End of Summer

Woah, summer of 2015 really came to an end. And husband started year THREE at UTSW. It still feels like summer here in Dallas - shorts, skirts, and 90 degree weather. I'm so jealous when I see the obvious wardrobe changes happening in the entire country when I'm still pulling on my skirts and sandals. Fall, hurry along por favor~

Out of all the seasons, Fall makes me super nostalgic of Utah.. All the magic happened during Fall semester- pretended to study the most, first kiss, homecoming dance, football, hiked the Y.. Anyhow, I was missing Utah so much I went and bought a ton of candles that have that fall scent- pumpkin, buttercream (?), salted caramel.. Yeah, husband was not happy with all the money I spent. I told him it reminded me of Utah and these candles made me less sad.. 

This weekend, I pulled myself away from Nextflix, my book, and my box of Lindt chocolates and let husband dearest take me to downtown Dallas for the firt time. Did I mention this is year three in the big D? There was a cool even going on in the Arts District. I secretly think husband took me since they had a Korean food truck (kimchi tacos and kimch fries guys!!) and a bunch of Korean performances going on at the Crow Museum because of Chuseok (Lunar Thanksgiving). Isn't he just so thoughtful? As if I hadn't gotten enough of Korea this year...

I was thinking "downtown, outside, in this heat? Amongst the hordes of people?" Surprisingly, we had a blast. I savor the precious moments we have together. I was complaining how hot I was and begged for a cupcake (cupcake, the cure to heatstrokes). When he handed me my blueberry lemon cupcake, I fell in love with him all over again. Putting my needs AND wants first.. I guess I'd better be a little nicer to him.

Anyhow, I'm determined to get out of my comfort zone and explore more. What are some fun things to do around Dallas? After all, we might be moving away in less than two years...... Gotta enjoy the big D while it lasts..

Three Down, Forever To Go..

Blogging has been the last thing on my mind but if I don't document it somewhere, I won't have anything to look back on to remind me of this special day. While David and I were busy chewing through our food and enjoying each other's company (during our anniversary dinner) I tried to think of what we did last year.  My mind went blank. What did we do? ... When I asked my Chinese man, he also was clueless. Age is finally catching up..... Fearing I'll soon forget these precious memories I share with my dear husband, here is my attempt at another cheesy post about us. Bear with me.

You and I

He took me to my favorite restaurant in Dallas! 

Say what? THREE smoking years with this babe. It seems like only yesterday when we were both trying to woo each other while trying to finish up our last year of college. Can't believe it's year three as being Mrs. Eng. I've spent almost half a decade with this man..

Marriage is never easy. Sometimes I think an additional year comes with additional trials... I'm learning that these trials are necessary for a stronger relationship between not only husband and wife but also with God.  Keep throwing these learning curves at us... Together, we can overcome anything..

David and I try to balance our marriage with medical school (rotations for David) and my full time job. Plus the chores and errands that comes along with marriage. Toss in Diana's emotions that comes in waves. We also can't forget about Diana's nagging either...  But, luckily, we have David's patience and logic that balances out Diana. David and Diana always belong in the same sentence, don't they?

The past few months have been overwhelming for me. I was in my motherland for work. I've been tested in every possible way. Teaching has always been my calling, it's in my blood. I'm in love with my job. Yet,  I've never been given so much responsibility, never felt so incompetent, insecure.  I understand that it's a learning curve. And throughout my trip, I've fallen numerous times. There were times I just refused to get up,  dust away the past and move on... Even though he was continents away, whenever I fell, he was there to catch me and prevent me from giving up. 

My love

I'm such a flawed person. Imperfect in every imaginable way. But he loves me as I am. I hope the years I've spent with him have helped soften up my difficult personality. I hope some of the selfishness I came with has been replaced with his selflessness.  He gives me faith. Together, we hope. 

Marriage: 

"4 cups of love

3 cups of forgiveness

2 cups of loyalty

1 cup of friendship

5 spoons of hope

2 spoons of tenderness

4 quartz of faith

1 barrel of laughter.."

Here's to another year that will be filled with joy, laughter, trials, tears, anger, disappointment.  But dearest husband, I'm glad it's you by my side. I will continue to enjoy our never-ending story. 

Happy Birthday Diana!!

Today is Diana's birthday (in Korea, 5/27)!  As per our tradition, this is my annual blog post.  Unfortunately, I cannot be with Diana today because she had to go to Korea for work :(  which means... party time!!!  Just kidding.  The only partying that has been going on has been USMLE Step 1 partying.

She's only been gone for less than a week, but I've already regressed back into my old bachelor ways: frozen pizza, instant noodles, clothes on the floor, a sink of unwashed dishes.  In fact, I think I've already gained about 5 pounds.  As I look at my reflection of squalor in the mirror, I am ever so grateful that Diana chose to marry a man like me. 

Imagine what I would be like without Diana!  She has definitely made me a better person, and I am so honored to have her by my side.  She is the most caring and thoughtful person I know.  She balances my flaws and has taught me what it means to love.  Even though she is having a blast in Korea, she still worries constantly about me and wonders if I am eating right.  Don't worry honey, I will make sure to take care of myself when you are away!

All of you who know Diana know what a great friend she is.  She is so generous and kind.  She is a positive influence to everyone she meets.  Unfortunately today she will be thousands of miles away, so please wish her a happy birthday!

Throwback to when we were just friends!

We've come a long way since then!  Happy Birthday Diana!

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~