my wife has been asking why i don't xanga anymore and basically, it's because at GE, my new job, they won't let me get on to xanga.  that was usually when i wrote all my updates!  Man, I don’t write for such a long time so I don’t know where to begin?

I remember something that happened to me while I was in elementary school.  Once a week, we had show and tell.  This is something where you get to bring in something new to school and show the class it and you get to explain what it is.  It’s basically a chance to show off something new you got.

Well, growing up the poor son of a dry-cleaners owner, there wasn’t much I could show and tell.  I was also the youngest out of four and virtually all of my clothes were hand me downs.  That’s not so bad, except the fact that I had two older sisters.  So sometimes, I went to school with bright red stockings.  I wish I could say this happened in korea where crazy things like that would be okay, but it was in South School, in Des Plaines, IL  anyway, I was so lacking in toys, there are times my toys were a tie from my dad’s closet and a band-aid box.

I pretended that the tie was a king cobra and would guide it while it slithered across the whole house.  Then the band-aid box was a space ship and I would put a GI Joe that I found in it and it would fly to different worlds within our house.  The best was when there was a cosmic battle between the starship, Johnson and Johnson and a purple striped King Cobra.  I could never remember who won, but boy was it fun!

Anyway, back to my original story, during show and tell, I would always feel so bad cuz I never got to show anything.  And from very early in my life, I always wanted to be the center of attention!  So when my 2^nd grade teacher, Mrs. Miller, asked if there were any volunteers to show their new thing, I raised my hand.  To this day, I had no idea what possessed me to do that cuz I had nothing to show.  So I went to my locker and thinking the entire way (which was about 16 seconds) of what I would possibly show them.  And I figured it out.  I would tell them about my new jacket that I just got.  Here’s the funny thing.  It’s not new.  I wore it all the time to recess days before.  It was a mustard yellow pea coat with the wooden buttons with the string thing that the wood buttons go thru.  It had a hood with a green lining and it looked like uncombed camel hair.  The jacket, I think was also a hand me down so my mom had to fold up the sleeves.  This is how I described it to the class:

“this is my new jacket I got from my mom.  It keeps me real warm.  If your head gets cold, you can put on this hood that is attached to the coat.  There are pockets for you to put your gloves and other things.  One for each hand.  What I like most about this jacket is that you can unfold this part (pointing to the sleeve) so when you get bigger, the coat will still fit.”

I’m not kidding.  I totally remember unfolding the sleeve to show them.  Aw man, I’m having a good time just reminiscing about the good old days!

This reminds me of another story.  This is a picture of my daughter during Halloween.  She is very cute in this bumble bee costume.  Do you see how elaborate this costume is?  There is padding around the stomach area.  The antennas have glitter.  Even the stockings have little shoes on them.  This thing probably cost $50.  When I was a kid, my siblings and I had such GHETTO costumes.

One year, my mom told us to wear our suits.  So we did with those fat clip on ties.  Then she made a start out of aluminum foil and pinned it on the lapel.

When I went to school, dressed up for Halloween, my friends asked me what I was cuz they sure couldn’t figure it out.  I told them I was a detective. 

WHAT KIND OF DETECTIVE WEARS AN ALUMINUM STAR?

I’ll tell you.  Special Agent Bernie Shim.

Those were good times, man!

nor

alright, this is the real me.  i threatened to change my password to my wife, but i will trust that she only put entries on my behalf that bring more attention to me.  i really should be preparing my heart for j-gen, but i'd rather tell you about my birthday date.

yoojin first took me to Bob Chinn's, but they weren't open so we had to sit at the bar and we ordered the bar menu stuff.  we got shrimp and oysters for $5 (total).  Then i got my favorite meal from BC which is the 32oz porterhouse with 20 oz king crab legs.  but don't worry, i shared it with yoojin.  unfortunately, she doesn't have a big appetite so i had to eat more than 50%.

then we headed towards downtown.  i wanted to save on gas so we took my car (which is my wife's old car, VW jetta).   You can read my previous entry on my beloved avalon.

we drove around for a little bit to get street parking because every time i park in those garages and pay $25 i feel like somebody gave me a big dong jeem.  and that person who just gave that to you just sits there and smile.  you know what i mean.  like i've just been robbed.

so we found one, but i had to go number 2 very very badly. so i went into McDonald's to use their bathroom.  the door was locked so somebody was doing their business.  when i got in there, my eyes started to water and it wasn't out of gratitude for the night.  it was the kind where you became dizzy and for a split second, you think you are under a terrorist attack.   i quickly did my thing and went out and lo and behold someone was waiting.  I tried to explain with my eyes that i didn't make that smell.

we watched Stomp in the city.  i have seen many broadway shows in my life (like 4) and this was my favorite.  not just cuz i didn't have to pay, but i was super impressed with these guys.  while watching, i was thinking of this one guy, James Lee from my old youth group who would be perfect for this.  and i had to stop my brain from thinking about this funny-looking fool while i was with my beautiful wife.

They were so funny but it was amazing how in synch they were.  they used everyday stuff like, straws, garbage cans, and plungers (that's every day for me) to make these weird noises.  but it sounded good.  let me get spiritual for one second.  this is like the church.  by ourselves, it's not much, but God, thru His creativity can take a seemingly cacaphonous sound and turn it into a beatiful harmony.  seriously, i thought about this. 

then we walked around a bit in the city just sharing about our lives.  we took a picture together near a fountain.  i really love my wife.  not just cuz she paid for my ticket, but because she also bought me bob chinn's.  who does that?  i love her because i like her so much.

anyway, on the way back to my car, i saw a parking ticket.  i got a ticket since that old beat up VW doesn't have a front license plate so i got a $50 ticket for that.  i was trying to save a few dollars on gas and a few dollars in parking and i got a $50 parking ticket.  talk about getting a big dong jeem.  This one felt like it was with nuclear missile.   but i'm not going to let some meter maid rain on my parade.  all in all, one of the most fun dates i had with yoojin.  and sadly, i didn't miss ashley at all.  i don't think we even talked about her.   actually, who is ashley?

i was talking to some younger guy who asked how i knew yoojin was the one to marry.  i think my view on God's will has changed after attending some Bible Studies and listening to a sermon series while i was at Harvest.  But anyway, this is how i answered him.  i think she's the one cuz i can share with her my deepest thoughts and confessions.  in the same breath we can laugh hysterically at something.  when driving in the car and she's in the back with ashely, i'd rather her sit next to me so i can hold her hand.  she believes that God can use me to lead the family.  that faith makes me want to try harder.  when i talk to her about stuff, she cares about my answers and i care about hers.  that's how i know.

alrighty guys, thanks for all of you that left comments.  i know i have a lot to catch up on so i thought i would interview myself.  this will give you a peek into my life.

Q: So why do you not xanga anymore?

A: Well, i have a new job and this company doesn't let us go on xanga.  and when i come home, i feel guilty going on xanga since i have so many other things to do.

Q:  Like what?

A:  Well, j-gen for one.  it's coming up in a day.  we have about 900 students coming this year.  Also, i help out with Crossing Borders.  we have a huge event with a live video feed coming up on Aug 18. 

Q:  Why did you gain so much weight?

A:  Well, i have to work like 70-80 hours a week at GE.  thsoe guys are like leeches.  so i don't get a chance to exercise.  also, my wife is a great cook.  lastly, i have no discipline for portion control.  some people stop when they are not hungry.  most people stop when they are full.  i stop when it hurts.

Q:  Why is your daughter so cute?

A:  People don't realize this, but when i was a baby, i was very very cute.  i looked like charlie brown with my big head and i had very big cheeks.  ashley resembles me when i was a kid.  behind my brillo hair, bushy eyebrows and fat body, i am one very sexy man.

Q:  Why is your humor so mean?

A:  I think ppl take themselves way too seriously.  i think it's a form of pride.  making fun of people is my ministry to God's people.  one big shout out to calvary!  these guys have learned from me not to take themselves seriously.  sure, some of them have issues, but pride is not one of them.  plus, it's a good way to bond with people.  some of my closest friends are the ones my jokes are the meanest.  like mommy jokes.  i know they are so wrong, but they feel so right?  shout out to young soon, hae sook and young ran.

Q:  What is your long-term goal?

A:  first, i want five kids.  afterwards, Lord-willing, perhaps have GE send me to china to be a business man there.  then i will get connected to various churches and refugees and mobilized them to be witnesses and then turn that country into a believing nation that will send missionaries to the middle east and usher in the 2nd coming!  Then in 2008 i will buy a honda vtx 1800 R motorcycle.  and ride thru the country side.

that's it guys.  please please pray for j-gen!  that lives will be changed for everyone, kids, counselors, youth workers.

Bernie

it's a national holiday

It's my birthday!!! 

give me some love in the form of eprops!!!  and you better give me more eprops than my age!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEEEEEE!!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!

[this is actually his wife hacking into his computer]

life has been so busy!  i wasn't going to xanga since so much has been going on, but i was tagged by my wife.  so what can i do?

I never really understood these surveys.  I think it’s a way for people to shamelessly talk about themselves.  Although I hate being the center of attention, I’ll oblige.

Survey

4 jobs i've had: Car Washer, Accountant, Youth Pastor, and professional underwear model

4 movies i could watch over and over: Braveheart, Shawshank Redemption, Band of Brothers, Schindler’s List

4 places i've lived: Seoul, Chicago, Los Angeles.  That’s it!

4 t.v. shows i watch: Law and Order, Everybody Loves Raymond, Simpsons

4 places i've vacationed: Wisconsin Dells (four times).  I hate that place.  If I see Tommy Bartlett one more time, I’m going to kill him.

4 foods i love: Galbi, Curry (the Korean kind, not the Indian kind.  I hate the Indian kind (no offense to my Indian friends)), Famous Dave’s rib tips, porterhouse steaks

4 sites i visit daily: Craigslist, ebay, Chicago Tribune, Allstreet (it’s Allstate’s internal website for their Investments Division.  It rhymes with Wallstreet.  You get it?)

4 places i'd rather be: 1. Hawaii.  I wanted to get there on my honeymoon, but couldn’t.  2. On a picnic with my wife and baby on plush green grass, under a tree eating galbi, curry, rib tips and porterhouse steaks  3. Riding on Pacific Coast Highway in CA on a “you know what”.  4. China, working with refugees and the house churches

4 random items in my bag: I don’t have a bag, but I have a drawer in my cube:  1.  deck of cards 2. nature valley trail mix granola bar 3. tums and 4. sheet of paper with all my passwords for all my work applications

4 things most people don't know about me: I love to ballroom dance.  I cry easily in movies.  I love playing poker for money, but I don’t!  I tried stand up comedy.

4 people to tag:  any old calvary youth group student who wants to?

Quick update!  I am officially an old man.  I have a beautiful daughter named Ashley who has changed my life.  When it’s time to go home, I get a little giddy to see her.  She is so cute.  I love bothering her and just squeezing her.  She makes these funny whimpering noises all the time which makes me fall in love!  She sounds like a little balloon deflating.

I’ll give an update on that whole birthing process.  It’s pretty amazing!

Also, I will be leaving Allstate.  I got a job at GE – Consumer Finance.  My first day is May 1.  my last day at Allstate is 4/28.  pretty sad, huh.

Alright, I gotta go back to work

Thanks

bernie

this is one of the reasons why i hate mice and rats so much!

FT. SUMNER, NEW MEXICO -- A mouse got its revenge against a homeowner who tried to dispose of it in a pile of burning leaves. The blazing creature ran back to the man's house and set it on fire.

Luciano Mares, 81, of Ft. Sumner said he caught the mouse in his house..

"I had some leaves burning outside, so I threw it in the fire," Mares said from a motel room Saturday.

Village Fire Chief Juan Chavez said the burning mouse ran to just beneath a window, and the flames spread up from there.

No one was hurt inside, but the home and everything in it was destroyed.