Semi-annual update time

OK. People have been complaining because I don't update my blog.

FACT:
-I'm doing the WEST COAST TRAIL this August!
-My wedding website is up!
-Heard about scary person who have been stalking the Calgary Chinese churches through facebook (don't add people you don't know..especially people with the initials J.L.)
-I am currently frantically trying to finish my online courses, which are due in less than a week
-I'm attending 11 weddings this year, and skipping out on 2
-I just finished a half marathon!! Full marathon next year, baby!!
-I just quit one of my jobs.
-I had black licorice ice cream at Lics.

Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya

And the winner is.....

Which Resort?!?!

Life as an engaged couple is really exciting and special. It opens up a whole new variety of conversations, such as marriage counseling, marriage date, invitations, locations, banquets, housing, cars, jobs, and much more. What used to be happy wishing suddenly becomes upcoming reality. WOW! Sometimes I look at my ring and still can’t believe I’m engaged!

Wedding plans. After months of looking at different resorts with extreme difficulty and careful selection, we finally narrowed our choices down to the following resorts. We’re hopping to have a January wedding, most likely Saturday January 5 – 12, 2008. What do you think of these resorts? Or do you have any preferences or good resorts that you’ve been to?? I’m sure your comments will help lots! Thanks!

Hotel Candidates (click on photo for more information):

1. Paradisus Río de Oro - Holguin, CUBA 2. Dreams Puerto Vallarta, MEXICO

3. Gran Bahia Principe JAMAICA

4. Grand Sirenis Rivera Maya, Akumal MEXICO
5. Iberostar Paraiso Lindo, Playa del Carmen, MEXICO

6. Iberostar Varadero, Sector Punta Hicacos, CUBA

Fairy tale comes true!

As some of you may have heard from the grapevine, I'd like to announce that Nate and I got engaged!!!

On the magical night of Feb 17, 2007, Nate took me to the restaurant of our first date, surprised me by decorating his house with pictures of everything we've done over the last two years, made a beautiful flower bed/walkway down one of his hallways, got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!

Yup, I was in shock! I feel so blessed to be engaged to my bestest friend! :) More details to come...with wedding plans and all that jazz!

More engagement pictures are on my facebook account. Click on "Facebook Me" on the right panel to add me as a friend :)

Ola!!! From Aguascalientes, Mexico

Mexico. Before your mind instantly brings you to a location where sparkling blue waves wash upon warm sandy beaches, I’d like to remind you that central Mexico is a striking contrast. Different species of cactus, from the traditional looking ones displayed at taco bell to circular flat discs with spikes speckled the landscape. Cloudless sapphire skies stretch from horizon to horizon, like a gigantic canopy covering the earth. I would like to share about a trip 18 of us went to from Dec 26-Jan 5 with Samaritan’s Purse.

Our adventure began with an eight hour flight from Calgary, to Aguascalientes, Mexico. Needless to say, all 18 of us were ecstatic as we disembarked from the tiny 30 seater plane and took our first step onto Mexican soil. Upon arrival, however, we counted our luggage and realized that over half the bags were missing! The entire process of reporting these bags with our broken Spanish required more than ½ an hour before our coordinator Jeremy, a 28 year old Canadian and construction manager Dwayne came to pick us up. We loaded all our luggage, or what was left of it, onto one truck and climbed into the other. With such a fuss happening in the airport, we were looking forward to a safe trip from the airport to our living quarters, but we were wrong! Within 5 minutes of traveling, red and blue flashing lights appeared and the truck with all our luggage was signaled to a stop by none other than la policia! Fortunately, they were just curious as to where we were headed with so much luggage in a truck, and luckily, Jeremy knew Spanish! A few minutes later we were free to depart.

As a nutritionist, the first thing I noticed upon arrival was the food. Hot sauce and colorful chili peppers laced the edges of our every meal. Children eat anything from chips dipped in chili sauces, to chili sauce flavored candy! For a person who rarely eats spicy foods, I inevitably became the center of comic relief. As much as this may bring a smile to your face, I’d like to illustrate our team’s first experience at a taco restaurant. A restaurant by no means is one such as Red Lobster or Joey’s Tomato, but rather a spacious white tent with grills, tables, and chairs inside. As the odors of fresh meat invaded our senses, we knew this would turn out to be a wonderful experience. With the menus laid before us in Spanish, delicious pictures of fajitas, tacos, and burritos danced in our heads. We were all so happy to try authentic Mexican food, because taco time just isn’t the same. All was well until Jeremy translated the menu. *pause* All right guys, the first thing on the menu are tacos. You can choose to have different fillings in these tacos. The first one is brain, second, pig’s snout, and the third is eye. I wish you were there to see the expression of our faces! Luckily, there were some “normal” tacos, and I’m disappointed to say that none of us had the courage to try the unique selections.

More importantly, our team was not there to eat, but rather to help construct an orphanage, run medical clinics, and help in the existing orphanage. For ten days, two groups alternated between construction and medical clinics. Orphanage construction supplies and labor relies completely on donation and volunteer work. There are normally 5 young men who have dedicated their time and efforts to work long term at the construction site. I personally have never been on a construction site, much less worked in one! We used no machinery except a cement mixer, of whom we are all very grateful to have. Prior to going, I envisioned that the orphanage would just be a shack, randomly put together by different groups of people. Boy was I wrong. Dwayne, the construction manager showed us the architectural layout of the new orphanage. The plans include a 3 story boys dorm, a girls dorm, a kitchen, a chapel, and a court. So far, only the kitchen has been built. Over those ten days, we accomplished pouring the boy’s dorm’s foundation by mixing cement, carrying bricks, and shoveling dirt. At the end of each night, we would visit the existing orphanage called dulce refugio, which is a rented location, and play with each of the kids. At first, I had no idea how to interact with them, since I can only ask a kid how old they are so many times. However, these kids loved us as soon as they saw us soaked up every bit of love we gave them. It still breaks my heart knowing the background these kids came from. Some had violet, abusive parents, while some who’s parents deliberately abandoned them, and some who’s parents are deceased. I’m so grateful for the founders of this orphanage, Marcel and Golye, who sold their own house and everything they had to start up and pay rent for this orphanage. As we got to know the kids better, the contruction got a bit easier because we knew who we were doing this work for, and in the end, that this back-breaking, advil taking labourous work will make a difference.

Lastly, I believe one can learn a lesson with every trip they go on. A resounding theme crosses my mind each time I think of this trip. It is the word appreciation. First of all, an appreciation to construction workers: I can never look at another building without thinking of the amount of work put in it. Secondly, appreciation for basic luxuries, such as drinkable water, warm showers, and flushable toilets. And lastly, appreciation for people who have left the comforts of their own homes to give their lives and talents to a selfless dream: to offer orphans a refuge filled with love and acceptance. Unlike me, the labourous hard work doesn’t end after ten days. They are there for the long haul, and their joyous attitudes always seem to amaze me. To illustrate, at the end of the day, we’re all tired from construction work. You would expect to see the Dwayne exhausted and not wanting to do anything but rest. Instead, we find him at the orphanage, playing with the kids with a giant smile on his face. That to me, is dedication.

All in all, this trip has been an eye opener. I’ve taken home with me the culture, the experience of construction, as well as appreciation for long term workers. After hearing this story, if you are compelled to find out more information about this orphanage or ways you can help out, I’d be glad to share more with you. And guess what? I now eat spicy foods!

Weekly updates dwindle down to annual updates...

I am not surprise if no one ever comes to my blog due to my lack of publishings. Ah well. I'm not a writer anyway. The adventures of my life as of September....hmm...besides working, not much went on. Oh wait, that's a lie! Oct 2006 was my parent's 25th anniversary. While they were in HK, my brother and I conjured up a SURPRISE party with over 130 guests! Click on this blog for pictures and details: Parent's Anniversary Blog. Check out the extreme decorations on that cake!!!


Next memorable event was the Wong Fu tour at the UC. I don't think I've ever seen that many asians in my life! We were there 45 minutes early & won free pop. Whoo hoo. The movie (A moment with you) was ok, kind of slow, and I agree that I enjoy the music videos more.

Oh yah, and the answer to the previous post: Yes, that is the main street of Banff. I just learned how to put reflections so I basically took every picture I had and made a reflection! Tootles to you, Clarissa.

Cafe Night at Westside

It's that time of the year again...
...to act like a fool at the expense of other people's entertainment! JKJK! :p

Last night, we had a wonderful time running cafe night and I believe over 100 people showed up. To remember this fabulous night of events, we have recorded and posted some of our highlights on YOUTUBE

SKITS (Sam, Agnes, Chris, Nathan, and Sarah)
SKIT#1: Rewind
SKIT#2: Pebbles (minor unicycling action)
SKIT#3: Best Friend
WESTSIDE BOYS (Godwin, Dave, Sam, Chris, and Clem)
WESTSIDE BOYS: Incomplete

They are quite lengthy, so you can watch one a day! LOL! Feel free to comment on them!



Other than practicing for skits, I keep myself busy with my most favourite hobby: Photography!!!

Oh yah, "trivia" question: Can anyone guess where this picture is taken...and perhaps what is "not right" with the picture?

Life's little surprises

Just a day, just an, ordinary day.
I was simply riding my unicycle on the sidewalk in my suburban neighborhood to work.
Everyone from bikers to joggers would yield and go on the grass while I slowly rode by, arms flailing like a 'tard.
As I was pedaling my last stretch up a small hill, I saw another object also on the sidewalk approaching. It was brown, trotted on four legs, and had giant antlers. WHAT?!!? A full grown deer!?? Everything was ok up unto that point. Upon realizing that the deer wasn't going to yield but probably run over me, I got off my unicycle and ran to the other side of the street. Apparently my sudden movement startled him and he started running faster down the sidewalk. As the distance between us closed, he made a sudden change of direction and jumped with extreme ease and grace over a 5 foot fence into the golf course. And here I used to think Superdogs was amazing... this is a completely new level.
Like I said, just a day, just an ordinary day.

Talent on display

This post is dedicated to those who are interested in jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The making and designing of jewelry with high quality beads, stones, metal and semi-precious gems is definitely a profession that consists of extreme challenge, patience, and creativity. As we inhabit in such a mass production machine obsessed society today, hand-made jewelry with quality and uniqueness is a rare find. Recently, I stumbled upon a wonderful site Onisha Artworks by a great artist. Known for her gentleness and wisdom, her products (I feel) display and reflect such characteristics when worn. Perfect for weddings, hot dates, and casual wear, I really recommend my readers to check this site out! Oh, did I also mention they are also great gifts!?!

Mystery Meat...REVEALED!!

I apologize for my extreme tardiness from blogging due to my ever-struggling weakness of procrastination. I have received eleven comments on my previous blog from China, however, some comments did not state their opinion concerning the species of the meat Nate and I were about to consume. Nevertheless, I have decided to give justice to those who have taken their time to ponder and comment. Below is a picture of what may have been the animal's relatives. Nono...not my precious cousins posing fashionably in front of the forest which strikingly resembles the home of Tarzan, but rather the sad looking, warm blooded animals behind them... At this point, some of my blogger fans may feel inclined to "punch me in the face", as the pet industry is a multi-million industry in North America, but first let me explain. I LOVE dogs. I fell in love with them the year my fourth grade class researched on the dog unit. While in China, the only reason for us consuming dog meat was due to my extreme curiousity. Noticing the brown mystery meat on the adjacent table next to ours, we were offered one piece of this rather unique smelling meat. Remembering that I have just eaten kangaroo last month, I figure this experience can't be that bad. Was I wrong!! Thoughts of insanely cute puppies (and kids) popped into my head as soon as I nibbled..
..and I repulsively but nonchalantly hid the meat under the turning table. Phew! What an experience of a lifetime. Let's never do that again. So fellow bloggers, what crazy animals have you eaten? Feel free to add onto my frenzy meat eating story...

Epilogue
I experienced an entire week of extreme diarrhea following my trip to China (from my choice of diet, i presume). Arriving in Vancouver, B.C. however, I ignored my stomach's warning signals and headed for the best ski/board mountain in Canada: Whistler!
It was a close call, but thankfully nothing really bad happened.. haha!
Well, this blog is really dragging...I'd like to conclude with the followimg statement:

The cutest couple ever!

Need I say more?

I love my parents :P

Nee How Ma?

OK, enough about Africa and Australia, here a blog for Asia. Nate and I spent a total of 20 days there, 16 in Hong Kong and 4 in China. Time fly by really fast and we visited friends and relatives. As TOURISTS of course, we went up to the peak and tried to take pictures. But since we have no idea how to use our new camera, the pictures are still kind of grainy..opps!
And here's the picture of the tall skyscrapers with my cousins. We had a lot of fun hanging out. Thanks for all the time you took to hang out with us! We miss you!

Here's us again in China with my relatives. We went to our "Haun Ha" for four days and visited more relatives. We even went to the abandoned house that my grandma grew up in. Talk about going back to the roots!
BONUS: Can you guess what kind of meat Nate and I are about to eat?? If there are 10 or more guesses/comments on this blog from different people, we'll reveal the answer!!

Hello from Eastern Australia!

Over the last two weeks, I've been to Perth, Sydney, Melbourne (Host of Commonwealth Games 2006), and Blue Mountains Australia. Tomorrow, Nate and I will participate in a two day surf camp one hour outside Sydney. Unfortunately, the weather is not really cooperating as it is extremely cloudy and a bit rainy, so I really hope the next couple days will be nice. Muhaha..let's pray I don't get eaten by sharks!
Anyway, after Australia, we'll be in Hong Kong for 17 days before heading back to Canada. Phhewww...that was a long trip. I still can't believe I've been sleeping in a sleeping bag and living out of a backpack for 6 months! LOL!
OK, well, I'm out of time again. Here are more pictures of Australia:

(left) Ahhh!! SHARKS!!! Melbourne Sea Aquarium

What is that? A STORK? Melbourne Zoo

Blue Mountains, Australia

Crazy Pictures...as usual.. (Sydney Opera House) Darling Harbour, Sydney

On the last stretch!!

3 more days left. I think I'm going to be super sad, since we made a lot of new friends during our last 7 weeks here. The people here are amazing, one of the most friendliest and most hospitable peoples I have ever met! Well, here are the remainer of the pictures. TTYL! Who's got the curly hair and make-up! :)
Liz's drawing of me! Sweet....what? i'm not always sleeping...!! :P
Picture from the 80s! Old school!

Supercilious

Two weeks ago, we have the opportunity to visit the zoo. I was utterly surprised when I found out that it only costs 5cents CDN to get in. Isn't that nuts!? However, once you get inside, there are all sorts of fees to see animals, feed them and touch them. So for 10 pounds, all my friends and I took pictures and petted this lion you see below. He's pretty cool, and they can make him roar on command.

And here is the sweetest little girl we met in Cairo. She was our neighbour before we moved to another flat. Isn't she the most precious thing? Here below is Liz and I at the pyramids. We took horses and a camel up this hill into the "dessert" and trekked to the pyramids. Lead by our "guide", who wasn't really a guide (BUT A FAKE!), he talked about the history of the pyramids, which by the way none of us understood what he was saying as this Egyptian "guide" was speaking English faster than any of us could ever understand. He also volunteered to take pictures of us posing with the pyramids, which ended up to so off centered that I'm ashamed to put them on my blog. So this pic will have to do for now.
Water Pipes!!! Muhaha!! These are the coolest things alive! There are different flavors such as mango, strawberry, and mint. I would definitely try one puff except I'd probably be kicked out of the school. JK!
Well, that's it for now. What else happened this week?
a). One of our friends got LICE from playing with kids in the nursery. So he ended up shaving his head. LOL!
b). I played football (soccer) with some of our new friends and one of the guys kicked the soccer ball right in my face. As a result, I was bleeding profusely through my nose for a long time. But hey, no pain no gain, right? JKJK
c). We ate KFC, Pizza Hut, and McD's over the last 36 hours.
d). I hate UNO (at least for the time being)

Monastaries and more...

Yay for Valentines Day!

For those of you who heard, yes we DID get evicted out of our apartment. Haha...more stories to come, but for now, feel free to check out these pictures!

Hanging out at the Monastaries with the American University
Me, Michaela and Lissy after a twenty min hike up a mountain...and still alive!
What is this? A hole in the wall?
Church in the Rock....crazy!
Valentines Day! The boys prepared an awesome surprise breakfast for us girls. The wonderful breakfast included cinnamon tea, two cadbury chocolate bars, fresh strawberry and mango juice, chocolate cresants, a heart shaped cake, fresh cheese, and candy! Afterwards, they prepared a slideshow for us and gave us specific encouragements through the WORD!

Yay for men who appreciate and respect women!

hey yall!

hey everyone
i'lll make this quick. here are some picture pyramids. it's quite hilarious, and there are lots of other stories to come. Today, we're just chilling and eating a good meal at...CHIJIS! WOW, i haven't had pizza for the longest time, and it's sweet man! i hope i have enough time to upload all these pictures before we leave, as we've finished our meal for a while now. See ya!

Wait...it's not working. i can't upload for some reason. Oh well. Hope all is well. chao for now!
Africa Cup: egypt VS senegal.... and egypt is winning 1 -0!!

SOS - Completed

Time: 3:50am ....still online and writing.

Ok, now that I can upload photos again, I guess I'll continue on. This one will also be very quick. So basically, time flew by insanely fast. I can't believe more than half of January 2006 is gone! Crazy! The SOS (Summer of Service) went really well, and the kids were absolutely awesome. I couldn't have asked for a better group or better youth! PTL! Hallelujah! That's powerful! JKJK!

Besides going out of our comfort zones and telling strangers about our awesome God through various creative methods, our team became OBSESSED with the game Mofia. Mandatory fun!! Yes, later stories to come! Anyway, here is a picture of us with the Chidlow Community Church. On Sunday, they had a baptism in this awesome lake. Some of the boys at the size managed to hit our canoe with their canoe, causing ours to capsize in the middle of this huge lake! Thank you Lord for PFDs. Hard to see that happening for you Canadians in January eh?

SOS Staff (Team Unit aka Team ADD + Jazz + Brenda)

SOS Youth (Emily, Tasha, Boom, Nathan, Ellen, Oriele, Peta, Tim, Monika, and Ashleigh)

Oh yes, before I come to a close, I have to share about our shower conditions. So as you can see, there is 21 of us living in this church we rented. As the person in charge of food, I was responsible for purchasing and preparing food for all these people. Even with a nutrition degree, it was quite challenging as the only cooking equipment was a BBQ, a pie cooker, and a microwave. Did you know you could make all sorts of food with just a BBQ? Hahaha...no worries, although we've basically eaten foods saturated with carcinogens every meal, we're still alive!

Now..the showers. Sorry, I tend to deviate when I'm tired. Covered in oily sunscreen as we participated in excessive sweaty activities such as garbage picking, brick moving, and car washing, each individual desired a nice shower at the end of the day. Unfortunately, there was only ONE shower to share between the 21 of us. AND to make matters more...complicated, this shower was more like... a bathroom stall with a shower head attached to the side of the wall. When you turn on the shower head, the water would hit the toilet directly. It's pretty hard to describe, so perhaps I'll stick in a photo when I get the chance. Just think...a shower, with a toilet right in the middle! Anyhoos, it's waayyy past my bedtime! Good night!