day in White ...

Chris' Point of View:

People are always looking for perfect days. And as is the case, these individuals have grown accustomed to the average or pretty good variety having given up on looking for the $100 bill lying on the penny ridden streets. To my own amazement, I had one of these events, and rather than post about Natalie's entire Salt Lake trip (which was fantastic), I thought I would chronicle this one, perfect, day.

I woke up early that Saturday and knelt before God. Its something that I don't do often enough, but I thought it important considering the culmination of miracles that was before me. It was an event that I never thought would arrive, it was an event that stood at lofty and seemingly unobtainable heights, and epically joined the ranks of the greatest happenings in recent memory. This event of course was Natalie's baptism.

I never had the opportunity to baptize someone. I know the reason was that I couldn't baptize just anyone, but that it had to be someone special. Luckily, Natalie had been prepared for the exclusive opportunity eons ago. =)

I remember as the moment arrived and Natalie grasped my arm, that I was looking at my future staring back at me. -As Natalie looked at me with trusting eyes, I knew that this was much more than a baptism, but the beginning of an eternal commitment. Standing there drenched in water, Natalie had never looked more beautiful. For me, her soaked hair and shivering body represented the first step in our never ending life together, and it was breathtaking.

Following the baptism, we relaxed and spent time with my family; my hand firmly clutching Natalie's. That night we went to a restaurant in downtown Salt Lake. The interior was perfectly ambient as I looked across the table at my beautiful bride to be.

That night I went to sleep with a smile on my face. I had stumbled across a day so rare, that it would be one that I would not soon forget.

nat's point of view :

to lead a better life i need my love to be here ...

here, making each day of the year
changing my life with a wave of his hand
nobody can deny that there's something there

there, running my hands through his hair
both of us thinking how good it can be
someone is speaking but he doesn't know she's there

i want him everywhere and if he's beside me
i know i need never care
but to love him is to need him everywhere
knowing that love is to share

each one believing that love never dies
watching his eyes and hoping i'm always there

to be there and everywhere
here, there and everywhere

the bearers of all good things arrived, my meaningful wk in slc was very gratifying!

it is always rewarding to see chris' face after some flight mileage, notwithstanding the dreading layover somewhere and you can't really do/go anywhere. =P ... if i've granted a super power, i'd love the freedom to be able to fly or teleport; by all means just give me a flying broomstick, as i absolutely HATE being away from chris, either or of that wonderful gifts would be a delight. =)

now, where should i begin? as the 6 days were sardine-packed w/ both excitement and some disappointment. the night of my arrival, we went out to dinner w/ the nortons, at a very trend vegan restaurant. it's always nice to catch up w/ friends that haven't been in touch or moved to another location, of course the bundle of joy that newly added to their family was greatly the night's topic.

so, what happen when you put nat, an outlet mall, chris and some marvellous sunshine together? =) chris took me to the park city outlet mall, it was a beautiful day, we went from store to store for a good 3 hours. honestly, shopping is a sport! walking, browsing, thinking and lifting, you can ask chris about that. =D
in that evening, we had a double date w/ emily & jon at this indian restaurant. yes food, the other 'hobby' that chris and i share. we're adventurous that way, love to try new restaurants and diners.

FREAKY FRIDAY. the much-anticipated event - halloween. chris and i have been brainstorming what should we dress up as for a good 2 wks, since the wk i come falls on the last day of october. =) ... ultimately we had agreed to dress as up : chungli and ryu from street fighters. i was super excited when we put in our orders for the costumes online; how under the circumstances only chris's costume arrived on time and mine didn't. so, on halloween w/o a costume i was a bit upset, but there's nothing we could do. carry on to our plans, chris took me to a local play, w/ the event of the day in mind - scary poppins! it was a fun filled family play where the nanny was not as 'enchanting' as mary poppins. =)

finally, saturday arrived. i've asked myself a few times, if i'm ready for this big step in my life, of course being engaged is another huge stepping stone; hence, being baptise is not just something you just do. in my family, religious belief plays a certain part; however i never really understand why we do this or do that. it didn't have much of a meaning to me as i followed. ... fairly, after i met chris and listen to his belief of how important the church and the gospels are to him, i saw that confidence in faith and in truth he understands. it pushes me toward how i want to pursue this happiness, this joy, this contentment.
indeed Father watches over all of his child, one after another situation i was being put to think this is not a coincident: entered into chris' life and learned about the gospels, reunited w/ a long lost childhood friend - whom was my missionary, discovered another childhood friend was a member after all these years. ... blimey, the final part of this experience is not only something suitable but also valuable. a missionary from vancouver honoured my interview. =) to make perfect circle, christopher my one and only, is performing the baptism for me. words cannot explain my gratitude of how flawless how i am back to Father's arms by the person that i want to spend eternality w/.

after a superb dinner, the courses we had were amazing and my felicitous company made me believe that i'm the luckiest girl in the world. it is just not any other day. =)





- i can't wait until i'm old & wrinkley w/ laugh lines ... then everyone will know how happy you made me.

battles and reunions ...

Chris' point of view:

A couple weeks ago, I stumbled upon a song by the newly reformed Shiny Toy Guns. Some of the lyrics in the song have struck a chord with the situation Natalie and I are in. As well, these lyrics have been particularly meaningful to me in the last few days:

I can't sleep
I've lost the urge to sing..
Ten thousand miles apart
A frozen ocean joins our hearts
I can't wait to meet you when
The frozen waves meet ocean floors
You'll be standing on the shore
I can't wait to meet you then

Today I have thought about relationships in times of war. Young soldiers would leave their courageous women behind with a promise of return. Through their trials, the soldiers would hold tightly to the letters they would receive; simple yet restorative script written on golden paper. When the war was over, they would board ships set for home. There, standing on the shore would be their women waiting eagerly for their proven heroes.

I thought about these scenarios in relation to Natalie and I. While I am not fighting a war of freedom, or defense, or belief, I battle the pains of being away from her, the loneliness of not having her by my side and hearing her laugh. When the war is over, 'as the waves meet the ocean floors, you'll be standing on the shore. I can't wait to meet you then.'

it's so close but we're so far away ...

Chris' point of view:

Today is my birthday. - I am 26 years old. I have thought a lot this morning about where I have come from, where I am going, and the things in life that mean the most to me.
Life is, in a way, like stargazing: Some nights, its difficult to see the sparkling lights amidst the vast and consuming darkness. - Other nights, the stars have washed across the void; blankets of illumination. The fact of the matter is, while the stars are always there, while good things always happen in our lives, while there are always people that love us, it can be difficult to notice because of the distracting world around us.

I am a lucky one; there are 6 stars in my life that never dim, and always shine brightly through the pollution of the city: my Mom, my Dad, my sisters Kelsey, Alyssa, and Laura, and the love of my life - Natalie. I am so fortunate for these people.

Natalie has been on my mind often this week. She is such a wonderful support, such an amazing strength. I hear her laugh, I picture her smile, and it appears as though she is right above my head. However, despite how close her sparkling smile seems, we are still so far apart. I am so excited for her to come this month. It will be great to spend time with her while she is here; its one of the things I look forward to most in life.

My future is bright. I have had trials in life, some of them more difficult than others, but luckily I had the patience to wait long enough to spot the brightest star in my sky. (Honey, having you in my life is the best birthday present I could ever hope to have ... I love you.)

the Flowers of Summer ...

Chris' Point of View:

I think the most difficult part about the distance between Natalie and I is not being able to see her everyday to behold our relationship blossoming. The easiest part is that flowers can grow unwatched, and lilied fields have grown all around us.

In August I made the much needed trip to Vancouver. A combination of stressful work conditions and a cloudy mind had blocked out my Chinese-Canadian sunshine.

As soon as I landed, Natalie's laundry list of activities began and we were off down the road. This trip was packed with all sorts of interesting events, notably: Surfing, a trip to an Art Exhibit, a Shakespearian play, and as always, lots of delicious food.

Natalie is really amazing. The way she plans a trip is something to behold. Not a minute unaccounted for, not a event repeated, she has carefully calculated some of the greatest trips I have ever been on.

At the close of the trip I felt refreshed. Spending time with Natalie is one of my greatest rewards in life. I absolutely love her. As I left, Natalie, my beautiful flower was still on my mind. Its a strange feeling to be deeply rooted in the relationship and yet still be knocked off my feet every time I see her smile.

This bud of love, by summer’s ripening breath,
Will prove a beauteous flower when next we meet.

- Romeo and Juliet

nat's point of view :


tainted love. *ohohohoh*

♫ once i ran to you. now i run from you.

... haha j/k. =)

the long waited trip for august, has came and passed.
i have planned so many things to do for the both of us in that wk, i didn't think it was a long enough stay for chris; he always say it is too short, even though it was 7 full days.

chris and i went to the beautiful ucluelet and tofino in victoria, it's about a few hours away from vancouver. better yet, to check out the beach where chris and i are getting married next year, and some major surfing action!

after the crasy city traffic, the ferry ride, AND mountains driving/singing session, we were finally there!
after, we went to rent out our surfboards and wetsuits, the much-anticipated drove to long beach in tofino, for some surfing goodness.

we tanned and relaxed on the beach, a lovely sunny day w/ warming breeze and the pacific water was not cold at all, perfect for us newbies for some waves. i have surfed before, and it was great to swim out and flow; i gave chris some tips on how to manage your board and to maintain your body when you're riding the waves. it's a no brainer, chris has no trouble getting the point and hitting the waves like no others. ... an exquisite experience!

after we have gotten clean and sand out of our pants, we drove down to the wickaninnish inn, to visit the site and hotel where we're getting married in may. the beach is amazing, the restaurant is marvellous. we both loved the place, the water, the view; it is completely suited for our purpose to be united and start our life together. =D

later that night, i took chris to a grand seafood dinner. we ordered the seafood platter and some pasta. it was sooo tasty, especially after our 4 hrs of surfing, i forgot to take pictures for documentation. =( as i was drooling over my own plate. ucluelet is a very spiritual town in the summer, so many activities you can do, the locals are pleasantly friendly, it is a highly recommended town to visit.


that night we returned to vancouver, i planned to go see a play by the beach - twelfth night by william shakespeare. it was a great comedy, i loved the old english and adored the live acting. chris showed such enjoyment of the play because the staging was set in the 1920's. oh the fashion!

another surprise i have lined up was to visit chris's most affectionate hobby - anime, comics and video games art; the KRAZY exhibition has set up in the city's art gallery. we made our way to the showing w/ great excitement. chris was like the kid that wants to ride all the rides in the amusement park.

fishy?! not quite, up next was the aquarium! we went to the aquarium for more aqua darlingness. i was able to capture some jellyfishes, but i have forgotten to charge my camera and it was ... not cooperating. booo. not allot of pictures in the fish tanks, but it was another amazing day because we have got to see the belugas and sea otters.

no matter how much time we spent together joined by the hip while we're visiting, it's always not long enough. missing chris is the hardest thing i personally encountered. the feeling of emptiness and blue, sounds of laughter shades of life are ringing through my open ears, exciting and inviting me. ...

words are flying out like
endless rain into a paper cup
they slither while they pass
they slip away
pools of sorrow waves of joy
are drifting thorough my open mind
possessing and caressing me

and we all flow on okay.

till there was you ...

nat's point of view :

i think i'll start on one of our blog, just this time. =)

finally, a full circle has reached where it started. our cycle of journeys have not yet end, but it is another great start for something more exciting, frustrating, and loving ahead for chris and i.

today is our 1 year anniversary; a year ago where we decided to be together, where we jumped onto this crasy train ride w/o any safety net. allot of doubts and worries that we came across, have heard a handful of skeptical talks, but we held our heads high and only believed the true meaning of commitment and relationship.

i cannot thank chris enough for what he has believed in me, and in us. his strong confidence in our existence, his conviction that he has me engaged to him (haha!), his affectionate that makes me the happiest girl when i'm w/ him, the list goes endless. ... w/ everyone in the world, i dare not say that i will one day meet them all, but in the chances of meeting my soul mate and dearest best friend, i feel better than driving a Lamborghini gallardo. =D

there were bells on a hill
but i never heard them ringing
no i never heard them at all
till there was you

there were birds in the sky
but i never saw them winging
no i never saw them at all
till there was you

then there was music and wonderful roses
they tell me in sweet fragrant meadows of dawn and dew

there was love all around
but i never heard it singing
no i never heard it at all
till there was you

thank you honey, happy 1 year and many more to come!

Chris' Point of View :

Geez, how do I beat that? Especially with that baby picture.

It's amazing how you don't realize how fast the world is spinning when you are perched up on cloud 9.

The 25th was, in fact, our 1 year anniversary. Its shocking to think how far we have come during this first year together. I think this blog can attest to the growth that we have made during this time.

In Salt Lake, July 24th is 'Pioneer Day'. It marks the day that westward bound mormons settled in the Salt Lake Valley. Their trek was long and arduous. They braved winter storms, and pushed along, praying that they didn't loose their loved ones along the way. To commemorate this day, fireworks are launched screaming into the air, bursting into colors of sparkling light across the sky. It is a day of celebration, a day of remembrance.

While the 25th is our official anniversary, the telephone call that led to our sky high burst of joy and excitement, started late at night on the 24th. I remember hearing the pounding of my heart being drown out by crescendos high in the air. I was unsure and excited as Natalie and I talked about the possibilities and challenges that stood before us.

A year come and gone, I look back and see the storms Natalie and I braved, and the rough terrain we crossed. As the night commemorated success in pioneering western frontiers, for me the fireworks were just as much a celebration of Natalie and I. Natalie is the sparkling light in my northern sky; I am excited to continue our voyage.

a Fire Inside ...

Chris' Point of View:

We started this chronicle of events a little over a month ago. During this time we have attempted to recall all of the great memories that we have made, trip after trip, day after day. As this month [July] marks our 1st anniversary, we have told the tales that have made our relationship strong over the past year. What started as as glimmer on the horizon, has become the sun that brightens our day, and the moon that watches us by night. In a universe of the trivial and mundane, Natalie has become my life's brightest illumination.

In June, the skies were bright as Natalie made the trip to salt lake. We had lots of time to spend with my family, and really enjoy the warmth and relaxation of the summer months. During her trip we had the opportunity to drive up the canyon and roast marshmallows and "hoat doowgs". As my dad and I attempted to start a fire, it seemed hopeless. No matter how much we would dump on the fire, it would slowly burn out. Confused, Natalie and I went down the mountain looking for a solution.

Stopping at a store, we purchased some charcoal to put on the fire, hoping that it would sustain the flames. As we returned to the site, Dad had finally set the logs a blaze and we quickly gathered around its glow.

In life relationships are much like campfires. There are some couples that won't light no matter what you do, there are some that following hard work, will burn long and strong, then there are others that catch fire with just a spark and last a lifetime. I like to think that Natalie and I are the last example.

As I watched the smoke ascend to heaven, the stars quietly listened to crackling embers. ... it was a good night.


nat's point of view :


all rights reserved

a 3rd merry trip back to slc. what a lovely time!
so glad all the snow are gone. =S not a big fan driving in it.

every time i board and fly down to see chris, i have the butterfly feeling in my stomach. i'm not sure what the reason of this is, i guess not being able to see him so often makes me feel that we're on a date every time we meet. =)

we're engaged now and slowly planning our wedding together. the fact that he's so far away and not by my side, have always beaten me to the ground with the blues; i wish to run all our errands together. =\

w/ a surprise to start my trip - chris took me to forever21 and gave me a super awesome shopping spree!!! ahhh, the joy of shopping w/ chris, it's not so much the stuff that i brought that was exciting, it was more spending that quality time that we don't have together doing daily tasks, oh and have him to carry my bags. hahaha.

this time, i brought tons of yummy food to visit as i know kels and luann love those pocky sticks. (who doesn't?!) afterward, we went down to the saltair and checked out the honda civic tour. the head-lining band was panic! at the disco. it was a great show. chris and i always enjoy good tunes and live performances. ... just as we were about to head closer to the stage, we saw these computers where people can enter for a draw; the grand prize was a hybrid car. we thought, why not? so as i was entering all the information, i put the following note as i entered it in -

First Name : natalie
Last Name : van wagoner

for the rest of the night, chris had this huge smirk on his face. =D

chris has planned a very relaxing week for the both of us, since we both had a hectic week in the office, my visit to slc and for him to get away was much needed. we watched movies, made awesome breakfast, had a vegan dinner, made a camp fire up at the canyon + had awesome s'mores w/ natalie-save-all-s'more + fluffy bunny techniques, fantastic bbq, real mexican food, date night etc.

the week went by so quickly that i wish i had a time machine to just freeze the continuum during all the events. i miss having my saturday grocery run w/ chris, i miss having sunday brunch w/ the family, i miss not having chris to come home to making dinner together. ...

it seems my patience is running low. ekkk.

mmmm ... Food ...

Chris' Point of View:

Natalie and I love food. One of our favorite things is to go out to eat, trying new foods and new resturaunts. Its a surprise that we don't roll wherever go. Due to our love of food, my trip to Vancouver in April comprised of lots of eating, and a big surprise.

As I arrived in Vancouver, I considered the magnetic properties of the country, as this was my 3rd trip to Canada in four months. (Its probably not the country, but the gravitaional pull of a certain Chinese girl I know.) At any rate, I was excited to be there and to be reunited with my newly 'Chris'-ened fiancee.

Vancouver is one of the most culturaly diverse places I have ever been. On top of that, their arts, both aesthetic and culinary, are amazing. While driving the streets of this city, the scenery is dotted with influences from all over the globe: restaurants and people, behaviors and cultures. As a result, its easy to select something to eat as your choices are endless and always delicious. So we ate, and ate, and ate, and ate.

Toward the end of the trip, Natalie mentioned a surprise lying in wait, and while I can usually guess these things, I had no idea what was in store. The morning arrived. I got up, put a hat on, and was instructed to bring a change of clothes. I sat in the passenger seat driving toward the destination, anticipation high, awaiting the unveiling of this mysterious activity. As we got closer, Natalie asked that I close my eyes. We exited the car, still with my eyes closed, we walked along downtown sidewalks approaching our destination. I must admit, I was a bit worried, not being able to see anything, that I would talk a mis-step and wander in front of a bakery truck, but put my trust in Natalie as we moved along. We finally arrived, and I found myself in a Spa, readied for a date with an hour long massage. It was fantastic.

It was a great trip. I had an amazing time. It was a trip that I won't soon forget; I am reminded of that tasty food everytime I wake up and look at my stomach in the mirror.

nat's point of view:

ah the smell of april in the air ... *SNEEZE*. a favourable time to take our allergy medication. both chris and i have the hay fever. quite severe if we don't have an extra strength pill. the continuous 'bless you' tag begins w/ a kiss on the nose when chris arrived to vancouver.

the usual itinerary this time, start off w/ yoga. since the last time chris tried it, i've asked him if he's willing to go w/ me again. w/ a challenge smile of his, he said 'let's do it!' ... and he didn't disappoint me. =)

this trip's adventure packed with tons of food and local pursuit. not only w/ our own creation (pineapple chicken pasta!), as well the fabulous food we have in vancouver. so far we have tried, thai food, japanese sushi, japanese fusion, japanese ramen, japanese hot dog, chinese dim sum, chinese congee & rice noodles, korean bbq, vietnamese pho, taiwanese beef noodles, bubble tea, eggs benedict, ice cream, ice cream, and more ice cream. ... yea, quite a bit, and that's only 1/16 of the restaurants that i go to, so many more to try!

i've been thinking to give chris a sweet surprise for this trip, as he has made such an effort to plan the proposal last month. ranking my brain, i wanted to give him the best way to relax and being pampered. ... then it came to me, chris has never been into a spa, or have a professional body message. w/ that said, i booked an appointment w/ my favourite spa place, told chris that we're going to another session of yoga. =D he was truly surprised by the fact, he didn't see it coming. while his eyes were closed, i kept on telling him that i'm going to sell him to the black chinese market for profits. ... ha ha.

the Promise ...

Chris' Point of View:

There was a song released in the 80's by 'When in Rome' called The Promise. As its name implies, it talks about ones promise to make a relationship work, no matter what the cost. The song became particularly important to Natalie and I as we recognized the sacrifices we were having to make and how despite those sacrifices, our dedication and attachment far outweighed any negative consequence.


By the time March arrived, I had already decided that Natalie was the one. She was a puzzle piece that was missing from the box, and it took a chance meeting in Boston to replace it. I had already begun planning a Wedding proposal but had yet to decide on the day for that monumental moment. After a few weeks of planning and working with some of her friends in Vancouver, I decided to make her 23rd birthday one of her most memorable and ask her to marry me. We had planned to keep Natalie preoccupied with a scavenger hunt, with my own appearance as a grand finale.

The day started, and I contacted Natalie to wish her a happy birthday. At this point in the morning, completely unsuspecting, she sounded down, as she had 'nothing to look forward to'. I told her that I wished I could be there and jokingly said, "I tell you what hun, I will meet you in Vancouver tonight and take you to dinner." "Ok" she replied with a chuckle. I then got on the plane and made my way north, over the border. Upon arriving, jitters and all, I exited the airport enroute to keep my date with destiny. Dressed in dressy attire, I received glances and glares from those passing by, wondering what event was the cause, and strangely, why I wasn't wearing a jacket in the cold weather.

I stopped into the lodge at the top of the mountain and looked across the snow-covered slopes, waiting in anticipation. Finally, Natalie arrived, exited the Gondola, and made her way swiftly my way. Upon first glance, Natalie (without her contacts), failed to recognize me and gave me an awkward look. As her vision adjusted, her jaw dropped, shocked at the individual standing in front of her. She ran and wrapped her arms around me. "Punch me!" she exclaimed. Puzzled, I questioned, "Punch me? You mean pinch me right?" "No, no. Punch me." She smiled.

We then went to the restaurant located at the lodge. Next to a window, the cloudy view outside was surpassed by the beauty sitting adjacent to me across the table. My mind was racing, wondering at which moment to ask Natalie to take another step with me up relationship's ladder. In what seemed to be a clear indication of perfect timing, I looked to my left and saw that the previously cloudy city scrape had removed itself, revealing a breathtaking sunset in its absence. Haphazardly, I struggled to get out of my seat and onto my knee. While my brain, having reached critical mass, had shut down, I was able to utter a complete sentence.

"My life changed when I met you, and I will never know true happiness unless you are by my side. Will you marry me?"

Her answer may forever be a mystery to the reader ...

It was an amazing event. One that neither of us will forget. After the event, I thought about that song (The Promise) and the lyrics that were so fitting early in our relationship.

"And if I have to walk the world to make you fall for me, I promise you, I promise you I will ..."

In a very real sense, Natalie and I had walked the world to be together, and as this song had ended, new promises were being made with world travels done side by side.



nat's point of view :

a life changing day, not because i was another year older, but a day that i will always look back and think to myself - how did i get so lucky?

my day started out early, as i switched my shift in the morning, so that i could go on the scavenger hunt that my friends - shelley and renuka, have prepared for me. little did i know, they were secretly working w/ chris, and along helping him w/ a chiefly plan.

vancouver's city traffic is not as bad, but when it comes to rush hours, sometimes people can really swear like a sailor. after work, renuka and i attacked the hunt like a mad cave man. i just wanted to get them all done so i can go home and rest. as i'm not a big fan of 1st gear-stop-1st gear-go, the bumper to bumper speed has gotten on my nerves and i could feel the temper w/in me heating up.

by the time i finished my 2nd last task, and somehow we ended up at the foot of the grouse mountain. confused, i opened my last envelope and it requested me to take the gondola up to the top of the mountain - alone. ... ... ummm? no, thank you. the letter said i've to go up to the mountain top alone, and there's a dinner set waiting for me. w/ no acknowledgement that chris was up there, i refused to take the ride and wish i could do something else for the last task. the fact my friends are so sweet that they had brought me dinner, but the picture of me eating alone on my birthday is just ... unbearable. =S
renuka fought all her might to put me on the gondola; uncomfortable, confused, out of place. i'm not sure what am i going to do up there.

finally, i got to the top of the mountain, headed toward the restaurant - the observatory. i walked toward the glass doors, not near at hand, i saw this person standing at the doorway and was looking straight at my direction. i thought it must be some sort of assigned worker there to wait for their guest to arrive. the closer i got to the doors, the more toyed i felt, oh shell and renuka are going to get it from me when i see them. ... i swung the door open, and there he was, wearing a pink & red stripy tie w/ a salmon colour dress shirt, standing there, smirking at me while my jaw was hanging. ... =)

it honestly is the best birthday i've ever had! everything was such a surprise and i couldn't have it better! ... the dinner was absolutely amazing and we have had the view just to ourselves.

this wonderful unexpected occurrence, knocked me off my feet, the exultant joy w/in is indescribable. i have received alot of lovely presents, and the dearly gift of all, an affectionate fiancé.

you always love me more,
i hear it in your voice,
you're not afraid to tell me,
i guess we're at our best when we're miles away.

i begin to see the picture, it becomes so clear
you always have the biggest heart,
when we're six thousand miles apart.

too much of no sound
uncomfortable silence can be so loud
those three words are never enough
when its long distance love.

you always love me more,
i hear it in your voice,
you're not afraid to tell me,
i guess we're at our best when we're miles away.

the Box ...

Chris' point of view:

A month and a half after Natalie's Salt Lake City trip, I made my way north, to Canada, in hopes of maintaining the strong momentum we had built. Leaving the United States was something I had never done before. A trip out of the country, beyond the only world I had ever known.

As I sat on the plane looking out the window, I glazed the clouds, my thoughts dancing on the horizon. The ever watching eye up above looked down upon me anticipating the early fruits of a plan He had set in motion long ago. With all that Natalie and I had become, I had no idea what was in store for us on this crucial trip.

I think that sometimes we go throughout life begging to know what lies within the box labeled 'Our Future'. When we are given a peek at its contents, our interest eventually subsides; the glimpse slipping from our finite memories and understandings. I say this because as of late, I have questioned what my individual purpose is in life, and how I fit into the grand puzzle of the universe. However, in writing this blog post, I am reminded of the miracle that IS, Natalie and I, and how monumental my glance at 'Our Future' was during this trip.

Natalie and I had been reading scriptures over the phone over the months leading up to the Vancouver trip to feed our spiritual sides. In doing so, we decided to schedule an appearance at a local church there in Vancouver.

That sunday, following a week of delicious food (mmm Tim Horton's Donuts), sight seeing, and shopping, we began finalizing plans to visit a meeting house for spiritual indulgence. As we looked on the internet, the site we had viewed now showed that our intended location was a Spanish speaking branch. Dismayed, we searched for a replacement, finding another Church much further than our previous target. Set on going to church that morning, we decided to adjust our plans and travel a bit further.

After arriving at the church at North Vancouver, we sat, listening to the speakers discuss various spiritual subjects. Natalie rested her head on my shoulder and wrote silly messages with her finger on my palm. "I L-O-V-E Y-O ... ... ... -G-A." One particular speaker caught her attention and she listened intently to the words that he spoke from the pulpit. Following the meeting, Natalie said she enjoyed it and that she wanted to learn more. I told her that if she wanted, we could find the missionaries and set up discussions. She agreed.

We walked around the church, looking for a set of missionaries. Finally, we stumbled upon two women standing in a doorway, with smiles on their faces. Natalie and one of the 'sisters' had a strange feeling as if they knew each other from somewhere. Come to find out, they were friends from Hong Kong and hadn't seen each other in 10 years. It was a clear manifestation of fate and the Higher Power. It is staggering to think about the chances of it all.

I went home, thinking about the majesty of life, and the consistent reassurances we recieve when times are tough. More than that, I thought about the moments in life when we are shown the contents of 'the box'; for a split second, as the light permeates the darkness, we see what lies ahead.

nat's point of view:

skyline run, valentine ...

sometimes i run, but i'm not afraid
he makes me smile.
you make it seems like it was yesterday
however,we've come a long way out of the rain.


Why did Woman created from the Man's Rib?

It’s amazing how Father made man, and so beautiful how He made woman! why did He create Woman from Man’s rib, when He could have simply created her from dust, as He did Man?
this is a story i read that puts a beautiful touch on the reasoning:

“When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being. When I created man, I formed him from the dust of the Earth and breathed life into his nostrils. But you, woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man because your nostrils are too delicate. I allowed a deep sleep to come over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you. Man was put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity. From one bone I fashioned you. I chose the bone that protects man’s life. I chose the rib, which protects his heart and lungs and supports him, as you are meant to do.”

“Around this one bone I shaped you. I modelled you. I created you perfectly and beautifully. Your characteristics are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile. You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart. His heart is the centre of his being; his lungs hold the breath of life. The rib cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart. Support man as the rib cage supports the body.”

“Adam walked with me in the cool of the day and yet he was lonely. He could not see me or touch me. He could only feel me. So everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with me, I fashioned in you: my holiness, my strength, my purity, my love, my protection and support. You are special because you are the extension
of me.”

“Man represents my image, woman - my emotions. Together, you represent the totality of God. Love her, respect her, for she is fragile. In hurting her, you hurt me. What you do to her, you do to me. In crushing her, you only damage your own heart, the heart of your Father and the heart of her Father. Woman, support man. In humility, show him the power of emotion I have given you. In gentle quietness show your strength. In love, show him that you are the rib that protects his inner self.”


often, i wonder if i'm made out of chris? there was coincidence after coincidence. Our minds flowing; so alike. the ideas we have had and the words that we were going to say.

the day that i picked up chris from the airport was a chilly day, we both had a coat on. the very 1st stop on the itinerary packed for this trip, was to meet my best friend - helen. it is the ultimate routine when your best friend has the YES or NO approval about the boy that you're dating. no negotiation. the boy's destiny lies w/ their 1st impression, and the effort that he makes to have the green light. with chris' charm and his witty comments, it was a no match. =)
we arrived to the restaurant a little early, just to make sure we've the right table in the house. as when i removed my coat and chris has moved his - BAMMM! we had matching colour tops, yellow?!
???
out of all the colours in the rainbow, out of all the days in the year, out of all the possibilities. com'on!? i was staring at him speechless. how in the world did we do that? no clue. ... w/ a smile on chris' face, he whispered to my ear, 'you're my ribs!'. =]



w/ this trip, chris has experienced alot during this 1st encounter. meeting helen, meeting my coworkers (whom i had already talked their ears off about chris), trying out all the delicious food, and of course, his 1st HOT yoga class w/ me. =) i've to say, i'm very proud of him, he stayed in the hot room for the entire 90 minutes, and participating all 26 of the postures. for a newbie, he did an amazing job!

okay, enough of chris, i'm stealing the thunder. i planned that sunday to go to church w/ chris; after so many years, going to many different united churches, not alot of the house that i really feel like i belong there. then, i just stopped going altogether. b/c of the time difference at the 1st church, we had to change our route and travel to another branch where it could accommodate our tight schedule. when we got there, we walked down the hall, right away - i felt like i had been in this place before. i couldn't explain that feeling w/in, but it was heating up and i feel joy.

after the meeting, we met w/ a pair of sister missionaries. i set up an appointment w/ them in regard to lessons. following the questions that i had for the sisters, i realised one of the sisters is from the same area where i grew up in hong kong. all of this was so overwhelming to me, on a sunday morning, that she turned out to be one of my good mates from primary school in hong kong. i wrote to her from time to time when i 1st got to vancouver to study, and after a few years we lost contact of each other. it has been some 10 years we haven't seen each other. i couldn't recognise her as she has long hair when we were young. ...

the chances to meet my good friends back from home are quite limited when i'm overseas. ever since i started to go to lessons and w/ what chris has brought into my life, alot of the knots have untied themselves w/ time and it feels like a beginning is blossoming into the lights, with so many more to come.