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December 28, 2003

Lowell High Class of 93 Reunion!!!

(For my new viewers: click on the 2 images below to display the pictures contained within that album, and enjoy! Feel free to leave me any comments and/or feedback!

Also, if you want the full-sized original of any image, just let me know!)

Ahhh... tonight was my 10 year reunion... I'm so happy that I went, and that I helped out with the event. =) By anyone's standard, the night was a success -- the planning committee didn't go into debt, and everyone seemed to have a fun time mingling. Hell, we even got to dance and get a little freaky once Thirsty Bear turned into a nightclub!

I got caught up in photographer/host mode, so I wasn't able to relax and enjoy the night as much as I would have liked. But, I still had lots of fun talking with old friends and making new ones! Seeing everyone socialize together gave me warm, fuzzy feelings... and definitely was an encouraging sign for future events!

SooMee, if you ever read this: great job organizing everything, girl! I had a great time working with you, and if you need help planning anything in the future, just let me know! =)

I just wish I took more pictures... =( Hopefully, I won't have to wait 5 more years to see everyone again... after hearing about how much fun the reunion was, I know that even more people are interested in some kind of get-together!

More pictures:
Leng's album

Posted by stevelee at 04:24 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

December 25, 2003

Welcome to the Family!

Just wanted to dedicate an entry to my cousin E, and my cousin-in-law-to-be (*whew*) Craig on their engagement this morning! CONGRATULATIONS YOU TWO!!!!!

Craig begged me to mention him on my webpage, so here ya go buddy! My wedding gift to you! Maybe I'll throw in some hoops and fantasy football tips, or let you win some board games, too! Haha. ;P

No, I'm really happy for both of them -- they are such a cute couple (despite how big a dork Craig is), and two of the most fun, down-to-earth people I know!

...Plus, they're paying for my trip to Hawaii for their wedding, too! Awwww, how generous -- thanks couzes! =D

Posted by stevelee at 05:34 PM | Comments (4)

More camera stuff

The CORRECT way to sharpen images

Been playing a bit more with my camera... I've finally "moved on up" to using the full manual settings. My flash-less pictures definitely come out much better now... I don't fully understand everything yet, but I'm enjoying the experimentation and learning process! =)
Dummy's guide to depth of field
More on exposure (the photography kind, you sickos!)

Hehe, I'm so amused by the "portrait" type of shots where the subject is sharp, but the background is blurry! =)

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I don't think I would ever get used to living in the East Coast, being "spoiled" by the laidback demeanor of the Bay Area/West Coast. But, one thing I really give props to east coasters is how passionate fans are about their sports teams!

Now that I have free time again, I updated my website -- cosmetic changes such as adding a few neat-o convenience features that you've already seen elsewhere: the ability to use the calendar in the upper-left as a navigational tool for my archives, and a random link/mini-blog so I don't have to write an entire entry for it.

Things to do: add archives for the random link/mini-blog section, and perhaps update the color scheme...=)

Posted by stevelee at 01:40 AM | Comments (3)

December 23, 2003

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

One of the things I love about Christmas is all the Christmas music -- so joyful, so happy, so emotional... so me. =)

I spent the other night just listening to Christmas music... just reflecting on this past year: all the happiness, all the sorrows, all the love, all the pain... This truly has been a year of change for me. I don't think there was a point where I took this year for granted, as I have so much to be thankful for...

I remember saying at the beginning of the year that my life would be changed, and that my Christmas would be special... that I would experience totally unexpected things. All I will say here is: God answers prayers. =)

To all my friends -- new and old -- and the rest of my nameless, faceless readers: I'm filled with love and joy because God and all of you give me your love and support. Merry Christmas, and God bless you and yours. *hug*

Posted by stevelee at 04:35 PM | Comments (0)

December 21, 2003

Advent Reading

Everywhere I turn, I see and feel temptations all around me. Subtle temptations of pride... anyone who knows me, knows I have a healthy dose of pride and ego.

I was asked to do the Advent candle lighting and reading for today, since people thought I did a great job with my dramatic reading during our Thanksgiving retreat. When people started finding out, they congratulated me as if it were a big deal: "Wow, you're doing all of advent reading by yourself? That's a big honor..."

After I finished my reading, I had even more people thank and congratulate me for such a "dynamic, passionate, dramatic" reading; that they were really impressed with me.

A theater arts graduate come up to me and asked: "You played the bratty brother last night, right? Great job, and with the reading today! Have you taken any acting classes before? ...Participated in any dramas before for school or church?" (No.)

During Sunday School, 3 people were chosen to read/act a certain part. I happened to be one of them. My part called for anger, so I gave it my all... after the 3 of us went up, the class had an informal vote for the "Oscar winner" -- which I won. Our music director came up to me and said that she'll make sure she has parts for me in future dramas.

With all these things being said to me, it was so easy to give into the surge of pride I was feeling. I started thinking: "Hey yeah, I am a damn good actor, aren't I?"

Then I caught myself, saw the temptation for what it was, and just redirected all praise to God. I can't explain how or why I have the heart for acting/drama; all I know is, I enjoy it (expressing myself). If I actually am any good, then hey, all glory to God! =)

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Going Christmas carolling tonight; anyone want to come along?

Posted by stevelee at 01:42 PM | Comments (1)

December 20, 2003

Christmas Celebration

We had our Christmas Celebration tonight at church, and it was awesome! Praise God! =) I had the role of Bruce, the bratty brother... I had lots of fun with the role, really getting into character! It was all acting, of course! *cough* ;)

I felt humbled by all the praise people were giving me afterwards -- saying things like how great a job I did, how funny I was, and some wondering if I had formal drama experience, since I really got into character! Hey, I give all glory to Him... and it helped that I had such a fun, easy part... so it was easy and natural to improvise for greater comedic effect! =)

Probably the most sincere comment I got was: "Wow, you totally remind me of my younger brother!!!" Hahaha...

I can't wait to get the vcd of the performance -- that I'll share with you all! Trust me, you don't want to hear my singing performance! Ugh.

I'm happy that my mom came out to watch me... hopefully she and the rest of my family will continue coming out to church events...

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One of the little girls kept on messing with me today -- it's cool, I enjoy playing with kids and glad they feel comfortable enough to mess around with me =) -- and she made one comment (in the innocently blunt way kids speak): (After grabbing my cap off) "Your hair is so short! You look good with your hat on!"

In the past, something like that would've stung and made me feel self-conscious. But, I don't mind it so much anymore... it keeps me humble, and I really have come to believe that those who accept me as I am, will. And for those who don't, are they really people I want to associate with? I don't need to impress anyone except God. =)

...So, I did what any other mature, self-respecting adult would do in the situation: I stuck my tongue out at her, made a face, and said: "Oh yeah?? Well, you're yucky! *Nyahhhhh*"

Posted by stevelee at 11:01 PM | Comments (1)

December 19, 2003

Heart of a Div(o)...

...if only I had the talent to match my heart/desire! =( *sigh*

I got back my video tape... and man, I sucked! Some pitch problems, and worst was my singing delivery.. I sounded so halting, instead of smooth! =(

I knew I picked the wrong song for my final! I think my voice/emotion is better suited towards love or sad songs... but not really happy ones. Does that mean I haven't experienced enough happiness?

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I just got back from fellowship -- last of the year. *tear* =( It was a time for pizza, socializing, and meditative worship. So thankful for this new home... God's really blessed our fellowship, and you can see His love working through all of us... we're so encouraging, edifying, and appreciative of each other!

Haha, I just feel so full of love and happiness right now! (yes, sorry... gag-fest for my more cynical/bitter readers out there ;)) Good fellowship, and afterwards, while setting up the stage for tomorrow's performance, I had a chance to ham it up for my "unwilling" audience... acting out some of my lines, and singing "Music of the Night" (haha, random... but a friend noted: "ahh, such a sad song." Which led me to the observation above about songs I prefer singing...)

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If you're a slashdot reader, you've already seen this, but: origami on crack! Impressive!

Posted by stevelee at 11:30 PM | Comments (0)

December 18, 2003

O-VAH, baby!

The damn semester is finally over, woohoo!!! It went by fairly fast, but the last 2-3 weeks sucked hard... I spent 72+ straight hours awake finishing final projects and studying for exams, and the week before that, I averaged around 2 hours of sleep a night!

Ironically, what should have been my easiest semester has turned out to be one of the most stressful! Argh.

Ahh well, I guess it's all over for now... or so I hope. =( I'm looking forward to lots of catching up on sleep, traveling (HAWAII, baby!), and catching up on the rest of my life!

Several things that I noticed or thought about through the hazy fog of my sleep-deprived state (it's amazing what random things you think about when your brain is numb...):

- If nothing else, I'm incredibly tenacious and persevering; if I set a goal for myself, I will do everything I can to achieve that goal.

- With that said: for the first time in my life, I wonder if I'm afraid of commitment?? Like, when people ask me if I want this or that position, I usually hesitate because I know how dedicated and focused I become... I don't do anything half-assed, if I can help it at all.

And now, I'm starting to see a relationship between that and, well, relationships. Like, once I'm in one, I'm fine... I dedicate and devote myself to the other person... but when I'm not in one... well, typical scenario for me: I see someone(s) I'm interested in, spend lots of attention and time getting to know that person... but as things progress and I find my feelings deepening, I start finding all sorts of negative things about the other person. Almost like I'm looking for excuses why I shouldn't be with this person...

At first, I thought I simply was being too picky... ahh well, what do you guys think?

- Some guy behind me was snoring loudly in the 24-hr study room... if I didn't have my headsets/music with me, I would've gone crazy! Yet another reason why I don't study in the library!

- After not having dreamed in years, I finally have 2 that I remember this semester: (1) about a fantasy football draft (hahahaha, definitely a sign that I'm an addict!), and (2) I was dozing off at home, and in the middle of the night my mom made a bunch of noises, which startled me awake: I jumped out of bed, and started rambling off a bunch of stuff about wavetable and fm synthesis, and other sound programming-related things! Ugh, haha.

- Singing. Remember my earlier self-evaluation of how I was expressive but unsatisfied with my singing for my final performance? Well, I ran into another girl in the class -- she has a really beautiful voice! -- who said that I did a great job, and was very expressive. She told me how she and her friend always enjoy watching me perform because of how expressive I get! Haha, I couldn't help but notice how she didn't mention my actual singing at all! Ahh well, there are worse comments to be made, I suppose... =P

- Despite the severe sleep deprivation, guess what's the first thing yours truly did after his last final? That's right baby, I went off to watch Lord of the Rings (by myself... yes, I'm a loser fanboi)!! 3.5 hours of pure sweetness! Muahahaha... I stayed awake the entire time, and was hoping for more! One of things I noticed: all the gratuitous Legolas close-ups and "breath-taking" action sequences. Gee I wonder why?! *rolls eyes*

Ahh well, off to make someone my slave! *grin*

P.S. Ugh, my grammar sucks... I'll fix it later after more sleep.

Posted by stevelee at 05:52 PM | Comments (3)

December 08, 2003

Oh what a beautiful morning!

I had my singing final today -- we had to choose from the songs that we sang in class over the semester, and I'll let you guess what I sang. ;)

I got all dressed up, which helped me feel better (read: more confident) about myself... and arrived early to warm up. The cool thing about warming up -- besides being necessary for your voice (or any instrument) -- is that it helps ground you emotionally, getting you into the mood so to speak.

As for my performance, ehh... my singing was mediocre, but in terms of stage presence, I thought I did a good job. I walked on stage, looking and feeling confident -- even flirted a little with my accompianist (you can play with me anytime, baby! Haha, j/k ;)) -- then proceeded to sing as expressively as I could. Damned if I could hit the notes, but dammit, I was going to make you believe it really was a beautiful morning!

I tried to engage my audience as best I could, to the very last piano note... at which point, I gestured towards my accompianist and took a bow. I wasn't satisfied with my performance, but I made sure my face conveyed: "Yeah, that's right... I'm a div(o?) and I just wowed all of you with my performance! I'm happy to be here, and so are you!"

A number of people came up afterwards to congratulate me, saying I did a great job. At first, I put up a mild protest (you know, the humble Chinese thing) because I really didn't care for my performance... but then I mentally shrugged and slipped back into my stage persona, and thanked them for their kind words.

Ahh well, I can judge myself when I get back my VHS recording. =)

I'm really going to miss this class... I love my teacher, and my classmates... it's awesome how supportive and encouraging we are of each other! I'm going to seriously consider joining choir next semester...

A cool thing I noticed... after my performance, I continued feeling... free, happy and confident! I felt myself giving off a really positive vibe, and people responding to that. =)

Posted by stevelee at 02:39 PM | Comments (6)

December 07, 2003

MZ Activation Pics

Here are pics from MZ's activation -- man, I didn't realize how many pictures there were of Jaylene! No wonder she kept on asking when I'd put my pics up! Haha. ;)

It kinda felt weird not going to banquet -- I think this was the first MZ banquet I've missed out in a few years? I also felt bad about not being able to pick up one of the pledges new actives, nor being able to take a picture of the pledge class... ahh well. =/

Congrats VH pledges for crossing over, the outgoing ex-comm for doing a great job, and everyone else in MZ that made the term as successful as it was! Best wishes to everyone next term, especially ex-comm!
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Wow, everyone who went to banquet sure took the black and white theme seriously! All the ladies looked hot, and the guys were pretty pimped out too! =)

...Then there was me looking like a bum wearing my cap! Hahaha...=P
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I had rehearsal today for a Christmas Celebration skit that I'm performing in. I had a fairly easy (but fun!) part, so that gave me more freedom to improvise... it also helped that it was a natural part for me: I play a goofy, bratty brother! Hehe.

It was cool how everyone had fun with their parts, and enjoyed interacting/messing with each other... we're all hams, I guess! Haha.

Oh yeah, if you're interested in coming to our Christmas Celebration on 12/20, let me know! =)

Posted by stevelee at 05:16 AM | Comments (5)

December 02, 2003

1 Step Forward, 2 Steps Back...

If you know anything about MIDI and wavetable synthesis (especially cello sound sampling) please contact me!
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One of the biggest lessons I'm learning from my fellowship is humility. Humility in the sense that I know what my limitations and imperfections are, and am comfortable accepting them. For the most part. ;)

I still have the nasty habit of putting a foot in my mouth entirely too often though!

One of the cool things about my fellowship group is how everyone seemingly goes out of their way to encourage and appreciate each other! It really makes people feel good, and goes a long way towards fostering a sense of brother/sisterhood. I remember when I was an active at Davis, there was this one guy who always stressed the importance of recognizing, supporting, and appreciating each other... no matter how small or large that person's contribution. His words remain fixed inside me to this day...
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The semester's almost over, and while it has gone by fairly fast, these last few weeks just have been hellish! It's getting harder to motivate myself to stay focused, as I'm just mentally exhausted. Plus, it's discouraging that as hard as I work, I haven't been getting the results (read: grades) I want. *sigh*

So yeah... been feeling old and tired these days. But then again, there are those little moments of joy that help validate and re-energize me:

- Having my vocal class professor (also the University and Chamber Choir director), whom I highly respect, personally encourage me to "really think about auditioning for the concert choir next semester." I have a long ways to go, vocally, but hearing that made me feel good. =)

- Getting involved in a marshmellow throwing "battle" at the APO meeting tonight! Really childish, but I swear I haven't felt that free and happy in a long time -- it's been a while since I laughed like that, with that naughty grin. ;)

What me, kid at heart?? I think so... ;P

...Almost made up for the 5+ hours I spent on campus... for APO-related meetings alone!! O_o I'm proud of how ex-comm handled themselves this semester -- overall, one of the more mature and cohesive groups I've worked with!
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Hmm... I still can't get over how well marshmellows travel when thrown! They're like perfect -- they can be thrown fast with accuracy (like a baseball), are soft/harmless, yet still give a satisfying, audible *smack* when they hit someone in the head from across the room!!! Hahaha... plus, you can easily make them as clean or disgusting as you like! ;D

Posted by stevelee at 01:40 AM | Comments (0)