fit to be "i"

A Free Giveaway!!!

2008-04-11T13:18:00.000-04:00

“For first-time moms without time or inclination to dally in stores comparing various items for their babies, Maclean and Schultz have compiled a handy baby-gadget buying encyclopedia.” Is how the Baby Gizmo Buying Guide is described. This mommy has to agree.

How I wish I had something like this when we were just starting our family. With the vast amount of baby products out there getting lost is easy. What do you need and what do you not need? Heather Maclean and Holly Schultz have attempted to take their years of baby buying and basically give you a cheat sheet. The sheet just happens to be 457 pages long.

The length would be my only complaint about this book. It makes it seem as intimidating as buying the actual products themselves! However, if you view it as an encyclopedia or reference instead of a book you read from beginning to end the size should not matter, but rather encourage you! For instance if you are interested in buying a new stroller simply turn to chapter 25 and get the low-down.

Special extras in this book are a special section on safety, growth charts and milestones, a registry list, a section on the perfectly packed diaper bag, a baby brand pronunciation guide, a money saving chapter, and the top 10 things they wished they knew when they were having children. The extras alone could be their own book!

After seeing this book I can definitely saymlvi1.gif

Now here is the fun part!!!!! I have 3 copies to give away for free! All you have to do is enter @ www.doesmommyloveit.com and make sure your email field is filled out. You have until April 11th to enter. Spread the word. It is appreciated but not required for you to mention this contest on your own blog and link to this post.

Game on!

TAGGED by my friend, Cara...I'm It!

2008-02-20T09:22:00.005-05:00

I got blog tagged by my writer/editor friend Cara, so here are the rules and my list.

The rules:
1. Link to the person that tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
4. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
5. Let each random person know they have been tagged.

————–
With that, here are six non-important things, habits, and/or quirks about me:

1. I'm addicted to anything citrus...oranges, lemons, grapefruits, pummelos, citrus-scented candles, citrus-flavored gum, and the list goes on!

2. I play the saxophone...I was first chair in junior high for my jazz lab for 4 years!

3. I love dark chocolate. The darker they are, the better it is!

4. I watch cooking shows but never cook.

5. I only use pens that have black ink.

6. I have to have hand cream 24/7. Dry skin esp. the hands drive me nuts!

Tag — you’re it!
Misi, MommyZabs, Stephie, Jackie, Leta, and Wonki

Does Mommy Love It? Group Writing Project #1

2008-02-17T23:38:00.006-05:00

Welcome to the first Does Mommy Love It? Group Writing Project! Go to www.doesmommyloveit.com.

If you are not familiar with what a Group Writing Project is, let me explain what it is and the perks of participating!

A Group Writing Project is a writing activity/contest that allows you to share personal stories and experiences based on a specific topic that is presented to you (by us, of course!). The topics are pretty general and you, as the writer, can share whatever you want within the topic…it can be humorous, serious, dramatic, and etc. The Group Writing Project occurs over a specified span of time (usually monthly, but subject to change). It’s a fun way to express your creativity of everyday life and even practice writing!

Here are the many perks in participating in a Group Writing Project:

1. More exposure to your own blog(s) and gain a broader readership audience.
2. Discover new and interesting blogs of others and make connections.
3. A chance to publish links to other’s posts and get links back to yours.
*If you are familiar with blog world, you know having links back to your blog are quite advantageous. I encourage everyone who participates to publish either a list of their favorites or even the whole list on their blog at the end of the contest.
4. Find out about the latest parenting trends, get advice on family issues, updates on new products, and meet other moms, dads, & families!
5. Lastly, you have a chance to WIN A PRIZE!

Okay, drum roll please, now for our first Group Writing Project…

Topic: A Family Product I Cannot Live Without, is…

This could be anything (a baby product, a child toy, or a website or book, etc.) that has helped you in your everyday family world. Please explain how it fits into your definition of what a “family product” is.
The post must contain a link back to this post. In using Mr. Linkey, make sure that you link back to your specific entry post and not your blog URL. You are welcome to take the banner from this post and use it in yours!

Deadline: Sunday February 24th, Midnight Eastern Time Zone.

PRIZE: $20 Amazon.com Gift Certificate - This will be chosen at random of all the entries.

What about those who want a chance to win but have no blog?
NO WORRIES! Simply use our contact page and copy/paste it in there, and we would be happy to post it for you. Or what’s even better, you can create your own blog using wordpress, blogspot, xanga, and etc.

New Web Venture

2008-02-08T10:16:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone!

My wonderful and good friend Elizabeth and I partnered up to create a new website for mommies. Our website features practical and fair reviews on all different kinds of products pertaining to baby, toddlers, families and parents. Our intention is to build a consistent readership audience and communities for mommies- new, experienced, grandmothers, and even friends of moms! Plus, we would love your comments on our products (i.e. whether you agree or disagree) as well as any feedback on our website itself. Please help us in spreading the word to others. It would be greatly appreciated.

Check it out at www.doesmommyloveit.com! We are in our initial launch, so let's build this together!

Thank you!

I'm grateful for my child...(Mamablogga group writing project)

2007-11-07T10:31:00.000-05:00

I'm grateful for my child for his ability to make me laugh. Boy, does he light up my life! By nature, I am a very serious person, introverted and very pensive. I think, think, think all the time about everything. Jaden, almost 3, lives life so simply. He's carefee, loves to have fun, makes most of his play and learning time. He soaks up his zest for life by the little things we take for granted. As a witness, to this, he shows me I need to laugh more and enjoy challenges and the unpredictable circumstances that happen. I now, run with him through puddles and play with his trucks and trains with him. I feel as though I can endure anything life throws at me.

Music!

2007-03-31T00:51:00.000-04:00

We were at the mall last weekend and it was packed. However, we found ourselves waiting for the crowds to pass and found a kiosk with Elmo, The Wiggles, Veggie Tales, and Dora all over. Obviously, it peaked Jaden's interest and we decided to discover what it was all about. It turns out that they make and sell children's characters (such as the above) CDs personalized with the child's name in the songs! So, Jaden kept saying, "Elmo, there's Elmo." We got the CD with all of Elmo's songs and Elmo says Jaden 75 times! Jaden loves music and hearing Elmo say his name...so we found that it's a great alternative to TV. He dances to it and sings. It's great! They are available online... Just ME music. Check it out!

New Findings

2007-03-20T19:58:00.000-04:00

So, I've started my new job at Liz and it's been great. There is such a ease about the atmosphere and such routine there. Everyone is cross-trained and knows each other's job. I work with 6 people and I analyzed the inventory to fully maximize our business. I primarily allocate Juicy Couture. At 5:30pm, I'm out the door and home by 5:45pm. Still, it feels a little weird. But I am enjoying it.

I have two great findings, I must share with you all. I absolutely adore these new footwear called Crocs. Recently, I bought Jaden a pair and it's the cutest thing. He has the kids cayman, but they offer various styles. Also, you can add little accessories called Jibbitz. I love them! Great for everyday wear, on the beach, and etc.

Also, you need to check out this E-MAGAZINE called "Babble." Check out their mission statement below.

We created Babble for one very simple reason: we can't find a magazine or community that speaks to us as new parents. Every publication we encounter presents procreation as a cute and cuddly experience, all pink and powder blue, at best an interior decorating opportunity, at worst a housekeeping challenge. None of it is true to the experience we are having, and that we see around us.

The truth is that parenting is one of life's crucible experiences — it's rapturous, backbreaking and hysterically funny. It swiftly cures both diehard cynics and careless naifs. It's a primal, somatic journey, thick with the fragrances, stenches, coos and cries of life at its most elemental. It's a subject, in other words, that deserves both more serious and lighthearted attention from the great writers of our day, not to mention from the best bloggers, photographers and videographers.

This, then, is the first part of Babble's mission: to tell the truth about parenting, to bypass the clichés and dig into the magical and maddening reality. Our commitment to readers is to explore the world of parenting on a daily basis with ruthless honesty, and with the humor and lyricism natural to the subject.

We can't think of a more interesting time to be talking about parenting. A few decades ago, things were simpler — parents followed uncontested instructions from the family doctor; wives did most of the work. Today, everything is up for grabs: roles are shifting, rules are changing and every opinion has backers. On the one hand, we are renegotiating the structure of parenting with employers and spouses; on the other, we are adapting techniques with the benefit of new research and our own instinct for reinvention. We are doing all this in pursuit of an age-old objective: we — fathers and mothers alike — want to raise happy, curious children without fully surrendering our adult lives.

If this were ever possible, it seems so today. We are a generation that has participated in the reinvention of media, science and technology — we have cause for optimism and experience with forging new rules. Many aspects of parenting are timeless, but others have changed radically in recent decades: Fathers today spend twice as much time with their children as they did 30 years ago, for instance. More mothers are working or finding other ways to stay socially and culturally engaged. American cities are undergoing a kind of parenting renaissance — more young families are staying in cities, and as a result cities are becoming more family-friendly. And yet despite all this progress (some would say because of it), parenting remains an extremely challenging job.

The second part of our mission is to make this challenge easier, to help parents navigate and keep pace with the modern, ever-changing world of parenting. To this end, we offer Strollerderby, the most comprehensive parenting blog on the planet; Parental Advisory, our advice column; and regular features about products, fashion, entertainment, travel, trends and health. Our short, straightforward reviews are designed to help new parents navigate the ever-rising ocean of gadgets (five-piece anti-gas baby bottles! electric wipe-warmers! multi-position slings!).

For those looking for quick answers to practical questions, we created the Info Center: a clear presentation of the landscape of expert opinion. Non-judgmental health-and-development articles present multiple answers to questions like, "Should I circumcise my child?" "Can our toddler watch movies?" and "Should we vaccinate against chicken pox?" along with links to the best resources online. Babble saves the conscientious parent hours of fruitless research by providing wise, thorough and succinct answers to all the most important questions.

The final aspect of our mission — and the closest to our hearts — is to build a community of like-minded parents. Parenting can be lonely. Together, we can connect the dots between our isolated experiences. We want to shares stories, commiserate and celebrate the absurdity and wonder of it all. We still have a lot of unanswered questions, and we have found no better resource than other parents. So please join us on the Babble Boards and share your thoughts, whether about Babble or parenting more broadly. We look forward to seeing you there.

— Rufus Griscom and Alisa Volkman, co-publishers

Very cool!

The greatest fraud ever?

2007-03-12T22:22:00.000-04:00

Apparently, we don't have to pay income tax. It's not a law, but a duty of a US citizen. It pays the government to provide us with various services like paying for the war in Iraq. I'm not certain if this is true or not, but we have some homework to do! Check out the documentary by Aaron Russo.

This is an hour and 30 minutes long, so here's a link.

Way Overdue...

2007-02-27T09:57:00.000-05:00

Wow! It's been a couple of months since my last blog. A ton of things have happened; therefore, my mind has been in whirls of pensive thought. To begin, this past Saturday, my amazing grandmother passed away. She practically raised my sister and me throughout our childhood. She was only 72 and it seems so incredulous to me that she's gone. It was so sudden...she collapsed last Friday night and was hospitalized and in a week she's gone. She's had health problems but wasn't supposed to be this early. She was so awesome and loved all of her grandkids. She was so patient and loving. It's a little over a year since my other grandmother died. I have to stop writing, tears are welling up.

Death has been one of the things constantly running through my mind. A few weeks ago, a friend of mine, older brother, committed suicide. Man, that was surreal. I'm not sure if any one of us knew how to respond/react to that. It seems as though he suffered from bipolar mental disorder. But when you met him, he seemed so normal and just a regular guy. At the viewing, my friend read the last journal entry of his and all he wrote down was, "I am a child of God, a child of God, a child of God" repeatedly. He jumped off the George Washington bridge and must of died immediatedly because it was freezing.

About a week ago, my close, close friend almost got into a huge car accident, and it really shook her up. I am so thankful she's not gone. Sigh of relief!

I was driving up from the NJ Turnpike and literally witnessed a multi-car accident where I saw a car tire shoot straight up into the air. Blessedly, I was driving slower than usual and I was 5 cars away from the accident. My heart raced at the site of the accident.

To be honest, God knows I don't feel ready to die or ever ready for anything that will require a sacrifice. My question is..."are we or am I ever ready for anything?" It is written in Romans, "For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you though Christ from the power of sin that leads to death...so you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves...for the Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us we're God's children." Why is it that most of the time I feel like a cowering, fearful slave? I know I am a child of God, yet why do I lack so much trust. So far, my twenties have been a consistent whirlwind of transitions and change. Most unplanned, some planned. However, has it really built more trust in Him? Have I learned to love Him more? Has He become my all in all? How about my heart...has it hardened or has it softened? I hope so...I better have.

Truly, as I am learning more of who I am with the Lord and how He's shaping me, things of this world is slowly passing away. GOD, you are sovereign and good.

"That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever." 2 Cor. 4: 16-18

On a somewhat brigher note, I have resigned from my job at L'Oreal and will be working at a new job at Liz Claiborne starting March 19th. L'Oreal is great and the team I work for are fabulous, but just can't understand the the whole life/balance thing. The Liz office is in NJ, about a 20 minute drive and I will be doing something that is somewhat related. It has just as great benefits as well as set working hours. 9-5. Yes!

Jaden's growing at rapid speed and is learning a ton of things at daycare. His major milestone is that he's speaking in sentences. His daycare functions as a preschool. They even take class pictures. After the summer program, Jaden will be entering Pre K 3. It's great!

This must be the year! I have 5 weddings to go to and 6 of my girlfriends are pregnant. Three with their firsts, one with her 2nd, one on her 4th, one on her 3rd. Crazy! I am craving for my second, definitely. We'll see! :)

Here's pics for you to enjoy... ALL in ALL I love every one of you who has been and is part of my life!

Where's the balance?

2006-10-11T21:19:00.000-04:00

So, it's been quite a while since my last blog. To be honest, it's been incredibly busy at work. My manager resigned 3 weeks ago and thus, in two months time at L'Oreal, I'm pounded with a ton of work. Reports after reports for upper management, getting used to all the systems, learning the business, I'm bogged down. For the last 3 weeks, I've been coming home at 7:30pm-8pm every night. It's seriously not fun. I'm exhausted. Pray for me. It's really weird to reconnect back to NYC life. People who stay at work till 8pm and go out afterwards for drinks and such.

For me, finding the balance is still a work in progress. I know I'll find it soon!

I'll write more later.

Another year older!

2006-09-06T16:43:00.000-04:00

HEY ALL!

TODAY IS WON'S 28th BIRTHDAY! PLEASE WISH HIM MANY BLESSINGS AND LOVE thru email, phone, blog, and etc.!

Update

2006-08-04T14:40:00.000-04:00

So, it's Friday...and it's summer hours at work, so I got home by 2pm. The weather here has been intolerably hot, way into the 100's all week. We are going to a barbecue tomorrow, it's going to be hot, but it'll be fun. My first week at work was good, and training has been pretty intense. My supervisor showed me all the knicks and crannies of our systems and reports. A little complicated, but with time, I'll get used to them. L'Oreal is a great company thus far, with an amazing load of benefits. I do feel a little out of the loop with the whole NYC thing. Now that I'm a mom, it's very different. The VP and Director of my department are in their early 40's, married only for 3 years and don't have any children. I mean, they were shocked when they found out that I was a mommy. They had the look. It's so rare to be a mommy so young here. I can tell it's going to be a challenge for me...they will not understand why i can't work late all the time and such. Yikes! God's really showing me how precious Jaden is...how treasured our kiddies are. I know if I tried really, really hard, I can be a full-time stay at home mom, teaching the alphabet, showing them how to do crafts and such, but things like that are hard for me on a daily basis. I tried it for 2 years. The reasons for me working, isn't b/c I want a lifestyle where I can buy anything, keep up with the Jones', run in the rat race, or that I'm building my value/identity in performance. God's worked thru those issues and is continuing to. I just enjoy work...I believe it can be that simple. Seriously, I don't believe that I worked at Chanel or even now at L'Oreal, these top companies on my own merit. I firmly believe God wants to use me as a vessel for women and beauty. A training ground. We'll see. God has been really good and it's deeply left me thankful and humbled. Through work, Won met a Christian woman, Shaunice, who has 2 children and is a full-time working mom. She invited us to a barbecue and I was able to chat with her and she has been an incredible blessing and someone who I can relate to. Right now, at our church, we have been going through a series on intimacy with the Lord. Our pastor really feels that we should always delve deeper in intimacy, being honest. Along with this, he spoke on slander/power of the tongue especially again each other in Christ. We should instead learn and practice and renew our mindsets to be genuinely happy for one another. Have a sound mind...our lives all look different, learn similar lessons through different circumstances, BE GOOD and HAPPY for each other. Gal 5: 25 writes, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." Why is that so hard in the church?

So, if I had hurt anybody through my words, gossip and actions...FORGIVE ME. Please tell me too. I am in the continuing process of maturing and coming to the light of Christ. As I look back or as God continues "grow" me, I realize how dense I am sometimes. Just like an artist, God defines the very lines of my profile, etching my mindset, and repolishing my character. I've always felt that one of my quests in life is this: 1 Thess. 11-12, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."

Well, it turns out Jaden is doing relatively well at daycare. The first day was a bit rough...crying spells her and there, but he perservered. Then, the crying became less and less. He plays, paints, glues, draws, reads books and goes out walking. He is in a classroom of only 5 other kids his age..he's the youngest though. Miss Annette, his teacher, has a lovely British accent and fills out a very detailed sheet of his daily schedule. Plus, they offer lunch! Thanks for the prayers everyone!

Now that I've started work, the idea of an attempt to penetrate into the world of working mom seems more overwhelming. But, a compelling desire to infiltrate the NYC pulls me closer to its midst. So, pray for me!

Here's a recent pic of my little booger. Enjoy.

Are you listening?

2006-07-02T22:07:00.000-04:00

L'Oreal offered me the job! So, they called me about 2 weeks ago and asked me to come in for another interview...my 5th and I met with everyone I will be working with and a couple of hours after my interview, they called and offered me the position. I am working as a Sales Analyst for the Luxury products division, which include Kiehl's, Shu Uemuera, Garnier, Giorgio Armani cosmetics, Ralph Lauren and etc. I am super excited! It's located in NYC, so I will be back in the Fashion Capital of the world. Primarily, my job entails a ton of mathematical formulas and Excel spreadsheets. I am analyzing sales trends for our products, doing transfers, sell-thrus, and research our competitor's business. I love doing reports! It'll be another huge transition after being out of the workforce for about 2 years. Won and I are working out some options regarding Jaden (daycare, nanny, etc) and having family near is soooooooo helpful. I'll let you know how everything turns out. My start date is August 1st. God has been so good to us through all of our many and sudden changes.

Pray for me b/c being apart from Jaden will be extremely difficult if not excrutiatingly painful. He's won me over completely! I'm not sure if many mommies will understand, but I truly believe that God has put a deep heart for the corporate world in me. Yes, motherhood is truly amazing and is a huge piece of who I am, but God has also put a smaller yet significant call for me in the workforce as well. I feel as though I will learn how to balance that during this season... I have to trust that if He's truly called me to work that God has also shaped Jaden to adjust to that without traumatic effects on his life. Who knows...maybe I'll discover motherhood got to me and has become my sole purpose? I have to at least give it a try!:)

On another note, I believe Ravi Zacharias is one of the greatest Christian thinkers of our time. (I have to say that Rev. Tim Keller of Redeemer church in NY, John Piper, and Dr. Joel Hunter of Northland come very close.) I've always enjoyed messages when speakers refer to other posthumously renowned thinkers such as C.S. Lewis, F. Bonhoffer, St. Augustine, B. Pascal, Watchman Nee, N.T. Wright, & etc. A while back, I read his book, Cries of the Heart, and it challenged me in a myriad of ways on the state of our human hearts. Each chapter leaves you with gnawing questions to soulfully probe and comprehend our own state of mind and truly coming to terms with it in our being. He covers topics such as knowledge of God, a guilty conscience, a reason in suffering, faith, a freedom in pleasure, loneliness, God for His people. This book definitely reassures that God is consumate answer to every heart cry. Ravi is an intelluctual genius, an apologetics genius, I should add. It's an amazing read...please read it, but beware, it's one of those books that every chapter is so enlightening and thought-provoking that you need a certain amount of time to assess and digest it. I'm not certain why enjoy reading books that challenge me and even at times, that make me feel uncomfortable. It's odd really, I hate physical lifestyle changes and have such a strenous time adjusting to them yet at the core I truly indulge myself in a quest for growth, which in fact happens through change. I guess changes are good...even the bad ones b/c you gain the experience and learn from them. I firmly believe who you are at the core determines the kind of life you live out for God. My hope is that my life is a daily reflection of my core and it pleases God. All I know is that all of us are on this journey and it's so awesome to have generous people and insightful resources to help us along.

I'll leave you with a quote by the author himself, " When God speaks there are no ploys, no gimmicks. Only life-defining truth. When He speaks we will be soothed by His touch, and we will rest in His comfort, knowing that He has heard our cries and has come near in our need."
Reassuring. God is good.

I'm still in the process of reading Life of Pi...pretty good...there's a ton of good, insightful quotes.

Words...and more Words

2006-06-23T08:03:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure how many of you know, but I am an avid crossword puzzler. I have completed a myriad of crossword puzzles...ranging from the NY times to New York magazine, my college daily Targum to a number of daily newspapers. I also own a collection of crossword puzzle books, with which one I am currently in the process of finishing, "a set of crossword puzzles to boost your brainpower!" edited by WILL SHORTZ. He's the crossword puzzle editor of the NY Times and he's brilliant. I have to say, I have yet to fully complete a NY Times crossword, I get really close but it's too hard to finish off. My favorite is the New York Magazine crossword because the clues relate to our progressive culture and pop stars. This is my secret habit...love of words and knowledge. Well, my reason for writing this is because there is a new docufilm out called, "Wordplay," and I'm dying to see it. Check out the link. I also found out that Mike Mussina, my favorite Yankee pitcher, is also in the movie b/c he is a crossword puzzle junkie too!

Well, here's an update regarding my job situation. So, there is a huge change in the position. It's being moved to NYC with the rest of my department. So, they are in the process of moving and there are many changes going on in the department, so they haven't settled on any decision yet. So, here am I still waiting...but I'm just trusting God and living life.

Jaden turned 18 months last Friday and he's developing fast. His words of the moment are Bear, ball, no, car, dada, buh bye, mama, book, and he's learned how to sign 'puzzle' on his own. He's so into balls, puzzles, books, musical instruments and trucks. I have to tell you a funny incident. For Father's Day, we went out for breakfast and obviously, half way thru the meal, Jaden wants to get out of his highchair. As he's just roaming around near us, he begins to kind of venture out and then we tell him, "Jaden, No, don't go too far." Then he looks at us and says, "NO, bye bye!" starts waving and then starts to run. We were in shock. He's starting to put things together and beginning to understand life especially disobeying. Ahhhhh! It was the cutest thing though.

Recently I finished the Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. It was a really honest and mindset challenging book... I have to admit, the writing wasn't the greatest, but the read was good. I enjoyed the book, but of the honesty of his thoughts and his ability to think deeply in order to relate our inner thoughts to our "living" life. There was this part on relationships and it really convicted me about my motives and the way I view people. Here it is...
"Mr. Spencer then asked us about another are in which he felt metaphors cause trouble. He asked us to consider relationships. What metaphors do we use when we think of relationships? We value people...We invest in people...and soon enough we listed an entire white board of economic metaphor. Relationship could be bankrupt...People are priceless. All economic metaphors. I was taken aback.
...The problem with Christian culture is we think of love as a commodity...I could see it very clearly. If somebody is doing something for us, offering us something, be it gifts, time popularity, or what have you, we feel they have value, we feel they are worth something to us, and perhaps, we feel they are priceless."
This passage really hit home for me. As it convicted Donald Miller, it convicted me to repent for not understanding love with grace or with equality. We are all selfish human beings. It opened up a new paradigm shift to value people for being people at the core. People cannot be equated with/ or judged by economic statuses. In our culture, we do that...we naturally veer toward people who seem to have it all or people who are established. We've perfected our own sense of worth by performing and doing to make ourselves look good or that we have the material possessions people want. C.S. Lewis said, "to love all is to be vulnerable." To be honest, it's easier to love people when they do offer back (whether its money or advice, roles) or you do feel a connection. Why do I have the close friends I do? We connect and offer each other something. I don't think Donald Miller is saying re-assess your relationships and determine your motives in your current friendships, but he's saying when you see people...How do you see them? In God's eyes, no one is better the other and everyone is on the same page. We are all sinners and fallen short of God's glory. I'm not saying that this type of love is going to be perfected here on earth nor am I saying that I can possibly love every single person as God does. I will try...b/c I am obedient.

Okay, too much deep thinking. Right now, I'm reading Life of Pi by Yann Martel, so I'll let you know how it turns out. I'll leave you with some pictures...enjoy.

In Central Park, NY...

Here am I...

2006-05-11T11:58:00.000-04:00

I took the long online profile to discover my 5 main themes of strengths. I basically revolve my mindset and feelings around these themes. It's interesting...after reading through my strengths, I am quite surprised how accurate it was. This book is extremely practical and really helps you function efficiently and successfully with relationships and at work. Check it out! Now, Discover Your Strengths.

Responsibility
Your Responsibility theme forces you to take psychological ownership for anything you commit to, and whether large or small, you feel emotionally bound to follow it through to completion. Your good name depends on it. If for some reason you cannot deliver, you automatically start to look for ways to make it up to the other person. Apologies are not enough. Excuses and rationalizations are totally unacceptable. You will not quite be able to live with yourself until you have made restitution. This conscientiousness, this near obsession for doing things right, and your impeccable ethics, combine to create your reputation: utterly dependable. When assigning new responsibilities, people will look to you first because they know it will get done. When people come to you for help-and they soon will-you must be selective. Your willingness to volunteer may sometimes lead you to take on more than you should.

Relator
Relator describes your attitude toward your relationships. In simple terms, the Relator theme pulls you toward people you already know. You do not necessarily shy away from meeting new people-in fact, you may have other themes that cause you to enjoy the thrill of turning strangers into friends-but you do derive a great deal of pleasure and strength from being around your close friends. You are comfortable with intimacy. Once the initial connection has been made, you deliberately encourage a deepening of the relationship. You want to understand their feelings, their goals, their fears, and their dreams; and you want them to understand yours. You know that this kind of closeness implies a certain amount of risk-you might be taken advantage of-but you are willing to accept that risk. For you a relationship has value only if it is genuine. And the only way to know that is to entrust yourself to the other person. The more you share with each other, the more you risk together. The more you risk together, the more each of you proves your caring is genuine. These are your steps toward real friendship, and you take them willingly.

Consistency
Balance is important to you. You are keenly aware of the need to treat people the same, no matter what their station in life, so you do not want to see the scales tipped too far in any one person's favor. In your view this leads to selfishness and individualism. It leads to a world where some people gain an unfair advantage because of their connections or their background or their greasing of the wheels. This is truly offensive to you. You see yourself as a guardian against it. In direct contrast to this world of special favors, you believe that people function best in a consistent environment where the rules are clear and are applied to everyone equally. This is an environment where people know what is expected. It is predictable and evenhanded. It is fair. Here each person has an even chance to show his or her worth.

Focus
"Where am I headed?" you ask yourself. You ask this question every day. Guided by this theme of Focus, you need a clear destination. Lacking one, your life and your work can quickly become frustrating. And so each year, each month, and even each week you set goals. These goals then serve as your compass, helping you determine priorities and make the necessary corrections to get back on course. Your Focus is powerful because it forces you to filter; you instinctively evaluate whether or not a particular action will help you move toward your goal. Those that don't are ignored. In the end, then, your Focus forces you to be efficient. Naturally, the flip side of this is that it causes you to become impatient with delays, obstacles, and even tangents, no matter how intriguing they appear to be. This makes you an extremely valuable team member. When others start to wander down other avenues, you bring them back to the main road. Your Focus reminds everyone that if something is not helping you move toward your destination, then it is not important. And if it is not important, then it is not worth your time. You keep everyone on point.

Harmony
You look for areas of agreement. In your view there is little to be gained from conflict and friction, so you seek to hold them to a minimum. When you know that the people around you hold differing views, you try to find the common ground. You try to steer them away from confrontation and toward harmony. In fact, harmony is one of your guiding values. You can't quite believe how much time is wasted by people trying to impose their views on others. Wouldn't we all be more productive if we kept our opinions in check and instead looked for consensus and support? You believe we would, and you live by that belief. When others are sounding off about their goals, their claims, and their fervently held opinions, you hold your the debate, preferring to talk about practical, down-to-earth matters on which you can all agree. In your view we are all in the same boat, and we need this boat to get where we are going. It is a good boat. There is no need to rock it just to show thatyou can.

Right now, I'm listening to cds called "The Secret Place" by Graham Cooke. I'm not sure how many of you have heard of him, but he's fabulous. He focuses a lot on intimacy with the Lord and his teachings pierce you straight to the core of our hearts. Through his experiences of Christ and life, he says that in the midst of the utmost hardships and struggles, it's all about God's love and who you are becoming through them. Loving God through loving yourself. Going through the process is the key, not particularly the outcome. Living in peace and rest in the uttermost midst of turmoil. How to do that..."Wait on the Lord through brokeness and breaking." So profound and such beauty. As John 15 says..."Abiding in Him." We must have Habitation in the Lord, not visitation in the Lord. I've been going through a slow but good spiritual healing and renewal of late and it's definitely been challenging me a lot.

On another note, I have my 3rd interview with L'Oreal next Thursday with the VP of Sales Administration. I don't know what God has in store for me. We'll see.

Oh, the joys of life!

2006-05-03T07:29:00.000-04:00

It's been over a month since my last post, so I better get a move on and update. My days and weeks have consisted of experiencing the development of my little booger, Jaden. Which really translates into "The Wiggles," "Blue's Clues" and Thomas train sets. Just kidding! It's really interesting to see how much he's grown, not only physically, but mentally and socially. He's wanting to do everything we do, eat everything we do, he sings and dances, he's more vocal and plays so well. He's becoming a little person... Over lunch, a close friend and I were discussing how now as mommies, our lives really don't seem significant. Let me explain, all day from morning to night, our actions, our speech, our instincts depict the amount of time with give to our children. May it be from doing a puzzle to reading a book to even discipline, our lives are lived for our kids. BUT, when I see how HAPPY Jaden is, it doesn't matter, things that our culture values doesn't matter such as career, fame, and etc. It's deemed as insignificant b/c NO ONE ELSE sees the amazing seeds of love, grace, values, security you plant in their hearts. It's funny b/c I never imagined that I'd fall in love again...apart from Won that is. It's weird, I grew up thinking I'll never love anyone more (GOD ASIDE) than my husband and look, a love for your child is inexplicable...unconditional. Well, I'm realizing how good God is...how good life is...God rewards mommies. Of course, your hubby and children do too. A couple of months back, I had a really good conversation with a friend and we chatted about work vs. staying home, our goal-oriented personalities. It was really encouraging for me b/c she shed a new light on a perspective. She said how in our careers it was easier to be goal-oriented b/c we were given goals to achieve. As a mommy, we can take that kind of perspective and put it into our daily motherhood. The hardest part is it LOOKS different and of course, we don't get rewarded right away. You see, I love that and it's really be helpful for me to speak to other mommies.

At church, we had a "Healing Weekend" and it was great. It was perfect timing. I have a ton of fears...fears of losing myself to fears of disappointment and failure. God was amazing and His spirit is full of joy. God has really been showing me the "fullness of Joy" and what that looks like even in the midst of all things negative.

The weather here has been absolutely fabulous. It's a little colder than expected, but fabulous...so breezy and sunny yet in the mid 60's.

I've finally settled and our life here has been good. We have our little schedules and our routine going. I have playdates and time to hang with friends and other moms. I'm learning a lot about myself and others. Our family is stronger than ever (of course, we have weakenesses) and really learning to function efficiently as a family. Thanks to God and the show Super Nanny.

Btw, I am currently reading this book called NOW, Discover your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham & Donald O. Clifton. Here's an excerpt... " Unfortunately, most of us have little sense of our talents and strengths, much less the ability to build our lives around them. Instead, guided by our parents, teachers...we become experts in our weaknesses and spend our lives trying to repair these flaws, while our strengths lie dormant and neglected." It's a great practical book and it truly goes deeper to know our strengths and even discover that some of our weakeness and matter of factly, strenghts. I'm only half way through.

Well, I'm not sure whether or not I'll go back to work. I got this part-time job and ended up not taking it. But about two weeks ago I got this called from L'oreal and for this position as a Sales Analyst in their luxury products division. Exactly what I did at Chanel... in the buying division. I am very interested and did go in for the interviews. BUT the difference this time around is that I'm realizing is that JADEN is my first priority. I mean I've always known that but this time it's not about ME.... "oh, I need to work, I'm not good with this motherhood thing." God really has worked out those issues. I'll really have to assess God's will and sovereignty in my life and of course, see how Jaden will handle pre-pre school/ daycare. It's really up to Jesus and Jaden regarding this job. So, keep me in your prayers. I'm going with the flow...we'll see if I'll be a working mom or not.

We finally cut Jaden's hair. We've been so nervous b/c he hates loud noises like vaccuums. And those buzzers are pretty loud. However, he did fine...I'll end with some pictures.

MILESTONE

2006-03-15T18:32:00.000-05:00

YES, at 15 months...Jaden is walking. Actually, waddling. I've posted some pictures for your enjoyment!

Boston

2006-02-21T07:51:00.000-05:00

We came back from our awesome mini getaway to Boston. Won had an extended weekend, due to Presidents' Day on Monday and his company was moving this past weekend, so they gave Friday off. It was so nice to get away and spend some time relaxing and meeting up with good friends. This is my second time visiting, Boston. The first time was for just a brief moment, so I wasn't able to fully expolore Boston. Boston is such a fun city, a city rich with US history. Although the city is small compared to NYC, it's quite engaging...it's much friendlier to kids, it's cleaner, it's driveable and it's filled with sights to see and places to visit. I bought this book by DK publishing, that lists the "Top 10 things to do in Boston" and top 10 things to do within the top 10 list and we did them all. For some reason, this past weekend, the weather dropped to a mere high of 25 degrees from 65 degrees. It was FREEZING. Thank goodness, we stayed at the Ritz-Carlton in Boston Common. Staying at a fabulous hotel, certainly helped staying in. Big props to Helen, who hooked us up!

Furthermore, I got a chance to hang out with my two really good friends from elementary school, Aggie and Dave. Our friendships are lifelong ones. Aggie and I have been friends since 5th grade and she is just absolutely amazing. She is currently at Harvard Medical School, studying Neurology. (She also graduated from Harvard undergrad) As we were catching up, it's inspiring to see how much passion she has for medicine yet she's so down to earth. She and I are at such different places in our lives yet we are able to relate and see how much experience and emotion can bring people together. I spent the whole day with her on Saturday, shopping and chatting over coffee at Harvard Square while Won was playing in a charity basketball tournament for North Korean orphans on Saturday. Jaden was being babysat by Hannah, a good friend of ours. Thank you, Hannah. Although, the NJ Turnpikers lost, they had heart. Won was definitely MVP, my MVP.

My friend, Dave is another passionate/ambitious one. He and I have known each other for years. After Yale, he went to Harvard Law school and is currently interning in a law firm in Boston. Soon, he will be in DC clerking for a justice in the Supreme Court. He is one out of 36 that get chosen every year. Amazing. He firmly believes God has placed him in Law for this very reason...to be in the judicial system, being able to impact the direction of the country. It's so cool!

EVERY friendship that GOD has placed in my life is precious and to be treasured. I have a myriad of friends that differ in many ways yet mirror each other in many ways. Every person that God places in your life is for a reason and as I am getting older and more and more responsibilities are handed unto my plate, I'm realizing I need friends.
As God has been teaching me about gratefulness, I am thankful for every one of my friends and each of you has a special place in my heart. With each of you to grow with, to learn from, to give and receive from, to experience things with, to challenge me, to inspire and teach me, to be happy for, to love and support me and to run the race with.

So, to every one of my friends, I LOVE YOU and PRAY for you! I am so happy to be part of your lives and that I get a chance to see everything the Lord has done in you. Let's continue to spur each other on towards love and good deeds!

TO CLARIFY... Cicero once said, "Life is nothing without friendships." I completely believe this to be true when I LEARNED to be a better and true friend. Let me explain. Yes, in your life people will come and go, stay for a season whether it's long or short, and some stay forever. This is my clincher, learn to be a true friend. That will look different for every person. We are all human with shortcomings, faults and weaknesses. In Proverbs, it writes, that " a friend sticks closer than a brother." What I think it means is that we have the "choice to choose our friends" but what family we get born into, we don't get to choose. So, true friendship thrives b/c we chosed eachother and we have each other's well-being in priority where there is a genuine love and balance to give and to recieve. In the end, all of our "true" intentions will come out anyway whether it's selfish or not. Let's make life everything b/c of true friendships!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

2006-02-12T07:41:00.000-05:00

So, it's been quite a crazy weekend so far. Yesterday, we woke up to an apartment with no running water. What a surprise! There is construction happening on route 18 right near our place and it turns out they broke two water mains in New Brunswick! We had to go to a good friend's wedding yesterday, so I had to run out and go over to my friend's place to take a shower. It was so cold and I had to rush. I hate being rushed in the morning. It really doesn't help me pace the rest of the day. Well, I realize how many things we take for granted in life. This year God has been really tugging at my heart to learn how to be thankful and grateful for every thing, situation, pain and experience. I read this quote by Aristotle in college, and it writes..." Do you know what soon grows old? Gratefulness." This statement rings so true in life. We take things for granted even friends and family at times! Having majored in English, I've read a myriad of literary writings from novels to short stories, to essays to plays. I loved reading and studying these works b/c it taught me so much about life, reality, and pain. Even through my times of growth, I was able to pull out many emotions and at times even put my feelings into writing and understanding. The Bible is God-breathed and I firmly believe that it is the core manual for my life. In addition to reading and studying it, we also need the Holy Spirit to move our hearts. Now thinking back on the past 2 years, I haven't let God move me through the Spirit as much as the teaching. I'm really trusting that God will revive me again and let all the teachings move down to my heart and to let it pour out onto others!

Okay, enough rambling, to be honest, I have a difficult time assessing how much to share on blogs. I'll try to be more open. Anyways, my sister and Eddie came down to babysit Jaden while we are at the wedding. Congrats to Irene and Edgar! They looked radiant! God's Spirit and love filled the room! The reception was so hip at Nova Terra and I ate like a pig since I didn't have any breakfast! The food was so good.

It started to snow around 5 pm on Saturday, and we've been inside since then. Right now, it is absolutely beautiful outside with it being crystal clear and pearly white! We have 20 inches of snow and it's still snowing and windy. The winds are 35 mph and the wind chill is 7 degrees. Church is cancelled today and we are having church televisedily!

Hope the snow will end soon so we can go sledding and have snow ball fights! Btw, we have running water! Praise God!

A MILESTONE!

2006-01-15T20:34:00.000-05:00

JADEN IS CRAWLING!!! 13 months!!!

Tagged again

2006-01-06T08:30:00.000-05:00

Tagged again by E. I love these!

The Rules: Write an Blog entry about 5 Guilty Pleasures.
In the end you need to choose
five people to be tagged and list their names.

1. JEANS... I love jeans especially designer jeans...Seven's, Paper Denim, Citizens of Humanity, Chip & Pepper, etc.

2. SUSHI... My favorite food of all. It's low-fat, healthy, and so good!

3. THEATER... NYC is the mecca of performing arts. I would love to go see an Opera, a ballet, Broadway shows, plays, and etc. more often... but tickets are really expensive!

4. FACIALS & MASSAGES... The SPA, that's all I need to say!

5. VUEVE CLIQUOT Champagne... Weird, but I'm really not into alcoholic beverages since my tolerance level is somewhat non-existent, but when I take a glass of this particular champagne, I'm fine.

I'm tagging... KRISTY, LETA, STEPHANIE, JENN MACK, & CINDY.

Anyways, I love the picture of Won and me below. It's been a while since we've taken a photo together!

Jaden's BIG DAY

2005-12-20T08:14:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JADEN!

Jaden is an ONE-YEAR old now!

This time last year, we were in Florida and welcomed the newest member of the Kim Family.
What a joy and blessing he is!

Look how big he is now, and still a cutie...

Here's what happened for his birthday...When a baby turns ONE, it is very significant in the Korean family tradition because it signifies their strength for survival!

Jaden and me at the portrait studio

Jaden's birthday was held at the Fort Lee Hilton Hotel on December 18th.
Decorations were amazing, food was tasty, and we all throughly enjoyed the cake!

Cake time!

Let's blow out the candles!

In traditional Korean Dol, Jaden had to pick 3 out of 5 items in front of him- yarn, rice, books, pencil, money, which determines what his interest/skill will be. But GOD IS SOVEREIGN and Jaden is called to whatever God has called him to, but this is for fun! He picked the book first, then the yarn, lastly the pencil. He's going to be a smarty!

Jaden also had a mini party with a few of his buddies... the theme was 'Chicken Little'!

We missed Owen, Hailey and Caitlyn!

WE LOVE YOU JD!

Time to Celebrate!

2005-12-16T13:03:00.000-05:00

JADEN TURNS 1 TODAY!!!!

I'll post pictures from his party soon!

Ready, Set, GO!! Winter's here!!!

2005-11-29T08:45:00.000-05:00

Well, I can't believe it's going to be December soon! Yeah, Christmas is around the corner! The weather here has been just amazing. Cool, cold and sunny. It's a little warmer today, but beautiful! I'm not up to much...but I'm thoroughly enjoying spending time with my friends and family. We had a ton to catch up on!

I'm really trying to get my spiritual walk in order. Finding time for yourself is difficult, let alone finding time with God! It seems impossible! Being a mom has truly challenged me to the core. I see God doing some miraculous work in my heart regarding past issues, and etc. He's softening me---my spirit, my heart---many people mistake that I'm shy or I'm passive b/c I'm quiet and reserved, but deep inside, I'm really not those things... my nature is just cautious and critical. But God's working...

Sunday nights are my favorite time to watch TV b/c of two shows---Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy. I love the show Desperate Housewives b/c I sense a deep relation/connection to the four women.

Lynette is my personal favorite b/c I relate to her the most. Like her, I have a deep longing to be part of a company and having a career and much of my image build-up is work. I enjoy the hard work, the meetings, the adrenaline, the accomplishment of goals, the promotions, the teamwork, and etc. But deep inside, there's a softness and care about her and I know it's due to being a mom who adores her kids.

Susan...what can I say, but that she's an emotional mess. I AM AN EMOTIONAL MESS. Women are emotional! Yes, I am a woman!

Gabrielle is hilarious. I have the same superficial materialistic tendencies as she does. I'm not saying that I need to spend a fortune on an Aston-Martin, but I love fashion, some luxuries and of course, exotic vacations. I grew up near NYC and the NorthEast society thrives on high end fashion and luxuries. I'm a product of that image...but God has changed me! Thank you! To be honest, I enjoy splurging a little! (God knows this and has done an amazing job instilling wisdom, maturity, and character in me)

Bree is outwardly everything I want to be. Proper, sophisticated, and PERFECT. Everything move she makes, everything she touches is with utter perfection. She has a inner life full of fears compounded with grief, disappointments coupled with anger, and expectations that fail her. She's not in control the fragility of being human is so evident in her inner life. I too am like her.

Just some thoughts...

Anyways, here are some new pics of little Jaden!

Birthday, Birthday!

2005-11-14T08:46:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I turned 26! Yep, I'm still in my mid-twenties. Won planned a romantic day for me and it was so awesome. He's the best! Also, thank you to all my wonderful friends who gave me shoutouts, phone calls, e-cards, and gifts. I felt special, really special!

Being back in NJ/NY is great and we feel so right here. We are near so much culture, not only a diverse group of people, but a myriad of things to do, an array of interests and numerous options for restaurants. I absolutely love it.

Right now, I beginning to plan for Jaden 1st birthday. I can't believe it. I'm so sad that Owen, Hailey and Caitlyn won't be able to come!!!

Well, i'll write more later!!!

2 by 2 MEME!

2005-11-11T15:37:00.000-05:00

I'M IT! Tagged by EJ... :)

2 names you go by:
1. BOAH- my Korean name
2. CA- my close high schools friends call me that

2 parts of your heritage:
1. Korean
2. Korean

2 things that scare you:
1. Heights
2. Childbirth

2 of your everyday essentials:
1. Coffee
2. Prayer

2 things that you are wearing right now:
1. Black Juicy velour pants
2. White Tank from Gap

2 favorite songs (at the moment):
1. Heard 'Em say - Kanye West & Maroon 5 (it doesn't mean I condone his political views/lifestyle)
2. Collide - Howie Day

2 things you want in a relationship (other than real love):
1. friendship/connection
2. understanding

2 truths:
1. You are loved by God, no matter what
2. Life is a journey...sometimes long, sometimes short, sometimes neither

2 physical traits in the opposite sex that appeal to you: (MY HUSBAND)
1. I love Won's smile...so genuine!
2. I love Won's arms...so muscular!

2 of your favorite hobbies:
1. shopping
2. photography

2 things you want really badly:
1. a vacation
2. a king-size bed

2 places you want to go on vacation:
1. New Zealand
2. Africa

2 things you want to do before you die:
1. Set up an orphanage in Cambodia
2. Travel all over the world

2 ways you are stereotypically a dude/chick:
1. Cry during emotional scenes in movies
2. Everything Jaden does melts my heart

2 things you are thinking about right now:
1. "Man, I need to finish unpacking."
2. "I'm tired..."

2 stores you shop at:
1. Bloomies
2. Target

2 people you would like to do this:
1. Wonki
2. Jonnieboi

More Whirls & Twirls

2005-11-04T10:59:00.000-05:00

Won and I arrived safely to NJ! Yes, we made it. Our apartment is wonderful and I am so thrilled to be here. Well, let me begin...

Our movers came an entire day later, so we didn't leave until Monday, 10/31/05. Due to Hurricane Wilma, everything was backed up. We were so upset since we didn't even get a phone call to let us know. Then, we finally made it to New Brunswick, NJ on Nov. 1st by 5pm, 30 minutes before the leasing office closed. We got our keys and settled in as much as we could. Then our close friend, John, came to visit us on the 2nd of November and is staying with us until Monday. Then, the movers came on Thursday, Novermber 3rd.

Lastly, today, MY GRANDMOTHER PASSED AWAY. I am devastated and extremely sad. But, the reality of her death still has yet to set in since I'm so exhausted and a myriad of things are running through my mind. She was so beautiful and loved JESUS whole-heartedly. Since she was 97, we were all expecting her death at any moment, but the fact that it has happened today was such a downer for me. The viewing is on Sunday and the funeral on Monday. I feel as though this might be the last straw that will lead to my emotional outpouring of utter helplessness. Funny, God truly seems to close a door in my life as He opens another.

Timing has been a theme in my life and surely, God works in mysterious ways (but sovereignly). Pray for me and I have been meditating on the song lyrics "Blessed be Your Name" by Matt Redman, which is also chapter in Ecclesiates.

Blessed Be Your Name

In the land that is plentiful

Where your streams of abundance flow

Blessed be your name

Blessed Be Your name

When I'm found in the desert place

Though I walk through the wilderness

Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing you pour out

I'll turn back to praise

When the darkness closes in

Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name

When the sun's shining down on me

When the world's 'all as it should be'

Blessed be Your name

On the road marked with suffering

Though there's pain in the offering

Blessed be Your name

Every blessing you pour out

I'll turn back to praise

When the darkness closes in

Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away

My heart will choose to say

Lord Blessed be your name

On a side note, my sister, Stephanie, really wanted to celebrate Halloween with Jaden, so she and Eddie bought this pumpkin costume. Jaden really does look absolutely precious.

Whirlwind

2005-10-05T10:45:00.000-04:00

Hmmm...
It's been a month since my last blog and so much has transpired. I'm going to keep it very concise.

1) Won got a job offer and he took it
2) Moving back to NJ before the first week of November
3) Cancelled our closing on the house
4) Won resigned from Relevant
5) I threw out my back and was bedridden for 2 days
6) Got my wisdom teeth pulled out
7) I resigned from my job
8) Jaden is signing "mommy" and "daddy" and "eat"

Okay. I'm so excited! But I'm feeling all kinds of emotions right now!

Birthday cheer!

2005-09-06T12:25:00.000-04:00

Today is Won's 27th birthday! Please post, call or e-mail him a cheer!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY! Love you!

It's ours!

2005-09-01T18:13:00.000-04:00

So, the house is ours! But, the process of getting a house is extremely stressful! Financing, appraisals, inspections and etc. We are closing on September 20th and are excited! The house is beautiful. See, here it is below!

HOME sweet HOME

2005-08-29T13:37:00.000-04:00

We found a house! It's a 3 bedroom/2.5 bath townhouse built in 2004 and no one ever lived in it! It's located in Sanford, right by International Parkway, near Lake Forest. We put in an offer yesterday and we will find out if the Seller accepted by 5pm today. Pray for us. God is good.

MEME

2005-08-16T20:55:00.000-04:00

Tagged by E... but replying late

5 names i can't use for my kids, but i love:

Hunter
Trinity
Moses
Jude
Coco

5 movies you've seen recently

Guess Who?
Kung Fu Hustle
War of the Worlds
Batman Begins
Diary of a Mad Black Woman

5 nice things that happened to you lately : (in the last week)

got a job
Won told me I'm the love of his life (he does this often)
got a pre-approval for a mortgage
Jaden kissed me
My mom sent me a cool package

5 magazines i subscribe to...

Lucky
InStyle
Shop, Etc.
Budget Travel

Sweet life of planes, work and friends

2005-08-11T16:52:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since my last blog. I have had a whirlwind of a week... First of all, I travelled to the Northeast (NY and NJ) to visit family and friends. I flew up there with Jaden. But, planes scare me sometimes. I don't think I have a "fear of flying" per se, but I definitely freak out when there is a lot of turbulence. Yup, the flight up had plenty of turbulence...pretty frightening. Maybe that's why I never got into the show "Lost."

Anyways, my trip was beautiful! The love and care your family provides is priceless. The pleasant company of close friends makes the heart grow softer. I was able to catch up with my friends and hang out with them. When I saw my parents, my sister and my sister-in-law, Helen, I was in tears. I missed them so much and realized how difficult it is living so far away from them. Not having them around to see Jaden growing is intensely challenging. But we are called here for now.

So, here's the deal with my friends. My absolutely lovely friend, Cheryl is pregnant and is due in October. I am planning her shower and can't wait until Jaden meets his buddy. My other wonderful friend, Eunice has 3 boys and they are the best! I admire her so much for her dedication to her boys. Another friend of mine, Sarah and I met up in NY and we had brunch. Flora, Cindy and YMK came out to visit Jaden and me too. I also visited my home church, Harvest, and met up with many awesome friends. Seriously, God has placed so many good people in my life and I know I am blessed.

Cicero said, "Life is nothing without friendship." It's so true...life is about the essence of the human heart...love, connection, intimacy, joy, beauty, purity, pain, disappointment and etc. I realize I want to live my life where I strive to develop a heart like Christ and experience life with wisdom and discernment as well as love and grace and of course, passion.

On a side note, I got a job! It's great...first of all, it's part-time. Secondly, it pays well. Thirdly, it's Marketing. I don't have a specific experience in Marketing, but I've worked in big companies where Marketing is incorporated into every aspect of the departmental structure. Plus, Marketing involves using both sides of my brain...the creative and the mathematical. So, from now on call me...Marketing Coordinator!

Animals, giraffes and oooohhh-ahhahhs!

2005-07-28T09:19:00.000-04:00

hi, i'm jaden kim. i wanted to write today to tell you about my best friend, owen jackson. he's a little older than me, but he's so cool. he can walk really fast and say actual words like my name. he calls me "jaaa-din!" i hope to catch up to him soon. we're really great buddies because he lets me play with all of his toys especially his exersaucer. it's the coolest. yesterday, he also let me play with his red ball. well, this past weekend, we went to animal kingdom. it was a blast, but as you all can see, it was hot. owen and i are sweating in the pictures. we got to see so many different animals. owen really likes monkeys. i'm not sure what i like yet. we went to see this show "a bug's life" and it ended up being a little scary... okay. i'll write more later.

Charlie Brown...

2005-07-20T10:54:00.000-04:00

I love the peanuts gang! The comics have so much insight to life. What you do guys think about the two comic strips??? I'm definitely Charlie Brown...I think way too much.

JD...

2005-07-17T20:06:00.000-04:00

Dedicate...to the one I love

2005-07-17T18:40:00.000-04:00

Jaden was dedicated to the Lord today!!! Here is a copy of our dedication speech...

"You are an absolutely beautiful child. Jaden means “God has heard” and when we first saw you, we knew that God had answered every prayer we lifted up about you. We dedicate you today because we believe firmly in the Lord Jesus Christ and the importance of honoring you unto the Lord as Hannah did for Samuel in the Word. You are a gift from the Lord and we promise to raise you in light of His grace.
Not only will we tell you of God’s good deeds, but we will teach you about His character, embrace you in His mercy and walk with you on your spiritual discovery. As parents we will help you find your gifts and help you experience the wonderful joy of the spiritual disciplines—prayer, reading the Word and serving others. Jaden, we feel so privileged to be your parents, and we will do our very best to shine God’s love on you."

A shout out to MC & Bernice for being there and taking pictures for us.

Just in...

2005-07-15T14:56:00.000-04:00

I finally succumbed to the world of blogging. My good friend, Elizabeth (pictured left), inspired me to. I went on her blog and thought it was just so cool!

I realize that I have tons of things that I need to catch everyone up on since my move to Orlando. So much has happened and lots of experiences to write about. Hopefully, I will be able to sort my thoughts together and get going on my interesting (or not) ruminations.

Before I begin, I dedicate this blog to my hubby and son, whom I love with all of my heart, to all of my dear friends, whom I am thankful for, and to Christ, the sole essence of who I am.

The extraordinary of everyday

2005-07-14T20:16:00.000-04:00

I never thought of myself as being a mother, well so soon that is. However, it is the unexpected moments that make life "extra-ordinary." Jaden Daniel Kim is definitely one of those moments. His existence makes everyday extraordinary for me. God knew Jaden would spice up my life in a myriad of ways.