Wedding Invites and Other Things

I woke up today not realizing that we had made the "fall back" time change. I arrived at Baylor Family Practice clinic in Garland at 7:00am only to be alone in the whole parking lot. Paul even told me about the time change the night before, but somehow I didn't heed the info. . .well, I took a nap in the car before the doors to the clinic opened.

After work today, I attended my first step aerobics class in years. It turns out Baylor-Garland, my current rotation site, is just 15 minutes down the street from TI and Texins Activity Center! I finally put my gym membership to good use and attended my first group exercise class there. Plus, I avoided the Dallas traffic.

Doing step aerobics is much like riding a bicycle, even after years of inactivity, you still remember it. The class today brought me back to my college days when I taught step aerobics and reminded me how less fit I am now. Although I survived the class, I would not be able to teach a class due to SOB (shortness of breath.) It was really fun to be back in aerobics again! It was good to be just exercising!

When I got home, Paul had dinner cooked and ready. How lovely it was to eat good food cooked by hubby! He even washed the dishes. I'm really grateful!

My day got better when I found out we received two wedding invitations for back to back weekends in December. I really love weddings!! Since this is the season in our life when we get to attend friends' weddings, I want to enjoy this time as much as I can. The last wedding we were invited to we were unable to go because I was on call for internal medicine rotation. I'm still feeling bad about it, especially because the wedding was that of a childhood friend's.

So, the first wedding on December 2 is in Arkansas, and the other on December 9 is in Dallas. I will be on my PM&R (physical medicine and rehabilitation) rotation, and I'm pretty sure I'll have weekends off to live my life.

I'm going to bed now. I have Grand Rounds at 7:00am tomorrow. More on my new rotation month at Baylor later.

Lexus Cars and KFC's Drumsticks

So, what do those two things have in common? Well, the signs of the times. And things that make me happy, or at least make my life better.

Lexus' new LS sedans have an auto-parallel park feature! As someone who somehow got her driver's license without mastering the art of parallel park, I'm so glad to hear cars now are equipped with the intelligence to do it for me! I've never paralled parked, but now I can in the future! Who knows, maybe hubby will even buy me Lexus one day!

So, now to KFC. Fried chicken is Paul's all-time favorite American food. There were months where he bought Poppey's fried chicken every Tuesday (their 89 cent special). I cringed at how unhealthy fried chicken is, though that didn't stop me from helping hubby out with the feast most of the time. To think, I never remember eating fried chicken before meeting Paul! KFC just announced that their fried food will be made with trans fat-free oil to be in total effect by April, 2007. They haven't figured out a recipe for the biscuits, though! Still, it's pretty good news!

Wooho for science and the future!

The Simple Life

Sometimes I gaze into your face,
And think of the simplicity of your existence,

You don’t need to put on clothes, make-up,
or even take a shower to look your best.

When you’re hungry, you eat.
No need to think of calories, nutrition or your figure.
You don’t say, “hey, I had that last night.”
You eat what’s in front of you,
And don’t seem to enjoy it any less.

To sleep, all you do is put your head down and close your eyes.
You don’t toss and turn and think of the day.
You don’t mind if a big hand is resting on your tummy,
Or you’re sleeping on middle of the floor.
Bed of grass and 500-count threaded sheets are all the same to you.

You don’t live in a world of words,
You have just one, “meow.”
You’re never tongue-tied or worry you’ve said the wrong thing.

You’re happily oblivious of the clock,
And spend the day as you please.
No appointments, deadlines, or wake-up calls.

I gaze into your face,
And think, how splendid is the feline existence!

Mountain Biking

The weather these few days have been PERFECT for biking outdoors. We started biking this summer in 100 degree weather, so I really appreciate the cool wind in my face.

This is the LB Houston trails in Irving. Really great for beginners like me. The trail is flat except for few small hills, it's very narrow, and have lots of curves. Most of the trail is shaded under a canopy of tree branches and leaves. I am much slower than Paul, so he bikes ahead of me and warns me of the occasional log, dangerous curve or hill ahead.

I think this is a cool picture of Paul that I took. We played around with the color, contrast, focus, etc. to give it this final look. This, as well as the scenery picture below were also taken at LB Houston recently.



Storage solutions. Here's how we store our bikes in our apartment. Can't wait to have a house, really need the garage space and closet space!!

Fall/Winter Shopping 2006

I went shopping recently. I've noticed that I go through a shopping spurt once every season. Here are some of my finds.

I only believe in paying big money for items that will last, quality and style-wise, like a good pair of sports shoes or a leather jacket. As a slave to fashion, most of the clothes I like will be sadly out of fashion by end of the season, so I don't like to spend too much money on them. (I'm a student with debts, afterall!) I just discovered that Target has some of the most trendy clothes for very inexpensive prices. I found the following skinny jeans on sale at Target for like $8. One may asks, "what kind of jeans can you get for $8??" Well, very comfortable-wearing and good-looking ones, actually! The price was a little unblievable to me, too, but they are in this fall and winter.

I've been looking for sexy high-heeled shoes like these for a while. I bought these Isaac Mizhari ones from Target. Think they will look good with the skinny jeans. I've never wore high heels before this. They are so darn painful to wear! But I do like to put them on once in a while, perhaps it's an inspiration from Carrie in Sex and the City. They are not Jimmy Choos but glad I didn't have to pay Jimmy Choo price either.

Also, bought some light brown boots like below to wear with skinny jeans and skirts.

Also bought some tops and jackets. It was quite a shopping spree, but I'm done 'til at least early next spring. Budget, time, nor closet space allow me to shop anymore!

Housewarming Party

Typically Saturday night is our small group Bible Study time. Tonight, however, we all went over to a couple of new friends' house. They are a Malaysian family that just moved here and the husband works at TI, like most men in our circle of friends. Here are some pictures we took.

What If. . .

So I was just randomly thinking one day. . .What if everyone in the world had the power of telepathy? Yes, everyone will be able to know what another person is thinking by just willing it. I came to the conclusion that the world will become utterly chaotic. People will become violent towards perfect strangers just because of negative and prejudiced thoughts that goes on in people's minds. Will we shut off our telepathy long enough to get anything done in our day-to- day life and work? Perhaps the already low voter turnout will decrease to nil because people will know all politicians' true motives and inner thoughts. Or perhaps, the opposite will happen, only the truly honest-hearted politicians will be voted into office. Relationships of all levels will break down because people know the thought life of everyone else. Will there be more divorces because spouses find out their spouses are really not who they thought they were? Or will more romances occur because previously shy secret admirers will come together? Friendships will clash and collapse once when we learn what friends really think. But maybe we'll just learn who our true friends are? Will there be any pastors, preachers, ministers or holy men left? Won't we just learn that they have just as shockingly sinful thoughts as we? Or maybe, we'll be touched by how closely they walk with God in prayers?

I am just glad, in the world outside of my imagination, telepathy isn't real. However, I mustn't forget that GOD is someone who DOES know every single one of our thoughts.

1 Chronicles 28:9
for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts.

Psalm 139:2
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

The Bible also teaches us to guard our thoughts and be disciplined in it so that our thoughts might be wholesome. I know my own thought life falls far short of God's ideal and the following verse is a good reminder to me.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is NOBLE, whatever is RIGHT, whatever is PURE, whatever is LOVELY, whatever is ADMIRABLE- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.

Houston Trip

We just returned from our 3-days and 2-nights trip from Houston, TX. This was our first trip together as a married couple, not counting our trips to Arkansas to see my parents, of course. We had a great trip. The main purpose was to visit TECO (Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office) for Paul's visa reasons. We stayed at the Lovett Inn, a small bed and breakfast place in downtown Houston, just minutes away from TECO and the museum district. It's a lovely historic mansion that used to belong to the mayor of Houston. It was both of our first time to stay in a BB. The best thing about a BB is the homey atmosphere. A big black friendly dog named Cody sat inside the hallway all day long. There were also free DVD's to take back to our room and free breakfast all day long.

This is what we saw on a highway overpass while we were stuck in Houston's afternoon traffic. "No Torture! Drive Out the Bush Regime! Honk to Impeach." I don't agree with the sign's politics, but what a testament to America's freedom of speech.

All of the following pictures are taken at the Downtown Aquarium on our first night in Houston. We also took pictures at the zoo, but those are on a disposable digital camera (not yet developed) since our regular camera's battery was left uncharged the night before:(.

Felt like a kid again riding the ferris wheel and carousel. The rides were just outside the aquarium.

Not sure what happened with the backgrounds of the 2 pictures above, but pretty neat-looking.

This is my favorite fish at the aquarium: the lionfish.

My second favorite fish: the Mexican walking fish. Cool legs!

More pictures to come from the Houston Zoo!

An October Weekend

Wow, it's really almost winter time. The hot October days (temp in the 90's) of last week have turned into a cold and wet weekend. It's been raining most of this Sunday today. Just reminded me again how I would hate to live in Seattle.

I'm glad this weekend is almost over. First, because it was drill weekend and second because hubby was not home. Drill weekend means early mornings and long days. I'm in the Texas Army National Guard Medical Command. Mornings are fine because we stay busy running soldiers through their physical exams. The afternoons, however, consist of torturous boredom of sitting around waiting to be dismissed. I really need to bring reading material next time!!

Paul had a much better weekend than I had. He went with his friend, Adrian, to a men's retreat titled "Men of Influence" in Tyler, Texas. Mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, and healthy dose of God's word. . .I think he had quite a bit of fun without me. One complaint he had, however, was the food. Poor guy, three days of burgers and casseroles were just too much for him. We celebrated his return tonight with dinner at Red Lobster's. Here are some pictures from Paul's trip:

Paul with Adrian at Pine Cove Christian Camp. Adrian's church (Stonbriar in Frisco) holds this men's retreat every year.

Hubby's new passion: mountain biking. Cement is not much of a challenge, though.

Tyler, two hours east of Dallas, is unlike any other place in Texas; it's known for tall pine trees, lush greenery, and beautiful roses.

I liked this picture the best out of Paul's collection, so serene and lovely. He can be quite the photographer!

My Day Off and Some Happy News (Xi Shi)

Had today off from the ER. I had high hopes of cleaning our apartment and putting away clutter so my hubby could be surprised by a spic 'n span home. But all I did was wash the dishes and fold the laundry (Kitty will miss her laundry basket of a bed she's had last couple of days.) Sometimes, I just don't have the motivation to do what I desire, I suppose. I let myself go because it's my "off" day. I slept a lot. Woke up at 11:00am and took nap with Kitty in the afternoon. I did watch a Hong Kong romantic comedy, "Turn Left Turn Right," that I enjoyed very much. I decided I'll watch more Chinese movies, my Chinese needs some improvement. Below are two pictures of the lead actors.

This is Gigi Leung, actress from Hong Kong. Check out her fashion in the movie, very typical of Asian girls. The mismatched colors and patterns, very playful, is it not?

Mr. Takeshi Kaneshiro, an actor of Japanese and Taiwanese descent.

Now on to three pieces of xi shi, or good news:

1. Paul finally got his green card!! Now he's officially a permanent resident and in three years time, he will become a citizen!! More practically for us, this means we'll be able to travel abroad!! More on this later.

2. My best friend Laurel just gave birth to her baby #2, little boy Zachary on October 5!! Pics at www.twonafishfamily.blogspot.com

3. Two friends of ours in Arkansas just got engaged. I heard from the grapevine.

Traveling....
Was having a conversation this past weekend with friends, and Paul and I decided we are the least traveled couple we know! A married couple had just returned from New York, another couple was planning a Hawaii trip for winter break. Most of my friends, married or single have been out of the country in the past year or atleast traveled to Colorado, etc. Paul and I did not have a honeymoon due to timing and school schedule. School has allowed me very little break. All the holidays we've had, we've spend in Arkansas with my parents, which I'm happy we did. Another reason for lack of travel, of course, had been Paul's visa situation. Finally, we've also decided that we're just two homebodies that are content with a nice dinner in a local restaurant or movie at home.

"You two should really travel before you have babies or else you'll regret it," warned our friends. They are right, of course. I've always fancied myself as someone who enjoys the adventure of visiting far away places. Now that Paul has no travel restrictions, and I have more time before residency starts, I can plan and dream away!

A Traveling Wish list, if you will:

1. Carribean or Hawaiian cruise (this is number one on my list to makeup for our honeymoon. Also, want to have a reason to wear my first bikini.)

2. Malaysia (we have many good friends from there, would love to see their country, eat fresh durian and seafood.)

3. Taiwan and China (Paul and I have never been to each other's homeland, what a trip it'd be to see the places we each grew up in!)

4. Ghana, Africa (Paul spend many years there just before coming to the US.)

5. East coast (I've never been to New York, Boston, Maine, etc. 'Nough said.)