Tonight my grandma comes home. If you didn't know, she will be back from a three month trip to China. I guess you can call it a vacation from the Pho residence, but in another aspect, despite the difference in time zone, culture, and language, she landed in another Pho residence-that of my uncle's. Long story short, she basically went there to help take care and be with the newest addition to her grand children.
Its been a huge learning process for my family and it hits me hard that her return may mean that some things just won't change. These past three months, I've come to realize how much there is to be done to take care of a home-the chores, the cooking, the clean up duties, the care as well as the complaints involved I always think of myself as someone who is independent in multiple aspects, but when it comes to someone to be dependent on in the family, I definitely am lacking. When I know something is to be done or will be done by my grandma or someone else, I just don't do it and play lazy or push it aside until it gets done by so and so, quite often my grandma. Only if I know no one else will do it or that person isn't there, then I take action.
This quarter of a year without my grandma has made every member of my immediate family step it up in their responsibilities. Some more than others, but for me, I found I've personally been tested abundantly, especially in these last few days as my dad left for a short trip as well. As I'm quote on quote retired, I'm at home the most and I've been faced head on with the reality of taking care of a house, let alone a family. I've joked to friends that I feel like a housewife at home, but despite the stigma that comes with that title, I've come to appreciate it. There's more work to it than meets the eye and my attempt of being in the shoes of a maid is a far stretch. From attempting to make rice for the first time (I know its quite sad for someone my age, but it turned out to be a success), to taking out the garbage, cleaning the kitchen, etc. I can't help but think how selfish I've been towards my family. I have the tendency to complain bluntly, but God's been teaching me to work as if I'm working for Him and reminding me to display sacrificial love for my family. Self love is so easy, but to demonstrate selflessness is much harder. It means not complaining about what others are not doing, not holding yourself back on what you should be doing, and doing a task with no expectation of an "even" return.
I've actually got use to my routine of house work these past few weeks of being home, and I realize it isn't fair for an eighty plus retired lady to be picking up after us. She deserved her break away even if it seemed devastating to our family at first. As happy as I am of her return, I can't help but wish she stayed overseas longer. Things will naturally reroute itself to three months ago; my mom won't be cooking, my dad won't be taking the garbage out, I won't be cleaning, and my brothers won't be washing the dishes as much as we should be.
When my grandma is around, she often complains about us for not cleaning after ourselves as we should, but she also complained about how boring it was in China because my uncle has a maid and she doesn't get to do/clean anything. Interesting eh?
As much as it will be nice to have my grandma's efficient hand back, I hope that we don't stop our individual effort to give her a break. It's so easy to take things for granted, let alone a person.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Friday, May 17, 2013
KriAteefiteeeee!
Since the start of three weeks ago, I've been enjoying
and filling it up with lots of personal projects as I'm school-free from my first ever Spring term. I can't believe that in the past four years of Uni that I never had four months of summer to myself until now. It's quite interesting
how this panned out, but I guess being in a small program has its perks and downfalls.
Despite initially tossing around the idea of finding a second PT to fill up my schedule, I realized that I probably won't ever have this much time off again, so why not invest in things I've wanted to do , but have pushed to the back of my head?
Now that this period of "freedom" has been kicking in, I noticed that I have more to dos than I thought and the list seems to keep growing as I progress from one item to the next . One thing leads to another, and before you know it, I'm feeling overwhelmed (but it is a positive one, unlike the overwhelming feeling of school work). From small errands, appointments, to projects, I guess I've pushed a lot of hobbies and me time out of the way when school is lurking.
Sitting down to start a hands on project, I am reminded of how I can keep myself occupied for long periods of activity time. Minutes become hours, and before I know it, half a day goes by! It brings me back to my childhood days where I stock up on any craft project and supplies I can allow my creativity to flow from. If I had all the time in the world, I would probably attempt my growing list of Pinterest ideas as well. It's just so satisfying to make something from scratch or give something that has a personal touch to it.
Who doesn't want something that money can't buy?
I love DIY!
Despite initially tossing around the idea of finding a second PT to fill up my schedule, I realized that I probably won't ever have this much time off again, so why not invest in things I've wanted to do , but have pushed to the back of my head?
Now that this period of "freedom" has been kicking in, I noticed that I have more to dos than I thought and the list seems to keep growing as I progress from one item to the next . One thing leads to another, and before you know it, I'm feeling overwhelmed (but it is a positive one, unlike the overwhelming feeling of school work). From small errands, appointments, to projects, I guess I've pushed a lot of hobbies and me time out of the way when school is lurking.
Sitting down to start a hands on project, I am reminded of how I can keep myself occupied for long periods of activity time. Minutes become hours, and before I know it, half a day goes by! It brings me back to my childhood days where I stock up on any craft project and supplies I can allow my creativity to flow from. If I had all the time in the world, I would probably attempt my growing list of Pinterest ideas as well. It's just so satisfying to make something from scratch or give something that has a personal touch to it.
Who doesn't want something that money can't buy?
I love DIY!
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Recollections of Cleaning
It's that time of year again, and you know what I'm talking about, SPRING CLEANING! I guess for us Edmontonians, Spring is always delayed, so cleaning in May is not late at all if I do justify it myself.
So my latest gig is cleaning my room and I know my last blog post about this was in 2011 here, which means I haven't done a major clean up since then. Okay that sounds kind of gross (like imagine the dust, but I promise my room isn't dirty, it just not as clean as it should be-just kidding, minor cleaning has been attempted at). Rereading that blog post, I still feel there are so many stories told from my room. I'm still in the process of reorganizing and cleaning everything, but I've noticed how much has changed in the span of two years. The change is not necessarily my room itself, well the only physical change is that I've obtained more stuff, but I catch my thought process and how I go about making decisions now compared to then. It's amazes me how I can visually reflect and acknowledge that I've grown up judging by the things occupying my room. Not to add that my taste has taken a 180 on me as well.
Take my stash of cute pencils, lead pencils and pens I have (even some that don't even work but I still choose to keep) hoarded over my grade school and early uni years, imagine the money that could've been saved! Add on the amount of pencil cases I have (all in the name of cute) and it gets ridiculous. Also, that stash of cell phone charms, key rings, pins, and more- they're such cheap quality and fall apart so easily, yet because of the cute factor, I have a few (small) boxes full of them. I still think they're cute (this reminds me of the joke someone made about what makes things cute to girls), but that's besides the point. I just realize I have a collection of too many things I don't care too much for now. What to do with them right? Perhaps I should keep it in storage and pass it on to the next gen? ha!
A part of me would like to just trash some of these things (as some of these things aren't even in one piece), but another part of me likes to hold on to them as a piece of childhood memory. The former makes me feel wasteful and the latter makes me feel I will end up in the same place the next time I clean. I'm reminded of how my mom use to tell me to not buy so much of these "things" and the times my grandma would share stories of how my auntie was just like me when she was my age, but when she got older, she donated all her stuff animals etc. I should've taken wisdom from my elders more seriously, but I guess some parts of life are just meant to be lived through and learned on your own. The up side is that I have more storage space in my room, the down side is, I have yet to figure out how to effectively deal with the outdated things of my life.
I haven't started on my closet yet, and that may be another story in itself, but I find clothing much easier to deal with. I tend to set an unwritten rule for myself that if the garment doesn't fit or I haven't worn it in a year (exception: seasonal items) it goes to donation. Nowadays though, with my refashioning phase going on, I've been coming up with new ways to make things wearable or into a whole new piece that I would wear. Now the decision is to donate or to remake? Even then, just browsing through my closet, I can visually see my style change. I use to be all about, you can probably guess it, cute clothes, which I can't even come up with a description of what that would be, it comes to show that I've outgrown it (which may not be a bad thing at all).
My room itself, well, if you walked into it, without a doubt, the Sanrio bedsheets and comforter, Disney light cover, touches of pink, line up of stuff animals large and small-signify the room of a young girl. To be honest, the structure and design of my room hasn't changed one bit other than the addition of a shelf over the years. I've never thought about changing it up drastically, but lately, I've had a growing desire to match it to who I am now, and not when I was five.
Cleaning can be such an insightful and self learning experience! Never thought right?!
Much has changed. Much has got to go. Much has left for me to grow.
So my latest gig is cleaning my room and I know my last blog post about this was in 2011 here, which means I haven't done a major clean up since then. Okay that sounds kind of gross (like imagine the dust, but I promise my room isn't dirty, it just not as clean as it should be-just kidding, minor cleaning has been attempted at). Rereading that blog post, I still feel there are so many stories told from my room. I'm still in the process of reorganizing and cleaning everything, but I've noticed how much has changed in the span of two years. The change is not necessarily my room itself, well the only physical change is that I've obtained more stuff, but I catch my thought process and how I go about making decisions now compared to then. It's amazes me how I can visually reflect and acknowledge that I've grown up judging by the things occupying my room. Not to add that my taste has taken a 180 on me as well.
Take my stash of cute pencils, lead pencils and pens I have (even some that don't even work but I still choose to keep) hoarded over my grade school and early uni years, imagine the money that could've been saved! Add on the amount of pencil cases I have (all in the name of cute) and it gets ridiculous. Also, that stash of cell phone charms, key rings, pins, and more- they're such cheap quality and fall apart so easily, yet because of the cute factor, I have a few (small) boxes full of them. I still think they're cute (this reminds me of the joke someone made about what makes things cute to girls), but that's besides the point. I just realize I have a collection of too many things I don't care too much for now. What to do with them right? Perhaps I should keep it in storage and pass it on to the next gen? ha!
A part of me would like to just trash some of these things (as some of these things aren't even in one piece), but another part of me likes to hold on to them as a piece of childhood memory. The former makes me feel wasteful and the latter makes me feel I will end up in the same place the next time I clean. I'm reminded of how my mom use to tell me to not buy so much of these "things" and the times my grandma would share stories of how my auntie was just like me when she was my age, but when she got older, she donated all her stuff animals etc. I should've taken wisdom from my elders more seriously, but I guess some parts of life are just meant to be lived through and learned on your own. The up side is that I have more storage space in my room, the down side is, I have yet to figure out how to effectively deal with the outdated things of my life.
I haven't started on my closet yet, and that may be another story in itself, but I find clothing much easier to deal with. I tend to set an unwritten rule for myself that if the garment doesn't fit or I haven't worn it in a year (exception: seasonal items) it goes to donation. Nowadays though, with my refashioning phase going on, I've been coming up with new ways to make things wearable or into a whole new piece that I would wear. Now the decision is to donate or to remake? Even then, just browsing through my closet, I can visually see my style change. I use to be all about, you can probably guess it, cute clothes, which I can't even come up with a description of what that would be, it comes to show that I've outgrown it (which may not be a bad thing at all).
My room itself, well, if you walked into it, without a doubt, the Sanrio bedsheets and comforter, Disney light cover, touches of pink, line up of stuff animals large and small-signify the room of a young girl. To be honest, the structure and design of my room hasn't changed one bit other than the addition of a shelf over the years. I've never thought about changing it up drastically, but lately, I've had a growing desire to match it to who I am now, and not when I was five.
Cleaning can be such an insightful and self learning experience! Never thought right?!
Much has changed. Much has got to go. Much has left for me to grow.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Are you new?
I realize I tend to proactively start a fitness regime once Winter term ends. I guess this perfectly makes sense seeing that I have the time to do so, the weather takes a turn from old man winter, and its a opportune time to get out and work out from a brutal term of inactivity.
So my latest gig to kick myself in the butt is Zumba at a fairly new fitness studio close to my home. I bought a Groupon for it last week (what perfect timing!) and have been enjoying it since. Tonight was only my third class, but not only do I foresee myself doing this as a regular means of exercise, I've also been drawn to the sense of community and welcoming faces I come to Zumba with. Majority of the ladies who practice there are noticeably older than me from the ages of mothers to seniors, though I caught sight of someone around my age today.
Well, that's besides the point, what I want to share is what stood out to me before I even stepped foot into the studio on day one. The instructor was running late and as I was waiting for the studio to open, this middle age lady broke the ice and asked if I was 'new,' and then went on to tell me how friendly everyone is and how people openly converse with one other. I didn't think too much of it other then the fact that she was just being friendly, as there was nothing else to be done but to wait for the doors to open. When class started though, I questioned if I had clashed in on a private party because everyone seemed to know each other, and the only difference from an exclusive engagement was that I was being engaged to as well.
During my second class, a younger lady reassured me that my hands would be 'okay' before we began the Zumba toning class and informed me of what to do if the dumbell-like weights we had to hold on to cramped my hands. I felt like because everyone came so regularly, I obviously was the sore thumb that stuck out and needed to be updated on these things (in a kind manner of course).
In tonight's class, I caught two ladies talking closely and one abruptly looking at me, we briefly caught eye contact (and you know how things can get awkward when you know you've been looking at each other, but you don't say anything to each other?), well she came up to me right after the 'look' to ask me if it was my first time there because she had never seen me before. She was an older lady and encouraged me to keep coming even if I disliked my first few classes (because she did), and at the end of class, introduced and invited me to another class she attended too. I also found out that the lady I saw her talking to earlier wasn't even her friend, in fact, they didn't even know each others' name-what?!
So you may be asking and thinking, what's my point? Somehow I related this sense of community, warm gestures, and engaging attitudes to a church. I don't know how I got this revelation, but I was thinking as I drove home, if I felt so reached out to in a secular place, imagine the impact of a stranger feeling this way when they first enter a church. What if every person who walks into church felt this same sense of community even before they stepped into the church? We always say the church this, the church that, but it really is the people who are the body of Christ that displays His love with open arms. I may have been taken by surprise at the approach these ladies taken towards me, but regardless of the initial thought, it makes me want to return and continue to go.
Every new activity I do on my own can make me feel shy at first because I don't know anyone, I'm worried about doing something wrong or looking stupid. However, because of the attitudes of these fellow Zumba-ers, I felt so comfortable and even a part of this studio already (in comparison to hot yoga... which is anti-social haha).
Well, just some thoughts to put out there. It's absurd for me to feel so bonded to a secular setting, yet I know of those who feel so isolated, alone, and even not welcomed in a church setting. How does this make sense? Shouldn't the people in the church extend a loving attitude beyond what the world can?
Let's ponder on this.
So my latest gig to kick myself in the butt is Zumba at a fairly new fitness studio close to my home. I bought a Groupon for it last week (what perfect timing!) and have been enjoying it since. Tonight was only my third class, but not only do I foresee myself doing this as a regular means of exercise, I've also been drawn to the sense of community and welcoming faces I come to Zumba with. Majority of the ladies who practice there are noticeably older than me from the ages of mothers to seniors, though I caught sight of someone around my age today.
Well, that's besides the point, what I want to share is what stood out to me before I even stepped foot into the studio on day one. The instructor was running late and as I was waiting for the studio to open, this middle age lady broke the ice and asked if I was 'new,' and then went on to tell me how friendly everyone is and how people openly converse with one other. I didn't think too much of it other then the fact that she was just being friendly, as there was nothing else to be done but to wait for the doors to open. When class started though, I questioned if I had clashed in on a private party because everyone seemed to know each other, and the only difference from an exclusive engagement was that I was being engaged to as well.
During my second class, a younger lady reassured me that my hands would be 'okay' before we began the Zumba toning class and informed me of what to do if the dumbell-like weights we had to hold on to cramped my hands. I felt like because everyone came so regularly, I obviously was the sore thumb that stuck out and needed to be updated on these things (in a kind manner of course).
In tonight's class, I caught two ladies talking closely and one abruptly looking at me, we briefly caught eye contact (and you know how things can get awkward when you know you've been looking at each other, but you don't say anything to each other?), well she came up to me right after the 'look' to ask me if it was my first time there because she had never seen me before. She was an older lady and encouraged me to keep coming even if I disliked my first few classes (because she did), and at the end of class, introduced and invited me to another class she attended too. I also found out that the lady I saw her talking to earlier wasn't even her friend, in fact, they didn't even know each others' name-what?!
So you may be asking and thinking, what's my point? Somehow I related this sense of community, warm gestures, and engaging attitudes to a church. I don't know how I got this revelation, but I was thinking as I drove home, if I felt so reached out to in a secular place, imagine the impact of a stranger feeling this way when they first enter a church. What if every person who walks into church felt this same sense of community even before they stepped into the church? We always say the church this, the church that, but it really is the people who are the body of Christ that displays His love with open arms. I may have been taken by surprise at the approach these ladies taken towards me, but regardless of the initial thought, it makes me want to return and continue to go.
Every new activity I do on my own can make me feel shy at first because I don't know anyone, I'm worried about doing something wrong or looking stupid. However, because of the attitudes of these fellow Zumba-ers, I felt so comfortable and even a part of this studio already (in comparison to hot yoga... which is anti-social haha).
Well, just some thoughts to put out there. It's absurd for me to feel so bonded to a secular setting, yet I know of those who feel so isolated, alone, and even not welcomed in a church setting. How does this make sense? Shouldn't the people in the church extend a loving attitude beyond what the world can?
Let's ponder on this.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Poopy.
I hate to be yelled at. In fact, I don't know who likes to be yelled at...even if they are the one at fault.
Today I got yelled at by a random neighbor and it made me mad, not going to lie. However, I knew I deserved it and it was also a 'lesson' learned. I was walking my dog at an atypical time than the usual walking schedule since I wanted to 1. get out of the house and 2. enjoy some of the warm sunshine Edmonton has been getting before it was gone.
Long story short, I didn't think my dog would actually need to do his #2 so I didn't take a plastic bag with me. Walking around the lake path I always take adjacent to my back yard, Comet (my dog) actually did #2 (seriously? wth...why do dogs poo so much). I was standing and staring clueless momentarily as I was about to walk away and made a mental note to pick it up another time (since I frequently take this route), when a low, angry voice yelled out from higher ground,
"PICK IT UP!"
I looked up and to my right where the voice came from and didn't catch the sight of any face through the windows, decks, or yards, but it repeated,
"PICK IT UP!"
I had no bag, so I inched closer, and I was thinking, great the day I don't bring a bag, the day I get watched by some random neighbor. I responded with the following...
"I forgot to bring a bag,but.. (forget it, why bother explaining, this man wasn't going to listen to what ever I had to say, would he even believe me if I said I was going to come back with a bag? probably not).. Sorry."
He goes on to keep yelling from his hidden place about watching me before and not picking up after my dog and how he doesn't leave stuff in my backyard (sounding so sure that he knew where I lived) and stated if I knew how much I could get fine.
I apologized again and yes, I admit there have been times when I didn't pick up after my dog, but I haven't done that anytime recent and I know better, so I don't doubt he could've mixed me up with someone else since there are so many dog owners in my area (that are Asian in fact), and one too many dog owners who don't pick up after their pets. Okay, there are probably no excuses to justify that, but this time was different, and as much as I wanted to yell back, I sucked up my anger and ended up picking up my dog's poop with dried leaves just to please this man. If that man was nicer, I wouldn't be ranting about this, but it just reminded me about the following:
WHAT YOU SAY IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS HOW YOU SAY IT.
Lesson learned alright.
Today I got yelled at by a random neighbor and it made me mad, not going to lie. However, I knew I deserved it and it was also a 'lesson' learned. I was walking my dog at an atypical time than the usual walking schedule since I wanted to 1. get out of the house and 2. enjoy some of the warm sunshine Edmonton has been getting before it was gone.
Long story short, I didn't think my dog would actually need to do his #2 so I didn't take a plastic bag with me. Walking around the lake path I always take adjacent to my back yard, Comet (my dog) actually did #2 (seriously? wth...why do dogs poo so much). I was standing and staring clueless momentarily as I was about to walk away and made a mental note to pick it up another time (since I frequently take this route), when a low, angry voice yelled out from higher ground,
"PICK IT UP!"
I looked up and to my right where the voice came from and didn't catch the sight of any face through the windows, decks, or yards, but it repeated,
"PICK IT UP!"
I had no bag, so I inched closer, and I was thinking, great the day I don't bring a bag, the day I get watched by some random neighbor. I responded with the following...
"I forgot to bring a bag,but.. (forget it, why bother explaining, this man wasn't going to listen to what ever I had to say, would he even believe me if I said I was going to come back with a bag? probably not).. Sorry."
He goes on to keep yelling from his hidden place about watching me before and not picking up after my dog and how he doesn't leave stuff in my backyard (sounding so sure that he knew where I lived) and stated if I knew how much I could get fine.
I apologized again and yes, I admit there have been times when I didn't pick up after my dog, but I haven't done that anytime recent and I know better, so I don't doubt he could've mixed me up with someone else since there are so many dog owners in my area (that are Asian in fact), and one too many dog owners who don't pick up after their pets. Okay, there are probably no excuses to justify that, but this time was different, and as much as I wanted to yell back, I sucked up my anger and ended up picking up my dog's poop with dried leaves just to please this man. If that man was nicer, I wouldn't be ranting about this, but it just reminded me about the following:
WHAT YOU SAY IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS HOW YOU SAY IT.
Lesson learned alright.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Whirlwind of Plans
I've been meaning to blog for so long and I finally have time to sit down and write away! This is probably going to sound like a diary, so beware the long post.
Leading up to this past weekend has been one full of happiness, celebrations, and smiles- starting with the finishing of my last final ever (hopefully) on Thursday morning. Honestly, I'm usually pretty good at disciplining myself to make a study schedule and memorize and cram everything into my short term memory, however, this time around, there was just too much I was looking forward to for me to not think about anything but my exam. Plus, it just had to be textile science, a subject I never plan to pursue a career in, but was a last minute resort to get my last 400-level course credits. Anyhow, that's all done with, and thanks to God's almighty grace, I can say I passed this and my two other courses this term happily!
After a short, but joyous celebration with myself shopping and lunching, I spent the afternoon prepping and budgeting with a fellow sic for the EMC lunch the following Sunday. It was such perfect timing, and I use 'perfect' lightly as both of our schedule's were maxed out and as organize as we were, it was still a struggle to buy enough food, find people to help cook, and make sure everything was okay. In the end, God definitely pulled us through, and speaking on behalf of myself and the lack of experience in cooking for a large group, I'm so thankful for all those brothers and sisters that spent their Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning in the kitchen with us, so thank YOU!
And Thursday wasn't even over yet, that night I had a dinner with my small group ladies to celebrate the school term away. It was also two of the ladies' birthdays that week, so a surprise cake was called for in light of adding more excuses to celebrate!
Friday now, a day I've been looking forward to since last term (and probably since day 1 of Uni), because today was my grad dinner at LUX! I spent the day with two fellow friends in my program I met since first year. We window shopped WEM, ate lunch at Cactus Club (my first time there and I would definitely recommend ordering from the starters section if you aren't too hungry, because they are adequately priced and portioned for lunch). After our satisfactory meal, we went to the Princess Diana exhibition. If you haven't heard about it or been to it yet, you still have time to check it out! It's definitely worth the visit and even if you aren't a princess at heart (just kidding), her iconic style, humanitarian persona, and royal history is enriching, touching, and makes you feel you've actually known her on a personal level. I've never been one to be obsess with the royal family, but she is one that I would give a toast to for her elegance and approach on social justice, culture, fashion, and life. Praise God for bringing such a beautiful and well rounded lady onto this Earth.
Okay, so its FRIDAY NIGHT! LUX was a surprise in itself as its exquisite atmosphere, delicious food, and impeccable service wasn't one that was expected for such a huge group, but props to them for achieving their standard of excellence as we celebrated over our academic successes! It was a wonderful night of precious moments, hilarious speeches, reflective sharings from our favorite prof, and nostalgic thoughts on repeat as we sat there listening with high hopes and asking ourselves what is next?. At one point, I felt like I was part of a sorority standing there amongst all the other graduating ladies (there was only one graduating guy) and it made me feel so blessed to be able to share my graduation night with such an small, yet intimate group of amazing people! That's a definite bonus to being part of a small program!
Alright, so as if I wasn't burnt out tired already from the past 48 hours, the next 48 hours had plenty of events planned as well.
Saturday morning I had a I-guess-you-can-call-it-a-reunion sort of thing over Google Hangout with my small group ladies aka SWAG team we had formed in Korea. I can't believed we managed 6 cities and 4 time zone differences to make this happen! From Canada to the States to Brazil, the memories and giggles flooded as if there was no separation at all. I'm glad that one year later we are still strong and going, and planning a birthday surprise video for our small group leader later this month. It's going to be epic!
That afternoon, I attended my first ever bridal shower. It was delightful and engaging the whole time and I had so much fun in celebration of another coming celebration! From the games, food, jokes, to presents, it was such a blessing to be able to bless this bride-to-be and have glimpse of what the party will be like on the day of their wedding! In between all my busyness, I'm glad I was able to sneak in time to prepare her gift, which I hope will be useful some day (haha, if you're reading this, you know what I mean *winkwink* ).
Afterwards, the remaining time was spent finishing up preparations for lunch the next day and as for that night, preparing for a birthday surprise for my friend's 20th the next evening. I'm not joking when I say this weekend was full of surprises!
Hello Sunday (finally). Thanks to God's providence and multiplication, we had more then enough food which we were so worried about at first (PTL!). It was a great morning of bonding over cooking, serving, cleaning, and praying together during the prayer walk in the neighborhood after.
Okay, so skipping the short period of rest I had in the late afternoon, that night's birthday surprise was a success as well and I couldn't be more bless for all these sic-ships and activities I've been given the opportunity to plan and partake in.
If you read this post all the way to here, give yourself a pat on the back!
I can finally breathe again. Woot!
Leading up to this past weekend has been one full of happiness, celebrations, and smiles- starting with the finishing of my last final ever (hopefully) on Thursday morning. Honestly, I'm usually pretty good at disciplining myself to make a study schedule and memorize and cram everything into my short term memory, however, this time around, there was just too much I was looking forward to for me to not think about anything but my exam. Plus, it just had to be textile science, a subject I never plan to pursue a career in, but was a last minute resort to get my last 400-level course credits. Anyhow, that's all done with, and thanks to God's almighty grace, I can say I passed this and my two other courses this term happily!
After a short, but joyous celebration with myself shopping and lunching, I spent the afternoon prepping and budgeting with a fellow sic for the EMC lunch the following Sunday. It was such perfect timing, and I use 'perfect' lightly as both of our schedule's were maxed out and as organize as we were, it was still a struggle to buy enough food, find people to help cook, and make sure everything was okay. In the end, God definitely pulled us through, and speaking on behalf of myself and the lack of experience in cooking for a large group, I'm so thankful for all those brothers and sisters that spent their Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning in the kitchen with us, so thank YOU!
And Thursday wasn't even over yet, that night I had a dinner with my small group ladies to celebrate the school term away. It was also two of the ladies' birthdays that week, so a surprise cake was called for in light of adding more excuses to celebrate!
Friday now, a day I've been looking forward to since last term (and probably since day 1 of Uni), because today was my grad dinner at LUX! I spent the day with two fellow friends in my program I met since first year. We window shopped WEM, ate lunch at Cactus Club (my first time there and I would definitely recommend ordering from the starters section if you aren't too hungry, because they are adequately priced and portioned for lunch). After our satisfactory meal, we went to the Princess Diana exhibition. If you haven't heard about it or been to it yet, you still have time to check it out! It's definitely worth the visit and even if you aren't a princess at heart (just kidding), her iconic style, humanitarian persona, and royal history is enriching, touching, and makes you feel you've actually known her on a personal level. I've never been one to be obsess with the royal family, but she is one that I would give a toast to for her elegance and approach on social justice, culture, fashion, and life. Praise God for bringing such a beautiful and well rounded lady onto this Earth.
Okay, so its FRIDAY NIGHT! LUX was a surprise in itself as its exquisite atmosphere, delicious food, and impeccable service wasn't one that was expected for such a huge group, but props to them for achieving their standard of excellence as we celebrated over our academic successes! It was a wonderful night of precious moments, hilarious speeches, reflective sharings from our favorite prof, and nostalgic thoughts on repeat as we sat there listening with high hopes and asking ourselves what is next?. At one point, I felt like I was part of a sorority standing there amongst all the other graduating ladies (there was only one graduating guy) and it made me feel so blessed to be able to share my graduation night with such an small, yet intimate group of amazing people! That's a definite bonus to being part of a small program!
Alright, so as if I wasn't burnt out tired already from the past 48 hours, the next 48 hours had plenty of events planned as well.
Saturday morning I had a I-guess-you-can-call-it-a-reunion sort of thing over Google Hangout with my small group ladies aka SWAG team we had formed in Korea. I can't believed we managed 6 cities and 4 time zone differences to make this happen! From Canada to the States to Brazil, the memories and giggles flooded as if there was no separation at all. I'm glad that one year later we are still strong and going, and planning a birthday surprise video for our small group leader later this month. It's going to be epic!
That afternoon, I attended my first ever bridal shower. It was delightful and engaging the whole time and I had so much fun in celebration of another coming celebration! From the games, food, jokes, to presents, it was such a blessing to be able to bless this bride-to-be and have glimpse of what the party will be like on the day of their wedding! In between all my busyness, I'm glad I was able to sneak in time to prepare her gift, which I hope will be useful some day (haha, if you're reading this, you know what I mean *winkwink* ).
Afterwards, the remaining time was spent finishing up preparations for lunch the next day and as for that night, preparing for a birthday surprise for my friend's 20th the next evening. I'm not joking when I say this weekend was full of surprises!
Hello Sunday (finally). Thanks to God's providence and multiplication, we had more then enough food which we were so worried about at first (PTL!). It was a great morning of bonding over cooking, serving, cleaning, and praying together during the prayer walk in the neighborhood after.
Okay, so skipping the short period of rest I had in the late afternoon, that night's birthday surprise was a success as well and I couldn't be more bless for all these sic-ships and activities I've been given the opportunity to plan and partake in.
If you read this post all the way to here, give yourself a pat on the back!
I can finally breathe again. Woot!
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