Changes + Updates

Hello world,

It goes without saying that I've missed you and this blog is in need of a major update! With that, I hope you are well and that life is treating you kindly. As for me, I am good as well. I mean eh (shrugs), it's life, ya know? Sometimes it gives me rain so I plant a garden. Haha. Honestly, some days are better than others but life is good overall.

You see, I believe life has always been about being in the right place at the right time. At the beginning of April, I felt this huge urge for a change. While it wasn't a good change physically, I knew that in the long run it will be better for my husband and me. So in April, I packed all my belongings, rented a uhaul, and moved in with my in-laws. This was supposed to happen two years ago, but we love our freedom thus the hesitations. Well, we have a plan and this plan won't work if we don't sacrifice our freedom so in we go and I kissed my freedom good-bye... for now. We believe this is the right place and the right time. Of course, I had to also get my mind mentally ready for this change. That's the hardest part as I still don't think my mind is there. However, life has a way of throwing us curve-balls and these little curve-balls did assist with allowing me to transition into my new lifestyle and created a regular regimen in the process. 

In April, I helped co-host my cousin Kang's baby shower for her baby girl. It's always a fun time when my girls and I can get together. At this time, Jamy went on a cabin trip with the boys. It's also during this time that I met my maternal grandmother for the first time after 30 years! The truth is that I was actually a little nervous. Hahaha :D I had no idea why. She is the sweetest person ever and I've enjoyed being in my grandparent's presence so much! I've savored every moment with them. They live in California and I just don't know when we'll see each other again. Luckily, they are staying all Summer long until after my brother's wedding! I'm so blessed to meet them again in this life time. You see, I never really had the privilege of growing up with grandparents so this was a very nice treat from God. I love it! 

In May, Jamy's maternal grandfather became very ill. For two weeks straight, our life consisted of work, hospital, and coming home just to sleep. He eventually succumbed to his sickness and God called him home. Though we are all sad, I rejoice knowing we'll see each other again someday. Jamy has never loss anyone so dear to him so he's still taking this very hard. It was also Jamy's birthday in May but everyone forgot since we were so busy with grandpa. What kind of celebration would it be if we lost those so dear to us? We didn't celebrate. I honestly can't even remember what we did for Jamy. Again, it was a stressful time.

We had our grandfather's funeral in mid-June. It was a very crazy week. I was in and out of work. I didn't know what was going on. That was everyone in our family actually! During this time many things happened, but I came out of it knowing only one thing: God is good! Also in June, I got to co-host my sister-in-law Sunshine's baby shower! It was really cute and baby Ian was super loved with so many great gifts! 

In July, we got to celebrate my other sister-in-law Season's last few days as a single woman via a fiesta bridal shower. It was a beautiful event and she was stunning as always! I definitely enjoyed celebrating people I love.  Also in July, my parents threw a graduation party/thank you party for all of us kids and my grandparents! This also meant that we got to see my sister, Heaven, and brother-in-law, Xf. Jeffrey! I loved that this was so personal and that all my family had a hand in putting this party together. Praise God for His continuous provision.

August finally rolled around and all the kids went back to school.... and baby Ian finally came into this world on August 2nd! My heart seriously melt at the thought of him. He is so precious and so perfect! He is so tiny yet so tall all at the same time and he's got the cutest dimples in the world!!!!!!!!! Oh my gosh, my heart seriously.... I don't even want to imagine what it'll be like when I have a child! LOL I'm seriously going to be one of those mom. Speaking of Ian, I miss him so much already and really need to pay him a visit soon before Yeng's wedding gets here and I'll be too busy. The more busier we get, the faster he's growing!  I love waking up to my sister-in-law's  snapchats and seeing him on a daily really brings happiness to my days! Okay, so back to Yeng's wedding. I can't believe it's right around the corner. Why do I feel like I'm just not ready for this wedding? Is it because we just killed a cow two weeks ago??? I think so! I'm so exhausted thinking about this but at the same time, I am so excited for my brother, Yeng, and this new chapter in his life. As an older sister, I only want the best for my siblings and I believe that Yeng and Season are so perfect together. I can't wait to  celebrate them in a few days. 

In all this craziness, I forgot to mention that both my husband and I got promoted at work. Thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayers. Thank You for lifting our burdens when we needed it most. Thank You for giving onto us when we needed it most. Thank You for being our firm foundation when we have nothing. Why is my life so dramatic?! LOL I am seriously not the one creating all this. Still, thank You Lord for allowing a little entertainment in my life. 

Okay, the post is getting ridiculously long, but just a few more... please bare with me here. 

This year, my new year's resolutions were: 1) Save money 2) Pay off at least one school loan and 3) Lose some weight. We are well underway through Q3 and I just want to say that I am no where near completing these three resolutions. However, the good news is that I've s t a r t e d. 

1) I haven't piled up any savings really but know that my head is in the right place and with time this resolution won't be a problem to achieve. I have up my 401K investments to 10% after watching all the videos about investments online and if all goes well, I should be able to retire soundly with my husband and future kids.

2) I have started paying for my school loans consistently. I have also drawn up a plan on how to become debt-free by using the snowball effect. Jamy and my goal is to be able to move out of here and into our very own home in the next three years with minimal debt. I'll have to share  this plan with you some day when we succeed. 

3) Weight-loss! Oh dear... how many times must I restart?! I wish I never stopped. Life happens, ya know? I jumped on this wagon again a week ago and holding on to dear life. I'm never stopping again because I am tired of being fat. This is a life style change. I have not incorporated exercise yet into my diet regimen. Currently, I am focused on clean eating and no sodas! It's been working. If I really want to eat a cheat meal or have a soda, then I will. However, I will limit myself to only a few gulp vs. a whole can and a few bites vs. a whole tray. Week one flew by and it came with great results! All the water weight is gone and this week if I should lose anything it will actually be real body weight so I'm excited to see that. I can't wait to become thinner!

Week #1: July 29th- August 4th

Sunday: 188.6 lbs.

Monday: 188.5 lbs.

Tuesday: 184.0 lbs.

Wednesday: 182.8 lbs.

Thursday: 182.4 lbs.

Friday: 182.4 lbs.

Saturday: 182.3

Total loss: -6.3 lbs.

Lastly, Happy 9th Anniversary, Sweetheart! These nine years has been some of the best and yet some of the worst times of my life, but I want you to know that I wouldn't want to go through these years with anyone else. I love you always.

Okay, that's enough update for one evening! Until next time... peace and love. :) -Pang

***Here's a picture of my adorable nephew, Ian Yang, whom I can't stop staring at. Would you look at his dimples??????? He melts my heart!***