September 30, 2002
I've got my Lifehouse CD on as I type this... I'm liking it. A lot! :o) One can learn much (lyrics and melody) in two days! If only I can apply all this to, oh, say psychology, accounting, French, history, computer science...
Came back from watching the season premiere of Third Watch an hour ago... AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME! I'm glad they kept up with the action for the most part, and showed almost everybody (Kim??? Alex???). Don't want to give too much away, and besides, I've posted my thoughts on 3rdwatch.net. I will say that the new Emily is a great actress... look forward to seeing more of her soon. Most of all, I got to see Bosco. All is right with the world! :o) I do hope they'll do some Bosco-centred eps this season, but of course he got tonnes of air time last season. We'll see...
Oh yeah, I also went to Embassy before watching Third Watch at the community centre. That was an awesome service, as usual. Interestingly enough, the topic was on revolution... just enforces everything I posted in part two yesterday. We really need to put some action into words now.
Well, I really should get back to doing my psych notes, which I'm working on hard. Take care, and study for your midterms, people!
September 29, 2002, part two
Okay... I officially enjoy my Lifehouse CD. :o) It's on the 9th track - Take Me Away - and that's an awesome song. There are other cool ones too... but I will let you know all about that when I get familiar with them.
Anyways, just had the urge to write about how awesomely amazing Waterloo is, with respect to the Christian community. This place is brimming with Christians from all races, and it just blows my mind. I've never been to any place where there are at least six Christian fellowships and more than four churches to attend. Is God working in this place or what?
Back in high school, I was restricted to WAY (which still rocks... I love that fellowship) and the one and only Christian Club at Streetsville, which consisted of Betsy and myself for the most part. It was pretty cool near the end of that when the Chinese pastor from Nie's church came and ministered to us, and the attendance upped from two to four people. It was hard to feel revival, although I do remember Christian Club leaving me in awe as we worshipped with fellow students and prayed and shared right on school property.
Here in Waterloo, church and fellowship is being integrated into my life more and more. There are small groups (so many of them too) to join, which I have yet to do, not to mention Sunday service and Embassy on Mondays. I feel that the people attending church here aren't forced to go - especially at Elevation and Embassy. University students no longer have the parental push to go to church, and those who do attend go with a sincere and seeking heart. It's just awesome to hear the stories of so many other people and their spiritual journeys, and to share my own when appropriate. I'm definitely drawing closer to God.
It's exciting to have met so many new people here at Waterloo - and so many of them being fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. All of them so loving and so caring, especially for us froshies. I guess it's real easy to get enclosed in the Christian community and forget to spread the love and fun and joy and peace to all those around us who are seeking for something more in life.
I remember thinking that revival belongs to the high school students back in the WAY - and it still belongs to them. But now, coming to Waterloo, I feel that revival belongs to my generation too - the university students who have the chance, if not greater than that of high school students - of spreading God's love to the multitudes of lost on campus. The call is strong... but will we answer?
End of introspection. Let's have a...
Song of the Moment
This time all I want is you
There is no one else who can take your place
This time you burned me with your eyes
You see past all the lies
You take it all away
I've seen it all and it's never enough
It keeps leaving me needing you
Take me away
Take me away
I've got nothing left to say
Just take me away
I try to make my way to you
But still I feel so lost
I don't know what else I can do
I've seen it all and it's never enough
It keeps leaving me needing you
Take me away
Take me away
I've got nothing left to say
Just take me away
Don't give up on me yet
Don't forget who I am
I know I'm not there yet
But don't let me stay here alone
This time all I want is you
There is no one else who can take your place
This time you burned me with your eyes
You see past all the lies
You take it all away
I've seen it all and it's never enough
It keeps leaving me needing you
Take me away
Take me away
I've got nothing left to say
Just take me away
"Take Me Away", Lifehouse (from Stanley Climbfall)
A lovely song that, in my mind, reflects my own spiritual journey. Not quite there yet, but He there and He touches me. These guys are amazing! Reminds me of some of the poems I've written...
September 29, 2002, part one
Just started my second spin on my brand new Lifehouse CD - Stanley Climbfall. I didn't hear any especially catchy tunes in the first spin, maybe except Spin (so many spins, but that's the actually title of the song!), which follows the formula of a really upbeat song for the first track. The first few songs reminded me of Delirious? - actually, Spin is playing right now, and the bridge and ending sounds like it was ripped out of a song from Delirious?' Glo. There isn't really a slow ballad-y song like "Everything", which is my favourite track from No Name Face, but perhaps the second listen will yield something that will stick in my head. I do enjoy the play between major and minor notes within many of the songs, which if I remember correctly, doesn't really happen in their first album. Oh yeah, and some of the song names reminds me of other Christian song titles (Sky Is Falling reminds me of Third Day's Sky Falls Down, and Take Me Away is also a song by Delirious?), although the songs themselves sound quite different.
Yesterday, I went to watch The Four Feathers. It was a very intriguing film, and at parts, it is quite thought provoking. Don't want to give too much of it away, but the relationship between Harry and Jack must have been really great that they were both able to make the same sacrifice. If I was placed in the same position, I don't know if I'd be able to decide as they did. I liked how they drew parallels between the enemies (British and Maudis), since the human experience is the same when you boil all the details down (right, Mr. Laudenbach??). And of course there is the whole thing about Harry's decisions. Although he quits the army and is viewed as a coward, his decision to carry it through proves him as another sort of hero, the type that goes against the grain. And the rescuing of his friends... if I were him, I think I would have moved away to a different place and that would be about it. The ending was slightly unrealistic, although happy. But who knows, given the relationship between Harry and Jack, I guess it's possible. It's not really an Oscar worthy film, but not badly made at all. The acting is decent, and it doesn't get cheesy or unbalanced. Well, maybe it deserves SOME Oscar nods, although I don't really know which ones. Of course, I still enjoy Heath Ledger's acting (once again, he's the reason why I watched the movie in the first place... he has a knack for picking decent roles), though he might have frowned and grunted one too many times.
Well, that's it for now. It's been quite lengthy though! Okay... gotta get back to my homework. Seriously!
September 24, 2002
Had some yummy pitas from the pita place in the plaza on University - and the nice thing about it was that it was delivered! I think we're gonna make it a weekly ritual, to have some sort of delivered food. Everyone enjoyed the pitas, which is good since it wasn't exactly cheap.
I went to a church service yesterday. "Monday?," you say. Yes, Monday, and more people showed up to that than Elevation. Those of you who know about Monday night services at UW know that it's none other than The Embassy, the energetic, youth oriented services. It was awesome... worship was great, the message was relevant, and the crowds were amazing. It's great to see God working so powerfully on campus at UW - to see Him draw out so many youth (I'm guessing almost 1000 people counting both services) on a school night just blows me away. I'm definitely going back to it, even if it means missing a bit of the beginning of Third Watch! ;o) God, after all, is more important than any earthly thing.
Well, on that happy note, I'm gonna go back to reading my psych textbook. And I thought I would escape science... take care, y'all!
SONG OF THE MOMENT
Don't sit under the apple tree with anyone else but me
Anyone else but me, anyone else but me
No! No! No!
Don't sit under the apple tree with anyone else but me
Till I come marchin' home
Don't go walkin' down Lover's Lane with anyone else but me
Anyone else but me, anyone else but me
No! No! No!
Don't go walkin' down Lover's Lane with anyone else but me
Till I come marchin' home
I just got word from a guy who heard from the guy next door to me
The girl he met just loves to pet and it fits you to-a-tee
So, don't sit under the apple tree with anyone else but me
Till I come marchin' home
Don't give out with those lips of yours to anyone else but me
Anyone else but me, anyone else but me
No! No! No!
Watch the girls on the foreign shores, you'll have to report to me
When you come marchin' home
Don't hold anyone on your knee, you better be true to me
You better be true to me, you better be true to me
Don't hold anyone on your knee, you're gettin' the third degree
When you come marchin' home
You're on your own where there is no phone and I can't keep tab on you
Be fair to me, I'll guarantee this is one thing that I'll do
I won't sit under the apple tree with anyone else but you
Till you come marchin' home
Don't sit under the apple tree with anyone else but me
I know the apple tree is reserved for you and me
And I'll be true till you come marchin' home
"Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree (With Anyone Else But Me)", Glenn Miller, Lew Brown, Charles Tobias and Sam H. Stept (from Chattanooga Choo Choo - The #1 Hits)
Just so happens that I was listening to my Glenn Miller CD when I was doing this update. :o) It's nice music to listen to any time. I also chose it because it has a war theme to it. Here's a little blurb of the song that I found online while looking for the lyrics: "Lyrics as recorded in New York City on February 18, 1942 by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra (two months after the attack
on Pearl Harbor)." (from LyricsXP.com)
September 22, 2002
Went to Elevation today for Sunday service. Not bad. It was smaller than I expected, but that's okay. It's a nifty idea to talk about the sermon with other congregation members afterwards because it will probably sink in better with everyone. I think I'm going to have to decide between CFC and Elevation for Sunday services. I'm not too keen on going to KWCAC - kind of want to get away from the Chinese church scene. Besides, I still have MCBC which is my home. :o)
Anyways, they apparently played some new Lifehouse song at Elevation today. I love Lifehouse! They are awesome. I didn't even know they came out with a new album until last week. I guess they kept it pretty low profile. I think I'm going to invest in buying "Stanley Climbfall". Anyways, that made me stick in my "No Name Face" CD. And out came the song of the moment. Anyways, I better get back to my studying. Take care!
SONG OF THE MOMENT
Find me here
Speak to me
I want to feel you
I need to hear you
You are the light
That is leading me
To the place where
I find peace again
You are the strength
That keeps me walking
You are the hope
That keeps me trusting
You are the life to my soul
You are my purpose
You are everything
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how can it be any better than this?
You calm the storms
You give me rest
You hold me in your hands
You won't let me fall
You still my heart
And you take my breath away
Would you take me in?
Would you take me deeper now?
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how can it be any better than this?
'Cause you're all I want
You are all I need
You are everything
Everything
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how can it be any better than this?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
"Everything", Lifehouse (from No Name Face)
This is my favourite song by a secular artist. But I'm convinced that the song is talking about Jesus and how he's the life to our souls, he calms the storm, he holds us in his hands... my friend also said that it was played at their church. I guess Lifehouse is pretty much a Christian band under a secular label. They are awesome, and this song is amazing. :o)
September 21, 2002
All alone in my townhouse right now snacking (what else?) on some bits and bites... it's peaceful, although the commotion can be enjoyable too.
Let's see... this week has been alright. The Survivor night BBQ was not bad... it's cool to see a residence unified for a single show. But of course I skipped out on the show part and joined in with Campus Crusades for their campfire which was fun. Thanks for taking me, Jasmine!
Got a little bit depressed after French class yesterday... did I choose the right school, the right program? But I'm gonna leave that to God's hands. It was awesome talking to Liz after CCF last night... thanks for sharing your time with me! Running home in a thunderstorm was scary, but that's okay. Oh, and thanks Eric for the ride home!
This morning was cool... I should say afternoon. Headed to St. Jacob's Farmer's Market with a bunch of girls from CLT. Needless to say, we all bought stuff back... mostly food items, which always look so appealing cuz it's so fresh! I'd give you all a bit of the nectarines that I bought but too bad you're not here! :o) Can't believe I actually bought some veggies and bread there, but it's all good. I hope it doesn't go bad. Thanks for walking around with me, Jasmine!
Anyways, I REALLY should do homework now. No way I can avoid it, if I really want to stay in the applied studies program! Take care...
SONG OF THE MOMENT
It's difficult to say goodbye after only one life
The rain will fall down replenishing all of our broken dreams
And this burning tree that's withering will bloom again
Would you believe
Goodbye, goodbye
Walk away it's time to say goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye
Walk away it's hard to say goodbye
Now all that's left are pictures on the walls
Memories and stories that are told
The more often told, the bigger they get
Create a legacy, lest we forget
Goodbye, goodbye
Walk away, it's time to say goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye
Walk away, it's time to say
No longer can I hold onto this defeated change in heart
It's time to sing "fare thee well" to life as we know it
My voice it will be
Know I will be
Yes it will be still
Something woke me up in the midst of dream and fantasy
Halfway there but He always fills my cup
And He lifts me up, oh how He lifts me up
Goodbye, goodbye
Walk away, it's time to say goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye
Walk away, it's time to say goodbye
I never took the time to stop and realize
That death takes many forms
Even while alive
"Goodbye", Plankeye (from Relocation)
One of the most beautiful songs ever written. Poetic lyrics that ring true, and a gorgeous melody I've loved from the start. Find a copy and listen to it!
September 17, 2002
Well, Imaginus is here at school and I bought two posters - one called "Kissing The War Goodbye" from after WWII and the other is of Grand Central Station in 1930. I guess I really like vintage photography, especially from the war time era. I've been trying (not to hard) to get my hands on vintage war posters, and there was one on display in the SLC, but it wasn't all that nice. But then again, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So now I have $14 plus tax worth of posters adorning my dorm wall. A waste of money? Hmm...
School is going fine and dandy. It's nice to be able to come home between classes to do some homework, eat, or nap. Classes are okay too... judging from the fact that I always tackle my French homework first, I guess I do enjoy that class, although the teachers are from France! Psych is alright - it has yet to hit some interesting topics (unless you find methodolgy intriguing). CS 100 goes really slowly, but hopefully that means higher marks! I think the meat in ACC 131 is yet to come... maybe when I have class later today. And HIST 106... I really enjoyed the documentary from last week. It'll be nice to watch another one again this week!
Well, I should go off to make some lunch now. Nothing fancy... just some instant vermicelli (I really don't like instant noodles). Take care!
September 10, 2002
Can you believe the cleaning staff has already been to our house to clean it? It's been less than two weeks! Oh well... that's okay. Onto the academics (which is actually more important!)... it's going well, surprisingly. I guess I actually did secretly, subconciously prepare myself for university. In part due to all those upper years "sharings" at various church functions. Thanks guys! It's helped... we'll keep it up!
Oh yes, back to courses. I've had almost all of them, minus "Canada & War in the 20th Century" tomorrow night. I think I'm gonna be the only Chinese girl in that class... it seriously sounds like something only guys are interested in. I heard my prof is good though... I sure hope so! French is a bit scary since the teacher rants off in French non-stop. Which is expected though... it IS FR 192A for people with French education background. Management is sort of fun... we learn things like how to the wave, and other complex issues of life. :o) The teacher is great in that class... he also happens to be an elder of Community Fellowship Church, the church I went to on Sunday. CS 100 is alright... reminds me of DIC 2A0 when we learned how to use PCs. Except we learn to use iMacs. Hope it'll be a mark boosting class. Psych is cool... the things you learn are fun and very interesting. Michelle and I found out we're dumber than a gorilla named Koko. How fun... ;o)
Anyways, besides class, I managed to find time to go the Weather Network site to get me a new weather button - for the city of Waterloo, Ontario, my new home. It's been nasty hot lately. Horrendous when you the walk to class is 20+ minutes, and you gotta do it a few times a day. Oh well... cool weather is promised for the next few days. Need it, need it, need it!
Okay, all for now. I gotta go homework assignment hunting on the UW website and handouts now (one thing I need to get used to about university!). Oh yeah, before I leave, check out the new Waterloo section I made for frosh and other newbies! Take care!
PS: Can you believe tomorrow's the anniversary of September 11th? It seems like yesterday we were watching the planes crash into the World Trade Center. I seriously hope nothing like that will ever happen again.
September 6, 2002
Black Light Night rages outside... I hear screams of enjoyment 2 in the morning! Anyways, before school kicks in, I visited Dollmaker to make some dolls! Hehe... probably a luxury I can't afford when my courses start. Let's see... I have psych, history (Canada and War in the 20th Century... actually deals with how Canada is a nation shaped by war - or at least the text deals with that - interesting, since we've all grown up to learn that Canada is a "sissy" nation which is all about peacekeeping), management (being an accounting course, I hope I do alright because I've never done accounting before!), French (which I'm freaked about... kinda wishing I took German or something else instead) and CS (just 100... nothing big and fancy). I hope it'll be alright.
Worrying about classes asides, I also went to my first CCF Friday night meeting. With all the precautions in my head (it's too big, you won't fit in...), I actually enjoyed my time there. Probably because it felt a lot like WAY (everyone's CHINESE! not that Waterloo has like 0.1% Chinese population or whatever with the well-known computer science and engineering programs... that would be my faculty though, which would be arts) and it just felt familiar. I met some new people there, even some from my far off CLT (actually, lots of people that I met or that I know are living there for some odd reason... there or UWP). The Bible study was kinda quiet, but that's something I'm used to as well, not that it's good or anything. I'll definitely head back there next week to check out an "official" CCF night.
Oh yes, just updated my food section with the new yummy of experimental edibles. Yes, food can be played with, contrary to the popular belief. In my mind, anyways.
Well, I should get some sleep now. My last weekend before classes start are here... gotta enjoy it, ya know? Take care, and get out there and meet people, fellow froshies. And remember: Water! Water! Water! Loo! Loo! Loo! (Don't groan... have pride!)
September 5, 2002
Hello all! Finally able to come online... I would have on the first, but I was busy packing everything and getting stuff ready for university. Then the days in between were spent *trying* to get onto ResNet and finally got it fixed today! :o) As I suspected, my computer has many, many ugly and untold troubles.
Frosh week has been good... some stuff were a little too long, but all in all it was okay. Not that it's over... I should be getting ready for Monte Carlo tonight. Yeah...
Well, on that note. See you later! Take care!