Work, Work, Work

I had brunch at Syrup with two co-workers, Jen and Ms. J! I'm so glad that I got the chance to meet up with them outside of work, but the funny thing was all we talked about was work. I guess we can never escape that place. It was also my first time at Syrup and I really liked what they had on the menu. I had such a hard time choosing, but hopefully I'll be back to try more!

Jen and I actually worked together at Chick-Fil-A before so it was nice to reunite with her again!

Ms. J, a fellow learning coach!

Also, I just finished one of my favorite units with my 1st grade music class! For this unit we were learning about beats and music notes such as, whole note, eighth note, quarter rest, and etc. We used rhythm sticks, we played matching games, and colored pictures to match the notes. The kids had a lot of fun and did really awesome with this unit. They even enjoyed a little competition when we were reviewing notes. I'm so happy to be learning with these kiddos too!

Twinning with Ms. M!

I don't know if I'm the only one like this, but when I assume someone is upset or annoyed at me, I get defensive. I do a lot of things that my husband should be annoyed or upset about, so there are many moments when I react to him in a negative way. He'll ask me why I'm upset and my response will be, "because you're upset with me," even though it might not be true, it just feels like he is. Part of my problem is that I overthink and over analyze the situation way too much and because of my assumptions I end up making us bicker more than we need to.

On Saturday, I locked my key inside of my car, which has been a horrible habit of mine as of late. I called Chu to bring me my spare key, but he had to get to work and suggested that my brother bring me the key. I instantly thought that he was upset at me and a whole bunch of things popped up in my head, but then I got this text from him...

"I know you left your keys in your car again and you're not perfect, I'm not mad or annoyed. :) ... I wish I could come give you the keys and be with you today, but hopefully you'll have the strength to work hard today! Be praying for you! Drive home safe and don't lock your keys in the car when you get home okay? Love you so mucho!!!"

I was so shook. I didn't know it, but it was exactly what I needed. In that moment I realized that I was assuming things again. When I read those words it completely changed how I thought and felt about the situation. I needed to hear that he wasn't mad or annoyed. It allowed me to calm down and think clearly about how I truly felt.

I'm beyond thankful for a man who understands my weaknesses and seeks to set things right. I thank God for these moments of growth in our marriage and as an individual.

Spring Break

A couple days after Valentines Day, Chu surprised me by booking flights to NEW YORK! We spent our whole spring break there and it was such a blast! I've been wanting to take Chu there to show him where I went to school, to experience the city life, and to eat the yummy food. NY is officially crossed off of our bucket list, but I don't think it'll be the last time that we'll be there.

Pictures from our trip , but also check out the vlog that's coming out soon!

At the airport, 5 a.m. in the morning! I told Chu that it felt so thrilling because it was our first time traveling together. Now that we're married, it feels so good to have all the freedom to go anywhere with each other for however long we want!

All smiles after we smoothly picked up the rental car! It was definitely an adulting moment because we got our first credit card to pay for this. It was sooo worth it though! Now, we're just waiting for those bills to come, ha.

Game night at Mx and Chuchi's place! Missed these ladies and their cooking!

I RARELY play Avalon, but my crew won! The bad guys had a 90% chance of winning, but somehow we actually did it.

Chelsea Market Skyline

Brooklyn Bridge

How could I not? I love how there are food stands everywhere in NY.

World Trade Center Memorial

OH MY GOODNESS!!! ZiZi is theeee cutest, but so sad that he doesn't like me, ha!

Central Park

Spicy Lamb Noodle Bowl

Capital Columns at the National Aboretum

Abraham Lincoln Memorial

Jefferson Memorial

King Spa, this was the most relaxing day ever! I always wanted to take my future husband to this!

NYC skyline

Pretty much sums up what she brings into my life, laughter and joy.

March Favorites

Beauty/Fashion

• Yogurt Mask - After the blizzard my cheeks got a little red rash from the dryness and I couldn't figure out how to fix it. I asked Esther if she had any recommendations, and I'm so thankful she told me about the yogurt mask! I mixed a spoonful of plain yogurt and a quarter size of honey, put it on my face and it made all the difference! My face started healing and I love the results because it leaves it feeling so soft!
• Ripped Jeans - Been loving my ripped jeans this month and I just bought another pair!
• Dip powder - I got dip powder for the first time on my nails and I LOVE them. I'm about to be obsessed, but my wallet won't let me. 

Music
 I love how people have been posting songs on their IG story because I'm starting to find new jams!

Come Thru by Jeremy Zucker

Everlasting by Albert Posis

Hump Day

Ever since I started my new job, Thursdays have become my "Hump Days". They're long days and I get super exhausted, but I'm trying to have a better attitude about it. Even though it can be hard, I believe that positivity does go a long way because it's contagious.

Although it's been long, here are some good moments that have happened today:

• A girl wore two different shoes to school and it cracked me up. She said that she didn't have time to put on the other shoe. I told her she could change her shoe in her class and she got really happy. Note, they were wedges though so I'm not sure if she just took those to school without her parents' permission or not, ha. 
• I helped a girl get a knot out of her hair. Thankfully she was really calm about it because I had to use scissors to cut the rubber band. Yup, in the education field you just end up doing a whole bunch of other things for the kiddos.
• I saw a 3rd grade boy and his 2nd grade sister sit together in the learning center and before he went back to class he gave her a hug (seriously, my heart melted).
• Even though I'm super unequipped to teach a music class, my student's told me that music was fun! Love it!
• Alright, now the best thing that happened today was... Mx gave birth! I'm officially an auntie to a sweet baby boy named, Roman! SSOOOOO pumped about this!!

Meek

"Meekness is gentle, tenderhearted, patient, and submissive; it's an intentional and deliberate choice...

to not demand to be right

to be at peace with not winning an argument

to be okay to not be first at everything

to be willing to listen to criticism

to be able to hold our tongue, choose our words, choose our timing

Here's the thing about meekness: It's a display of where your treasure is and who you worship.

If your treasure--the thing of highest worth--is yourself, you must guard it with all your might. You won't let anyone speak down to you, you'll demand only the est, and you'll be intolerant of others not meeting your standards or expectations. You will speak your mind whatever the cost because your treasure is you.

But it Christ and His holiness is your treasure, if you are humbled by how great He is---how amazing is His grace to save you---no one can steal your worth. The same grace that bent to redeem us makes it possible for us to bend in meekness to others.

We can afford to be meek because when we are in Christ, His unending grace is our full supply."

-- Ruth Chou Simons, Gracelaced 

OUR 2019 Goals

• Have a set time to read the bible together.
• Be more intentional about praying together and for the people in our lives.
• Faithfully tithe and budget. 
• Keep building our communication.
• Serve the church together and encourage each other to join other church ministry events.
• Pursue each other's love language.
• Try new hobbies together.
• Invest in the relationships we have and make new ones!

February Favorites

Beauty/fashion

• Tarte's Tartelette in bloom - I've been eyeing it ever since Christmas and I finally got my hands on it! I absolutely love all the colors and I had the biggest debate between the in bloom and the toasted palette. I'll probably go back for the toasted palette later on because I am loving what I have so far.
• Big gold earrings
• Black Time and Tru Pants from Wal-Mart. It's kind of crazy, but Wal-Mart is uping their game! These pants are so comfy and they're the perfect length for my short legs. I've been wanting to wear them to work everyday. 

Things to watch

• Touch Your Heart - I LOVE the two leads for this drama, Lee Dong-Wook and Yoo In-Na! You'll recognize them as the second leads from Goblin. They are amazing individually, but together their chemistry is puuurrfect! So far it's a light romantic comedy with typical cheesy scenes, but that's just what I need after watching The Last Empress.
• Instant Family - A hilarious, but heartfelt film about fostering children. I have always wanted to foster or adopt children and this film had me feeling all types of emotions. I was laughing, getting frustrated, and even tearful during the movie. There was a lot of reality check moments, but I loved how this film touched on the perspectives of foster parents and foster children. I still want to foster and adopt after watching it!
• Secretariat - If you love horses then you'll love this film. This was filmed in 2010, but I just now watched it. It's based off of a true story about a gifted colt who won the Triple Crown in 1973. It's definitely a film about perseverance and there were so many scenes that made me so anxious because of the horse races.

Music

• Make it Count by CHEN (Touch Your Heart OST)
• Honesty by Pink Sweat$ - I love my brother's cover cause it doesn't have any profanity, but he never does a full cover.

2019 Goals

I can’t believe it’s already March, MARCH! It has been a busy end for 2018 and a crazy start for 2019 that I haven’t had the time to sit and think about the things I wanted to achieve. It’s been so long that I even contemplated if I should write them, but I believe having something written down will help me keep myself accountable. My goals are long overdue, but I have them and I’m excited!

• Be more intentional with my Bible Studies by studying with purpose, perspective, patience, process, and prayer. (Women in the Word by Jen Wilkin)
• Read, Read, Read. Compared to my younger self, I have been reading more in the past couple of years, but I still want to grow in this area. I usually read more of the self-help books, but this year I want to push myself to read more of the other genres as well.
• Take care of my physical appearance. It’s kind of sad, but I seriously need to make this a goal because I feel like I have become so lazy and just do the bare minimal. I want to take the time to make myself look presentable by dressing up and dolling up. I know that my physical appearance has nothing to do with my confidence, but it does help me feel like I’m ready to conquer the day.
• This year I want to do more volunteer work. I want to love more on my neighbors and the communities that I am a part of, so this is why I’m so excited about our volunteer plans for the youth and young adults. It’s going to be great!
• To be very honest, I’m not someone who enjoys cooking. This year I want to challenge myself to grow more in this area of my life and to learn how to cook more yummy dishes. I want to practice baking as well even though it may not be my top priority.
• I want to continue to be active this year by playing more sports, going on outdoor adventures, and working out. Some of those things are going to be easier than others. Even though I know I want to live a much more active life it’s been hard trying to find motivation. I’m praying so hard for motivation and trying to get my body moving consistently. I’ll keep you all posted and let you all know how the process goes, pray for me too.
• For my students, I want to go above and beyond. I want to always be on top of my game when it comes to lesson planning and be able to help my students with other things such as behavior, friendship, and family life as well. When I’m not in the right mindset I’m less prepared to tend to their needs. Although their attitudes drive me crazy, I know deep down they’re crying out for more. I truly desire to invest more in their lives and I can’t wait to see how things will unfold!
• On the topic of my career, my goal this year is to get my CO teaching license! I WILL GET LICENSED! Absolutely cannot wait to achieve this one.
• Be a better daughter and sister. In this season of my life, I have two sets of parents and new brothers and sisters. I want to be my best self for all of them. Being a part of two families has taught me to be even more considerate than I have ever been before, but it’s been a sweet learning curve. I want to do so much more for all of them.
• Show people I appreciate them in my life. I don’t ever want people to feel like their presence is ever taken for granted. This is the year of gratitude and appreciation for all of God’s blessings.
• Traveling is one of my most expensive goals, but this is the year to travel. I want to explore new places (even old ones) and I believe that I’m going to have many opportunities to do so this year. The best part is that I have a lifetime travel buddy to share all of these moments with now!
• Do more artsy and crafty things! I have a list of calligraphy and DIY things that I'm really excited about so I need to get on it!

I'm sure a lot more goals will pop up because they always do, but in the mean time I'll focus on these. Also, praying that everyone’s new years goals are going well! 

2018 Reflection

• It’s late, but not too late. I still wanted to post my 2018 reflection. 2018 was by far one of the best years for me.
• My friends from college came to visit in February. We hiked one my favorite trials, IN THE SNOW, and went to the hot springs. It was an adventure and I loved sharing my hometown with them.

• I went to a lot of Nam Tsev events where I learned a lot from the moms. I was really intimidated at first because I wasn’t married, but I quickly learned how funny and caring the moms were. They’re truly inspiring and I love how all of their prayers revolve around their children. My desire is to be a prayer warrior as they are.
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• I served as the secretary for the Youth and Young Adults Council this year and it was a lot of fun. It was great serving with the council because they have such huge hearts for God’s ministry. I was also able to get to know more of the youth members personally too.
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• I served as a teachers for Toddlers this year at church. It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to serve in this ministry, but I absolutely enjoyed it. The kiddos that I had are forever engraved in my heart. I just love them sooo much and I want them to stay little forever.
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• Book studies. Some of the young adult ladies started a book study and the book was amazing. The group discussions have also been warm, encouraging, wise, and hilarious. For this season, I love that I get to do life with these ladies.
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• Went fishing with Chu and got my worst tan EVER. For some reason, Chu and I have the funniest stories when it comes to fishing.
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• Chu introduced me to one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen here in CO. It’s our secret place.
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• Chu proposed to me in April! It was the sweetest thing. It was actually how I envisioned being proposed to. Read my past post for more details.
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• Baby Aleanie was born. I cannot believe that my childhood friend is now a mom. I’m an auntie and my world is rocked haha She’s a cutie though.
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• This is the first time ever, but one of the youth girls asked me to be her mentor. What a blessing, but also a huge responsibility. I love her desire and excitement to learn more about herself and God. So much potential in such a small girl.
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• Chu and I went to our first concert together!
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• During the summer I had the opportunity to babysit for my friends. Their three kids are absolutely adorable and I love them so much. I hope I can still be in their lives for a very very long time.
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• Learned that my dear friends’ mom had breast cancer. It was shocking and very difficult to process, but God used them to show what it looks like to have faith, to be still and know that He is God, and what it looks like to praise Him in the storm. God is forever faithful and she is on the road to recovery. I am still thinking and praying for this beautiful family.
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• Celebrated Josh and Cat’s wedding. They are two very inspiring people. I love how they love each other and the church so much.
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• When Chu and his family came to ask for my hand in marriage. Still one of the most bittersweet moments of 2018.
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• Graduation Party, where my family from CA and MN gathered together. It was so sweet because I got to spend my 24th birthday with all of them as well. It’s very rare to have family from both sides be together.
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• Our engagement session with our dear friends Peter and Maila was soooo precious. I loved seeing them work together as a couple and our pictures turned out so beautiful. We appreciate how they gave us a little of their time on their short visit home.
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• Loved hanging out with Mercy and Fuabcua when they came to CO. It was great getting to host them and it felt very lonely after they left.
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• My childhood friends and I had dinner with our hubbies and boyfriends. It’s been a lifelong dream and we were able to fulfil it! That was also when Bao announced her pregnancy. SO SURPRISED. My world continues to get rocked.
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• Celebrated Kaxee and Eric’s wedding! They are two very special people to Chu and I and we loved being able to have witness the growth of their love to the day they were wedded. We know they’re going to be such a power couple for God’s kingdom.
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• There have been many highlights for this year, but this was probably the heaviest and most heartbreaking situation. A friend was lost due to depression and suicide. This loss had me reflect a lot about my relationships, life, and my faith. Questions popped up one after another, but there is truly only one answer to everything, Jesus. I’m thankful that He holds us in some of our deepest hurts and clouded moments. I’m also thinking and will continue to be praying for the family and friends that were left behind hurting and questioning. May God’s peace and comfort be with them.
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• Marriage counseling. That was one of the best things Chu and I did for ourselves before getting married and I pray no couples skip out on that. We appreciate and treasured our time with Xf. Tswv David. It allowed Chu and I to dig deeper into God’s purpose and intentions for marriage.
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• November, I GOT MARRIED to the sweetest man that I know. More posts to come about that.
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• My brother, Sam, proposed to his long time girlfriend, Aimee! Love those two to pieces and I cannot wait for what’s to come.
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• Chu and I celebrated Christmas with two families this year. It was difficult to balance the time, but everything worked out and everyone was happy. We loved being able to celebrate with two families.
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• New Years Eve was really precious. In the afternoon, Chu and I celebrated my dad’s 50th and my grandma's 78th birthday with the Her fam. We spent the rest of the evening watching The Case for Christ (such a good movie, totally recommend) and playing board games with the Yang fam. There was no sweeter way to end the year.

New Job!

In January I got a new job. It was kind of crazy, because I absolutely loved my old co-workers and students at VCSE, but the new director, with all of his changes, didn't make me feel like my job was secure. It really pained me to say good-bye to my students so suddenly, especially the 5 who I worked closely with in the mornings. I still think about them often and would love to see how they've grown. I heard they found my replacement and I'm happy to hear it's someone that I know. From my interactions with her, I believe that she will be able to work with my co-workers and help the students.

The change was sudden, but it was definitely for the better. My new school (AAL) has a different culture going on and my new position requires a lot of flexibility, but I'm enjoying it so far. I'm a Learning Coach for K-3rd and my job requires me to help the students who are advanced and mastering the subjects. AAL is different from anything I've ever observed or experienced, but I do like the structure because the struggling students don't get left behind and the advance friends don't get forgotten. I appreciate how they have a place to hone their skills and practice more without getting disrupted, unless they're choosing to disrupt their own learning.

Of course, not matter where I go, the attitude is still evident. I still deal with students' attitudes on a daily and even though I get so angry, I get just as sad about their rebellious hearts.  It continues to allow me to rely more on God's strength and understand His grace and mercy for my rebellious heart and constant sins as well. I'm thinking about reading "Love and Logic" to see if I can find some way to better help my students and also because it's been recommended by many teacher friends.

Besides being a learning coach, I also teach an elective, 1st grade music. I know. . .  M U S I C. Never did I ever think that would happen, but it did! Anyone who knows me, knows that I don't have a musical bone in my body, but I'm starting to learn now. The good thing is, I don't have to do any grading for my music classes. I mainly have to find things for them to do and keep them occupied. The way it was structured before I stepped in was not the best. The kiddos would just dance, read books in the back of the room, and play around. Now, I have a routine so the kids know what to expect, but it did take a bit of time for them to adjust and realize that music class IS music class. I'm excited though, I have my lessons planned out for the rest of the school year and I have a chance to teach them things that other 1st graders are learning about too. Like I said, I'm not an expert, but I've been able to teach them rhymes (they wrote their own line to "Down by the Bay") and we are currently learning about instruments. It's been a lot of fun planning and teaching music, but it's also an area where I've been stretched as well. I'm looking forward to where this music adventure goes though.

 Also, so thankful for Esther. It was really last minute, but she helped hook me up with this new job. We get to carpool and have lunch together almost everyday. I appreciate the conversations and how she has helped me adjust to this new position. I was definitely more prepared to face everything because of her. Things in life change so fast, but this was a transition that was needed and worth it. I'm praying that I'll finish the rest of the school year strong. Pray for me too!

My awesome coworkers at VCSE!

Wedding Pictures!!!

When I think about our wedding there are only three words that come to mind, family, friends, and God. Seeing those three things come together for Chu and I was absolutely precious and humbling. We're seriously just two ordinary people made special by the love of everyone around us and God. We were blessed beyond measures by the people who came to share in this joyous moment with us and from those who celebrated with us from afar as well.

Thank you to everyone who made this day happen, from the big things all the way to the little things. Y'alls don't know how much it means to us. Thank you to everyone who prayed for us and who are still praying for us. We love you all very much.

Like everyone says, our wedding came and went just like that, but we're so thankful to have these beautifully captured moments!
PC: Peter and Maila Lee