Hi, everyone!  Wow, does anyone even use Xanga anymore?  I sure don't ... looks like I haven't posted anything since 2005.  How's that for a hiatus?  I think I deserve some kind of prize, don't you?

A lot's changed in three years.  I finished up my Servant Partners internship and have since returned to USC.  Not that this will come as a surprise to anyone, but MEDICAL SCHOOL IS INSANE.  (I'm shocked that I even have time to be writing this, but honestly, I think I needed a break after hours of studying human genitalia and excretory systems.  Yes, we're in the fun part of the book right now.)  Fortunately, I still have the same guy in my life, and he's helped keep me sane.  I mean Jesus, of course.  Oh yeah, Ryan's still here too.  He's still white, by the way.  Some days he even looks a little like Viggo Mortensen.  Not a bad thing.

Overall, I'm doing well.  God continues to challenge me in ways big and small, and I'm really grateful for all that he's been teaching me and the ways He's blessed me.  Anyway, in case someone is reading this (and assuming it's not a stalker ), send me an e-mail sometime -- chances are I haven't seen or talked to you in a while, and I'd love to catch up!

I'm back in L.A.!  It's actually not that weird being back, probably because I've been going back and forth between Socal and Norcal pretty regularly with job interviews and various other reasons.  But still, it's good to be home.  Yup, L.A.'s my home, I've accepted it.  Especially since I'll be more immersed in the city than ever over the next two years, thanks to Servant Partners.  Man, scary.

I had to say goodbye to the kids and all my co-workers last week, and it was pretty sad.  (Oh, in case you didn't know, I've been working full-time over the summer as a counselor at a community center ... sorry, I don't update enough!)  It was like Bresee all over again, only this time I was getting paid.  Hehehe, I love money ...  ... j/k.  It was a great experience overall, but also tough.  I had to deal with a surprising amount of office politics.  I guess it comes up everywhere, even at non-profits that are supposedly in the business of helping people who are underprivileged.  I kept having to remind myself that God is present no matter how petty people get (myself included, of course!).

On a final note, I thought this story would be amusing, especially to those of you who think for some reason that I'm a walking replica of Jen Blue.  I was hanging out with Jen and Kevin a couple nights ago, and we treated ourselves to some mudslides.  Yes, I know, I should have learned my lesson after the apple martini puking incident.  But I haven't.  Anyway, a mudslide is basically vanilla ice cream blended with vodka and different liqueurs ... really good but really strong.  Of course I turned beet-red after taking the first sip, but Jen chugged hers down and didn't even change color!  So for those of you who say I'm like Jen Blue, this proves that I am not.  =P

Currently Watching Far From Heaven By Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid, Dennis Haysbert see related

Wow, it's been a really long time since I've updated this thing.  Sorry everyone!  I know I'm a slacker.    But you have to admit, I've been really, really good about commenting on everybody else's Xangas ... even if some of those people have only given me abuse in return (thanks Sarah Cha! ).

I've been back at home in Palo Alto for about a month now, and it's been REALLY BORING ... I miss all of you so much!!!  But I'm really excited because Preston's coming back, and he and the seniors are gonna come up and visit me!!!!   I can't wait.  Seriously, you don't know what it's like being stuck up here with Pat.   Haha, just kidding Pat.  I love you.

Anyways, I meant to write about this a long time ago, before graduation/job hunt/Servant Partners stuff took up all my time.  I recently watched the movie "Far From Heaven" (I sat in on a film class ... thanks Justin!). I really didn't know what to expect, but ... oh my gosh ... it turned out to be one of the best movies I've ever seen in my life.    I was just so moved the whole entire time, especially by Julianne Moore's performance ... seriously, I was almost crying at the end.

I think it's because the movie has a lot to do with justice issues, like racism, that resonate really deeply with me.  You all should watch it ... I have the DVD if you ever wanna borrow it. 

OK, I have to go now.  Pat's having some sort of allergic reaction to this medicine he's taking and he needs me to rub this weird cream on his rash.   Haha, I guess that's what big sisses are for.

I didn't realize it but this living out of a suitcase thing is really taxing.  Why do they kick us out of the dorms?    For now, I'm staying at Kat's place, which is in a really cute corner in La Sorbonne.  thanks, kat

If it weren't for being a vagabond, I would love this part of the year because we're done with everything, and besides, campus is really peaceful.  This time it's kinda sad though because things will never be the same!!!  My roomie of three years has left me!!!!  I don't know what I'm going to do with myself.  Maybe I'll just cry myself to sleep every night.   

Well, I'm sure that God has a plan for my new roomie (I'm getting a random) so I'm kinda curious to see who he ends up bringing.  You can all pray that I will get a good new roomie .