Reflections

When you agree to live simply, you put yourself outside of others' ability to buy you off, reward you falsely, or control you by money, status, salary, punishment, and loss or gain of anything.

When you agree to live simply, you have little to protect and no desire for acquisition, even for acquisition of any "moral capital." If you imagine you are better, holier, higher, more important to God than others, it is a very short step to justified arrogance or violence toward those others. In fact, it is almost inevitable.

When you agree to live simply you can understand what Francis meant when he said, "A brother has not given up all things if he holds onto the purse of his own opinions." Most of us find out that this purse is far more dangerous and disguised than a money purse, and we seldom let go of it.

When you voluntarily agree to live simply, you do not need to get into the frenzy of work for the sake of salary or the ability to buy nonessentials or raise your social standing. You enjoy the freedom of not climbing. You might climb for others, but not just for yourself.

When you agree to live simply, you have time for spiritual and corporal works of mercy because you have renegotiated in your mind and heart your very understanding of time and its purposes. Time is not money anymore, despite the common aphorism! Time is life itself.

When you agree to live simply, you can easily find a natural solidarity with all people on the edge and the bottom - the excluded, the shamed, and the forgotten - because you stop idealizing the climb and finally realize there isn't a top anyway.

When you agree to live simply, people cease to be possessions and objects for your consumption or use. Your lust for relationships or for others to serve you, your need for other people's admiration, your desire to use other people as a kind of commodity for you personal pleasure, or any need to control and manipulate other people, slowly - yes, very slowly - falls away.

When you agree to live simply, there is no long-standing basis for any kind of addiction. You are free to enjoy, but you never let any enjoyment become your master. You practice non-addiction every day by letting go, not needing, and not desiring anything in particular. Fasting, detachment, and simplicity were the original words for non-addiction in the spiritual traditions.

-Richard Rohr, from Eager to Love: The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi

Then in the words of my 71 year-old landlord, "Why wait till you're 50 to realize you can say, 'F* it?!' Live for YOUR dreams & YOUR passions." 

North Korea

Last weekend, I attended a portion of YWAM-AIIM's NK seminar. It grabbed my interest immediately. I want to be exposed to what goes on behind their restricted doors! Indeed, I got what I wished for... but only a taste... I wish I was able to attend the whole three-day seminar~ From what others were saying, it was extremely eye-opening and fully informative.

I don't see myself going on long-term missions anytime soon, but then again, I wouldn't rule it out 100%. I wouldn't say I'm entirely black or white, but I'm open... I'm open to go where God leads me... I'm just here for the ride~ I essentially wanted to feed my curiosity.

Aside from learning more about NK, I also reunited with a dear unni (older sister/friend) of mine. It was awesome to catch up with her~ In that short period of time, I felt so encouraged and blessed by her energy, cheerfulness, and openness. I sincerely appreciated the time spent with her that day. She also invited me to a Wednesday night small group through her church... I'm thinking about checking it out in the coming weeks... we shall see~

Pictured: Former Secretary to the President, Roh Mu Hyun (2007), Ki Chan Bae.
He's now a staff member of YWAM-AIIM. I'm not a big fan of history lessons,
but I found his extensive summary of the history of Korea pretty insightful!

Adventures of Pharmacy Town

It's a rarity to work in a pharmacy and find situations where it's necessary to call 911 or "RN stat"... Today, there were two episodes within my six-hour shift.

Lady #1, the tongue lady.
In the chaotic setting of one of the busiest pharmacies in our area, I noticed a lady grasping onto the counter with her head down. Another patient was holding her up from behind and it was obvious she needed some medical attention. Luckily, one of my coworkers also took notice and jumped right over the counter to assist her. We sat the lady down in a chair and she began making awkward noises. Her head kept falling forward and her tongue would droop out of her mouth. She became unresponsive and my coworker had to hold up her head to keep her tongue from blocking her airway passage. I was calm but was freaking out inside... Things happened so quickly, but it seemed like an ETERNITY watching it unfold! The nurses, paramedics, firemen eventually all came in & took her out on a stretcher.

30 minutes later...

Lady #2, the gasping lady.
I wasn't able to witness much, but I just heard loud gasps in the waiting area. I guess this lady wasn't able to breathe properly. She was slumped in a chair, had her eyes closed, and she would take these deep, sharp breaths for air every ~5 secs. At one point, she took a longer break between breaths and she eventually let out a SUPER loud gasp that caused everyone to jump! Again, I was calm, but watched in horror... I thought she was going to stop breathing!!! We had to call for medical attention and the same crew of EMTs and firemen walked in & took her out on a stretcher.




As employees of the pharmacy, we're not trained to give medical attention, but only to call for help. I literally stood there watching; feeling helpless and even embarrassed! It looked like we were just standing there not doing anything to alleviate the situation... We're told it's a liability to get involved, so it's better to let the trained professionals do their job.

I felt so stressed after work tonight. It's draining to see people go through something so traumatic... To see expressions of vulnerability and lifelessness displayed... I hear stories from my nurse-friends (situations that are waaaaay more graphic/extreme), and all I can say is kudos to all you health professionals who have to stomach these situations more often than I. You guys are brave. You guys are my hero.




me: This is insane... I want to get CRP certified- just in case.
coworker #1 (young lady): Let's do it.... but you know, you can't give medical attention unless the person allows you to.
me: What do you mean?
coworker #1: You have to wait until they give you verbal authorization because they can legally sue you if you don't. You have to wait until they're knocked out cold before proceeding.
me: Who would do that?!?!?!?
coworker #2 (old asian man): This would never happen in Asia!
all: hahahhahah!

Seriously, I bet in Asia, people would be grateful for any kind of help (or forced to deal with it). Either that, or they would be whacked unconscious first?? heheh

Luuuuucy!!

I loved watching this 50's sitcom growing up! Mainly because I adored Lucy's whimsical demeanor~ She may not be perfect, but she's lovable! Plus, perfect is overrated!! I honestly believe that quirky, awkward, kooky (etc) behavior is 100 x's more interesting and inspiring. I just have a greater respect for people who can be true to themselves without being hindered by the opinions of others... Anyhow, in the rare times I catch a rerun playing, I'll still let out a good laugh! I'll always be a fan~

Supposedly, this stage show celebrates the sitcom (& Lucille Ball's 100th birthday year) with two full episodes, vintage-style musical commercials, favorite iconic scenes, and live music by the Ricky Ricardo Orchestra!

JUST added to my list of must-see shows:

DineLA

My best run yet! I was determined to take advantage of dineLA this year! I couldn't be happier with my meals~ I especially enjoyed sharing them with such lovely company! I really do believe food taste 1000 x's better in the company of good friends, great conversation, and lots of laughter... 

Fig & Olive

8490 Melrose Place

West Hollywood, CA 90069

Mediterranean

They had a huge selection of olive oils displayed along their walls.
Some peppery, some light, some herbaceous.

Rossellini
Passion Fruit Vodka, freshly squeezed blood orange juice, and fresh lime juice~ 

Piscine
A classic drink from the South of France.
Sparkling wine served on ice with fresh strawberries.

Northern Italian mushroom & truffle soup
Cremini mushroom soup, garlic, onion, thyme and White Truffle Olive Oil
I loved how the soup was a bit chunky & packed with flavor!

Zucchini Carpaccio
Topped with Picholine Olive Oil, lemon pine nut, and parmesan.
It's a very simple dish, but so complex in taste!
We thoroughly enjoyed this plate~

Grilled Steak Skewers and Couscous
Grilled steak on rosemary skewers, bell pepper, and greek yogurt on the side.
Couscous with fig, red onion, scallion, tomato, and Koroneiki olive oil

Poulet aux Legumes de Provence
Free range organic chicken breast, grilled zucchini, eggplant, heirloom tomato,
Cipollini onion, roasted fig, parmesan, polenta, marinated red bell pepper, Mission Olive Oil.
I didn't care for the polenta, but the chicken was sooo juicy and well seasoned!

Crostini
Amarena Cherry, mascarpone, pistachio on shortbread with micro-basil
SOOOOOOOO GOOD!!!

 We also had the chocolate pot de creme, but I must've forgotten to take a picture!

Made with crunchy praline financiers and vanilla cream. It tasted like a thick chocolate pudding... not to overpowering, but just right!

Cucumber Cosmo
Vodka, St. Germain, fresh cucumber puree, & lime juice.
A very refreshing drink!!

This place received some cool press!
http://la.popsugar.com/Obama-Dinner-Fig-Olive-LA-Pictures-19235482

Bouchon

235 N. Canon Drive

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

French

White bean puree with toasted baguettes

Soup de Jour
Butternut squash topped with creme fraiche

Huitres- 1/2 dozen oysters
I forget exactly where these were from, but they were insanely delicious!!
Served with mignonette and cocktail sauce

Gnocchi a la Parisienne
Sauteed gnocchi with a fricassee of garden vegetables and beurre noisette
Lately, I've been all about gnocchi!!! gnocchi, gnocchi, gnocchi!!!

Poitrine de Porc
Crispy pork belly with butternut squash and forest mushroom risotto.
I died in my seat after tasting this dish...
The gnocchi even tasted better after I dunked it into this sauce haha

Bouchon
Valrhona chocolate brownies with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream.
A bit conventional, but decadent and perfectly made.

Pot de Creme
Passion fruit infused custard with a coconut glaze and vanilla shortbread cookies
I loved this one!!!!

Scarpetta

225 N. Canon Drive

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Italian, Seafood

(Sorry for the low quality pictures! Taken with my droid.)

Various spreads for bread.
mascarpone butter, olive oil, and eggplant caponata (my fav!!!)

Puree of Eggplant Soup
Sicilian spiced lamb ragu, baby tomatoes, and ricotta dumplings.

Creamy Polenta
Fricassee of truffled mushrooms

Organic Roasted Chicken
Kabocha squash puree, caramelized cabbage, fegato and parmigiano emulsion
All the flavors mixed so well together!

Short Rib Agnolotti
Garlic chips, toasted breadcrumbs, and horseradish
The concept was interesting, but it was a bit too sweet in taste.

Vanilla Caramel Budino
Gianduja chocolate sable cookies
This easily tickled me happy! =)

Chocolate Cake
Burnt orange-caramel gelato and espresso sauce.

Yes, this was right next door to Bouchon! This whole area is filled with great establishments (i.e., Spago, Mastro's, Il Fornaio, Ruth's Chris etc)

Speaking of Mastro's (aside from dineLA), I must expose some highlights of a recent meal! It was my mother's birthday not too long ago and what better way to celebrate a fabulous, over-worked, inspirational, MEAT-LOVING mother than to feed her steak! It was a ridiculously great dining experience!!! She looooved the tender meat, but I honestly didn't care much for it (yes, even though it's their specialty =T)... I did, however, thoroughly enjoy the lobster mashed potatoes (sorry, I wasn't able to take any decent pictures this evening)....

Alaskan King Crab Black Truffle Gnocchi
gnocchi, gnocchi, gnocchi!!! lol

and of course, their homemade profiteroles!!!!
Vanilla bean ice cream sandwiched between a choux pastry ball drizzled with chocolate
THIS WAS MY ALLLL TIME FAVORITE!!! yom!

Curiosity

Sure, my mind runs freely & wildly. It's beneficial in many situations, but pointless (even if entertaining) during other times.

I was at work and came across a prescription for cialis, an ED (erectile dysfunction) medication. Typically, medications that fall under this category are expensive! Pharmacy benefits will cover only a percentage of the cost. I've seen some patients WITH insurance pay anywhere from $50-$200 for 8-27 tablets. Anyway, there was nothing special about the prescription itself. The thing that caught my attention was realizing it was processed through a worker's comp claim!

I'm sure it was used for something else like PAH (pulmonary arterial hypertension), but I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought this man was theeee deuce bigalow... male...

Sushi Sankai, Santa Ana

I love sushi, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE authentic Japanese (not Korean) sushi!

I had a great time catching up with my friend, S! Great conversations, lots of laughs, and delish food!! I even appreciated how our neighbors were a bit chatty with us~

(taken with my droid)

yummy pink-bottled sayuri nigori sake 

oysters on the half shell

agedashi, fried tofu in ponzu sauce

toro! my faaaav.... but this one wasn't the freshest =(

shrimp bowl topped with quail egg... YUM!

amaebi- raw sweet shrimp... sadly, this one was gross!

...but the fried shrimp heads were delicious!!! hehe

fried potato wrapped shrimp... my FAVORITE of the night!!

tuna tataki with cream sauce, mushroom, & asparagus

we asked the sushi chef to surprise us and he came up with the Santa Ana roll...
it was ok~ wished it were a bit more exotic of a dish