Another Hallmark holiday goes by and here goes my blog post. I am going to keep it short since I don't have much time. I went to a Valentine's Day dance! It was good times, fun was had, new people were met, and we danced the night away. Geeze, Valentine's Day and my valentine was all the way in Utah. I really wish she could have been there with me. She loves to dance! Crossing my fingers for next year. :]
So I picked up my "friend-date," Tricia, and we headed up to Newport News. Got lost along the way, but that's what makes it adventurous! Haha. The place was a lot nicer than I expected. When you hear Newport News, you don't really think of nice clean areas of the city. But turns out, the Marriott we were having it at was in such a beautiful place.
So Tricia and I arrived and we went around saying hi to everyone we knew. After that, we headed straight for the food! I was starving. BBQ meatballs and crispy chicken tenders with honey mustard... yum. Haha. :P
We danced pretty much the rest of the night. Tricia and I basically sat out for most of the slow dances since we missed both of our other halves. Geeze, Stacy should have definitely been there with me. Still though, people asked us to dance. Tricia kind of got stuck with this guy who kept coming up to her, but after one dance he pretty much left her alone. I slow-danced with a couple of friends. The music was so random! Country, pop, hip-hop, rap, techno, oldies, etc. It was so fun, especially dancing to Soulja Boy. Haha.
They also had this silhouette cut-outs of a man and a woman. Guys could write out their idea of a perfect girl and vice versa. I wrote down Has a BIG heart, Knows how to cook, LOVES kids, and NOT BALD. Haha. I have even more, but I don't need to list them down. I already have the perfect girl. ;]
Also, Josh broke out his moves to Thriller. I gotta give it to him, dancing to a 5 minute song, solo and start to finish? Wow, dude has got skillz yo! Too bad I didn't capture the whole thing.
The dance ended at 12:30AM and I drove Tricia back to her dorm. I went home and talked to my Valentine for the rest of the night... early morning. It was such a great night and we all had such a great time. I'm just going to end this blog post with this... click on it. :]
Tonight, at 7PM EST, I had my baptism by Elder Craig. It was such an amazing experience and a joyous occasion. Before the actual baptism, I had to arrive early and I got there at 6:20PM. Walked around lost for a bit until I finally found the Missionaries. I was feeling shaky as the time drew near. Knowing that this was the moment I had been waiting for. This was the moment I had been so excited for. I had an unbreakable smile all throughout the night. My cheeks were hurting so badly, but in a good way. Haha.
As I arrived, the Elders and I went to the baptismal font. This was the place I would be cleansed of my sins. I was shaking even more. It's like the feeling you get when you are so excited for something, that you just can't wait for it to happen! The font was filling up really slowly, and Elder Craig was hoping it would be full in time. It did, so no worries! Jessie and Lindsay were the first two to arrive. We took some pictures. Then I received a call from Kristin, and she was outside trying to find the entrance so I helped her in. I could already feel it now. This was about to happen. I was so excited. Still shaking.
Elder Craig said we needed to change into our white clothes for baptism. The shirt was a little too big on me, but it didn't matter. I was getting baptized either way! After we had changed and walked out into the baptism room, I was surprised to find so many people there. When we had walked in, there were only a few, but then there were many. Some didn't even make it, but I appreciate those who did. It really meant a lot to me to have the support, especially from those who don't even believe.
We took some more pictures, and were soon back in the room. I tried to greet and thank everyone for coming, but then we had to be seated. It was 7:10PM by then. We sung hymn #193 I Stand All Amazed, followed by the opening prayer by Laura. The talk by Elder Martz on baptism followed right after. Everytime he talked, I could feel him directing his words towards me. I really felt the spirit in the room. It didn't hit me until Elder Craig directed me to go towards the baptismal font after Elder Martz was done speaking. Oh wow!! This was it. We walked into the water, and he directed me as to what to do. The baptismal font was revealed to the whole group, with us in it. I took a glance and saw so many people staring down at me. As I hit the water and came back up, I felt so much happiness. The smiles just kept on coming. We went into the back and I really could not contain myself. There was just so much emotions running through me. I was simply feeling pure joy. I could see that Elder Craig was super happy with such a huge smile running from cheek to cheek. That guy always amazes me as to how much he loves bringing people to Heavenly Father. He asked if I wanted to pray, and so we did. It was the first prayer after my baptism, and it was amazing. I could feel the spirit so strongly.
We changed as quickly as we could, but probably still not fast enough. Even though the Sister Missionaries gave their testimonies while we were getting dried off, we still walked into a silent room. It was obvious, I guess we took too long. Haha. Mike gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. Again, this talk was directed towards me. I could feel the spirit so strongly by this time. I see the love he has for God and Jesus Christ, and it really got to me when he bore his testimony. Gee got up and welcomed me to the Elders Quorum and complimented me on my "cool hair." Haha. Brother Blackburn welcomed me into the branch, and said that so many things were now open to me. I will be confirmed a member of the church on Sunday, and now I can start actively doing things for the church. I would be receiving Priesthood and my patriarchal blessing! I was excited. This was such an amazing night thus far. We sung the closing hymn #134 I Believe In Christ, followed by the closing prayer by Kim.
I didn't even get out of my seat before people started coming up to me to congratulate me. Sister Christenot, the wife of Elder Christenot and the other half of the military Missionaries, came up to me first. No matter where I turned so many people came to me and spoke about how happy they were for me. The spirit was strong. I was incredibly happy, and even though it has been awhile since I was at the church, I still had this unbreakable smile. I wish I could relive it again. There were so many people to thank that night. So many hugs to pass around. I stayed for another hour after it was over just talking, snacking on chips and dip, watching Josh teach people how to line dance. Haha.
Tonight was an incredible experience, one that will only happen once in my life. After my baptism, I felt new, fresh and incredibly happy. Nothing could get me down. The spirit was strong in me. The love of Christ is going to be forever with me and the convenants I shall keep for as long as I shall live. This is how I want it to be. This is my life to stand as a witness of God. I love everyone who came. It meant so much to have them. I love Elder Craig, Elder Martz, and Mike Austin. They are the best guys I know. They've helped me so much throughout this process to learn and to grow. I also love my girlfriend, Stacy. She inspired me, and introduced me to the true church. Never pushing me to do anything I didn't want. Let me go at my own pace. She's truly my angel.
I know this church is true. I know that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. And I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of the restoration. I say all these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
I am so lucky I have no classes today cause of some snow storm that doesn't seem to really be coming at all. That means I actually have time to write this lengthy blog instead of staying on campus all day! So around 11PM last night, I arrived back home in the humid air of Virginia Beach from a four-day weekend over in Utah. I had the best time being with my girlfriend and meeting so many great people. I seriously miss her so much already. :[
So I'll break it down for you, day by day. I'll try to remember what we did.
Friday January 16, 2009: I had to get up early to get ready for my 7 hour plane ride. It wasn't so bad, until my mom and I got lost on the way to the airport. My plane was departing at 9AM and it was nearing 8:15AM when we couldn't find our way. Luckily, I was able to get directions from Stacy. She's my personal guardian angel. Haha. After getting my boarding pass and going through security, I was able to make it to the gate right as they were boarding. Lucky me! :]
My arrival was epic. We had this movie moment hug-spin-kiss going on. Haha.
Took us about one and half hour to drive back to the Utah State Campus, where I had a meeting with a psychology professor. It went so well, and she believes I am a strong applicant for the graduate school program. I'll keep crossing my fingers! After that we just went to her apartment where I finally got to meet the people I always see in Stacy's pictures and webcam. They are the sweetest girls! I also got to meet my "roomies" next door. Shout out to Kyle, Jeff, Patrick, and Spencer for letting me crash on their couch and using their shower! They're awesome guys.
We all hung out at Stacy's place and danced and played games until we went to this church swing dance. Those girls have got karate kill dance moves.
The guys had to perform for them too. So Kyle, Jeff, Patrick, and I shook it for the ladies. Haha. It was good times. Then we played some games and by 9PM, we left for the 50s-themed swing dance. The dance was fun! It was geared more the older kind of music, but what do you expect at a 50s dance?
Later that night, we just kicked it at Jeff and Kyle's place watching Robin Hood: Men in Tights, where I fell asleep.
Saturday January 17, 2009: Wow, this day was packed with goodness. It was game day, my first full day with Stacy in what felt like forever ago, and it was also part of Nancy's four-day birthday celebration. Haha. So I got up really early and so did Stacy. We all went out to eat at the Village Inn. They have this place all over in Utah. Before I ever been to Utah, I've only seen one in my entire life and that was here in Virginia Beach. I ordered the strawberry crepes with hash browns and sunny side up eggs with toast. It was delicious. :] After that, we all split ways for awhile. Shadie, Stacy, and I went to get a rashguard and stopped by the Logan Temple after dropping Amy and Nancy off. It's a beautiful building. It was super cold outside too! My face and fingers felt like breaking off.
We headed off to meet with everyone else later at the indoor swimming pool. We had so much fun swimming. The large 14ft deep pool was a little on the cold side, so we moved to the warmer shallow pool. We played some games and just messed around. We had so much fun! After we showered off, we all went back to the apartment. Stacy and I were hungry so we both went out to Cafe Rio, which is a mexican grill place.
Everyone else went to go face-painting in preparation for the basketball game later that night. Stacy and I kind of ran late, and we couldn't find a USU ID card for me to use. Students get a free pass. We ended up not being able to find one so we went to buy tickets. The game started at 7PM and it was about 6:30PM when we found out they sold out of tickets. It was a huge bummer! Stacy didn't want to go without me, no matter how much I pushed her to go. It was about 10 minutes after the game had started that our own personal angel, Shadie, came home and let me use her ID card since she didn't plan on going to the game. She is a sweetheart! She even drove us there and dropped us off so we wouldn't miss another second. The game was intense and it was so fun. I was lucky to go to the best game of the season between USU (number one in the division) and Boise State (number 2). The Aggies are also ranked as being the Top 25 in Men's College Basketball west of the Mississippi. Aggie basketball is unlike any I have ever seen. The crowd likes to shout things to the opposing team like... You suck, and Stupid, Stupid. Utah State definitely has a lot of school spirit for their team, or they're just really mean people. Haha. Just kidding. I'm sure it's the school spirit that has got them cheering!
In the end, the Aggies won 79 to 65. The best shot of the night goes to Tai Wesley with a half-court shot right at the buzzer! I wish I caught that on video. It was amazing. I can't wait to go to more games! As we were leaving the stadium, we got this flyer for an After Game Party at the Cache Valley Fun Park. Free bowling, lazer tag, and dancing?! Nice. So we headed there to dance. It was so fun. They had some country music mixed in with hip-hop. Everytime country came on, I was like... Uhhh, how do you dance to this?! Haha. It was still so fun!
We headed home afterward and just hung out. We watched The Island. Actually, everyone but me and Stacy watched the movie. We both fell asleep on the couch with her in my arms. After the movie was over we both got up and she went to bed and I went back to Jeff and Kyle's and was knocked out on their couch. Haha. Sunday January 18, 2009: Sunday! The day of Sabbath. We got in our Sunday best and went to church really early in the morning. Everything worked the opposite with how my branch back home works. Amy gave an amazing lesson for sunday school. The take home point... share the knowledge of the gospel. It's truly such an amazing gift to have. Why keep it to yourself? I loved going to Stacy's church. I met so many new people and everyone was so friendly. I hope I can visit her ward again some other time I come back down.
After church, we went to Stacy's apartment and she made lunch! We ate chicken adobo with white rice. I'm so lucky to have a girl who knows how to cook. Sometimes, a way to a guy's heart is through his stomach. We just hung out at the apartment and played some games. Watched two movies called, The Legend of Johnny Lingo and Charly, and I fell asleep on the couch. Later that night we went to a fireside at the Logan Tabernacle and watch Melanie along with a whole choir sing hymns. it was beautiful and uplifting. I loved being their holding Stacy and hearing beautiful music for our Heavenly Father.
We went back to Church for ward prayer and I met a few more people. It was pretty brief and only lasted about 20 minutes. There were plans for hanging out at someone's house to play games and chill, but we just decided to go back to the apartment. We were all pretty tired. Stacy and I watched The Best Two years, which was pretty good, but I couldn't keep my eyes open. I was so tired! Throughout the whole weekend I got very little sleep. Slept in late, woke up by 7AM every single day just so I could make the most of my time here with Stacy. It was all worth it! We were both so sad that last night together. We just laid there on the couch for the longest time holding each other. Already missing each other so badly.
Monday January 19, 2009: Not really much to say about this day. We only had a few hours before we had to drive an hour and a half to the airport in Salt Lake City. Before we did, Stacy and I went to grab something to eat. We brought back some Carl's Jr. and ate breakfast. I said my goodbyes to everyone and Stacy and I left for the airport. She was so tired, so I asked if she wanted me to drive so she could nap in the passenger seat. She did, and I drove until we finally arrived. We just sat in the car after I parked in the parking garage for about 30 minutes. We really didn't want to go in, knowing that we would have to be apart again. Eventually we did. It hurt so much to leave her again. Everytime this happens it's like someone took your heart out of your chest and squeezed it to death. Airports can be places of reunion, but also long separations. I'll end this blog with this video of the view from my plane as I departed from Utah. I had such a great time, hanging out, meeting so many new people, making new friends, and most of all, being with her. I can't wait to come back. :]
So it's officially the start of a new set of Spring semester classes for me. Yay '09... I already feel a brain cramp.
This semester's going to be a balancing act for sure. Between keeping up with my studies, going to classes, church activities, and my near 40 hours of work every week, I have like 5% of freedom. It's true, I made a pie graph... for reals.
It's not like I can even drop any of those things. Classes and my studies are important, I have to pay the bills somehow, and I love having the gospel in my life. Before I started working, I actually had time for a lot of on-campus activities. Like spending time doing some community service, or serving as a representative in the Student Government Association. Now all those organizations have to take a backseat cause I know that the 5% of time I do have to myself is left for me. I'm sure I'm not the only one who is keeping busy. Most of you I'm sure aren't just sitting around, so I hope you all are dealing with your hectic schedules as well as you would like. I will actually be flying out of town soon! So that free-time is getting a boost by having me request off at work. Church and studies are still a definite to-do while I am gone over the weekend. But classes won't be in effect till I come back Monday night. It's actually pretty bad if I already need an escape after only one week of classes, huh?
Like I said earlier, I started my classes today. I've only been to one, and now I am on what Old Dominion calls the activity hour. It runs from 12:30 - 1:15PM. No classes are going on at this time and it's the time for college students to just chill, have a bite to eat, study, or participate in some campus activity. I will probably use it for all the above. So there won't be a total loss of campus involvement. Plus, they usually have a bunch of free food at these club meetings. Haha.
I actually don't know the point of this blog. I guess it's just for me to type things down and let it out. I guess I am feeling a little stressed with all the coursework I realize I have. I am actually taking on a larger courseload than I am used to with these more advanced classes. That, plus working nearly 40 hours a week with my new promotion supervising at Tropical Smoothie. Church and its related activities has recently become an active part of my life, and I love having the spirit with me as I go through my daily trials. It's a bit much, but I'm sure I can get through it if I focus. I also need to complete the Graduate Record Examination and I haven't even begun preparing for that! How will I get to graduate school without it?! I also have to take the writing proficiency exam before I can even graduate from ODU. My financial aid needs to be completed soon and I don't even have the necessary documents. Yikes! I have to fit time for that in between all the required things I must do. So where do you think I can even fit that in? That 5% of freedom I have to myself. Gosh dang. I'm glad I can rant on this blog for no reason at all. Haha. It sort of helps. Well, I guess I will just sign off here. My next class will be starting soon and I just want to relax for a bit before then. Thanks for listening... or not. I'm sure you're tired of hearing me complain when you probably have your own problems to deal with. Good luck with those! I'll need it for mine too. :[
End of a year. Time for new beginnings... or time to celebrate old ones. Tonight I was at a wedding for my cousin, Kien, and his wife, Michelle. Thing is though, they were married about 2 years ago in Vietnam. Although, our family here in Virginia Beach never got to celebrate their marriage because they did it overseas. But tonight, we finally got to celebrate it! It was a wedding, but without the marriage ceremony. All we did was party at the wedding reception that we never had. It was pretty cool because it was being held at the Virginia Space and Air Center.
It started at six o'clock and we were late by 5 minutes. I sped to get there, but it was really pointless cause the party didn't actually start until close to 7PM. Most of that hour was spent just taking pictures, waiting for other guests to arrive, looking around the museum, and just hanging out. I did a lot of each. Especially taking a bunch of pictures and searching around the space and air center. There are a lot of interesting things in there, and a lot to mess around with. We found things like a whole commercial airliner hanging off the ceiling. We even went inside and I sat inside the pilot seat. There are a bunch of old model jets hanging up there too. All real, all out of commission. Other things included things dealing with spacecraft. Thus the name, Virginia Space and Air Center. Haha. Here's a short video of what the reception looked like before everyone finally got there.
We were all ready to eat, but first dibs goes to the bride and groom. Then their immediate family, then pretty much everyone else. I have to say, the coconut shrimp was on point at this buffet style serving table! Probably the best thing there. I sat with Leo and the photogs cause the table with my other cousins was filled up. We were talking about my friend, Sandy from North Carolina, and how she might be coming down for spring break. Then the topic went to how Leo will marry her by age 30 if he is still single. He even put it into his event calendar in his iPhone, I was weak! Haha. Then Leo decided to ding his glass to get Kien and Michelle to kiss. :]
After we ate, the traditional tea ceremony was conducted. This is where the bride and groom serve tea to their parents, grandparents, and uncles and aunts. After serving the tea, they receive gifts. For as long as I can remember, every wedding within my family has done this tradition. Michelle received a lot of jewelry and she was adorned with them after serving tea. The expression on Kien's face is so funny in this picture. This short video is of my Aunt Trina (Kien's mom) being served tea and giving Michelle a whole lot of jewelry.
More tea-serving and gift-giving followed after my Aunt Trina. Which was then followed by Kien and Michelle's first dance as husband and wife, but technically it really wasn't. Haha. After they danced, couples were called up to the dance floor to dance with them. After that, everyone was able to just go out and shake their stuff. Too bad not a lot of people wanted to. Haha. It could have been a lot of fun with a lot more people willing to just let it loose.
While people were on the dance floor, both my cousins, Leo and Tom, were in the back of the reception trying to see who could handstand the longest. I don't know why. Haha. After that, they decided to see who could flip themselves off the floor into a handstand. Haha. It was funny to watch it from the sidelines. Especially funny when Tom fell onto the Christmas tree and presents that were on display in the back. I didn't catch that on camera, but still... good times! Haha.
Like Leo said in the video, we were starting to cut the cake. That was a sign of the night coming to an end. After we all ate cake, Michelle and Kien sang to each other. It was a great night, and another one of those few occasions where family reunite. That's twice this week now! Nice. :]
The party was fun and it was unique to have it where we did. I wish Kien and Michelle the best of luck as a married couple. I'm sure they will be together for a long long time to come.
Christmas, the night of our Lord and Savior's birth. These words say it best.
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O, hear the angel's voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born.
But of course, it is also a night for getting together with family and friends to share in the Christmas cheer. I just got home from the annual Christmas party at my cousin's house. We have a pretty large family and these occasions are one of the few where we all get together. There's a lot of, "You look different," and many, "You look bigger!" Sometimes an occasional, "What's your name again?" Haha. Those are pretty much only said by those who fly in from out of state. Either way, it's great to see old faces, familiar faces, and even some new ones.
Of course, what's a party without food? We love to eat, and that's exactly what we did first! My cousin, Anna, usually cooks up the food, but many times people bring stuff too. There wasn't as much as Thanksgiving because only a couple of people brought food this time, but tonight still was filling. We even had many leftovers. I copped a bunch of ribs to eat at home. Haha. They were delicious.
Afterward, we started opening up a bunch of the gifts. We turned the family room into a recycling dump with all the wrapping paper we discarded. I got a bunch of money in the form of a gift card and cash, which will come in handy for textbooks! I also got Lost Odyssey from Anna, which was a video game I really wanted! But even out of all the gifts I got, the awkward box from Stacy is still my fave. Haha. It felt great handing out gifts. It really is the season for giving. I wish I could have given out more, but my wallet has been bruised and beaten enough. Haha. Amidst the gift scrounging, my cousin, Leo, decided to show my Aunt My how to give someone dap.
You can even see my mom's random hand pop out of nowhere trying to imitate too. Haha. After that, we just hung out for the rest of the night. The adults were karoaking in the living room. Leo and I went upstairs and decided to play his new game for the X-Box 360, Lips. Basically, karoaking for the younger crowd. Dang, we are so Asian. Haha. It was a lot of fun though. You can watch me make a fool of myself as Leo beat me in almost every single game. Haha.
We played for a long time. Game got heated, and so did we. It was so hot in there! I had to take a step outside in the cold. Haha. I couldn't stay out long cause Anna started passing out these cigars and a bunch of people were outside smoking them. I can't stand the smell of smoke. I was bored just chilling inside while a bunch of the young folk were outside smoking, so I decided to catch them in the act. *Click, Snap, Save* Gotcha!! Haha. They came back in after awhile, and we all just started to play Rock Band 2. Pretty much everyone left while we were playing upstairs. Downstairs was empty, and the only karoaking going on was from whoever was singing on the mic connected to the 360.
I had a lot of fun. These get-togethers with my large family are few throughout the year, but when we have them, we're all smiles. I hope your Christmas was just as wonderful this year. Peace out and God bless.
Another Hallmark holiday goes by and here goes my blog post. I am going to keep it short since I don't have much time.
Haha. The place was a lot nicer than I expected. When you hear Newport News, you don't really think of nice clean areas of the city. But turns out, the Marriott we were having it at was in such a beautiful place.
We danced pretty much the rest of the night. Tricia and I basically sat out for most of the slow dances since we missed both of our other halves. Geeze, Stacy should have definitely been there with me. Still though, people asked us to dance. Tricia kind of got stuck with this guy who kept coming up to her, but after one dance he pretty much left her alone. I slow-danced with a couple of friends. The music was so random! Country, pop, hip-hop, rap, techno, oldies, etc. It was so fun, especially dancing to Soulja Boy. Haha.
They also had this silhouette cut-outs of a man and a woman. Guys could write out their idea of a perfect girl and vice versa. I wrote down Has a BIG heart, Knows how to cook, LOVES kids, and NOT BALD. Haha. I have even more, but I don't need to list them down. I already have the perfect girl. ;]
