Archive for "Life"
Laundry Day
Posted on November 22, 2016 by Ching under Confessions, Life.
This is what laundry day looks like at our house.
And yes, for someone who doesn’t even take Zumba classes, Brian has a lot of Zumba sweats. He absolutely loves wearing them!
We practically live in our Zumba sweats all weekend long. He just happens to not be wearing them in this photo because this picture was taken after our busy Saturday morning of volunteering. And, I think most of them were in the laundry. Yeah, this isn’t all of them. I think he had a couple still stashed in the dresser.
Anyway, I thought I would share this with you all. I’m so thankful to have Brian and the girls in my life. I just love my babies. All three of them!
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My Favorite Time of the Year
Posted on October 30, 2016 by Ching under Events, Life.
I love this time of year. Not just because of the perfect Fall weather and not just for Halloween and not just for my birthday. As you all know, I love being busy and doing stuff. Once October rolls around, every weekend brings with it some cool event or activity and we’re in constant go-go-go mode.
I don’t love it as much when we get double, triple, and quadruple booked (yes, it has happened) but I do love it when we are able to squeeze it all in to the schedule and I’m able to do everything.
We kicked October off with a bang this year by attending the Wichita State Alumni Association‘s Rockin’ the Roundhouse event. That was the day before I left for EMACS in Orlando and barely got out of there before Hurricane Matthew struck.
My flight was canceled so I rerouted through Tampa. Instead of getting home at noon as planned, I didn’t get home until midnight. Hence, I missed the blacklight Zumba fundraising event at Wheels Studio that I said I would help with. I also had to get a sub for my regular Saturday morning Zumba class because I needed the day to recover from my exciting trip and also I needed to pack for Kansas City that coming week. And then, I also had a sub for my regular Sunday afternoon Zumba class because I committed to my friend Stephanie that I would help her with the zumbathon for the Mulvane flooding victims.
These were all the Zumba instructors who helped with that effort. From left: Amy, Paula, Andrea, Ching, Pam, Stephanie, and Pat.
Stephanie organized a fantastic event and we all had a blast helping.
Here are just a few photos from the event.
We were super exhausted from 90 minutes of dancing (we did stop a few times to draw for prizes) but it was all worth it in the end. I’m so grateful that Stephanie asked me to participate and it worked out that I could.
The weekend after was Museum of the Undead (which was super fun and I totally plan on doing that again next year) and then game night at our house when we also celebrated Christina’s birthday.
One of the highlights of the evening was reconnecting Brian with a couple of his high school classmates. These are Brian’s high school classmates Donald and Devi in the picture with him below.
Initially, we were only expecting a handful of people but then we ended up with more people than we can squeeze into a game of Cards Against Humanity so we ended up with two separate groups of Cards Against Humanity games and then a few of us on the side playing Exploding Kittens. I played Exploding Kittens with Missy because she has sworn off Cards Against Humanity completely.
This is a picture of me and Missy with our ears to the bluetooth stereo because Brian refused to let us turn the volume up. He said it was because then we wouldn’t be able to have conversation but deep down I think it’s because he hates Zumba music.
The next day we joined the gang at Carlos O’Kelly’s (Missy’s favorite Mexican restaurant) for a late lunch/early supper in celebration of Glynda’s birthday.
This young lady in the sombrero. We got to know Glynda better over the last few years when she started attending my old Saturday morning Zumba class at East YMCA and then we got to hang out with her in Fort Lauderdale and throughout the first ever Zumba cruise as well.
Glynda is so fun to be around because she’s so positive and vibrant and energetic. She enjoys life to the fullest and is really a model for her age group. I want to be just like her at that age.
Birthdays (not just mine) are one of the many reasons I love this time of year. I know so many people with October birthdays that it’s a nonstop party all month long! Speaking of my birthday, Brian and I had an intimate celebration last weekend by having a nice dinner at P.F. Chang’s followed by Wicked.
We had amazing seats but more on that later.
This weekend we celebrated with friends by hiring Spot’s Party Bus to drive us around for an epic evening of drinking and Pokémon hunting. Wicked was my birthday present and the party bus was my present for my friends.
As we get busy with various events, the blog gets so far behind. I need to blog about a few more things. Anyway, I just wanted to take this moment to express how grateful I am for a fantastic month and for being another year older.
It’s great to be alive!
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Rockin’ the Roundhouse 2016
Posted on October 15, 2016 by Ching under Life.
Brian and I were fortunate enough to attend Rockin’ the Roundhouse a couple of weeks ago. RnR is a Wichita State University Alumni Association fundraising event. It’s not that one that my work sponsors so Brian and I actually had to purchase our own tickets for this one.
We purchased our ticket during the early bird ticket sales period, forgetting to take into account that I had a 5 AM flight to Orlando the next day. We are usually very good planners but Brian and I have both been extremely busy of late so we haven’t been having our regular weekly calendar meetings, which is probably how our schedule got completely out of whack.
We already paid for our tickets so we decided to go anyway. We just agreed not to stay out late. Here are some pictures from the event…
In true “nerd fashion” I donned my school’s colors. I also wore the Wu Shock pin that April (WSU Foundation) gave me.
Because I’m a PRO at these types of events, I knew better than to wear heels. LOL. It’s a little bit weird to wear Converser sneakers with a dress when you’re almost 40 but I think the yellow socks (which were Brian’s recommendation) completed the look so the whole outfit went together perfectly. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Besides, are you just as old as you feel anyways?
I ran into my friend Teresa from bowling right when we walked in.
Here’s one of the participating vendors, Sweet Allie B’s.
This is the Butler County Community College-Bakery Arts food station.
This is Molino’s Mexican Cuisine.
I wish I can remember which vendor this is… This is what I get for waiting to blog about the event two weeks later. Ugh.
SmallCakes was there serving up their delicious cupcakes.
Blarney Stone Pub was there.
As was Deano’s Grill and Tapworks.
Here’s a picture of Brian checking out the Greystone Steak and Seafood offering. I think this is the Greystone station.
This picture makes me wonder if the Dunkin’ Donuts guy had some Dunkin’ coffee before the event. LOL.
Granite City Food and Brewery.
The Sodexo food station.
And I think that’s it. I’m pretty sure I got a photo of all of the vendor stations present. Because I just have to take a picture of everything.
This is where they were promoting the WSU Alumni Association app which, of course, I already had. All self-respecting WSU alums should have it. The app notifies you of important alumni events and also has a list of Alumni Association benefits just in case you’ve forgotten. My favorite is the 15% OFF discount on logo merchandise at university bookstore. They have some really cool WSU swag there.
Ran into my friend Junetta Everett, loyal WSU fan, fellow alum, and one of my role models. She is super amazing!
Here’s our obligatory event selfie. Had to do it.
This is the main program area before everyone starting filing in. The them this year was “Red White and Wu” thus the red, white and blue decorations. And, then here’s an after photo…
There were lots of great silent auction items. I bid on a few but didn’t win any of them. Much to Brian’s relief, I’m sure.
It was a great event overall but, besides meeting the wonderful couple at our table who are avid WSU basketball fans, the evening was a little dull. I think because none of our friends were there. We’re going to have to talk a bunch of people into going with us next year or not go at all. These types of events are definitely more fun when you’re attending with a group of people.
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Thoughts on Working in Kansas City
Posted on October 9, 2016 by Ching under Life, Relationship.
It’s hard being away from home. Luckily, we are pros at it now. Last year I was spending four days a week in Topeka. I got a short reprieve over the summer, which was nice, but then it started back up again in September. This time I’m spending four days a week in Kansas City.
Between you and me, Kansas City is a step up from Topeka so I’m not complaining. Plus, even though four days of my work week are spent away from my home base, it usually only means three nights away from home.
I do miss Brian and the girls, though. Thank heavens for FaceTime!
Of course, it’s not the same as being there and hugging and holding my babies and being able to share in the day to day activities. But I have a confession to make…
I actually LOVE working in Kansas City.
Perhaps the biggest contributing factor is the walkability of their downtown area. It’s not a secret that I hate driving. When I’m in Wichita, I have to drive to work everyday. It was nice when Brian and I were able to carpool but that stopped two years ago. Yes, I have to drive three hours to get to Kansas City but, once I’m there, I don’t have to see my car again until have to drive back to Wichita.
- I can walk to work each day. (The hotel where I stay is about a four-minute walk.)
- I can walk to the grocery store, if I need something.
- I can walk to the gym, conveniently located across from the office.
- I can walk to Power & Light for nightlife, free concerts, and a plethora of dining options.
- I can walk to the nail salon and even get my nails done over lunch if I so desire.
- I can walk to get good coffee. And I don’t mean Starbucks, though there is also a Starbucks across from the office.
- I can walk to play trivia or ping pong. (I found some ping pong tables in the park across the street from my hotel. I bought a ping pong set from Amazon a few weeks ago. Now I just need to find someone to play with.)
I just cannot get over how I can walk to EVERYTHING and I am loving it!
I also love the downtown views. Here’s a better picture…
The workspace we were given is located on the 17th floor of the tallest building in downtown Kansas City and the view is spectacular. But that isn’t even the top floor, mind you. I can’t imagine what the views are like on the 40th floor on up.
There are downsides, of course. Quite a few, actually. I will not list them all. For the time being, I’m enjoying my time working in Kansas City while it lasts.
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Onelife KC
Posted on October 1, 2016 by Ching under Life, Zumba.
I found an amazing gym across from the office (next to the grocery store) a couple of weeks ago. Here are some pictures that I took during a brief tour.
I was a bit worried about finding a suitable gym with group exercise classes. We get really spoiled here in Wichita because we have the best YMCA facilities in the entire nation. Our YMCA facilities are ten times better than most health clubs. And we have fantastic workout classes.
I went and checked out Onelife on a Monday so I could get a tour and also check out the Zumba class. The class was just okay. Definitely not like the ones we have here in Wichita. We are so spoiled because we have the best of everything here.
The facility itself was fabulous, though. I loved the modern look and feel and all the equipment looked brand new. I’m not sure how long the gym has been operational but, from the looks of it, they haven’t been open a long time because everything still looks shiny and new. Either that or they take really immaculate care of their facility. The Zumba class might not have sold me (I’ve never been a fan of the 45-minute Zumba class and that’s what they have on Mondays) but the gym itself and the friendly staff blew me away. Plus, the proximity to the office (across the street) was just icing on the cake.
Of course, I couldn’t justify paying $45-55 a month for a gym membership that I could only use three days a week (if that). I think if there was an hour-long Zumba class everyday that I could hit, then it would probably be worthwhile. At $5 per class, three times a week, four weeks a month that comes out to $60 so I could rationalize it. It wouldn’t be worth it without the classes because the Marriott downtown has pretty well-equipped gym. I could always just work out there if I just need treadmills and weights and such.
However, I’m the kind of person who finds opportunity where there are challenges and obstacles. So guess what I did the very next day. I worked on my Zumba resume before bed. We had a work dinner that night and I actually didn’t get back to the hotel until almost ten o’clock. Then I worked on my resume for a couple of hours while Brian and I video chatted.
Brian was like, “It’s almost midnight, baby. Go to bed.” But I couldn’t go to bed until my resume and cover letter were just right.
This is the product of my effort. I figured if I get a Zumba gig out of this, great. I’ll actually get to do the kind of workout I want to do, which isn’t currently available to me on the days I need it. If not, no big deal. I’m a big girl and can handle rejection.
It sounds like there’s not a great demand for Zumba right now at their gym but I’ve always had an “if you build it, they will come” mentality about things. I’m convinced the demand isn’t there for the type of Zumba class that isn’t currently offered which doesn’t have “party-like” atmosphere like the ones offered here in Wichita. The music selection is quite different as well so the experience is totally different. It’s had to convey that it words though so I’m trying to set up a demo class so group exercise director there can experience the difference. It’s a lot like the sunsets in the Flint Hills. Words cannot describe it. It just has to be experienced.
So anyway, this is probably not the most brilliant idea I’ve had in a while (because, you know, I’m full of brilliant ideas – LOL) but sometimes you just have to follow your gut. Wish me luck!
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