Twenty-seven

Last year, one of my friends went camping with friends to celebrate her birthday. Ron and I enjoyed so much that we decided to go camping for my birthday. Although a few people backed out, I'd still say it's quite a success, and with that, here are some pictures. :)

Friday.
We got to the campsite at around 5pm. Ron and our two friends were too busy unpacking, setting up, and other things I would rather have them do so I took advantage of my 5-minute alone time and took a few pictures. Of course that would not have been possible if my mom was not taking care of the little doggy. :) My sister, her fiance and a couple of our other friends arrived later that night. :)

Saturday.
I was woken up by a little dog staring at me and trying to give me doggy kisses--it's safe to say that it worked. Three of our friends got to the site that morning, finally making the group complete! We all hiked to the beach and did our own stuff there; surf, stare, sit, talk, and take pictures.

Quiet growling.

Barking.

Beach first-timer.

I love this picture. Too bad Ryan and I are not in it...he was surfing and I was [well] taking the picture.

To all my friends, who came through, THANK YOU SO MUCH! I really appreciate you guys making it. :)

Birthday [Dog] Boy

This was what our Memorial Day was about, this little dog celebrating his first year with us, which is also the birthdate we picked for him because nobody knows when he was born. We got him when he was two so today is his third birthday! If Fox could read, I would have written a letter for him, but he doesn't, so I'll just share pictures? :)

We went to one of his favorite places, the Eisenhower Memorial Park and met up with my cousin and their little [dog] girl, Tashi, and my SFV girls. Fox never gets along with dogs right away so it was no surprise that he was barking like crazy at Tashi pretty much the whole time. Tashi almost did not react to Fox's attitude, except for a few times that Fox got scared of Tashi's playful ways and I guess the girl dog had to answer back. Haha! I don't know if it's a bad thing, but I found Fox's lack of sportsmanship hilarious. They still managed to play though, and the only other thing they had in common was their incessant love for human food!

You guys all know who this is, right?

This is Tashi, the most gentle dog I have ever met! <3

Ron teaching Tashi to leave treats alone until he says "go." See that thing on her paw? That's the treat. ;)

My husband is kind of a big deal to these two. I guess he's the trainer-slash-treat dispenser at the moment. Haha!

So that's how our Monday went. Of course, we also made time to say a little prayer to our fallen heroes as well as their loved ones who they left behind.

A Special Wednesday

Hi Loveyboy,

It's Monday today and I'm so nervous for your upcoming birthday. I am telling myself that this is because of the coffee but we both know that every time your birthday rolls around, I get anxiety for no apparent reason. LOL But this post is not about me - it's all about you so let me get started...

First of all, like always, I'd like to thank you for existing and being the most perfect person to spend my life with. You are so patient with me, even if it means dealing with how picky I am about everything at times. Thanks for trying to make me smile everyday as well. You have no idea how much it means to me every time we are not together, to know that I have you to make me smile. Thanks too for dancing with me at the most random places, and at home even if there is no music but the melodies our hearts are playing in sync. Please know that I will always be here for you, no matter what. Even if I get so busy, you should know that thinking of what you can eat for dinner is always in my brain's to do list. ;)

So it's Tuesday now and I'm still writing this. The last 24 hours was insane, and I know that you realized that as soon as 7pm struck on Monday and I was not home yet. All the time I was not home yesterday, I was already thinking of how I can make it up to you and to be honest, I could not think of anything but to cuddle with you. And that's what I did. Thanks for making dinner for me, I loved the gesture and of course, what you prepared.

It's the night of your birthday now, and we are currently watching Property Brothers. Our obsession with these HGTV shows really needs to be put to good use soon. Haha! I guess this is the part where I tell you my wishes for you. So here goes... Like everyone says, I wish you all the best life could offer you. I wish that you continue to be blessed with people who inspire you. May you be in such great health forever (seriously though, you're the only person who gets a one-day flu!!!). Last but not the least, may your wishes come true and plans pull through.

All my love,

Loveygirl

PS, I promise to make sure that you get a chance to eat as much lobster as you'd like again [like you did in the picture ;)]!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

My mom is the most unconventional mom in the world. I thought how she handled us was normal like how every mom in the world raise their kids. Little did I know, she is the coolest mom ever. Our friends would always rave about how our mom is super cool. When I got a little older and actually listened to my friends, I realized that she did let me have my first drink. How cool is that (for a teenage kid)?

We celebrated her birthday yesterday and had brunch at the Odyssey with the family. It was a great champagne-fueled time except for the super hot weather! O_o I was going to write something nice for her on here but we already wrote a special note for her with all our wishes and how much we love her. <3 

Reading our little notes for her.

Everyone, except for Ron. He was the photographer.

Because she said she didnt have a jewelry box, we got her this.

Mom and Kev: What's this?
Mom: Do I open it here?

Mom and Kev: Ooooh! A huge cellphone?! Hahaha

It's Not Only the First Day of Fall...

It's also one of my most favorite people's birthday. You know, that kind of person that you have no idea how you behaved when you met... aka my (older) sister. ;)

Some few decades ago today a little crier was born. LOL I've spent most of my life with her and have learned so much from her. Stuff like...

• There is no battle between Harry Potter fans and Lord of the Rings fans. She's both. I am an LOTR fan.
• You cannot have too many books. We are both guilty of going crazy at the now closed $1 bookstore at Burbank.
• Be practical. You do not need expensive stuff.
• You do not need extravagant things to be happy. Spending time with your favorite people should make you happy.
• You need a pair of Chuck Taylors in your life. We swear.
• Learn to appreciate the littlest things. Like that little fun size candy bar added in your lunch bag.
• Always ask the waiter/waitress if the portions of the entrees are shareable. Because in America, almost everything IS shareable.
• Not because someone doesn't cook, she doesn't know how. She used to not cook and now she does! She makes bad ass pasta with clams...I think that's what it's called.
• Accepting people for who and what they are. #IProudlySupportMarriageEquality
• Not judging too soon.
• It is never too late to work on your dreams. She's so hardworking and look up to her for that!
• Videos taken from your past can and will hunt you back. Like you know, a video of you dancing when you were four years old.

To ate Jef, I'm so proud of the your accomplishments and I really look up to your will to reach your dreams. Thank you for being willing to help me and Ron in the things we get ourselves into. I can't wait until you're done with school and you're out there doing what you've been wanting to do.We're right here behind you to support you. Thanks for being a good aunt to Foxy and well of course, Joshua and Reese. I love you so so so much! 

To the Best Eldest Sister Ever

The vacation without John and ate Jef. Us against Joshua. Hahaha! (circa 2006)

To the lady who...

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6 Years of Sweetness

The weekend was a roller coaster of emotions. It was a combination of good and sad news but I still can't help but be thankful for everything I have. This includes my beautiful niece who was born this day six years ago.

This picture was taken the last time I was back home.

Reeseepie is that one little girl I have been waiting for my whole life. I'm the youngest and I've always wanted someone younger than me in the family that can be my doll. So when my sister and brother in law found out that they're having a girl, all I could think of was pink everything. I don't think I'll ever forget that I got her that one pink striped baby blanket. Haha! I also helped pick one of her names that means angel of patience. 

I'd like to wish her all the best and sweetest things in the world. I'm sorry I still have not spent a birthday with you but I promise you that that is in my to-do list! Hopefully in time we can go party with you on your birthday. I love so much Reeseepie! :)

It's a Good Day to Turn 26

I took yesterday off and have been a sleepyhead since. I took 2 naps yesterday, I only woke up to eat and take Fox out for a walk...that kind of sleepyhead. And NO, I'm not pregnant. Hahaha!

I fell asleep on the couch last night and at some point, Ron started screaming HAPPY BIRTHDAY around the house to wake me up. I knew it was midnight because he does this every year ;) He then got the cake that one of my closest friends got me on Tuesday (because she is the sweetest ever), lit the candle and sang the birthday song for me. 

I woke up a little confused but happy, feeling blessed and smiling. I got a lot of kisses from him and Fox and a HUGE box for my present. If you haven't seen it on IG yet, I got this...

Of course my husband would get me the red KitchenAid mixer I've been wanting. ;) Thank you lovey! You're the best!

Birthday Wishlist 2013

I am not one who wants super expensive things on my birthday. At least not anymore. Like I told Ron, I've been wanting a pet for so long so having Fox was already like an early birthday present. I'd honestly rather do my favorite thing, sleep in, make breakfast, sit on the couch all day while folding clean clothes and laughing at Fox's face while he tilts his head trying to understand what I'm doing and usually telling him. But then again, presents are like the little bonuses in life. It's like that second cup of coffee that gives you another boost and makes your day better. LOL So this is it, my wishlist...

Surprised I did not include any dresses and purses? Yeah, me too. ;) I guess I just get a lot of those things throughout the year so I don't really wish for them anymore. Haha!

Birthday Blues

via

This happens every year, every time turning a year older becomes official. I know I should be thankful. I know I should be happy but I haven't really been all that cheery whenever I think of stuff I was supposed to do during that one specific year. To battle my blues away, I decided to recall my favorite moments from my 25th year. Things that make me smile, moments that I wish never ended.

When Ron and I moved in together. All the furniture shopping fun, the stress of moving and we shall never forget, having to get out of the place for 2 weeks before we can move back in again.

When I realized who I should be trusting. You'd think you can trust people you know all your life, right? Well, as life turns out, that is not the case. Despite that, I am still thankful that I know who my true friends are. Whose random calls I'll be picking up and whose texts I should be answering. After all, they're the ones who listened even if all I wanted to do was give my middle finger to the people who broke my trust. Dun dun dun!

When Ron proposed. I mean, come on. At my favorite place, at the perfect time.

When Ron and I got married.

When Ron and I got Fox. If you have not heard yet, Ron and I adopted a dog in May!

When my mom and I spent a lot of time together that one weekend when Ron went out of town.

When I realized waking up to over 10 messages from my sisters really makes my day brighter.

When after 4+ years of working for the same company, one of my coworkers and I finally became friends. Like you know, walking on breaks, buying lunch together, hiking, etc.

When I lost all the weight I gained in the past 2 years. Good-bye 15 lbs. I WIN.

As for my wish list…you'll see that tomorrow. ;)