February | 2010 | Rachel Meredith Wong

February 2010
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Updates from February, 2010 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

rachel 12:01 PM on February 24, 2010 Permalink | Reply

Raw Foods–The Diet
Those of you who know me very well will know that i’m ‘health conscious’ (as my mum likes to put it). As a matter of fact, I don’t think health conscious is even the right word to describe healthy living. It’s true that God has created so much wonderful and marvelous things out there for us to enjoy, yet at the same time, there is a need for all of us to practice limitation and delayed gratification. Bec used to say, “能吃就是福” to justify her weight gain. Oh, I wouldn’t dare make such a remark. Food is good. The food in Singapore is good. Everything is good. But realize this… you’ve just traded a moment of goodness for greatness.

I would assume most of you don’t like to exercise. Frankly, i’m not going to say much about it for personal reasons. I’m not trying to convert or impart anything to anyone so you don’t have to worry. In this coming year, as it has been for the past years, i’m stepping up a notch in my exercise regimen. The reason being, i’m planning to overcome Freshman 15 (i’ll write more about it when I enter University) and at the same time, i’m working towards a form-fitting body (I don’t want my clothes to fit me, I want to fit into my clothes). My exercise routine will stay the same: RUN, SWIM, BIKE (RSB), BADMINTON, SQUASH & GYM. No more Fencing for me. I have come to realize the sport is pretty gay because my darn expensive epee(s) rusted not b/c of overuse or under maintenance. If I had known this would happen in the sport, I would have invested my money in better Badminton rackets or road biking equipment. Whatever. I still have 4 working, non-rusty epee(s).

I’m cooking most of my meals now to fit my diet. So cheers to a healthy and healthier me!

As a child, Quaker Oats was my favorite (favourite) snack food. A few years later, everyone’s taste buds changed. I’m the only one in my family who still eats Quaker Oats. It’s the ultimate breakfast food. Oats are the quickest way to pump in on carbs. and i’ll have them before I run in the morning.

Most Americans eat Pasta before they run marathons… to be specific, Spaghetti.

Hydration is the #1 requirement for any sport. Remember to replenish your fluids and electrolyte levels. I only drink the yellow and orange bottles seen in the far left. Dad would always buy 100 Plus for us after we run at MacRitchie, Lower/Upper Peirce, and Lower/Upper Seletar Reservoirs. Fun times, running has been in my blood ever since. It’s a waste that the Supermarket shelves don’t carry 100 Plus. I liked it a lot!

Eat from the Post Line of Shredded Wheat (the Honey Nut one is good)

My other favorite–Post Honey Bunches of Oats

Eat Yogurt (Yoghurt)! The Blueberry, Peach & Apricot, Strawberry, Blackberry ones are the best. Also they’re technically giving out free yougurt (Publix sells 20 f0r $10) and General Mills, the manufacturer gives out $1 coupons online.

Choose to eat lean meat! Good source of Proteins.

And not to forget… the GM Chicken and somewhere along the line, fish!
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rachel 8:57 PM on February 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply

The Mercer Experience–First Look
Now that i’m at the crossroads, it’s time to make some decisions. Sidetrack: Gosh, I just realized I fail at typing when i’m listening to music. That’s the only reason why I can’t listen to music and study at the same time. Ugh, I applaud those who can multi-task in this area. So as I was mentioning earlier, i’ve been accepted to Mercer University, a Private Liberal Arts College in Macon, GA. (See Mercer Por Favor) My family and I made our way down South to the campus just to see how things were at Macon. We had mixed impressions of the University and the City as a whole (or at least I did). As you all know, the recession has affected lots of businesses across the country and even around the world. Suffice to say, most businesses around my area here in Johns Creek have been doing quite well or at least they are still surviving… but when I compare what I see around here to that of Macon, it’s a pretty scary image. Macon=Ghost Town. I can most appropriately describe the area as: Sketch, Ghetto, Dirty, Dangerous, and Obsolete among other negative and derogatory connotations. It’s really unfair though for me to compare Johns Creek, Alpharetta & Duluth to Macon b/c of the wide difference in social classes. In Macon you have more Blacks belonging to the lower income brackets of society while here at Johns Creek… well you all know.

Mercer University however, was just as I had hoped for it to be–all brick buildings with the exception of one of them (the architect mixed up the blueprints with that of Northwestern’s. So Northwestern has all concrete buildings with the exception of one red brick building). The campus environment is great and most buildings have been renovated in recent years. The best part of Mercer is the University Center. I can totally see myself sitting around there all day just to avoid going back to the dorms. Oh, talking about housing; the dorms for Freshman Females are horrible. Miserable. Pathetic. I don’t see why the Freshman Males deserve bigger rooms; females by nature are more high maintenance and we should get the bigger dorms. That was the only ‘turn off’ for Mercer–the housing. Of course, Upper Classmen don’t have to suffer the same fate as they have the option of housing in Suites, Apartments or Greek Housing. Sigh, the circle of life! We’re back at the bottom of the food chain. I’m planning to go back to Mercer again next month for a Day-Night Campus Stay. By then, i’ll be able to attend classes specific to my major and roam around the campus with another RA. Enough said, let’s take a look at the campus.

Inside the University Center. It’s the building with the gym, cafeteria, indoor pool, presidential dining hall, and other conference rooms.

It’s important for me to GTL (Gym, Tan & Laundry) haha. Just kidding… that’s more like the necessities for Italian Guidos. Mine is RSB (Run, Swim, & Bike). SWIM… CHECK!

RUN… CHECK! Indoor track

Part of Running? Cardio workouts… CHECK!

Ah ha. The Gym (GYM… CHECK!) Now, where’s the tanning bed?

More Gym

Part of the Gym

Good cushion for the hind. Campus Dining along the corridor

Other section of the University Center

And there you have it… the University Center

Engineering Building

Weights (CHECK!)

Sophomore Housing

This is where you sleep and write your papers (essays) at 4 AM

Jesse Mercer

I think this was the Quad North

And there you have it. A first look at Mercer! I did realize I went from formatting large versions of photos to tiny ones... sorry. I'll take note of that in the future.
rachel 11:15 PM on February 19, 2010 Permalink | Reply

Wait on the Lord
But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

As Christ-followers, you and I have many opportunities to wait on the Lord. You may be waiting on him right now to intervene in any number of situations. So let me ask you a question. How are you waiting? What is your attitude regarding waiting on the Lord? You see, when we wait on the Lord, you and I need to be actively waiting. Now that may sound like an oxymoron. But we have to guard against being apathetic as we wait. As you wait, actively trust him… hope in him… and long for him. And as you do this, he is working within you to exchange your weakness for his strength.

But there’s something else. When he gives you his strength, he’s not just refreshing you and giving you endurance. When he renews your strength, he gives you a new set of spiritual clothes. He takes your old clothes that carried the stench of despair and defeat, and gives you a new set of garments of praise, hope, and victory! Wait on the Lord with trust and anticipation. The everlasting God gives you his strength and garments of hope and victory for every need in your life!
rachel 11:07 PM on February 17, 2010 Permalink | Reply

The Odds are Odd
“The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14:14

There’s an amazing military story that’s told about the epic Battle of Waterloo fought in 1815. Maybe you recall from world history that the French Emperor Napoleon was intent upon conquering the world and seemed unstoppable. At the time of this critical battle, all that stood between Napoleon’s quest for world domination and the defeat of the British Empire was England’s Duke of Wellington and the Anglo-Allied armies. But given Napoleon’s momentum, hope was bleak. The only communication tool to relay the battle details were signals in the sky projected by ships at sea. And when those first signals appeared overhead, a wave of horror washed over those awaiting news. The signals read: “Wellington defeated.”

All hope seemed lost; grown men wept openly. But then people slowly began to notice more words appearing from behind some moving clouds. And when the whole could be seen, it said: “Wellington defeated Napoleon at Waterloo.” Now listen, when Jesus died on the cross everyone thought he was history, too. But on that glorious third day our Lord and Savior Jesus arose from the grave. And the rest of the story could be told: Jesus defeated death at the cross! Even if you face impossible odds, never give up. With Jesus you cannot be defeated. The victory is sure! The one who conquered death will make a way for you.
rachel 4:22 PM on February 15, 2010 Permalink | Reply

Err snoww… err not quite. Everyone hates the weather man now for predicting there will be snow today. I know everyone at Tech, UGA, Emory and Gwinnett County Schools did not have the day off but those at Fulton County did (aye babe. President’s Day!) Maybe I shouldn’t laugh too much because I have a 30 page essay due tomorrow in MLA, APA, and CMS format. Well, lesson learned. Never trust the weather man. He should be fired for getting everyone’s hopes up & for aiding in the failure of many students across the South!

“Allison J. blames the weather man for the grade on my test…you said snow..snow means no school…no school means no test….no test means no studying…thanks” I know how you’re feeling Allie.
rachel 1:06 AM on February 14, 2010 Permalink | Reply

God’s Valentine
… you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:18-19

This coming Valentine’s Day provides you and me with the opportunity to think about our love relationships. It is one of the great blessings in life to have people who love us and to love them in return, especially when God is in the midst of that love. And while these earthly relationships touch our lives in real and meaningful ways, we must never lose sight of our heavenly love relationship with God. And here’s why. No other human can possibly satisfy the deepest longings and love needs of our lives. In fact, if we expect or hope for another person to meet the needs that only God can satisfy, we will be forever disappointed.

Only God has the power to meet and satisfy the deepest needs of your heart. And it is this love that ransoms you from the futility of the self-serving and sinful ways of the flesh. This Valentine’s Day embrace the love that God has shown for you in Christ Jesus. Accept the precious gift of his blood poured out for you on Calvary. Let him transform your heart into a mighty vessel through which his love can flow to all those around you.
rachel 1:20 AM on February 13, 2010 Permalink | Reply

Saturday, the Thirteen

I’m seriously bored to bananas. Have you guys heard the story of the Olympic Luger? It’s so sad. He was only 21! Before the guy died, he made a call to his dad telling him how dangerous the course was… what a blow.

Next, I was checking out some Letterman. Dave always keeps me entertained… just like the Jersey Shore!

Some great American TV Dramas. What I can’t stop laughing at is one of abc’s show titles “How I met your Mother” Well, that’s got to be interesting.

Great Superbowl ads! My favorite one is the black boy and his Doritos chips

Oh btw, you guys should totally check out Cooliris. It’s the one stop shot for all your entertainment needs (keep it G-General)
rachel 4:13 PM on February 12, 2010 Permalink | Reply

Oh Hey, it’s Snowing
There’s not enough snow to even make a snowman, (boo!) but it’s still better than nothing I suppose. I woke up really early hoping to see my lawn and driveway all covered with white flakes of snow but guess what… NOTHING. NO SNOW AT ALL from 7-12 (AM-PM). I was starting to feel a little cheated because i’ve been told all week that it was going to snow today. Oh well, then about 15 minutes after I started to cook my duck porridge, it started to flurry.

[Flashback] Oh i’m still sick by the way. I spent yesterday afternoon lying in bed, acting as if I was paralyzed and too dead to move my burning body. I was seriously hallucinating the whole time while I was lying in bed. It was the worst 15 hours of my life. I woke up every 2 hours and could not sleep on my side like I normally do. The only way to put myself back into the same dream about my body mutating was to lie on my back. After about 18 hours in bed, I finally decided to take some meds. but realized I could not do so without some food *sigh* so I steamed some Char Siew Baos & later overdosed on Tylenol (I knew how much I was supposed to take but my head was about to blow so I thought… no harm feeling even worst right). Oh gosh, i’m digressing. No need for you guys to know all the details of my painful ordeal. It really blows when you’re sick. You have to eat the ‘sick porridge’, drink every ‘heat cooling’ drink in the world, drink lots of water & eat tons of fresh fruits but all at the same time, you’re not given the sick treatment. My prayer today has to do with bringing healing unto the sick. I believe that my God is stronger than the weak and he will heal all wounds and restore health to the infirmed and afflicted. On a lighted side of this post, it’s snowing! So SMILE (or humor me even if it’s not snowing in your area; perhaps it may be raining so smile 🙂

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though its breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by
If you smile through your pain and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through, for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
if you just smile

That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
if you just smile

The Weather Channel needs to update my city. It's supposed to be Johns Creek now; anyways the temp. is exactly below freezing point. It's so typical of the people in Atlanta to go, "Hey it's snowing, let's drive at 1 mph... let's see how bad traffic can be from 4-7 P.M." I want to see the Johns Creek PD (cops) pull over drivers for driving 5 mph over the speed limit today... oh boy, they will do it even on a regular day because they are that free and there's not much crime related activities in my area--just a lot of burning houses and people (probably not a good thing to be kidding about).

Oh right. Before I forget to show you guys what it looks like outside now. I doubt there’s even an inch of snow. And my neighbor there… the one with the white car already took a spin on the cul-de-sac. I’m uploading just two pictures as of now; will upload more when the snow builds up!
rachel 5:05 PM on February 9, 2010 Permalink | Reply

Adventures of the Little Piggy

The pig looks a little dirty but hey, it’s not mine and it doesnt bed with me. The piggy is Tubby’s

This is how he tortures the pig whenever he leaves his room.

Alright. Homo moment between Josiah and the Pig. He was playing around and acting like a baby so I decided I would film him. But as soon as I whipped out Josh’s phone, Josiah thought I was taking photos of him and he immediately stopped fooling around. Minutes later, he was at it again; I had no choice but to go undercover–by hiding the phone behind my book. We were all having a ‘silent night’ in Josh’s room at that time. And what I meant by that was everyone was reading… no talking whatsoever if not, you’re out of the club. Josiah decided to rest his eyes for a moment to ‘connect’ with the little pig (and there you have it). This reminds me of the many occasions in which I would play card games with both my bros. and do other weird stuff together. It’s funny when you look back into the past. Marbles were pretty good toys as well, and so were spiders. Everyone must have had moments they remember about their younger days. This unfortunately, is one of the unglam. moments for Josiah but hey, it will be great for his wedding day. I’m just saving up for the moment bro. No need to thank me.
rachel 10:27 PM on February 6, 2010 Permalink | Reply

Washington D.C. Quick Flash

So as I was walking towards the Lincoln Memorial from the Washington Memorial, which was a very long walk btw, I was thinking (in my head) that the frozen reflecting pond would be a great place to ice skate. Then the thought of the ice beneath cracking immediately froze my idea. Anyone would be stupid enough to think the thin layer of ice can support their human weight. And there you have it. The next picture says it all. Tourist albeit, I saw this picture on the Washington Post the following night (*shaking my head and laughing… not at their misfortune but their stupidity).

People are always as eager to test out the ice.

The Washington Memorial

Frosty the Snowman. and look at the thick layer of snow!

The sun had begun to set by the time I reached the memorial