음력 설날!

새해 복 많이 받으세요!!!

Koreans considered lunar new year as more important than solar new year. Just like Chuseok (추석) or Thanksgiving, people return to their hometowns to be with their family. Unfortunately, we are half world apart from Tom's family in South Korea so inasmuch as we wanted to celebrate this special occasion with them, we couldn't. But we were able to greet them on NYE through Skype. His older brother, older sister and his mom were thrilled to see Anica like, they hadn't seen her for ages when in fact, they do video calling regularly. His younger brother who based now in Seoul was there too but he was sleeping the time we phoned because he drove all the way to Jeonju.

We spent the noon at Aberdeen Centre. I'm starting to love that mall because it's very oriental. It feels like home. We bought some Korean goodies from the newly opened branch of H-mart. I'm always fascinated with Korean foods. Tom bought some stuff only for my friend's family to try. We were not able to see the dragon dance though because they would start late and Anica had to be in bed at 9pm.

This trip in the lower mainland is picture-less. I only used my phone to take snapshots. I have no time to pull out my bulky dslr 'cause I want to make sure Anica's having fun, and so do we. Some things are better experienced than get captured, eh? Besides, it's really more fun when you basically enjoy the moment than having to think of the camera! Right?

Again, happy new year!

Metrotown

We went to Metrotown on our 2nd day. It's been a long time since I've ridden the Skytrain and the translink bus. It feels slightly different though because now we have a little girl in tow and that means, I can neither sleep on a bus nor read a newspaper like I used to do before. It can also be so overwhelming especially when she doesn't want to sit still. I wish we brought the car so it wouldn't be too scandalous whenever she wails wanting to get off.

At King George Park on a freezing day! Her fingers did not hurt unlike when we crossed the road to have some snacks in Mckenzie where in less than 2 minutes, she was in tears while she was showing me her super cold but cute tiny fingers. :(

The daddy went out with his friends the night before so he hasn't had a decent sleep that time but we dragged him to come along to carry all our little girl's stuff. Our knight in shining armour. :)

Anica takes a nap twice a day but we left before noon so she missed her morning nap. She was quite sleepy on our way.

The first store that we went into was Zara and they were on sale!!! I'm not a big fan of their kids' apparel though because my little girl will look like someone from a royal family in their outfits or some super model out of the magazine or an office girl. It looks good to wear it on special occasions like Christmas, Wedding, Thanksgiving, etc. But during ordinary days, I want her to wear something more fun, exciting and colorful. She will wear a cocktail dress or formal attire soon enough but for now, l Iet her enjoy being a kid and be look like one!

And look who's her traveling buddy! Special Agent Oso! :)

Windchill

I spoke too soon. I thought this would be one-of-a-kind winter where it would be nice and warm but NO. It's ridiculously cold that almost seems unbearable. There isn't much snow but man, windchill is vicious up north.

The three of us decided to go down south after I've gone through a norovirus scare. (I got sick recently but that's another story.) We opted not to drive because there was a blizzard warning in the West Coast and I don't want to put us on risk. It's been 2 years since we travelled by Greyhound bus. I was so excited as I wouldn't be stressed out driving. But holy! It took us 18 hours to get to the lower mainland because the bus stopped every town, literally every small town. And the worst part is, Anica couldn't sleep. She wailed her lungs out every time the bus stopped. I cuddled her for 18 hours so now my arms feel like I went lifting at the gym for a week. Riding the bus with her was our biggest mistake so I'll absolutely book our plane tickets going back. There's no way she could tolerate that long hours again. The seat wasn't that comfortable and the temperature was cold until Kamloops. We were just right to bring a blanket and a pillow in case we get stuck in Pine Pass or Coquihalla. Anica's full of energy. She can't just stay by the window looking at the view. She needs some sort of physical activity so we had a difficult time trying to restrain her. Of course, she did walk like a conductor on the bus and transferred from one seat to another. Bugged other passengers too. Someone even got fond of her and gave her $5. Bahaha!

Anyway, the road wasn't too bad, the visibility was fair and it didn't snow in the Pine Pass or Coquihalla. We were so happy when we got off the bus at the Vancouver terminal. The weather is wayyy better. It's still chilly but nothing compared to the biting cold up north where your fingers, nose and ears will get numbed just by crossing the street. No exaggeration!

Finally, we're in Richmond! Tom went to see his friends already while Anica and I are recuperating from lack of sleep. I'm too tired to get around and I still find it cold. I wish we were in sunny California right now. But I thank the Lord for keeping us safe and warm. It doesn't really matter where we are spending my holidays as long as we're together that's good enough and there's nothing more important to me than us being healthy and safe all the time. We're so blessed. And sure, we'll have fun!

MY WISH

I've totally forgotten about this video I made for Anica's first birthday. Well, here it is.

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to.
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small.
You never need to carry more than you can hold.
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too.
Yeah, this, is my wish.

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

E' delicato

On my playlist: E' delicato by Zucchero

I've been a fan of his for years. I wish I could understand his songs though. *toinks* :P