1) I love, love getting little green reply cards in the mail!
2) I desperately need to get my hair trimmed, but it's so darn expensive.
3) Fiber One bars are delicious.
4) I finished the bridesmaid gifts!
5) Laundry piles have taken over my room.
6) A constant pro/con list within me is battling the last name change. (Any advice?)
7) I am anxiously awaiting a beautiful dress (yes, it's STILL not here).
8) Today is the last day of April, which means tomorrow is the first day of May, which means it is that much closer to June.
9) I recently re-discovered the beauty of Golden Gate Park, and it is actually refreshing to run there.
10) Asian chicken lettuce wraps make for a perfect dinner.
4.30.2009
4.28.2009
Running Naked.
The Bay. Morning. Running. Cold. Beer. Still running. Costumes and/or Nudity. More beer. Hills. More running. The Ocean.
Sound fun?
I am running a race. Those are words I didn't think I'd EVER say. I'm not a runner. I mean I was the kid in high school that got winded after running from my 1st period to my locker to my 2nd period; did I mention I went to a small private school? However, ever since Christmas, I've dedicated more and more time to my least favorite sport. Anyway, back to my point. Micah and I are running Bay to Breakers. For most participants it is a free pass to drink your sorrows away and keep the party strolling from downtown Embarcadero all the way out to the ocean. But, there are runners too, and although you can bet I won't score first place, I'll hopefully keep pace in front of the real "party-ers."
Here's where you (fellow bloggers and blog stalkers) come to play. I need ideas for a costume. Preferably something easy to run in, i.e. let's keep the furry squirrel costumes to a minimum. Also, I think I'll stick with keeping my clothes on during the run.
Ideas? Ideas?
Sound fun?
I am running a race. Those are words I didn't think I'd EVER say. I'm not a runner. I mean I was the kid in high school that got winded after running from my 1st period to my locker to my 2nd period; did I mention I went to a small private school? However, ever since Christmas, I've dedicated more and more time to my least favorite sport. Anyway, back to my point. Micah and I are running Bay to Breakers. For most participants it is a free pass to drink your sorrows away and keep the party strolling from downtown Embarcadero all the way out to the ocean. But, there are runners too, and although you can bet I won't score first place, I'll hopefully keep pace in front of the real "party-ers."
Here's where you (fellow bloggers and blog stalkers) come to play. I need ideas for a costume. Preferably something easy to run in, i.e. let's keep the furry squirrel costumes to a minimum. Also, I think I'll stick with keeping my clothes on during the run.
Ideas? Ideas?
4.24.2009
4.22.2009
quarter of a century.
He is good-humored.
He is caring.
He is energetic.
He is rugged (especially when he sports a beard).
He is contemplative.
He is generous.
He is motivated.
He is intelligent.
He is genuine.
He is undeniably my most favorite person.
And today is his birthday!!
So happy birthday to my favorite person, my fiance, my best friend, my soon-to-be husband. I love you SO much!
He is caring.
He is energetic.
He is rugged (especially when he sports a beard).
He is contemplative.
He is generous.
He is motivated.
He is intelligent.
He is genuine.
He is undeniably my most favorite person.
And today is his birthday!!
So happy birthday to my favorite person, my fiance, my best friend, my soon-to-be husband. I love you SO much!
4.20.2009
60 DAY COUNTDOWN
(that's Micah and I getting engaged)
Today marks the beginning of MY official countdown. I mean the knot has been counting down for me since I think around day 180 (but who's counting).
As of right now, there are 60 days or 1,446 hours till the wedding.
I can't believe Micah and I have been engaged for 5 months. The time has flown by. I expect in two more months I will be singing the exact same tune. In these 5 months, I have learned more than I wanted to know about registries, centerpieces, and budgets. For the most part, my engagement has been drama free, save a few meltdown moments I'm still embarassed to fess up to. And though it is sometimes challenging to go between work life (see last post) and engagement life, I am more excited than 5 months ago to say "I do."
So, here's to hoping the days pass quickly and the to-do list dwindles to two things: get married and enjoy wedding day!
4.17.2009
she makes my heart cry.
I try to guard myself, because I know my inability to stay at a distance. I am easily sucked into another's life experiences. I am drawn to the pain, and it is a short skip and jump until I am deep in the thick of it. I have noticed that while at work I simply go through a routine. I hear aweful stories, but that's just it, to me they are stories. I must force myself to hear stories, instead of hear life. For my own sanity it's a good skill I'm learning, but every once in a while life slips past my shield.
We sat down, facing each other. I, a distant participant; her, an intimate captive. Here we found ourselves, enclosed in a small room discussing a precious matter: her life.
There was fear in her eyes. It was not loud or outspoken; it was silent. It was held back tears and quivering words. It was her presence that made me stop interviewing and start listening. The fear poured out of her, it washed over the desk that separated us, and puddled in my lap. It soaked my skin, causing the hair on my arms to raise. The intensity and sincerity of the words she spoke cut into me like a blade. They challenged my comfort, they disarmed me.
She is a strong Latina woman. She bears the burden of many cultures to submit herself to the life she has chosen. She has passionately hoped for change to come. She has agonized over her children's right to have two parents and not one. She has spent years living a life not one human being should have to. I look at her and exhaustion is clearly etched across her face. It clothes her. The sleep-deprived circles under her eyes are a deep shade of eggplant. She is tired. Tired and fearful.
What could I offer her? What encouragement, what comfort could I give her for all the lost years?
It was fear that brought her to the doorstep of my office; but it was the same fear that drove her back home. Although there is a spark of determination, her captor holds significant, touchable power. His power is backed not only by his physical capabilities, but by culture, family ties, and most of all a discarded love.
I asked her what she wanted and her simple reply stated it all: freedom.
We sat down, facing each other. I, a distant participant; her, an intimate captive. Here we found ourselves, enclosed in a small room discussing a precious matter: her life.
There was fear in her eyes. It was not loud or outspoken; it was silent. It was held back tears and quivering words. It was her presence that made me stop interviewing and start listening. The fear poured out of her, it washed over the desk that separated us, and puddled in my lap. It soaked my skin, causing the hair on my arms to raise. The intensity and sincerity of the words she spoke cut into me like a blade. They challenged my comfort, they disarmed me.
She is a strong Latina woman. She bears the burden of many cultures to submit herself to the life she has chosen. She has passionately hoped for change to come. She has agonized over her children's right to have two parents and not one. She has spent years living a life not one human being should have to. I look at her and exhaustion is clearly etched across her face. It clothes her. The sleep-deprived circles under her eyes are a deep shade of eggplant. She is tired. Tired and fearful.
What could I offer her? What encouragement, what comfort could I give her for all the lost years?
It was fear that brought her to the doorstep of my office; but it was the same fear that drove her back home. Although there is a spark of determination, her captor holds significant, touchable power. His power is backed not only by his physical capabilities, but by culture, family ties, and most of all a discarded love.
I asked her what she wanted and her simple reply stated it all: freedom.
4.16.2009
Address. Stuff. Seal. Repeat.
This came on Tuesday.
So, Tuesday night Micah and I sat down with a pot of tea and spread out the sea of charcoal on the kitchen table.
Then, on Wednesday we took over the living room.
I LOVE the invites.
Micah goofing off.
How many more of these do we have to do?
So, Tuesday night Micah and I sat down with a pot of tea and spread out the sea of charcoal on the kitchen table.
Then, on Wednesday we took over the living room.
I LOVE the invites.
Micah goofing off.
How many more of these do we have to do?
4.14.2009
Expenses
Expenses are piling up. There's wedding, there's honeymoon, there's moving, there's school. Most people look at me like I'm crazy when I explain that all these "life-changing" events are culminating into a big explosion set to take place in a matter of months.
I'll admit I'm worried. I'm worried about figuring out little details and big details, while at the same time staying within budget. I'm worried about spending money on a bathing suit and cute clothes for the honeymoon. I'm worried about finding an apartment in Denver that is in an area we will like, but at a price that is affordable. I'm worried about starting school with barely any savings, while Micah job hunts in an economy that no in no uncertain terms "has gone belly up." I'm worried about having NO furniture (i.e. a table or a couch or a dresser) in our first apartment. All these worries, big and small, add up. They bring on those moments of total breakdown, staring at budgets and trying to simply breathe through the sobs.
Sometimes it's helpful to stop and think "wow, worrying about a tight budget, but still being able to do the things I want" is nothing worth my worrying energy. I mean, I KNOW that we'll be fine. I know that if I need to live off a diet of rice and beans, I can. I know that having family and friends that love and support me is an almost unpenetrable security blanket.
And besides all that, I'm promising for richer or poorer..right?
I'll admit I'm worried. I'm worried about figuring out little details and big details, while at the same time staying within budget. I'm worried about spending money on a bathing suit and cute clothes for the honeymoon. I'm worried about finding an apartment in Denver that is in an area we will like, but at a price that is affordable. I'm worried about starting school with barely any savings, while Micah job hunts in an economy that no in no uncertain terms "has gone belly up." I'm worried about having NO furniture (i.e. a table or a couch or a dresser) in our first apartment. All these worries, big and small, add up. They bring on those moments of total breakdown, staring at budgets and trying to simply breathe through the sobs.
Sometimes it's helpful to stop and think "wow, worrying about a tight budget, but still being able to do the things I want" is nothing worth my worrying energy. I mean, I KNOW that we'll be fine. I know that if I need to live off a diet of rice and beans, I can. I know that having family and friends that love and support me is an almost unpenetrable security blanket.
And besides all that, I'm promising for richer or poorer..right?
4.12.2009
Flight Recap
Ok, so here's a quick update to the last entry I posted.
1) I did not enjoy my flight at 6:27pm, because I was not ON my flight at 6:27pm. I was instead sitting in the airport endulging my guilty desire for Combos. (The flight was delayed over an hour).
2) Once I finally boarded the flight after 6:27 p.m., my eyes did adjust to the purple haze that ushered me in.
3) I did not pick my viewing of choice, even though it could have included House and/or Flight of the Conchords, because I would have been viewing that choice without sound...because I FORGOT my earphones!
4) I did not play in-flight trivia because Virgin America is stupid & doesn't have it. (Nique, in-flight trivia allows passengers on the flight to answer gameshow-esque questions and compete for accuracy and speed; the questions range from sports to history to pop culture, etc).
5) I did not purchase a pillow...nor did I get a snack...because I would have had to PAY for it? Really, Virgin America, you can't afford some peanuts? (Oh well, I guess I got my fill of Combos).
6) All in all it was not the flight I expectantly was awaiting. What a disappointment!
p.s. I got a wedding band today & it is beautiful! Micah and I are at his parent's house & I've been "breaking in" (aka. wearing) the ring all night...
1) I did not enjoy my flight at 6:27pm, because I was not ON my flight at 6:27pm. I was instead sitting in the airport endulging my guilty desire for Combos. (The flight was delayed over an hour).
2) Once I finally boarded the flight after 6:27 p.m., my eyes did adjust to the purple haze that ushered me in.
3) I did not pick my viewing of choice, even though it could have included House and/or Flight of the Conchords, because I would have been viewing that choice without sound...because I FORGOT my earphones!
4) I did not play in-flight trivia because Virgin America is stupid & doesn't have it. (Nique, in-flight trivia allows passengers on the flight to answer gameshow-esque questions and compete for accuracy and speed; the questions range from sports to history to pop culture, etc).
5) I did not purchase a pillow...nor did I get a snack...because I would have had to PAY for it? Really, Virgin America, you can't afford some peanuts? (Oh well, I guess I got my fill of Combos).
6) All in all it was not the flight I expectantly was awaiting. What a disappointment!
p.s. I got a wedding band today & it is beautiful! Micah and I are at his parent's house & I've been "breaking in" (aka. wearing) the ring all night...
4.10.2009
Off to LA
Today at precisely (I hope) 6:27pm I will be enjoying my flight to LA via the greatness of Virgin America. My eyes will, by then, have adjusted to the purple lighting of the cabin. I will have picked my choice of viewing on the television screen in front of me. Or, maybe, I will challenge both the man in seat 7A and the woman in seat 46C to a rousing game of in-flight trivia. And even though I won't dish out the extra cash for a pillow, I will be offered numerous snacking pleasures.
Really, my options are limitless.
Thank you in advance Virgin America (don't let me down)!
Really, my options are limitless.
Thank you in advance Virgin America (don't let me down)!
4.07.2009
life's crazy curveballs
Kristen, my maid of honor, (who just so happens to be my older sister) is engaged!
Her and her FIANCE got engaged on Saturday, April 4. You might ask: why are you just now posting about this news? Well, fellow bloggers, I just found out. As in, my sister just gmail chatted me and told me she was engaged! Yes, you heard that right...GMAIL CHAT! Is that even allowed? Can you tell someone life altering changes via gmail chat?
the following is an exact transcription:
Kristen: hi
me: hello
Kristen: just though I'd tell you that Hisong and I got engaged last weekend
me: WHAT? you did not just tell me that on gmail chat
Kristen: I figured that was better than facebook
me: MAYBE A PHONE CALL! are you serious?
Kristen: um, am I serious that we're engaged? yes
After this brief GCHAT dialogue, I whipped out my phone and called my sister up pronto! I get the engagement story with most likely the fewest details possible.
Now, perhaps you just have to know my sister, maybe then this scenario would seem rational. My sister has always come across as the anti-marriage person. In fact, most likely if you're reading this blog, you've heard me personally say that I did not think my sister was the "marrying type" (which I now stand corrected that there isn't such a type). Kristen is the most independently minded person I know. She may at times come across as emotionally rigid, but she is strong, intelligent, and fierce. I love her for those very attributes. I love that she "broke through" gender stereotypes in the male-dominated modern christian bubble we grew up in and pursued what she wanted. I feel in some ways her break through pulled me with her and for that I will always be grateful.
I don't believe in anyway that her getting married changes anything about her as a person. She's still going to be her stubborn, adventurous, sarcastic, independent, fashion diva, tell-me-that-she's-engaged-on-gchat, globally minded self. I just hope she knows that I want to be involved in her life, wherever that may take her.
here's her ring (you know the kind only a doctor can afford?):
CONGRATULATIONS KRISTEN & HSIONG!
p.s. Kristen, I know you don't want to do the whole big wedding thing, but can you at least pick me out a cute dress to wear?
Her and her FIANCE got engaged on Saturday, April 4. You might ask: why are you just now posting about this news? Well, fellow bloggers, I just found out. As in, my sister just gmail chatted me and told me she was engaged! Yes, you heard that right...GMAIL CHAT! Is that even allowed? Can you tell someone life altering changes via gmail chat?
the following is an exact transcription:
Kristen: hi
me: hello
Kristen: just though I'd tell you that Hisong and I got engaged last weekend
me: WHAT? you did not just tell me that on gmail chat
Kristen: I figured that was better than facebook
me: MAYBE A PHONE CALL! are you serious?
Kristen: um, am I serious that we're engaged? yes
After this brief GCHAT dialogue, I whipped out my phone and called my sister up pronto! I get the engagement story with most likely the fewest details possible.
Now, perhaps you just have to know my sister, maybe then this scenario would seem rational. My sister has always come across as the anti-marriage person. In fact, most likely if you're reading this blog, you've heard me personally say that I did not think my sister was the "marrying type" (which I now stand corrected that there isn't such a type). Kristen is the most independently minded person I know. She may at times come across as emotionally rigid, but she is strong, intelligent, and fierce. I love her for those very attributes. I love that she "broke through" gender stereotypes in the male-dominated modern christian bubble we grew up in and pursued what she wanted. I feel in some ways her break through pulled me with her and for that I will always be grateful.
I don't believe in anyway that her getting married changes anything about her as a person. She's still going to be her stubborn, adventurous, sarcastic, independent, fashion diva, tell-me-that-she's-engaged-on-gchat, globally minded self. I just hope she knows that I want to be involved in her life, wherever that may take her.
here's her ring (you know the kind only a doctor can afford?):
CONGRATULATIONS KRISTEN & HSIONG!
p.s. Kristen, I know you don't want to do the whole big wedding thing, but can you at least pick me out a cute dress to wear?
4.03.2009
Pirouette
No, I wouldn't dare try to learn the dance of ballet. I wouldn't try to jump or flex or bend in the way real ballerinas do.
But, I will go to the San Francisco Ballet with 5 good girlfriends! Tonight!
What do I wear to the ballet though?
4.01.2009
hello APRIL
Dear April,
I can't believe you're here already. You are the glorious 4th month of the year. You are spring. You are the renewal of bright colors and you bring a much anticipated warmth. You, dear April, make me happy.
They say april showers bring may flowers, but really all I care about is that april brings may which then brings june!
Truly yours,
Cg
p.s. 80 days till Micah and I get hitched!
I can't believe you're here already. You are the glorious 4th month of the year. You are spring. You are the renewal of bright colors and you bring a much anticipated warmth. You, dear April, make me happy.
They say april showers bring may flowers, but really all I care about is that april brings may which then brings june!
Truly yours,
Cg
p.s. 80 days till Micah and I get hitched!
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