Dec 31, 2003

Packing List

1 Snowboard and Bindings
1 Snowboard Boots
1 Pair Gloves
1 Toque
1 Neck warmer
1 Gore-tex pants
1 Snowboard jacket
1 Goggles, 2 extra lenses
1 Sunglasses

3 T-shirts
3 Fleeces
3 Underwear
3 Socks
2 Jeans
1 Swimming trunks
1 Towel
1 Pyjama pants

1 Razor, extra cartridges
1 Toothbrush
1 Toothpaste
1 Shampoo
1 Soap
1 Gel
1 Sunscreen
7 pairs contact lenses

2 FRS Radios
many AA batteries
1 Screwdriver
1 Swiss Army Knife
1 pair Chopsticks
1 Flashlight
1 Cell Phone and Charger
1 Notebook and Charger
1 Notebook Audio out cable
1 Notebook Video out cable
some Laundry Detergent
1 Passport
1 Flight confirmation
1 Timeshare guest pass
1 Sleeping bag
1 Camera, Charger, USB cable
1 Flash
2 CompactFlash cards

Dec 25, 2003

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Dec 22, 2003

Alone... or not
I dropped one of my housemates off at the airport on friday, and the other left on saturday morning. Gave me pretty much the whole place to myself, and I took the opportunity to clean up. Although it wasn't totally gross, I do feel much more comfortable now without spots on the kitchen floor and occasionally stepping on pebbles in the carpet. The most substantial change was really just putting things away. The place just looks incredibly cleaner when the magazines are on the bookshelf instead of on the desk, even though that really has no influence on the amount of dust or bacteria hanging around.

So I'm cleaning up when I hear the doorbell ring thrice, which was incredibly strange since we almost never have visitors, and most visitors knock instead of ringing the doorbell, and if any normal person rang the doorbell, once would suffice. It was a scene straight out of a mystery novel, I couldn't see anyone through the peephole.

I opened the door, cautiously, expecting some practical joker to be hiding around the corner, but there was none. There was just a Canada Post package lying on the welcome mat, addressed to me. Now generally I'm a firm believer of waiting till Christmas morning to open one's presents. However, since I couldn't confirm that it was really a present, I opened the package to see what was inside.

It was, in fact, my first Christmas present this year, from Toronto. Now it was kinda odd. I was at the same time pretty much overjoyed with the peace of being home alone, yet glad that I didn't really feel alone. Most everyone values their friends, but in my life, the friends that last, even not seeing each other for months or years, are really blessings from God.

Dec 18, 2003

Need Exercise

Soreness from snowboarding last Sunday is pretty much all gone now. It was a pretty good day at Squaw, where they had a $29 lift ticket deal. Early season tickets are normally $44, and regular tickets are rather insane at $59, so I think we got a pretty good deal, especially since they got 18" of snow on Saturday night. The drive up was pretty smooth to begin with. We made pretty good time for the first 2.5 hours, until we had to put chains on the wheels. Shortly after I chained up, maybe 20 miles from the resort, my chains broke.

For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of using chains, when unwrapped, they look like a ladder. Curl it up around your wheel and connect the two ends, and you've got the idea. So while driving, one of the "rungs" snapped on one end, and ended up whipping around in my wheel well. We had to get off the highway a few times to tie up the flailing rung (we couldn't remove it entirely), dodging snowplows on the way. Added at least a half hour to the trip, probably more.

In the meantime, the clouds cleared up and it was pretty sunny. I got a Fire lens for my goggles that's quite a bit darker than the previous lens I had, which was perfect. Unfortunately, the rest of my gear didn't work out quite as well.

I got new boots and bindings last spring, when the prices of most snowboard gear are significantly slashed. I've used the Clicker system in the past, so I stuck with it. I got the Clicker Transformer BOA boots and the now discontinued Magma HB bindings.

The impetus on new gear was that I was sick of tieing and retieing the laces on my old K2 Sherpas. The laces would stretch and I'd never have a nice tight fit for good control. The ankle strap that boot didn't work well either. I'd have it as tight as it would go and it still wouldn't be tight enough. The Transformer is definitely an improvement. The BOA system works pretty well. I do have to retighten it every so often, but it's much easier than tying laces. I'd buy these boots for the BOA alone. The ratcheted ankle strap is much more secure than the velcro strap on my old boots. On the minus, these things hurt my feet. After the first hour the soles of my feet were in pain. I'm not sure why. The top of my right foot was also in pain from a pressure point. I think I'll need some kinda athletic boot liner for these things, and I'll have to figure out what's killing the top of my foot, since I didn't have the same problem with the left boot.

The bindings were generally improved over the last set of Klicker's I had. They click in with a lot less pressure which is a plus, but the highback made it a bit more of a hassle to get into these things. My old bindings were just flat on the board, you could step into them any which way. Because of the highback, I now have to put my foot in from the front. Furthermore, since it occasionally swings down, I often have to reach down and flip up the highback. I am thinking of just getting rid of it, but I'll give it a few more tries.

The biggest lesson though, was that my stance was completely screwed up. I had put them in with 0°/0°, they were too far forward, and the forward lean on the bindings was too far.

The angles indicate the angles of your feet with respect to the board. The axis perpendicular to the board is the measurement, so at 0°/0°, both my feet were perfectly perpendicular to the board. I had wanted to try riding fakey (which means backwards), so I tried not to angle my feet in either direction. This was a bad idea, it didn't work. There was a lot of strain on my legs as they were constrained in what's really a very unnatural position. The muscle on the right side of my right leg is in fact still a little sore. It also made it hard to turn. I've reset them to 21°/-3°, we'll see how much that improves.

Second thing that was wrong was that I was too far forward on the board. I'm not sure what kinda problems this actually causes, but it doesn't seem to be recommended. Most often the rider is centered on the board, or setback a little. Overall I suspect the difficulty in turning was partially due to the setforward.

The forward lean is determined by how the highback is set. Since my old bindings were flats, I didn't worry about it much. It seemed like the advantage of the HB was for better control, so I set the lean pretty aggressively forward. Bad move, my legs ended up tiring out way too easily and cramping up. With the Klickers, it also made it harder to step in and engage the lock on the heel. Slid it back, it should be a lot more relaxed and comfortable now.

The snow was not bad, but wasn't groomed. There were a lot of bumps by the end of the day, but given there was some fresh powder, the ticket was cheap, and there were no lines practically all day, it was a pretty good trip. My legs were killing me a the end of the day, but learned a good deal about setting up the gear. Can't wait for Whistler!

Dec 13, 2003

STOKED!
First day of riding this season tomorrow! Ok gotta get to bed...

Dec 7, 2003

Gen 5:1-32, Gen 10:1-32, Gen 11:10-32 (for Dec. 3 class)

The three genealogies in Genesis 1-11 serve to establish the breadth of time and space occupied by Adam's descendants. They maintain a historical record of lineage from Adam to Abram, as well as placing the not yet founded nation of Israel in the context of the surrounding nations. The genealogies in Gen. 5:1-32 and Gen. 11:10-32 are very similar in form and function, while the account in Gen. 10:1-32 is quite different.

The listings in Gen. 5 and Gen. 11 both start with the "generations" or "account" of a single man. in Gen. 5, the man was Adam. In Gen. 11, the man was Shem. In both cases we are presented the lineage from a man to his son, and from the son to his son. In both cases there is the relatively simple pattern: "X lived Y years, and became the father of Z; and X lived Y' years after he became the father of Z, and had other sons and daughters". The first differs slightly in that it adds the total lifespan of each person, and adds the phrase "and then he died". However, both of these clearly record a history of the lineage from significant characters to other significant character generations later. In Gen. 5, the history is traced from Adam to Noah. In Gen. 11, the history is traced from Noah to Abram. For early readers this was significant because it recorded the entire history from the first man to Israel's birth. Later readers were able to use continued records to trace the lineage for Adam to David. Finally, in Luke 3 and Matt. 1, there are listings connecting Adam and Abraham to Jesus Christ.

It is clear that these two listings in Gen. 5 and Gen. 11 are highly linear. The words "he had other sons and daughters" serves to emphasize there were plenty of anonymous characters that were irrelevant with respect to the record. Out of the characters that are named, most are mentioned within the above mentioned pattern, downplaying their significance. Each of them is unique, having his own lifespan recorded, but also similar to the others in the rest of the pattern of living, having children, living some more, then dying. The pattern however, is broken when we reach a character who has a significant story. In Gen. 5, the pattern is broken when Lamech gives birth to Noah, saying "This one will give us rest from our work and from the toil of our hands arising from the ground which the LORD has cursed." This is further emphasized when the list is broken when it begins Noah's account by mentioning the names of not one but three of his children. Again in Gen. 11 the list is broken when not one but three of the children of Terah are mentioned. Although Terah was not the "hero" in the same sense that Noah was, his account was significant because he set the backdrop of time and place for the hero and his companion, his son Abram and his grandson Lot. These patterns shows a very particular purpose for these sections: to connect the gaps between characters in a narrative that spans thousands of years. In skimming over these listings too quickly we miss out on God's patience when he waits through the generations until the right person comes along.

The other genealogy, in Gen. 10, are similar to the other two in that it sets the scene for a significant story, connecting it with the previous narrative. The list in Gen. 5 sets up the story of Noah from the previous story of Adam and his sons, with the repetition on death reaching a sort of local maximum in the Flood, and his father's prophecy creating an portend for Noah. The list in Gen. 10 continues from Noah's line and sets the backdrop for the story of Abram setting a clear time and place as the beginning of his journey. The account in Gen. 10 paves the way for the story of the Tower of Babel. This is a different type of story compared to Noah and Abram. Instead of being the account of one significant character, it is an account of a mass of anonymous characters; it is the account of the separation of man into many nations. As a prequel for this story, the genealogy in Gen. 10 does not connect us linearly from Noah to a particular descendant, but rather it branches and connects us from Noah to the mass of nations in the story of Babel. As Lamech gave an introduction to Noah, and Terah introduced Abram, so the end of this account also introduces the next story: "These are the families of the sons of Noah, according to their genealogies, by their nations; and out of these the nations were separated on the earth after the flood".

Where the Gen. 5 takes us to a depth of 11 generations and Gen. 11 takes us to a depth of 9 generations, each listing father and son, Gen. 10 takes us to a depth of 3 generations for the descendants of Ham and Japheth, and 6 generations for the descendants of Shem. Instead of giving us a particular depth, we get a sense of breadth covering the family trees of not one character but three. For each of the three characters, we are not introduced to only one son, but all the sons. Out of the many sons, we actually find out about a number of their sons as well. Here we are not introduced to anonymous "other sons", but to fathers of nations. Much more detail is given compared to the other two passages. We are told of those who were great, like Nimrod. We are given a sense of place in geographic location. To early readers this may have given a sense of place with respect to their surrounding nations. It sets up the history of the Canaanites with respect to the history of Israel. To later readers like ourselves, we are introduced to nations that have, by their own strength, risen and fallen and disappeared with time.

Each of the genealogical listings in Genesis serves to connect people and events that are separated in space and time, preparing us for the next significant character or event. They serve to carry the pace. Hundreds if not thousands of years and generations are passed over quickly from one significant story to another. It is very easy to pass over this text even more superficially in our reading. However, without recognizing the sheer breadth of peoples or the depth of time in which God acts, we miss the significance in His patience waiting through time, His care in selecting individuals, and the intimacy of His relationship with individuals among the multitudes.
Genesis 6:1-8:19 (for Nov. 12 class)
For this class we were asked to prepare a teaching outline rather than to write a paper. In some ways, since it was an outline it was easier. I think however, I also spent less time on it since it was more cursory. I'm not sure I've thought everything through here:

Teaching outline

Title of sermon: Abiding in God's protection

Introduction
Background of sin in mankind, Adam & Eve, Cain and Abel, Lamech.
Downhill slope: it got worse and worse, till God wanted to cleanse the earth.

Section 1: Obeying in Faith (6:5-7:5)
Compare Noah with the peoples of his time.
What kind of faith would it to be a sole believer in a society of unbelievers?
Highlight Noah's quiet obedience.
Note the leadership role he plays for his family.
How do we stand up as believers in our society of unbelievers?
Are we willing to obey quietly in challenging social norms?
Can we lead others (believers and unbelievers) in example?

Section 2: Riding through the storm (7:6-7:23)
Highlight Noah's preparations for the storm.
Mental image of the life aboard the ark as the floodgates opened.
Remphasis of his faith beforehand.
How do we prepare for the storms in our lives, when we can't see them coming?
Do we have faith that God's provisions will keep us afloat?

Section 3: Patience in the lean year (7:24-8:19)
Note the passage of time.
40 days of rain, 150 days of flooding.
Over a year before the aftermath of the storm has faded and they got out of the boat.
Noah was forced to be patient on the cramped boat.
Precautions (raven, dove) before leaving the ark instead of haste.
Are we willing to be patient when God forces us to wait?
After a storm, are we in haste to rush out again, or do we wait for God’s timing?
Do we ever stop and reflect when He has carried us through, or do we move on immediately?

Conclusion
God provides for us so we can weather through storms in our lives.
Do we make the most of that by obeying, trusting, and having patience?
Do we rush past with little appreciation but eagerness for the next storm?
Genesis 4:1-26 (for Nov. 5 class)

The story of mankind's fascination with sin, which started in Genesis 3, continues in Genesis 4. What Adam and Eve introduced, their progeny continue, creating pattern that is emulated in some form throughout the Old Testament. It is a pattern of a lack of proper worship, of not acknowledging His sovereignty, and trying to put Him out of the picture. In spite of this, God is good. In judgement he shows both justice and grace. In this chapter, there are two significant narratives, that of Cain, and that of his descendant Lamech. Cain's story is told with a level of detail, while Lamech's is mentioned in passing, a shadow of the first story.

Cain's story is one of anger, jealousy and murder. While we might not readily identify with murder, anger and jealousy are emotions that most people deal with. For Cain, his anger came as a result of his inability to accept God and his favor for Abel. Perhaps Cain felt that he had worked harder than his brother. After all, as described in the previous chapter, Genesis 3:18-19, farming was strenuous. Clearly Cain disagreed with God about the value of his offering. He refused to acknowledge his own fault in presenting an unacceptable offering. Instead of heeding God's word and ominous warning in verses 6 and 7, Cain acts on his own and does the opposite. He knew that sin was crouching at his door, yet in his anger he still succumbed to it.

God gives Cain the same judgement as was given Adam, but magnified. Where Adam once had free food, it was taken away and he was forced to work the ground for his sustenance. Where Cain once had to work the ground for his food, even that was taken away. Where Adam was driven from the Garden of Eden, Cain was driven from the presence of the Lord. Where Adam was to be punished by death, he was spared his life for a while. Where Cain could also have been punished by death, he was not only spared but protected by God's decree.

Sin often comes in this fashion, telling people that they deserve more than what God has allotted for them. Like Cain, many people feel neglected while they see others blessed. Other people may have an inflated sense of self worth, and want more than what they already have. In both cases these feelings and the focus on their own hurt and and anger, and the refusal to turn from doing wrong to doing right, draw people away from what lies beyond the pain - a close relationship with God.

Cain actually had a speaking relationship with God, yet this was something he did not treasure. While God counselled him in his frustration, Cain ignored God's voice. Instead of worshipping God with a a true offering, he focuses on Abel as the cause of his displeasure. Only later does he realize what he's lost when he cries out in woe "from Your face I will be hidden" (Gen 4:14).

The narrative in Genesis 4 continues through Cain's lineage to his descendant Lamech. In some senses, this was a fruitful lineage, since through it came about music and metal craft. Yet in it is a sense of despondency because God is not there. While God’s voice counselled Cain in that narrative, it is absent in Cain’s lineage and Lamech’s story. Although Cain's lineage did well for itself for a while, we still see a society in turmoil without God. Lamech becomes a murderer, punishing injury with death twice. far exceeding the eye for an eye limitation later deemed just in Exodus. Where God demonstrated his grace in declaring vengeance to protect Cain and end the potential cycle of violence, Lamech called to his wives for his own protection, potentially opening a cycle of revenge. The narrative for Cain’s descendents ends here. Adam and Eve have another son, Seth, and from his line it says “men began to call upon the name of the Lord”.

There is a shadow of this in the history of Israel. Every so often there are a few generations who operate without God. For a time, they may have a period of success. Eventually however, their life apart from God does not succeed. Israel and Judah were both eventually swept away from God into exile until God restored a remanent. The rest, like Cain and his lineage, faded away.

This can be applicable in our lives as well. There are many ways in which we can live without God. The narrative of the lineage of Cain and Lamech shows one possible scenario where sin drives Cain into a apart from God. Living apart from God becomes somewhat of a norm for some generations, but in the end Lamech finds himself in a sad and empty place. We can also distance ourselves from God through sin. That distance doesn’t preclude us from successes; in fact people often get far and become successful while ignoring God and refusing to acknowledge their own sins. The worldview in secular (and often times Christian) America encourages individuals to be self sufficient and ambitious, to be judged by their own merits and nothing else. It is a culture that encourages distance from God and discourages any reliance upon Him. In the end, however, a life without God ends up in despair, emptimess, and ever deeper sin. Like Lamech, people often find themselves in unexpected situations, where their own strength might not be sufficient and with no one to turn to. The only true solution is to call upon the name of the Lord.

Dec 1, 2003

Week in Review

Sat Nov 22
Breakfast: Ko fu sandwiches at home with Mom, Dad, and Amy
Lunch: Pasta at home with Mom, Dad, and Amy
Dinner: Lemon Meringue (Jane/Bloor) with Amy

Sun Nov 23
Coffee: Second Cup (John/Queen) with Adrian, Eva, Jess, and Amy
Lunch: leftovers at home with Amy
Dinner: Potluck at Jas' with Jas, Cindy, Janey, Long, Sissy, Jon, Brian, Sunching, Jessie, Warren, Pauline and Henry

Mon Nov 24
Lunch: Mr. Yang Chinese Restaurant (Leslie/Finch) with Mom and Dad
Dinner: oxtail and fish at home with Mom, Dad and Amy

Tues Nov 25
Lunch: Mochizuki (Bay/Elm) with Amy and dentistry friends
Dinner: Milestone's (Empress Walk) with Matt, Janey, Eric, Janice, Norm, Claud, Cindy, Bill, Jon, Rosie, Alfred and Philip

Wed Nov 26
Lunch: Pumpernickel's (FCP food court) with Al and Densie
Afternoon Fries: NYF (Eaton Centre food court) with Amy
Dinner: Marche (BCE Place) with Victor, Janey, Jessie, Ev and Pris

Thurs Nov 27
Lunch: quiche and salad at Kim's with Kim, Keon, and Mattan
Dinner: Ka Ka Lok in Waterloo (King/University) with Toby, Mui and Yuling
Bubble Tea: Timeless Cafe in Waterloo (University Plaza) with Tams

Fri Nov 28
Lunch: potato salad sandwiches at home with Mom and Dad
Dinner: midget turkeys and curry at home with Jen, Adam, Zanie, Allen, Matt, Lyds, and Amy

Sat Nov 29
Breakfast: Tim Horton's (Vic Park/401)
Lunch: Dim Sum at Rol San (Spadina/D'Arcy) with Mom and Dad's friends (and Derek and Amy)
Afternoon Bubble Tea: Ten Ren's (Metro Square) with Cindy and Jerry
Dinner: Noodles at Amy's with Amy

Sun Nov 30
Breakfast: at home (smoked salmon sandwiches) with Mom and Dad
Lunch: Hung Fat (Spadina/Dundas) with Tams, Joe, Al, Denise, Sunching, Shuling and Rani
Dinner: Cheesecake Factory in San Jose (Valley Fair Mall) with Vinay, Shane, Christine, and Steph

Yes, I've noticed it's all defined by food.