to be living in the Korean countryside while taking time off from school? When else am I going to be a reporter and get to interview Olympic athletes at press conferences? When else am I going to be able to help teach an undergraduate discussion section? When else am I going to be able to organize New York union leaders to lobby against an agricultural company? When else am I going to be able to meet a student with multiple patents, a student who won college jeopardy, and a future NBA player, all in the same day? But I will probably miss one thing the most. Living with around a great group of people and the small moments of playing basketball together, cooking together, laughing, watching random movies in the wee hours of the morning, and going out for late runs to the local Yoshinoya or McDonalds.

So, college is about to finish? Finally. As much as I loved college (wow such a crazy 4 years), it is time to move on.

I admit I don't have everything figured out. But this moment is not for speculation. This moment is to dwell in the moment. College is definitely what you make of it. God challenged me many times, and I am definitely not the same person I was 4 years ago. Some people may view me in the same manner, but I am at peace because it is a reminder of where I was and my foundation.

Although there are struggles now and in the past, the past 21 years have been great.