So I rang in the new year at my cousin's house with a glass of champagne. I was playing Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 with them on the Wii, and after our glass and seeing Mariah "Mimi" Carey truly live out that 40 is the new 20 at the New Year celebration in New York, we continued to play Wii for another hour and a half. I woke up this morning with a ridiculously sore right arm.
I want to reminisce a little about 2007 before moving on to what I expect from 2008. I spent New Year's at Urbana in St. Louis, Missouri last year. I was with my friend Marlon, and other students from Davis, and it was one of the most powerful, heartbreaking, and resolving worship sets that I have experienced. The beginning of 2007, also was an end to feeling I had for another person, which was good, because the feelings were getting in the way of what I needed to do and what God needed me to do. It is actually pretty funny looking back at it now; it feels like such a long time ago. Also imagining myself as a whirlwind of emotions, while losing sleep over this person.
Around spring time of 2007, things were starting to work out between me and the two brothers that I was serving with. We finally were trying to support each and understand each other in order to be leaders for fellowship. Leadership selection for the following school year was a long and difficult process, and teaching new core my responsibilities was kind of hard. Since I was accustomed to performing my tasks and responsibilities, it was a bit difficult to let go. Also during Spring break, my senior class in fellowship went on a cruise to Mexico. I was 173 lbs before, and I came back around 187 lbs. I was basically the trash can for Jamie, even though we "shared" our food. The cruise was also the jump off of the clubbing phase of my undergraduate career.
Every Thursday night, the group would hit up Cantina and dance till 2 in the morning. It was pretty ridiculous. It was always sweaty, and some people would have a bit too much to drink which led to a few laughs later that night. Marlon, Jamie, Michelle D., and Crystal hooked me up with a huge birthday party where everyone from the fellowship somewhat celebrated my birthday at Santa Rosa House. I had 5 cakes that week: one from my mother, aunt, Shawn, and two from the big party. Once Michelle turned 21, two weeks later, clubbing was automatic on Thursdays. I don't regret going out so many times, but in retrospect there were two things that it took a toll on.
I ended up not passing my microbiology class (well at the same time, I didn't really like the class and I didn't really study for it.), and the time spent with my housemates, Adam, Ethan, and Michelle (Adam's girlfriend) diminished. But, honestly some of the best times I had in college were with my housemates because we lived together all 3 years we were living in an apartment. We had so many stories that we still talk about today and laugh.
Graduation was surreal. I danced across the stage to shake hands with the chancellor. It was a one time opportunity. I knew my parents and family would be surprised, but I was like "why not?" I know some of my friends and my dad captured it on video. The weather was HOT. It was uncomfortable with the black gown, 2 leis, and a dress shirt and tie. But I was glad that my family was able to come to my graduation, it definitely felt that it was a turning point and that these people wanted to see me finish this chapter and move on to the next part of my life.
My regret was starting work right after I graduated. I placed a lot of pressure on myself to learn quick and become dependable, but I was naive to how much responsibility was I going to have. I also didn't know the expectations and commitment to the amount of hours I would be working. So when all my friends were hanging out over the summer, or looking for jobs, I was not able to hang out and had to work. Meeting my co-workers was cool. I don't know if I am a great judge of character, but I knew two co-workers would be a lot more relaxed and probably fun to work with.
Also leaving college, my spiritual life was in question because I did not have a home church to go to, and I still haven't committed to one yet. I will also be gone for optometry school by next fall. So, spiritually it was difficult to maintain that relationship with God. However, the good news is that this past Sunday, service at Cornerstone in Livermore, CA was awesome, and I really connected with the message, which talked about the Messiah being for everyone, and how that translated to how we view others, compare ourselves, and racism. Also a take-away thought was because CAN and does God loves the murderers, rapists, evil-doers, it shows HOW and HOW great His love is for us.
Unfortunately, life has mainly been all work. In the fall, I was practicing basketball with Roland, Rich, John Ho, and the CCU National Team, while playing on the Orange Overcomers in ABC League. That was good exercise. It fed my thirst for basketball when the NBA season had not started yet. I also joined Bally's Total Fitness when I got home. Because of applications and class work, I have not gone to the gym lately.
Other than work, life has been trying to adjust to living at home, maintaining the friendships established at U.C. Davis, and learning how to adapt to a working world and environment. Work has been tough, and frustrations are built up, but with the message I heard this past Sunday working this past Monday was more enjoyable, and I worked with a different attitude.
WELCOME 2008!!
My first day in 2008 was spent with Ethan and Adam enjoying burritos, watching Robocop, and sniping each other in Halo 3. I also got my hair trimmed for my interview next Tuesday at Southern California College of Optometry. Then I was motivated to clean my room, and finally unpack the boxes I brought back from my apartment in Davis.
Things I hope to focus more on this coming year (not resolutions).
1. take my relationship with God to the next level
2. take care of my body
3. encourage my creativity through reading, drawing, taking pictures, making movies, writing, and maybe playing guitar
4. learning good living habits that will help me be successful when I'm in optometry school
5. spend more time and keep in touch with my friends
As I was writing the list, it seems so vague, but maybe I will revise it later.
2008 looks to bring the Olympics, the start of optometry school, the start of living in an new environment, new people, and more friends. It is also another year for my to explore my faith and build UP my relationship with God.
Thanks for the UPs and DOWNs of 2007, God. I definitely learned a lot through trials and new experiences. Like what Marlon said to me, when I was talking to him about how the message this past Sunday applied to my situation: "You're on a whole different playing field."
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5:3-5
Cheers to lessons learned in 2007, and to hopes and dreams of 2008!
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