Weblog
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
-
Farewell...
Dearest All,
Notification: June 1st is my famous/ infamous "Lena drops off the face of the earth" day... I begin my bar studies on that day.
What this means for you: (mmm I hope I still have friends after the next two months.)- So my facebook, xanga, StudiVZ, AIM, MSN, Gchat will be unaccessible and I will be MIA until July 30th (which is my last day of the bar exam).
- My phone will also be shut off from Monday- Saturday... and only on for Sundays
- Meeting up for coffee or dinner= out of the question. (sorry... its nothing personal.)
- I will be accessible only via e-mail and if you e-mail me and its not an emergency... I will most likely not respond.
- I will be at Bethel on Sundays + at missions meetings... shout out to Cambodia missions team hehe
- My bar exam dates are July 29th + July 30th.
- I leave for Cambodia on July 31st or August 1st until about August 22nd
- and then that weekend I move into Baltimore)...
Reasoning: now why am I doing this? Why am I being psycho? because...
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,You see-- I know that my reason/ calling to go into law and be a lawyer was not so that I could have a fancy title or say "esquire/ esquiahhhhh" after my name... but because God called me to serve His people through my legal profession. To be a voice for those who have not been heard and to mend and heal brokenness (of which there is plenty in the legal system). Most of all, to serve His city and to love on His people... so if thats the case... shouldn't I study hard to pass the bar so that I can serve His people sooner and excel at it for His namesake. So if you wanna support me, pray for me... thanks in advance.
since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Thursday, April 24, 2008
-
Oh No! Lena's Baking?!?!
When I was younger I was a fool. I had so many baking fiascos that people were afraid when I said I'd be baking or cooking. Here are some examples:
1) Valentine's Day Cookies-- I read this book when I was younger (I think in like 6th grade?) about these kittens who made their mommy cat cookies for valentine's day! So I wanted to do the same. I got out all of the ingredients... and thought it looked a bit dry. So I added in an extra egg. Needless to say when they were all baked they were not tasty at ALL! Being creative and all, I decided to put some strawberry jam on top of it. I tasted it and it still tasted bad. So i put it on a pretty plate and gave it to my parents. (i think they threw them out haha)
2) Syrup-- After that fiasco I decided perhaps I'm not good with ingredients liek that. So there was this recipe that was SOOOo simple. It involved lots of corn syrup and cornflakes. I decided I'd make them for a special someone (I think this was in like 8th grade).As I was looking for the ingredients, I realized I couldn't find the corn syrup... so i decided to be resourceful and put in maple syrup. mmm I baked them and afterwards the cookies wouldn't come off the pan. i mean i flipped them upside down and they STILL wouldn't fall off. Momma was pissed cause I wasted so much maple syrup haha.
3) Oil-- So it was someone's birthday and I wanted to bake them a cake. I think this was in 8th grade as well. I gathered all of the ingredients and mixed it in. When I went to look for the oil, I didn't know which oil to use. So i decided that I could use sesame oil instead of vegetable oil. When it came out it tasted really awful as you could imagine... so we had to throw the whole thing out. sadness
HOWEVER,
I've been redeemed. First of all I cooked a lot 
in college (pictures below) and all of my food turned out decent. Especially my chicken noodle soup from scratch + my award winning chili. My lopsided cupcakes b/c I didn't preheat the oven-- pictures below-- still tasted okay!
AND... I made white chocolate cranberry oatmeal cookies for work today! YAY!!! Move out Martha Stewart, Lena Kim is on her way!
Friday, April 18, 2008
-
Best Eats in Maryland
Not in any particular order...
1. Yuraku Japanese Restaurant (visited 3/11) Germantown, MDOMG... the best sushi. They slice the fish sooooo thick so that its sooo flavorful. They also put very little rice on their sushi so its perfect. They have gehranjjim aka 계란찜that is soooooo yummy. the girls and I (roughly 3 of us) finished off 5 rolls :P. Plus if you're Korean/ Asian they'll serve you a special appetizer :D2. Bob's Noodle 66 (visited 3/11 & on 3/25) Rockville, MDI went here because sooo many people talked about it... and it definitely lived up to its reputation. It was awesome cause I was surrounded by Chinese people-- so you know its good Chinese food! I had the beef short rib in black pepper sauce, the shredded pork with bamboo tips (my fav), and the steamed filet. The hot and sour soup was the best I've ever tasted. Ginger Chicken Casserole= excellent. Their bean curd and vegetable soup was very clean-tasting (kind of like shabu shabu) *drool* Cash only btw.3. Chicken Box (visited 3/6) Baltimore, MDIn Baltimore... the land overflowing with chicken bones... Chicken Box is the BEST! Its usually from fried chicken shops owned by Korean folks. It includes wings + fries and usually a drink. It's quick, cheap, and greasy... fabulousness. Usually if you speak Korean to them... they'll take off the tax from your order hehe.4. Mem Sahib (visited 3/10) Baltimore, MDbest Indian buffet ever-- costs like $8.00 for lunch buffet which includes samosas, fresh naan, butter chicken curry, good spinach and cheese curry, and awesome tandoori chicken. Their rice pudding dessert is really good too.5. Paul Kees (visited 12/21) Silver Spring, MDAmazing chinese food. I forget exactly what I had... but it was great for family style and really good Chinese food... not that carryout crap.6. Barebones Grill (visited 3/8) Ellicott City, MDHonestly I love their Brewmeister steak!! and its cheap. Their corn fritters are good... but dont order 2 helpings of it. their white chili is more like chowder... but still good. Their beers are pretty good too!7. Vacarros (visited 1/24) Baltimore, MDI love their Hazelnut gelato... their strawberry shortcake dessert is madd good... but everything is super sweet so a black coffee is always wonderful.8. Moby Dicks House of Kabob (visited 3/6) Rockville, MDThe BEST kabobs w/ fabulous rice and decent naan. I recommend the Chicken and the beef-- combo II i think. Getting a bit pricey... but still so good!9. Germano's Trattoria (Visited in 2007) Baltimore, MDlocated in Little Italy... I think its the BEST food place in Little Italy... less well known, more authentic, and better prices.10. Camden Pub (Visited in 2007) Baltimore, MDCheapest wings in Baltimore on Wing night (Tuesday). Would recommend the baltimore wings... wings covered in old bay + yuengling (only if you're old enough!)11. Carmen's (Visited in August 2007) Rockville, MDDecent places that deserve to be mentioned:Best gelato + custard EVER... so much better than Rita's! (Simeon please don't kill me!)12. Kirby's (Visited in January 2008) Baltimore, MDBest gyros in Baltimore... run by this huge Greek family. Other food recommended as well, but gyros are the best.13. Fractured Prune (Visited 3/25) Rockville, MDBanana Nut Bread donut was wonderful!!! OC sand was aiight. A bit pricey for donuts, but very good as a nice dessert. I would recommend trying out different kinds with other people-- 1 is more than enough donut!14. Cake Love (Visited 3/25) Silver Spring, MD or Baltimore, MDTo be honest I went to the D.C. location of this called Love Cafe... but it was still awesome. The cupcake bar is pretty extensive with delicious looking cakes and cupcakes. I'd recommend a chocolate cupcake with raspberry buttercream. We also tried chocolate on vanilla and the german chocolate cake one... but my fav was surely the raspberry buttercream.15. Attman's New York Deli (Visited 4/17) Baltimore, MDOnly went here cause Hansoo and Eddie kept on raving about it...
but i must admit. They're right. I'd get the Corned Beef (Pastrami was good... but I liked the corned beef better) + onion rings. The best!! and cheap too :Pa. Lighthouse Soon Tofu (Rockville, MD)-- its aiight. slightly overrated.
b. Crisp and Juicy (Rockville, MD)-- Peruvian chicken with fried yuca... its good.
c. Popeyes (Everywhere, MD)-- the best fried chicken... but too much of a Commerical chain to be listed above.
d. Bertha's Mussels (Baltimore, MD)-- Fells Point with great mussels.
e. Pasticcio's Italian Kitchen (Baltimore, MD)-- towards the Canton area but really good Italian food for madd cheap :D
f. Papermoon Diner (Baltimore, MD)-- good food, a bit pricey for what they offer. Creepy decor... great sweet potato fries.
g. Coho Grill (Columbia, MD)-- most of the people there were old folks... but they have the best long island iced teas + awesome 1/2 priced wines on Saturday night.
h. First Watch Restaurant (Rockville, MD)-- great breakfast food!!! Definitely gives Original House of Pancakes a run for its money... seriously wonderful pancakes, fresh fruit crepes, etc. well pleased.
Places not in MD but I wish they were:I. Pasta Mia (D.C.)-- good pasta for cheap. great house wine and wonderful appetizer. Always packed and you need cash!
II. Yechon (VA)-- the BEST galbi tang... omg... its especially good after a long night of fun in DC.
III. Dukem Ethopian Restaurant (DC)-- great Ethopian food and on Mondays (i think) they have live music.
IV. Millions of 짜장면 집's in Annandale, VA-- drool... wish they were in MD
V. Pho Bistro (VA)-- ugh i wish this was in MD... such good pho. More upscale but just as cheap!
VI. 3rd & Eats (DC)-- I wrote an entry on this before... i love this place. Good cheap food for a wonderful cause... makes me happy.
VII. Saigon Grill (NY)-- i love this place... ever since Chris JDSN took us there... mannn my mouth drools when i think of it.
VIII. Manoosh (DC)-- This man is a hotdog vendor that usually is on GW campus and only comes out on rare occassions... but he has this special curry sauce that he puts on top of his hotdogs that make it the best! Don't just get one... you'll regret it... get at least 3!!!
VIV. Ben's Chili Bowl (D.C.)--Chili Half Smoke with cheese fries.. geez sooo good! plus you get awesome music + a man named Maurice usually sings along in this beautiful deep baritone voice! Cash only btw.
X. Jim's Philly Cheeseteaks (Philly, PA)-- BEST (hands down) philly cheesestakes. Didn't try Pat's or Gino's... but i heard from a born n raised philadelphian that Jim's is the best... and it was. Make sure you get it with cheese whiz... and for some extra flair add some mushrooms hehe.
Must try:a. Gelato place in Fells Point-- i don't know what its called but people were raving.b. Every place that Hansoo has mentioned to me since I put up this post... Hansoo... make me a list! thanks ;)- Included is Chuckie's Chicken-- i heard they have the best chicken box. Also wanna try Kimmy's Chicken... mmmm :)
- Also is Tachibana-- which Shin says rivals Yuraku's fatty tuna... we shall see.
look here for more recommendations: http://www.citypaper.com/bob/winners.asp?issueDate=9/19/2007&type=120202
Monday, April 07, 2008
-
Imagine this...
A woman tries to seduce you to have sex with her. Unfortunately you work for her husband. So instead of conceding to this gorgeous looking woman, you run away. Then she lies and tells her husband that that you tried to rape her but she fought you off. The boss throws you in jail...
Wouldn't you be pissed??
This is the story of Joseph... in addition to the scenario above, his brothers tried to kill him but instead sold him off into slavery. Dude I'd be so depressed and angry with God. Instead, he goes to jail and becomes known as this person who can interpret dreams... later interpreting a dream for the ruler of the land. As a result, he becomes the 2nd highest ranking official in the land. On top of that, God later restores his relationship with his brothers in a humbling way.
I look at that and think... God has a higher purpose and plan for everything. I wanna find out what it is. Made my soul proclaim and cry out this song:G C2 G/B C2
All who are weak all who are weary
G C2 G/B C2
Come to the Rock come to the fountain
G C2 G/B
C2
All who have sailed on the rivers of heartache
G C2 G/B
C2
Come to the sea come on be set free
G C2
If You lead me Lord I will follow
G/B C2
Where You lead me Lord I will go
G C2
Come and heal me Lord I will follow
G/B C2
Where You lead me Lord I will go
G C2 G/B C2
I will go I will go
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
-
Divine Appointments...
God sets up these perfect "seemingly random" encounters with amazing people...
1) Woman at Lexington Market-- A and I went to eat at this Indian Buffet and afterwards we went to get half & half/ an Arnold Palmer from Lexington Market. We go to the usual woman that I go to and she scolds me for not coming more regularly, our usual dialogue. But then she starts telling me about how she's been struggling so much because her family member has been battling a serious illness and eventually passed away. Together we were able to talk about how she's found peace finally in surrendering it all to God. I walked away amazed by how vulnerable and open she was with me with no prompting or prodding... its all God.
2) Woman at Bob's Noodle--C and I went to go eat at Bob's Noodle for the first time, fabulous food by the way... check previous entry, and we prayed before we ate. Later after we were done, this woman goes " i noticed you prayed before you ate... that's good" and we started talking. Turns out that she's a family counselor from Ohio who was here to lead a seminar for Chinese parents to learn to cope with the 2nd generation adolescent kids. We started talking and it was such a blessing to hear how God was working through both of us to reach this generation.
3) Tiffany from the Easter Block Party--This woman made the entire block party worth it for me. We had a food station, clothing station, kids station, and prayer station so after she went through the food station, she came to the prayer station and said "I need prayer." J was there so we decided to talk together. Immediately I asked for a hug... even in her hug there was a deep need and desire that could be sensed. She proceeds to tell us what's going on- about her relationship and her newborn baby and her struggles. Usually at the prayer station we just pray for them, but this time I asked her to pray too if she wanted to at the end. I prayed for her then J proceeded to pray for her... and then she started to pray. It was the most honest and humble prayer I've heard in a LONG time. She prayed "Thank you Lord for allowing me to wake up today. Thank you Lord for bringing me here. I have been through a lot but I know You have a purpose for everything. I'm hurting and I need you Lord." (not 100% accurate, but a pretty close paraphrase). It reminded me that I need to pray those kinds of prayers more often... at the prayer station SHE taught US how to pray.
4) Trina from the Easter Block Party-- I saw this woman waiting in line with her child who must not have been more than 7-8 years old. This child had the most beautiful eyes that were filled with so much sorrow. I made sure that she was reminded that she's a princess of God... that she is beautiful and that He loves her. As they went to receive prayer, I went to go get them food. Kevin and Linda prayed with her and later I got to talk with her. She was telling me about how they have no food to eat in the house and that she had been so worried about how they were going to eat today... then she came to the block party. My heart just broke. I told her that if we had any leftovers, I'd give them to her. She came by later... and we had no more food left and as I apologized... she said with such dignity and peace, "It's okay, you all have done so much for us already." Her perspective of thankfulness humbled me... if only we were half as grateful for the things God has given us...
5) Baltimore in General-- As I celebrate my 3rd year serving with Hope Ministry... I again get to reflect on God's perfect planning. That I applied to various law schools, but UMAB was the only one located in the city... and He made sure I went there. He hooked me up with Hope Ministry (which started in May 2005) by October 2005 and I got to be a part of a life-changing ministry. To witness the power of God's transformation from brokenness, to weep with those who repeatedly fall and turn away, and to rejoice in the victories when souls recognize their worth in Christ.
DailyWalkInHim
-
- Name: Lena
- Birthday: 8/2/1984
- Gender: Female
- Member Since: 5/30/2003
