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.