married life

It's been almost three months since our wedding and time could not pass by more quickly. Getting married late summer is fun because you have October birthdays (why is everyone conceived in February!)  and the holidays to look forward to, so the vibe is busy and the mood is still festive. It feels surreal that Matt and I are married and although there aren't too many surprises, there are still many things I'm learning about Matt and marriage on a weekly basis. There have been multiple accounts where I'm just staring at Matt for a few minutes in disbelief and without me even saying anything Matt just says, "I know... you can't believe we're married." Haha o_o
With Matt back in school and with his schedule picking up, we don't see each other as much as we did before. It almost feels like we're dating but living together. Haha. Being a student in dental school is no easy task. Med students have bizarre schedules. If they're not in school, they're in lab or clinic seeing patients, and when they're home they're constantly studying. If school wasn't already enough, there are still other responsibilities to prioritize and in Matt's case, now a wife to care for. I'm grateful that Matt still makes time to hang out, study together and participate in church/social functions. We are both learning to adjust to marriage, to each other's habits, preferences and planning things with each other's schedules in mind.

working from home!

A funny thing happened the other month. Matt is a firm believer of the electronic tooth brush and felt it necessary to buy me my own set so I could practice brushing my teeth properly. Little did I know that it came with a clock that senses the vibrations from the tooth brush. Apparently if I brush under 2 minutes, he can tell because the clock will show a sad face under my name. Hahaha. Definitely had sad faces under my name on the clock the whole week...
Something I realized this past month is that we both are huge home bodies and although we like to be together, we do things independently in the home. You'll often find us in the apartment with Matt working on his bikes or studying in the office and me reading or watching Korean drama or Grey's Anatomy on the couch. Sometimes, I'll work on crafts or use the gifts from our wedding registry to bake. Occasionally, we'll take walks around the apartment complex or to the Trader Joe's the next block over. Amidst this season of change, I'm thankful things are finally settling down and that our apartment in Westwood is starting to feel like our home! <3

Not a very good pic... but recently finished our office! His&Hers desk :)

Matt wanted to try out the new sleeping bag and straight up just fell asleep a few mins later. I left him there. Hahaha

getting a lot of work done at starbucks ;) until next time... bonjour! 

best month ever

Happy one month of marriage, Matt! We survived!!! It was actually yesterday but I remembered today. Lol. Now that I've gained my sanity back... what a crazy year it has been but a joyous one at that. Looking back, I'm thankful to be DONE with wedding planning- all the sleepless nights of stressful wedding talks, budget planning, menu& guest finalizing, venue visits, etc- but I'm also thankful for all the things I've learned throughout engagement and hopefully can apply those lessons in marriage. Planning a wedding is thought to be every young girl's dream... but it's also been your mother's. And your sisters. Your friends. And your aunties. Lol. Point being: This season of life is exciting and crazy with all the people that come up to you with questions, comments, and concerns. But it really is learning to embrace every moment and being thankful for all the people God blessed you with who love you, care for you and only want the best for you. Mad props to all our friends especially our family and bridal party who have been a huge help and support to us. Couldn't be more grateful.

best, most fun b-party group !

GAH! HUGS!!!

Just a few weeks ago, we had our honeymoon in Maui, Hawaii for five days and then traveled over to Seattle for the latter half of the week. Definitely got more than enough R&R in Hawaii and sight-seeing done in Seattle. Despite the drastic climate change and catching the flu post-honeymoon, we had a great time and I already miss it so much. Happy to have been able to spent the whole month with Matt before he starts school again.

thank you Andaz resort for free rental go-pros & sunblock & Macadamia nuts.

Thankful that our lives have now returned to some semblance of normalcy. With Matt back in school, vacation has officially ended and the realities of marriage have begun! My new reality consists of: loads of laundry on a weekly basis, meal prepping, packing lunches, endless cleaning, budgeting and planning. #Housewifelife at its finest. Haha. None of these are difficult things; in fact, so far I am really enjoying these tasks. I never thought it'd bring me so much joy to see Matt happily eat a hot meal I've prepared for him after school. As nice as it is now, I'm aware that it won't always be this easy. It has actually been mentioned to me many maaany times that it won't be this easy but that it'll only get harder and then multiply by 10000x once I have kids. Haha.

Something that God has been teaching me recently: to have courage and confidence that comes through Christ.
For some odd reason, I've had multiple car issues this week that have been difficult to handle by myself. The other day, I left the hazard lights on which drained the car batteries and I didn't have jump cables nor did I know how to use them anyways, so I couldn't pick Matt up from school. Last weekend, to avoid hitting a huge truck at the gas station, I ran into the portal instead...which left paint marks and a huge dent on the side of my car. And just yesterday while I was driving, I noticed the air pressure sign for my tires went on and found out one of the tires had a leak. Although these are all minor issues, at the moment I was worried about money and how we shouldn't spend so much on my stupid accidents. I thought about how I should apply for TripleA insurance but how that would cost more money and wondered who I could ask around me that would have jump cables. Reflecting on the past week, I realized I have little courage and little faith. Something as insignificant as a flat tire can cause me to worry about our future, produce so much fear and hinder my trust in God.

I was challenged this week to have courage, for having courage means having faith and confidence in Him. Through prayer and Scripture, we can find this courage that God commands us to have. And with God's protection, guidance and undeserving provisions in our lives, we should be able to conquer fears and live boldly for Christ.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9-11

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

On another random note, Matt and I might get a little chinchilla for our home. We were thinking of getting a puppy but who knew living expenses for a dog were so expensive?? Thankfully this isn't the case for a chinchilla.
Random convo with dad when I told him of the possibility of getting a chinchilla:

Sigh. Always speakin' truth. lol.

Anyways, I should probably stop chinchillin'... and get back to work! Good day ya'll.

Now faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you cannot see. 

wedding week

This week be crazy... but somehow in the midst of all the craziness that comes a week before a wedding, I feel strangely at peace knowing that Christ lives within me and gives me strength each day. I'm currently still working on our final guest lists and sending out emails to our vendors while trying to catch up on payments...and Matt is cram studying for finals next to me. It's going to be a long night but I am grateful for loving parents, for a sacrificial and patient fiance, for galbi and kimchee, and for our hope that is found in Christ!!!

T-3 days! =)

new york never end

Hello from New York! It's almost 1am here... But back in LA it's not even 10 yet so I'm enjoying some quiet time to blog before we leave in a few days. Spent the past weekend with my family and Kim cousins in Manhattan, New York and it could not have been more eventful (and tiring!). It seemed hectic to have planned this trip a few weeks before my wedding, but I could not have been more grateful to be here with my family. My brother had been in Indonesia serving on a missions trip for the past few months and with Megan going to college at the end of the month (tear) and me getting married soon, it was a memorable and special time for all of us.

We had a full itinerary each day and although it was crazy hot and I felt like my legs were giving out from so much walking and no leg muscle... it was still fun. =)

Got Shake Shack right when we landed! Our hotel is right above this...

John's Pizza

Pork buns from Totto Ramen. Sooo delicious.

Explorin' Times Square with Meg <3

pretty doors everywhere! pretty girls too :)

glad to watch our favorite movie come to life :)

love them so much. <3

already july

long time no Hello! =)

Our house is currently under construction and I'm stuck in my room and have nothing else to do but watch Running Man and go on the computer so I thought I'd quickly update so I don't forget things! 

The last few months have been crazy and event-full. First weekend of June was one hectic pleasure of a weekend as one of my dearest friends Sharon got married. It was an honor to stand by her side during such an emotional, exciting time and it finally hit me that our wedding is coming up and that I'll too soon be married! The weekend after that was Ashley's bridal shower in SF. It was a brief trip but felt long because of all the things we were able to squeeze in two days! (Her wedding is this Saturday!) Although it's been hectic, I'm grateful for friends my age that are going through the same things as I am. Never knew how comforting it is to be able to text a friend the randomest, pettiest wedding related problem and then receive a quick response agreeing or venting or comforting me with a similar issue. Hahaha. Few weekends later, my wonderful bridesmaids threw me a wonderful bachelorette in Malibu and K-town and just this past weekend, my college roommates had planned a trip to Vegas! And in less than TWO months, I'll be a MRS! Wow. When I look back at the last eight months of engagement, I don't think I'd be where I am now if it weren't for all people that have poured in my life and the relationships that have been such an an amazing influence and blessing to me. I've learned a lot during this process but will share in another post. All in all, I'm thankful to God for His provisions and even more grateful that we have full access to a covenantal relationship with our heavenly Father.

Few pictures from my bachelorette weekend taken by lily:

love these women! missing janice <3

Ending with this song that has been so comforting to my often weary soul. Lyrics to "Remain" by Starfield:

Defender of this heart
You loved me from the start, You never change
Through the highs and lows
As seasons come and go, You never fail

Day after day, Your love will remain
Faithful and true, You are good

You are God with us, You're victorious
You are strong and mighty to save
For your Word stands true, there is none like You
And when all else fades You remain

When troubles come my way
You guide and You sustain, lead me, I pray
Forever you will be the Great Eternal Kind
Now and always

Day after day Your love will remain
Faithful and true, You are good, You are good

You are God with us, You're victorious
You are strong and mighty to save
For your Word stands true, there is none like You
And when all else fades You remain
When all else fades You remain

Seoul Searchin :)

Hello! It was nice to get out of the city for a few days and experience the fresh air and seafood in Busan. It was relaxing compared to the busy hustle of Seoul, but I personally like being in Seoul a bit better. :) My mom and I are currently at the Westin Chosun Hotel in the heart of Seoul. We can see Myeongdong from here! In the evenings, we've been walking to Cheonggyecheon River down the street which is decorated with lanterns and statues for Buddhist's birthday month.

Cheonggyechon <3 So beautiful at night!

Yesterday while we were checking in, all the staff members were by the doorway setting up red carpets and then lining up in order as if they were about to greet someone famous. And it was definitely someone famous... A minute later, we see the secretary general, Ban Ki-Moon of the United Nations!!! There were cameramen and news reporters surrounding him and my mom and I were a few feet away like... O_O. We are on the 16th floor and we think he's on the 17th floor because we keep seeing security officers on both the 16th and 18th floors.

Here's a picture to prove it...

One of the security officers we kept seeing on our floor. Don't mean to be creepy... but that's cool o_O

Busan pictures:

Selfie by the famous Haeundae beach that we only see in movies <3

Jagalchi fish market- the largest fish market in Korea. We selected the fish/mussels, etc. we wanted to eat and then went upstairs to have it prepared and ready to be eaten. We met American guys from SD! It was funny because they approached me all timidly and talked to me slowly as if I didn't understand & when I started talking them in English they got all happy and excited. Hahaha

Taken on my new selfie stick. Me and my grandma <3 thankful to be able to go on this trip with her :) 

The rest of our time here, we'll be exploring Garosugil, Hongdae and more of Itaewon. Loved hanging out in Itaewon earlier in the week with my cousin Christina and Kyle and...with all the international locals. ;) Now to do some souvenir shopping aka sock shopping! 

#SohsInSeoul

Greetings from Korea!!! :) I've had an amazing past week in Seoul exploring the beautiful city with my mom, family and friends. Every day has been so eventful and I've eaten at least 4-5 meals per day not including all the Korean street food, snacks, and desserts I've munched in between those meals. Heh. It's almost 11pm and my eyes are so tired and heavy but I wanted to briefly update so I don't forget about my experiences here. Today we took the bullet train to Busan where we'll be for the next few days. The train was amazingly fast (80-90 miles) and we got there in 2.5 hours. I remember coming 10 years ago and it being a 5 hour drive. My generous auntie was kind enough to hook it up at the Park Hyatt at Haeundae Beach for us... (wow) so here I am on the 24th floor, writing this post while staring out the huge glass window overlooking the beautiful city of Busan and its famous beach.

View from our pad! Picture taken earlier in the day.

It feels surreal to be here, but I can't express how grateful I am to have been given the time off from work and various responsibilities to enjoy this last trip with my mother! A much needed vacay to recuperate my mind, body and soul.

Picture taken at Cheonggycheon river. Seoul is decorated with colorful lanterns throughout the city for Buddhist festivities. The river was decked out with various animal statues, etc. We liked these water bottle vases with flowers in them :) 

Few pictures on what we've been eating thanks to family and friends who have been taking us out!

My camera couldn't even capture the entirety of the food we ate! Thank you Pastor Justin & family. :)

Food at Insadong! Loved this street and love how every city has its own culture. Thank you Kyle! :)

FEAST. jk. I wish :( This is what the King eats...& was taken at the museum in Gyeongbokgung Palace. Everything is made of glass but it looks...so...REAL!

This is one of my personal favorites. 'Beendehddok' at Dongdemun market. 

Being in Korea, being a bride-to-be and having major food FOMO is not a good combination. Oh well :) More to love~ I'll save the desserts for a different post!

Goodnight from Busan! Zzz

April Recap

April was a crazy month. Outside of my chaotic workplace, there are also multiple weddings to prepare for, people to meet and pray for, details and decisions to finalize... I'm always so lifeless and exhausted by the end of each day and without my mom waking me up, I don't know how I'd be able to hear my alarm and get up in the mornings. It's amazing how God sustains each day and how comforting it is to draw near to Him in times of distress for rest.
The past month I celebrated my last birthday as a Miss. It was bittersweet and I think it's finally hitting me that I won't be living under my parent's roof in a few months. We ate at my favorite comfort-food Italian restaurant Mama D's in Manhattan Beach and then went home for dessert. My mom also left to Turkey the next day so it was nice to have a meal together. I appreciate the times we get to spend with each other and it makes me grateful that we are all united through Christ.

i love my ohana

These lovely ladies took me out for more Italian!lucky to be friends with them.

This month, Matt & I also sent out our save the dates! Everything just got more REAL and things suddenly started to pick up. Our coordinator sent us a timeline of when to get things done, my cousins who are out of town are buying their plane tickets, we're finalizing guest lists, doing our taste tests, booked our honeymoon and currently looking into where we'll be living for the next two years! Now that the bigger things are done, there are a lot of details to start thinking about.
It's funny how different guys and girls are. Matt is a big-picture, chill type of guy and I am so detail oriented with a planner-type personality. It's easy for me to think about ten things at once but Matt generally does one thing at a time. To make things smoother and for us to bicker less (haha), I started writing to-do post-its for him and I find it so cute that he has been looking at those post-it's and getting things done thoroughly one at a time. :)

 This past weekend, my friend Ashley came down from SF to have her bachelorette party in Socal! It has been an honor and privilege to experience engagement and wedding planning with a few of my good friends- Ashley being one of them :') We started the day in an Escape Room in Hollywood where we only had 50 minutes to escape the terrorizing wizard of the abandoned castle...We made it with a minute to spare. Really started to get into it... Hahah. Afterwards, we ate KBBQ and shaved ice in Korea town and enjoyed the rest of the evening walking around LA. It was so much fun and I can't wait to witness her union with David come July!!!

before we went in to the castle! U can see the door behind us.

My view while writing this post. It is 4:55 and I end in 5 minutes but I think I might leave a bit earlier today. :) TGIF!!! Have a good weekend ya'll.

The Calm during the Storm

It's crazy how months fly by when you're planning a wedding. It's already been almost half a year since our engagement and we ONLY have six months left! Thought I should blog more about my engagement experience so I can one day look back at this crazy time of life and... laugh.

The whole month of February was rejuvenating, productive and fun. So far my favorite month this whole year! Earlier in the month, my brother turned 21 so we had a surprise birthday party for him with family and friends. He was surprised for the most part until a few seconds later when my baby cousin shouted out, "Everyone be quiet- Jeremy's coming!!!" while the window was open. It was a great first party with that many people at our new home. The next weekend was Valentine's Day which turned out to be unexpectedly, spontaneously fun for the both of us. We hung out all day around Orange County and then went to d-town Disney to eat beignets. It was too bad our passes were blocked out, but then we randomly joined a free swing dance class in the middle of downtown Disney and I was wearing red so we were able to participate. It was so stress relieving and so much fun dancing with Matt and random strangers. Matt said he planned that all along...suure.
The third weekend of February we had our Inverse church retreat in Yucaipa. Not only were the owners and their dogs Korean, but they also served delicious Korean food and ban chan for our meals. Hands down best retreat ever. I'm so thankful I went and so grateful for my church community. Many were convicted, reminded and encouraged to seek God in all that we think, say and do. Work was once cursed but has been redeemed and being a servant of Christ, it is and should be our job to work humbly-joyfully to serve and glorify God to further enhance His kingdom.
Soon after the retreat, my roommates and I headed to rainy Portland, Oregon where we ate the best fried chicken and donuts, saw tons of bearded, hipster men in hipster coffee shops and breweries, and enjoyed each other's company in a cute air b&b where we met the friendliest cat, Oatmeal! It was refreshing to hike and enjoy the fresh air at Multonomah Falls, and every night we had at least two dinners because the food was that good. It was unfortunate that the air b&b only had one restroom. .. . Tmi?? Tmi..

Back to normal life which is always nice too. Because Matt is a full time grad student and because I'm at work most of the day, wedding planning is usually on pause throughout the week, and come Saturday and Sunday our days are completely packed. This past weekend was one of those weekends. On Saturday, we had premarital at 8am in Glendale, had my dress fitting at noon near Brea, met our photographer around 3 in Costa Mesa, had dinner with friends in Irvine and I came home to finish writing all the emails and follow up requests. The next morning at 8am we met our wedding coordinator back in Brea. CRAZY ! Who knew there was this much to do??

Everyday there's something to do, somewhere to go and things to think about. But in and through it all, God is there beckoning us to draw near to Him. God meets us in our deepest needs and in Him we can find true rest. Thank you Lord for never leaving nor forsaking me and for always listening to my deepest thoughts and prayers. Thank you for surrounding me with your presence when I'm by myself in traffic going and coming from work. Thank you for sending the Spirit in times of weakness and for reminding me of biblical truths.

May you be honored and glorified- exalted and lifted high!

E