Words

There are some things you can never put a price tag on.

It's our 10th anniversary --the first ever milestone of a married couple's life.  Some people would go to Paris to celebrate, or maybe check in at some ridiculously swanky hotel, or at least dine out in a restaurant that you wouldn't be able to afford on a regular day.

But Jing isn't a cliche kind of guy.  He went for below-the-line advertising.  And, for our kids' box of art supplies.

How else can you tell your wife that this is the day that continues your many years of love and commitment but by telling her so --the very second she wakes up.
Better yet, tell her during her every waking hour.

Early in the morning, it made me smile when I found this on our bedroom door.

But that was, apparently, just the beginning.  This was not too far behind.

On the way to preparing breakfast, this melted my heart in the kitchen.

Oh but he's not done.  Later on, this gripped me at the pantry.

As i was about to ready the kids' clothes for school, I've never felt so emotional at the laundry area.

This almost made me weep me when I opened my macbook to check for mail.

He knew I was going to a meeting today so this was promptly placed with utmost care in our closet.

And after around 50 of these, on the way out the front door, he had to say everything that has so far insanely touched even my tiniest nerve endings all over again.

They're not flowers.  They're not jewels.  They're words.  And when it comes to saying exactly how you feel, words are all you need.  Simple, meaningful, powerful.

I guess it isn't a surprise that I told him I love him more.  Every waking hour.

Confessions of a Coffee Lover

I’ve always had a special relationship with coffee.  It wakes me up in the morning, perks me up at work, helps me socialize better, makes winding down delicious, and keeps me up when I need to.   
If coffee were a man, I’d say it earns the title of a lover.

But I’m not one of those so-called coffee connoisseurs.  My faithfulness to the love coffee brings means I take it no matter what the form.  Be it brewed.  Be it blended.  Be it instant.  Just like a romantic partner, it can change its mood during the course of the day --and I will still accept it wholeheartedly with no judgment.

My Affair with Brewed

When I have the time, this is like slow love making.  I grind the coffee beans carefully and methodically –taking into consideration the kind of grounds, the amount of water, the excellent condition of grinding equipment.  The secret to the best roast is in its flavorful aroma.  When that fills the room, I know it’s time to sip slowly and take in the adoration.

My Liaison with Blended

These are what I call social drinks of the hot kind.  Fancy cocktails that put the fun in coffee.  This would be like an interesting date that keeps the fire alive between my brew and me.  My personal favorites are Hot Banana Java Chip, Hot Caramel Apple Spice, Hot Espresso Macchiato.  Some take their blended coffees cold, but I would rather keep the passion fever pitch.

My Tryst with Instant

Ah, my compassionate companion.  When I’m rushing in the morning, it makes sure it’s conveniently available for my quick fix of the day.  It’s like a swift, hot kiss that builds up a flood of emotions in very little time.  It’s not a degrade like some would call it.  Instant coffee is made of the same Arabica and Robusta beans you grind and blend.  The only difference is that Instant coffee is freeze dried, just so I can feel the love just as instantly.

On top of these different techniques of coffee preparation, quality is still my top priority.  What good is a bond if it isn’t full-bodied and strong?  As long as coffee treats me right, I will take its love –no matter how—unconditionally.

Puppy Love

There is nothing more touching than the bond between boy and dog.

Kenji and Alpha really hit it off great in just a few days (in just a few hours even)!  Now they're inseparable.  They sleep together, they wake up together, they play together...  

Ah, but it's just all warm and fuzzy until Kenji's Pet Killer instinct kicks in.

Day One:  He's locked Alpha in the toy chest.  

Day Two:  He's tried to smother Alpha with a plastic shopping bag.

Day Three:  He's thrown a giant marble right in the middle of Alpha's eyes, point blank, sending the pup shrieking and whimpering away!  (Kenji cried and apologized to Alpha for this one, by the way)

Day Four:  He's put scotch tape all over the poor animal's back.

Day Five:  He's covered Alpha in pillows and blankets and left him there trapped for a good few minutes until I heard muffled whimpering.

But no matter what, Alpha still loves him.  Sticks to him like crazy glue.  

That's love.  Or...maybe a death wish, I don't know.