I signed up for Xanga on February 20, 2003. That was more than five years ago. I've written some pretty retarded things as well as things that aren't so retarded. However, as I am now entering a new stage in my life (20s!) and moving onto bigger and better things, I feel like it's time to evolve from xanga. I can't bring myself to delete this account because I have all my old posts, but this blog is officially retired.

However, I'm still going to blog and be lurking around the internet :)

www.haesuejo.com

My mom, my sister, and I had to renew our drivers' licenses so we trekked it to the DMV. The thing that irks me about the new year is that it takes me a few weeks to get used to writing that new year number (i.e. 2008). Anyway, as I was filling out my paperwork, I didn't realize until the end that I wrote "2006" on everything. WEIRD, EH?

Aside from my materialistic, commercial holiday, I really appreciated being with my family during this time. They really are all you have when you strip away the people who like you for superficial reasons, the people who only call when they need something, and the people who love you conditionally.

Many cheers to 2008!

Just a few pictures from break.


Our pretty tree (it's artificial, can you tell?). We've had the same tree for 20 years, man. I hate seeing people's discarded trees curbside. Way to be environmental! I hope they use those trees for toilet paper and napkins or something. My neighbor dressed up his fire hydrant. Had to zoom 7x because I didn't want to walk up some stranger's driveway.


Father. Appa. Padre. Vatti. Papa.


We like to go on walks when we're feeling heavy with the weight of food in our tummies.


Houses are still springing up everywhere in the gated community in which I live, and there I am where a house will probably be in two years' time. Maybe I'm standing in someone's future living room or toilet.


What is Mama watching so intently??


Home Alone 2, of course. We love Christmas movies!


The hair transformation. Before and after. It actually looks different from the 'after' photo because I had it cut again yesterday. I have a rat tail, although it isn't very long.


We went to the Body Worlds exhibition at The Tech. Cameras were prohibited inside, which is too bad because there was some insane stuff in there. You should check it out if it ever comes to your town!


YUMMY -____-


Family went to NRB and of course had to take pictures when not singing.


My mom's voice is pleasant, but my dad is the singing star in our familia. Part of an amazing quartet at my church and always asked to sing at different functions.


Belt it, sista!


We made mandoo (dumplings) for New Year's, of course. Making them is fun, but eating them is better. No matter how demented you make one, it tastes just the same as the others, delicious. Sort of reflective of people, n'est-ce pas?


Mi madre preparing food, which she did a lot the past three weeks. Bless her soul! I must have gained 20 lbs this holiday season.


The parents when they were kids.


She's ready for her close up, Mr. DeMille. My sister just turned 25 several days ago, which is really weird because she really doesn't seem that old. She was working on her first published comic book a lot this break, which is coming along very nicely. Hooray!


Korean people bring one of two things when invited as a dinner guest: 1) Boxed fruit, 2) Wine. Korean pears are pretty pricey (and tasty), so I'd take this over wine any day.


My sister and mother relaxing with some oi (cucumber) on their faces. They kept laughing though, and the pieces kept falling off. Something really interesting was on tv ("Half-ton Man"), so I didn't participate in the treatment.


That blur is my dad putting out the recycling the morning we left for a snow day. I know it doesn't look that dark outside, but it was freaking early to be awake for me -_-


In line for the lift. What a good day! The weather was awesome, there weren't many people, and the snow was soft and powdery. Plus, it was day1 of using my new gear which was wonderful.


Just chillin on the mountain waiting for my mom and sister.


It was their first time skiing for about 14 years, so they were pretty shaky at first but once they got the hang of it, we were whooshing all over the place. No picture of me because I was worried they would fall or start sliding away uncontrollably if they tried to take off their gloves to take one. Teehee :B


It was a good break, and I didn't take many pictures, but I have good memories to hold and cherish as long as nature allows me. It's back to the daily grind of academia, folks! Funsies. I hope.

Sorry, folks. No pictures. Just a very true story.

A series of events starting at least 10 weeks ago has led to TODAY being one of the most turbulent days of my life. If we hang out at all, you will know that I've been taking statistics this quarter and suffering through it every inch of the way. On both midterms, I barely slid by with C grades, and that was how I was expecting to perform on the final exam as well. Throughout the quarter I would have little freak-out-sessions worrying that I would not pass the class and wouldn't get into the psych major.

So, when the quarter began, my past self wrote down my final schedule in my Little Black Book (my lifeline on paper). I had written, "Psych100A Final 3pm-6pm" on December 11, 2007. And so that appointment remained for 10 weeks in my little planner. My immune system has been really sucky this quarter, and my friends are always sick. Yesterday I woke up a tad under the weather, but it got worse as the day progressed. I went to my psych100A review session only to leave early because I was really nauseated. I bought some NyQuil and knocked out at 8:30 PM. I set my alarm for 5:30 AM and planned to study for a good 9 hours before my final.

However, just like life, my plans did not follow through. I woke up thrice in the night (1:37 AM, 3:29 AM, 5:40 AM) because of EXPLOSIVE DIARRHEA. I was half asleep, whimpering in the bathroom feeling like I was spewing out all of my intestines and vital organs. Around the third time, I put my phone on silent because I couldn't control my fingers to just turn my alarm off. It was this fateful move that helped lead to my demise.

I woke up around 10:40AM thinking, "Okay I still have a few solid hours to cram." I check my phone and see several missed calls from friends in my psych100A class and wonder why they would be calling me so early. Seeing as all of these calls were concentrated around 8AM, I got the disgusting feeling that my past self had written the wrong time in my planner. I check online, and there it is, the final exam time was 8AM - 11AM. I freak out and start swearing like mad, change my clothes, and run out the door.

The whole speed-walk down BruinWalk, I rehearse what I'm going to say to the professor, but of course none of those words come out. Basically, all I was able to say was, "I missed the final because I had massive stomach problems," thinking he'd let me take it sometime later this week. He gave me the option of taking the exam right there at that spot (obviously not a good option because I hadn't even brushed my teeth, my head was throbbing, I felt the pangs of poo again in my belly, and I don't know anything about stats). So, we came to the conclusion that I'll be retaking the course next quarter.

As I left the psych advising office (I talked to a counselor to make sure it was all do-able), I called my mom. Even though I know how atypical (Korean) my parents are in terms of academics, I always expect the worst. I need to learn to give them more credit. My mom was 100% supportive and told me "Hakuna Matata. Take care of your body and do well on the rest of your exams! Be safe when you go snowboarding this weekend and just don't worry about this anymore. It is in the past. Now you can do better next quarter!"

...

My jaw was basically on the ground. My mom was chipper about me getting an F in a class. I love, love, love my mom. So, my planned schedule for next quarter is all down the drain. I'll be retaking this course, and this time with more determination to do more than "just pass." What started as one of the "worst days of my life" turned out to be rather pleasant. Thanks to my mom, a couple friends I bumped into along the way (Steve, Enoch, Bobae), and the natural order of the universe, things seem like they're going to be just fine.

Be careful what you wish for, because I'd been hoping, wishing, praying that I could pull off a B in this class, and it came. It came at the expense of my physical contentment, but I can now use what I sort of learned this quarter and do much better next quarter. Thanks if you read all of that :)

What happened to my eleventh month? Something fabulous that comes with December is, of course, Christmas. I love the days leading towards it with the festive decor, bustling shoppers, holiday specials on tv (who's gonna watch A Christmas Story multiple times this year on TBS? I am!), and family time. Until I can enjoy most of those things though, I need to kick ass on four finals.

My life this past month in a visual nutshell.


My sister's band, Scrabbel performed at the Giant Robot 50th Issue soiree earlier in November. It took place at the Japanese American National Museum. She picked me up and I "got to" stick around all day for their sound check.


We had a bit of time to go walk around Little Tokyo. We went to one of those $1 shops (I love those places!) and ate udon and sushi. My sister paid. So I was very happy.


This sushi place was seriously lagging and we waited for what seemed like years for our food. While waiting, I decided I wanted to really inspect if my sister and I look alike or not. I get about 50/50 when it comes to this. Some people nearly gag and say, "You're sisters?! You look nothing alike!" while others gawk and exclaim, "You guys could pass for twins!"


What do you think? I personally think our eyes, nose, and lips look dramatically different. Our face shape is basically the same. We both inherited good eyebrows (we don't pluck or anything!). My hair is naturally curly like hers, but that's about the extent of it. She has normal ears and I have elf ones (ask me to show you).


During the actual show. There was a pretty big crowd and people came from out of state to watch Scrabbel play! That's dedication. Afterward, people were asking my sister for her autograph. I idly stood on the sidelines and watched as my sister became a little more famous.


People love the novelty of having unconventional instruments in a "rock band." As I was standing among the crowd by myself, I heard everyone whispering about "that huge violin thing" and how "totally indie and nouvelle" it was. I'm not hating; I love Scrabbel.


Gracious Isaac drove me home for Thanksgiving. Here's a pit stop that had a free admission museum which I would have loved to check out but didn't have much time. That white guy, Kevan, is from my high school. He needed a ride, and Isaac had a spot left. It was kind of weird for me seeing them in the same place; it's always weird when your separate worlds collide.


Finally got home after 6ish hours! My sister and dad are watching some show. I love being home. We are a tv-loving family haha.


My mama tending to the turkey. Gobble gobble. See those black thingies? looks like raisins, right? Actually, it's shriveled up carrots and celery that couldn't stand the heat of the oven. Don't worry, we didn't eat them -_-


I thought this was kind of funny. My sister had to open every cabinet to find one small thing. Isn't that kind of like life? We have to open up so many doors when we're really only going to go through one at a time.


Some ajumma at church gave us some persimmons (what IS the correct way to pronounce this?). These ones were so tiny! I could eat them in two bites (which I did because I like gahm <-- Korean word for it; easier and shorter). And yes, this picture is very posed. I peel them to eat.


The homemade pies baking away! Yum yum yum.


My sister peeling a gahm. Look at that concentration! Why is she so hipster? Her shirt is inside out, which I kept pointing out to her, but apparently that's the yoo-heng these days with those SF peoples.


Mi padre opening up a bottle of two-buck-chuck. My parents love that stuff. Do you not love his house slippers? I really miss my dad and his Cosby sweaters.


The spread. I'm getting hungry just looking at these. I was too lazy today and couldn't even drag myself to a dining hall so it's 3pm and I still haven't eaten all day. Plus, I hate that eating at the dining halls makes my clothes smell funny.


It's all gravy. And cranberries (yum!). The little white and black blobs hugging each other are salt and pepper shakers, respectively. That's cute, right?


What did the mama turkey say to the baby turkey? Gobble ji ma! Hahaha. I'm not the biggest fan of turkey, but it just tastes better on Thanksgiving.


Stuffing made by my sister (even though I chopped up the onion for her because of her weakness), and homemade garlic-cheese-mashed-potatoes by moi! They were delicious, thank you very much.


Delicious goh-goh-ma (Korean yams) and mook. I love mook. It's like... gelatinous heaven in your tummy.


The place settings.


Everyone had wine except me, of course. I'm not 21! My dad bought cranberry juice just for me so I was happy :)


We couldn't find one of our pie dishes, so my mom used this casserole dish for the pumpkin pie (also made from scratch! including the crust). It looked like pumpkin lasagna.


Picture perfect.


When I said the homemade pies were baking, I really meant homemade. As in I peeled and sliced fresh apples, my mom MADE the syrup AND the crust from scratch, and then we enjoyed it.


We used my sister's gargantuan tripod with my itty bitty Canon powershot. Apparently, nobody got the memo that this was the "funny picture" except me. Even though I said it like 5 times.


Yes, my omma (not my appa) carves. Why you say? Because my "appa does it wrong," according to mi madre. Heehee.


Omma pulverizing the turkey to put into tupperware to freeze. I wish I were home eating the left overs instead of dorm food D:


I was seriously so full. I ate so much. Usually, we invite people from church over so I eat less than I normally would because I always do that around other people (not my family, obviously). I wish we could invite our extended family over, but they're spread out across the globe (Korea, Netherlands, England, Canada, Brazil, Wisconsin, New York, etc). However, this year it was just us so I ate very savagely. I do weird things when I'm full.


I took advantage of my sister's tripod and did this. I was too slow (probably weighed down by all the food I had just consumed) and this was the blurry result. It looks freaky, but I like the way it turned out.


My dad digesting in front of the tv. We had it on to Iron Chef America during our dinner. I told you we're very tv-loving! Hahaha.


Black Friday was nuts. My sister and I went to the outlets and everybody and their moms (literally) was there. Every store looked like a tornado had just hit. I got many things including (many pairs of shoes, I won't say how many because it's kind of embarrassing, sweaters, shirts, bags, and a new piercing!)


Just so you can visualize my living situation back home. My room is bigger than my dorm room (which I share!) so it's hard coming from a huge space to a tiny one. I sound so spoiled right now, but the room I had for 12 years before this was the size of a nostril.


I got up on my bed to take this shot of the other side. I used to have an actual stand for the tv, but I don't know where it went so I use my sister's ottoman. Also, do you see the original Nintendo console beneath? I still play it a lot when I'm home. Super Mario Brothers for life! The left shelf is my DVD collection that I sadly left at home.


Another angle. My room is very Spongebob-ified. You wouldn't be able to guess my age by my room, probably.


Something I don't miss is my mattress. I don't know if it's because I'm getting old, but that mattress has given me back problems for many years. Just never got around to switching it.


My backyard (picture taken from my room). It's freaking huge and the stupid wild turkeys always come and leave huge ddongs everywhere. Dummies.


Our living/family room. The tree got set up (while I was writing a stupid paper)! We've had the same artificial tree for around 20 years, but I think it still looks really nice.


Me and the tree! Many of those ornaments were projects my sister and I made during elementary days. I think I'm going to make one soon out of junk I have here. I miss arts and crafts time!


I'm giving you a quick tour of some of the house now since most of you will probably never set foot in it. Here's our rarely used dining room. You can see a couple of my dad's Cosby sweaters drying on the chairs.


Our loverly kitchen. Some peculiar details: The plant on top of the cabinet has been growing like nuts for the past 2 years. The coo-coo clock is older than me. The bottom cabinet second from the right is where our snacks are.


Backyard view from the living room. Too bad there weren't any turkeys there at the moment that I could take a picture of.


Our "music room" that my mom never got around to finishing after we moved in. It's blank, bare, and rarely inhabited. I miss playing piano though and always play a lot when I go home. Heehee.


Another shot of the tree while we're at it.


Outside on the morning I left for LA. What a sad time. That's my car, btw. Some of you have expressed how strange you think it is picturing me driving. I got my license when I was 16, folks! I commuted to high school 54 miles a day. I learned to drive stick in junior year too, but I probably have to relearn now.


Another view (that's my sister).


My garden! I am happy that my parents are keeping all of those things alive. Hopefully they'll survive the winter, which seems to have already started. Gilroy was freaking cold that weekend (in the 30s and 40s).


The mountains behind my abode. Pretty pretty pretty. Home to many creatures. My mom saw a mountain lion sitting on the side of the freeway a few days ago!


My street. You can't tell from the picture, but I live on a relatively steep hill so I can't really practice skateboarding here without fear of impending doom.


So you can visualize my neighborhood. I live across from this big ass empty field which is the parking lot for the Garlic Festival every year. Other than that, I never see this space being used.


Look how shi-gohl this is! I love Gilroy :B


The green is a golf course. I live in a golf club gated community thing. It's pretty bugee, I guess, but there are rules (your satellite dish can't be seen from the front of the house, you have to get all remodeling/landscaping things approved, etc).


The traffic-less un-LA-like highways of San Jose. I love it! I miss it. Frikkin LA traffic makes my soul die a little every time.


I forgot who it was, but someone asked me if we have palm trees in NorCal. It happens to be a gloomy day, but we do have them. I'll give you a cookie (or swipe you in!) if you can recognize where this is. I know you can, San Jose folk :)


The Beat 'SC parade. It was totally nuts! But I only experienced it from my room. I took this picture through my window because I was too lazy to actually make an effort to go to the actual event. Looked like funsies.


Tyra recently released a statement saying how she is very afraid of people, specifically men, seeing her without a wig or a weave. Tyra is beautiful!


Study hard, kids! It's crunch time.

I'm not sure how many of you know, but I absolutely, positively love a movie called Mrs. Doubtfire. It has got to be the most influential, powerful, poised, comedic piece of media literature to grace us with its presence since the beginning of time. Since its release in 1993, it has been estimated by my older sister that I have watched this movie at least 1500 times. When I'm feeling happy, I watch this movie. When I'm feeling sad, I watch this movie. When I'm cleaning my room, I watch this movie. When I can't sleep, I watch this movie. I know every line, every song, every camera goof, and every minute character. If ever someone loved a movie, it is me loving Mrs. Doubtfire.

Now that you know this, I can express my excitement fully from the events which took place about 24 hours ago. I'm taking a psych course called Communication and Conflict in Couples and Families. I already enjoyed the class because the reader is well written, the professor is well versed, and the content is so applicable. We frequently watch clips of psychological interviews and from popular movies. Yesterday, as I was jotting down some notes, my professor said, "We will now watch a clip from a movie some of you may have seen. It is called Mrs. Doubtfire."

My alertness level shot up, my vital organs stopped for a moment, and I felt as though I had been overtaken by some supernatural force. Unfortunately, I was sitting alone with people I didn't know, so I had to hyperventilate by myself. I texted my sister and a couple friends about the amazing predicament I found myself in. As we watched the scene in which Miranda (Sally Fields) pours out her heart and soul to Mrs. Doubtfire (Robin Williams), I lipped every line and let the goodness of this film soak in another time. Until further notice, psych m176 is the best class offered at UCLA, neigh, in the entire UC system.

I haven't been taking my camera anywhere, so I don't actually have many recent photos for you. However, I've been going through old pictures and have selected some for this post. Some are repeats, but some are never-before-seen. There are a couple recent ones that I took from facebook. Enjoy!


Okay, these are some pictures that are circulating the net right now. Some brave and suicidal soul has created the ultimate junk food. Here we see the ingredients.


A good pizza starts with a sauce and some meat.


Add some more meat and vegetables.


Top it off with some cheese.


And bake until golden brown.


Enjoy. You might as well shoot yourself now because your heart may stop painfully during the night.


It's already been four years since YI in New York. Crazy.


The girls seeing me off. Feels like such a long time ago.


Me with Sarah in 2004. I haven't seen her in such a long time! Miss you, Sarah.


Looking kind of scary with Hozeh at a bowling alley. I think I look a little more ladylike now. I hope.


Ugly face competition at VBS some years ago. I'm pretty sure David would never see this anyway. But if he does, sorry! I just couldn't resist.


With Sue and Hoyon in the back of a car. How come my face never ages? I just got carded at a movie theater. Pretty ridic. I'm almost 20!


My acting debut at retreat. Please note Yoonchul's orange hair, hiked up shorts, stance, and sandals.


I don't even know what this is.


I got back from Hawaii burnt to a crisp and my skin was falling off like crazy. Here's Michelle assisting in the peeling.


My favorite dongseng SeungChul with Julieann! Take a look at their skin colors. Night and day. I miss them.


Of course I ended up having to dance at my church's senior banquet. Public humiliation is my middle name.


Working the floor.


Can't touch this.


Chillin' like a villain with JA during the summer. We had some good fun and good conversation in that backyard.


When Julieann and I spontaneously drove to Davis to visit Kevin. What a wonderful day full of sushi, walking, sweating, and Ratatouille. I love Davis and its quiet, quaint little downtown. The grass is always greener on the other side, right?


Orchestra camp some years ago with Allen and Judy. Judy, are you safe in SD? I certainly hope so! I really miss orchestra...


Mine and Allen's feet. I seriously love wood floors, and the contrast between our black attire and the floor is so pretty. I love it. LOVE. Yes, I'm using the word freely, but I really do love looking at this.


Bunch of shoes against the light wood floor. Excuse my thumb. All men should own a good, shiny pair of black dress shoes.


Guess who this is sleeping in the bus in Spain! (:


During rehearsal in the basement of a hotel. So ghetto. We didn't even have music stands.


Spain is one of the five countries in the world in which same-sex marriage is legally recognized. Check out Bert and Ernie flaunting their God-given goodies.


I wonder if he knows how dirty pigeons are. They are like rats with wings. And when you see birds, try to be kind and not scare them off. When they take off, all their germs come rushing at you with the gust of their wings.


It was really, really hot in Spain.


Please look at Jonathan.


Woodwinds! Three of us ended up coming to ucla! But I never see Michelle or Tony anywhere.


Bruins! Peter dozing off, and me and Jerry Potter.


Some ladies.


Freshmen year? I'm reppin' a New Mexico shirt. Just had to let you know.


Back when we still got together frequently. This was for our annual Christmas party. Everyone changed so much! Except me. Perpetually stuck in a 15-year-old-body/face.


Interact Club board junior year. I really miss being part of Interact and all the burdens/joys that came along with it. What a nice chapter of my life.


Back when I was a high and mighty District Council member and people wanted to take pictures with me!!! Seriously, this picture was on a memory card I found while packing this summer, and I don't even know who these girls are. I'm sorry!


Can you tell what this is? This is my sunburned arm. The lighter region is my shoulder. This was after 1 hour of sitting in the blazing heat. I still remember what it was from, too. For APgov we had to do mock trials, and our group met outside to discuss our plans. This was the result of that fateful day.


Interact cruise. I think it was this night that I got driven to Alameda by Billy (who I just ran into! crazy fires drove him out of SD to LA) and we got into a car accident. Pretty crazy night.


Another random picture I found on that lost/found memory card. Oh Everett. You and your crazy antics.


Serioulsy known this kid since fourth grade. Look how much he grew in a few years! He's at home now escaping the fumes of SD. Hope you have a safe return to school this week.


Painting the town red.


Ommaaaaaa. Graduation is rather blurry in my mind. I thought it was something I would remember forever, but I don't remember much of it at all, actually.


LOOK AT THIS GUY. We weren't friends or anything, but he is so frikkin tall. He was my partner to walk around the track before the ceremony and it was awkward and uncomfortable. My face goes up to his armpit!


The parking lot at school flooded to the max.


Looked like a damn river and everyone was fighting for street parking that week.


Went to SF zoo a couple months ago. It is a really sad place, and I felt so depressed for the animals. The zoo was built in the 30s or something, so it's really old fashioned with tiny little cages. Plus, it's next to the ocean so it has a gloomy overcast all the time. This giraffe had a frikkin long tongue.


Greg and Janette! Heehee.


I am really afraid of greater apes (gorillas, chimps, orangutans, etc) and other scary looking monkeys (baboons, howlers, spider, etc). Really, really, really afraid. When I was a small kid before I even started school, I clearly remember a reoccurring nightmare that was like body snatchers. Except they were gorillas and not aliens. Look how scary this mofo looks.


Greg is so big! ... or the bench is really small. Hehehehe. Aww I've known Greg since 1st grade! (went to his 6th birthday party and everything). I'm so glad we're still friends. Yay!


No, seriously. I'm almost 20.


Duc/Sophie, I hope you're safe in SD!!! Holy crap, that tortoise looks kind of real... It is fake, everyone!


My view back home in Gilroy. I miss that small garlic town.


Yeah I got another one.


Driving to LA with my appa. Pretty. Too bad the cone is there. I miss my dad. I've been realizing more and more after talking with more people that I have been so blessed to have the parents I have. I admit it, I'm a daddy's girl. I admire him, respect him, and try hard to obey him. He freaking drove me to LA a day after he got back from Europe. That's love.


Miss Lillian! I'm so glad I met you this year (: This is from the KORE bonfire which was oodles of fun. Joo and I just clicked like a seat belt.


At Shiri with some HOL peoples.


Bowling with HOL. I got to use my new shoes! Hahaha. Yes, I bought bowling shoes. Silly nilly. Let's go bowling!


I have a knack for ruining pictures.


If you weren't there, don't ask. I wore these yesterday, btw.


Eating some delicious seollungtang. Yum yum yum.


Okay, well I'm done with 2 midterms, and I have 5 left, 1 paper, and 4 finals before I am home for winter! Enjoy your quarter everybody. I'll let you know if I see James Franco around campus again (I've been keeping my eye out).