As Our Paths Separate

This post is so overdue but better late than never. I flew out to Utah last month to meet my newborn nephew. As I was getting ready for my flight, I realized a trip to Utah might be the last time all my close friends will be in the same city, let alone same state. This is why I dragged them out at the crack of dawn in 20 degree weather into the canyons for a glamorous photo shoot. Thank you Maya Inoue for the pictures. Even though Rachel groaned about how no one would bloody look good at 8am in the morning, I think we could pass for K-pop stars, no? Maybe it is Maya's amazing skills but I dare say we look darn good!

 

My friendship with all these lovely ladies mean the world to me. As we were walking, laughing, grumbling (ahem Rachel),  I couldn't help but realize how different our lives were compared to when we first met. How bittersweet... I marveled at how far we've come along but saddened  that our adventures together might come to an end.

We were on the same path called college for quite some time. That long journey threw some curve balls at us--school itself, grades, boys, sometimes our faith, sometimes our family. But together, we made it through. Now that we've finished that journey, we're each starting to tread along our own separate paths. And to look back to see what we've all accomplished over the years, I'm confident we will all do well. No doubt about that.

 

Oh how the years have gone by. It seems like only yesterday when we were all so naive.  I'm grateful for the trials that were thrown at me and you. Thank you, world, for teaching me a lesson or two, but the greatest lesson I learned was to have you guys in my life.  Until we're gray and wrinkly, I hope our friendship never dies. 

 

Sarang <3

Welcome to the Choi Fam Bam

I was able to fly out on a quick getaway to my beloved home state, Utah. Reason being, the first baby in the Choi family--little chubster--is finally here!  I had an amazing time: got to see my mommy, who I rarely get to see, my dear friends, and of course, little chubster, my adorable nephew. Thank you, little angel, for giving auntie a reason to jump on a plane and fly to Utah.

The first night, I of course had to beg my friends to meet me at my favorite dessert place, Cocoa Bean. I dragged my mommy out as well. She was great company--pointing out every single thing I put in my mouth, the potential calories I swallowed, and how it would affect my poor little body. My sweet and caring mommy. If you ever stop by Cocoa Bean, ask for Love Potion and try the Better Than Whatever cupcake.

Little baby Harrison, I love you so.

First time holding my beautiful nephew.

 Harrison: I'm already so annoyed by you auntie Diana.. 

Kiss of an angel. 

BURRITO HARRITO~ 

Okay, if you are in Utah, there is one place that is a must: Bruges. They serve belgium waffles and ah-mayzing fries. I may or may have not gone to this place more than once. They have three locations: Salt Lake City, Sugar House, and Provo. I had the Monster Waffle--biscoff sauces, strawberries, two scoops of vanilla bean ice cream on a warm, crispy waffle. Yum!

My BFF and I. Oh my, we are really going and growing in so many ways. 

My BFFS! Aka, Korean posse~

Jimmy (my bro) and I fought over Harrison quite alot. 

                                                    이모가 곧 갈게 우리 예쁜 똥깡아지~

Quick Quarterly Update

I'm horrible with keeping up with my blog. But, to be honest, David and I don't lead very exciting lives.  Nor do we have any littles to brag about.. As you all know, David continues his journey through medical school. And I diligently continue to carry on as his proud sugar momma while trying to fit into this grand southern state.

The good looking couple, David and Diana.

Ooh! I did get a promotion at work that will allow me to use my Education degree (kind of) and my language skills. As always, I'm grateful for my days at BYU and appreciative towards my parents for forcing my siblings and I to use both languages. Never did I think being bilingual (especially in Korean) would be so advantageous. I do thank my Lord in Heaven the most for the abundant blessings in our lives.

The first three months of 2015 flew by! We said hello to David's second semester of MS2, survived a few ice storms. David also went to El Paso for a Medical Mission Trip. And, with a blink of an eye, we just welcomed Spring!

My hot Chinese man.

It blows my mind to think in less than two months David will take his Step One exam and jump right into his THIRD year of Medical School! It only seems like yesterday when I was sobbing in our apartment in Murray, UT, dreading our move to Texas. After two years of living here, I think I might actually like Texas. We have our moments but for the most part, this big, southern state and this little Asian girl seem to get along quite well. Texas for one is softer on my heart. Despite the challenges I face, I think I'm going to be kinder towards Texas as well.

I've been eating out, a lot because our busy schedules. One thing I absolutely LOVE about Texas is the food. Guys, the FOOD itself was so worth the move. (Although they can't do desserts like the Beehive State.)

Pig feet at Koryo Galbi

Tokyo One- All you can eat sushi and Korean galbi

Spicy chewy noodles at Ajuma's!

Pig intestines, for $5.00!

Kimchi jigae. This bowl of deliciousness is only $6.00. 

Kimchi Ramen at Ramen Hakata. This bowl of heaven and I meet at least once a week. 

Okay, I have a new favorite restaurant. Japanese ramen made my Korean chefs! Guys, if you think that top ramen is ramen, you need to try this place out! Ramen Hakata on Beltline. This place is right next to work and I visit quite often. They just came out with a new menu and added on Kimchi ramen. It is the best ramen dish I have tried. And that's saying a lot! They boil the broth for days then they add fermented and fried kimchi. It's the bomb! If you come visit me, it'll all be worth it! I promise. 

I continue to make my weekly trips to Barnes and Noble. I'm kind of in a rut though.. I usually read at least two-three books per month. But, my heart hasn't really been into the books I've started. If you have any recommendations, please let me know.


Last but not least, say hello to the cutest baby boy on earth...!!

 My sister and brother-in-law welcomed their first baby. I was staring at pictures of him all day long. Isn't he the most adorable thing you've ever laid eyes on? I'm going to spoil him rotten! heehee~

Anyhow, this girl gets to fly out to Utah on Wednesday to see her little nephew. Be prepared, I'm going to overload IG and FB with pictures of this little baby boy <3

Hello and Goodbye

Helloo 2015!!!

A few snapshots of the last few weeks of 2014. We were spoiled, again. Thanks to the Bartletts, we mooched off them (as always) during the Holidays. Then, mom and dad (D's parents) took us to San Antonio for a quick getaway! I was also lucky enough to see  two of my very good friends, Emily and Rachel.

Em and I with our Davids at LA Burger. Gotta admit, one thing I love about Dallas is the FOOOOD~
Try their kimchi burger!!!

Chinese man and I, company Holiday Partay!

San Antonio River Walk 

Downtown San Antonio.

Alamo, San Antonio. What's up with ma face? 

It frightens me how quickly time passes. Chinese man is half done with his second year of Med School. Halfways away being halfways away with Medical School (does that make sense?)

{These are our  long overdue 2014 Christmas pictures. Pictures taken by Melanie Zelnick}.

I would love to share my New Year's resolution. However, 

My New Year's resolutions have been the exact same since 2004. Except the "find a boyfriend" one. And I've finally come to terms that the "grow an inch or two" goal  is something I have zero control of.. So I guess I can cross that one out as well.  Anyhow, except for those two goals, the gist of my goals:

lose weight, save more money, read my scriptures everyday, read at least two books a month, write in my journal, stop eating chocolate, stop eating meat, stop wasting time on You-tube and Facebook... you get the point. I'll sit down with my journal and work on all the nitty-gritty details later. 

However, this year, I asked the Lord for a special gift. I asked that He help me love the Present. 

During 2014, I've caught myself one too many times longing for the past. I'd find that some songs,  particular items, even certain scents would make me extremeley nostalgic to the point I'd break down and cry. Why? 

Because I miss the life I left in Utah- with all my friends and family?

Do I regret my past and want to relive, no, redo it again?

Or am I just afraid of the unknown future?

Mostly because  I'm drawing near to the end of another chapter in my life. And, I'm not sure if I'm ready for it.. Just yet. 

All  throughout my early twenties, I longed to be a teenager again. I wanted my parents' direct supervision, missed the  innocence, ambitions, and self-confidence I once had. I also wished for those days when my siblings and I (including my parents) all lived under the same roof... I wanted to go back so badly. They were the best of times. Or were they?

Then I married my Chinese man. As blissful as I was, a small part of me missed the times I had before D became my first priority. Before D, my first and foremost priority were my friends. 

The things we did for each other- most should remain a secret. haha.. The times we would run to each others' apartments to "report" after our dates. The times we laughed and cried over our grades or the men in our lives. I miss the countless sleepovers, make-overs, and the junkfood feast we'd partake. We all had our differences. But, we stuck together and made it through college, all of us did. We watched each other make mistakes, learn, grow, and become comfortable in our own skin. 

Then life happened-  men, school, jobs, family happened and once again changed our priorities.

Maybe since I'm the only one that left UT, it's been hardest for me. The smallest things would make weep. We welcomed 2015 while watching Midnight In Paris (my favorite movie).. And I can surely say it was a lesson sent to me. So, I'll stop thinking my past was the "golden age." I'll come to terms with the present. I'm sure me in the future will miss the times we had in Dallas. So, I'll be a new me- try my darndest to love and make the most out of the present God has given me.  The Present. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

XOXO, 

the Engs