Saturday morning. Woke up to find Steven watching television. After breakfast, we went to San Gabriel Mission District, just 5 minutes drive from where Steven lives.

SAN GABRIEL HISTORICAL WALK - TILE NO. 1

Steven had to help me get up there. My balance has not been good lately. So remember you’ve seen this picture of me standing tall.

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,I loitered around the apartment where my friends live while waiting for the laundry. Southern California has got interesting buildings, with spacious floor plans and green lawns. Sophisticated but simple. It’s amazing how comfort can be found with minimalist designs.

We have some high-end condominiums in KL of fawning grandeur. But they don’t quite hit the mark. Perhaps they missed the point of hitting home while trying hard to please. What do you think?

I played around with Steven’s winter cap this evening, while waiting for dinner to be served.

Louis, Jane, and few others staying in a neighboring apartment joined us, and together we formed a group of seven young working immigrants from all over Malaysia. (I’m a columnist and that’s work too)

Nothing needlessly expensive. A simple, healthy dinner on the second day of Christmas. Thank you, Steven and friends for opening your door to me. I already learned a lot from this short stay just by being with you.

Steven came home later and showed me a personalized Christmas card, complete with a recent mugshot and heart-shaped deco, by his sister studying in Taiwan.

Steven came from Kuching. So did Eddie. A KL born and bred friend of mine does not think much of small-town Sarawakians, whose communal spirit often precedes the self, even beyond logic. But how many siblings from big cities still send sentimental greetings to each other?

Steven invited me to stay here, so that should have made me Steven’s guest. But Sit Yee, Kean, and Louis treat me as their own guest. They cook for me, bring me around, share food with me, and they always make sure I’m doing alright when Steven’s not around.

None of these people celebrate Christmas. But I tell you, the wonderful things I noticed in them are far more precious than a hundred Christmas ornaments, carols, and candlelight dinners.

I’m a sentimental person. And love to me is the best meaning to Christmas that transcend race and religion.

Christmas Eve was spent grocery shopping with Jade. Went to Alhambra Coldstone Cremery outlet where Louis bought me a tub of Cake Batter Ice-Cream.

Steven came back in the evening and told me that we were going dinner at Hikaru’s place, adding that Marvin will be there.

We went over around 8pm. Just Marvin, Steven, Hikaru, and I. I thought it was to be small and simple..

Hikaru busied himself in the kitchen, while Marvin and Steven humored themselves. I fell asleep on the couch. Woke up awhile later for the bathroom. I was agitated and bored by now. I wanted to go back. Just then, Aiko and Izumi came in. The rest started flooding in. The crowd grew from four people to more than 10.

Hikaru emerged with cooking utensils and uncooked food. WE WERE GOING TO HAVE SHABU SHABU! WOO HOO!

So yeap. Shabu Shabu on Christmas eve. Sake drinking, mochi chewing, Udon slurping… unfortunately Tatsuya and brother did not join us. Another day, maybe?

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While feasting and partying, let us not forget the meaning of Christmas. Remember how and why Jesus died for us, and consider how we may each grow to be more Christ-like everyday.

To check whether our actions are selfish or holy, consider this:- What would Jesus do in this situation? How would He respond?

To me, being Christian is never a direct ticket to Heaven. It is our dedication towards understanding the life of Jesus Christ, to better our minds and hearts, to reflect the image of God.

To me, a Christian should lead a holy, righteous life that encourage others to do the same.

Christianity should not have been the cause for segregation among people of different religions. It should be promoting harmony above all else, unity and diversity above all else.

Unfortunately, so much segregation among men had taken place since the resurrection of Christ, all in the name of Christianity.

And that grieves me.

Seriously, living here I can actually fool myself that I’m back home in Malaysia.

Yvonne and friends after a sizzling hotpot meal at San Gabriel. Leave a comment if you want the large file. CheersZ!

On Steven’s bookcase sat this attention-grabbing thing I thought was some funky alarm system. “Break glass in case of emergency”

Hmmm… How does it sound?
Upon closer look… what the?!? HaHaHaHa!!!
Men.

Eddie texted after dropping me off at Steven’s. His words went along this line. “Though the place is a little crowded, it’s better than nothing for now.”

I slept 12 hours straight last night. The best sleep I had in two weeks. Under warm covers and through the darkness, I thought I saw Steven creeping in to get changed for work at the break of dawn.

Steven gave up his room, ready to sleep on the couch.

“Yes, I have a place,” Steven said immediately after I told him that I needed a place to stay. I really thought he did have a spare place.

Though the things people give may seem small, they are giving you the best they have.

Steven occupies a single room in a shared apartment. He doesn’t own a house and he probably isn’t rich. But he has a heart. And that’s all he needs.

Louis is away, so Steven now occupies his room. When Louis comes back then Steven would be sleeping on the couch.

December 2006

December 2007

October 2006

December 2007

America is just like any other country. There are nice people, and there are mean ones. I’m just lucky to have met a nice doctor and ABI consultant.