pegpower.com - 12.28.02

12.28.02

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Grace!

To someone who's shared her friendship, companionship, warmth, and strength with me so generously these few months~ Wishing you a bright and cheery day!
We'll celebrate when I get back! Big hug!

CONGRATULATIONS to Stephan and Alice!

This morning my family got together for brunch at Baker's Square. It was a special gathering since it would be the last meal we have all together this year. Aric, Ashlyn, and I are leaving to go back home, and Wil & Tony are also leaving for Paris tomorrow.
I know a lot of people consider my family cheesy because we openly hug, kiss, and say "i love you" or "have a nice day" to each other all the time....and we're often reffered to as, "Pleasantville". But I don't find any shame in that. I think it's wonderful that my family is close and affectionate. I'm not saying that we don't have disagreements, because we all do from time to time. But we argue them openly as well. If there's one thing we can count on to bring us comfort and shelter, it's the the love my parents have created for all of us.
Anyhow, brunch was rather emotional. We're not a religious family, but we started off by holding hands and each sharing what made us thankful for 2002 and our hopes for 2003.

My 9-year old niece, Marisa, spoke very sweetly and bluntly when she said "I hope no one dies next year." HAHAHAHA In general, we were all thankful and happy over the same things. Tony and Aric both gave very touching monologues...but the ass kicker was the powerful speech my dad gave...in which he paused several times to catch his breath. *sniff* After that, we enjoyed a beautiful brunch.

Pictures from brunch:

Amanda, Sis, Christel, me, Dad, Wil, Mom, Ashlyn, and Marisa

Ashlyn and Auntie Wil

Aric, Dad, and Tony

Mom and her granddaughters

Aric, Ashlyn, Tony, Wil, Bett, and I rushed up to San Francisco for Steve and Alice's wedding. It was raining hard today...the traffic and lack of parking made us miss most of the ceremony. Heck, who am I kidding?...we missed the ceremony completely. By the time we arrived at the church, most of the guests were leaving, and the bride and groom were up front taking pictures. =/

There was a gap of time in between the ceremony and reception, so a bunch of us grabbed a quick snack at Golden Boy's Pizza in North Beach. We found shelter from the cold hard rain and enjoyed some of their famous garlic clam pizza! Mmmm!

The reception was held at New Asia Restaurant in Chinatown. It was a big reception...about 25 tables or so. Dinner began with a traditional lion-dance. The bride and groom changed into Chinese attire midway through dinner. And by the time they began the slide show, Aric, Ashlyn, Bett, and I had to leave. It was a little after 9pm (with an hour to get home). I needed to pack up our stuff for our long ride back tomorrow. It was really great seeing everyone at the wedding -J.C., John, Carlton, Virginia and lil' Matthew, Tally and Pete, and Kathy and her new swelling tummy (Congrats)! This will be our last wedding for 2002. I can't tell you how many weddings we attended this year....we went to 8 (out of 14) weddings in 2002! *whistle* Wow!

Pictures from tonight:

Stephan and Alice