Aznqt1's Xanga

Birthday Weekend

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 05:17:40 GMT

The weekend was great. It started on Friday night when I cooked for the youth group. The were simple dishes, but was nervous as I'm a more experienced baker. I'm not one to cook for anyone, including family and Jerry, but everything turned out well. They ate everything, which is the best compliment to any cook. Though the youth group thanked me and appreciated the meal, the pleasure was all mine. Really.

Saturday continued the events with dim sum at Veggie Dim Sum House with Melissa and Bob. It was surprisingly filling, but I was missing the meat taste. What I ate threw me off from what I saw on my plate. It was a bit of a mind screw. Of course, no trip into the city is complete without a visit to the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. Ginger ice cream is surprisingly yum and refreshing. Headed home for a small dinner with family and some friends, which was an unintended birthday celebration, planned on a whim. I selfishly didn't want to do anything this year for personal reasons, but my wise younger sister pointed out that birthdays are not necessarily all about you. There was a lot of food, and probably ate my fill of meat for three days. I'm happy for those who were part of the festivities, it meant a lot to me. I was blessed with the family that I have, the friends that I care about as family and having two birthday cakes on the same day (Canoli and Cold Stone Creamery Ice cream cake...mmMMmm). Sunday was church, a quick visit to the Cranberry festival in Bordentown then a quiet night with Jerry. Honestly, our calendars get filled up between work, training, friend events, family events/obligations, church, school, etc., that either time flies too fast for us to enjoy doing absolutely nothing together, or we're exhausted from everything that we need time to ourselves. It's crazy, but enjoying down time with him alone was the best birthday present.

Since my last birthday, time flew by incredibly fast, however felt that I grew the most within the past year.

"Loss" is just a matter of attitude and dependence on the tangibles.
Winning isn't everything. But sometimes is the only option and you better be ready for it.
It is possible for people to not carry their baggage to everywhere they go...how? Still not sure. Maybe will learn that by the next birthday.
Listening is an opportunity for love.
It is God who is truly faithful...but it doesn't mean that we can't try.
A birthday, holiday, etc., is like any other day. Why wait to show appreciation for those you care about when reaching those days are not guaranteed?

Addiction to Planning

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:30:01 GMT

"Want to hear God laugh? Tell Him your plans."

I'm addicted to planning ahead - sometimes, WAY ahead. Horrible habit, really. I can't help but say, "it can't hurt to start thinking about this now", when it really does because it's just self-inflicted stress. Then again, with further thought, the need to plan ahead becomes an immediate need when you want to establish something.

I'm praying for opportunities for Jerry and I, along with guidance and wisdom so that we're ready to discern what God wills for us. In a way, it's surreal to start talking about finding a house, careers, weddings, and babies. I have this, "what...I'M in this too?" feeling, but it is exciting. I'm trying to find this balance to trust in Him for all that we need to walk as one and being ready for anything to happen. I guess that's my problem, planning when He knows it all. Life would be so much easier if we knew His will for us, wouldn't it?

I asked Jerry if he can hold out living at his current place instead of moving into another apartment and paying higher rent. He said that he can hold out, he just misses a few features, cable television, control of the heat and A/C....

Jerry: "I have no kitchen...I miss cooking."

Me: "Really?"

Jerry: "Wait...I can't believe I said that."

Me: "But YOU said it!"

I cannot get enough of my man saying that he wants to cook.

In Support

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:54:16 GMT

A couple of weeks ago, Jerry participated in the Wong Fei Hung North Eastern All Kung Fu Championships at Jersey City. It was an interesting event that included a lot of participants of all different wushu styles, competing in different forms. Jerry was in the sparring competition for male advanced level light weight division. Overall it was a big event, but ever since my courses at GWU, I look at events with a different eye and this one screamed RISK all over it. I enjoyed watching a few of the sparring matches - but for the most part I was nervous about Jerry getting hurt. Not so much of him losing, but more concerned with his opponents - sometimes can't tell the motives of every person learning martial arts. Learning a martial art does not make you a martial artist.

Master Frank Yee (Right) and Sifu Pedro Yee (Left). Master Frank Yee is the 3rd generation master of the Hung Ga International Kung Fu Association and Sifu Pedro is his dedicated student...so dedicated and loyal that he changed his named to Yee. Wow.

Beginning of the opening ceremony...none is complete with a lion dance. This was performed by a school from Texas - very new to lion dancing, but for the most part were pretty good. Another school performed and they used the benches in the back for their performance.

It went awry in the middle of the performance. As the performer at the head of the lion was supported by the performer at the tail of the lion, the rear performer slipped in between the benches and the whole thing collapsed by the weight. I don't know what happened to the performer, but he was definitely injured on his leg...yet the show must go on.

Jerry was the only one from his Sifu's school that competed, however, his Sifu was responsible in judging the children sparring competition. It was pretty cute to see them all wailing on each other, even with the protective gear.

Jerry chatting with his opponent before their fight. I couldn't take any video or pictures during his fight, I had to watch it with close eyes. It was an OK fight, his opponent was kicking all over the place, some that weren't necessary and Jerry was left to block and look for openings. Since the tournament was based on a point judging system, his opponent won for the simple fact that he was kicking like crazy, and simple taps on the body counted. Jerry won second place in his division. Yay.

After his fight, we stayed for a few more minutes and I treated my contender for lunch at Brownstone's diner in Jersey City, a.k.a. the Pancake Factory. Didn't have pancakes, but waffles with bananas. MMMmmmMmm....so satisfying. This was his first experience in tournament competition, something that his Sifu isn't too crazy about anyways, just for experience sake. I'm happy that Jerry got some experience in a tournament, however, know it's not his style - he's not in it to win it...he's in it to kick ass. It did make me think about competing as well, but muay thai fighting is very different from what I saw at this tournament. Also, I don't have that "urge" to get in the ring to fight someone. So far, I'm happy being a student, learning a purposeful art.

One of the reasons that my dad is cool...

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:49:32 GMT

Dad makes comments (mostly discouraging, with annoying quips) about training in muay thai. This leaves me to not mention anything more of my training other than the times that I'm at practice and won't be home for dinner. He probably thinks I'm crazy and wondering what possessed his daughter to learn such a martial art, yet he still listens. When I got back from training last night, I found this in the living room - it's a 2003 movie, but a good one from what I hear and reading reviews. Dad is discouraging with words, but encouraging with actions - I find myself inheriting that trait as I get older.

3 Years and Forever More

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:30:11 GMT

It's our anniversary today and can remember our first date as if it were yesterday. I remember it being a beautiful sunny day like today and being a bit nervous in meeting a guy who has a thicker accent and really into Bruce Lee. It was over our first bowl of congee at XO Kitchen when I felt sparks of chemistry with him, and then safety when going through the haunted house wing of Madame Tusseau's wax museum as I held onto his arm. It sounds SO cheesy, but the strength in his arm and the gentleness in his heart opened my eyes to see that he is the one I prayed for. From our shared interests, similar values, aspirations and life events in the past three years, our relationship has grown by love, in faith and with God's grace. Every relationship is different, having its ups and downs, but I'm grateful for what our relationship is and what it is not.

We celebrated our anniversary on Saturday. Our original plans were to spend at day at Peddlar's Village, PA, but the uncooperative weather changed our plans, which Jerry put together on his own. Every year he tries to surprise me and with my curious mind, I tend to figure it out. This year, I have to admit - he got me

Us trekking through NYC in the humidity and rain. Hehe, we look tired...

Jerry took me here, his alternate plans. Which show do you think he picked out?

Me: Xanadu?!
Him: Yes, this is it...surprise!
Me: Do you know what Xanadu is?
Him: I have no idea, but what I read on its website it sounds good. They had it on The View.

I have to admit, I was shocked, more than surprised. I guess that's what happens when you have a boyfriend who is not familiar with American pop culture, even the 80s. I didn't see the movie, but it was a good show. Apparently it was a star studded cast in the broadway genre, Kerry Butler of Hair Spary, Cheyenne Jackson and Whoopi Goldberg (sp?). It was interesting to see Whoopi perform on stage, and was a bit star struck. Our seats were right up against the stage and was looking more up to it than at it. The show was funny, cute and romantic - it was a good choice.

After the show, we trekked around NYC some more at the Hershey's store, and couldn't bear the rain any longer so went back to Newport and walked around the mall. The trip at the Hershey store got chocolate on my mind and stopped by a Godiva store to check out their new truffles. They had a new line of truffles for the fall and of course HAD to try them...

About half of our bounty...at the time of this picture we ate two truffles, Maple cinnamon, and cranberry truffle (which we thought was the best!). Sharing truffles with my baybee was a sweet moment, figuratively and literally. I have discovered my new favorite Godiva truffles, Cranberry, Coconut cream and Key Lime.

Walking all over the place grew our appetites and we went to our faithful Vietnamese place in Jersey City for dinner. He originally wanted to take me to a fancy restaurant, but required a dress code, that we couldn't do from walking in the rain. It's all good, there is always a next time. It was a fun day to spend with my baybee, though the activities were nice, I was just happy for us to have our own time together. We're always with family and friends when we see each other, seeming like the "public" couple, and there are days that we just want to be alone. Either way, we make best with the time we have, which makes me want to hold onto him even more.

Happy Anniversary sweetie, I love you.

A compliment...sort of

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:49:43 GMT

After muay thai practice on Wednesday, all of the students were instructed to exit through the fire escape on the other side of the gym. The gym is shared between two boxing schools, and the other one is filled with youths and enthusiastic trainers. Sometimes they poke their head into our side to see what all of the grunting and kicking is for. Anyways, as I was heading towards the scary fire escape (which was the day I had to forget my flip flops and climb down in heels), one of the boxing trainers points at me and says:

"I saw you holding those pads. They were kicking hard, and you stayed in there. You're strong."

I smiled and thanked him. When I get those kind of comments, I can't help but get all sheepish and be thankful for any of my efforts being noticed.

Then he continues:

"You'd make me a good husband...I would not do anything wrong. You would knock me out."

I had to laugh at that and thank him again for an interesting compliment. Also, couldn't help but feel a bit accomplished to strike fear in men, even for a little.

Looking Forward

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:12:35 GMT

Back from a long weekend, and I'm already wishing that it's Saturday again.

The weekend was good - eventful and went by really fast. It included dim sum, family bbq in Queens, Belmar beach, seaside heights and korean food. What weekend would be complete without lots of food? Now it's back to the daily grind and the semester with my classes officially starting this week. Oye...

Tanning at Belmar. Jerry, Mandy and I got there really early, before it officially opened actually. Because of that, we avoided the entrance fee. We're so sneaky.

Jerry's tanning method.

Mandy's tanning method. We Chan sisters are such multi-taskers. We saved so much money by bringing our own food in a cooler, and a lot healthier too.

I need to do something with these horrible bags developing under my eyes. All we could do at Belmar was throw the frisbee around and tan. Since the waves were too rough, swimming was not allowed and we had to accept standing on the shore line and be splashed by waves. It was kind of lame. Afterwards we went to seaside heights to walk around the boardwalk, enjoyed yummy ice cream and then made way back to Edison for a Korean dinner. I had a craving for bim bim bap...SO yummy, actually I still want some more!

The good thing about long weekends are short work/school weeks, but I have a feeling it's going to pass by slow in anticipation for this Saturday.

En Wai Cee fun & Six Flags

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:13:57 GMT

The double date part deux, minus Swooshy but plus Amanda was a lot of fun. I can't believe it was last week and wish I can go through it again. Again, as always, it was fun times.

Jerry and I waiting for Lee-Lee at her hotel from her early hit at H&M...who knew that place opens at 9am on a Saturday?

We went straight to serious eating business by taking Lee-Lee to Joe's Shanghai for yummy Shanghai style soup dumplings and rice cake dishes. There was A LOT of food, but so GOOD. I realized that during our meal times I did not take any pictures...yes, eating is that important to all of us.

After Amanda got her new sassy hair cut, and doing a little bit of shopping around Chinatown, it was a quick stop to the Chinatown Ice Cream factory and walking downtown to the South Street Seaport. We stopped by Columbus Park since Jerry saw a bunch of people practicing different forms of Tai C'hi.

My former years in Chinatown left me impressions of Columbus Park being gang infested, but now I see who are the real OG's of the town. There were over a dozen tables in the area, all taken by serious poker playing granny's.

Lee-Lee and I at South Street Seaport, in front of the man made waterfalls of Brooklyn Bridge. We were here the last time she visited, and so was Yogi Lazer, the super flexible dread locked contortionist.

Another point of interest was the Hello Kitty statues at the Levin House in mid town. It was weird seeing monster versions of Japanese icons. Jerry was curious what was up Hello Kitty's skirt...and like a fool, I encouraged him with this photo. At least he had his fun.

Amanda got scurred of the huge My Melody.

I wasn't though...it seemed like she just needed help with picking her nose.

Amanda and Jerry with the hater blockers...as she calls it. I'm really glad that these two get along, or Amanda would make Jerry's life a living hell by now.

Taking a rest with romping around with Herro Kittyzirra. Gosh, my eyes are so puffy from staying up late the previous night. But it was worth it to have a day of play with Lee-Lee! We had awesome Korean BBQ at Korean Town and then dessert at Roxy's Delicatessan in Times Square. It was a day of fun and eating. I can't wait to see her again in December for her wedding. I'm excited, I never been to Texas before, and looking forward to another place to eat at...you can definitely see where my priorities are at.

After a full day in NYC, it was a full day with the KPCT youth group at Six Flags, which was a lot of fun. I enjoyed being tossed around on all of the fun roller coasters and spending more time with all of them. It's so refreshing to see their personalities shine as I get to know them more. It's definitely a different experience going to Six Flags as a counselor.

Most of the day was waiting on lines for rides and walking around the park. We're all waiting for three brave young men to take the Dare Devil dive....

Serious props to Joe, Keith and Mark. I think after being lifted up so high would be the end for me, I wouldn't be able to go through with it. I was surprised that a whole day at Six Flags made me feel sore and toned in my legs and arms. I guess it's from the Tea Cup ride, and walking around so much. My triceps were feeling inflated and looking niiiiicceeee. Hahaha. I don't care if I have muscular arms, as long as they're not weak and flabby.

Get 'er done

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:29:17 GMT

This is the final week of working on my final projects for my summer courses. Yep, didn't have much of a summer this year, but it'll all pay off in the long run. I hope/pray. Well, it BETTER! The last project is rather fun to craft since it's all about capoeria and looking forward to my professor's thoughts on my spin of her assignment. I just have a lot of writing to do for the rest of the week and submit it on Sunday. Then I'll be done for the summer, with a two week breather then start up for the fall semester right after Labor Day. Yeah...not much of a summer at all. But at least I have some events to look forward to in the fall.

Pictures of the NYC day trip with Lee-Lee to come soon. I'm planning to do all of my photo uploading this weekend after the trip to Six Flags with the YG'ers tomorrow. I haven't been there in years but like to try out the new coasters. Don't know if anyone knows this, but I LOVE roller coasters, despite my heart condition. I think that's the reason to my attraction of pushing myself. The parents never wanted me to ride the roller coasters out of fear that it would be too much stress on my heart, yada yada, blah blah blah. I'm such a great listener, HA! But I digress...

It was great seeing Lee-Lee again. We were looking forward to her visit since April due to our great double date with her fiance and Jerry. Mandy joined us and we all had a great time, along with a lot of food. The pictures will tell the story, but I can say one thing, I'm so glad that we walked the majority of the day to burn off the calories! I really miss having days like those, but I'm looking forward to me and Jerry's trip to TX for her wedding! It'll be here before we know it.

Finally saw The Dark Knight on Sunday. Very good movie, considering that I'm not usually attracted to comic book based movies. While watching the movie, I thought Heath Ledger did a good job but didn't appreciate his work until reflecting on it yesterday. An awesome job, really.

The Good, The Bad and The Tiredsome...

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 06:16:47 GMT

Bad:

About to turn 2:00 AM and still awake
Still awake after working on the final project from the class of HECK which has been my pain throughout the entire summer
Drank an estimated 40 oz of coffee today. 24 oz of Wawa from staying up late the previous night, and 16 oz of DD to finish up my portion of aforementioned final project of HECK
Didn't revise my essay for my professor's book as intended tonight, therefore....
Need to wake up early to make final edits before heading to work
Developing bags under my eyes due to lack of sleep and breaking out from stress
Still have to pay my tuition bill for the fall semester...*wimper*
Missing training time in capoeira
Bruised on both of my shins, random spots on my arms and elbows

Good

Almost done with the class of HECK by the end of the week
I'm going to be a published writer...yay.
Got my new gear for Muay Thai...shin guards, training gloves and hand wraps....rawr.
Having bruises at the right places - transitioning from smacking the pads and punching bags to sharpening my 8 weapons on them
Going to see Lee-Lee for a much anticipated fun day in NYC, much food will be enjoyed.
Feeling secure with myself that when I'm back in training, I'm BACK.
Knowing that He watched over me through the bad and good, while giving me strength. And that is ALL GOOD, ALL the time.