J. Henry Meyer Memorial Library

I look up from the computer that I am at and directly in front of me on the wall is a picture of a dignified old, balding man with glasses. This picture is framed in a bronze frame. To the left of it in dark brown letters against the light brown stone backgroud, it states:

"THE J. HENRY MEYER MEMORIAL LIBRARY
made possible by the gifts of his daughters
ALICE MEYER BUCK AND E. OLGA MEYER"

So, this is where I am. In one of the many old buildings on Stanford campus, rich with architecture, named after some old man. Kind of ironic, considering the computer I am using is one of the fastest I have used in a while.

I finally have a confirmed job. I'll be working at the Stanford Dining Hall near the lake, and I'll be doing office work. It's actually quite a blessing how things have turned out. It's close enough that I cycle there every day. I get free lunches too. I've noticed though, that my legs are getting quite toned now...thanks to all the cycling that I have been doing. Anyway, I finally have a job aside from the tutoring job that I am already doing.

I'm going to one of the other libraries after this. It's so cool...they had to move a lot of the books out from the building that I'm in, and into this other building because the foundation of the Meyer building wasn't strong enough to support the weight of all the books. The other library is amazing. It's got floors and floors of books...these are called the Stacks. It's amazing. I've never seen so many books!

Well, I'm off to the other library now and looks like I might get lost in the piles and piles of books that they have there. Oh, I hear the bells chiming. It's one o'clock. Time to pay the library a visit.

Note: I'm worried about myself...for some reason, I don't miss Malaysian food yet.

Another Dodgy Guy

Looks like where you are in the world really doesn't matter...there are dodgy guys everywhere.

I decided to go for a job around the housing area where I stay. I was taking a slow jog, drinking in the glorious surroundings of beautiful houses, trees, flowers and cars. I was peacefully jogging when I saw someone cycle by. The peculiar thing is, he didn't just keep going. He looked at me, slowed down, circled, then biked up next to me. I continued jogging, very much aware of but totally ignoring his presence.

Then he said hi.

I didn't want to be rude so I responded possibly coldly, but very politely with a "Hello." and a nod, then continued jogging. He didn't get it...or didn't want to get it. He stayed. So there I was, jogging with this guy cycling next to me. Then he started talking.

"So, are you studying at Stanford?"
"No."
"You're working then...?"
"No."

At this point in time I felt a bit bad. So I thought I would humor myself. (As if that's any better.)

"Are you in high school?"
"No. I'm actually just here for the summer."
"Oh ok. Do you go cycling at all?"
"No."
"So are you training for something?"
"No. I just run for fun."

It was getting really weird. But our conversation went on and he informed me that he's from Germany or something and that he cycles professionally. (Oh, yay! I've always wanted to meet a professional cycler...yeah right!-I'm mean). I kept jogging and he was right there...too bad the sidewalks are wide enough.

"So, do you live here?"
"Kind of."
"Near here?"
"Yeah, I stay with my brother and some of his friends."
"Oh. Are you from here?"
"No. I'm from Malaysia."

Ok, now the attention was focused on me too much. I learned something in Interpersonal Communication about the importance of both individuals revealing the same amount of information. So it was my turn to interrogate.

"Are you studying?"
"No, I'm actually working now."

Then he said something about doing pizza delivery on his bike or something like that.

"What sports do you do?"
"Mostly cycling, but I do run sometimes."

Of course, I should have known.

"What about you? What sports do you do?"
"Well, I do a little bit of a lot of things. I play a bit of badminton, some tennis, some squash, which is like raquetball; some football...uh, soccer, and I really like netball."
"Cool. We should play tennis some time"
"Hmmm...do you know what netball is?"
"Uh, no. What is it?"

And I went on to explain what netball is...my passion. It's rather confusing and I think that left him blinking. At this point in time, I really wanted to go home, and I needed to anyway cuz I had to tutor a girl. So I cycled onto my road and just then my brother pulled up. Good timing, brother!

"So, I gotta go now. My brother's back."

He put out his hand, so I shook it, firmly and politely. (He had such a strong grip. It was rather freaky...oh, and I think I failed to mention that he's really tall. I was happy to be home.)

"Will you give me your email address?"
"No. I guess I'll just see you around." (I hope not!)
"Oh, uh..."
"Bye."

I smiled, waved and walked over to where my brother parked along the street and I greeted him there. I didn't want this guy to know where I live, so I stood there talking to my brother for a while. As that guy biked off, he kept looking back. I just kept talking to my brother.

Today, I won't be jogging and tomorrow I go at a different time.

Note: I got the job at Stanford Dining and they actually want me to do office work instead of cashier work and that sort of stuff. Yay! I get to use my brain!

Holding On

It's good to let go, yes?

No.

There are some people I will not let go of no matter what. You know who you are. And I won't let you go because you are special and you are mine. Is that not enough?


I spent an hour putting up pictures in my room. I stuck them on the wall right next to my bed. The wall is quite full now. The first thing that I see when I wake up in the morning is my dearest friends smiling down at me. Glorious! My room is more welcoming now because my friends are there...and so is a heart full of memories.

I got another job offer yesterday, so that's three in total now. It's a cashier job on Stanford campus. I still haven't decided on which to take yet. I applied for a job at a sports equipment shop and I sort of hope I get that too...but then I have to decided which one to go with. Hmmm...

After dinner last night, the whole bunch of us sat down to watch the first three seasons of West Wing. It is situated in the White House and I have to say that the dialogue is phenomenal. It's really amazing. Quite cool too how they connect the different scenes. Go check out West Wing.

Anyway, the sun is really bright outside, the sky is blue with no sign of any white fluffy clouds, the grass is green and welcoming, and I can't wait to go out and sit under a tree with 'The Life of Pi' and my packet of goldfish crackers. *smile*

I suppose that means I'll be leaving this computer though...

Note: SEE...I can let go of some things...

1332

I've got an interview in about an hour, so I don't have much time. I just went for an interview at Stanford Bookstore but they don't want people who are only working for the summer, so that didn't work out. Really too bad...I was hoping to get that job. Anyway, I'll be off to Olive Garden in a bit for that interview. We'll see how that goes.

I'm staying about 5 minutes from Stanford campus at this house with my brother and 4 other people. 3 guys, 3 girls. It's fun though cuz this is the first time I'm staying with a whole bunch of students. There's almost always something going on there and random people walk in and out as they wish. So we constantly have all these visitors. I'm still meeting new people every day. Dinner has been fun. We rotate and take turns making dinner, along with a whole bunch of people who happen to drop by. We usually have at least 10 people for dinner. The food has been good. We've had Korean food, Chinese, Italian, and the list goes on. Somebody makes something new every day. After dinner, we usually gather around and either play board games or watch movies. It's quite fun. I just really wish I had a job cuz then my life would kind of be stable again. I'm getting used to it here though...it's ok...but I still miss home.

I realize that I have a hard time letting go of things. I suppose that's good and bad. But I'm trying to learn to move on because otherwise I dwell in the past but live in the future, resulting in me not enjoying and appreciating either one. I don't intend to leave people or memories behind...I would never do such a thing, but I do have to live in the time that I am in now, whether I like it or not. And I have to choose wisely what to do with the time that has been given to me.

It's been a whole new experiance living with Stanford students. I feel so intimidated. These are a bunch of amazing, talented, smart young individuals. It's a good environment though, I suppose...The closest I'll get to being in one of the top Uni's in the world...at least for now.

Oh, I hear chimes from the clocktower. I have to leave...looks like I'll be going out into the unknown again. But I look up and find comfort...the sky is familiar. ;)

In the Past

I wrote this while at the airport waiting for my flight to San Francisco but I haven't had time to post it till now. Here goes...


I'm waiting at the airport for my flight to California and I've decided to use up the time and write so I can update my blog. I've been in the States now for a total of eight days (this was written on Tuesday the 21st of June) and since arriving I haven't had much time to just sit back and relax. Things have been happening quite constantly since I've arrived.

Now I'm gonna be on my flight to Cal and I should have time to settle down and write once I get there (little did I know). Also, I hope to be on MSN more and email more. And to those who I owe pictures...yes, yes, it's coming.

I just got back from Goshen yesterday. On the way there, we stopped at my cousins place in Wisconsin and on the way back, we stopped to visit my grandparents.

I was quite hesitant when we were driving through Goshen town becuase the town was small and stuff. But part of it kind of reminded me of Rome with it's quaint appearance, except the roads, which are much much wider. It was a pleasant feeling and it created a more 'homey' feeling within me. Nonetheless, it's a small town and I was slightly worried about how I would fit in. I mean, shucks!...I'm from the city and now I'm gonna be in the country...kind of like in the middle of nowhere-relatively.

Fortunately, after reaching the campus and walking around a bit, I was comforted and felt more secure. There's actually a reasonable amount of things to do on campus, and well, I think I'll survive. I practically jumped for joy when I saw the room with pool tables. And besides having a complete fitness centre with all sorts of facilities that can be used any time before 9 pm, they also have a cinema, a nice swimming pool, both squash and tennis courts, a nice big plasma screen TV to watch the Super Bowl on, and an amazing hall which has many rooms with pianos. It's a plesant place...many trees around nice, brick red buildings covered with ivy...the typical American university appearance. Very nice! I do have pictures but I don't know how soon I will put them up. Maybe when I finally figure out how to. Hehe...

Oh, I have to write more about 'the train'. It cracks me up everytime just thinking of it. I was talking to one of my friends who is at Goshen and she was telling me how they have to fun over the tracks when they hear the train coming so that they don't have to wair for the frain, cuz they they might be late for class of whatever. Hilarious, no? Imagine being late for lunch becuase I can't get over the train tracks cuz one of the really long trains is running through and I have to stand just off the tracks, watching and waiting for this train to go by. Sheesh!

The first day we were there, I went to a nearby bank to get an account so that I can get an ATM and a debit card. Anyway, as I entered the bank, I swaw an Amish couple and I learned really quickly that this sight would not at all be unusual. Sure enough, over the next two days that I was there, I saw many Amish men with their long beards and the women, with their white bonnets. Interesting...very interesting!

The main purpose for me visiting Goshen was to go for the early registration and sign up for my classes. For the early orientation thing, we were separated into smaller groups. I was quite surprised to learn that most of my group mates were from Goshen itself. Very few were from other states. But then again, I suppose that most of the students from outstation will only come for the actual oriendtation at the beginning of the term. It was tather weird though cuz that means that most of the people there have been there their whole life and probably haven't been very far from home. Nonetheless, the people there were both fun, crazy, slightly wild and really friendly. I know I will enjoy myself there; and I'm looking forward to this phase of my life.

Note: I've been eating so much more here cuz I like the food and I get hungrry so much more cuz it's cold.

Oh, if anyone wants to come visit me when I'm in Goshen, you are most welcome to. Just fly into South Bend airport and I'll somehow pick you up from there. OH, but I gotta mention that public transport around here is bad news. The last bus from town is at 6pm, and town is about half an hour away from Goshen campus. Oh, and don't put your hope in taxis cuz you'll be disappointed. Most places in Goshen town close by 9pm with the exception of Wal-Mart (a department store-type place) and a few restaurants with bars. Anyway, it will be a change for me, living in a small place where shops actually close; but I feel so much better about it after going there.

California...

My day just got better. Someone cheered me up but I don't know if it was intentional. Anyhow, it worked. Thank you!

Things have been going better now. I'm slowly settling in and that helps...oh, and I finally went to watch Batman Begins with a whole bunch of my brother's friends. They really are an awesome bunch...so fun! Anyway, i've been beating the streets of Palo Alto looking for a job and I currently have two offers. One is with a marketing group and the other is at Subway (a food joint). Anyway, I'm still waiting to hear from more places so it's not finalized yet.

The weather here is gorgeous. Day after day, it's sunny and it doesn't get too hot cuz the air is still slightly cool. Very nice...kind of like the weather in Rome. I'm starting to get the hang of life here...it's a whole different thing. Oh, and I think I'm starting to pick up the trend of starting my sentences with a 'so'.

Well, I'll be back soon again...

Sad...

I'm in California. Things aren't going as well as I expected and I'm kind of beginning to feel like I want to go home. I don't have email connection here, so I don't know when I will be on again. Anyway, don't worry about me...I'll be fine. But do pray for me cuz I will be needing that. I really do hope to write some time soon.

Goshen!

I just got back from Indiana last night. It was a 10 hour drive there from where I am staying with my aunt and we did the drive over a period of two days...two days there and two days back.

I've finally seen my campus and met some people there; and I love it! Goshen College is small and everything on the campus is within walking distance. The people are really welcoming too. I was there only for about a day, doing my early registration, but in that time, I've met so many new people and it's been really amazing. I can't think of any other Uni I would rather be at and I'm really looking forward to going back there in August. My source of entertainment on campus, will come from the train that runs right through the middle of campus. It's hilarious cuz people have known to be late for class cuz they had to wait while the train crossed...I find that so funny. I've got a train going through my campus!

Anyway, in the meantime, I've gotta catch my flight leaving to California in a few hours. It's crazy...I've been so busy and I have so much to tell but not enough time to tell everything. Maybe once I finally get settled down in California and get my laptop, then I'll be able to write to my hearts content.

Observation: The clouds here are different. My cousin looked at me really weird when I told him that, but really...the clouds here are different than those back at home. I think there are more layers here and the clouds are so much higher up. Something like that...

Oh, and the stars are so gorgeous at night. I was outside looking up at the big dipper for quite a while. I'm really enjoying myself so far but I miss everyone at home so much!

Well, I'll be back again with more to say...hopefully!

My 2nd Day

Today was shopping day. I went to Wal-Mart and Target to get all the stuff that I need for college, which is inclusive of an iron, a study lamp, radio alarm clock, pillows, a beach towel, a pink rug...and the list goes on. Oh and Patrick, I got your football...just don't tear any more ligaments!

I'm exhausted!

Fortunately, I managed to stay awake the first day I got here so that I could sleep that night. The jetlag hasn't been too bad but I'm really tired now.

Weird...I went jogging at 8pm. It was still bright outside. The sun only sets around 9 and it's only fully dark by around 9.30pm. But it's gorgeous outside! I sat down under a tree outside today with "The Life of Pi" and a new cd my friend just made for me in my discman. It's like a typical movie scene. And it's wonderful to be able to sit down on the cool grass without having bugs running around and mosquitoes feasting on you, and it's nice to get up with a dry butt and not a grass stained one. It's really amazing. I'm waiting to see my university so that I can find the perfect tree to study under.

I've been eating a lot of big, sweet, juicy strawberries today....yum!

Well, will blog again soon once I've been to my campus.

From the Other Side of the World!

I'm finally here!

I love the smell of the grass and the air. I love how everything is so spaced out and not crowded.

But at the same time, and even more, I already miss home and what makes home-the people. I was thinking of my close friends the whole time on the flight here...that is, when I wasn't sleeping. And for those who were at the airport, dissapointed because I didn't cry, don't worry, I cried myself to sleep on the plane. I miss you all more than you can imagine...and it's only been one day! Thank you all for coming to the airport!

My flights were uneventful...I slept most of the way from KL to Tokyo, and most of the eight hours at the Narita airport, which is the only reason why I'm still awake now to write. I slept a bit more on the ten hour flight from Tokyo to Minneapolis...yes, I know. A lot of sleeping...I think it was my way of not thinking about the fact that I have actually left. It's painful.

Anyway, on my final flight, I was seated next to this nice couple, so I talked with them quite a bit...when I wasn't sleeping. I got into Minneapolis airport around 1.30pm and met mom and my aunt. We went for lunch and did some errands. Surprisingly, I'm still awake. I'll be going for a jog in a bit and then I've got some shopping to do to get some stuff for campus. I'll be driving over there with mom and my aunt on Thursday. Anyway, the sun sets here around 9pm now cuz it's summer, so looks like I'll have to find stuff to do till then...

Oh, a family friend got me a digicam for a farewell gift. It's the awesome Sony T33! So, looks like I'll be posting pictures as soon as I get my laptop. Well, that's all for now. Just wanted to let you all know that I've reached here safely and I'm doing good so far, besides missing everyone a lot!

Just As It Is

I been learning a lot these last few days of mine. I have been shown so much love by friends. Just yesterday, we had our last closing prayer (last for me) at bible study (CCF) and the group decided to each pray for one thing for me. So, instead of praying for all our usual prayer requests, they all said a word of prayer for me, committing my future into His hands.

Everyone has been so nice to me and I really feel that it's way more than I deserve. I am not half as good as everyone supposes me to be, and I just don't deserve such wonderful people as friends.

When my best friend was leaving, I thought I understood what she was going through...but now I realize that I didn't fully understand. I don't think it's possible to fully understand unless you have been through similar circumstances. It's a rough time...

I'm looking forward to going...it's not that I don't want to go. It's more like I don't want to leave what I have behind. But I suppose you can't have the cake and eat it huh? Bummer!

Anyway, I'm almost done packing, but I still have a few more errands to run and a few more people to see. Gosh! I'm gonna miss everyone so much!

Well, I don't know when I'll blog again, but I will try to at least one more time before I leave. Otherwise, the next time you hear from me, I'll be on the other side of the world...yikes!

Take care you guys and do keep reading. Love you all!

I'm Still Learning

Speak with your head and listen with your heart. It's something I'm working on.

The Little Prince

I'm sick. It's the normal flu type thing...runny nose and cough. I knew it was coming...too many late nights.

Anyway, although it's the worst possible time for me to get sick (I have exactly a week left before I leave), I have been reading in bed and I managed to finish one of the five new books that I just bought.

It's called 'The Little Prince' and it's an amazing book by Antoine de Saint Exupéry. Definately a recommended read. Antoine de Saint-Exupery, who was a French author, journalist and pilot wrote The Little Prince in 1943, one year before his death.

Although 'The Little Prince' appears to be a simple childrens tale, some would say that it is actually a profound and deeply moving tale, written in riddles and laced with philosopy and poetic metaphor. But at the end of the day, it's a book that can be read by anyone, of any age.

Well, I've got to get back to packing now. Pray that I get better soon...

Ponder for a Moment

Dying to Live.