I'm now trying to think back and remember more about the month to recollect memories and not let it just go by. I'll call this "mindful living" (same concept as "mindful eating" hehe). So here are some things I want to remember:
- David and I were total kids and went ice-skating in Union Square. I kind of want to do it again next year. :) It's true what they say -- the best dates are ones that you experience something together.
- My cousin came to the area on business recently and the first thing he said to me when we met was, "You look so happy and... bright". This really struck me because we lived under the same roof growing up and haven't seen each other much (except for weddings) since I left Texas. So I sort of took this as an indication of the change in me, in my life, since my childhood. And I smile when I think about that. Yes, it is true. I'm joyful and peaceful. And all is right in my world.
- The pastor said that spoke to me was during the Sunday morning prayer. He was saying that when people open a restaurant, for example, they would take pictures with famous people and put that picture in the lobby to get more business. So he joked with one of the elders in the church that if President Obama is there and she owns a restaurant she would probably want a picture with him but he may not have time. The elderly sister retorted, "Well, I wouldn't want a picture with him anyway." Then he jokingly rebuked her that if she has a restaurant, she should take a picture with him. This simple dialogue made me think about what is righteousness and what is a Christian to be like in this world. It is good to be set apart and holy from the world, but it doesn't mean becoming insular and inflexible in the name of being a being a Christian. Wisdom is needed in there.
- We had a bible seminar on Systematic Theology last weekend. I remember the pastor going off on a side topic talking about how he talks about the Sabbath to different audiences. To kids he would tell them to do their homework on Sunday because "6 days you should work". To adults in North America he would tell them to rest on the Sabbath and not work. To adults in Africa he would tell them they have to work during the week to deserve to rest on the Sabbath. Somehow, that made me realize that God's words is for all and sometimes applied differently. And that we have to be careful not to be very one-dimensional about God.
- I had a mini-tear moment last weekend during the Bible seminar as well. So I've been working pretty hard on the church monthly bible reading program. And to be honest, I wasn't getting that much support from the minister or the chairperson. But I was convinced what I was doing was the right thing to do and sort of just tried to ignore them. So based on some suggestions, I wrote one question per chapter for the books of Genesis & Matthew (this is what we're reading right now) so the members can fill out the questions as they go. It took me 2 full evenings to get it done and then another sister then translated it all to Chinese. We did this in about 3 days and got it all printed out. Anyway, so during the Bible Seminar the preacher suddenly said he got a copy of the Genesis/Matthew questions and told the congregation why they didn't get a copy. He said he also started answering the questions and he thought it was really good. Anyway it was only like a one-minute statement but I just felt so... validated. And a stream of emotions just went from my head to my toe and I began to just tear up. Words of affirmation -- yup that's my love language.
- I finally went to all my doctor's appointments. I got my general physical as well as my lady-things physical. I avoided the doctor's office last year just because I really dread going. I would rather go to 10 dental appointments and not go to the OB GYN. But this year I just bit the bullet and made the appointments. Thank God it was super easy (I'm a new Kaiser fan), the visits were really efficient and the doctors were all really nice and good. I still hate the OB GYN physical exam (anyone who has had a pap smear, tell me you commiserate), but I guess you gotta do what you gotta do. At least I can pat myself on the shoulder and not think about it for another year.
- I was promoted this month from a Sr to a Staff Engr. Yay. :) It was a pleasant surprise because my boss just called me into his office one day and told me. Even though I have a love/hate relationship with promotions (not loving the potential work increase), but I guess the natural reaction is to feel happy when you are promoted. So happy I am. Although I will say even though I did get a modest pay increase, it was completely offset by the increase in SS taxes. Oh well. No complaints here. :)
- Finally, we went to the Warriors vs Mavericks game last night with 3 friends from church. I had a lot of fun even though I was rooting for the Mavericks (yes, the Mavericks in Warriors territory) and we lost by 2. Boo. :( And Dirk was suddenly injured and didn't play! Double boo. :( I basically lost my voice from screaming and had lots of fun. It was a sold out game so that was awesome.
Alright, that's enough words for this month. :) It was nice to recount these memories and have them on this blog so I can go back and read when I forget. What a wonderful month it was. :)