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Saturday, December 21, 2013

Christmas Cookies

Cookies. Need I say more? I spent the whole day with my kooky sister, Sharri, and Natalie, a ninth grade girlie who can keep you entertained for hours on end, baking cookies and making peppermint bark (my first time). Something about baking is extremely soothing, my stress-reliever of choice during the school period, however, being a perfectionist, trying out new recipes today had the opposite effect. While some recipes turned out delicious, others had to be thrown out. It was an experimenting day, and with every experiment, there are some good and some bad, but, thankfully, there was more good today. We successfully made classic chocolate chip, peppermint chocolate, and peppermint bark. Checkerboard cookies will have to be made next time with a few changes to the recipe, today was not a success. Maybe checkerboard was a bust, but peppermint bark is literally the easiest classic Christmas treat. I included the recipe at the bottom! :) 
I have finally mastered the art of the Chocolate Chip Cookie

Ingredients
12 oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate (morsels or chips)
12 oz White Chocolate (morsels or chips)
1 1/2 cups Crushed Peppermint Candies

Directions
Prepare a cookie sheet lined with a nonstick mat or parchment paper.

Crush the peppermint candies using a food processor, or put the candies in a freezer bag and use a rolling pin to smash it up (release that anger... it's what I did)

Put the Semi-Sweet Chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and microwave it on 30 second intervals until melted. Once melted, pour onto the prepared pan and spread the chocolate using a knife or a spatula until about 1/8th inch thick. Cool inside of the refrigerator for 5 min.

While the Semi-Sweet is cooling in the fridge, repeat the second step using white chocolate. Once melted, take out the semi-sweet from the refrigerator and spread the white on top of the semi-sweet using a knife or spatula until even. 

Before putting it in the fridge to cool, sprinkle all of the peppermint candy pieces evenly onto the chocolate. 

Cool for 30 min.

Once completely hardened, break the pieces by hand. 

The finished masterpiece (excuse the iPhone 4 quality)
-S.Park


Saturday, December 14, 2013

Am I Famous Yet?

So... my friend/roommate, Shaina, and I have a tradition in which we make crazy videos of ourselves throughout the year. Two weeks ago, during the dreaded dead week, marked the official one year anniversary for our first set of videos! Oh, you're expecting something Beyoncé worthy? Well, let me tell you, you are in for a surprise. In honor of the Christmas season, we decided to keep it classy with a Christmas medley. You're welcome.

You thought that was good? Well, revealing the more serious, but not really that serious, side of me, I did a cover of J.Bieb's Mistletoe with my apartment mate, Lena. We may or may not be sitting on the toilet... In honor of the commencement of Christmas season and all things holly jolly, I present the video.
-S.Park

Final Frenzy

Gosh, this week has been absolutely crazy! I know this may sound a bit surprising for a college student, but I have never had four finals in a week before. Therefore, I feel like all I've been doing is either studying or sitting in front of my books pretending to study whilst browsing the internet. To be honest, when I started this post I should've be studying for español, but sólo vive una vida, sí? Amidst all of the final craziness, my roommates and I went to the weekly farmer's market in Downtown SLO. Though it was completely freezing, not to mention empty considering normal people wouldn't even think to walk around in the winter weather, we managed to gather the ingredients for some fresh guacamole, peruse the aisles of Urban Outfitters (extra 50% off sale items? Uh duh!),
 and take some pictures by a Christmas tree in a location of downtown we did not know existed. That's the thing about SLO; you think you know all there is to know about the city, but realize that there is always something else that pops out at you. Have I mentioned that I absolutely L.O.V.E. this time of year?! No matter what or who gets me down, one look at the sparkling lights, and I'm a goner. My heart absolutely melts at the sight of anything festive. To close off my time in SLO before winter break, a couple of friends and I went to Cambria spontaneously to walk through a field of Christmas lights upon Christmas lights. Though I was initially reluctant to go, considering I wanted to lay around and roll up and down my household to celebrate the end of finals season, I am so glad I did. It was simply beautiful, magical, and I was completely wonderstruck. It's crazy how you think you know how your day is going to end, but it turns out to be opposite of what you were planning. Isn't that always the case?
Ain't she a beaut?
- S.Park

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

New Beginning

Hello all,
If you haven't noticed, I took quite a break on this blog. The reason for this isn't anything specific, I just put it on the back burner, however, after a long talk with a friend about our need for creativity, I feel a new sense of excitement for this blog. Throughout the course of this new school year, I have been constantly reading and writing for that "A" I so desired. As an English major, I felt, and still feel, as though I had to prove myself to my classmates, parents, professors, and, most importantly, those who think being an English major is a waste of time. A lust for perfection overtook my original passion for my major. This past week I was studying for my seemingly never-ending, still not over, finals, and I thought to myself "Why did I choose English? Why didn't I choose something that people would respect? If I'm going to work hard anyways, I might as well have chosen something that would gain some respect." Sure I had an easy time telling people that English was the best decision I have ever made, and that I didn't care what people thought of me, but let's just be honest for a second. Talk is cheap. The approval of people was far greater than, not only the confidence I felt in myself, but confidence and satisfaction God has in me. Why am I seeking the respect of people, when the God of all things already loves and approves of me? This got me thinking. Of course, letting go of my need for approval isn't going to go away in one night, but I honestly trust that God is going to lead me in the path that I have chosen. Everyday, I'm learning about the ways in which God has been working in my life, and, though it is a continuous process, I long to do all things for the glory of God. Anyways, I want to continue writing on this blog to document my growth as a person, while including some other knick knacks here and there. Why? Because I can. Also, who wants to read a blog that's all deep and emotional all the time? That is so not me... at all. I'm going to be doing lots of baking recipes, as well as, some light hearted posts about random events that just so happen to frolic into my life. I'm so excited to start this again... can you tell? Lates homies, see ya on da flip side. <-- I have dishonored the language that is English. It's fun to rebel sometimes.
-S.Park

Monday, June 17, 2013

Bittersweet

This year definitely had its moments where I wanted to pack up and go home, but at the end of the day I was blessed tremendously. Who would have thought a girl with no friends at the beginning of the year  and was thinking about transferring would come out with the best group of girls I could ask for? I'm not saying that our little group is perfect, but friendships take time, energy, and communication, and I know that, in the future, everything will fall into place. I trust God in paving a path that teaches me what I need to learn, and one that will eventually work in my favor. I have definitely grown a lot this year, becoming independent, learning how to manage my time more wisely, owning up to my faults, and I don't look back with any regrets. I made it through the year without getting into a fight, confronting the problem headfirst, and understanding other people's point of view, and I think that's a pretty big accomplishment because I usually hate confrontation. With every relationship comes issues and sometimes talking it out and listening makes for a quick and easy solution. Now enough of the "lessons I've learned" stuff and onwards to the many crazy fun adventures I went on this past quarter. So in my college career I met some interesting (to say the least) people along the way. People who messed up my sleep schedule, took me places I've never been before, and shared so many laughs I don't know how I don't have a six pack. Whether it be making bets (you still owe me a calendar Winnie) or watching the sunset on the beach I had immeasurable amounts of fun, and it opened my eyes to the crazy cool things you can do in SLO. SLO is definitely what you make of it, and so far I've enjoyed every last bit. Cannot wait to go back!

My amazing apartment mates aka The Hot Commodities (Men's Appreciation)


Sunrise (Bishop Peak)


Sunset (Montana de Oro)


Milk, my favorite, with my favorite (LA Bay-Bay)


Last farmers market of the year


Bonfire and bacon son (Grover Beach)

Winston's graduation :'( 


Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Wait, It's Already Close to the End?


WOAH! I cannot believe I am already in my last quarter at Cal Poly. God has shown me Himself in more ways than one; blessing me with a loving roommate, a church I look forward to attending every week, a discipler who is honest with me, three amazing future apartment mates, friends that understand my humor, professors that make going to class tolerable, and a fellowship that accepts me the way I am.   Coming back to school was not hard at all because I knew that I was coming back to a community I felt a part of. This quarter has been full of countless moments of laughter and, of course, sass, and we're not even three weeks in. However, there is a reason I am here at school and that is (drumroll please)... education! My first English major class is already kicking me in the butt, but I absolutely love the class and the professor. Though I was discouraged by the sheer number of engineers there are at this school, this quarter's English class reminded me of why I chose it as my major. Haters gon hate, but long hur don't cur. Enough about my dorky love for reading and writing... Have I mentioned I have friends? Towards the beginning of the year I struggled with deciphering which people I would be most compatible with, but my apartment mates next year (shout out to Shaina, Casey, and Lena) are seriously the greatest group of girls and they just get me, you know? I am so fortunate that Shaina's older sister is passing on her apartment to us, which means no housing troubles! Geez Louise this whole post is a throw up of everything I'm thankful for, and it's not even Thanksgiving. Happy spring y'all!



Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Finals and Family

Sigh the horrors of finals. Never have I been overwhelmed with so many exams, essays, and projects in a condensed period of time, and this it is definitely harder than I thought it would be. I am constantly reading, thinking, and analyzing, whether it's about history of freedom and equality in America, or how gravity is warped space-time. Too much thinking too little time. There's only so much my little brain can handle. Knowing that this quarter is already over by the end of this week amazes me. Last quarter I was slowly adjusting, and I'm slowly beginning to call SLO my home (or SLOme). I remember I felt lonely and homesick many times last quarter, and I am blessed to have found friends who I can, not only have fun with, but also encourage. The realization that I haven't gone home in the last eleven weeks amazes me. A pretty big milestone if I do say so myself. Though I am so ready to go home and see my family for spring break (I am thoroughly excited for my family vacation to SF. Mostly because of the food.), I am content in the happiest city on earth. Here's to finals week!
Some highlights of this quarter:

    Epic Conference boba run in San Diego                          


Babies and Old Ladies Epic/AACF Rice Bowl/Noodle Cup

Ma fellow Korean sista AKim
Gangasta with Wendy (The weirdo in the back is my discipler LOL)

Absolutely beautiful sunset in Pismo

My roomies next year!! :)

Donut run with my roommate Tessa

Thanks for reading peace out y'all

Monday, February 25, 2013

Appreciated

It has been a long, hard quarter full of midterms on midterms and essays on essays. Thank goodness Women's Appreciation came around, and for one night I was able to leave the stresses of school. Women's Appreciation is an EPIC event where the brothers organize an event for the sisters in appreciation of our beauty and amazing nature, who are we kidding, it's mostly our beauty. In all seriousness, I have never felt more appreciated in college before this event, and the hard work the men contributed really shined through. The church screamed 70's/80's, complete with a tattoo station and a tutorial on the Hustle. I felt like I bought a one-way ticket for a ride in an old VW creeper van all the way back to a boogie wonderland. The effort in the videos, performances, food, decorations, and every other detail was so apparent, and it definitely did not go unnoticed. THANKS BOYS!
 




Saturday, February 16, 2013

Midterms are a Stressful Thing

One thing I have never been good at is test taking. Oh the bitter taste in my mouth when someone mentions the SAT or AP Tests. College is a second-guesser's worst nightmare, and let me tell you, I am the biggest second-guesser the world has ever seen. Maybe thats a bit of a hyperbole, but I am pretty close to it. I am resentful towards B pluses.  I strive to get good grades, however, I feel as though I strive to please my parents, rather than God. My parents will love me and are proud of me no matter what I do, and I have realized that I need to do my best to glorify God, following His plan for my life. I feel like the only thing I have been doing in college is eat (a lot.. freshmen 15? More like freshmen 15 hundred), sleep, and study. Freshmen year is half way through, and I feel like I have grown so much already, adjusting to school and the schedule that comes with it. Despite the lack of Korean food, Cal Poly, and SLO, has blessed me in so many ways. Great church, amazing fellowship, encouraging friends. Isn't that all you need? I have realized that, though grades are, of course, an important part of school, it shouldn't be the only thing. College is about the experiences just as much as it is about classes, and I know I would be miserable if all I did was lock myself up and study for days (not that I can do that anyways). Do your best, strive for excellence, but live a little, and do it, most importantly, for God. Happy Midterms Week!

Monday, January 28, 2013

A New Quarter Has Arrived

Coming back to school after a month long break was probably the hardest thing I've had to do in a while. Not only did I have to leave my family, friends, and the familiar aura of my hometown, but I had to come back to top bunks, stinky public bathrooms, and emptiness. Sure I've made a couple of really good friends last quarter, of which I am so grateful and blessed to have, but we have different schedules, and, to be honest, I didn't want to seem like a clingy leech of a person. Thankfully and, at the same time, not so thankfully, I have a busy schedule of classes this quarter, including 7 am -__-, to keep my mind off of the loneliness I started to feel during the beginning weeks of school. Thank goodness for my wonderful Bible study leader, Olivia, who was able to reassure me and give me the confidence I needed to tackle upcoming quarter. Not only did Olivia give me confidence, but we had an EPIC event this past weekend called Women's Time, where we shared our testimonies and ate yummalicious food. I found that the other girls were experiencing similar, if not completely the same, feelings and trials as I am going through in my life right now. Listening to each other's stories made us grow closer to each other as sisters in Christ, and I am so thankful to God that He has placed each and every girl in my life. Things are finally looking up this quarter, and I hope it stays that way.