tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80021520247465842582024-03-19T03:44:09.511-07:00Abe and AllieAbe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-27693361118658771912010-05-09T13:46:00.001-07:002010-05-09T14:02:07.517-07:00Spirit of AdventureI know we're one of the last couples in America to see the movie "Up", which we did last night. The theme of the movie is adventure, which made me think about the differences between my husband and me. When we were dating, I remember walking to Grant Park and Abe telling me, "Stick with me and you'll live a life of adventure." Anyone who knows me knows I am not an adventure-seeker. Yes, I enjoy traveling and was the first in my family to visit Europe -- Eastern Europe at that -- but I like, well, tame adventure. Like museums, itineraries, and no liability waivers. My husband, however, has had a spirit of adventure from the get-go. Even his mom talks about how she used to find him as an infant outside his crib -- she could never figure out how he got out. While my family had great vacations that I treasure to historical places and beaches, Abe's family was more wild. He hiked Maccu Piccu with his dad. He para-sailed in Mexico. As a college student he flew back from Hong Kong by himself. <br /><br />Without giving the movie's plot away, the theme is adventure that is lost. Someone who has a desire for adventure that gets lulled into everyday life that the adventure is still a dream years later. My husband routinely pushes us for adventure. And I've done and seen things with him that I never would have thought possible. He had us try surfing, which I was scared &$(*-less to do, but I did and, even with really crappy instruction, I did really well. I didn't hurt anyone else or myself, and the thrill of riding a wave was amazing. We also tried sea kayaking, which was an example of a failed adventure, but hey, if we hadn't tried we wouldn't have discovered the best shaved ice place on that side of Oahu.<br /><br />As we prepare to embark on a few adventures in 2010, the movie made me realize that yes, stepping outside your comfort zone is scary, but the end result shows you that life is more than what you thought possible. And that is worth the risk.Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-2148039044695510122010-05-01T01:10:00.000-07:002010-05-01T01:24:16.674-07:00This weekHi all...Abe here....not sure who follows this blog anymore, but I felt compelled to blog about life as of late. In short...what a whirlwind. First off, Allison and I just celebrated our four year "date-a-versary"....it was four years ago that my lovely wife and I had our first date. We just had pizza last night, just like our first date four years ago (I think that the pizza was better last night) :). I can't believe that it's been four years. God has really blessed us tremendously...it's been a fun 4 years babe :)<br /><br />The other reason that I wanted to blog was to share what God has been teaching me as of late. I really feel as if the only thing sustaining me as of late has been God's grace. I've learned to really rely on God when there is a lot going on. The words of John 15:7 really resonate with me today: "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." Abiding. I feel like this is the only way that I have been able to survive my busyness as of late. It's been so busy as of late... between work, school, taking care of a new house and a Certification exam....it's quite amazing that I have been able to juggle all of that.....<br /><br />In any case, I just thought that I had to share this. <br /><br />Have a good one ya'll....we're taking Allison's parents to their first Cubs game this weekend....ah, I feel like a proud parent! :)Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-39926034658308107392009-12-28T07:40:00.000-08:002009-12-28T08:05:17.179-08:00The 2000sI know, I know...the third post in less than a week. :) What can I say? Christmas and the end of a year are always very reflective times for me. And what more so at the end of the decade. <br /><br />I started January 1, 2000, as a college student. I lived with three other girls who I'm blessed to still be friends with today. Little did I know then the adventure God would have for me. Later that year I went to Europe for the first time -- on Summer Project with Campus Crusade. Hands down one of the best experiences of my life. I've since been on two other trips to Europe as well as a vacation to the Caribbean and Hawaii. I would have never dreamed all of that 10 years ago.<br /><br />I also would not have predicted my current career. Or the fact my husband is Chinese and I disliked Chinese food until I met him. Or that I live in a large metro area. An area that gets snow. I used to hate snow, but the dumping we got this past weekend didn't seem to mind me much.<br /><br />I've learned not to tell God that I won't do something. God has made me eat my words so much in the past 10 years, but they have been good times. God has changed and opened my heart. After that summer project I had a heart for Eastern Europeans. Now I feel a kinship with Asians when I meet them. Like I'm part Asian because my husband is Asian. <br /><br />I've lost some loved ones this decade. But gained a husband, parents in-law, two sister-in-laws, a brother-in law, and a niece. I know those loved ones who passed on would have loved these new loved ones, too.<br /><br />I don't know what the next 10 years holds. Lord-willing children for us and more nieces and nephews. Lord-willing health for our families. And Lord-willing more adventure with God. I could not have imagined this life 10 years ago. But it is so good. God is so good.Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-67978644850467124342009-12-25T07:19:00.000-08:002009-12-25T07:29:31.923-08:00Oh Come, Oh Come EmmanuelIt's Christmas morning and, frankly, I'm (Allison) in a bad mood. My manageable cold that appeared 9 days ago has morphed into something that makes me feel miserable. My husband is sick as well, so we missed Christmas Eve service, which we both were so disappointed to miss. I haven't even finished wrapping presents because, well, I don't even have the energy to do so. What compounds this misery is that I also was sick at Thanksgiving. Both times I served or am serving as host. God's also revealing some other disappointment that's played into my attitude as of late.<br /><br />So I went to God about it, realizing this should be a joyous day for all believers like me -- God sent his son in the form of a baby -- this son who would later die for my sins. So how do I reconcile my desire to be joyful at this religious holiday with my expectations for the day itself -- like health and good time with family?<br /><br />The good news about today is that Emmanuel -- this God with us -- is coming back. We are not left here to illness and frustration and unmet desire. If your Christmas doesn't look like you wanted it to remember that when Jesus does come back there will be no more disappointment, frustration or let downs. This is temporary. And when we celebrate Jesus in heaven -- wow -- that will be one party that won't compare to anything on Earth. So today I'm singing, "Oh come, oh come Emmanuel."Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-3632838265896497012009-12-23T14:33:00.000-08:002009-12-23T14:51:59.609-08:00Christmas ThoughtsFrankly, I'm not sure if anyone will read this post. But here's to all of you who have patiently waited -- or have Google Reader. <br /><br />As I (Allison) was driving home this afternoon -- watching the precipitation change from snow to sleet to rain to freezing rain -- I thought about how meaningful this Christmas season has been to me. Maybe it's because we now live in a neighborhood that's all decorated for Christmas. Or maybe it's because we've hosted family already and will host more in the coming days. <br /><br />But I think the main reason this Christmas season has been more meaningful to me is because I've been reflecting on how much Jesus is worthy of all our worship. Not only is this baby in a manger our friend, even our Savior to those who have surrendered our lives to Him, but He is the Son of God -- worthy of all our praise. Our pastor has been speaking on Revelation lately and I've personally been studying Isaiah, which have increased my sense of awe and reverence for Jesus.<br /><br />It makes me think about my favorite Christmas song, "O Holy Night." I get chills every time I sing the line, "Fall on your knees...oh hear the angels voices." <br /><br />I pray this Christmas would be a meaningful one for you -- that you would be in awe and wonder at the birth of this King -- predicted for centuries -- this Jesus who came to die and who will come again. Oh come, oh come Emmanuel.Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-44109792037259260022009-09-14T19:18:00.000-07:002009-09-14T19:44:45.889-07:00U2I'm not sure if anyone reads this blog anymore as Abe and I have been silent for a few months. Abe suggested that I blog my thoughts on my first experience of a U2 concert, which happened last night at Soldier Field in Chicago.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQkKX22KGMa0IZrJ9OPqmvM335aQ9OYJuwENOfeIhyphenhyphenV6hbbKVUxp9VX_VzUAXHZJAUcktyuiQeDBEQDOIpcYy_Y6UCzwxy8UbVgf36fJFIEUp_HosJapFUe2fqO2qYvlIBgmCvM9ut00/s1600-h/DSCN1213.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQkKX22KGMa0IZrJ9OPqmvM335aQ9OYJuwENOfeIhyphenhyphenV6hbbKVUxp9VX_VzUAXHZJAUcktyuiQeDBEQDOIpcYy_Y6UCzwxy8UbVgf36fJFIEUp_HosJapFUe2fqO2qYvlIBgmCvM9ut00/s320/DSCN1213.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381513455868575554" /></a><br /><br />You see my husband went to the Vertigo tour stop at the United Center before we met. For me, however, I never thought I would ever have the chance to see U2 in concert:<br />--Until this point, I've never lived in a town large enough to host U2.<br />--The tickets are always sold out.<br />--The tickets are always wickedly expensive.<br /><br />My husband found a way to gain access to a pre-sale of tickets, and when he asked what I thought, I jumped at the chance. And I was not disappointed -- the stage alone was a sight to see.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLSxyUurQpDvMSFdyh40Sq8AZnM3j8nICA_ngVJcVas5pG1CN__disSfmzgqysLjqOoQAeo0inu_BSwYZPy0gEFj6Y-ZLxEPWB1Jp7aisPN6IVSx0y99ltxLjP0lY9xC60abmAtFxys4/s1600-h/DSCN1215.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLSxyUurQpDvMSFdyh40Sq8AZnM3j8nICA_ngVJcVas5pG1CN__disSfmzgqysLjqOoQAeo0inu_BSwYZPy0gEFj6Y-ZLxEPWB1Jp7aisPN6IVSx0y99ltxLjP0lY9xC60abmAtFxys4/s320/DSCN1215.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381513461676763458" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3tCiiyJ9Dj8qbs65j_4hJ85TQdqX6HKOsCfhfa4gZedRpWkZidRkUatbXs1av4UbvtqDDFbd14B1F-r3Q3jwmIWTrRFn4I8otJjJEZrBDFXt-MKRkxh6RAd-h3G5pbPHDHqt5_B6Ydo/s1600-h/DSCN1231.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3tCiiyJ9Dj8qbs65j_4hJ85TQdqX6HKOsCfhfa4gZedRpWkZidRkUatbXs1av4UbvtqDDFbd14B1F-r3Q3jwmIWTrRFn4I8otJjJEZrBDFXt-MKRkxh6RAd-h3G5pbPHDHqt5_B6Ydo/s320/DSCN1231.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381513483154530466" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAw6wKmcdv0z6QlJupuTSMS64QfQzWw5tcUfb_DPjsJFMsxcoe02PS86Ckdw-UwEmC11fJryFDkRPqUDZv6DlhRJ38EkyUbttFh7aW3LePOgpvrGl0qGmw-TPAU4Rgqerq9bMp0vD_YD4/s1600-h/DSCN1228.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAw6wKmcdv0z6QlJupuTSMS64QfQzWw5tcUfb_DPjsJFMsxcoe02PS86Ckdw-UwEmC11fJryFDkRPqUDZv6DlhRJ38EkyUbttFh7aW3LePOgpvrGl0qGmw-TPAU4Rgqerq9bMp0vD_YD4/s320/DSCN1228.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381513476047326194" /></a><br /><br />I went thinking everyone would be singing every lyric, hands in the air, dancing to U2. That was the case, for the most part, but I did see some people there who didn't seem that into it. Maybe they take seeing U2 in concert for granted, but I don't. What else in the world is there to get you up moving and dancing? Bono is right in front of you people! <br /><br />With listening to so much U2 lately (I've got it playing in our car and my iPod lately), it's amazing to me the lasting power, the unifying nature of these songs. To hear 70,000 people singing along to "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" more than 20 years after it was released was amazing -- especially in light of the words to the song. At times it felt like I was in a massive church service when we were singing "Amazing Grace" (although I didn't hear many around me singing along). I'm not sure if there's another band during my lifetime that has the lasting power of U2...that strikes such a chord in the hearts of their audience. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FrkLQmqcdcvUHZ6wmn7djVBUcw1vuQFymqlLA0ofndg5DFk4_rDjF9j0nFMPAuCmp1nswTELz6tm6sWvHuavpEEImTtoP6fQvoag2ZVP_UVyMMjT8bnm3fzMxX77Va0L9plIlaVozhI/s1600-h/DSCN1237.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FrkLQmqcdcvUHZ6wmn7djVBUcw1vuQFymqlLA0ofndg5DFk4_rDjF9j0nFMPAuCmp1nswTELz6tm6sWvHuavpEEImTtoP6fQvoag2ZVP_UVyMMjT8bnm3fzMxX77Va0L9plIlaVozhI/s320/DSCN1237.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381513492763889650" /></a><br />Did I mention the stage was awesome? At the end this giant disco ball spun at the top of the spindle -- illuminating the entire stadium. Lights beamed straight into the sky. An amazing stage for an amazing band that captures the hearts of fans like no other.Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-1506585426527911442009-07-02T18:33:00.000-07:002009-07-02T18:46:17.116-07:00Home Sweet HomeSorry it's taken so long to write. Abe and I are getting settled in our new home. It's definitely been an adjustment, but there are so many benefits to our new place of residence:<br /><br />--Able to have a choice in which bathroom to use.<br />--Quiet. Quiet. Quiet. Need I say more?<br />--Friendly neighbors.<br />--A kitchen that makes me want to cook.<br />--The room to seat all four chairs at a dining room table.<br />--Dishwasher. Washer. Dryer.<br />--No more street parking.<br /><br />Abe and I have also had new experiences in this house, such as learning how to prepare a brand new mower for the first time. Since we were obvious new homeowners with the big owners' manual in our hands, some compassionate neighbors stopped by to offer their assistance. It's odd how quickly we moved from urban multi-unit dwellers to being Mr. and Mrs. Lawn & Garden. (I just got distracted by a dog yapping at a bunny in our yard -- oh suburban life.) <br /><br />I think we've adjusted well. We're certainly sleeping better. No more earplugs!Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-79012808640489809582009-06-13T07:37:00.000-07:002009-06-13T07:47:48.436-07:00MovingIn just a few days, Abe and I are leaving apartment living behind and moving to our first single-family home. While we are very excited, we also recognize this is a big transition for our lives. Abe has spent five years in this apartment. This is the only place I have ever known of his. This is where we got engaged and where I moved into when we got married. There are some things we will miss about our lives here:<br />--Our church and small groups<br />--Walks along Lake Michigan<br />--Being so close to the city, good ethnic restaurants, and Abe's parents<br /><br />Yet we think of the many benefits of our new home:<br />--Our own -- no renting anymore!<br />--A quiet neighborhood<br />--Twice the space<br />--Shorter commute<br />--A dishwasher (never underestimate the value of a dishwasher)<br />--Great outdoor space<br />--Being able to have the space to fully unpack as many of our wedding presents are still packed even though we've been married for two years.<br /><br />Even though we're still in the same metropolitan area, in some senses it feels as though we are moving to a different city. So we say goodbye to this chapter with much gratitude, as we await our new adventures in suburb life.Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-37338061614066248452009-05-31T09:58:00.000-07:002009-05-31T10:25:04.140-07:00A Zoo Wedding<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyRfNQor0urCrbIH4oraERJ4F_JEW4TU7sxY4D6c-gDBbfloqvo4Af9ZCy5474kQUQ_KvESfUunaG6zPQ42VfFjfZinToB3wxeCPVJBKGhPnwtnsXe3tWsI3gHpli5jGsq59AdUUZS5s/s1600-h/DSCN1048.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyRfNQor0urCrbIH4oraERJ4F_JEW4TU7sxY4D6c-gDBbfloqvo4Af9ZCy5474kQUQ_KvESfUunaG6zPQ42VfFjfZinToB3wxeCPVJBKGhPnwtnsXe3tWsI3gHpli5jGsq59AdUUZS5s/s320/DSCN1048.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342037789113923042" /></a><br /><br />Allison here...blogging about the wedding I attended last night of our friends Nick and Zoe. They both like to do life in their own style, so I knew going into the wedding that it would be done in true Nick and Zoe fashion. For starters, the wedding took place at the Brookfield Zoo. May I say that is an awesome location for a wedding. I had never been there before, but the grounds are gorgeous -- like a botanical gardens. The zoo guests were taken a back by all the people dressed up for a wedding and, yes, we did hear a dinosaur roar every 2 minutes during the ceremony, but it was awesome.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMq36NTIAbMuEGIQ0FY8bIdj6YayMBa-tp2t6DMAfMc9GMNhpCmyYJ7d73l05gP3DHbM7_sPyd1TBcNjLnnXV_ylpof3mcfMdfcGq96LOUmTc6GgfUd7ZlDnzmOvVr4CCOb07xEYPZFQ/s1600-h/DSCN1049.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMq36NTIAbMuEGIQ0FY8bIdj6YayMBa-tp2t6DMAfMc9GMNhpCmyYJ7d73l05gP3DHbM7_sPyd1TBcNjLnnXV_ylpof3mcfMdfcGq96LOUmTc6GgfUd7ZlDnzmOvVr4CCOb07xEYPZFQ/s320/DSCN1049.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342037790725816466" /></a><br /><br />The wedding was held in a pavilion outdoors and the bride looked beautiful. Most of the music was on CD from a group called the Vitamin String Quartet -- basically orchestral versions of rock songs. Part of the ceremony was to the song "We're Going to Be Friends," a White Stripes song I recognized from "Napoleon Dynamite." I nearly cried at the bridal processional song -- "The First Day of My Life" by the BrightEyes, but performed by the bride's sister and groom's father. Two songs I'm totally going to download. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AkyaYxkGqSK1m5HgbPcNIVX36VXfywZs3aZssQL9FdIelH4cb3cbNv-OJV7WWPdnOx91-0RSo2fAIJl08fS-Y6iVoP7sXfcEpZ9LBoJYBSZoIEziVvQtaD66P90RQCEZppwPN-kWMy8/s1600-h/DSCN1050.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AkyaYxkGqSK1m5HgbPcNIVX36VXfywZs3aZssQL9FdIelH4cb3cbNv-OJV7WWPdnOx91-0RSo2fAIJl08fS-Y6iVoP7sXfcEpZ9LBoJYBSZoIEziVvQtaD66P90RQCEZppwPN-kWMy8/s320/DSCN1050.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342037795926119154" /></a><br />After the ceremony, all the guests boarded a tram for a private tour of the zoo which ended at the swamp pavilion, where cocktails were served. It's kind of weird to eat food (especially an appetizer with meat) in front of a live alligator. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPm07983zAUeYzro_KH-Me7InlY0dJ0ckrXafIAALSvxGjVG2xWHZVTNBrpz3j8gwQCZaAM8wUzO5mQXtiozbxU-7c-R3vC3749ZaS4sDlys3UJ9s-4nEyeazot5q6Ei5lrSDWFb_49I/s1600-h/DSCN1052.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPm07983zAUeYzro_KH-Me7InlY0dJ0ckrXafIAALSvxGjVG2xWHZVTNBrpz3j8gwQCZaAM8wUzO5mQXtiozbxU-7c-R3vC3749ZaS4sDlys3UJ9s-4nEyeazot5q6Ei5lrSDWFb_49I/s320/DSCN1052.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342037799993408546" /></a><br /><br />Then we were herded (fitting word for a zoo) back into the tram to the reception at the Discovery Center. The reception was amazing with great food and lots of good dancing. One of my friends is pregnant and it was fun to watch her get her pregnant groove on. Another of my friends is a choreographer -- best dancer on the floor hands down!<br /><br />I've known Zoe through my small group at my church here in Chicago. It's been so cool to see her journey of faith and her relationship with her now husband progress. She looked so beautiful and so happy -- I was so blessed to be there.<br /><br />At the same time, this is one of the last events I'll see this great group of friends I have been a part of for the past two years. So, I thought I would share pictures of these people who have been such a great part of my life.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipt7kMjxUW6iGe728T7A4VTDhf_ppWxZw_j2cptWRqGgSlPmn-QOrL1ntZD93I2Z4q_ifltTuL88OR8jNx9v62pEGnqh-QYRoR4JMROdrNGhKm3QJNU4r9UINXT4T9yMFzKsNokb1SmwQ/s1600-h/DSCN1053.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipt7kMjxUW6iGe728T7A4VTDhf_ppWxZw_j2cptWRqGgSlPmn-QOrL1ntZD93I2Z4q_ifltTuL88OR8jNx9v62pEGnqh-QYRoR4JMROdrNGhKm3QJNU4r9UINXT4T9yMFzKsNokb1SmwQ/s320/DSCN1053.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342037809601682946" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQ-cGnPsGxq9qq4Cy-5Wv0HdlfcTjXs4T1XNHocPYBSSos9N15mHMEncysg8wWxNxpUTHbwufJDiF6jmBFeW5GR12RIZR0KVP_rF2M-r1FNsm6OL_fv9qwzSHP6wzaqgHtCl9DgTupWs/s1600-h/DSCN1055.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQ-cGnPsGxq9qq4Cy-5Wv0HdlfcTjXs4T1XNHocPYBSSos9N15mHMEncysg8wWxNxpUTHbwufJDiF6jmBFeW5GR12RIZR0KVP_rF2M-r1FNsm6OL_fv9qwzSHP6wzaqgHtCl9DgTupWs/s320/DSCN1055.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342037903765096002" /></a><br /><br />I hope that we can still come in and hang out now that we're moving to the suburbs, but we're moving too far to attend our same church, so we'll have to find a different small group to attend. I'm so thankful for these ladies who have experienced highs and lows with me during the past two years. I will definitely miss them. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOX4mdiq1Oywdj6jaHKs4ZFt2uZUCOzCMQ7VnvKsknQ-fDiacKZU7t55VNLG65ih2cJHSKMCPErxSLEZ4bo4DcmFO0o7OZ5p7xc2n3Wzq6m3ZM8bfNDL0hZoz72OqgvFgWjAX8E3EaRj0/s1600-h/DSCN1054.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOX4mdiq1Oywdj6jaHKs4ZFt2uZUCOzCMQ7VnvKsknQ-fDiacKZU7t55VNLG65ih2cJHSKMCPErxSLEZ4bo4DcmFO0o7OZ5p7xc2n3Wzq6m3ZM8bfNDL0hZoz72OqgvFgWjAX8E3EaRj0/s320/DSCN1054.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342037899495970114" /></a>Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-13895138936639837842009-04-26T18:42:00.000-07:002009-04-26T19:00:58.827-07:00Getting Our Money's WorthSince we're in the home-buying process right now, Abe and I are definitely trying to keep as much money in our pockets as we can. I thought I would share some of the ways we've been getting our money's worth lately:<br /><br />1.) Free Parking (called "Pulling an Abe"): Say you want to get your hair cut and work out, but you don't want to pay to park. Take advantage of the one-hour free parking in our local garage. But these two activities will take more than an hour -- what to do? Just simply exit the garage, drive around the block, re-enter the garage and, voila, another free hour of parking. It's a savings of $2, but still. It's a savings none the less.<br /><br />2.) Abe got his hair cut super short yesterday (read: he won't need a haircut for a while) and he went to a national chain that had a sale on haircuts. Holla!<br /><br />3.) We got a great deal on seats for today's Bulls/Celtics playoff game. Little did we know that we would get our money's worth. The Bulls gave us an exciting game that went into two overtimes. Thankfully, the Bulls won. I also think that the Bulls provide a really fun event for their fans during timeouts and between quarters. My favorite was the <a href="http://www.nba.com/bulls/dance/swingin_seniors.html">"Swinging Seniors"</a> -- a group of 60+ somethings who got their groove on to the latest hip hop music. That alone was worth the price of admission. We also have coupons for free food as a result of the game.<br /><br />I know these are very small victories in light of the dollars that will be flowing from our pockets with purchasing a home, but I relish these victories and pray that we are being wise with what we have been given.Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-54106748106887204752009-04-18T16:42:00.000-07:002009-04-18T16:58:23.713-07:00DichotomyAs Abe and I (Allie) were driving to Easter services at our church last Sunday, I took a look out the window and realized what a beautiful day it was to take a picture of the Chicago skyline. Yet a slight turn of my head brought me to a different sight as we neared our church. Some of the most notorious housing projects in the nation are literally a block away. Our church is in an area that's being redeveloped, which means some of the housing projects are now vacant lots, some are empty buildings, and some still house residents.<br /><br />As we got out of our car, we realized we parked in front of a homeless man's camp. The man told us not to worry, that he would be the security guard for our car. This man without wealth was sitting with a million dollar view of some of the world's most famous and expensive buildings.<br /><br />I've noticed that the difference between the "haves" and the "have nots" is more pronounced in Chicago. Designer clothes and cars co-exist with homeless camps and immigrants trying to survive. <br /><br />I don't pretend to have the answers to Chicago's problems. But this is what I do know: I don't want to be blind to the needs around me. I don't want to be lulled into a false sense of security, thinking that I am better than someone else because I have a roof over my head. And, I don't want to be so caught up in my life that I see the shiny towers and miss the desperate people.Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-46551645414945384562009-04-11T14:12:00.001-07:002009-04-11T14:25:19.605-07:00House HuntersSince some friends of ours have blogged about their home selling experience, we thought it was time to blog about our home buying experience. We've had several interesting experiences just looking at homes -- we almost lost a homeowner's cat, had an issue with one house's toilet, and seen some personal sides of homeowners who left their underwear out for us to see. Awesome.<br /><br />We actually did find one house we loved. It is gorgeous -- hardwood floors, granite countertops...So we made an offer. To make a long story short, the owners made it clear they were not willing to negotiate. Abe and I were insulted by the counteroffers. We could have tried to press further, berate them into selling us the house, or even ponied up and paid the asking price. But we knew that was not what God was calling us to do. We knew we had to walk away. This was not the house for us. I (Allie) am so proud of Abe for how he's handled all of this. It's been cool to see how God has brought us to agreement on how to handle things. <br /><br />On another note, tomorrow is Easter. I know I'm far from perfect and, to be honest, most of my life is about me. Thankfully, this holiday and this life are not about what I have done, but what God has done. I am so often unfaithful to God, but he is always faithful to me.Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-88301373866447975342009-03-01T20:24:00.001-08:002009-03-01T20:42:16.617-08:00Learning to SurrenderHi -- it's me, Allison. While I was driving to church on Lake Shore Drive tonight (as referenced in Abe's post below), I had an idea for a blog post based on a recent conversation with an old friend. I was telling her how God was teaching me even more to surrender my life to Him. I can get so caught up in my life that I miss the fact that much of my life as it stands now was not how I had planned my life to be. Last night I was sitting with Abe at our favorite Chinese restaurant when I had to just laugh at my life at this stage:<br /><br />--I was at my *favorite* Chinese restaurant. Says a lot for someone who didn't eat Chinese until I met Abe.<br />--This was my second Asian meal in a row and I was OK with it (we called out for Thai on Friday night).<br />--My husband is of a culture that not only is different than mine but one I had no interest in until I met him.<br />--I can speak some Chinese and can, based on circumstances, interpret what my in-laws say to each other even though I can't understand most of their words when they speak Chinese instead of English. Waiters always look at me funny.<br />--I live in the third largest city in America. I am not a city girl.<br />--My church is in the shadow of the John Hancock Building and the Sears Tower. <br />--My occupation is not what I thought I would do post-college.<br />--My job allows me to travel to cities such as New York and LA on occasion. My only true business trip in my first job was to a city named Dumas. Say it out loud and get a laugh.<br /><br />This is my life. It's not perfect. It's totally not what I thought life would turn out for me, but it's so much better. While I have dreams for the future, God is teaching me that I am really not as in control of my life as I think I am. I'm learning to surrender, to jump in and let God direct the flow of my life. Not just for the highs, but also for the lows, of which I have experienced recently. I think if I grasp this concept, I'll be much more at peace and content with life.Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-66947392924066333762009-03-01T16:22:00.001-08:002009-03-01T20:24:07.394-08:00We're back! Well, sort of....Greetings all!
<br />
<br />This is Abe blogging. Allison and I will have to apologize for not blogging sooner, but we've gotten pretty dang busy with work over the past few months. Right now, I (Abe) am actually recovering from the stomach flu, while Allison is at church. I really wanted to go today, but obviously God had different plans for me today.
<br />
<br />Being sick is not fun--as a matter of fact, I really hate being sick. I am usually pretty active between work/school/other stuff, so it stinks when I get sick. I sleep a lot, watch a lot of tv, drink a lot, play my Xbox 360 more than my wife would like, and probably become more needier than I should be. The good news is that I am feeling better than even 24 hours ago.
<br />
<br />Let's see. What is going on with me? I am about halfway through my MBA program at Loyola. I just started a Managerial Economics class last week--I can already tell that I will learn a lot from this class. As for Allison, she is busy preparing for annual meeting with her employer. We're also going to be house-hunting in the NW suburbs of Chicago in the near future, so we'll see where God leads us. Beyond that, my sister and brother-in-law will be coming into town next weekend, so we're excited about that! They are expecting their first child in the summer, so it may be the last time we see them before the baby is born.
<br />
<br />In any case, we have become more enamored with facebook as of late, so feel free to look us up on Facebook. Have a good one y'all!Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-49329775431760013272008-11-04T17:55:00.003-08:002008-11-04T17:56:32.028-08:00Starved Rock<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCtURR-dNdxmd-XuueMVjb-3lWCVkjHJ0UbjUeohtoQVmrQQRFNzkQBaJccBburd734hIH8bKpJoqLvLl8injWUWNzJwCpCu1DGLSxdGpZGa96bse2ecX4j1dnEHRx7UzHmY7-3inEio/s1600-h/DSCN0983.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCtURR-dNdxmd-XuueMVjb-3lWCVkjHJ0UbjUeohtoQVmrQQRFNzkQBaJccBburd734hIH8bKpJoqLvLl8injWUWNzJwCpCu1DGLSxdGpZGa96bse2ecX4j1dnEHRx7UzHmY7-3inEio/s320/DSCN0983.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264986426294408914" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnsYdHPoNemhu7bzd2-I3i663oxU9Dp5wbnuiBoHD8LUOrUsYZAJ4Z5FqYrvIxRj1oJck7cNDHw98tVKxCru9LhpRLFBcNtJYd6Q0UWFtjl0PTV3nY6UT0-s7-wD9n3mTtbZZ15B0D3Q/s1600-h/DSCN0977.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnsYdHPoNemhu7bzd2-I3i663oxU9Dp5wbnuiBoHD8LUOrUsYZAJ4Z5FqYrvIxRj1oJck7cNDHw98tVKxCru9LhpRLFBcNtJYd6Q0UWFtjl0PTV3nY6UT0-s7-wD9n3mTtbZZ15B0D3Q/s320/DSCN0977.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264986421674218754" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFewLaGPIVgD-NZ1n8iaUk1978SK6W5i8EUvgrOjkQu3rCu2IRDJct7SRuG9uyp45qWNvyx_7ZlOH8DzitcuTZu-xSU3VExvCjS139cWnTFR7sJl6C4YBHpFBfh24KVbS1A_SEWF2hwI/s1600-h/DSCN0987.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFewLaGPIVgD-NZ1n8iaUk1978SK6W5i8EUvgrOjkQu3rCu2IRDJct7SRuG9uyp45qWNvyx_7ZlOH8DzitcuTZu-xSU3VExvCjS139cWnTFR7sJl6C4YBHpFBfh24KVbS1A_SEWF2hwI/s320/DSCN0987.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264986413169443442" /></a><br />Here are some pictures from last weekend's visit to Starved Rock State Park. Enjoy!Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-82649838680201557892008-10-22T19:07:00.000-07:002008-10-22T19:52:10.055-07:00ContentAllison here...I've been trying to cultivate an attitude of contentment lately, so I thought I would list some of the items I'm thankful for, especially in this time of national economic uncertainty:<br /><br />1. Our apartment. I am thankful that it is a safe place, that it is a cheap rent for this area, and that renting gives us flexibility. I am thankful that this place is home and that we have not been forced to leave our home because of finances.<br />2. Our cars. I am thankful for our main car -- for the fact we have never had to take it in to get worked on beyond an oil change. I am thankful for how it has kept us safe during our long commutes and how it gets wonderful gas mileage. I also am thankful for our second car. Even though it's 15 years old, this car still gets us where we need to go, although it sits on the street most of the time.<br />3. Our experiences. We have traveled so much this year. I have been or will be going to San Antonio, Los Angeles, Denver, New York City (twice), Detroit and Waikiki. We have done more and experienced more than I could have imagined at the start of the year.<br />4. My gym memberships. I am thankful that I have access to gyms in my city where I live and the city where I work. I am thankful for ways I am strong and healthy.<br />5. My cell phone. What would I do without free nationwide long distance? I am so glad that became a reality the same time I graduated college because it has allowed me to have good conversations with family and friends.<br /><br />So, what are you thankful for?Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-24581939011950339022008-10-12T13:59:00.000-07:002008-10-12T14:11:28.956-07:00Seven Random/Weird FactsHi...Allison here...my dear friend Mandy from college tagged me on her blog and asked me to post seven random/weird facts about myself. So here goes:<br /><br />1. Two people commented yesterday on the shirt I was wearing. One said it was from Banana Republic; the other said it was from J. Crew. Seriously, I can't remember the last time I was in those stores. I hate to pay full price for anything, so that's why the awesome emerald-colored shirt I was wearing was from T.J. Maxx. Yep...T.J. Maxx.<br />2. I once flushed a pager down the toilet. Yes, it was an accident.<br />3. If I need some motivation when I work out, I flip my iPod to Justin Timberlake or other music you would typically hear at a wedding reception. Pretty much any JT song will get me moving on an elliptical trainer.<br />4. I recently joined another gym. Yes, another. Now I'm a member of a gym near my work and one near my home. Actually, I've been working out over lunch for the past week and I absolutely love it. It gives me so much more energy for the afternoon that I may be able to forego my lunchtime diet Coke habit!<br />5. I know how to say "Man, who just farted? Your fart stinks!" in Cantonese. (Thanks to my husband for that one.)<br />6. I recently learned that the soup I typically eat at my father-in-law's favorite restaurant includes chicken feet. I didn't know that until I saw my mother-in-law sucking on a chicken foot after I had been eating there for two years. Needless to say, my appetite was gone.<br />7. On that note, I was the pickiest eater growing up. I basically ate a hot dog every day of my life. I wouldn't even eat what my parents were cooking and now I'm having to deal with chicken foot soup! Who would have thought it?<br />8. (I'll throw a bonus fact in...) Mandy, the dear, precious friend who tagged me, tried to get me to eat more veggies (well, really, any) when we were college roommates. It's taken me a while, but I do eat a lot more veggies now. I now realize they are making me strong and healthy...and help me keep my figure!<br /><br />Hope you all enjoyed this!Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-14614000408699940372008-09-29T15:14:00.001-07:002008-09-29T15:24:55.534-07:00Our new sister!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhn_k5yzri2z4iRKcZ2buRgs-Ef5-VDEgx7F3eeCuWXDYavnxfYaCjsRjLoLYex6xAvn2RVCIvdQ_PUiqb4hiuo_ZlgUQxQuyJ9zwh4DfJUwem7dgpPiiKDh0fEykUVFjNjmzss3H23UI/s1600-h/DSCN0942.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhn_k5yzri2z4iRKcZ2buRgs-Ef5-VDEgx7F3eeCuWXDYavnxfYaCjsRjLoLYex6xAvn2RVCIvdQ_PUiqb4hiuo_ZlgUQxQuyJ9zwh4DfJUwem7dgpPiiKDh0fEykUVFjNjmzss3H23UI/s320/DSCN0942.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251571875355711042" /></a><br /><br />Here are some pictures from my (Allison)'s brother's wedding this weekend. We had a blast celebrating the marriage of Bart & Liv. Liv is one amazing woman -- she loves God, loves her family, and loves the hurting (she is so involved in helping improve her community). She is smart, funny, beautiful, and loves my brother dearly. We are proud to have her as our sister and to welcome in her wonderful sisters (and brother-in-law and their little ones) and parents into our extended family. <br /><br />In order to welcome my family into the bride's Filipino family, the guys wore barongs at the rehearsal.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGd_gm0eywvprzPMST1VqYfruqwAXCBDdZ-C2khrdqsCcrjYIjIndhIFRWrf9YNVH1eLPRU53nfOU78LwJ9ydDrQptZsKAU8O1Pic42nVJC8ZYHMJlbrrHZXAHc8nJPPryqzw_MoCDIVE/s1600-h/DSCN0913.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGd_gm0eywvprzPMST1VqYfruqwAXCBDdZ-C2khrdqsCcrjYIjIndhIFRWrf9YNVH1eLPRU53nfOU78LwJ9ydDrQptZsKAU8O1Pic42nVJC8ZYHMJlbrrHZXAHc8nJPPryqzw_MoCDIVE/s320/DSCN0913.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251571550104488658" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8123tgPTUZy4mjjsFjRH3cWLMpxAiNC-fQPP6O8-GNhLd7xKLhyt_w5Z1JXoDGT7zbalHDfcNYjpSiASjM69VQLY71gL8Ex5_kDRpmrY8PbnmT75okDt0MXJf1D_JihKVDUIQ9A1TOzQ/s1600-h/DSCN0935.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8123tgPTUZy4mjjsFjRH3cWLMpxAiNC-fQPP6O8-GNhLd7xKLhyt_w5Z1JXoDGT7zbalHDfcNYjpSiASjM69VQLY71gL8Ex5_kDRpmrY8PbnmT75okDt0MXJf1D_JihKVDUIQ9A1TOzQ/s320/DSCN0935.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251571560013405442" /></a>Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-40065244055481474002008-09-17T18:37:00.000-07:002008-09-17T18:48:00.605-07:00Redeeming MomentsToday I (Allie) learned that officially Chicago is ranked as the most stressful city in America. Even crazy NYC is #2. Chicago is stressful because of its urban density, high cost of gas, wild weather, and commuting nightmares (OK, so I added some to the official list of reasons).<br /><br />This ranking, of course, does not surprise me. The pace of Chicago life is enough to bring a person to his or her breaking point quite easily. Due to flooding and special events, it's taken me 1.5 hours to get home from work each night this week. And, my work schedule is such that I leave at an off time. <br /><br />I just had dinner with a good friend who, like me, is a transplant Chicagoan. She and I talked about the disadvantages of city life, especially how we spend so much time commuting and dealing with cityness that we are not as involved in serving in our church. <br /><br />Yet we know that God has a plan for us to be here. Yes, we could be more involved if we lived in more sustainable towns, but this is where God has us now. And, we know that God gives us ministry opportunities right under our noses. <br /><br />Tonight, as I drove home from dinner with this friend, I stopped by our local drug store. I was contemplating my purchase, when a woman asked for my help selecting diapers for her grandson. I quickly explained to her that I don't have kids, but she still asked for my input anyway. She was a Greek immigrant who didn't speak or read much English. She didn't know which brand was best and which would fit well on the grandson she's babysitting. We walked to the check out counter, and as I left I said goodbye to her and smiled. <br /><br />So, while yes, city life is stressful, God still places situations in our lives where we can love others and serve them. Whether it's simply not adding stress to the other drivers we're with on the roads each day or helping someone out when we could be too busy. The key is recognizing those moments and choosing to love and serve instead of focusing on our own stress.Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-3086498399286659862008-09-16T17:40:00.000-07:002008-09-16T17:57:04.385-07:00Ode to CaramelHi everyone...sorry it's been three weeks since we've blogged. I (Allie) have been dealing with some dental issues that have caused pain and, at times, have prevented me from even eating or drinking. Lord-willing, I think we may have turned the corner. <br /><br />So one thing I wish I knew before the dental work process is that I would no longer be able to eat caramel. I love caramel, and this season is the perfect time for caramel. Caramel apples, caramel in desserts...ahh...oh caramel. Unfortunately, I scheduled the dental work to happen right after our Hawaii trip so I wasn't as prepared with how the dental work may affect my eating habits. Anyway, I want to say goodbye to one of my favorite foods. Goodbye, caramel...:(<br /><br />Ok, enough of the sob story about caramel. This season has been a good learning experience for Abe and me. We've learned how to talk each other down from going to "crazy town" (a term our friends Paul & Kristen use to describe freak outs) when we start having stress reactions. God always uses these experiences to refine us...it's just the refining fire is very hot!<br /><br />Now that our lives (hopefully) are settling down, we're getting excited for a big event to come in the next couple weeks -- my brother's wedding! We are so excited to see our family and to spend time with our future sister-in-law and her wonderful friends and family. We're ready to party!Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-41023901713959123572008-08-24T08:51:00.001-07:002008-08-24T11:48:23.680-07:00Adventures in Paradise<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgQT0qJj3DKcWdjLOhMi9cNJNXrwDGqjJyerjFCljFlXNytjLDTd79FZBjFZnHBjrcQkdrHr6fN6WAa9r3A_DiUhCTLk5gDda2NCb6X8FINEZkqt9taekKMqSJKRj0oEqLLM9NVbSSIY/s1600-h/DSCN0845.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgQT0qJj3DKcWdjLOhMi9cNJNXrwDGqjJyerjFCljFlXNytjLDTd79FZBjFZnHBjrcQkdrHr6fN6WAa9r3A_DiUhCTLk5gDda2NCb6X8FINEZkqt9taekKMqSJKRj0oEqLLM9NVbSSIY/s320/DSCN0845.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238117049608574578" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaC26SJIGZl7N34RdQ3X_rmJ2G0u0hbAaFogOKV0EqFLvwnnKc8_O575JSmpu9hQiWu09stK-cVp8cUNvue2PDubOD57dDUyuUekK09lMx2jIdWSw-AeWoKEloAw2wZ5QpAG4XoeOia2c/s1600-h/DSCN0840.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaC26SJIGZl7N34RdQ3X_rmJ2G0u0hbAaFogOKV0EqFLvwnnKc8_O575JSmpu9hQiWu09stK-cVp8cUNvue2PDubOD57dDUyuUekK09lMx2jIdWSw-AeWoKEloAw2wZ5QpAG4XoeOia2c/s320/DSCN0840.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238117055992499682" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSq3ze-Gd_XvrJYTcfsz9W7KmbAISg7n9dpJ9FjwRbk3y77xo9dEKWL-GW8n6TosAQyGBL5ZDouX-DNTiFs7xBlGpIwXP79fOFWG75iP0tSUkYOXoiARz_s6ZvYefhLqSjK7MI-bSKKk/s1600-h/DSCN0866.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSq3ze-Gd_XvrJYTcfsz9W7KmbAISg7n9dpJ9FjwRbk3y77xo9dEKWL-GW8n6TosAQyGBL5ZDouX-DNTiFs7xBlGpIwXP79fOFWG75iP0tSUkYOXoiARz_s6ZvYefhLqSjK7MI-bSKKk/s320/DSCN0866.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238117060650501266" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFmO306QoY5-Wb4un6Z0Yii6iKNSd2g_a0kjw2cJbT_bEZ-2YZE5eZsQBcmAQXCa8UtHNM5e7omp5GtgJqluEsF_kEkFxsHtb_4JTfp2baDli9SxTjFZywX58vvwEhshnJ_gafrCh9hs/s1600-h/DSCN0879.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFmO306QoY5-Wb4un6Z0Yii6iKNSd2g_a0kjw2cJbT_bEZ-2YZE5eZsQBcmAQXCa8UtHNM5e7omp5GtgJqluEsF_kEkFxsHtb_4JTfp2baDli9SxTjFZywX58vvwEhshnJ_gafrCh9hs/s320/DSCN0879.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238117067529676770" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdOYl7sQL757V6MMZhox6pq5W1-YGnF8MEoJdtA1OK8xj-vRim-1ECll5U-RHPDcZ82reeRopYgG-oZ0D2UcT5azswkLuKvCm8azdNzU_4XAQ5pzTlvBrL1F7vzc1pR1r8k5RL3-dOBU/s1600-h/DSCN0911.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdOYl7sQL757V6MMZhox6pq5W1-YGnF8MEoJdtA1OK8xj-vRim-1ECll5U-RHPDcZ82reeRopYgG-oZ0D2UcT5azswkLuKvCm8azdNzU_4XAQ5pzTlvBrL1F7vzc1pR1r8k5RL3-dOBU/s320/DSCN0911.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238117071633114194" /></a><br />Hi everyone...Allison here providing you with more details on our adventures in the paradise called Hawaii. (Check out Abe's post below for a more thoughtful reflection.) Abe and I feel so blessed to be able to go to Hawaii. This trip was an unexpected find at an affordable price. We booked it with the thought that we would have lots of adventures that hey, to be honest, we probably won't have the opportunity to do for a while either based on finances (since we're planning on buying a house next summer) or status of life (i.e. adventures that you can't do with a family). So, here are some of our adventures:<br /><br />1. Surfing. We took a one-hour surf lesson. Well, actually it was 3 minutes of on-land training (1.5 minutes of that was in Japanese to accomodate our other classmate). Then we headed into the water. Abe calls this experience the scariest hour of his life. I was able to ride a couple of waves while standing (bear in mind that I didn't know how to stop so I almost hit two girls on a raft. Thankfully, they peeled off in different directions so only the raft went barreling through the air.) Surfing, however, was a humbling experience for Abe. He did manage to ride a couple waves, but had the same stopping problem I had (no one told us to stop you have to jump off, but we figured that out eventually.) In the end, I know I would take a surf lesson again, just with a different company. Honestly, I never would have even tried surfing lessons, but it was Abe's idea and, since he's always saying I need to be more adventurous, I was too chicken to tell him I was scared! <br /><br />2. Snorkeling. We had a much better experience snorkeling than surfing. We saw tons of fish. The only downside was that in order to see the fish you had to swim near coral without trying to touch it since coral is a living organism. However, since we went at low tide, this was tough, especially when the waves started picking up. I have a welt (not a bruise, but a welt) on my leg from getting knocked into coral. In the end, we would definintely do this again. This was Abe's favorite part of the trip.<br /><br />3. Kayaking (Attempt). This adventure did not go as well. Being midwesterners, we were unaware that doing anything water-based in the late afternoon was a bad idea due to high tide and fiercer waves. (Bear in mind this was why our surfing experience was so bad -- we went surfing at 3:30 p.m.) So, here we were at 3 p.m. trying to put a kayak in at a beach. We flipped over at least 3 times before some locals felt sorry for us and towed us out. But then the tide pushed us to an area of the water we weren't supposed to be in. We got yelled at by some kite-surfers, but were really unable to do anything about it. (We were paddling like crazy, but we were actually making negative progress.) We eventually let nature bring us back to shore before hauling our kayak back to the rental place. Thankfully, there was a great shaved ice place in the same shopping center. And, we took a scenic route back, so it was a good experience in all. We would try this again, just on a less choppy body of water!<br /><br />Overall, we had a great trip. We did a lot of things we never thought we would ever have the opportunity to do. And even the rough parts of our adventures left us with good memories that we'll never forget.Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-59946034821955481222008-08-21T22:46:00.000-07:002008-08-23T20:31:22.275-07:00Thoughts on our trip to HawaiiAloha everyone! This is Abe blogging! Allison and I just got back from Hawaii Wednesday night. Allison will come up with a separate blog post shortly, but I thought that I'd just share with everyone what God revealed to me during this trip. In short--our lives are too cluttered with stuff/things that distract us from God and our relationship with Him. For us, those distractions include commuting, work, internet, e-mail, tv and school as examples. I think that it's partially due to city life and partially due to our society as a whole. Society says to us, "You're not busy? What is wrong with you?" So we just keep going and going and going--it wasn't God's design for us to live harried, crazy lives. As a matter of fact, moving too fast actually hinders our relationship with God. We never slow down long enough to hear his voice. It gets so much easier to listen to God once we take away those distractions. Which brings me to our trip to Hawaii....<br /><br />As you may know, Allie and I try to take a quarterly marriage retreat four times a year--this time is meant for us to connect (or reconnect) with God and each other. After coming back to Chicago, I realized how many things have been distracting us from God in Chicago. When we were in Hawaii, however, all those distractions were gone--no school, work, limited internet access, and no tv (except for the Olympics at times). It was just us, nature, and God (not to mention that we were in Hawaii!) What a perfect setting to have a marriage retreat. <br /><br />I think that Allison and I really enjoyed ourselves (heck, we went surfing, hiking and snorkeling!), but, more importantly, God revealed some things to us that we need to work on as a couple. It was very humbling when God revealed this stuff to us. <br /><br />Anyways, I think that the book that I have started to read has helped me to unclutter my mind a bit. One of my favorite authors is John Eldredge (author of "Wild at Heart"), so I started reading his newest book "Walking with God." I've learned from personal experience that life is so much easier when you walk with God and ask God for direction, as opposed to doing your own thing--it's when I haven't asked God about a decision where I've gotten into trouble. <br /><br />Anyways, mahalo (this means thank you in Hawaiian!) for reading! We'll have another post up shortly!Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-38547930469621848382008-08-08T19:05:00.003-07:002008-08-08T19:18:03.944-07:00My Driving Philosophy/Why I Love the Olympic Opening CeremonySo here are some of my (Allison's) random thoughts, if you're interested:<br /><br />Driving here in Chicago is so interesting. People here do really crazy, agressive and downright stupid moves. If you allow more than 2 feet between you and the car in front of you (no matter the speed), someone will try to fit into that space. While people are by and large driving slower on the freeways to save gas, there are still the people who zoom-zoom between cars like it's a video game. While I could try to either drive that fast or be agressive so that I block other people, etc., I've realized that it's not worth stressing over, so if people want to pass me, they can do so. Because with the price of gas being $4 a gallon or more, driving faster or being more agressive is actually costing me more money. Even if it took 1/4 gallon of gas to be more agressive, that's a $1 out of my pocket. No offense, but the other drivers of Chicago aren't worth my money.<br /><br />On another topic, I've been watching the Olympic opening ceremony tonight. I love the opening ceremonies. (Some of you attended my opening ceremony party for the 2006 Olympics.) Here's what I love:<br />--the crazy artsy stuff that's usually pretty freaky no matter the host country<br />--watching the parade of nations. This year I decided to cheer for countries in which I have been in or in which I know someone from. (I said a special cheer for Hong Kong!) :)<br /><br />Anyway, I just love seeing all of humanity coming together in all its diversity. It's fun to root for countries just because I've met someone from there in my time of being in Chicago, like Ecuador, or a country I've been to since the last Olympics, like the Dominican Republic. Diversity is God's design, so it's awesome to see so much diversity in one place. Yea Olympics!Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-14401469045182793662008-08-06T21:42:00.000-07:002008-08-07T06:00:20.610-07:00Abe's Thoughts on the first year of marriageHi all, <br /><br />This is Abe here. I figured that I would post my thoughts on our first year of marriage since Allison just did. In short, WOW--what a ride. Marriage is unlike anything that I have ever experienced. You really learn how selfish you can be. Actually, marriage and your faith go hand in head. Scripture calls us to die to self and to look out for others' interest first--building a marriage is no different. You have to look for your wife's interests first, and put them above your own. I'll be the first one to admit that I have failed in this area at times. It is truly humbling to realize that someone loves you just for who you are, even though you have disappointed that person from time to time--but God sets the perfect example for us on how to love others (see John 3:16). <br /><br />I look back at how much we've accomplished in our first year marriage, and all I can say is--WOW--totally a God thing. From a personal standpoint, we've made it through our first year of marriage and have adjusted rather nicely to each other and to marriage. I'll be the first one to admit that it hasn't always been smooth sailing, but we've been able to work through our challenges. From a professional standpoint, Allison found a nice Public Relations job and has been able to travel with her job (albeit begrudgingly at times). I have been promoted twice in the past year and have been able to do pretty well in my MBA classes--I'm about at the halfway point of my program. I am truly humbled by how much God has blessed us. It has all been a God thing, and I would give all the glory to God-without Him there is no way we could have accomplished so much in a year.<br /><br />In any case, we will be on our way to Hawaii in about a week or so, so stay tuned for updates! I doubt that we will blog from there, but stay tuned for lots of pictures and stories from the trip. <br /><br />Have a good one everyone!Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002152024746584258.post-22991987740032456352008-08-04T20:13:00.000-07:002008-08-04T20:26:31.154-07:00Thoughts on One YearAllison here...Today marks our first wedding anniversary. It seems really odd that we've been married a year already. We're still adjusting to each other and our life in Chicago. Heck, we're still trying to use up the saran wrap we each had in our separate households. <br /><br />But I'd be lying if I said that life has been all wine and roses, although I did receive some beautiful roses today. But that's not real marriage. Real marriage is when you are being a brat and the other person is being a brat and yet you work through things. You love each other. You are committed. And you receive being loved and cared for by someone who's there no matter what. Someone who forgives you. Who loves you for all your good and bad. No hiding who we really are, huh?<br /><br />Anyway, I know that some of those who are reading this blog are single and I want to show them that while marriage is awesome, it's hard. Marriage is a living organism, and thankfully, my husband and I know that we have to protect our marriage and come together in agreement in everything.<br /><br />We've had such great times to celebrate. We've traveled so much in the past year. We're getting ready to welcome in our new sister-in-law into the family. And, praise God that our family has been healthy.<br /><br />It's fun to see how God has worked in our lives (and in your lives, too) in the past year. God has crazy plans for all of our lives. I would have never thought this is what my life would be like, but it's better than I ever could have imagined.Abe and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865829987657008599noreply@blogger.com2