On Christmas Eve, b & i were able to attend service and worship together for the very first time (since we started dating over a year ago) at our home church. Although both he and I are super blessed to serve regularly, sometimes we miss just attending. This was a special treat for us. Thank you, Jesus, for helping us prepare our hearts for your birthday together. <3

when I first saw posts and pictures on macarons, I really didn't get why macarons are so great. They seemed overrated. I want to say that I had them before and didn't enjoy them and then I realized that I only had the wannabe ones. I  actually thought "lette" was a flavor. now I understand. I tried my first one yesterday! omg, my taste buds had a most pleasant unexpected surprise! I had caribbean chocolate from lette (b saved his for me). uber delish! needless to say, I craved more, so today after church, we went to Pasadena for lunch and afterwards (since we were in the neighborhood), visited lette.

I purchased a box of 12 for $9.50 (if purchased alone, it would have been $1.70 each. Oh, and if you buy a box of 6, they actually charge for the box). That would be just enough for his mom (and us), my parents, and my fake parents. We tried lychee (yuck! did not taste like the lychee that I know and like), pistachio, almond, coffee, and chocolate. I like the almond and pistachio (b prefers these 2. he likes the almond a little more), and of course, the chocolate (so yummy!). hm, I think chocolate is still my favorite. the others were a bit too sweet.

Lately, my friend, Tiff, has been getting the almond, violet, passion fruit, earl grey, and rose. She also said the pumpkin's not bad. She especially likes the fruity ones (violet and passionfruit are really fruity). It was her colorful pictures that I remembered when I tried my first macaron.   I'll be trying these next time. She also dislikes the lychee and lemon - next time, I'll also know better and pass these up. Twas a fun experience trying all the different flavors! It'll be fun sharing with our parents, too. <3

In the past few months, I've parted with my first point-and-shoot, along with my DSLR (Canon XTI Rebel). It's been a long time since I've used either (a whole year since I shot with my dslr) and it became obvious that there were others who need it more and would put it to better use that me. Letting go has always been a difficult thing for me, whether it be people or possessions. God has been teaching me how hoarding prevents me from experiencing more of Him and the deep truth that we are blessed to be a blessing - we can never out-give God.

When I parted with my cameras, I knew photography wasn't something I was going to give up long-term, but just for now. I had no idea it would be this soon that I would be shooting again. Just before Thanksgiving, a co-worker of mine offered to sell me a D90 (body only) for a pretty good price, especially considering it was just like new and barely used (b confirmed the condition of the camera). After much thought and research (I had a little bit of help from my friends, Ron and Brian), I decided to pass up the offer (if you're interested, I'll let my co-worker know) and save up for a newer model. I returned my co-worker's camera Monday night (he brought it in for me to check out for a week or so). Little did I know that it would be the same night that I would across another good deal online for a refurbed newer model that I would've saved up for and the price was just right...

I'll be the proud owner of a Nikon soon. ^_^

* Also, now I'll be able to capture moments like these, too.
Yes, that is our CEO on the rooftop taking a call.