Me and Mr. Darcy: The Beginning of a Love Affair

I be cheat'in, cheat'in. Can't you just hear that coming from a southern girl with a thick accent?

Man, I'm so wrong lately.

Couldn't help but go to work with Mr. Darcy. He was everything I thought he would be. I wanted to do a roast or a brisket or some bone in short ribs but we didn't have any on hand. Boneless, skinless chicken breast to the rescue. I found this recipe from A Dinner Story and fired her on up. I've always wanted to do one of their meals and see if we vibed. The result - moist and yummy.  =)

SAG's

Oh! Did I forget to give you my best dressed from the SAG's? I don't know this girl, but she looked amazing and I thought appropriate. I loved the capped sleeves, material, and the detail in the back. So pretty. Reem Acra done a girl good!

A Hearty Welcome, Sir.

Before we go any further today, I have to introduce you to someone. As Melissa mentioned, we made some purchases in Williams Sonoma last week. Actually, I was returning some late wedding gifts. We were just perusing the goodies when lo and behold Melissa stumbled upon a Staub five quart dutch oven on the sale table. Only on sale because it was a floor model. I've been wanting one of these babies but since it wasn't purchased off our registry I just assumed it wasn't in our cards. Dutch ovens are amazing and expensive to boot so I couldn't believe our luck! With the sale price it was just about the same price as my newly acquired merchandise credit so I couldn't pass it up.

Isn't he a beauty? I've been thinking of an appropriate name for our new addition and this morning it dawned on me, Mr. Darcy.

"...Mr. Darcy soon drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien, and the report which was in general circulation within five minutes after his entrance, of his having ten thousand a-year. The gentleman pronounced him to be a a fine figure of a man, the ladies declared he was much handsomer than Mr. Bingley, and he was looked at with great admiration for about half the evening, till his manners gave a disgust which turned the tide of his popularity; for he was discovered to be proud, to be above, his company, and above being pleased; and not all his large estate in Derbyshire could then save him from having a most forbidding disagreeable countenance..." -Pride and Prejudice

Of course, Mr. Darcy is later found to be above reproach. And just so with our Mr. Darcy, dark and brooding, wealthy, unwavering, and yet trustworthy; from a different social class than Bessie  (who is more of the hardworking farmhouse wife variety) but both of merit in my eyes. Welcome Sir, please make yourself at home. Let the pot roast begin!

Guest Blogger: Bestie Melissa

You know that one person in your life you would trust with anything? Melissa is that girl to me. We've known each other since birth and have gone through just about everything together. I can't believe she's agreed to blog! Valedictorian of her high school class in 199* (hahaha), this girl has a knack for writing. We're all in for a real treat today. =) Meet my best friend...

WARNING.  This is going to be long.  I’ve been known to go into too much detail when telling stories, so please be patient and bear with me as you read this post, my first ever blogspot entry.  To be honest I didn’t even want to write a post because I feel pressure to uphold the insightful and engaging entries that j always authors. (blah)  That alone initiated my overthinking, and so a day went by with no post.  Sorry j.  But because she “promised” you prior to my arrival, here is a recap of the past couple of days and a peek inside my over-explanatory mind. 

A trip on a whim:

The last time I was up in San Jose was right before summer camp.  Aim and I came up a couple of days early to hang out with J and Josh.  I had not gotten to see the newlywed’s pad since their wedding in May and so it was a convenient time to come visit.  Since that time, J and Josh came back home relatively frequently to help with wedding stuff for Aim and Blane and then later Leah and Sherwin…so I didn’t really have to come up to visit.

But with all the wedding stuff said and done and after not getting to hang out much during my Christmas time off due to her back, I figured it was time I made a trip specifically to spend time with my bestie.  The weekends in January were quickly filling up with an uber fancy wedding to attend and various meetings, so the original plan was to go up sometime during February.   Unfortunately, available weekends next month are limited and none of them seemed to work out.  SO, after finding out that a meeting I thought I had to go to got scheduled for last weekend, I quickly asked J if they were free for this weekend and booked a flight up.   The time between the moment I realized this weekend was available and the time I booked my flight was probably about 2 hours…I’d say definitely a trip planned on a whim – at least a whim compared to my usually pre-scheduled fun time haha.  This trip also came at a perfect time because I wanted to visit Evan.  He’s been on my heart and mind since I heard about his accident and so found this a good opportunity to do so.  It seems like the Lord worked things out so I could have this time up here!

Anticipation for this trip has been escalating since the weekend, and contributing to it, were J’s daily texts marking the time til my arrival: “T-minus 4 days!” and counting.  Thanks for being so excited J! =) My plane touched down 15 minutes early so I got to enjoy the beauty and calm pace of the San Jose airport.  When I first stepped out into the terminal, I thought they had a serene nature soundtrack playing in the background, until I saw a live bird fly through the open space haha.  Gross.  Anyways, first stop after being picked up by my wonderful hosts was yummy frozen yogurt/custard from Willow Glenn Creamery.  The lady there, Heather, was so nice, letting us sample locally made ice cream and different flavors of yogurt, even throwing a couple jokes our way.  She was a great start to this weekend, so of course, we had to take a picture with her.   Back at the apartment, I got to reap the benefits of J’s time spent preparing her already spick and span place for me, with blankets set out and a trio set of towels hung neatly in the bathroom.  It was fun just hanging out chatting with J on the couch while Josh played Call of Duty, and then watching tv.  Thus marks the end of night one.

Day one began after a little sleeping in, quickly finishing a report for work, and then munching on some Special K and a banana.  The first and most important part of our agenda for the day was to go visit Evan at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center.  Getting there was an adventure in itself, as J willingly trusted me to drive her manual car on busy streets and freeways to get there.  The extent of my stick shift driving has been around the block a few times, in areas free of hills and not so many cars.  Praise the Lord for the easy-going, more slow paced speed of drivers, protected left turns, for not having to start from a full stop on a hill, and for J’s calm confidence.  Phew! We made it safely.  After walking to one building and being redirected to another, and being escorted to the correct wing of the center, we walked into Ev’s room as he was getting ready to transfer from his bed to his wheelchair.  In OT school I learned about spinal cord injuries and practiced providing treatment in situations such as these.  Despite that and although having read all the email updates and seeing some pictures, I wasn’t quite prepared to see the reality of this changed life for a friend who, at times, has been like a little brother.  It was nice getting to spend some time hanging out and talking with Evan and his mom, seeing the facility that is aiding in his recovery process, meeting some of the nurses and therapists that are working with him, watching him work hard during exercise group, and discovering that though it all, Evan is the same Evan I’ve always known.   We’re going back on Sunday to throw down a little Spades tournament and I can’t wait to take him down…that is unless he’s my teammate.  Then we’ll win. =)  My prayer for him during this time is that he’d see the hand of the Lord in his situation and that in this, his life would be a witness of hope and faith to those around him.  

After visiting Evan, J and I moseyed on down to the nearby mall, in need of some sustenance since all we had eaten was some cereal that morning.   Stomachs full, we sought out caffeine.  Though originally looking for a Starbucks, we ended up finding coffee it in the most convenient of places, Williams-Sonoma!  You know how they always have samples of their goods?  Yesterday was a blueberries and cream cookie with whatever delicious coffee they had.  They were both the perfect amount to give us a little pick-me-up.  I love to cook, though I don’t do it very often, and walking around in that store is so much fun!  J had a return to make and then wanted to find a dutch oven.  Being of the Asian descent that I am, I’m always on the lookout for a good deal, and boy did we find it!  She hit paydirt with a perfectly sized, food browning, and self-basting  pot and I found the most amazing deal for 2 pans – pretty much getting both for the price of one.  Funny thing is that I ended up buying what J had returned! Haha.  We didn’t know it was on sale at the time of the return.

Traffic, thankfully, was not terrible as she navigated and I drove back to her apartment, once again praying that I would not have to stop on an incline.  Josh was already home when we returned but since we had eaten such a late lunch and he just had a snack, we sat down to recap our day and decided to cook dinner later.  J has become quite the housewife and makes lists and plans out her menu for the week.  She has bookmarked some yummy recipes and this one did not disappoint.  Goggles for onion cutting and water logged meat made dinner prep quite memorable and we ended up with picture perfect bbq sliders and chips as payoff.

I am so thankful to have this weekend to spend up here.  Thankful for my best friend, thankful for the husband that takes care of her, thankful for Evan’s life, and thankful to the Lord for giving me this time.  I am truly blessed!  If you made it to the end of this post, congratulations and thanks for sticking with it!    See you back in LA! ~ Melissa

Dinna!

Tonight we had Chicken Parmigiana from the Pioneer Woman. Man, was it good! I really like that lady. She manages to be funny when she writes and her food photos are incredible.

Case in point - hers.

 And mine. heehaw!

Luckily, it tasted so dang delicious I was fine and dandy with it. 

Guess what? At this very moment someone special is flying in to spend the weekend. I can't wait! Maybe, if we're all lucky, I can convince this person to guest blog... here's to hoping!

A Case of the Stripes

I was tiring of the same 'ole same 'ole. So out with the old and in with the new! Perfectly fitting as we close out the detestable January. In the meantime, here's my dream living room. Apparently I've got a case of the stripes. Who knew?

Hunger Games

Just saw this. Excited! I can only hope that the movies are better than the Twilight ones. Peeta!

A Wedding to Remember

This past Saturday Sherwin and Leah were married in Pasadena, Ca. It was beautiful, touching, and (to use Leah's word) FANCY! =) The morning of we woke up to rain but by the afternoon it had cleared and the sun was shining. Leah was beautiful and happy and Sherwin was emotional and ready. I suppose that is to be expected since they had been dating for 10 years. :p

Rehearsal

 Leah with her niece, Olivia. 

 Bridal Party

 Leah's family

Sonia and I right before the ceremony. She was so thoughtful of my back problems, helping me to put on my heels and always asking if I needed to lay down. Sweetheart. 

Sorry I don't have more pictures of the reception. I didn't carry my phone or camera. But, take my word for it, it was a party you'd never forget. Us common folk were treated to an amazing night. Pre-reception cocktails and appetizers that were so tasty, a four course meal that included a palate cleanser sorbet before the main dish, ice sculptures, up lighting, a beautiful cake with a HK and Dear John cake topper, a personalized monogram that lit the dance floor, and late night food of sliders, ghetto dogs, french fries, and mini milk shakes! It was elegant, fun, and just like Leah and Sherwin.

I'm thrilled for this new adventure they are beginning and praying for God's grace as they navigate the world of marriage.

A Letter on Love

Tonight I fly into Los Angeles as the festivities for Sherwin and Leah's big day approaches. You know, I find I am more and more excited for weddings the less I have to do. As a bride, totally focused. As a maid of honor, super nervous, and now as a bridesmaid, just excited. =)

In honor of love (which I am the utmost girlie girl about) here's a beautiful letter.
(A letter on falling in love, Nobel laureate John Steinbeck (1902-1968) responds to his eldest son Thom’s 1958 letter, in which the teenage boy confesses to have fallen desperately in love with a girl named Susan while at boarding school.) 

"New York, November 10, 1958

Dear Thom:

We had your letter this morning. I will answer it from my point of view and of course Elaine will from hers.

First — if you are in love — that’s a good thing — that’s about the best thing that can happen to anyone. Don’t let anyone make it small or light to you.

Second — There are several kinds of love. One is a selfish, mean, grasping, egotistical thing which uses love for self-importance. This is the ugly and crippling kind. The other is an outpouring of everything good in you — of kindness and consideration and respect — not only the social respect of manners but the greater respect which is recognition of another person as unique and valuable. The first kind can make you sick and small and weak but the second can release in you strength, and courage and goodness and even wisdom you didn’t know you had.

You say this is not puppy love. If you feel so deeply — of course it isn’t puppy love.

But I don’t think you were asking me what you feel. You know better than anyone. What you wanted me to help you with is what to do about it — and that I can tell you.

Glory in it for one thing and be very glad and grateful for it.

The object of love is the best and most beautiful. Try to live up to it.

If you love someone — there is no possible harm in saying so — only you must remember that some people are very shy and sometimes the saying must take that shyness into consideration.

Girls have a way of knowing or feeling what you feel, but they usually like to hear it also.

It sometimes happens that what you feel is not returned for one reason or another — but that does not make your feeling less valuable and good.

Lastly, I know your feeling because I have it and I’m glad you have it.

We will be glad to meet Susan. She will be very welcome. But Elaine will make all such arrangements because that is her province and she will be very glad to. She knows about love too and maybe she can give you more help than I can.

And don’t worry about losing. If it is right, it happens — The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away.

Love,

Fa"

I love that last line, "Nothing good gets away". har har, I'm such a sap!

Spiritual Exercise

This past weekend I was up and walking around and sitting from time to time. It was nice to do normal things. We got to see Sheldon (Josh's best friend) and Kristin and celebrate their engagement. We celebrated Josh and Luke's (bil) birthdays. Josh even took me to see Leah so I could check her pulse and blood pressure as she prepares for her wedding this Saturday.

After all that moving around I realized that while my back is strengthening, my legs and feet have weakened. So in preparation for Saturday Josh is having me walk more and more each day and doing some mild stretches.

Interesting how I didn't even consider the welfare of the rest of my body. I was so focused on my back that the rest of me grew weak. God has designed our bodies to need to be worked out, moved, and stretched - just as he designed our minds and hearts as well. And how he designed our faith and Christian walk.

Like my prayer life. Before my Christmas wall, praying was not in my everyday repertoire. It was a mealtime ritual and bedtime routine. But once I began to pray for the families on my wall, it became a routine. Now I'm constantly saying short prayers for people who come to mind throughout the day.

As I walked today I was reminded the most important exercise needed is my relationship with Jesus.

My morning text from Leah:
"Come to Me with all your needs, knowing that My glorious riches are more-than-adequate supply. Stay in continual communication with Me, so that you can live above your circumstances even while you are in the midst of them. Present your requests to me with thanksgiving, and My peace, which surpasses all comprehension will guard your heart and mind."

Golden Globes

Love awards season - admittedly more for the beautiful dresses than for the shows themselves. Overall, I was disappointed in the Globes dresses this year. I thought many of the dresses were ill-fitting (Reese Witherspoon, Natalie Portman) and some who normally rock the red carpet, didn't (Mila Kunis, Nicole Kidman).  But of course, I had my favorites. Three actually..

 Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang. She killed that dress. 

Stacy Keibler. Every time I see a picture of her she looks huge next to George Clooney and I can't help but cringe a bit. Here she looks amazing. The simplicity of the dress and the cut are quite flattering.  Plus, I love that she didn't do the pull back poof she often gravitates towards. Well done Keibler. 

"It girl" Rooney Mara in Nina Ricci. I was hoping she would wear something that stayed true to who she is - and she didn't disappoint. A bit mod, some glam, and dark. Nailed it.

I know everyone thought Angelina looked great, "top 5" or whatever. But as soon as I saw her I could only think of one thing - Cruella Deville. So she wins for scariest. (Although there were a lot of contenders in this field, Madonna, Lea Michele, Dianna Agron).

I didn't even watch the show. :/ haha. And I can't promise I'll watch all of the Oscars either. But I can promise I'll be at the red carpet. =) See you there!

Unity in the Body

My high school friend, Andrew, is planting his first church in New York. He blogs on occasion and I am always uplifted in the Spirit after reading his thoughts. Did you know that New York recently outlawed worship in public schools? This affects many churches since housing is at a premium, putting them out on the street with no place to gather. This affects my friend Andrew, and many of the pastors he knows in the area. 

2800 miles separates me from this but I feel the sorrow of the Body as if it is beating in my own heart. I'm praying, praying hard for a breakthrough in New York.

Something for Everybody

For the girls: A sneak peak at the entire collection of Jason Wu for Target. Remember when he blew up after this?

For the guys: A look into the up and coming products from the 2012 CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas. Swiss Army + hard drives? Mounted cameras in ski goggles? Flip tablets? Eat your hearts out.

All In A Days Walk

This past month we have received a handful of newsletters from friends, family, and acquaintances. How other people live their lives is intriguing to me. It seemed there were a lot of deaths in 2011 and a lot of joys as well. I saw a vast divide between those who know Christ and those who don't. I can't explain the difference really, but there is a unmistakable divide. A lack of peace and depth of joy maybe? A hope for something that is fleeting? I don't know exactly but there was a difference. 

It has been a rough week for me. I realized how down in the dumps I was feeling when I accidently let it all out to Shin (again, sorry about that friend). My back hasn't healed quite as quickly as I'd like. This past weekend I was confined to the apartment because our elevator broke. I  can sit for a short period of time but for the most part have been lying down. It's hard to be stuck so I've been lonely.

The elevator is working again so I went for a walk today. I text Josh that I was headed out and I think I gave him the worries - "Where are you going?" "Do you have your back brace?" "Make sure you take your phone."  I reassured him and went on my way. The beauty of the day did much to refresh my spirits. Isn't this beautiful?

People were out. Kids were playing. Some exercising. It was wonderful. I was reminded that my life newsletter is filled with hope since I hold Jesus in my heart. My mom called and reminded me that this is temporary. Some people are not so fortunate. She is right, of course. "Behold the Lamb of God!"

Happy Birthday's

and

Buy cards here and here.

Miguel Endara

Found this surfing the web while lying on my side. Geez-ma-neez, people out there are talented..

Happy We-eeee-kend!

Health Update

Last night I had a victory at the doctor's office. With the help of Dr. Osborne and a back brace I was able to sit on my rump for a few moments! Who knew that would be so exciting? It's good news for Josh and I because we both tire of him chauffeuring me around every night, while I lay down in the backseat, to get chores done that I can't do on my own during the day.

Although I haven't tempted fate and tried again, I can feel myself getting stronger each day. The ability for the human body to heal is incredible.

Because of this wretched problem though, I am missing out on celebrating Leah's last few weeks as a single lady. I can't imagine all the laughing, bonding, and memories they'll be making in The City. And mostly I'm sad that I'm not there to have this memory with her. Last year, Leah jokingly said there were two events that I couldn't miss: the first was her 30th birthday bash in Vegas (I was sick) and the second was her bachelorette (I think this move is killing me). I have let her down immensely and feel like such a horrible friend.

Leah, if you even get around to reading this, if I had any say - I'd be there in a heartbeat. I love you dearly. Sending you loads of BIG FUN this weekend...xoxo

The Handwritten Note

I love a handwritten note. It takes longer to produce and deliver. Growing up, every Christmas I would dread having to write thank you's. Somewhere along the road I experienced a mental shift. Now I love writing thank you's and cards. I always try to be sincere and personal because I anticipate the person opening it and reading it and hopefully having a bright moment in their day. That is what happens to me when I am the recipient. And that is why I save so many cards. I have two cards from 2011 that I cherish the most: the one on my bedside table from my husband and the birthday card I received back in October from my new family. Do you save special cards like I do?

P.S. My dream would be to make my own cards and sell them. If I'm being honest, that dream also has a tiny store that does personalized letterpress and custom stationary. Maybe one day..

The Christmas Card Contest

Here's our wall of Christmas cards. Every time I glance over I pray for the first one I see. Since we live in a one bedroom I find myself praying for people all the time!

And these, the carefully handwritten ones.

I secretly had a little cheeky contest going in my head. The results:
Most Creative: Linda, Erik, Grant and Faith for their "ornament" (top left)
Made Me Chuckle: Derek and Rianna (1st column, 4th down)
Most Touching: Tie - Kiku (2nd photo, card with "Peace") and Grandpa Mike and Grandma Kathy for the words in their card (not shown because it's in my journal). 
Best Use of Coordinating Colors: Jason, Dawn, Grace, and Luke (5th column, 5th down)
Most Surprising: baby Ella Brooks in all her tutu glam glory (4th column, 2nd down)
Best in Show: Mifumi, Nozomu, and Leigha's homemade wonder (center)
Most Interesting Newsletter: Roy and Bonnie - what a life they lead!

In truth, they were all wonderful and special. I felt privileged that we made so many "Christmas Card" mailing lists. I'm inspired. Guess I'll have to up my game for next year. :p Any suggestions?

In Sickness and in Health

I don't think Josh knew those faithful words would come to pass just 7 months in.

Last Tuesday I was standing in the lobby at the dentist's office. Not just a random dentist mind you, but Josh's dad's cousin who has taken care of Josh's teeth since birth. People I haven't met because we didn't invite them to the wedding ( in my weak defense, we didn't invite any family beyond first cousins). Doing me a huge favor by looking at an aching tooth. Ack.

Anyhow, just standing there while Josh talked fishing and USC with his Uncle and Aunt when I suddenly couldn't stand up. I bent over and then couldn't keep that stance, so I went down to the floor. Josh gave me a quizzical "what are you doing" look. I tried to stand up. I looked up at him and whispered I couldn't.

After that there was no getting out under the radar. Aunty Diane asked what was going on, Uncle Gary was standing by as Josh tried to help me up, but couldn't. I felt like my feet had died. I couldn't move them or put any weight on my legs. Josh dragged me to the waiting room where two unassuming patients were waiting. To which Diane jokingly mentioned this wasn't because of any dentist work. I was so embarrassed I could have died right there. My first time meeting family and my body decides to put a show on!

After Josh pulled the car up, him and Diane practically carried me out and got me in. Weak thank you's and quick apologies and we were on our way. We call my mom (since she has her list of doctors on speed dial) and once we got to her house headed to urgent care where I realized I couldn't get from the car to the wheelchair. Josh counted to three and lifted to which I experienced such excruciating pain in my back that I screamed and began sobbing. Poor Josh. I'll speed up the story - Spinal Disc Herniation L5 - aka slipped disc in my lower back. I guess too much sitting and driving, not enough working out. Shot of a muscle relaxant in my rear and a few prescriptions later and Josh is hauling me back home.

The rest of the week has been a slew of lying down, standing up, trying to walk. I'm not in the mood to check my phone, but it doesn't matter because I can't reach it anyway. Josh has to do everything for me. Help me to the living room, dress me, hold me up while I brush my teeth, help me shower, assist me in going to the bathroom. The first time I showered, I couldn't help the tears from falling. I was embarrassed and ashamed that he had to help me. He wiped them away and told me to stop, it was nothing. Later, I cried my eyes out with my mom.

You know, this was Josh's vacation. He was looking forward to sleeping in, seeing his friends, laughing with family, going out and celebrating, dressing up, and just having fun. My back problem stole it from him and instead gave him the responsibility of caring for my every need. Not one complaint. Not a mention of regret. Just encouragement and love, and care you wouldn't believe. Unmentioned acceptance and love, steadiness and calm. I thought my heart couldn't love him more but through all this, it is deeper and filled with a new level of gratitude. I see the quality of man that I have married.

I still cannot sit. I can walk with my back brace for a bit longer each day. I cannot take any steps, lift anything, pick anything up, or move anything. I cannot drive, go grocery shopping, or clean up our mess. I'm hoping to gain mobility bit by bit sooner rather than later but I have no complaints.

My God, my God, you are Almighty. Creator of Everything!


Although I have no resolutions, there are a few things I've decided to focus on - being a better wife, giving quality, having a good attitude - especially when I am tired, and lastly, to give Jesus more of my time and energy.

Happy New Year friends. This past year has been one of celebration and occasion. Praying this year brings a bit of steadiness but mostly, that Jesus would be glorified more in me and in you.