We started a fresh new blog :)
http://thehoyebiscuittimes.blogspot.com/
Follow us there!!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
For your wedding, on your wedding -- poem from Tita Luisa
Epithalamium
And so we have come, from half-way
around the world to this city
ringed by ancient walls looking out
over water, to make a promise
to all that persists-- Lush as the leaves
that push past the rubble of old wars;
brave as the lyrics of heroes
in the aftermath of their own passing;
impossibly, as the city remakes itself again
and the flood recedes... Here, we'll enter
the drift of time with arms entwined;
we'll pledge the small, domestic act
of loving one another--
All that history requires, after all,
to lift itself anew into the future.
Luisa A. Igloria
10 November 2009
And so we have come, from half-way
around the world to this city
ringed by ancient walls looking out
over water, to make a promise
to all that persists-- Lush as the leaves
that push past the rubble of old wars;
brave as the lyrics of heroes
in the aftermath of their own passing;
impossibly, as the city remakes itself again
and the flood recedes... Here, we'll enter
the drift of time with arms entwined;
we'll pledge the small, domestic act
of loving one another--
All that history requires, after all,
to lift itself anew into the future.
Luisa A. Igloria
10 November 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
4th of July Catch Up
We're all so happy that it's summer time. And needless to say, we've been 'occupied' with work, house upgrades, chauffeuring Anna, wedding planning, etc. I've been thrilled to have sunlight filled evenings with Z, A & Sasa and we're all healthy and happy.
We went up to the Sleeping Bear Dunes area in northern Michigan to enjoy a long holiday weekend and enjoy it we did. Here's the picture version of the trip:
Our first night up north hanging out on Lake Michigan's shore at dusk.
The top of Pyramid Point. They relax while I killed myself running around the dunes!
Z & A hiking down from Pyramid Point.
Came across this 'hooping for fitness' stand while walking around Traverse City.
We have some pictures from the day of July 4th, which I may be missing here. In the morning, we went to Pyramid Point, then we went to TC for brunch at a lovely bistro and the rounded out the afternoon at the fair where Anna got to go on the merry go round and other rides BY HERSELF while Z, Sasa and I looked on. We napped in the afternoon at the beach and then stayed up to watch the fireworks.
Oh, and we camped in the evening!! Phew.
Hanging out at Cherry Republic.
Family shot :) Too bad Sasa is gnawing Z's arm off!
On the beach!
We went up to the Sleeping Bear Dunes area in northern Michigan to enjoy a long holiday weekend and enjoy it we did. Here's the picture version of the trip:
Our first night up north hanging out on Lake Michigan's shore at dusk.
The top of Pyramid Point. They relax while I killed myself running around the dunes!
Z & A hiking down from Pyramid Point.
Came across this 'hooping for fitness' stand while walking around Traverse City.
We have some pictures from the day of July 4th, which I may be missing here. In the morning, we went to Pyramid Point, then we went to TC for brunch at a lovely bistro and the rounded out the afternoon at the fair where Anna got to go on the merry go round and other rides BY HERSELF while Z, Sasa and I looked on. We napped in the afternoon at the beach and then stayed up to watch the fireworks.
Oh, and we camped in the evening!! Phew.
Hanging out at Cherry Republic.
Family shot :) Too bad Sasa is gnawing Z's arm off!
On the beach!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Did Someone say Father's Day Weekend?
They sure did! And let me tell you, I was given the best Father's Day weekend by my family! Friday the fam and I went down to the D to support our Tiger's baseball team. Thanks to Liquid Web Inc., we landed some great bleacher seats in section 105 (along the first base line). We were able to watch 5 innings before the rain delay hit. After eating some cotton candy and carmel corn (not helping my waist line at all) we packed up and headed home in the pouring rain.
Hung out just outside of the Detroit Opera House before the ballgame.
Anna in the D.
Anna skipping to the game!
Mia enjoying a ICE COLD BEVERAGE!
To top off the wonderful day we all went to Hawk Island Park (our new favorite summer hot spot!) for some swimming and lounging in the sun =)
Hung out just outside of the Detroit Opera House before the ballgame.
Anna in the D.
Anna skipping to the game!
Mia enjoying a ICE COLD BEVERAGE!
Cute Tigers! Raaarrrrrrr!!
Sunday, I slept in (which always hits the spot, especially after a long work week), then we teamed up and did some house work. Mia piled us in the car and we went to Panera for a delicious lunch. After a little chit chat we ended up going back home where we did some landscaping together. Lolo and Lola showed up for a Father's Day dinner. On the menu was grilled Ribeye and salmon fillets. YUM!
To top off the wonderful day we all went to Hawk Island Park (our new favorite summer hot spot!) for some swimming and lounging in the sun =)
Friday, June 19, 2009
Hapeman House Coming to Life!
The Hapeman House is undergoing a transformation. We have put in many hours making our home reflect the beauty of the family that lives in it.
Here are some great pictures for everyone to enjoy....
The Blue Kentucky grass is coming in!
Freshly painted red shutters. Notice the lack of vines on the peak.
Our vegetable garden.
Here are some great pictures for everyone to enjoy....
The Blue Kentucky grass is coming in!
Freshly painted red shutters. Notice the lack of vines on the peak.
Our vegetable garden.Things have changed even since these photos, so stand by there will be many more updates to come shortly! YAY!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Speed & Strength
I try and keep my potentially boring training log separate from here but if you're interested, here's the new post:
http://fearingthesedentarylife.blogspot.com/2009/06/speed-strength.html
http://fearingthesedentarylife.blogspot.com/2009/06/speed-strength.html
Sunday, June 7, 2009
First Dance Recital & Visit With Ninong Ekow
Back to back weekends of firsts. This weekend was Anna's first dance recital! I came into the weekend under the weather so I knew I needed to dig deep to keep my energy levels up. Here's the re-cap:
On Saturday morning, we met up with Anna's Ninong Ekow (godfather) and Grandma Theresa. It was really so lovely, as usual, to spend time with them. We caught up over a lovely brunch at Cafe Zola and then walked around Kerrytown where the African American Festival was in full swing - nice timing, eh? Festival, farmers market, street music and um, a petting zoo? It was everything we could have asked for in a 4 hour window :)
After, we headed home to take a quick nap and get ready for her big dancing debut. To be honest, I couldn't imagine how 'cute' a four year old would look in a purple sequin dress and makeup but I hoped to prove myself wrong. It was so much fun putting makeup on her and feeding off her excitement. This little darling loves to dance!!
On Saturday morning, we met up with Anna's Ninong Ekow (godfather) and Grandma Theresa. It was really so lovely, as usual, to spend time with them. We caught up over a lovely brunch at Cafe Zola and then walked around Kerrytown where the African American Festival was in full swing - nice timing, eh? Festival, farmers market, street music and um, a petting zoo? It was everything we could have asked for in a 4 hour window :)
After, we headed home to take a quick nap and get ready for her big dancing debut. To be honest, I couldn't imagine how 'cute' a four year old would look in a purple sequin dress and makeup but I hoped to prove myself wrong. It was so much fun putting makeup on her and feeding off her excitement. This little darling loves to dance!!
Monday, June 1, 2009
The Soloist ---
Ok, I admit. I was more nervous than Anna, 20 minutes before she went on stage to perform. Actually, there is no comparison here. She was simply NOT nervous. I was tapping my head, bouncing my knee. Need I mention the clammy hands? Hahahaha
She performed amazingly! First, she performed a little rehearsal with her teacher accompanying her on piano. Other performers did some warm ups on stage, but Anna was the only one who received an applause for her warm up! Not only did Anna practice her violin for this recital, she mastered her bow which she executed flawlessly.
She is cool, calm and collected. Me behind the camera, not so much. LOL! We are SO PROUD OF HER. She takes after her Tito Nicko, who is a master performer. Maybe some day she can play and perform on stage with her Mom and Tito Nicko??
Mia now has a lot of excellent piano sheet music at home and she is going to be teaching Anna a thing or two on the piano, when we are presented with some rainy days. One of the books includes lyrics for me and Anna to sing-a-long as Mia plays out the song! According to Mia, I am usually not in key when I sing (All of these years I have been singing out of key?? I guess so!). She said that she will help me with this inability to sound good when singing my heart out.
Anna, meanwhile is scheduled for continued violin lessons this summer and a dance camp with one of her dance studios. She is a busy girl with her MSU pre-school and all of these activities going on. That is why she is our Little Wonder! <3
She performed amazingly! First, she performed a little rehearsal with her teacher accompanying her on piano. Other performers did some warm ups on stage, but Anna was the only one who received an applause for her warm up! Not only did Anna practice her violin for this recital, she mastered her bow which she executed flawlessly.
She is cool, calm and collected. Me behind the camera, not so much. LOL! We are SO PROUD OF HER. She takes after her Tito Nicko, who is a master performer. Maybe some day she can play and perform on stage with her Mom and Tito Nicko??
Mia now has a lot of excellent piano sheet music at home and she is going to be teaching Anna a thing or two on the piano, when we are presented with some rainy days. One of the books includes lyrics for me and Anna to sing-a-long as Mia plays out the song! According to Mia, I am usually not in key when I sing (All of these years I have been singing out of key?? I guess so!). She said that she will help me with this inability to sound good when singing my heart out.
Anna, meanwhile is scheduled for continued violin lessons this summer and a dance camp with one of her dance studios. She is a busy girl with her MSU pre-school and all of these activities going on. That is why she is our Little Wonder! <3
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Memorial-Day Weekend
After an amazingly sunny and active weekend, I came home after work yesterday and slept for 12 hours. Whoa. I had no idea I was so sleepy but I guess my body was telling me something?
On Saturday, we spent the day in Ann Arbor and enjoyed the farmer's market, walking around downtown and getting mauled by people on the street so they could pet our blonde bombshell, Sasa. Z and I scored a new pair of summer sandals and in general we're all SO PUMPED for the summer. What do you expect? It's cold for 9 months out of the year in the state!
Our blond bombshell.
On Sunday, I caught up with one my oldest and dearest friends, Eliza who came over for a bbq. Earlier that day, however, I ran a 6-miler with the pup and Z on his bike and then took a quickie 6 mile bike ride with Z & Anna on the tandem. Liza came over just in time for us to wind down with a couple (maybe a few too many) of coronas. Since she's the closest bridesmaid (the rest are spread across the globe - CA, NY and the Philippines), I got a chance to show her the hideous dresses I expect the four of them to wear - JUST KIDDING!!
Memorial Day consisted of an epic bike ride (epic because Anna did it!) from our place to my parents' place about 9 miles down the road - and then of course, a long break for lunch - yum! Z & I did an out and back while Anna got a lift back home from her Lolo and Lola. We then dove right into some gardening and I literally, spent two hours pulling out and moving out rocks. Yep - previous owner had a rock garden of sorts and we're making them disappear. One rock and at a time. Yikes.
Our little girl.
There were rocks all over this flower bed before. Seriously.
Last week's workouts:
Mon: Day 1 of push-up challenge & Strength | Max push-ups after 4 sets: 8 + Strength Circuit
Tue: 3 miles | 32'11; 162 HR; 10'44 pace Ran after work around Bishop Lake - lots of bugs already. Eew.
Wed: Day 2 of push-up challenge | Max push-ups after 4 sets: 10
Thu: 2.8 miles | 32'33; 159 HR; 11'37 Neighborhood run with A & Z on tandem - super easy and fun run.
Fri: OFF
Sat: Day 3 of push-up challenge | 60 XT walk around A2 - Max push-ups after 4 sets: 12
Sun: 6 miles | 1'03'00; 164 HR - Super easy long run with Z & Sasa along river trail. Bike ride with Anna afterwards ~6 miles.
This week's training:
Mon: Stretch & Strength | 1'41'04 Bike ride 138 HR - Missed strength.
Tue: 4 miles | Missed!! Took a nap at 6pm pre-run and slept through the night!!
Wed (today): 4 miles | Week 2 Day 1 Push-Up Challenge
Thur: 3 miles + Strength
Fri: OFF
Sat: XT 1 Hour
Sun: 4-6 miles
My photographer is a little behind uploading pictures so stand-by :)
On Saturday, we spent the day in Ann Arbor and enjoyed the farmer's market, walking around downtown and getting mauled by people on the street so they could pet our blonde bombshell, Sasa. Z and I scored a new pair of summer sandals and in general we're all SO PUMPED for the summer. What do you expect? It's cold for 9 months out of the year in the state!
On Sunday, I caught up with one my oldest and dearest friends, Eliza who came over for a bbq. Earlier that day, however, I ran a 6-miler with the pup and Z on his bike and then took a quickie 6 mile bike ride with Z & Anna on the tandem. Liza came over just in time for us to wind down with a couple (maybe a few too many) of coronas. Since she's the closest bridesmaid (the rest are spread across the globe - CA, NY and the Philippines), I got a chance to show her the hideous dresses I expect the four of them to wear - JUST KIDDING!!
Memorial Day consisted of an epic bike ride (epic because Anna did it!) from our place to my parents' place about 9 miles down the road - and then of course, a long break for lunch - yum! Z & I did an out and back while Anna got a lift back home from her Lolo and Lola. We then dove right into some gardening and I literally, spent two hours pulling out and moving out rocks. Yep - previous owner had a rock garden of sorts and we're making them disappear. One rock and at a time. Yikes.
Last week's workouts:
Mon: Day 1 of push-up challenge & Strength | Max push-ups after 4 sets: 8 + Strength Circuit
Tue: 3 miles | 32'11; 162 HR; 10'44 pace Ran after work around Bishop Lake - lots of bugs already. Eew.
Wed: Day 2 of push-up challenge | Max push-ups after 4 sets: 10
Thu: 2.8 miles | 32'33; 159 HR; 11'37 Neighborhood run with A & Z on tandem - super easy and fun run.
Fri: OFF
Sat: Day 3 of push-up challenge | 60 XT walk around A2 - Max push-ups after 4 sets: 12
Sun: 6 miles | 1'03'00; 164 HR - Super easy long run with Z & Sasa along river trail. Bike ride with Anna afterwards ~6 miles.
This week's training:
Mon: Stretch & Strength | 1'41'04 Bike ride 138 HR - Missed strength.
Tue: 4 miles | Missed!! Took a nap at 6pm pre-run and slept through the night!!
Wed (today): 4 miles | Week 2 Day 1 Push-Up Challenge
Thur: 3 miles + Strength
Fri: OFF
Sat: XT 1 Hour
Sun: 4-6 miles
My photographer is a little behind uploading pictures so stand-by :)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Yes to Mobility
This past weekend, Z and I invested in a tandem for Anna and WE LOVE IT! Summer has a whole new meaning with the new found mobility and I'm so happy that like us, Anna loves it too!
On Sunday, we tested out the new toy on my long run. The stats are a little goofed because of the numerous breaks that we took:
6 miles| 1'03'00 |~11'00 pace
Yay!
On Sunday, we tested out the new toy on my long run. The stats are a little goofed because of the numerous breaks that we took:
6 miles| 1'03'00 |~11'00 pace
Yay!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Better Homes and Gardens. Anna Style
What does it take to have a nice looking yard? A plan, a lot of hard work and a leader. Who is my gardening and lawn maintenance specialist? Anna!!
I didn't think anyone could be as hard working and motivated to get things done as Anna is (and she is just 4 years old!!) She wanted to mow the lawn, but my built-in fatherly safety measures kicked in and I had to deny her that chore.
But she was more than capable of handling a shopvac for some precise leaf and debris pickup. She was nice enough to take turns with me.
If she had it all her way, I would just be standing by watching as she did all of the work!
Varrrroooommm!
Anna's turn!
Last night my loves prepared a large seed incubator! We have corn, watermelon, tomatoes, okra, bell peppers, "baby lettuce" as Anna calls it (so cute!), and some herbs. The prime location for our garden is on the east side of our garage. It receives the best direct sunlight and should yield some award winning vegetables. Currently, we are in the process of developing a plan for a compost pit that will be Sasa and raccoon proof too!
Stand by for more updates on the Hapeman House gardening scene.
I didn't think anyone could be as hard working and motivated to get things done as Anna is (and she is just 4 years old!!) She wanted to mow the lawn, but my built-in fatherly safety measures kicked in and I had to deny her that chore.
But she was more than capable of handling a shopvac for some precise leaf and debris pickup. She was nice enough to take turns with me.
"Ok Dad! It's my turn now!"
If she had it all her way, I would just be standing by watching as she did all of the work!
Varrrroooommm!
Anna's turn!
Anna really cares about our home and puts in so much time and effort making it look REAL nice. I am so proud of her.
Stand by for more updates on the Hapeman House gardening scene.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Anna Reads - I Go Nuts
I make an effort everyday to take in this little person in my life. She's four-years-old now and I can't help but grin at how lovely she is and what an awesome age 4 really is!
Mainly, I love how we can really get to know each other now that the conventional spoken aspect of communication is present. Other things I love:
After dinner, I thougth I'd introduce her to one if the new projects to facilitate her reading and I was amazed at how quickly she read the following sentences already:
She can also spell and write out the sentences nearly flawlessly. Umm, what did I miss here, people? I had the classic - 'I didn't teach you that - how did you know that?' moment. Clearly, I'm not as stereotypically Asian as you would think I should be - I mean, Anna should be doing calculus by now, right? Just kidding.
Anyway, I can see how quickly my enthusiasm for this 'win' can degenerate into a psycho pushy Mom but I promise I'll take it easy. It's just so great to see her get excited about such an important milestone - although, I should say that she did read it with a kind of 'duh' attitude so I suppose I haven't set the bar that high?
;)
As a treat, I let Anna come to the office with me today. For once, I didn't have a single meeting and thought it would be a great opportunity for Anna to see what I do - although perhaps not understand it. 'My mom sits in front of a computer all day long'.
Mainly, I love how we can really get to know each other now that the conventional spoken aspect of communication is present. Other things I love:
- She lets me brush her hair and likes shopping for clothes with me.
- She tells me how much she loves me and that she misses me when I go off to work everyday
- She totally gets that I miss her too when I'm gone every day!
- She says 'please' and 'thank you'
- She says, 'excuse me, may I speak' when she'd like a turn in a conversation.
- She tells me when she's sad, happy, tired or upset - I LOVE that she feels comfortable sharing anything with me.
After dinner, I thougth I'd introduce her to one if the new projects to facilitate her reading and I was amazed at how quickly she read the following sentences already:
See Anna dance.
See Anna Play.
Anna is a girl.
Sasa is a dog.
She can also spell and write out the sentences nearly flawlessly. Umm, what did I miss here, people? I had the classic - 'I didn't teach you that - how did you know that?' moment. Clearly, I'm not as stereotypically Asian as you would think I should be - I mean, Anna should be doing calculus by now, right? Just kidding.
Anyway, I can see how quickly my enthusiasm for this 'win' can degenerate into a psycho pushy Mom but I promise I'll take it easy. It's just so great to see her get excited about such an important milestone - although, I should say that she did read it with a kind of 'duh' attitude so I suppose I haven't set the bar that high?
;)
As a treat, I let Anna come to the office with me today. For once, I didn't have a single meeting and thought it would be a great opportunity for Anna to see what I do - although perhaps not understand it. 'My mom sits in front of a computer all day long'.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Marathon Hike through A2
Summer-like weather inspired an outdoor day in Ann Arbor that morphed from farmers market escapades, to house hunting (as Grandma W pointed out) and an epic hike through the old west side up to Bird Hills trails and then the Huron River. Oh, and did I mention that was an out-and-back?
From the farmers market, we head towards the Kerrytown neighborhood.
Ready, Sasa?!
Got it!
Cheese!!
Can you see them up there?
Z refrains himself from jumping into the water...
Today, we caught up on housework (ugh) and took a jaunt to the local stores to grab some sandals and summer clothes for an ever-growing four-year-old. Seriously, it's SO CRAZY to think about the kind of sunken cost purchasing garments is for a child - no wonder why people have multiple kids - it's a feeble attempt at turning the consumerism into an investment. I digress.
After an early outdoor dinner, we were surprised by how much we enjoyed an off the cuff showing of Hannah Montana. (Yea, I'm actually serious) I've never heard of this person before but was pleasantly surprised that she wasn't some mutation of Brittany Spears.
And of course, to round out yet another lovely weekend, I squeezed in an evening 3-miler to tack on to the 3 hour + hike we took yesterday. I'm prepping up for a week full of sitting on my BUTT in the office...wish me luck :)
From the farmers market, we head towards the Kerrytown neighborhood.
I have spared you from the rest of the house shots I took :)
Ready, Sasa?!
Got it!
Cheese!!
Can you see them up there?
Umm, I guess his ball fell in the water ;)
Z refrains himself from jumping into the water...After an early outdoor dinner, we were surprised by how much we enjoyed an off the cuff showing of Hannah Montana. (Yea, I'm actually serious) I've never heard of this person before but was pleasantly surprised that she wasn't some mutation of Brittany Spears.
And of course, to round out yet another lovely weekend, I squeezed in an evening 3-miler to tack on to the 3 hour + hike we took yesterday. I'm prepping up for a week full of sitting on my BUTT in the office...wish me luck :)
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Birthday Weekend!
I just had my birthday (weekend) and I don't feel older a day over - 10 - just kidding! A and M do a really good job making me feel young. The weekend started with some very nice weather and we were able to enjoy ourselves at the park down the road. Busting out the Banig (picnic mat) and laying out in the warm sun was priceless.
My Dad and my future father in law met for the first time this weekend, and I was thrilled that they totally hit it off. Not so sure that the below picture represents that best image of my Dad though! If he was looking up, you'd notice how they both are sportin' gotees!
.jpg)
Dad is bending down petting Sasa Lu Bong
AFJW wrote me the sweetest birthday card I have ever read. It was especially sweet because it was in the mailbox when I arrived home on Monday after work - I guess my routine is so predictable that they knew to put it there. I came inside to find that she and Ryry had made me a playdough cake topped with a candle and I was greeted further with the happy birthday song.
My Dad and my future father in law met for the first time this weekend, and I was thrilled that they totally hit it off. Not so sure that the below picture represents that best image of my Dad though! If he was looking up, you'd notice how they both are sportin' gotees!
.jpg)
Dad is bending down petting Sasa Lu Bong
AFJW wrote me the sweetest birthday card I have ever read. It was especially sweet because it was in the mailbox when I arrived home on Monday after work - I guess my routine is so predictable that they knew to put it there. I came inside to find that she and Ryry had made me a playdough cake topped with a candle and I was greeted further with the happy birthday song.
The Envelope
The card included my smile-less passport photo! SO CUTE
It Reads: "I love your hugs and kisses. Mama and Anna will love you forever!"
Time to end this blog post, as Anna is about to get out of dance class! YAY!
The card included my smile-less passport photo! SO CUTE
It Reads: "I love your hugs and kisses. Mama and Anna will love you forever!"
To top it all off, Mia got me a new pair of jeans and VERY metrosexual shirt that only a man with a significant other would wear. Otherwise, I'd still be wearing high school t-shirts and living in ignorant bliss :) We all got pedicures and then watched '17 Again' to commemorate what appears to be...my wish to be...17 again?
Time to end this blog post, as Anna is about to get out of dance class! YAY!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
