Jeff went to his first yoga class with me on Saturday morning! I know yoga is good for the spine and great for different muscles in the body, and I believe it will be great for Jeff, since he's had spine injuries before. I was, however, a little worried that Jeff might not like it.
But I was so impressed! He was so flexible and was even able to do positions that I was not able to do during my first yoga class! It was a beginner's yoga class and a small class, so the instructor was able give much attention to all of the the students. After the class, Jeff said he felt relaxed and his body felt great. I know we will be going to more yoga classes together!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Blue Fin
On our date night, Jeff and I tried a new Japanese restaurant near our house, Blue Fin. We are especially picky when it comes to Japanese cuisine and sushi, so we always go to either Marai or Matsuya, where we can get the freshest fish and most unique and delicious dishes you can ever have.
However, since Matsuya is currently closed under remodeling, and Marai typically needs reservation after 6:30 pm on a Friday night, we decided to give Blue Fin a try. Almost a decade ago when I first moved to Chicago, I actually went to Blue Fin a couple times with friends. I thought it was pretty good at that time, but I did think it was a little pricey for the quality of food.
We ordered a lobster roll for appetizer, a golden dragon maki (softshell crab, salmon, tobico), the grilled scallops with rice, as well as a few pieces of sushi and sashimi. My Uni sushi was great, and the hamachi sashimi was very fresh. However, the lobster roll was definitely not worth the price. I like the maki, but Jeff was not crazy about the sauce on the maki that was not mentioned in the menu. We also thought the scrallops was too well done.
All and all, we thought the meal was a little over-priced for what we had. But I'm glad we gave it a try, so now we know!
However, since Matsuya is currently closed under remodeling, and Marai typically needs reservation after 6:30 pm on a Friday night, we decided to give Blue Fin a try. Almost a decade ago when I first moved to Chicago, I actually went to Blue Fin a couple times with friends. I thought it was pretty good at that time, but I did think it was a little pricey for the quality of food.
We ordered a lobster roll for appetizer, a golden dragon maki (softshell crab, salmon, tobico), the grilled scallops with rice, as well as a few pieces of sushi and sashimi. My Uni sushi was great, and the hamachi sashimi was very fresh. However, the lobster roll was definitely not worth the price. I like the maki, but Jeff was not crazy about the sauce on the maki that was not mentioned in the menu. We also thought the scrallops was too well done.
All and all, we thought the meal was a little over-priced for what we had. But I'm glad we gave it a try, so now we know!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Clarity and Relaxation
I went to a yoga class for the first time after a few years this Saturday, and I've felt like a changed person since.
I've never been a person who loves to work out. In fact, I really dislike working out. I used to do a lot of pilates, which is great for stretching, muscle elongation and is definitely a great form of work-out. But, maybe I didn't have the best instructor, and I felt I always had to spend extra time driving to the gym and find parking everytime I wanted to go to a class. Before my wedding, I also used to work with a personal trainer to tone my body, and actually I continued the training a few more months after the wedding. However, I finally decide to stop when I realized I lost my motivation to squat 30 times while carrying a 60 pound bar on my shoulder, and the worst came when I drag everytime I was getting ready to go.
For the past couple of years, my excuse of not working out has been that I walk a lot on my way to the office and back. I'm a fast walker, and the long walks do feel like light cardio work-out. Recently however, I've been feeling extremely stressed out at work. It might be due to the nature of any sales jobs, but for a few weeks I was feeling very burnt out, and I would wake up in the middle of the night contemplating my strategy to close certain contracts. I've had a great first quarter and a successful April, but I'm always thinking about my next contract.
The mental stress has put a toll on my body as well, so I thought I need some form of exercise besides walking that will help me relax. It might be a message from God that made me discover a yoga studio in the alternative health organization 2 blocks from our house! And they are currently running a promotion. How perfect! I've always wanted to be able to walk (rather than driving) to a gym or exercise class!
The class I went to on Saturday morning was a beginner's yoga class. It focused on breathing and a lot of the basic postures and flow. After the 1.5 hour class, I felt unbelievably relaxed physically and got so much clarity mentally. I got home and couldn't stop smiling! It's hard to explain, but I was really in a nirvana state. I felt all of the knots in my body have been opened, and all of my thoughts have been crystallized.
In the late afternoon and evening, however, I started to have really bad headache. For some reason, I felt the headache was happening in a good way. I felt like my body was releasing all of the bad stuff out! After a good night sleep, I was like a brand new person. I have great energy all day on Sunday and no aches and pains at all. After a day of running errands, being at a birthday party, and an hour long walk with Scraps, I still feel like I can run for miles.
I've never been a person who loves to work out. In fact, I really dislike working out. I used to do a lot of pilates, which is great for stretching, muscle elongation and is definitely a great form of work-out. But, maybe I didn't have the best instructor, and I felt I always had to spend extra time driving to the gym and find parking everytime I wanted to go to a class. Before my wedding, I also used to work with a personal trainer to tone my body, and actually I continued the training a few more months after the wedding. However, I finally decide to stop when I realized I lost my motivation to squat 30 times while carrying a 60 pound bar on my shoulder, and the worst came when I drag everytime I was getting ready to go.
For the past couple of years, my excuse of not working out has been that I walk a lot on my way to the office and back. I'm a fast walker, and the long walks do feel like light cardio work-out. Recently however, I've been feeling extremely stressed out at work. It might be due to the nature of any sales jobs, but for a few weeks I was feeling very burnt out, and I would wake up in the middle of the night contemplating my strategy to close certain contracts. I've had a great first quarter and a successful April, but I'm always thinking about my next contract.
The mental stress has put a toll on my body as well, so I thought I need some form of exercise besides walking that will help me relax. It might be a message from God that made me discover a yoga studio in the alternative health organization 2 blocks from our house! And they are currently running a promotion. How perfect! I've always wanted to be able to walk (rather than driving) to a gym or exercise class!
The class I went to on Saturday morning was a beginner's yoga class. It focused on breathing and a lot of the basic postures and flow. After the 1.5 hour class, I felt unbelievably relaxed physically and got so much clarity mentally. I got home and couldn't stop smiling! It's hard to explain, but I was really in a nirvana state. I felt all of the knots in my body have been opened, and all of my thoughts have been crystallized.
In the late afternoon and evening, however, I started to have really bad headache. For some reason, I felt the headache was happening in a good way. I felt like my body was releasing all of the bad stuff out! After a good night sleep, I was like a brand new person. I have great energy all day on Sunday and no aches and pains at all. After a day of running errands, being at a birthday party, and an hour long walk with Scraps, I still feel like I can run for miles.
What the Dog Saw
After reading Outliers, I was eager to read the next book by Malcolm Gladwell. I was really looking forward to being surprised again.What the Dog Saw did not disappoint me, and Malcolm once again opened my eyes and captured my attention throughout the book. What's so great about Malcolm's writings is that they have the ability to engage you and make you think.
If you're in a mood for an insightful non-fiction, I highly recommend this book. It will worth your time!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
My Bro
My brother, Kuo-Hsun, works for a well-known ad agency in Taipei. Because of his fun personality and good looks, sometimes he is asked to be in their clients' ads!
Take a look, and click on his character!
http://www.pureyogurt.com.tw/
Take a look, and click on his character!
http://www.pureyogurt.com.tw/
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Spoiled Rotten
Saturday morning, Jeff, in his "Scraps' voice" (yes, we have a common voice for Scraps, so we can pretend to be like him in conversations....Don't judge!) said, "Ma, we are going to get you a Mother's Day present today!"
So with that, Jeff took me to Scoop NYC and Barney's to shop for jeans and drove me to Nordstrom and bought me a pair of Tory Burch flats!
While we were on our way to Nordstrom...
Me: Oh babe, you don't need to buy me anything! I have everything!
Jeff: I haven't got you any presents in a while, and you're such a great mom to Scraps! You deserve it.
On Sunday, Jeff's parents and sister visited us from Florida and San Francisco and stayed with us for a couple days. As usual, they brought a lot of food and treats for us, and we all went to a new Taiwanese restaurant in Chinatown for lunch. For dinner, we went to our favorite seafood restaurant, Half Shell, for oysters and crab legs.
Scraps was spending every minute he could with grandpa and grandma, too! He snuggled with them on the couch like a lap dog, and sneaked into their room and onto their bed at night.
It was a very nice weekend, and yes, I'm spoiled rotten by my sweet husband and his wonderful family.
So with that, Jeff took me to Scoop NYC and Barney's to shop for jeans and drove me to Nordstrom and bought me a pair of Tory Burch flats!
While we were on our way to Nordstrom...
Me: Oh babe, you don't need to buy me anything! I have everything!
Jeff: I haven't got you any presents in a while, and you're such a great mom to Scraps! You deserve it.
On Sunday, Jeff's parents and sister visited us from Florida and San Francisco and stayed with us for a couple days. As usual, they brought a lot of food and treats for us, and we all went to a new Taiwanese restaurant in Chinatown for lunch. For dinner, we went to our favorite seafood restaurant, Half Shell, for oysters and crab legs.
Scraps was spending every minute he could with grandpa and grandma, too! He snuggled with them on the couch like a lap dog, and sneaked into their room and onto their bed at night.
It was a very nice weekend, and yes, I'm spoiled rotten by my sweet husband and his wonderful family.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Anxiety High
Our friend, Jason (aka Knife Jones), plays in a punk rock band, Anxiety High. Jeff and I have been wanting to see his concert, and we finally did last Saturday!Anxiety High was playing at a local dive bar, Munity, along with 2 other bands to raise money for breast cancer. We met up with Jason's wife, Katie, as well as our friends, Melissa, Kris and Tony at around 10:30 pm. Jason's band didn't come on till 11:30 pm, but I had a such a great time! All of the proceeds of drinks, raffle tickets, etc. went to the charity.
Bar scene at this late at night is now pretty rare for me, considering I usually pass out at around 10 pm at night, yes, even on the weekends!
Monday, April 26, 2010
A Day in Naperville
Some of our friends live in the suburbs of Chicago, and since pretty much all of them have young children now, it can be really challenging trying to schedule time to get together.
A couple of our good friends live in Naperville, so Jeff and I spent a Saturday a week ago in Naperville visiting them. Mike and Chrissy now have 2 boys, Ben 3 1/2, Nathen 7 months. We stopped by their house and grilled out on their deck. Ben is such a big boy now who loves toys and going to the zoo. Little Nathen is a cutie. Chrissy said he's been having digestion issues and has been suffering from gas pain. The poor little guy also had H1N1 flu when he was just several months old. Jeff and Mike catch up on the phone periodically, but it definitely is wonderful seeing them and spending some time together.
We left Mike and Chrissy's after lunch and met up with Scott and his little boy Jack at Blackfinn in downtown Naperville. Though we see Scott a few times a year, the last time we saw Jack was when he was just a couple months old. He is almost 3 now and is such a handsom boy! He is also a very special little guy I thought. It was past his nap time, and we can tell he was really tired, but he was still smiley pretty much the entire time.
We are planning a bbq next month, so we can have everyone over at our house.
A couple of our good friends live in Naperville, so Jeff and I spent a Saturday a week ago in Naperville visiting them. Mike and Chrissy now have 2 boys, Ben 3 1/2, Nathen 7 months. We stopped by their house and grilled out on their deck. Ben is such a big boy now who loves toys and going to the zoo. Little Nathen is a cutie. Chrissy said he's been having digestion issues and has been suffering from gas pain. The poor little guy also had H1N1 flu when he was just several months old. Jeff and Mike catch up on the phone periodically, but it definitely is wonderful seeing them and spending some time together.
We left Mike and Chrissy's after lunch and met up with Scott and his little boy Jack at Blackfinn in downtown Naperville. Though we see Scott a few times a year, the last time we saw Jack was when he was just a couple months old. He is almost 3 now and is such a handsom boy! He is also a very special little guy I thought. It was past his nap time, and we can tell he was really tired, but he was still smiley pretty much the entire time.
We are planning a bbq next month, so we can have everyone over at our house.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
NCAA Final 4 Get-together
We invited a dozen friends over to our house to watch the NCAA Final 4 last weekend. I made a few appetizers, such as stuffed mushrooms, chili cheese dip, pretzel dogs. Marie brought guacamole/chips, and Jenn brought Sweet Mandy B's cupcakes! We then ordered pizza at dinner time.
For a few hours, our house was filled with a different kind of energy. In additional to beers and adults, there were toddlers stumbling around chased by their parents; babies crying for food and giggling after getting a lick by Scraps; their strollers, toys, diapers are on our couch and in our bed. It was a fun and interesting few hours with a dash of chaos. At times, Jeff and I looked at each other and smiled.
All of the "not-yet-parent" friends stayed later and played 80s. I was already looking forward to our next event after sending off our friends!
For a few hours, our house was filled with a different kind of energy. In additional to beers and adults, there were toddlers stumbling around chased by their parents; babies crying for food and giggling after getting a lick by Scraps; their strollers, toys, diapers are on our couch and in our bed. It was a fun and interesting few hours with a dash of chaos. At times, Jeff and I looked at each other and smiled.
All of the "not-yet-parent" friends stayed later and played 80s. I was already looking forward to our next event after sending off our friends!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Great News!
Our condo is sold! The closing of the sale was earlier today.
Thank you, God, for answering my prayers!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Guest Bathroom Remodel
Our remodeling of our guest bathroom includes:
- Wall covering on the white walls
- Glass shower door
- Marble floor (white carrera marble with gray veins)
- Wall covering on the white walls
- Glass shower door
- Marble floor (white carrera marble with gray veins)
Sunday, March 14, 2010
The Southern
A newly opened bar/restaurant in Bucktown, The Southern is about 2 blocks away from our house. Its menu has everything to do with its name -- bourbons, micro-brews, whiskeys, hush puppies, shrimp and grits, gumbo, fried green tomatoes, etc.Since Southern comfort food has been one of our favorites, Jeff and I stopped in last Friday to give it a try as our date night! Friday's drink special is $3 shot of Maker's Mark, so we each had a shot before dinner. It also took the edge off after a long week of work. We then ordered their hush puppies for appetizer, which were made of smoked trout. It was really yummy! The dipping sauce was unbelievable. We had the gumbo and the Duck Orleans as entrees, and we were especially impressed with the gumbo. The portions were not too big, which was perfect.
During our meal, the executive chef, Cary Taylor, stopped by and asked how we liked the food. We told him about our love for the gumbo, but the duck was little too salty. He was very appreciative of our feedback and told us they will make the improvement. At the end of our meal, he sent us a complimentary dessert on the house. We choose the carrot cake, and honestly it might be the best carrot cake I've ever had -- not too sweet, very nice texture, with toasted pistachio and rum raisin.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Co-hosting Jenn's Babyshower
Marie, Jessica, Jen and I threw a babyshower for Jenn on Saturday. We had fun planning it, prepare for it and hosting it! Jenn decided to have the shower at her house, and it worked out perfectly!We prepared a couple of salads, quiche, creme brulee french toast, fruit platter, croissants, cupcakes, as well a
s mimosa and white wine for drinks. We saw quite a few friends that we haven't seen in a long time. It was a lot of fun catching up with the girls, and the babyshower was a success!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Our Second Wedding Anniversary
Time flies! I can't believe we are celebrating our second anniversary already! This past Tuesday, I was hoping we would be allowed to work from home due to the snow storms. But I was glad that I went into the office because there were beautiful flowers delivered to me :) I really didn't think Jeff would send me flowers, since I knew we were celebrating our anniversary with 
a nice dinner on Friday night. I was really pleasantly surprised, and it made my day!Our dinner reservation was at Charlie Trotters. Since neither of us have been, we thought it would be a great place to celebrate a special occasion! It was a three-hour dining experience, and we were very impressed with the food, as well as the wine we paired. There were 5 courses with 3 desserts. Many of the dishes were unlike anything I've tasted. Jeff and I especially loved the Hamachi dish, but we thought all of the dishes were very delicious and original
.We also selected their wines to accompany each course, and that made the food even better. The service was unbelievable as well. It was really an enjoyable evening with the best food, wine, great service and I had a wonderful time with my man!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Dinner Party & Super Bowl Gathering
It was a busy weekend! On Saturday night, our friends, Katie and Jason, invited us to their beautiful home for dinner. There were about 10 guests in total, and Katie made a really delicious meal. She made a few appetizers in addition to dinner, which entails salads, grilled vegetables and prime rib! Dessert was home-made cheese cake!
Katie and Jason's home is a historic building built in 1906. They pretty much completely renovated the interior, but the exterior must be reserved and unchanged, since the building is one of the national register of historic places in Chicago. Inside of their home, you can tell they have put a lot of thought to it and is definitely full of characters and originality.
Sunday was the 2010 Super Bowl, and we had a casual gathering at John and Marie's home. We had chips and dips, appetizers, pot stickers and ordered pizza. We played squares and cheered for the Saints (at least I was...haha). Jeff thought I had special luck to win sports games, so he asked me to pick all the squares. And he was right! We had the biggest win out of all couples. It was also our first time seeing Katie and Bret with their 2 babies since they moved to the suburbs a few months ago, so it was great time catching up as well.
Katie and Jason's home is a historic building built in 1906. They pretty much completely renovated the interior, but the exterior must be reserved and unchanged, since the building is one of the national register of historic places in Chicago. Inside of their home, you can tell they have put a lot of thought to it and is definitely full of characters and originality.
Sunday was the 2010 Super Bowl, and we had a casual gathering at John and Marie's home. We had chips and dips, appetizers, pot stickers and ordered pizza. We played squares and cheered for the Saints (at least I was...haha). Jeff thought I had special luck to win sports games, so he asked me to pick all the squares. And he was right! We had the biggest win out of all couples. It was also our first time seeing Katie and Bret with their 2 babies since they moved to the suburbs a few months ago, so it was great time catching up as well.
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