The Last Blog Post for 2011 & New Years Resolutions!

Happy New Year
my friends!

Time really has zoomed! Every year, on December 31, I usually make a "Pre New Years" post! There is approximately 20 minutes left before 2012 hits! (Right now it is 11:40pm...). I have named this post the "last post" of 2011 since from tomorrow on, all posts will be labeled with a new year! New Years always brings me mixed feelings.. from being reflective to having hope for the better.
My 2011 experience really had its ups and downs, but I think it has really helped shaped me as I am growing older. (^v^) I guess one of the highlights of 2011 was being able to experience World Youth Day 2011 that took place in Madrid this year. That pilgrimage allowed me to experience adventures I never would have imagined to experience!

New Years Resolutions... 

I don't have too big of a list but here it goes!
1. To be able to succeed academically!! (^u^)
2. To spend more time with family and friends
3. Less procrastination and keeping on track in school and work!
4. Staying fit and healthy
5. Keeping a close relationship with God
6. To have fun and always be happy
7. Travel to Korea and visit my awesome teacher Amy!
8. To presevere even when obstacles come my way!
9. Enjoy every adventure that awaits me day by day
10. To keep blogging!

Well, I'm gonna head off to get ready for the countdown at my place! I wish all visitors a very Happy New Year! May all your wishes come true! Let us all begin the new journey of adventures in 2012!!!

Cheers!
Little Stars

Happy New Year!!!
Picture credit: usmanarif74 @Photobucket

Restaurant Experience Gone Wrong #2

"Be Assertive, not Passive
because you'll only be
angry at yourself."

Okay. So how do I put this? I have no idea what is wrong with the restauraunts in my city this year. I have been encountering some pretty bad servers lately.... from the crappy experience I got from the Viet restaurant now to the Chinese Restaurant who claims they have a pretty good Hot Pot deal. NO. Because some big jerk FORCED us to pay him tips..... I mean the hot pot was buffet style, what service do you expect? My friends and I perhaps experienced the worst "ripped off" experience ever. SERIOUSLY. Yet at the same time, all four of us were so mad at ourselves for not standing up to that jerk (let's refer to him as Mr. Window for privacy concerns).

The night started out being extremely fun and great, we laughed and joked as we ate and we ate a lot of really good stuff like beef and fish o(^v^)o, and all the hot pot goodies. But when it came to the time to pay, MR. WINDOW wrecked the fun atmosphere. Without actually showing us a cheque, he points to a pink slip and says: "Each of you have to pay 24 dollars."
Of course, my awesome friend did speak up and said: "Isn't it only 19 dollars, so..."
"Oh yah yah, like plus a small fee." he continues.     [(>w<)--WTF]

Oh okay, a small fee, for what? Yet, we were all so stoked at his rude attitude, we eventually just gave him the money and left. I mean we did not want to cause a scene with so many people lined up to pay. There are many lessons I have learned from this experience.

A. DON'T pay with cash, cause the jerk probably just took the money for himself.

B. SPEAK UP! Being passive, like we were, only results us in being angry at ourselves, yet we were the victims.

I really hope someone goes and catches Mr. Window for his rudeness. I mean seriously, forcing people to pay you tips? MAN YOU ARE CHEAP.

Thank you all for listening to my rant!

Only 3 MORE DAYS till Christmas!
Little Stars

"I'm not gonna serve you." .... Well your service is not worth my money.

I don't know if any of you have experienced this or not, if you have how did you deal with it? If not, well this is a rant about an incident that happened at lunch today. I don't wanna mention where this restauraunt is or what it is called. So, I am just going to refer to it as Restaurant X and the jerk host as Mr. Y.

Friday, end of the working days, a time to chill; a time to go out for lunch.

It stopped snowing and was rather warm today so of course my lovely mother and I decided we would go to our favorite Pho place for lunch. Restaurant X, we were usual customers, their pho isn't the best but they're quick and fast in terms of serving. I don't specifically like or dislike the place, but after today I think I've jumped to the dislike side.

12:30pm, lunch hour. Probably the worst time to go for lunch. We stepped inside the restaurant seeing that it was packed with people. A large crowd was waiting in the extremely small entrance area. My mother, being a sweetie like she always is decided she would respectfully wait in line for her turn to get a table. She even held the door for others! But, today was not our day. Two men swiftly walked in and went straight ahead of us and registered their name on a list.

WAIT. A LIST? WHAT? WHEN DID THEY HAVE THIS POLICY? Remember, we are usual customers (o_o).

My mom, seeing this, obviously felt upset, she waited for so long and these two men line jumped. (>.<). right? So, my mom stepped up to the Mr. Y and said "Um sir, i was before those two gentlemen." He glared at my mom with disbelief and put his hand over the sign up sheet.

"No you weren't." he said.
"YES I was. Ask those two gentlemen" my mom replied.
With much disbelief, he asked the two men: "Was she before you guys."
For some odd reason those two men made it seem like my mom lined jump and unwillingly nodded their heads.

So Mr. Y unwillingly let my mom put her name above. My mom then made a suggestion to Mr. Y that they should make a sign saying "please sign up to wait for a table" and then told him: "You really shouldn't be acting like that, it was rude. Why would I lie about this?"

OKAY. That blew it. He got pissed and faked a chuckle. And then he made another extremely  rude comment about my mom that I didn't quite hear from the loud noise of the restaurant. Then, all I heard was my mom saying "SHUT UP." (uh oh.)

"You go then, if you're so unsatisfied, I'm not gonna serve you."
My mom, being a strong woman then said... "Well your service is not worth my money anyways." and we left.

It is funny isn't it? It was a simple problem from before, yet because of what they said to one another it became a major issue.

I am not saying I fully support my mom because well she did become quite angry at the guy. But I am definitely NOT supporting MR. Y either.

But just a personal thought: If we would just take a deep breath, and try to rephrase our words, maybe this problem would not have occured.

Conclusion to this incident? We're never gonna set foot in Restaurant X ever again.

Cheers!
Little Stars

Last Day of Fall Semester

Photo credit: Lettie6@Photobucket

Today has perhaps been the most touching day since the fall semester started back in September. Last year, first year of University, I didn't really enjoy it much since I went through much of a cultural shock. This year was different. I set new goals and new plans and went a different route. Let's just say I am quite glad I chose to do this because without this decision, I wouldn't have met such an amazing professor. I will not mention her name. but will only refer to her as Dr. P.

I only chose Sociology so that I could get a high GPA and that it transfers to the University I am applying to, since I want to switch to the nursing program there. I didn't expect very much of this class. The goals I had in mind at the very beginning were simple. Study. Do good. Get a good GPA. Done. However, after the first two weeks of Sociology, I began to fall in love with the class as my professor made it the best class of my whole semester.

Dr. P is a very different professor. She doesn't quite act like the usual professor. Rather, she treats her students like friends, engaging them in great group discussions and introduces them to new ideas and critical ways of thinking. She has great humor! Even though every Tuesday and Thursday, since the start of the semester, I would have to go from 8 AM morning class all the way to 5pm, sociology (even though it was late) was a class I never wanted to miss.

Today, our last class ended off with a very touching wrap up speech by Dr. P.
I will never forget what she said: "Go on and pursue the dream you have, I really hope all you do achieve them, it is okay to know your limits--don't be ashamed if you didn't achieve them when you have tried your best", "when the curve ball comes and hits you, get back up and go back on the treadmill!" She ended off with tears in her eyes.

Last year, when I was in the nursing program at the university I am in right now, I wasn't having a very good year, I didn't meet very nice professors. Hearing Dr. P say that I felt deeply touched, it seemed like she knew what we as students were going through. All the stress and disappointments and high expectations. Dr. P will always be one of the professors I will remember nad forever respect. Thank you ,Dr. P, you are an amazing woman, teacher, and nurse!

Good luck to all who have finals coming up!
Little Stars

Exams. Christmas Shopping. Sleep Deprived

December is really a month of stress!

"It's beginning to look a lot like STRESSMAS, everywhere you go!"

It's so true isn't it? I am sure many university or college students would agree with me. December is no doubt one of the busiest months of the whole year. Students, like myself are stressing out about exams and applications, Christmas shopping, and worse of all, we don't get enough sleep! o(>.<)o


Don't get me wrong, I love the Christmas season, REALLY! But, I guess with the fact that I have exams before the actual holiday, it really gives me migraines. I recently heard on the radio that many people are prone to suffer from depression during this time due to all the stress that the holiday season brings. NO KIDDING!

When the Christmas season hits a lot of people are "sucked" into the preparation from buying gifts to decorating the house, to hosting parties. MAN, with all of that, there is seriously not enough time to catch up on sleep...let alone have exams on top of all of that. YUCK!

So I just want to wish all my fellow university/ college readers good luck on your exams! And yes, have a very Merry Christmas!

Little Stars

Still Counting....

On the previous post, I may have mentioned about my exciting trip to Spain this coming August. Well including today, I have exactly 15 days left before I bored the plane and make my first trip to Europe. The only thing I am worried about right now is that I haven't started packing yet! According to the list of 'things to bring' I have A LOT to pack. But then the Summer weather I am having in the city right now is just too gorgeous to ditch and pack for hours! *Haha* well wish me luck that I will be able to get well prepared for this Pilgrimage!

Happy Summer Everyone!
Little Stars

Traveling to Spain Soon!

You may not believe how excited I am... in about 2 weeks or so I will be making my FIRST EVER pilgrimage/trip to Europe--Portugal/ Spain. I will be traveling with a group of church friends to participate in this year's World Youth Day. Stay tuned on my blog as I will upload pictures and posts about this amazing and blessed trip.

Have a great day!
Little Stars

When Music Touches Your Heart.......

To be honest, I never really pay attention to the Indie bands of the Kpop music industry. But this one amazing music group has really captured my attention. Recently, I clicked on the "Standing Egg" music playlist fround on the Jenpoo music site, and I was extremely amazed at the wonderful music that was on the playlist. It was a real treat to my ears. "Standing Egg" is an indie group composed of 3 members--Egg 1, Egg 2 and Egg 3. Clover is in charge of vocals along with Han Kyul. Hana is in charge of the Djembe.This trio consists of 2 composers and one writer . Egg 3 is the one who writes and produces all of their originals. Occasionally, they have other singers such as Windy featured in their songs. The first song that I got really attached to is "사랑한대" I believe it translates to "One Love" (apologies if this is wrong!!). This song gives to you a strong "summery" and care free feeling. I listened to this song while I walked home from the movies last week. It really matched the weather that day.....sunny,blue sky, with puffy white clouds here and there. It really made the walk home a fun one!

The second one I also really like is "앓이" I believe this translates to "Ache". This song is a more mellow, yet powerful song that really touched my heart. Somehow, I feel that this song has that Japanese kind of feeling to it-especially the chorus. The chorus kind of has the 'Kobukuro" style to it. I really really enjoy listening to this song. It paints a very soft picture of a girl waiting in a place full of nature--like flying flower petals and trees. This group sure makes easy listening and "fresh" tunes. Since the end of the university winter semester. I was stuck in quite a bit of dilemma of decisions on what I really wanted, and what was fit for me. I am glad I stumbled upon Standing Egg--their music has been a real relaxing tool for me through my stressful times. Have a listen to my two favorites from them! I have featured them on my blog. Be sure to check out their MV's and other music on their official YouTube channel "StandingEGG"! They just recently released a mini album full of originals and covers! Check out the audio videos there! As we all journey towards our own goals, let us take the time to relax and enjoy the Summer days!

Enjoy your Summer Everyone!
Little Stars

幸福就是這麽簡單的.....

常常在電視看一些偶像劇, 都會提到「幸福」這樣奇細的東西。可是, 那些劇都只會用男女之間的愛情來形容幸福是什麽一會事。所以, 很多年輕都以為要找到愛你的 另一半才算找到真正的幸福。因此, 我們這些年輕人都常常忽略我們的家人和真心關心我們的朋友給的愛。 剛過去的長週末, 我和我的家人到了唐人街吃火鍋 還 到 Downtown 裡面的「王子島」公園散步,拍照、和打鞦韆。今年我巳經 快十九歲了, 越來越少機會與家人出去玩.....當我在鞦韆上看見爸媽和弟在笑的時候, 我心裡怱然感到非常溫暖和開心。我在擺來擺去的鞦韆上望著藍藍的天空想到了祂....祂真的要愛我....祂賜給了我一個開心和暖的家........ 一對一路支持我愛護的父母和一個可愛的弟弟。我還能要求什麽呢?

昨天, 我還能够與教會幾個好朋友一起去吃飯和看電影。在今天的社會中, 能認識幾個好友是非常難的。友情是一種奇細的東西! 它能把人與人之間的距離拉近! ^_____^

真的, 想一想, 我其實真的已經有很多真貴的「禮物」了....上主讓我知道「幸福」不只是男女之間的愛情。真正的幸福是很簡單的.....只要有你能够與最關心你的家人和朋友一起努力過每一天經足够了。

幸福的「福」字
我記得在我教會裡的烏執事曾經有一個 Homily, 裡面有提到幸福的「福」字是怎麽形成的..... 他說過「福」字就一個很有意思的字因為「福」是由「ネ」字邊加一個「一」字、一個「口」字、和一個「田」字---意思就是:要得到「福」是要由祂賜的----因為「福」就是「神給我一口田」的意思。要找到真正的幸福就要信賴於祂。

願主的愛常常與你們同在!
Little Stars

天梯

如可　找個荒島向未來避開生活中那些苦惱如冬天欠電爐　雙手擁抱　可跟天對賭無論有幾高　就如絕路隔絕塵俗只想要跟你可終老來跨出那地圖　不需好報　都只想你好能共你　沿途來爬天梯　不用忌諱中傷流言全悍衛留住你　旁人如何話過不可一世問我亦無愧　有你可失去我一切

幾多對　持續愛到幾多歲
當生命　仍能為你豁出去
千夫所指裡　誰理登不登對　
仍挽手歷盡在世間興衰
幾多對　能悟到幾多精髓 能撐　下去　
竭力也要為愛盡瘁 抱緊一生未覺累

前方　仍然大霧到懸崖或海邊也許永不知道能相擁到白頭　一起偕老　不跟天鬥高前面有幾高　一片荒土
每步隨著攀登叫雙手都粗糙從崎嶇這路途　開墾給你　可走得更好能共你　沿途來爬天梯　黑夜亦亮麗
於山頭同盟洪海中發誓留住你　旁人如何　話過不可一世問我亦無愧　有你可以　拆破這天際

幾多對　持續愛到幾多歲
當生命　仍能為你豁出去
千夫所指裡　誰理登不登對　
仍挽手歷盡在世間興衰
幾多對　能悟到幾多精髓 能撐　下去　
竭力也要為愛盡瘁 抱緊一生未覺累

握著手　而幸福包圍泥牆簡陋牽著走　懷著勇氣至愛得永久

幾多對　持續愛到幾多歲
不轟烈 如何做世界之最
千夫所指裡　誰理登不登對
仍挽手歷盡在世間興衰
幾多對　能悟到幾多精髓 能撐　下去　
竭力也要為愛盡瘁 抱緊一生未覺累

幾多對　持續愛到幾多歲
當生命　仍能為你豁出去

A Song and Prayer to all my Friends......

I am currently spending most of my time studying and preparing for exams. To be honest, I am quite nervous. I find that I am somewhat a procrastinator........therefore, I especially want to pray today. I pray that God will give me strength to be able to do well on my exams and to stay focus when studying. During my break today, I stumbled onto a very beautiful song about praying to our almighty Lord. I though I might share it on the blog today.

Below are the lyrics to this amazing and touching song...

禱告 I Pray

禱告 因為我們渺小
禱告 因為我知道 我需要 明瞭 祢心意對我們重要
禱告 以假裝不了
禱告 因為祢的愛我需要 祢關懷 我走過的祢都明白
有些是我只想要對祢說 因祢比任何人都愛我
痛苦從眼中流下 我知道祢為我擦
再早晨我也要來對祢說 主耶穌今天我為祢活
所需要的力量
祢天天賜給我
祢恩典夠我用

To all my fellow university friends, good luck on all of your exams!

*The song is currently featured on my blog! Enjoy!!!

God Bless!
Little Stars

A Message that would Brighten Your Day

On a day when stress of a midterm exam makes you want to "rip your hairs out" you wouldn't expect anything can cheer you up.......
Except today, I was able to experience such a little surprise. During the summer of 2009, my close friend and I were very fortunate to meet a personal teacher who taught us Korean. Our lessons lasted till Christmas of that same year (when she went back to Korea). Not only did this amazing teacher teach us how to read and write Hanguel, she even told us many of the traditions and fun things we would be able to find in Korea. This amazing teacher has become one of our greatest friend! However, due to busy school schedules, we were unable to keep in touch for at least a year! Until last week, I took the initiative and tried emailing her again--not expecting a reply since I had no idea whether or not she used the same email.

This morning, while I was still facing some great stress for my exam and not having a very good day to start, as I opened my email account, an email from this awesome teacher/friend arrived.
Although the email was not a very long one, it become one that was very dear to my heart as well as my close friend's heart. It really cheered our day up! Just a small message can really become a small surprise treat for us!

To our most amazing teacher: Thank you Amy for your special email message!

Cheers!
Little Stars

Working. Learning.

Hello Everyone,
Today has been a rather tough day at school I should say. Every Thursday I am unfortunately trapped at school for 12 full hours working like there is no tomorrow on school work >.<. Unfortunately, my usual Thursdays didn't end off like I wanted it to..... I really hope next week will be better... but then....

Next week is once again that "SUPER" stressful week of midterms for my nursing courses. I am seriously extremely nervous about my two tests. I pray to do well :] and well I hope that whatever happened during my lab today won't carry through to the weekend and affect my studying. It is just so sad how one thing happens and it kinda destroys your whole mood.....

But well I must say, Geek's version of "officially Missing You" is really making me relax a bit though I am still recovering from my "anger" at what happened during my lab today at school. I have featured the song on my blog. I have a very strong feeling that Geeks will become a very successful group of talented Rappers and Singers in the Korean music industry.
I just hope the continuous guitar instrumental and relaxing beats will ease my unhappiness and anxiety! Oh and another thing that is really cheering me up is the amazingly cute "Bears Bread" picture. Have a look!

Cheers!
Little Stars

Third week at University-- Second semester

*Ah* after a relaxing break filled with laughter and joy mixed with the Christmas spirit, I am now back at school working and striving towards success--or so I hope. Hmmm thoughts about the new semester ahead. I WANT TO DO WELL! The first semester went by rather slow and difficult with the "cultural shock" transition in place. But well I believe this new semester will be much better.

In a week or so (I think) it will be Chinese New Year-- the year of the Rabbit! I cannot wait to blog about the adventures I will have this Chinese New Year! In the meantime I hope everyone will have a wonderful week ahead of them!

Cheers!
Little Stars