Sojourners

bed bath and beyond

The concept of registering for gifts has always been troublesome for me because it suggests a Santa Claus-like wish list. Someone had to convince me that it is a necessary invention for pragmatic gift-givers who would rather give a gift that the receiver can use and truly appreciate. And so, I went into Bed, Bath & Beyond with this mindset. I thought I was ready to “help” my guests pick out a gift for me. As it turns out, when I entered the store, I was overwhelmed with the variety of items in front of me, most of which I don’t even know if I need. Moreover, since I’m not much of a shopper myself, I worried about quality, quantity, and practicality of what I’m registering for. In any case, my fiance and I registered our name. We spent a good half hour being educated in how to work the “gun” and another few minutes learning the difference between a comforter and a duvet blanket. We had a lunch appointment so we could not stay long. By the time we left the store, I had only clicked on three items. I have a feeling this part of the wedding preparation will not be as easy as I thought it would be.

I had an invitation to join a group of sisters who met up once a month at different venues for a sharing/get-together. This particular Sunday, it was at Lee’s Sandwich in Irvine. What a blessing to meet this group of amazing women. Moreover, most of them come from a similar background as I do. It was easy to relate to them because we spoke the same language and able to talk about familiar cultural references. What a fun time. I look forward to getting together with them and knowing more about them.

It was a blessing to have instant connection with a group of sisters who welcomed me into their fold as I transition into a new stage in my life. Two sisters from this group invited their mother to lunch. She is the one sitting on the side. I spoke to her before the lunch and she shared some stories about her marriage and husband. She told me how happy she was to have met me. I feel the same about her.

new friends

This night was significant for many reasons. It was the first time that my parents got to see my new future home. It would also be a time that Shixiong’s elders got together with my elders. They made four different kinds of soup (a special treat for any Chinese meal!) and cooked several other dishes, including my mom’s favorite, 炒米粉 (chao mi fen). The family also had great conversation topics ranging from politics to culture to family. Though I was admittedly nervous about the event, everything went well, especially as my fiance was reassuring and encouraging throughout the evening. By the end of the night, we were really full from the heavy meal; it was a long drive back to LA from OC, but it was all worth it!

I did not have my phone camera ready so I’ll just use this picture from our engagement party to remember this dinner party.

san saba get-together

davids bridal

I have a long list of things to do for the wedding. The first item is to get a gown. Someone told me that there is a sale going on at David’s Bridal. And so, my mom and two sisters-in-law went gown shopping with me. It was overwhelming to see the many selections. I did not know where to start, but the consultants referred me to magazines and to the size 6 rack. We began by looking at each dress style by style.

The consultant instructed us to choose three at a time so it would be easier to manage. For our first set of three, I tried the first two and was mesmerized by the feeling of grandeur and beauty, but it was the third one that caught my attention, as it did my mother and sisters-in-law. It had a soft, romantic feel that fit my style and personality. Ironically, it was the dress I almost put back on the rack because I didn’t think it would look good on me. After this third dress, I did not try any more dresses because I found the one I want. Just like when I met my fiance, once you know it’s the one, you just stop looking. I’m ecstatic that after the first round, I found my wedding gown!

On this day, we set off to San Diego. From OC, it was about an hour and a half drive. We took a stroll along the marina and reveled in the view of the water and San Diego skyline. We asked someone to take a picture of us with this background. It was the perfect weather to spend with my new family.

new family

In the short time of our courtship, I think we’ve already compiled quite a bit of “couple” pictures. Of course we had to take another opportunity to get one more shot with this beautiful San Diego background.

the marina

There is something touching about seeing these brothers together again in one place after 11 years. It’s a treat to be around them during this outing. Nothing like family to make a day-trip special!

brothers

For lunch, we shared a buffalo wing appetizer and a large pizza. From where we were sitting, we had a good view of the ships across the marina. It was a lovely meal with some warm-hearted family members. Most of all, it was great to just kick-off the new year with a day-trip with my husband-to-be!

pizzeria

Here’s one more shot for our growing collection of pictures:

hotel del coronado

To start off the New Year, we were invited to Ruby’s Diner in Huntington Beach by some dear church friends. It was the first time that I met them. Since the Diner is located at the end of the pier, I had a chance to stroll the length of the pier and watched volleyball players, surfers, and fishermen on either side of me. It was also a beautiful and sunny Southern California morning. I was introduced to the matriarch of this family who blessed me and Shixiong with her good wishes.

meeting new friends

Here’s me and my fiance on our first meal of 2012. We ended up sharing a Seafood Combination plate with refillable fries and a Chocolate Banana Shake. It was just an okay meal, but the company was wonderful!

new year's picture