1. Crucifix Necklace

2. Samsung SGH-zx20 Cellular Phone

3. Samsung T10 mp3

4. Timberland Wallet - Black

5. Nixon Rocker Watch

Here's the update that I haven't made in a while.

I hung out with Amy on the Friday, April 25 and Saturday, May 3. I would like to say that we had a fun time. It has been a while since I hung out with Amy. We talked a lot on both days catching up on old times, telling jokes, and demonstrating our musical talents. Amy has been playing the piano sometime this year, but it seemed that she had started recently judging on her playing ability. No offense or anything. I played some guitar solos, but I know that I played horrible - even the songs that I'm most comfortable with such as Sweet Child and The Time Has Come.

We watched Stephen King's (or STEVEN King according to Amy) "It". Honestly, we both disliked it. The acting, story, and visuals were poor. I actually "wasted" a free movie rental on such a bad movie, and it's all Amy's fault. :lol: At least I spent time with her.

Since then, Amy has been calling me everyday on my cell phone. I'm actually starting to use my cell phone now. Moreover, I'm spending more time with my "TS". ㅎㅎㅎ

I wait for the next time we'll hang out. Hopefully we could go out somewhere other than staying at my house all day. She's the only real friend I have. I do not intend to lose my only friend.

Instrument(s):
Jackson DKMG MG Series Dinky Electric Guitar (Floyd Rose Licensed bridge; transblack; EMG pickups)
Fender American Deluxe Aerodyne Strat (hardtail string-thru-body bridge; black; single coil pickups)
Behringer Electric Guitar (package)
Fender Acoustic Guitar

Effect(s):
Boss GT-8 Guitar Effects Processor
Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal
Boss OS-2 Distortion/ Overdrive

Amplifier(s):
Marshall MG15CD Combo Amp (45 W)
Behringer GM108 Analog Modeling Amp (25 W)

Misc.:
Sandshark (light), Sam Ash (medium), Fender (medium) picks
Dunlop Guitar Strap
Guitar Research, Cleartone EMP Guitar Strings (super light)
Guitar Research Guitar Care
Fender Instrument Care Kit
Ernie Ball Wonder Wipes
Dunlop Guitar Fingerboard Kit
ZZYZX SnapJack, Sam Ash, Behringer, Groove Plugs Cables
ZZYZX SnapJack Additional Tips
Levy's Guitar Gig Bag
Boss TU80 Tuner & Metronome
Boss TU8 Guitar & Bass Tuner
Guitar Guizmo Compact Multi-Purpose Guitar Tool

I haven't updated for over a month. I'm just too lazy to update nowadays. However, here's a little something that has been going on.

I've been getting increasingly impatient and angry. My "normal" face of a stern look has transformed into an angry look. Jonathan made an observation that I am either happy or pissed off. I have become a paranoid, distrusting, choleric person over the month. Mom even said that I always have a bitter look whereas the other kids at church are always happy - even when they're by themselves. She suggested that I change this side of me. I will change this - as soon as I find a worthwhile trustworthy friend...

My guitar skills have gotten rusty. Not only that, but I know nothing either. I haven't realized how bad I was at playing guitar until now. I am going to learn the pentatonic scale and how to sweep. Maybe - hopefully - if I succeed in learning these techniques, I would be able to improvise. I lack so many techniques that a guitarist should know. I don't even know my notes; I only read music through tablature. I have a very lengthy road ahead of me; a road that will require a considerable amount of persistence, patience, and endurance.

I WILL start working out 6 days a week. I am terribly weak - especially for a 16 year-old. I will work out from Monday to Saturday; working on arms, chest, shoulders, back, triceps, abs, and legs. The schedule is at a tentative state; I will improve on it by increasing any number of repetitions or sets while actually doing the workout during this month.

Though I felt rather reluctant to posting a lengthy entry about such an awesome retreat, I guess this time had to come sooner or later. Before I begin I proudly admit that I TOTALLY FEEL REFRESHED IN GOD!

Retreat was just awesome. After 점도산님's sermon, we packed up everything and left church at 2 PM. However when we were all about to leave, Jenna started to cry because Jonathan and I were leaving for retreat. Though it was nice that Jenna would miss us, I still felt really aggravated: I just wasn't in the mood to stop Jenna from crying AGAIN since she is SO stubborn. Before I left, I said goodbye to Mom and looked for Jenna - only to find out that I couldn't find her. I left with regret leaving Jenna crying. She was later found in the bathroom by the adults that day...

It took about 1 hour and 30 minutes until we arrived at Keswick. Sangjin was my roommate, so I got him to deal with my things. Since I'm in praise team, I helped out set up all the equipment. We happened to get the bigger chapel. After that, we had dinner and had our first service. Our speaker, Pastor Matt Lin, was a big Chinese man who started off the retreat by handing out candy as rewards for correctly guessing candy bars in the game "Name That Bar". Afterwards, we had our first group meeting.

The groups and their respective skits are as follows:
Group 1 - Zach
David Jhee
Jessica Kim
Jonathan Rim
Jun Hong
Kathleen Sung
Paul Rim
Susan Lee
Ulrica Kim
Group 1 had Jun as their main character and Zach as the narrator. He was a cheery boy who was tested by the capital sins of gluttony (David dressed as a really fat guy), pride (Jun shows off his "muscles"), envy (Jun steals Jonathan's slidey cell phone), and lust (Jun goes out with "Paulina"). Jun was convicted by God every time at the end of each sin, got on his knees, began to cry, but then got up and said "Ahh, refreshed". However after the sins, Jun "died". Though it was a "sad" moment where everyone leaned over and "cried", Jun was in a better place: heaven. Therefore, everyone danced in joy at the end.

Group 2 - Sangjin
Brian Kim
Eddie Kim
Emily Jung
Gina Yoo
Jesse (last name)
Liz Kang
Liz Kim
Peter Park (Y)
Peter Park (O)
Group 2 had their skit about a poor miserable family with Peter (O) as the drunken father. Liz Kang was the mother, Liz Kim was the daughter, and Brian Kim was the son. During the skit, Peter spent most of their money on the investment of Jesse's company - which got bankrupt. Emily was the announcer on TV who announced the news... Everyone was upset with Peter, so Peter went off to donate to Gina's charity. Later, Peter bought a lottery ticket. Miraculously, Peter actually won. However, he left the family to live the "good life" as a rich man. As he lived his life riding on his "human limo" of Peter (Y) and Jesse, Liz (the daughter) was really sick. Sangjin and Eddie were there for the family and managed to spot Peter (O) to make a donation to help his family. However, Peter's arrogance caused Peter to ignore the call. However, Peter felt guilty and returned. He felt so hurt at seeing his daughter sick that he gave all of his money to help out his family and fled. Later, Liz (the daughter) was shown praying, feeling healthy once again.

Group 3 - Diana
Ashley Ko
Bora Jung
Brian Jung
David Na
Elizabeth Noh
Grace Kim
Joshua Kim
Suah Lee
Group 3 based their skit on the fable of "The Tortoise and the Hare" - Ashley's idea - with Diana as the narrator. David was the tortoise symbolizing a very slow, but a strong everlasting relationship with God. On the other hand, Brian was the energizer bunny, symbolizing a spiritual high, but inevitably go down. However at the end, David caught up with Brian and helped him back up with "Live Water" that refreshed Brian's spirits. Together, they crossed the finish of eternal life.

Group 4 - Mark
Danica Han
Daniel (last name)
John Rim
Joshua Cho
Kevin Ahn
Sam Pak
Sarah Park
Susan Cho
My group's skit had Danica as the main character. I didn't really like it that guys played the main character all the time, so I suggested that a girl take the main role and asked Danica if she wanted to do it. Anyway, Danica was a member of praise team who was a very devoted Christian. I, too, was a praise team member and a devoted Christian. On Day 1, Danica and I are in a relationship as well as taking an active role in church. After our scene, Danica got on the phone with her friends, Susan and Sarah. They invited Danica to a big party, but Danica assertively said, "No, I have church". On Day 2, Danica's faith started to weaken - and it showed. When I asked what was wrong, Danica shrugged off the question and left. She called her friends again and was invited to another party. This time however, she simply said, "I have church". On Day 3, Danica's weakened faith really showed, and I took action to really ask what was wrong. But again, Danica shrugged it off and left. When she called her friends and got invited to another party again, Danica hesitantly agreed to go. There, she met Mark and Gus, the "partiers". Sarah and Susan got drunk and fainted while Danica managed to stay awake. I caught her in the club partying and drunk, but left extremely disappointed. Afterwards, Danica left the club and ran into Sam, a blind man whom she befriended at one of her volunteer events. There Sam gave some advice to her after Danica sobered up. On the next day, Danica came up to me while I was practicing. I looked at her but turned away. Danica sighed but greeted me. I responded back. She tried to explain what went on the day before, but I cut her off, telling her that I knew and asked her, "What were you thinking?" Even though she said she really didn't know, I became even more disappointed and upset, knowing and telling her that she really let the youth group down as well as ditching me. When Danica apologized, I sighed but decided to be there for her, telling her that God will always be there for her in times of need and that I'll be there, too. Danica called her friends later that day, but they invited her to another party and promised to take care of her this time. However, Danica refused and told them, "I know a better place where we can go".

During Monday night, I talked with Sangjin for a long time about personal things. That was when I realized that I liked Danica. Not only was she pretty, but she is also a quiet person, unlike many others who are rather random and/ or outgoing. However, she's an 8th grader AND Zach's sister. I got really frustrated that night for falling for her. As of now, I'm moving on from the mixed feelings, feelings for others, confusion and frustration.

And to note, a funny thing happened on Sunday night. The first song was The Time Has Come. Since retreat is a really big event, I decided to use the finger-tapping variation of the solo with the wah effect. Apparently, that earned me some "fans". Sarah and Liz became crazy about my guitar playing. Liz even started to hug me! Peter 선생님 said that I became a rock star. Heheh... I really don't deserve such attention and praise. Instead, my guitar playing is all dedicated to God. Therefore, everyone should praise God, not me.

Though much more happened, I'll sum it all up now. I just want to say that retreat was GREAT. I really feel refreshed in God. To be honest, my faith in God was gradually slipping from me. However, retreat really helped out. Being undignified before the Lord is such a great feeling. Too bad Jonathan didn't do the same... He didn't sing at all. All he did was clap - unenthusiastically. I hope he will truly find God one day.

Winter retreat is only a week away and I'm very excited to go to my second retreat EVER in LCPC.

I've learned more than 30 songs and I will continue to learn more songs for the retreat. I hope that retreat will be great and that everything will go smoothly. I also, of course, want to be in an intimate relationship with God. Under the theme of "Refresh", I intend to refresh my relationship with God as well. As time continues, I have realized that my love for God is gradually waning. Sometimes I feel as if I'm on praise team for the sole purpose to demonstrate my talent to the youth group. That is NOT the way it should be. I am in praise team, joined praise team, and will stay in praise team to lead praise to God. Praise team is not some a band where the musicians display their talents to large crowds; praise team is a band in which the musicians praise God's holy name and lead the praise through music. Anyway, I really hope that retreat will be a great experience.

In other news, I have made up my mind for my future: I want to be the president of Korea. Sure it is a dramatic change from a pharmacist, but Mom and Dad really encourage this.

My decision is made because of Dad. Dad is an amazing person: he doesn't crack under stress and pressure, he is very intelligent, he is a loving, caring, and thoughtful father and husband, he is a gentleman, and he demonstrates on what a real man is. There are more traits that Dad possesses that I admire, but these are what come up to my mind at the moment. I thank Dad for everything he has done for me and the family; I sincerely thank God for blessing me to be born in a family that is as wonderful as mine. I will NOT disappoint Mom and Dad. I will be the best that I can be; the kind of person that God made me to be.

On Saturday, January 26, I hung out with Amy at my house. It has been a long time since we met. I want to say that we had a fun time together, but I think that it was rather dull and boring.

I picked Amy up from her Queens residence (in front of P.S. 229) at 10 AM. Since she came to Queens on Friday, it's only natural that she stays in Queens for a little while longer. Anyway, we walked all the way to my house. Jenna couldn't remember Amy, but Amy sure remembered Jenna. Amy also said that Jonathan changed: his voice deepened and he grew taller. Amy has changed a bit too: she grew taller (up to my mouth or so) and she certainly looks older. We talked for a while in my room catching up on things, talking about old times, and talking about school. Afterwards, we played Monopoly with Jenna. I emerged as the ultimate LOSER; Jenna emerged as the ultimate winner. After that, we played Guitar Hero 3 for a while. Then we moved on to WarioWare and then to Wii Sports. I ordered pizza from Domino's, but there seemed to be some kind of error and the pizza didn't come. So I ordered again: 2 large pies and a 2-liter Coke. We ate a pie and a half while watching Spider-Man 3.

It was nearly 4:30 PM. I wanted to spend more time with Amy, but I had Praise Team practice. I called Zach and told him that I won't be able to make it because she was over. However if I didn't go to church on Saturday, I won't be playing on Sunday. Well that wasn't good news; I wanted to go to Church, too. I made my decision by going to church. Mom drove Amy home and drove me to church by 5 PM. I hope Amy had a slightly interesting day at least... :?

When I arrived to church, everyone seemed to be jamming instead of actually practicing. It was when I arrived that we actually started to practice. I made it to church in time, and managed to learn the songs for Saturday AND Sunday. That was a close one...

In other news, Saturday service has been moved to Friday. This complicates things a bit. When would Praise Team practice be when it is normally on Saturdays at 3:30? The only good news is that those who weren't able to make it to Saturday service are now able to attend service on Friday.

In other news, 한글학교 will be starting this Saturday.

Other than this, I don't have any more news.

1. Be Ready
Take some time and review your current situation. What needs attention? Your physical self? Your surroundings? Your fears? Taking care of yourself first will help ensure your future success in love.

2. Get a Life
Nothing is more unattractive than someone with nothing to offer. While having space in your life for a partner is important, too much space will seem overwhelming to another. It's not up to a future partner to give you the life you haven't made for yourself. Get out and get active! One of the best strategies for getting invitations is to give them.

3. Enhance Your Good Luck
What you think and do has enormous effects on bringing you good -- or bad -- luck. Maximize chance opportunities by varying your routine. Above all, expect good fortune in your life.

4. Be Prepared to Tell the Hard Stuff
Often singles are so worried about how to tell bad news to a new partner that it gets in the way of doing any dating at all. Part of getting ready to date is dealing with your truth and coming to terms with your life so far - and what you have learned in the process. Tell the hard stuff now, before you are put on spot.

5. Toughen Up
Saying and getting "no's" is part of getting to that big "YES!" If the no's are too much for you, you are in big trouble right now.

1. Stumped/ "I don't know"
How do you say "I don't know" without sounding dumb? BE DIRECT. Say something like, "That's a great question. I'd like to think about it and get back to you" or "That's a good question, but an even more interesting question is...". During interviews when you don't have a good answer because you haven't been doing your job, apologize and specify when you'll get back on the query; then be sure to do so or you'll lose credibility.

2. Fights with your Significant Other
Call a time out. Don't resume the arguement until after at least 20 minutes. By then, the arguement can be sorted out in a productive way.

3. Story Repeater
When you've heard a story more than once interrupt to tell that person that you've heard - and enjoyed - that story once before. There is also NO reason to evoke the fact that a story has been retold MANY times. Simply saying that the story has been told once before. In addition, changing the conversation with a related subject and even inviting another person to join the conversation will brighten things up. As for older people, patiently listen and wait for a chance to change the subject.

4. Bad Restaurant
If you feel like you've made a bad choice - the food served are not in your favor, the place is a bit grimy - cut your losses and quietly exit. If water and such are already served, pay a small tip since they've technically begun service. If caught on the way out, don't make excuses; graciously thank the person and briefly explain that you're looking for something else.

5. Sermons/ Rants
Do not argue, insult, debunk their beliefs, tease, ignore, scoff or demean. That will just make them try harder to convince you. Instead let the person spew for a couple of minutes before introducing a neutral subject or making and exit. If the rant is racist, misogynist, or obscene, cut the speaker off as soon as possible with a simple "Excuse me - I got to go".

6. The Inebriated Coworker
Do not leave the drunk to fend for his or herself. If the drunk is planning to drive, call for a taxicab or drive the person home. Use any excuse to call it a day or call it a night. To mitigate any morning-after awkwardness with someone you'll continue to see, shrug off their own comments about being embarrassed (don't rub it in) and extend an occasional lunch invitation.

7. The Long-Lost "Pal"
Show a little enthusiasm when first meeting - but don't OD. Don't even suggest spending a little time if your gut feeling is "Get me out of here". You don't have to see the person afterwards if your opinion hasn't changed.

Here's a possibly long update.

On Saturday (Jan. 5), Dad drove me to Sam Ash at around 2 PM. When we got there, the first thing that we did was getting my Jackson guitar's loose volume knob to be fixed. Surprisingly, I got the knob fixed for free. It's unfortunate that I didn't get the chance to thank the rather obnoxious guy who fixed it. Anyway, I brought the old $50 gift certificate that Brian gave me a couple of years ago for my birthday (I don't exactly remember when). I used it to buy a new pedal: The Boss GT-8 Guitar Effects Processor; the pedal that Gus clarified. The pedal itself was $445, but the coupon - which should have expired long ago - knocked the price down $50. However, the tax elevated the price of an additional $32, making the total reach nearly $440. After Dad bought me the pedal, I thanked him for actually driving me all the way to Sam Ash to repair my guitar as well as buy me an expensive multi-effect pedal. I don't deserve a father like my Dad.

My first official praise team performance was on Sunday, Jan. 6. I have to admit I was really nervous. The songs that we - the praise team - were going to perform were "What the World Will Never Take", "Now that You're Near", and "The Stand". I made 3 errors during the performance. Jonathan even caught one of my mistakes during the introduction of What the World Will Never Take. In addition, I forgot how the introduction's strumming pattern of "Now that You're Near" went. It wasn't until Gus and Zach's opening that I remembered how the strumming pattern went. Talk about embarrassing...

Back to the GT-8 pedal, I have a lot of fun playing with it. So far, I am utilizing the OD (overdrive), natural distortion, delay (repetition of sounds), chorus, reverb (echo), wah, flanger (jet-airplane-like sound), pedal bend (used in "Killing in the Name"), and AC (acoustic simulator) effects. The pedal is sophisticated with many unique features such as the FX Chain, and creating original effects. I am accustomed to the processor's numerous sophisticated knobs and pedals. I even modified 2 patches and made them my own. It is a great guitar effects processor.

I'm really thankful for having a great father: he sacrifices his time during a busy day for me, buys me the things I want, and most of all providing the entire family with a shelter, money, and much more.

I should end this entry now...