Sung by Tim Murphy
Piano Yong Kim
When I was younger I saw my daddy cry
and curse at the wind.
He broke his own heart and I watched
as he tried to reassemble it.
And my momma swore
that she would never let herself forget.
And that was the day that I promised
I'd never sing of love if it does not exist.
But darling,
You are the only exception.
You are the only exception.
You are the only exception.
You are the only exception.
Maybe I know somewhere
deep in my soul
that love never lasts.
And we've got to find other ways
to make it alone.
Or keep a straight face.
And I've always lived like this
keeping a comfortable distance.
And up until now I've sworn to myself
that I'm content with loneliness.
Because none of it was ever worth the risk.
Well you are the only exception.
You are the only exception.
You are the only exception.
You are the only exception.
You are the only exception.
I've got a tight grip on reality,
but I can't let go of what's in front of me here.
I know you're leaving in the morning
when you wake up.
Leave me with some kind of proof it's not a dream.
You are the only exception.
You are the only exception.
You are the only exception.
You are the only exception.
You are the only exception.
You are the only exception.
You are the only exception.
You are the only exception.
And I'm on my way to believing.
Oh, and I'm on my way to believing.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Wild Geese
Read by Johanna Chang, M.D.
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
from Dream Work by Mary Oliver
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
from Dream Work by Mary Oliver
Reading From Calvin & Hobbes
As read by Stephanie Chow and Grant Chang
Calvin: What's it like to fall in love?
Hobbes: Well... say the object of your affection walks by...
Calvin: Yeah?
Hobbes: First, your heart falls into your stomach and splashes
your innards. All the moisture makes you sweat profusely. This
condensation shorts the circuits to your brain and you get all woozy.
When your brain burns out altogether, your mouth disengages and you
babble like a cretin until she leaves.
Calvin: THAT'S LOVE?!?
Hobbes: Medically speaking.
Calvin: Heck, that happened to me once, but I figured it was cooties!
Calvin: What's it like to fall in love?
Hobbes: Well... say the object of your affection walks by...
Calvin: Yeah?
Hobbes: First, your heart falls into your stomach and splashes
your innards. All the moisture makes you sweat profusely. This
condensation shorts the circuits to your brain and you get all woozy.
When your brain burns out altogether, your mouth disengages and you
babble like a cretin until she leaves.
Calvin: THAT'S LOVE?!?
Hobbes: Medically speaking.
Calvin: Heck, that happened to me once, but I figured it was cooties!
Ruth McKee Wedding Speech
My name is Ruth McKee and I’ve had the distinct pleasure of
being counted among Jennifer’s closest friends for several years now. I met Jen
in graduate school in San Diego, though through a strange coincidence it turned
out we had also gone NYU together, but somehow never met. In any case, our
friendship was fated, but I have to credit her with making it happen. Our first year at UCSD we ran in
slightly different circles, but at one point during our second year she just
decided, out of the blue, that we would be friends. She asked me out to lunch,
and then and I had moved to Los Angeles and started a theatre company with her.
I tell you this story because I know that those of you who
already find yourselves in the sway of Jennifer’s friendship probably have
similar stories. She may appear harmless, but secretly Jen is pulling all of
the strings, and somehow getting us all to do exactly what she wants while
making us think it was our own idea. And if you’re only just getting to know
Jennifer now, you probably will have a story like mine soon. Because Jen is a
collector. Of clothes, of animals, but mostly of people. And she is a woman of
impeccable taste – it’s no surprise that she made her living in New York
shopping for a costume designer. She has an incredibly keen eye for the things
that are unique and precious in life, and when she finds people who are unique
and precious, she holds them tight.
But this loyalty that Jen has for her friends comes with a
dark side, and that’s her generosity. Now you may be thinking, “generosity is a
wonderful thing!” and it is, but for Jen, it can sometimes be a problem. She
can be so generous with the people that she loves that she often leaves herself
with nothing. I like to call it Jenerosity with a “J”, and I define it as “the
act of giving away your shirt before anyone has asked for it.” And this quality, as you might imagine,
often leaves Jen stretched thin, and burnt out. She is an exceedingly capable
woman, people often say she could run a small country, and after seeing her in
action as a producer I have no doubt she could. But at the end of the day she
is often so busy taking care of everyone around her that she forgets to take
care of herself.
So that’s where Dan comes in. When she starting talking
about this handsome stranger she had met in her Korean class, I knew she had
really found someone special. Someone who at the end of the day, when she was
finished taking care of everyone else, would be there to take care of her. And
as their relationship progressed the most remarkable thing I noticed was the
complete absence of drama. He was just there for her, in all the ways that
count. He makes sure that she eats and sleeps, and within weeks of starting to
date him, he was doing her yard work. He puts up with, and even encourages her
acquisition of new people and animals to populate their commune, welcoming them
all into the fold. As you may know, Jen is currently performing in The Language
Archive at East West Players, and when she told him she had been cast in this
production, and would be performing both the night before and the night after
their wedding, he said to her, “Jennifer, I don’t even care if you have to miss
the banquet. I just need you to be at the wedding.” So I could see right away that he was a man who would always
be there to support my friend, and never hold her back.
We have a saying in our
theatre company, which is that we want tkeep the drama on stage. Drama is what
plays are for. Real life shouldn’t be like that. Real life should be warm, safe,
and happy. And that’s what her life is like with Daniel Yin. So I could not be more thrilled to see Jennifer finally meet
her match, and get right to the business of building her life with him. Thanks
for coming into her life, Dan. You are more than another unique and precious
person for Jen’s collection. You are the man that she needed to find.
Jimmy Kim Wedding Speech
I’ve known Dan for 20 years and there are two things I know he likes: movies and pretty
woman… not the movie pretty woman, but beautiful woman, you know what I mean. So
when he told me he was dating an actress, it couldn’t have been more perfect.
I convinced Dan two years ago to take Korean language classes. I needed to improve my
Korean skills. And Dan needed to find a woman. Little did we know that he would end
up meeting his future wife.
For those of you who know Dan, you know he is not the most aggressive when it comes
to relationships. Thank God Jennifer is more assertive though. Otherwise they would
still be in Korean class talking about movies and food…rather than standing here at the
altar today. It is peculiar though, how both Dan and Jen stop going to Korean class once
they started dating. I guess they got what they wanted out of the class.
I knew since I had brunch with them for the first time that they were great for each other.
I was shocked by their chemistry, it was effortless… and, I never told them this, because
I didn’t want to jinx anything, but I caught them stealing glances at each other while the
other wasn’t looking. I knew there was something special.
I am confident that those initial feelings of infatuation have only grown deeper and
stronger, and there is no doubt in my mind that they will continue to be patient,
thoughtful and having the greatest desire to make the other happy – just as they have
always been, and just as it should be for a perfect Hollywood ending.
woman… not the movie pretty woman, but beautiful woman, you know what I mean. So
when he told me he was dating an actress, it couldn’t have been more perfect.
I convinced Dan two years ago to take Korean language classes. I needed to improve my
Korean skills. And Dan needed to find a woman. Little did we know that he would end
up meeting his future wife.
For those of you who know Dan, you know he is not the most aggressive when it comes
to relationships. Thank God Jennifer is more assertive though. Otherwise they would
still be in Korean class talking about movies and food…rather than standing here at the
altar today. It is peculiar though, how both Dan and Jen stop going to Korean class once
they started dating. I guess they got what they wanted out of the class.
I knew since I had brunch with them for the first time that they were great for each other.
I was shocked by their chemistry, it was effortless… and, I never told them this, because
I didn’t want to jinx anything, but I caught them stealing glances at each other while the
other wasn’t looking. I knew there was something special.
I am confident that those initial feelings of infatuation have only grown deeper and
stronger, and there is no doubt in my mind that they will continue to be patient,
thoughtful and having the greatest desire to make the other happy – just as they have
always been, and just as it should be for a perfect Hollywood ending.
About Us
Daniel Yin
I was born at the Sloane Hospital for Women on a dark and stormy
night, on what is considered the unluckiest day of the year, Friday the
13th. Contrary to popular belief, the "Friday the 13th" movies were not
inspired by the Yun run summer camps. The name change is coincidental
and should, in no way, be rationalized as the need to hide from
authorities. For those of you who do not know, I am the only "Yin" in
the family. The rest of family is made up of Yun, Yuan, and Yan.
My childhood was typical: summers in Rangoon ... luge lessons ... In the spring, we'd make meat helmets ... When I was insolent I was placed in a burlap bag and beaten with reeds — pretty standard, really. At the age of 12, I received my first scribe.
When I was 18 I went to evil medical school. At age 25 I took up tap dancing. I wanted to be a quadruple threat: an actor, dancer.... (If this part seems familiar, it was the inspiration for Dr. Evil's bio.)
The evil medical school was really just UCSD. I did take Acting 101 while there though, for fun.
After undergrad, I went into exile to the Bay Area for 6 years. I met some great friends during my time away from So. Cal, but the warm waters beckoned to me. In 2002, I returned triumphantly by enrolling at the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California (how more fitting to return to So. Cal by enrolling at the Univ. of So. Cal?).
Armed with an MBA, I decided to go the non-traditional route of bouncing around rather than taking an executive position or a consulting position. I wanted to make sure I was well rounded by experiencing as many different positions and industries as possible. (I'm still doing that.)
And now, a new adventure begins as I try to unravel the mystery known as Jen Chang.
Rough Timeline:
Born in NYC 1973
Moved to LA 1977
Moved to San Diego 1981
Graduated from UCSD (aka Evil Medical School) 1996
Life in Exile 1996 - 2002
Name change from Yuan to Yin 1998
Triumphant Return to So. Cal 2002
1st Date with Jen Chang 2010
The Dannifer Experiment begins Fall of 2011
My childhood was typical: summers in Rangoon ... luge lessons ... In the spring, we'd make meat helmets ... When I was insolent I was placed in a burlap bag and beaten with reeds — pretty standard, really. At the age of 12, I received my first scribe.
When I was 18 I went to evil medical school. At age 25 I took up tap dancing. I wanted to be a quadruple threat: an actor, dancer.... (If this part seems familiar, it was the inspiration for Dr. Evil's bio.)
The evil medical school was really just UCSD. I did take Acting 101 while there though, for fun.
After undergrad, I went into exile to the Bay Area for 6 years. I met some great friends during my time away from So. Cal, but the warm waters beckoned to me. In 2002, I returned triumphantly by enrolling at the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California (how more fitting to return to So. Cal by enrolling at the Univ. of So. Cal?).
Armed with an MBA, I decided to go the non-traditional route of bouncing around rather than taking an executive position or a consulting position. I wanted to make sure I was well rounded by experiencing as many different positions and industries as possible. (I'm still doing that.)
And now, a new adventure begins as I try to unravel the mystery known as Jen Chang.
Rough Timeline:
Born in NYC 1973
Moved to LA 1977
Moved to San Diego 1981
Graduated from UCSD (aka Evil Medical School) 1996
Life in Exile 1996 - 2002
Name change from Yuan to Yin 1998
Triumphant Return to So. Cal 2002
1st Date with Jen Chang 2010
The Dannifer Experiment begins Fall of 2011
Jennifer Moscardon Chang
Jen Chang, as she is called by her friends, was born in San
Francisco, and grew up in foggy Daly City (with her extended Filipino -
Chinese family). She was a major nerd at Highlands Christian Academy in
San Bruno and Saint Ignatius College Prep in San Francisco. At the age
of 17, she left the Bay Area to enroll in New York University's College
of Arts and Science (premed for a day) and Tisch School of the Arts,
double majoring in Psychology and Drama (she thought she might become a
psychologist/ family therapist/ educational therapist/ drama therapist,
etc.) While in New York, she was a Resident's Assistant, babysitter/
nanny, Abercrombie and Fitch brand rep (sigh, it's true), teacher's
assistant, then post school: restaurant hostess/ coat check girl/
waitress-for-a-day, costume design assistant, dancer in a modern dance
company, temp (I was a badass on Power Point), events coordinator for
NYU/ TSOA, stage manager, and occasionally actor (sometimes the jobs
would overlap 3 or 4 at a time). She totally loved New York City
(living in Manhattan and Brooklyn: Windsor Terrace and Park Slope) and
thought she would never leave.
She eventually decided to embrace the acting habit that she was trying to kick and train further. She chose to attend UCSD/ La Jolla Playhouse (because of the beach) and received her MFA in Acting (and never really hung out at the beach).
After graduation, she gradually moved to Los Angeles (hating it) to be a professional actor and founded a theatre company (Chalk Rep). Currently, you can see her in a few commercials, sometimes you can see her in a play, and occasionally you can see her in TV shows. Sometimes she tutors math and sciences. But mostly she loves to be at home in Atwater Village. She now loves LA.
She has two cats (Panther Bo Jangles Robinson and Benjamin Kitten) and two dogs (Luna and Harper) plus one (Bella, who belongs to her sister, Dr. Chang).
She is currently studying the cello (adding to the other instruments she loves and plays poorly) and hopes to learn Mandarin Chinese someday so that Dan Yin doesn't have to keep translating.
She eventually decided to embrace the acting habit that she was trying to kick and train further. She chose to attend UCSD/ La Jolla Playhouse (because of the beach) and received her MFA in Acting (and never really hung out at the beach).
After graduation, she gradually moved to Los Angeles (hating it) to be a professional actor and founded a theatre company (Chalk Rep). Currently, you can see her in a few commercials, sometimes you can see her in a play, and occasionally you can see her in TV shows. Sometimes she tutors math and sciences. But mostly she loves to be at home in Atwater Village. She now loves LA.
She has two cats (Panther Bo Jangles Robinson and Benjamin Kitten) and two dogs (Luna and Harper) plus one (Bella, who belongs to her sister, Dr. Chang).
She is currently studying the cello (adding to the other instruments she loves and plays poorly) and hopes to learn Mandarin Chinese someday so that Dan Yin doesn't have to keep translating.
Mad Men Style
Rather than going with a traditional tux or getting a suit from some
place like Nordstrom's I thought I'd go in a different direction,
vintage!
A quick Google search for "vintage suits Los Angeles" turned up Jake Vintage over in Hollywood. Nordstrom's was also having their half yearly men's sale the very same weekend. We decided to go check out both places on the same day. When they say "Hollywood" it's at the very borders of Hollywood, much like the Mt. Hollywood Congregational Church.
Jen and I walked in to a very small store with clothing on only one rack along the left hand side. The proprietor of the place, Jonathan, was in the back with his sports coat, horned rimmed glasses, checkered slacks, playing his electric guitar. He set down the guitar, turned down the volume on his amp which was hooked up to a stereo from the 60's or so. He reeked of cigarettes, as that was a constant of that era.
We told him we were looking for a suit for our upcoming nuptials and he immediately asked some questions about color schemes, themes and whether or not I had a specific style and era. I didn't really have much of a clue as to styles and cuts and everything else. For me, other than color, the question about suits have revolved around three buttons or two. (I did own a double breasted suit in the 90s from Dejaiz.)
"I think I'll find a Glenn Plaid suit for you." I had never heard of that pattern and was picturing the kilts worn by Mel Gibson as we ran across a grassy meadow with a large two handed sword strapped to his back about to mutilate some Englishmen. "It's a gray suit from a distance with these fine orange and blue lines. When you look up close, you'll see those colors in the panes, but from a distance, it'll look like a gray suit. You use a pocket squares to bring out the colors. If you use an orange pocket square, then the orange lines will jump out more." He had a sort of clipped manner of speaking, much like someone straight out of a 60's film.
When it came time to take measurements, he eyed me up and down and said, "You look to be between a 38 and 40. I think 40 short." He measured me and said under his breath, "knew it." "Your waist looks to be a 33 and you're about 5'9, and I think your inseam is about 31 inches." He didn't even have to measure much of anything else. I was pretty much sold.
Before we left, I turned to Jen and said, "I'm going to buy a suit from this guy."
"Give me a couple of months to clear out the upcoming weddings. I'll have some options for you in September to choose from."
Jen and I went off to Nordstrom's to check out the half-yearly sale. The sales person who approached us was nice enough. He said that I should try some of the 42s they had in stock. "I'm pretty sure I need a 40." "You look more like a 42." He went to the 40s rack and pulled out a nice navy blue suit. "What do you know? You're a 40." At that point, I tuned out. It could also be the fact that the price tag was a good deal more expensive.
I did get the suit recently and there was virtually no tailoring that was needed. The search for a matching tie and pocket square consumed more time. Jonathan provided his feedback on which ties would work best, including the blade width, the color, the thickness, and the type of knot to use. His recommended pocket square was cotton or linen folded in the executive manner. Cotton or linen over silk because they can hold a crease.
Two more selling points with going with Jake Vintage? He consulted for "Mad Men" and was also named one of the best dressed for GQ. Not everyone is enamored with him, but he's been super helpful and is pretty entertaining to speak to as well. The selection may seem sparse, but I'm sure the guy can find you something from wherever he finds these gems.
A quick Google search for "vintage suits Los Angeles" turned up Jake Vintage over in Hollywood. Nordstrom's was also having their half yearly men's sale the very same weekend. We decided to go check out both places on the same day. When they say "Hollywood" it's at the very borders of Hollywood, much like the Mt. Hollywood Congregational Church.
Jen and I walked in to a very small store with clothing on only one rack along the left hand side. The proprietor of the place, Jonathan, was in the back with his sports coat, horned rimmed glasses, checkered slacks, playing his electric guitar. He set down the guitar, turned down the volume on his amp which was hooked up to a stereo from the 60's or so. He reeked of cigarettes, as that was a constant of that era.
We told him we were looking for a suit for our upcoming nuptials and he immediately asked some questions about color schemes, themes and whether or not I had a specific style and era. I didn't really have much of a clue as to styles and cuts and everything else. For me, other than color, the question about suits have revolved around three buttons or two. (I did own a double breasted suit in the 90s from Dejaiz.)
"I think I'll find a Glenn Plaid suit for you." I had never heard of that pattern and was picturing the kilts worn by Mel Gibson as we ran across a grassy meadow with a large two handed sword strapped to his back about to mutilate some Englishmen. "It's a gray suit from a distance with these fine orange and blue lines. When you look up close, you'll see those colors in the panes, but from a distance, it'll look like a gray suit. You use a pocket squares to bring out the colors. If you use an orange pocket square, then the orange lines will jump out more." He had a sort of clipped manner of speaking, much like someone straight out of a 60's film.
When it came time to take measurements, he eyed me up and down and said, "You look to be between a 38 and 40. I think 40 short." He measured me and said under his breath, "knew it." "Your waist looks to be a 33 and you're about 5'9, and I think your inseam is about 31 inches." He didn't even have to measure much of anything else. I was pretty much sold.
Before we left, I turned to Jen and said, "I'm going to buy a suit from this guy."
"Give me a couple of months to clear out the upcoming weddings. I'll have some options for you in September to choose from."
Jen and I went off to Nordstrom's to check out the half-yearly sale. The sales person who approached us was nice enough. He said that I should try some of the 42s they had in stock. "I'm pretty sure I need a 40." "You look more like a 42." He went to the 40s rack and pulled out a nice navy blue suit. "What do you know? You're a 40." At that point, I tuned out. It could also be the fact that the price tag was a good deal more expensive.
I did get the suit recently and there was virtually no tailoring that was needed. The search for a matching tie and pocket square consumed more time. Jonathan provided his feedback on which ties would work best, including the blade width, the color, the thickness, and the type of knot to use. His recommended pocket square was cotton or linen folded in the executive manner. Cotton or linen over silk because they can hold a crease.
Two more selling points with going with Jake Vintage? He consulted for "Mad Men" and was also named one of the best dressed for GQ. Not everyone is enamored with him, but he's been super helpful and is pretty entertaining to speak to as well. The selection may seem sparse, but I'm sure the guy can find you something from wherever he finds these gems.
No Shark's Fin Soup
http://justjared.buzznet.com/2011/09/25/yao-ming-ban-shark-fin-soup/
Because Yao Ming felt we should stop eating Shark's Fin soup, we're not going to have it at the banquet. Instead, we'll have some Scallop Soup. It's cooked in the same broth.
If you've never had Shark's Fin Soup, then sadly, our banquet won't be the first time you sample this Chinese delicacy. It's something worth trying at least once before it becomes contraband. I would describe it as something akin to otoro, the fattiest, juiciest, melt in your mouth part of tuna. The Shark's Fin produces this wonderful balance of texture and flavor that only those who have tasted can know. It may very well be the closest thing to heaven on earth. My mouth is watering now as I remember the last bowl of soup I had of the thing people write sonnets about.
Alas, you are missing out, but you can sleep soundly the night of November 11th, knowing that you participated in a very humane Chinese banquet that breaks from tradition by not offering this very traditional, yet oh so delectable dish.
I'm kidding, Shark's fin tastes like nothing. It has a bit of a crunchy texture and your palate would have to be super fine tuned to even taste the cartilage amidst the soup itself. You're not really missing out on much other than the idea that you had it. If you still want it, you can go back to Ocean Star some other night and order yourself some.
Because Yao Ming felt we should stop eating Shark's Fin soup, we're not going to have it at the banquet. Instead, we'll have some Scallop Soup. It's cooked in the same broth.
If you've never had Shark's Fin Soup, then sadly, our banquet won't be the first time you sample this Chinese delicacy. It's something worth trying at least once before it becomes contraband. I would describe it as something akin to otoro, the fattiest, juiciest, melt in your mouth part of tuna. The Shark's Fin produces this wonderful balance of texture and flavor that only those who have tasted can know. It may very well be the closest thing to heaven on earth. My mouth is watering now as I remember the last bowl of soup I had of the thing people write sonnets about.
Alas, you are missing out, but you can sleep soundly the night of November 11th, knowing that you participated in a very humane Chinese banquet that breaks from tradition by not offering this very traditional, yet oh so delectable dish.
I'm kidding, Shark's fin tastes like nothing. It has a bit of a crunchy texture and your palate would have to be super fine tuned to even taste the cartilage amidst the soup itself. You're not really missing out on much other than the idea that you had it. If you still want it, you can go back to Ocean Star some other night and order yourself some.
Center Pieces
Whenever you attend a wedding, there are usually centerpieces to take
home from each table. Most of the ones I've attended had a vase with
some flowers or some plants, etc. Don't expect to find flowers on Nov
11, because other than the bouquet JC will be carrying down the aisle,
flowers will be in short supply.
Instead, we'll have center pieces that will last a bit longer than flowers, but will appeal to the kid in you. We've done our best in carefully selecting the pieces and each one will be going home with someone at your table. The catch is that you will have to answer some trivia questions.
Good Luck!
Instead, we'll have center pieces that will last a bit longer than flowers, but will appeal to the kid in you. We've done our best in carefully selecting the pieces and each one will be going home with someone at your table. The catch is that you will have to answer some trivia questions.
Good Luck!
Presence = Presents
The most important thing for us is being able to celebrate our wedding day with friends.
All this to say, the most lasting gift you can give us is your well wishes on our day. Come, eat, and be merry!
"You buy furniture. You tell yourself, this is the last sofa I will ever need in my life. Buy the sofa, then for a couple years you're satisfied that no matter what goes wrong, at least you've got your sofa issue handled. Then the right set of dishes. Then the perfect bed. The drapes. The rug. Then you're trapped in your lovely nest, and the things you used to own, now they own you." - Chuck Palanhiuk.
Those of you who have visited us in Atwater Village with our little menagerie, know that we have a full 950 square foot house. Our front room has 2 bookshelves housing our DVD collections, comic books, and other geeky things. We have plenty of furniture including a sectional sofa and chaise to lounge around during the warm days of summer and to huddle together on, in the 'cold' of winter.
"The bridge", also known as the dining room, is the office with 3 desks and some more bookshelves, along with a printer and our file cabinets. It is known as the command center as most decisions are made in this room.
The kitchen is in the back third of the house. It's a bit modest, but has a very modern fridge (stainless steel from LG). It will undergo some remodeling at some point. For the time being, it serves its purpose for JC to create crackpies (key lime pie) and magic chicken (chicken adobo).
This is all to say that our registry is not as long as others you may have seen because we simply do not have the room. The things we need, we have already and if we don't have it, we probably don't need it (yet).
Thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity for spending your day and sharing your blessings with us :)
All this to say, the most lasting gift you can give us is your well wishes on our day. Come, eat, and be merry!
"You buy furniture. You tell yourself, this is the last sofa I will ever need in my life. Buy the sofa, then for a couple years you're satisfied that no matter what goes wrong, at least you've got your sofa issue handled. Then the right set of dishes. Then the perfect bed. The drapes. The rug. Then you're trapped in your lovely nest, and the things you used to own, now they own you." - Chuck Palanhiuk.
Those of you who have visited us in Atwater Village with our little menagerie, know that we have a full 950 square foot house. Our front room has 2 bookshelves housing our DVD collections, comic books, and other geeky things. We have plenty of furniture including a sectional sofa and chaise to lounge around during the warm days of summer and to huddle together on, in the 'cold' of winter.
"The bridge", also known as the dining room, is the office with 3 desks and some more bookshelves, along with a printer and our file cabinets. It is known as the command center as most decisions are made in this room.
The kitchen is in the back third of the house. It's a bit modest, but has a very modern fridge (stainless steel from LG). It will undergo some remodeling at some point. For the time being, it serves its purpose for JC to create crackpies (key lime pie) and magic chicken (chicken adobo).
This is all to say that our registry is not as long as others you may have seen because we simply do not have the room. The things we need, we have already and if we don't have it, we probably don't need it (yet).
Thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity for spending your day and sharing your blessings with us :)
Lull
I guess wedding planning is front loaded and then back loaded: not much
to do in between but wait for everyone to RSVP. We've ordered our
centerpieces, received the wedding dress, found my shoes, DY is
awaiting his vintage suit and is deciding on his shoes. Johanna, my
sister and I will be DIY-ing a few things decor-wise. SERIOUSLY -- am I
forgetting something?
What are we forgetting?
We are so lucky to have lots of friends and family to include in our
celebration. We hope to make the days leading up to the event somewhat
interactive and really hope you do check back periodically as we
introduce ourselves (individually and as a couple) to all of you who
might want to get to know us better. We've all been to those weddings
where there are tons of people and you don't really know the couple or
very many people there. And you sit back and wait for the cake so that
you can leave. I've done it. (And we understand that sometimes you do
just have to leave early!) But WE want you to know us and we really aim
to make the celebration a fun, close-knit family affair for all 200-300
of you. :) So whether you stay til cake or after, we hope you have a
lot of fun. Plus, we are going to stock an open bar.
Enlist help setting up all the tables. You think you can do it all
between the two of you. You can't, trust me. At one point I was
standing in the chapel, having got caught in torrential rain, filling
favor boxes in my underwear.
forget my wedding and what I'd redo, bleah. But at the best
wedding Ive ever been to (and I've literally been to countless weddings)
as you entered there were strings creating sort-of an aisle, and
clipped to the string were photographs of the bride and groom, their
family members, baby pictures, friends etc. Then when you stopped to
sign the guestbook, which also had an entire page available to add a
message, someone took a polaroid to be included next to the message. I
just thought it was really nice for the bride and groom to look at later
because your wedding day goes by so quickly and you often feel like you
never saw or spoke to everyone. I dont know why but I found this to be
a really sweet idea and it made an impression on me. Answering trivia
questions to win the centerpiece is a good idea, too of course.
Wedding Planning
We are so lucky to have lots of friends and family to include in our
celebration. We hope to make the days leading up to the event somewhat
interactive and really hope you do check back periodically as we
introduce ourselves (individually and as a couple) to all of you who
might want to get to know us better. We've all been to those weddings
where there are tons of people and you don't really know the couple or
very many people there. And you sit back and wait for the cake so that
you can leave. I've done it. (And we understand that sometimes you do
just have to leave early!) But WE want you to know us and we really aim
to make the celebration a fun, close-knit family affair for all 200-300
of you. :) So whether you stay til cake or after, we hope you have a
lot of fun. Plus, we are going to stock an open bar.
Proposal (Jen's Version)
(Adding the occasional parenthetical wasn't going to be adequate. But
I will still use them for the purposes of asides and inner monologues.)
So, we were supposed to go to Japan in May for vacation and to visit Dan's mom. We were looking forward to the trip and had agonized over the scheduling of it. As Dan has already told, we ultimately decided not to go. But he had requested the time off and I had committed to being unavailable from the entertainment business for that time period; so Dan suggested we should explore other options: Italy? Australia? Alaskan cruise? We eventually settled on the idea of staying closer to home. Dan had NEVER been on a road trip!!!
We started planning our trip, or rather, I started planning our trip. I was getting this funny feeling that Daniel wasn't interested in our vacation or going on vacation even tho HE had suggested it. He wasn't looking at the guidebooks or asking questions or making any additional suggestions or anything. I didn't know what was going on with him. But we eventually got everything set and set sail (or set rental car, rather) for Joshua Tree.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover Daniel's eager willingness to stop and shop at the Puma and Nike store at the Cabazon Outlets (which I agree are da bomb). Dan had previously revealed a love of shoes AND a shoe collection; but enjoying shoe shopping was a whole new level of togetherness.
We did eventually leave the outlets, made it to J-Tree and started a short hike.
When we reached the hike's destination, my phone started dinging like crazy as it made brief contact with some sort of service. (There is generally NO service in J-Tree). A student's mom had been leaving messages and texting, wondering where I was. I started marching around, waving my I-phone high and low looking for the service point... FINALLY! I started texting rapid fire to fix the situation and remind her of my absence, when I heard from behind me, "Jen Chang will you marry me?" I replied, "Of course" and kept texting with purpose - service wasn't going to last very long.
And then he said something else that I couldn't understand (I think sound was being muffled by my sunhat, and Dan was attempting to be discreet).
"What?" I say. (Maybe I should turn around so I can hear him.)
"Will you marry me even tho I don't have a speech prepared... but I have two rings?"
(Oh. He's being serious.)
"Yes."
He opened one box (cushion cut -- wow!) and then the other (it's a gold band in the shape of a film strip -- cool!).
And then he launched into the details of the rings and the inner workings of the diamond trade.
He revealed he had put off his knee surgery in case he had to get down on one knee. (I guess it never reached that level of desperation.)
As we hiked back, hand-in-hand, Dan exhaled: "Hm... I don't feel sick..."
And we continued our superfun trip to Vegas, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Escalante, Boulder, Arches, Moab and back.
The moral of the story: Dan Yin makes me laugh.
So, we were supposed to go to Japan in May for vacation and to visit Dan's mom. We were looking forward to the trip and had agonized over the scheduling of it. As Dan has already told, we ultimately decided not to go. But he had requested the time off and I had committed to being unavailable from the entertainment business for that time period; so Dan suggested we should explore other options: Italy? Australia? Alaskan cruise? We eventually settled on the idea of staying closer to home. Dan had NEVER been on a road trip!!!
We started planning our trip, or rather, I started planning our trip. I was getting this funny feeling that Daniel wasn't interested in our vacation or going on vacation even tho HE had suggested it. He wasn't looking at the guidebooks or asking questions or making any additional suggestions or anything. I didn't know what was going on with him. But we eventually got everything set and set sail (or set rental car, rather) for Joshua Tree.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover Daniel's eager willingness to stop and shop at the Puma and Nike store at the Cabazon Outlets (which I agree are da bomb). Dan had previously revealed a love of shoes AND a shoe collection; but enjoying shoe shopping was a whole new level of togetherness.
We did eventually leave the outlets, made it to J-Tree and started a short hike.
When we reached the hike's destination, my phone started dinging like crazy as it made brief contact with some sort of service. (There is generally NO service in J-Tree). A student's mom had been leaving messages and texting, wondering where I was. I started marching around, waving my I-phone high and low looking for the service point... FINALLY! I started texting rapid fire to fix the situation and remind her of my absence, when I heard from behind me, "Jen Chang will you marry me?" I replied, "Of course" and kept texting with purpose - service wasn't going to last very long.
And then he said something else that I couldn't understand (I think sound was being muffled by my sunhat, and Dan was attempting to be discreet).
"What?" I say. (Maybe I should turn around so I can hear him.)
"Will you marry me even tho I don't have a speech prepared... but I have two rings?"
(Oh. He's being serious.)
"Yes."
He opened one box (cushion cut -- wow!) and then the other (it's a gold band in the shape of a film strip -- cool!).
And then he launched into the details of the rings and the inner workings of the diamond trade.
He revealed he had put off his knee surgery in case he had to get down on one knee. (I guess it never reached that level of desperation.)
As we hiked back, hand-in-hand, Dan exhaled: "Hm... I don't feel sick..."
And we continued our superfun trip to Vegas, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Escalante, Boulder, Arches, Moab and back.
The moral of the story: Dan Yin makes me laugh.
Proposal (Dan's version)
Two rings in my pockets, one diamond, one custom created. The
original plan was to propose on the grounds of Kamakura near Yokohama,
Japan. The tickets were purchased and everything was set, until March
11th occurred.
There was no plan B because what are the chances that a 9.6 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Japan would create a tsunami wave of epic proportions that knocks out nuclear reactors? The chances were clearly greater than anyone thought as it did happen and seeing how the tap water in Tokyo was irradiated and the nuclear disaster was close to Chernobyl levels, we opted for a different trip that didn't involve the possibility of growing extra limbs or having kids with third eyes (or, if you believe in Marvel Comics, they would grow up to be masters of magnetism or powerful telepaths).
We quickly put together a road trip to southern Utah for a hiking trip with stops along the way.
First stop, Joshua Tree. The question of whether to propose at the beginning of the trip so that the trip would start off with a bang and any all issues that arise would seem minute or end the trip with a grand finale? There was a bit of excitement the morning of our trip, so I decided that it would be best to do it from the start.
We got to Joshua Tree in the early afternoon, but not before stopping at the Cabazon outlets. Yes, we stopped to shop at the outlets and we both highly recommend those outlets for their variety of retailers and the selection of items that you can find there.
I chose an easy hike, one to Barker Dam, so that I could get a better feel for the new hiking boots from REI (Vasques and they are worth the money). The brochures showed a picturesque pond at the end of the hike. The hike was short, really short. Ten minutes later, we were at the dam, which wasn't as picturesque as the brochures, but still nice to look at. Instead of it being deserted, there were a handful of people there. I tried to find some place that was isolated, but couldn't find anything and was thinking of a different hike where I could pop the question.
As we walked around the dam, Jen's iPhone chimed notifying her of a text message. Her tutoring student had forgotten that she was going to be on vacation and had asked whether or not she would be showing up that night. As she walked around trying to find a signal again, we rounded the trail near the top of the dam that overlooked the little valley below, and we were completely alone. I asked, "Jen, will you marry me?"
"Of course," was her response as she continued wandering around in circles looking for a signal on her iPhone.
"No, I mean, 'will you marry me?' I have two rings for you."
"Yes."
She tried both rings on and off we went on to Vegas to get eloped. Too bad you all missed it.
The diamond ring was selected on a trip to SF with the help of JP and Julie at Derco. The other ring was a custom ring designed with the help of Towfic (he does jewelry designs).
There was no plan B because what are the chances that a 9.6 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Japan would create a tsunami wave of epic proportions that knocks out nuclear reactors? The chances were clearly greater than anyone thought as it did happen and seeing how the tap water in Tokyo was irradiated and the nuclear disaster was close to Chernobyl levels, we opted for a different trip that didn't involve the possibility of growing extra limbs or having kids with third eyes (or, if you believe in Marvel Comics, they would grow up to be masters of magnetism or powerful telepaths).
We quickly put together a road trip to southern Utah for a hiking trip with stops along the way.
First stop, Joshua Tree. The question of whether to propose at the beginning of the trip so that the trip would start off with a bang and any all issues that arise would seem minute or end the trip with a grand finale? There was a bit of excitement the morning of our trip, so I decided that it would be best to do it from the start.
We got to Joshua Tree in the early afternoon, but not before stopping at the Cabazon outlets. Yes, we stopped to shop at the outlets and we both highly recommend those outlets for their variety of retailers and the selection of items that you can find there.
I chose an easy hike, one to Barker Dam, so that I could get a better feel for the new hiking boots from REI (Vasques and they are worth the money). The brochures showed a picturesque pond at the end of the hike. The hike was short, really short. Ten minutes later, we were at the dam, which wasn't as picturesque as the brochures, but still nice to look at. Instead of it being deserted, there were a handful of people there. I tried to find some place that was isolated, but couldn't find anything and was thinking of a different hike where I could pop the question.
As we walked around the dam, Jen's iPhone chimed notifying her of a text message. Her tutoring student had forgotten that she was going to be on vacation and had asked whether or not she would be showing up that night. As she walked around trying to find a signal again, we rounded the trail near the top of the dam that overlooked the little valley below, and we were completely alone. I asked, "Jen, will you marry me?"
"Of course," was her response as she continued wandering around in circles looking for a signal on her iPhone.
"No, I mean, 'will you marry me?' I have two rings for you."
"Yes."
She tried both rings on and off we went on to Vegas to get eloped. Too bad you all missed it.
The diamond ring was selected on a trip to SF with the help of JP and Julie at Derco. The other ring was a custom ring designed with the help of Towfic (he does jewelry designs).
Origin Story (with Interjections by Jen)
Korean Class! $50, 10 weeks, 2 hours per week,
includes text book and some snacks like Kim Bap. You can't beat a deal
like that and it's even more of a bargain when you consider that's where
we met. (Basically we were both cheap and lured into a class that
provided free food.)
The conversation starter centered around food (of course) and specifically about pork adobo silog (a filipino breakfast dish) and where in LA you can get something as good as Ongpin's version in Daly City. (He knew where Daly City was! Weird.) If you don't know what it is, it's pork slow-cooked with copious amounts of vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic. (MMMMMM) The flavor gets cooked in and the meat becomes super tender. Then the magic: The pork is slathered on top of garlic fried rice and topped by one egg sunny side up or over easy; the key thing being a runny yolk that drips over the rice. Jennifer had some recommendations on where to go to get some, but she said that nothing compared to making it herself. (Hmm, I don't remember my being so forward, but ok, apparently I said, "Why go out when you can cook it yourself.") This particular conversation happened toward the very end of that 10-week session and we would not speak much more till the start of the next session, four weeks later. (But I could feel Dan Yin staring like a stalker.)
As it so happens, the both of us decided to repeat Basic C again rather than advance to Intermediate level. (Basically we were both total losers who didn't do enough outside class practice.) The new teacher required more practical application of what we learned by practicing with each other. We were paired a few times here and there, but not consistently. Our conversations inevitably revolved around food and restaurants. I mentioned that my family owns and operates 3 Chinese restaurants. (He had me at free food.) She expressed interest in perhaps going some time. On the second to last day of class, we made plans to go there with another classmate two weeks later. (We used her.) I was not planning on attending the last class because I had tickets to the Lakers/Celtics game. (Go Lakers!!!)
The Friday before our trip to Yang Chow, we chatted via Google Talk. Jennifer was concerned that our Sunday dinner would conflict with the Laker game that day. I assured her that it was sometimes better not to watch a closely contested match as it was nerve racking. I asked her if she had any plans that night and if not, would she be interested in watching a movie together (OK actually, DY did not see the obvious opening that I wasn't doing anything on a Friday night and I practically asked HIM out.)
The pickins for movies were slim that weekend. "A-Team" seemed like a decent choice, but we walked out after ten minutes. (The dialogue was unbearable.) We went to watch "Splice" instead. It was a far more disturbing choice to watch and Jennifer spent most of the movie hiding. (This is true. I used my shawl as a shield -- the movie was scary.)
Afterward, we had drinks (soda -DY and milkshake - JC, DY is lactose intolerant) at the Jewel City Diner and walked around. (Wait a minute, I have to say, DY was making a beeline for the parking garage right after the movie, and I suggested getting a snack -- thinking, wow, he has no game.)
We had dinner on Sunday at Yang Chow with Dr. Chang and our other classmate from Korean class. (The one we were using as an excuse to hang out.) Later that week, we went to watch "Toy Story 3." I had decided before the movie started that I wanted to hold her hand but she had covered herself with her shawl to keep her warm. Once the movie began, I lifted said shawl and reached under to hold her hand. She has said that it was the most awkward move ever (and I felt totally uncomfortable for the rest of the movie). As awkward as it may have been, all I can say is 'Where are we now?' (Dan likes to say: "awkward move says you, good move says I." Tune in next time for when we write the engagement story.)
The conversation starter centered around food (of course) and specifically about pork adobo silog (a filipino breakfast dish) and where in LA you can get something as good as Ongpin's version in Daly City. (He knew where Daly City was! Weird.) If you don't know what it is, it's pork slow-cooked with copious amounts of vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic. (MMMMMM) The flavor gets cooked in and the meat becomes super tender. Then the magic: The pork is slathered on top of garlic fried rice and topped by one egg sunny side up or over easy; the key thing being a runny yolk that drips over the rice. Jennifer had some recommendations on where to go to get some, but she said that nothing compared to making it herself. (Hmm, I don't remember my being so forward, but ok, apparently I said, "Why go out when you can cook it yourself.") This particular conversation happened toward the very end of that 10-week session and we would not speak much more till the start of the next session, four weeks later. (But I could feel Dan Yin staring like a stalker.)
As it so happens, the both of us decided to repeat Basic C again rather than advance to Intermediate level. (Basically we were both total losers who didn't do enough outside class practice.) The new teacher required more practical application of what we learned by practicing with each other. We were paired a few times here and there, but not consistently. Our conversations inevitably revolved around food and restaurants. I mentioned that my family owns and operates 3 Chinese restaurants. (He had me at free food.) She expressed interest in perhaps going some time. On the second to last day of class, we made plans to go there with another classmate two weeks later. (We used her.) I was not planning on attending the last class because I had tickets to the Lakers/Celtics game. (Go Lakers!!!)
The Friday before our trip to Yang Chow, we chatted via Google Talk. Jennifer was concerned that our Sunday dinner would conflict with the Laker game that day. I assured her that it was sometimes better not to watch a closely contested match as it was nerve racking. I asked her if she had any plans that night and if not, would she be interested in watching a movie together (OK actually, DY did not see the obvious opening that I wasn't doing anything on a Friday night and I practically asked HIM out.)
The pickins for movies were slim that weekend. "A-Team" seemed like a decent choice, but we walked out after ten minutes. (The dialogue was unbearable.) We went to watch "Splice" instead. It was a far more disturbing choice to watch and Jennifer spent most of the movie hiding. (This is true. I used my shawl as a shield -- the movie was scary.)
Afterward, we had drinks (soda -DY and milkshake - JC, DY is lactose intolerant) at the Jewel City Diner and walked around. (Wait a minute, I have to say, DY was making a beeline for the parking garage right after the movie, and I suggested getting a snack -- thinking, wow, he has no game.)
We had dinner on Sunday at Yang Chow with Dr. Chang and our other classmate from Korean class. (The one we were using as an excuse to hang out.) Later that week, we went to watch "Toy Story 3." I had decided before the movie started that I wanted to hold her hand but she had covered herself with her shawl to keep her warm. Once the movie began, I lifted said shawl and reached under to hold her hand. She has said that it was the most awkward move ever (and I felt totally uncomfortable for the rest of the movie). As awkward as it may have been, all I can say is 'Where are we now?' (Dan likes to say: "awkward move says you, good move says I." Tune in next time for when we write the engagement story.)
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