NJ: Aug 2005

:::This golden retriever is named Bo. If you click at Bo, he'll take u to my photo album. FYI, some pics can't be seen unless u'r in my contact list under Flickr. Sorry for any inconvenience.::: Ah, took me almost forever to get my photos load up, and get it organized. It's done. It was quite a interesting trip, certainly not a vacation (unless one day at Sandy Hook Beach counts). I ain't gonna tell the WHOLE trip, but i'll give u a few "here and there". Beside, pictures already gave u 1,000 words. 'nuff said. Let's get started:

Danielle baked french fries for dinner. She's Mel's younger sister. I met her briefly 2 yrs ago, and she was a humble sweet person, but I finally got to know her few weeks ago. She's wonderful person. Of course, Mel and I teased her here and there, but she knew how to get back on us. There's younger brother named Adam. He grew TALL and he's only 14 yrs old from the start! He's Jimi Hendrix's fan, and he's learning to rock hard with his guitar. I also met their cute baby sister named Suzzanna. She had her 9th birthday last sunday. Happy Birthday, Su! Last, but not least, Mel's older sister, Nichole arrived from Morocco (doing Peace Corps) for surprise visit (mostly surprise her grandparents on their Golden Anniversary).

Back to dinner: pretty simple of american cuisine. Hamburgers, hot dogs, deli sandwiches. Breakfast served sometimes with bagel, english muffin, omlette eggs, and highlight of b-fast: pork rolls. The food is not all bad, except one night when their father served an asian cuisine. As the only asian chic under their house, I was NOT impressed. There isn't any soy sauce bottle or rice cooker in their house, but only stir fry cooker. He "stir-fried" chicken with various sauces (remember NO soy sauce), and he added Uncle Ben's teriyaki rice (which obviously Uncle Ben sucks). Chicken was okay, but the rice was too salty. I felt bad for the kids when asian food is served. Other night, Nichole, wants Mel to cook lasagna. Her siblings loves Mel's cooking.

Shoes, shoes, shoes. We spent about 2 or 3 days looking the right pairs of formal shoes to match gowns for Mrs. Christensen, Mel, and Danielle. We looked all over the stores at Paramus Park Mall, Garden State Mall, and Bergen State Mall. Paramus Park & Garden State are good malls. There are good stores in local area near Leonia, NJ. We're all prepping up for mel's grandparents' 50th Wedding Anniversary. I created the program booklet. Mel and I helped crafting little frames for tables in reception and few other things. The girls who were involved in the wedding had their nails done and their hair done beautifully.

Golden Wedding Anniversary of Mr. & Mrs. Reid was wonderful. Most of the family of Reid attended. The service was not long, compare to my previous experience with my grandparent's Golden Anniversary 15 yrs ago or so. The reception was entertaining, and the food was good. Roast beef, steamed vegetables, chickens, and fish are few things along in buffet section. Although frosting has too much sweet, the wedding cake was delicious. I think there were more than 65 people came to the reception. I met lots of people. DANCING is my fav. I danced, but not much because high heel shoes are not my thing to wear. Electric slide is fun choregraphy group dance, and everyone knows that. There's a new dancing pattern under hip-hop. At first, it was confusing, so I gave up and watched the rest of the people accomplish their task. Overall, I had a great time. I applaud Mrs. Christensen who made this event a success! by the way, to some reader, you're not able to see me and my partner in our whole dresses on my online album. Few have access to it while other don't. hee hee!

Post-wedding week was still busy, just without fancy clothes on. Last Wednesday, we went to Sandy Hook Beach, about 1 hr and half from Leonia, NJ. It has unbelievable soft sand, especially the shore cuz Rehoboth Beach in Delaware has small rough shells by the shore. It was hard for me to walk to the ocean. Sandy Hook has put an ease for my feet to walk to the shore. Perfect weather on that day too. ahhh, what a good day!

On the day before Mel and I depart back to DC, Mel and I joined mel's sisters to NYC. Looking at Columbia University and NYU, Danielle enjoyed her tour by her guide, Nichole! hee hee. Of course, who wouldn't leave without the taste of asian food? At lunch, We ate a place called Ollie's: Noodle Shop & Grille. I ordered pan-friend noodle with pork. It was good. For dinner, we joined with my sister, Jennifer in Gam Mee Ok (location: 43 W 32nd St) at Koreantown. She told me it has best soup, and she was right, it was good! Yum. While Danielle helped Nichole to get her shopping done before she go back to Morocco, Mel and I hang out with Jennifer We went to get bubble tea and gelato ice cream. I got me apple bubble tea. Hm, yum burp. Excuse me. giggle! At the pic - L to R: Jen, jNell, Dan, & N.

Will you LOOK at that?! A light up street sign. Only if we have our street sign like this in DC - it would be easy to read for all drivers. And attractive design! Hmm. Anyway, I'm done with this post for today. Whew alot. Be sure to check out my photo album. Everything's in there. Enjoy.