December 18, 2014

  • Thankful

    It's been awhile. Thought I should update:

    Yes, finally finished our thank you cards  - Jan. 24, 2014

    but continually thankful for MANY things!

January 29, 2013

  • Thankfully Overwhelmed

    Thank you cards. So thankful. So many more to write. I admit though, sometimes (oftentimes), I get overwhelmed. Overwhelmed at how time is ticking away and how many cards/gifts there are. It's been almost 5 months since our wedding and it wasn't until this month we finally started, just barely! (I must admit though, really love the cards Bear designed and can't wait to share the joy with our loved ones).

    Anyway, as I was thinking about all of this and switching over to help find vendors for my sister's wedding, God used a fb thread with of the possible vendors to remind me of something. He said that they were one of the affordable ones in the industry (quality artists), but they're not for everybody because anything less isn't worth it (he's referring to price). 
    As he wrote this it triggered a thought. There are many vendors with a large range of prices, most in the higher ranges, but what he says is true - whatever it is, it's hard work. I'm married to and have many talented friends who do A/V and many other awesome things. I know how much time, energy, and work this takes --- and for cases like my hubs, who also does photog and film, the work goes on after the wedding is over. Hours of editing, esp. for perfectionists like him). So in my tired state, how did my mind wander? (it's awesome that God can speak even to the weary, especially the weary). I was reminded and humbled once again of the miracle that I experienced: God gave me a wedding (and so much more: honeymoon, apartment, a fridge, even furniture! and now, a puppy). 
    It's getting late and I know I need to go to bed for work early in the morning, but I wanted to at least put this memory down and also to commit to count my blessings, so I can testify of the many blessings God bestowed and miracles He showed me - someone who had so little faith. After the engagement, I wasn't even planning to get married (with a ceremony + reception)? We were just going to court to be wed, with hopes to save up, so we can celebrate with friends and family later). Yes, God is so good. 

January 6, 2013

  • Kingdom Hearts

    Bear hooked up my old PS2 and helped me find my old memory cards. :)
    Started Kingdom Hearts a long time ago (I still remember being over at Shellyn's and playing late into the night).
    I think I got held up on playing all the mini-games right before the final save point. Then, for whatever reason, had to stop. Almost a decade later and I finally finished!

October 19, 2012

  • Hitched. Honeymoon. (New) Home.

    It's been awhile, since I've last posted! (wow, last post was in July, huh?) I have good reason. Much has happened. ^_^ <3

    Here's a quick update:
     
    Got hitched! Twas super magical & fun. Ceremony started off with a Disney medley prelude played by our awesome friends, had a time of worship, our pastor officiated it, and it was just beautiful. Festivities included AYCE Tacos, Frostbites, dancing (even played Psy's Gangnam Style! sad we didn't catch it on photo, nor videos though - the one above was someone else's wedding), HJ Story + Pascal Campion frames, and all the people we love. We're so thankful for our family & friends!
    Honeymoon! Thanks to our friends, we went to DCA for our mini-moon. Visited Disney World, Florida for our honeymoon (we got to stay at the new Art of Animation resort - Lion King suite) and our first cruise! It was a 3-day cruise (we stopped in Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Cay - Disney owns their own island!). We ate at Boma's (Animal Kingdom), Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada, Epcot), I tried escargot for the first time, and played Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom! Plus, it just so happens that EPCOT was holding their Food & Wine Festival (yum! we ate so much good food throughout our trip) AND they were celebrating their 30th-anni on our visit! Their special fireworks blew me away! You could feel the vibrations of the bursts - it was THAT amazing!
    Moved into an apartment (with hubby)!
    And of course, back to work + school (yes, school - a few weeks before the wedding I was notified that I received a scholarship for the fall quarter in extended language studies). Will be very MIA till December, except for special occasions (...like more weddings!).

October 17, 2012

  • Unwanted Visitor

    We cleaned from top to bottom when we moved in. We're super clean. And yet...
    Still had an unwanted guest (it's hard to show it's size, but it was pretty big). Ugh, gross.

July 13, 2012

  • Summer Rain

    it's raining in July! (today and yesterday). hot and humid and odd. reminds me of Taiwan (minus the mosquitoes). I sort of like it.

June 1, 2012

  • My Wedding Gown

    This is what I ordered this past weekend. Not my dream wedding gown, but it has pockets and the price is decent. :) However, the listed price of $99 was deceiving. It was actually $199 when it rang up. =/ I just checked davidsbridal.com again today and the price listed has been corrected. I just finished writing an e-mail asking them to please reconcile the difference. Hopefully, they do what is right. Other than that, I'm happy with my gown. :)

    Shantung Taffeta Ball Gown with Ruched Bodice Style T3185

    6/7/2012 Update: Gown received a few days ago (it's airing out at fiance's place). Also received an e-mail today from a very helpful individual at David's Bridal (3rd try - this time I called. I spoke with S yesterday and this morning she provided a response). They will be refunding me the difference and honoring the price they listed it for $99! PTL!

  • Make Believe, Ninja Stars, and My Wedding Gown...

    as a child growing up, I spent my time playing make believe, creating ninja stars, and playing with my cousin's hand-me-down brite-lite more often than dreaming about my (maybe) wedding. did I dream of a prince? sure, I did. he had a black horse and wasn't the boring, typical white knight-in-shining-armor. In any case, I thought of him and the day much less than I liked spending my time either reading RL Stine's latest or playing Final Fantasy. so did I dream the wedding (or the gown I'd be wearing)? nope...

    although, in the last few months, there were more than a few times that I wish I had put a little more thought into this (just a little). after much looking and fitting (I do not like shopping), I came to the conclusion that (1) I like a sweetheart neckline, soft tulle (almost feathery) material, soft white, some beading, corset-fit, simple and fun and wavy and flirty, ball-gown styles. The me-being-picky bit I already knew about. :) btw: most bridal gown reviews are quite unhelpful - they merely say something akin to, "I knew it before I tried it on. It was perfect! This is the one I'm going to walk down the aisle in! I feel like a bride!" I scratch my head and wonder, "Were there bells or some heavenly angelic chorus, too?" (not making fun of any lady that did, of course - good for you if that's the case). (2) Most, if not all, bridal gowns are beautiful (especially as they increase in price). (3) It's common for prices to be ridiculous (and that's BEFORE alterations, which can be even more ridiculous).

    all in all, I did find a few I liked (no, not one that called my name unfortunately - or fortunately), but I didn't like them enough for the price... so what did I end up with? an online only purchase, didn't even try it on beforehand (which isn't my usual MO - I don't like risks. hopefully the sizing is correct), it has pockets, it's simple (no tulle and no beading and no princess-ball-gown feel), and it's a whole lot more cost-effective, especially if I plan to wear it only once in my entire life. will I regret not walking down the aisle in my dream wedding gown? no, at least, I don't think I will. I suppose that's the plus of not having grown-up with one in mind. so what did I have in mind growing up? a glass case to put all my collectible toys in, shelves of books (like Belle's), and an entertainment system that rocks, ha ha. I guess I thought less of my wedding and more so about the marriage after the wedding - a marriage like my parents (they're best friends and some days, I come home to them playing the wii or rock band), like Christ and the Church (one that is not of this world), like the one God has planned for me. that's what I'm looking forward to and working towards by God's grace and help.


    the feathery one also looks very much like Fleur Delacour's.

May 16, 2012

  • Diablo III

    As others are up right now playing Diablo III or sleeping...
    I am wedding planning (and have been up to 2 or 3 am for a few weeks now). I know it's a marathon (with a deadline) and not a race, I just can't help always feeling behind and like I'm racing against some invisible clock (costing either money or unsecured stuff for the day-of because vendors are "booked").

    Must remember to count my blessings (namely, my fiance, family & friends who bless this upcoming union, God who is faithful, provides, and is in control)....
    and by God's grace, somehow not have this feel like work, too (playing catch-up and living & breathing deadlines all the time).

    Still tired.

April 5, 2012

  • Ergo Uh-Oh

    starting to feel slight discomfort in my right wrist.