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Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Home Sweet Home
Our humble abode above the resident garages turned storage units.
I've come to realize that my list of living necessities is a lot shorter than I thought it was. Since Aimee and I weren't really planning on moving out so quickly we really weren't prepared. Our living room is practically empty. I can count on one hand what is actually in there: 1. rug, 2. pillows, 3. desk, 4. lamp, 5. mirror. I'm even stealing wifi from a neighbor as we speak so I can update you on our new home progress (don't worry cable man is coming tomorrow).
In a sense, it's actually quite liberating living with nothing. I had gotten used to the comforts of home - couches, cable, internet, food in the fridge, dining room table, chairs, silverware, etc. And even though we are slowly building our home (as the money comes) and people (the Snyders) are generously filling out fridge, it's been fun to use plastic boxes as makeshift dinner tables, the floor as our chairs, and the living room as a yoga studio (just kidding).
When I look back I'll think fondly on this time. Here's Aimee, proud owner of our first grocery receipt which is now displayed on our fridge for all to see.
Our living room/blogging station/youth sleepover space.
I've come to realize that my list of living necessities is a lot shorter than I thought it was. Since Aimee and I weren't really planning on moving out so quickly we really weren't prepared. Our living room is practically empty. I can count on one hand what is actually in there: 1. rug, 2. pillows, 3. desk, 4. lamp, 5. mirror. I'm even stealing wifi from a neighbor as we speak so I can update you on our new home progress (don't worry cable man is coming tomorrow).
In a sense, it's actually quite liberating living with nothing. I had gotten used to the comforts of home - couches, cable, internet, food in the fridge, dining room table, chairs, silverware, etc. And even though we are slowly building our home (as the money comes) and people (the Snyders) are generously filling out fridge, it's been fun to use plastic boxes as makeshift dinner tables, the floor as our chairs, and the living room as a yoga studio (just kidding).
When I look back I'll think fondly on this time. Here's Aimee, proud owner of our first grocery receipt which is now displayed on our fridge for all to see.
Our living room/blogging station/youth sleepover space.
There's a scene in SATC2 where Carrie goes shopping again for clothes after taking a hiatus to shop for housewares to fill her new penthouse. I feel like I too will one day be able to walk into Chanel (or Nordstrom Rack) and announce, "I'm back!" But until I get a fat raise, rent goes down, or my school loans magically disappear that ain't looking like it's happening anytime soon. But even though it hurts a bit to not be able to look at that J.Crew catalog each season, I still feel like this place and this new season of life that comes with it was totally worth it.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Summer Lov'in + Photo Booths
Josh and I are on wedding 3 of 4 for the summer. I know the Photo Booths are super trendy but honestly they are so much fun! Happy summer lov'in.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
It's Official
We've moved out.
To make a long story short, Aimee and I found a great little apartment on the Westside. 2 bed, 1 1/4 bath in a 4-plex. Yes! Last Tuesday I saw a place on my way home. Within the hour I had seen the sign I had called the guy, viewed the apartment, and set up an appointment for A to see the place. Within 24 hours we had decided to move out, told the parentals, had an intervention, divided up the furniture, and assembled a moving team.
The process wasn't as easy and exciting as I thought it was going to be. Apparently you need money and more than just bedroom furniture to exist on your own. To add to that, moving out has been an emotional roller coaster. I have been waiting for this day since I moved home three years ago. On the other hand, Aimee has loved being in the safety of our home. She's always been like that. When she was in elementary school she cried when my parents sold their beat up Chevy. She still has the seat belt buckle she kept from that car.
She gets it from our dad. Our first night in the new place dad's good-bye hug seemed a bit tighter and I swear he was more emotional when we left their house for the last trip of the day. Although he was the one who encouraged us to move out, I know his heart was a bit sad that his two daughters had left the nest. It's that fine line between being the protective father and allowing his girls to grow up.
Aimee and I have the same perspective on the purpose of our home. We want it to be used for Jesus. We want it to be a safe place for people to come and be ministered to. Before we went to bed our first night we prayed that God would anoint our house and the two of us to use this place and stage in life to glorify His name.
To make a long story short, Aimee and I found a great little apartment on the Westside. 2 bed, 1 1/4 bath in a 4-plex. Yes! Last Tuesday I saw a place on my way home. Within the hour I had seen the sign I had called the guy, viewed the apartment, and set up an appointment for A to see the place. Within 24 hours we had decided to move out, told the parentals, had an intervention, divided up the furniture, and assembled a moving team.
The process wasn't as easy and exciting as I thought it was going to be. Apparently you need money and more than just bedroom furniture to exist on your own. To add to that, moving out has been an emotional roller coaster. I have been waiting for this day since I moved home three years ago. On the other hand, Aimee has loved being in the safety of our home. She's always been like that. When she was in elementary school she cried when my parents sold their beat up Chevy. She still has the seat belt buckle she kept from that car.
She gets it from our dad. Our first night in the new place dad's good-bye hug seemed a bit tighter and I swear he was more emotional when we left their house for the last trip of the day. Although he was the one who encouraged us to move out, I know his heart was a bit sad that his two daughters had left the nest. It's that fine line between being the protective father and allowing his girls to grow up.
Aimee and I have the same perspective on the purpose of our home. We want it to be used for Jesus. We want it to be a safe place for people to come and be ministered to. Before we went to bed our first night we prayed that God would anoint our house and the two of us to use this place and stage in life to glorify His name.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Dad
If you know my dad, you know he loves the Lakers. I can remember him watching games when A and I were young - seeing Pat Riley, with his slick back hair, yelling on the sideline with his hands on his side. He has been a fan of the purple and gold prior to my conception. He rooted for them during the Bird vs Magic era, Kobe and Shaq duo, and of course the Kobe years. He has been a constant fan - taking the journey from getting titles, not getting titles, player scandals, and coach changes. You know he's a true Laker fan because he doesn't like Boston - never has, never will. So last week's win was that much sweeter for him.
Aimee and I inherited that same devotion and love for LA teams. We also root for the Dodgers, UCLA, USC (except when they're playing against one another) Pac-Ten teams, the Clippers, and of course the Lakers. Beyond sports, dad has also instilled in A and I a love for the church and the people, a heart to see transformed lives, a desire to have a faith rooted in a firm foundation, stability, an appreciation for the corny.
I recently had a very memorable moment with dad. I have been part of a renewal team at Venice. We are looking at what it will take to see true renewal, change, and a revival at church. We know what we want it to look like, but we have struggled with how to get there. At Annual Conference a few weeks back we heard Bishop Matt speak on the difference between a transformational church and a non-transformational church. After he finished I ran over to dad and we just hugged each other and cried - he knew what I knew - God had just dropped the answer we had been seeking right into our laps. It was a moment I will cherish forever.
Many people long for a father to provide them with the basics - love, support, encouragement, guidance. Nowadays, such a man is hard to come by. I feel so unworthy to not only have a father who provides me with these, and a million other things, but also a father who I can serve Jesus alongside with. I thank Jesus for my dad. For his gentleness, love, and constant support; for attending every single one of our volleyball games - home and away, for cooking us breakfast when we were really young, for tucking us in each night, for going through the effort to surprise me with the pink bike, for holding me each time I failed my drivers test, for allowing me to make mistakes, for being home for family dinner every night, for not always throwing out his opinion but allowing me to just talk, for letting me walk to school in the fourth grade - and for following me at a distance in the car without me knowing, for getting the girls expelled from school who chased me home, for trying the spank on his leg first before giving it to us, and for continuing the legacy that grandpa began of loving Jesus in all things.
He is a man of all men, and a father of all fathers. Happy Father's Day, dad.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Facebook Funnies
Kevin (28) and Matthew (14)
Kevin Wong it just took me 40 minutes to get from my house to the 90. fml. longest commute to Starbucks centinela EVER.
Monday, June 7, 2010
"Josh for the Win"
And people say he doesn't talk...
Kevin Wong Looks like the NBA wants to elongate this championship series as long as possible to maximize profit . . . (thanks refs)
Friday, June 4, 2010
Growing Up is soooo Overrated
Dear friends,
The time has finally come (again) for the young (relative) seedlings to sprout their wings and leave their beloved nest. I have an intricate puzzle to lay before you in hopes that someone can solve the riddle and assist the birdies in their quandry.
Need
2 bed, 1-2 bath
condo, townhome, or duplex (no apartments)
4 star +
in the greater West Los Angeles area including the South Bay
Prefer
in home Washer and Dryer
great area where 2 girlies would be safe
The budget is around $1700. If you know of anyone who has a place and is willing to lease to 2 working professionals who have GREAT credit, are clean, and like it quiet, please send over an email. And the prize for the winner who is able to hook us up with all our needs... our guest for our first gourmet meal in the new pad!
The time has finally come (again) for the young (relative) seedlings to sprout their wings and leave their beloved nest. I have an intricate puzzle to lay before you in hopes that someone can solve the riddle and assist the birdies in their quandry.
Need
2 bed, 1-2 bath
condo, townhome, or duplex (no apartments)
4 star +
in the greater West Los Angeles area including the South Bay
Prefer
in home Washer and Dryer
great area where 2 girlies would be safe
The budget is around $1700. If you know of anyone who has a place and is willing to lease to 2 working professionals who have GREAT credit, are clean, and like it quiet, please send over an email. And the prize for the winner who is able to hook us up with all our needs... our guest for our first gourmet meal in the new pad!
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