Praise God for answered prayers and His perfect timing. I'm exceptionally excited for the impending interior decorating pandemonium...I've been stocking up for months.Happy weekending, dear mateys of mine!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Sealed the dealio
The roommate-to-be and I signed the lease for our spankin'-new apartment today!
Praise God for answered prayers and His perfect timing. I'm exceptionally excited for the impending interior decorating pandemonium...I've been stocking up for months.
Happy weekending, dear mateys of mine!
Praise God for answered prayers and His perfect timing. I'm exceptionally excited for the impending interior decorating pandemonium...I've been stocking up for months.Happy weekending, dear mateys of mine!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
To herald in nippier weather
that finally seems to be permeating the days on a steady note (as steadfast as can be in perennial sunshine-graced Southern California), a nifty mishmash of crocheting and knitting shall commence.
What say y'all to convening for a yarnwork gala, pronto?
What say y'all to convening for a yarnwork gala, pronto?
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Simply supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
is the staged spectacular that coined that very phrase.
Perhaps it's the dashing heartstring-tugging British accents. The fact that it's set in the frou-frou frills of Victorian London. The enchanting tippity-tap numbers synthesized with flawless classically trained vocal performances. The emotionally thrilling story enacted by exemplary acting, particularly from orginal Broadway cast Ashley Brown and Gavin Lee (portraying Mary Poppins and Bert, respectively). The aesthetically ravishing turn-of-the-century period costumes. The eye-poppingly mesmerizing scenic design that creatively transcends those of all other musicals I've patroned. Yes, 'twas all of these factors that made storybook-to-movie-to-musical Mary Poppins a breathtaking wonder to behold.
Especially whence, upon exiting the production with satisfied smiles, we witnessed hordes of families leaving just as content. "I had a great time, Daddy," a curly-headed little girl piped to her father as she slipped her hand in his.
UH. SO CUTE.
We had a dapper time, too,
and you shall as well, so make haste to catch Mary Poppins at the Ahmanson before the musical extravaganza flits and flutters out of town!
Perhaps it's the dashing heartstring-tugging British accents. The fact that it's set in the frou-frou frills of Victorian London. The enchanting tippity-tap numbers synthesized with flawless classically trained vocal performances. The emotionally thrilling story enacted by exemplary acting, particularly from orginal Broadway cast Ashley Brown and Gavin Lee (portraying Mary Poppins and Bert, respectively). The aesthetically ravishing turn-of-the-century period costumes. The eye-poppingly mesmerizing scenic design that creatively transcends those of all other musicals I've patroned. Yes, 'twas all of these factors that made storybook-to-movie-to-musical Mary Poppins a breathtaking wonder to behold.
Especially whence, upon exiting the production with satisfied smiles, we witnessed hordes of families leaving just as content. "I had a great time, Daddy," a curly-headed little girl piped to her father as she slipped her hand in his.UH. SO CUTE.
We had a dapper time, too,
and you shall as well, so make haste to catch Mary Poppins at the Ahmanson before the musical extravaganza flits and flutters out of town!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
We're rather ridiculous
The following uncensored behind-the-scenes video serves as stark evidence that 'tis indubitably by God's aid that we actually get anythang done.
Monday, November 30, 2009
All things work together for good
God really uses every circumstance to demonstrate to us more of His goodness (Romans 8:28).
Yesterday was Sunday. It started out like other Lord’s days of its kind. I had woken up bleary-eyed to a blaring alarm, gotten ready haphazardly, grabbed some cereal to go despite my momma’s plea to make time to eat breakfast in the house, gotten gas, picked up Kristine and Jeremy, jet to church in time for Sunday school at 9am lest Pastor Henry’s vigilant eyes catch my tardiness-prone self late, greeted and socialized with lovelies over Styrofoam cups brimming with steamy coffee between Sunday school’s end and worship service’s beginning, and was settled in my usual seat in the third row behind the Navales’ for the sermon.
Once we flipped to Romans 8:28, Pastor Ed opened with the comforting verse that all things work together for good for those who love God, including one's placement in his/her local church, which is the body of believers in which God has placed us to serve Him and reflect His glorious character. Just as Christ was committed to the point of death on the cross for us as the body of believers, so are we to be committed to sacrificially loving one another to the end in order to be an image of Christ to the world that knows Him not. Pastor Ed’s voice thundered, “Faithfulness to the local church—”
Except the thundering in his voice suddenly gave way to his body meeting the linoleum floor with a thundering thud.
It all happened so fast. A gargantuan gasp erupted from the 250-member congregation. The men in the front rows rushed to our pastor’s side. Some ladies screamed. “911! Call 911!!!” Tito Joey yelled frantically. More of us remained rooted in our seats in a shocked daze, staring at the spread-eagled face-down collapse of our beloved senior pastor.
Terror grappled my heart. I squeezed my eyes shut to stop the tears welling in my eyes and to plea fervently with God. Please, Lord, please don’t take Pastor Ed yet. He just underwent a colossal heart attack earlier this year. Please be merciful to him. But you are sovereign. You are good no matter what happens. Help us to trust you. Please, God, please.
A couple of minutes later, we heard Pastor Ed’s reassuring voice break through the chaos that enveloped him. “I’m okay. I’m okay. I’m fine,” he said. They pulled him up gingerly, placed him in a chair, and slowly backed away to grant him space, but were ever alert for the subsequent sign of abnormality. “Thank you for your concern. I’m okay,” Pastor Ed reaffirmed as he took a swig of the water handed to him. Several ladies around me attempted to muffle their uncontrollable sobbing.
“Now, where was I?” Pastor Ed asked. “Faithfulness to the local church…” I could scarcely believe my ears. Pastor Ed just keeled over on his face and resumed preaching as if nothing had happened.
It was clear everyone else was stupefied as well, but no one dared interject. As Pastor Ed preached on, I could tell everyone’s, along with my, minds were racing 137508 miles a minute. Was he okay? What’s going to happen? When are the paramedics going to get here? Please, God, please let him be okay.
Then we heard the shrill alarm of the ambulance bellow ever closer. As a handful of paramedics marched in, Pastor Ed kept preaching vehemently until he could disregard their towering presence no longer.
“You want to take my blood pressure?” he asked them, rather amused at all the fuss.
We chuckled nervously.
“Time out for a bit, folks,” one of the paramedics told us. “We need to run some tests.”
“How many minutes is this going to take?” Pastor Ed asked them. “I have a sermon to preach,” he explained, motioning toward us.
The paramedics smiled as they efficiently helped him up onto a gurney.
“Alex Hong, you are preaching the sermon today,” Pastor Ed announced.
Alex stood up without question.
“Here, you can look at my manuscript,” Pastor Ed offered.
Alex took the sheaf of papers and stared at Pastor Ed, dumbstruck, as they took him away.
Alex turned to face us, took a deep ragged breath, and said, “That’s commitment to the local church right there.”
That Pastor Ed recommenced preaching minutes after his collapse expounded on his example as a great man of faith. He continued serving us in sacrificial love and passionate commitment to the people God has given Him to shepherd, not desiring for us to miss the sermon for our growth in the knowledge and love for Christ.
“How does the world know who Christ is?” Alex asked us as he spontaneously continued where Pastor Ed left off after he led us in heartfelt prayer for our pastor. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another,” he declared, citing John 13:35. “If we love God, it will show in our actions. We are to serve one another with our time, resources, and effort, just as Jesus came to serve us.” He added in a pained voice, “As you can all see, Pastor Ed is a servant to the very end.”
‘Twas no accident God led Pastor Ed to select Alex to finish the message, who did so magnificently by God’s grace. I’m sure this was not how Alex envisioned preaching his first Sunday sermon, but God had grander plans. God is so very good in bestowing upon Alex the wisdom and grace to speak without forewarning after such a staggering ordeal, who undertook the task with immense faith and spoke from what God has been pressing upon his heart –the call for us to love one another by laying down our lives for each other so the world may know Christ.
Praise God for His sovereign goodness. Praise God for using yesterday’s incident to bring us closer to one another as a church family, reigniting our commitment to one another. Praise God for unveiling to us how he has, is, and shall continue to use every situation for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. We have a wonderful Savior.
Please (continue to) pray for Pastor Ed.
Yesterday was Sunday. It started out like other Lord’s days of its kind. I had woken up bleary-eyed to a blaring alarm, gotten ready haphazardly, grabbed some cereal to go despite my momma’s plea to make time to eat breakfast in the house, gotten gas, picked up Kristine and Jeremy, jet to church in time for Sunday school at 9am lest Pastor Henry’s vigilant eyes catch my tardiness-prone self late, greeted and socialized with lovelies over Styrofoam cups brimming with steamy coffee between Sunday school’s end and worship service’s beginning, and was settled in my usual seat in the third row behind the Navales’ for the sermon.
Once we flipped to Romans 8:28, Pastor Ed opened with the comforting verse that all things work together for good for those who love God, including one's placement in his/her local church, which is the body of believers in which God has placed us to serve Him and reflect His glorious character. Just as Christ was committed to the point of death on the cross for us as the body of believers, so are we to be committed to sacrificially loving one another to the end in order to be an image of Christ to the world that knows Him not. Pastor Ed’s voice thundered, “Faithfulness to the local church—”
Except the thundering in his voice suddenly gave way to his body meeting the linoleum floor with a thundering thud.
It all happened so fast. A gargantuan gasp erupted from the 250-member congregation. The men in the front rows rushed to our pastor’s side. Some ladies screamed. “911! Call 911!!!” Tito Joey yelled frantically. More of us remained rooted in our seats in a shocked daze, staring at the spread-eagled face-down collapse of our beloved senior pastor.
Terror grappled my heart. I squeezed my eyes shut to stop the tears welling in my eyes and to plea fervently with God. Please, Lord, please don’t take Pastor Ed yet. He just underwent a colossal heart attack earlier this year. Please be merciful to him. But you are sovereign. You are good no matter what happens. Help us to trust you. Please, God, please.
A couple of minutes later, we heard Pastor Ed’s reassuring voice break through the chaos that enveloped him. “I’m okay. I’m okay. I’m fine,” he said. They pulled him up gingerly, placed him in a chair, and slowly backed away to grant him space, but were ever alert for the subsequent sign of abnormality. “Thank you for your concern. I’m okay,” Pastor Ed reaffirmed as he took a swig of the water handed to him. Several ladies around me attempted to muffle their uncontrollable sobbing.
“Now, where was I?” Pastor Ed asked. “Faithfulness to the local church…” I could scarcely believe my ears. Pastor Ed just keeled over on his face and resumed preaching as if nothing had happened.
It was clear everyone else was stupefied as well, but no one dared interject. As Pastor Ed preached on, I could tell everyone’s, along with my, minds were racing 137508 miles a minute. Was he okay? What’s going to happen? When are the paramedics going to get here? Please, God, please let him be okay.
Then we heard the shrill alarm of the ambulance bellow ever closer. As a handful of paramedics marched in, Pastor Ed kept preaching vehemently until he could disregard their towering presence no longer.
“You want to take my blood pressure?” he asked them, rather amused at all the fuss.
We chuckled nervously.
“Time out for a bit, folks,” one of the paramedics told us. “We need to run some tests.”
“How many minutes is this going to take?” Pastor Ed asked them. “I have a sermon to preach,” he explained, motioning toward us.
The paramedics smiled as they efficiently helped him up onto a gurney.
“Alex Hong, you are preaching the sermon today,” Pastor Ed announced.
Alex stood up without question.
“Here, you can look at my manuscript,” Pastor Ed offered.
Alex took the sheaf of papers and stared at Pastor Ed, dumbstruck, as they took him away.
Alex turned to face us, took a deep ragged breath, and said, “That’s commitment to the local church right there.”
That Pastor Ed recommenced preaching minutes after his collapse expounded on his example as a great man of faith. He continued serving us in sacrificial love and passionate commitment to the people God has given Him to shepherd, not desiring for us to miss the sermon for our growth in the knowledge and love for Christ.
“How does the world know who Christ is?” Alex asked us as he spontaneously continued where Pastor Ed left off after he led us in heartfelt prayer for our pastor. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another,” he declared, citing John 13:35. “If we love God, it will show in our actions. We are to serve one another with our time, resources, and effort, just as Jesus came to serve us.” He added in a pained voice, “As you can all see, Pastor Ed is a servant to the very end.”
‘Twas no accident God led Pastor Ed to select Alex to finish the message, who did so magnificently by God’s grace. I’m sure this was not how Alex envisioned preaching his first Sunday sermon, but God had grander plans. God is so very good in bestowing upon Alex the wisdom and grace to speak without forewarning after such a staggering ordeal, who undertook the task with immense faith and spoke from what God has been pressing upon his heart –the call for us to love one another by laying down our lives for each other so the world may know Christ.
Praise God for His sovereign goodness. Praise God for using yesterday’s incident to bring us closer to one another as a church family, reigniting our commitment to one another. Praise God for unveiling to us how he has, is, and shall continue to use every situation for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. We have a wonderful Savior.
Please (continue to) pray for Pastor Ed.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Crosstown showdown
True-blue mascot Joe Bruin was inadvertently desecrated in abominable cardinal and gold paint 2 days prior (Photo courtesy of the LA Times). Incontestably an indicator of tasteless fear-motivated Trojan conduct unveiled during impassioned rivalry week.
It's goin' down tomorrow as the nation's purportedly most epic crosstown rivalry manifests itself at the annual UCLA-USC game to see who shall reign the City of Angels. Vengeance shall be ours. GO BRUINS!
It's goin' down tomorrow as the nation's purportedly most epic crosstown rivalry manifests itself at the annual UCLA-USC game to see who shall reign the City of Angels. Vengeance shall be ours. GO BRUINS!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Attitude of gratitude
Thank you, Lord, for being who you are. For being sovereign, holy, just, merciful, and unconditionally loving, amongst your interminable laundry list of idiosyncratic traits. All of which are resplendently exhibited through Christ's death on the cross, who humbly gave His life so that we might live. I'm daily reminded through your manifold blessings the inconceivable depths of your love. I am brazenly unworthy, Lord. Even amid my wayward ways, you love me still, and exceedingly more than I could ever perceive. You are so good. May I respond in daily living out an attitude of gratitude by finding joy in you through adhering to your will to be thankful in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18), for there is always so very much for which to be grateful.
Happy happy Thanksgiving, fellows and dolls! I'm partial to raucous celebratory tomfoolery with the gratifying aid of foodie goodies and extensive merrymaking with the family,
and those like family. They're all such blessings to be cherished.
Happy happy Thanksgiving, fellows and dolls! I'm partial to raucous celebratory tomfoolery with the gratifying aid of foodie goodies and extensive merrymaking with the family,
and those like family. They're all such blessings to be cherished.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Someone, please
jitterbug with me sometime.
I'm rather keen on Charleston-ing, swing dancin'-dancin', and foxtrottin', too.
As long as it ain't boogieing of the Latin variety. 'Cause an overwhelming throng of middle-aged Asian women with their vehement hip action annihilated me into smithereens in samba recently. 'Twas gut-wrenchingly hilarious to the maximus.
Today's a half day at the nine-to-six in honor of Thanksgiving. Jeepers, I'm a-looking forward to mambo-ing outta here for the elongated weekend. There is much too much to be thankful for, wouldn't you say?
I'm rather keen on Charleston-ing, swing dancin'-dancin', and foxtrottin', too.
As long as it ain't boogieing of the Latin variety. 'Cause an overwhelming throng of middle-aged Asian women with their vehement hip action annihilated me into smithereens in samba recently. 'Twas gut-wrenchingly hilarious to the maximus.Today's a half day at the nine-to-six in honor of Thanksgiving. Jeepers, I'm a-looking forward to mambo-ing outta here for the elongated weekend. There is much too much to be thankful for, wouldn't you say?
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Adventuring on impulse
with a dear chummy
to a quintessential nostalgia-infused turn-of-the-century downtown hub
is the peachiest of its kind.
So disheartening to witness the once-vivacious urban complex gradually deteriorate o'er the years in the omnipresent clutches of run-of-the-mill globalization, much akin to other heritage-pervaded municipalities' paltry fate. We really ought to preserve such historic social headquarters. 'Cause mom-and-pop shoppes rock.
to a quintessential nostalgia-infused turn-of-the-century downtown hub
is the peachiest of its kind.
So disheartening to witness the once-vivacious urban complex gradually deteriorate o'er the years in the omnipresent clutches of run-of-the-mill globalization, much akin to other heritage-pervaded municipalities' paltry fate. We really ought to preserve such historic social headquarters. 'Cause mom-and-pop shoppes rock.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Tried-and-true thrills
I can ne'er withstand a hearty expedition to the flea market to oblige a preferred pastime of scouring for legacy-abundant vintage oddities to utilize for the upcoming project (to be unveiled in a couple of moons),
especially whence the jaunt is capped by an impromptu haute cupcake stopover.
'Twas such a swell afternoon.
especially whence the jaunt is capped by an impromptu haute cupcake stopover.
'Twas such a swell afternoon.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Candied
apples are so wondrously tasty to the tastebuds.
My insatiable sweet tooth can never ever resist cheesecake candied apples from this tantalizing treat-churning factory. They're a top tier old-fashioned favorite next to cake and froyo, chiefly amidst nippier fall weather. I've resolved to attempt concocting homemade ones soon, perhaps in accordance with Thanksgiving next week. Till then, happy weekending, friendly folks - hope it's downright dandy!
My insatiable sweet tooth can never ever resist cheesecake candied apples from this tantalizing treat-churning factory. They're a top tier old-fashioned favorite next to cake and froyo, chiefly amidst nippier fall weather. I've resolved to attempt concocting homemade ones soon, perhaps in accordance with Thanksgiving next week. Till then, happy weekending, friendly folks - hope it's downright dandy!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Hospitality at its finest
'Tis always a bona fide treat to play at the Tibayan's. I daresay I cannot wait to practice hospitality whence I dub the Westside home once again (the roommate-to-be and I shall be signing a lease in a spiffy jiffy!), which I haven't done so since wrapping up the college phase of life.Speaking of the undergrad era, severely somber news has befallen us via the media mouthpiece that the University of California just authorized a whopping 32% student fee increase effective the following fall, which fueled into existence fury-bred statewide campus protests yesterday (Source: LA Times). I can't even begin to articulate the adverse implications aplenty of such a decision. It further conveys California's disconcerted priority towards education. What a maddening debacle.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The least, the last, and the lost
Lord, grant us relentless passion and compassion for the least, the last, and the lost, particularly our neighbors on dilapidation-permeated Skid Row.
Team CICC + CFBC unanimously assented that the preeminent aspect of this specific venture
was the prayer-answered bounty of blessed chitter chattering 
that ensued betwixt us and our street dwelling cohorts,
facilitating the augmenting compilation of a cornucopia of individual-centric tales.
Team CICC + CFBC unanimously assented that the preeminent aspect of this specific venture
was the prayer-answered bounty of blessed chitter chattering 
that ensued betwixt us and our street dwelling cohorts,
facilitating the augmenting compilation of a cornucopia of individual-centric tales.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
"On My Own" unleashed
with resounding triumph the Friday prior at the swankified V Lounge,
where rising R&B artist Jarell Perry claimed the stage to execute a phenomenal performance that reverberated the stuff of legends
for the legions of rabid fans,
and all had a ridiculously smashing time boogieing the night away in commemoration of his long-awaited mixtape release (download the swoon-worthy album here!), a grand catalyst on his opportune route towards superstar illustriousness.
Jarell, you were indubitably amazing and you made us all so supremely proud. You've seriously been blessed with an incredibly unparalleled gift and I'm so excited to see what is forthcoming!
where rising R&B artist Jarell Perry claimed the stage to execute a phenomenal performance that reverberated the stuff of legends
for the legions of rabid fans,
and all had a ridiculously smashing time boogieing the night away in commemoration of his long-awaited mixtape release (download the swoon-worthy album here!), a grand catalyst on his opportune route towards superstar illustriousness.
Jarell, you were indubitably amazing and you made us all so supremely proud. You've seriously been blessed with an incredibly unparalleled gift and I'm so excited to see what is forthcoming!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Their proclamation
Cheers to their proclamation to the world what Christ has done for them at the cross by way of baptism. 
Watch Janice's testimony here.
'Twas a momentous jubilance-saturated soiree yesterday for all eleven candidates, 
their loved ones, 
and the church family. 
God truly is so overwhelmingly good and faithful - I can scarcely fathom it. So blessed to witness, in particular, Janice, Kristine, and Melissa, embark on this new journey...CONGRATULATIONS!!! May you lovely ladies run this race with endurance towards Christ the worthy goal (Hebrews 12:1-2) and ascertain more by the day the surpassing worth and joy in knowing and loving Him. I'm all ajitter with excitement and thankfulness for you all!
Watch Janice's testimony here.
'Twas a momentous jubilance-saturated soiree yesterday for all eleven candidates, 
their loved ones, 
and the church family. 
God truly is so overwhelmingly good and faithful - I can scarcely fathom it. So blessed to witness, in particular, Janice, Kristine, and Melissa, embark on this new journey...CONGRATULATIONS!!! May you lovely ladies run this race with endurance towards Christ the worthy goal (Hebrews 12:1-2) and ascertain more by the day the surpassing worth and joy in knowing and loving Him. I'm all ajitter with excitement and thankfulness for you all!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Turtle-tainted shenanigans
A cacophonous Venice-derived watering hole lured our patronage the evening prior
as we pursued the crimson brick road and illumined neon signs to the whispered promises of notorious turtle racing
upon its burnished patio-encompassing track.
Too bad 'twas a rather confoundingly tasteless creeper-plenteous affair,
save for the unsuspecting reptilian creatures (that we're going to emancipate one day)
and these lovely ladies, whose convivial and entertaining hijinks indubitably redeemed the night.
Happy Friday, gents and gals! Don't forget in accordance with my post yesterday that Jarell Perry's mixtape "On My Own" is available for free download today. Happify your ears with me and snatch it up here!
as we pursued the crimson brick road and illumined neon signs to the whispered promises of notorious turtle racing
upon its burnished patio-encompassing track.
Too bad 'twas a rather confoundingly tasteless creeper-plenteous affair,
save for the unsuspecting reptilian creatures (that we're going to emancipate one day)
and these lovely ladies, whose convivial and entertaining hijinks indubitably redeemed the night.
Happy Friday, gents and gals! Don't forget in accordance with my post yesterday that Jarell Perry's mixtape "On My Own" is available for free download today. Happify your ears with me and snatch it up here!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
There's always a reason
to celebrate, and yesternight was one to commemorate an amalgamation of birthdays, engagements, and friendly affinity.
Tomorrow's another reason to celebrate as it's a friendly chap's mixtape release. Jarell Perry is one exceedingly talented singer-songwriter who's taken the stage by furious storm since he commenced his tenure at UCLA, wooing mobs interminable with his silky smooth snazzified voice via inspirational R&B, piano-pop, and hip-hop swing. He's gallivanting on a titillating musical journey, snagging opportunities galore granted to him in the City of Angels and the forces of social media to establish an ever-burgeoning fanbase. Now we're all on the edge of our seats for the debut of his mixtape, "On My Own." "The long-awaited release mostly serves as a testament to the last two years spent forging his path to a big break: producing and/or writing all of his own material, attracting thousands of new fans by designing his own website, Myspace, and YouTube series, and playing countless shows at L.A. clubs and his alma mater, UCLA."
Friendly folks, meet me halfway on this and treat your ears to Jarell Perry's Black Eyed Peas "Meet Me Halfway" cover, which I fancy bushels more than the original,
and one of his all-original crowd-pleasers, "Indestructible."
Make haste and give him a listen, for he shan't disappoint. And download his mixtape for free, available tomorrow, November 13, 2009, at jarellperry.com!!!
What can I say? I've no shame. I'm an advocate of viral marketing.
Tomorrow's another reason to celebrate as it's a friendly chap's mixtape release. Jarell Perry is one exceedingly talented singer-songwriter who's taken the stage by furious storm since he commenced his tenure at UCLA, wooing mobs interminable with his silky smooth snazzified voice via inspirational R&B, piano-pop, and hip-hop swing. He's gallivanting on a titillating musical journey, snagging opportunities galore granted to him in the City of Angels and the forces of social media to establish an ever-burgeoning fanbase. Now we're all on the edge of our seats for the debut of his mixtape, "On My Own." "The long-awaited release mostly serves as a testament to the last two years spent forging his path to a big break: producing and/or writing all of his own material, attracting thousands of new fans by designing his own website, Myspace, and YouTube series, and playing countless shows at L.A. clubs and his alma mater, UCLA."Friendly folks, meet me halfway on this and treat your ears to Jarell Perry's Black Eyed Peas "Meet Me Halfway" cover, which I fancy bushels more than the original,
and one of his all-original crowd-pleasers, "Indestructible."
Make haste and give him a listen, for he shan't disappoint. And download his mixtape for free, available tomorrow, November 13, 2009, at jarellperry.com!!!
What can I say? I've no shame. I'm an advocate of viral marketing.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
At least once a week,
chummies’ parental units approach me with lit-up eyes and gleeful grins to proclaim that they’ve nobly come to my aid in looking for my future husband. Or that they’ve found him. Which would thence commence a rattling off a string of winsome qualities that get progressively far-fetched (“He’s a Chinese! He’s a godly man in seminary who’s going to change the world! He’s nice AND he’s not married yet!!!”). I don’t know how I feel about that.
Which is radically different from how my parents react when a prying stepbrother of a second aunt’s cousin thrice removed inquires of them at a periodic familial gala, “Oh, your daughter Helen is 22 now? She’s getting to marrying age. Is she dating anyone?” My momma’s eyes glaze over with a steeliness not to be meddled with and she nearly snaps in reply, “No, she’s not dating anyone. She’s not going to get married, ever.” And my poppa, faithfully by her side, would adopt the tried-and-true passive Asian father role and, well, not say anything. I don’t know how I feel about that, either.
My face just submits to an involuntary grimace as I subsequently chuckle politely and wish I were anywhere but there at those moments.
All I know is that I’m thankful God has bestowed upon me this season of singleness. It truly is a blessing for many a reason. For ‘tis only a transient season.
I think.
Which is radically different from how my parents react when a prying stepbrother of a second aunt’s cousin thrice removed inquires of them at a periodic familial gala, “Oh, your daughter Helen is 22 now? She’s getting to marrying age. Is she dating anyone?” My momma’s eyes glaze over with a steeliness not to be meddled with and she nearly snaps in reply, “No, she’s not dating anyone. She’s not going to get married, ever.” And my poppa, faithfully by her side, would adopt the tried-and-true passive Asian father role and, well, not say anything. I don’t know how I feel about that, either.
My face just submits to an involuntary grimace as I subsequently chuckle politely and wish I were anywhere but there at those moments.
All I know is that I’m thankful God has bestowed upon me this season of singleness. It truly is a blessing for many a reason. For ‘tis only a transient season.
I think.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
To and fro for birthday bravado
'Twas a weekend of bustling birthday bravado for the favorite gurgh, Karissa, with whom I,
along with the amiable accompaniment of gallant gentlemen Jono and Jarell,
caroused in urban pioneer Downtown La-La-Land's nightlively thoroughfares here
and there. 'Twas there where the denying of entry prevailed for the sneakers-clad fellow,
culminating in our ephemeral meandering within the snazzified turn-of-the-century underground lounge evocative of Tinseltown's Golden Age catering to legions of the well-to-do
by our lonesome.
Happiest of belated birthdays to you, Karissa, and Holden, too, with whom we regaled at a bustin' joint.
Dear cousin of mine, I'm so incredibly thankful for what God is doing in your life. I praise God for turning your heart towards Him, and that you've begun to ascertain the everlasting joy and hope that dwells in Christ. I pray you grow grow grow in the knowledge and love of the Lord as you seek your purpose in Him via His truth. It still boggles my mind and overwhelms my heart that I can now not only call you my cousin, but also my brother in Christ. God is so very good and faithful. May our famaree attest to the difference Christ makes in our lives so that they may come to know Him. Love for you and cheers to a new beginning!!!
along with the amiable accompaniment of gallant gentlemen Jono and Jarell,
caroused in urban pioneer Downtown La-La-Land's nightlively thoroughfares hereand there. 'Twas there where the denying of entry prevailed for the sneakers-clad fellow,
culminating in our ephemeral meandering within the snazzified turn-of-the-century underground lounge evocative of Tinseltown's Golden Age catering to legions of the well-to-do
by our lonesome.
Happiest of belated birthdays to you, Karissa, and Holden, too, with whom we regaled at a bustin' joint.
Dear cousin of mine, I'm so incredibly thankful for what God is doing in your life. I praise God for turning your heart towards Him, and that you've begun to ascertain the everlasting joy and hope that dwells in Christ. I pray you grow grow grow in the knowledge and love of the Lord as you seek your purpose in Him via His truth. It still boggles my mind and overwhelms my heart that I can now not only call you my cousin, but also my brother in Christ. God is so very good and faithful. May our famaree attest to the difference Christ makes in our lives so that they may come to know Him. Love for you and cheers to a new beginning!!!
Monday, November 9, 2009
In honor of Babycakies #3
'Tis been a while since the last surprise of the baby shower variety, and weeks of conceptualizing and scheming manifested in a much-awaited surprise baby shower for Mama Ruby and Babycakies #3 this weekend past. 
Ruby is one extraordinarily special crafty mama of the utmost creative sort so Team Hong/Hwang/Wong/Kim enacted a children's book-themed baby shower riddled with handmade flair reminiscent of everythang towards which Ruby is inclined, from frenzily crafting vintage feedsack scraps
into vibrantly chipper fabric pennant banners
to complement paper doily streamers
in accordance with a festive antique atmosphere.
To satiate hunger pangs was a plethora of homemade tasties that each corresponded with a Polaroid of a beloved kiddie storybook: dainty healthified turkey-swiss-spinach-hummus tea sandwiches like those the refined Eloise would have consumed amidst her mischievous antics about New York's Plaza Hotel,
variegated goldfish crackers reminiscent of The Rainbow Fish,
savory spaghetti and meatballs like that of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,
organic veggies to munch and crunch as displayed throughout The Vegetable Alphabet Book,
dino-silhouetted nuggets to edibly symbolize those in If the Dinosaurs Came Back,
and, of course, a perilous brigade of homecrafted sweet treats:
mini melt-in-your-mouth chocochip cookies
paired with vanilla soymilk shotglasses to exemplify If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,
madeleine cookies to mimic Paris-prowling Madeline,
a round of home-baked peanut butter cupcakes crowned with cream cheese frosting and Almond Roca tidbits (merely 'cause Ruby indulges an affinity for peanut buttery goodness)
to supplement red velvet babycakes with ample dollops of cream cheese frosting, whose red-and-white appearance bespoke of The Cat in the Hat,
chocopudding, Oreo cookie, and gummy worm fused dirt cups to enjoy in remembrance of Diary of a Worm,
and a watermelon cart replete with succulent fruit cubes worthy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
All was primed for the momentous arrival of Ruby herself,
who graced us all with the most epic reaction ever to be recorded in surprise shindig history. HAHAHAHA.
Oh, lovely Bratcher family, how we love you guys and your forthcoming Babycakies #3!!!
A smattering of shenanigans befittingly ensued, from a recently engaged chummy proposing to her sister for her hand in maid-of-honor'ness,
to incessantly squealing over a just-engaged gal pal, whose fiancé carved, sanded, and painted her in loving toil a ring from a hunk of wood,
to garrulously enjoying the cherished company of friendly folks.
Ruby, I thank the Lord for you mucho grande nachos for you are an ever dear and wonderful friend who never ever fails to inspire and encourage me with your creativity that spawns legendary craftiness, your godly wisdom from experiences past, your daily living out your role as a wife and mama that indicates so much joy in the Lord, your heart for your chummies, and your taking every crafty/blogging opportunity God is granting you to glorify Him. I love learning from you, nerdily crafting with you, baking with you, chitter chattering lightyears a minute with you, and exchanging with you novels of email updates. I LOVE YOU SO!!!
Team Hong/Hwang/Wong/Kim loves Ruby...Ellen, we missed you!
This post is also posted here on my crafty blog.
Ruby is one extraordinarily special crafty mama of the utmost creative sort so Team Hong/Hwang/Wong/Kim enacted a children's book-themed baby shower riddled with handmade flair reminiscent of everythang towards which Ruby is inclined, from frenzily crafting vintage feedsack scraps
into vibrantly chipper fabric pennant banners
to complement paper doily streamers
in accordance with a festive antique atmosphere.
To satiate hunger pangs was a plethora of homemade tasties that each corresponded with a Polaroid of a beloved kiddie storybook: dainty healthified turkey-swiss-spinach-hummus tea sandwiches like those the refined Eloise would have consumed amidst her mischievous antics about New York's Plaza Hotel,
variegated goldfish crackers reminiscent of The Rainbow Fish,
savory spaghetti and meatballs like that of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,
organic veggies to munch and crunch as displayed throughout The Vegetable Alphabet Book,
dino-silhouetted nuggets to edibly symbolize those in If the Dinosaurs Came Back,
and, of course, a perilous brigade of homecrafted sweet treats:
mini melt-in-your-mouth chocochip cookies
paired with vanilla soymilk shotglasses to exemplify If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,
madeleine cookies to mimic Paris-prowling Madeline,
a round of home-baked peanut butter cupcakes crowned with cream cheese frosting and Almond Roca tidbits (merely 'cause Ruby indulges an affinity for peanut buttery goodness)
to supplement red velvet babycakes with ample dollops of cream cheese frosting, whose red-and-white appearance bespoke of The Cat in the Hat,
chocopudding, Oreo cookie, and gummy worm fused dirt cups to enjoy in remembrance of Diary of a Worm,
and a watermelon cart replete with succulent fruit cubes worthy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
All was primed for the momentous arrival of Ruby herself,
who graced us all with the most epic reaction ever to be recorded in surprise shindig history. HAHAHAHA.
Oh, lovely Bratcher family, how we love you guys and your forthcoming Babycakies #3!!!
A smattering of shenanigans befittingly ensued, from a recently engaged chummy proposing to her sister for her hand in maid-of-honor'ness,
to incessantly squealing over a just-engaged gal pal, whose fiancé carved, sanded, and painted her in loving toil a ring from a hunk of wood,
to garrulously enjoying the cherished company of friendly folks.
Ruby, I thank the Lord for you mucho grande nachos for you are an ever dear and wonderful friend who never ever fails to inspire and encourage me with your creativity that spawns legendary craftiness, your godly wisdom from experiences past, your daily living out your role as a wife and mama that indicates so much joy in the Lord, your heart for your chummies, and your taking every crafty/blogging opportunity God is granting you to glorify Him. I love learning from you, nerdily crafting with you, baking with you, chitter chattering lightyears a minute with you, and exchanging with you novels of email updates. I LOVE YOU SO!!!
Team Hong/Hwang/Wong/Kim loves Ruby...Ellen, we missed you!This post is also posted here on my crafty blog.
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