God Is Love!

Downtown LA Art Walk









The Downtown LA Art Walk is held on the second Thursday night of every month (website: http://www.downtownartwalk.com/). It features many galleries of art pieces, many talented musicians, hand-made jewelry, T-shirts vendors, along with the businesses on several streets that participate. Fortunately, we know the owners of Raw Materials (http://rawmaterialsla.com/), Jim and Celia Winstead. JussJef performed in his first Downtown LA Art Walk on Thursday, February 12, 2009. It just happens that it was my first experience there as well... JussJef (http://www.jussjef.com/), Wonton, the gang, and the shopping made it so much more memorable and fun.


Maria
Joanne
Dr. Endicott
Maria and Joanne are my regular radiologists. Luke helps out sometimes as well. Weekly, I get to see my sweet Radiology Oncologist, Thyra Endicott.


"FRIDAY the 13th"
Hank works 4/10 workweeks now, with Fridays as his off day. We've been able to hit several restaurants for their lunch specials. We're enjoying our "Friday the 13th" at T.G.I.Friday's. I REALLY enjoy eating... Sliders and some really lonnnng sweet potato fries really made my tummy happy! BTW, did you know they have half-price appetizers on Sundays?


Valentine's Day 2009 - Love is in the air, the ocean air of Malibu, that is! Since it had rained for a few days, the air was clean and fresh... a rarity in LA. The skies opened up, and we were blessed with a beautiful Valentine's Day. God is so good, all the time! It's a good thing, since Dave and Kathy insisted that Hank and I joined them for a special Valentine's Day celebration. The men had planned a lunch at The Beachcomber Cafe on the Malibu Pier (http://thebeachcombercafe.com/). We enjoyed our little drive up to the restaurant. Although we had reservations, there was still a little wait for our table. To help pass the time, we took a little walk to the end of the pier, took a few pictures, and indulge ourselves with chocolate covered strawberries. Dave spotted a deer high up on the hills. How special is that?!?!? Well, I thought it was really cool. I even took a few pics of the little guy. We started our lunch with Tiny Ahi Tacos and their famous clam chowder before we each moved on to our entrees.

Dear lil' DEER.
Tiny Ahi Tacos
Kobe Beachcomber Burger
Blackened Swordfish
Wild Mushroom & Truffle Mac
Roasted Turkey Club
Pay phone, what's that?





Hollywood glamorized the red carpet as the ultimate welcome mat for the superstars. This red carpet was laid out for the special Valentine's Day event to help set the atmosphere so we can feel important to someone... and we walked all over it too! hee hee hee Just think, if this piece of red carpet can make people feel special, can you imagine the welcome mat God will have for us when we get to heaven? Since ultimate love comes from God, you know he will have something that is far beyond our imagination (and I have a vivid one). As stated in John 3:16, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. In this season of love, can you make Jesus your Valentine? Have a blessed day, and always enjoy your treasured loved ones. EXTRA holy hugs and kisses to everyone!!!

Radiation begins!!! ZAP!!!

Going to the movies is fun, but it's even more special when you run into friends! Little things, like eating popcorn and snacks, were quite memorable with this bunch. We must do movie night again soon!



Small baby, BIG FOOT!!!







Whenever I get that itch... That little nagging feeling to cuddle a baby... I know I can always count on the babies of Ambassador Church! I'm looking forward to more smooching time with them, before they graduate to the Toddler class!!!



Jill and I had fun sharing our stories with each other. We're both proud to be breast cancer survivors!


On Wednesday, February 11, 2009 - My first day of radiation went well today. Hank was with me the entire time. They drew all over me again, only this time with a black washable marker. So, I had another sad face drawn on my chest again (no pictures this time). It took about an hour today because my Radiation Oncologist, Thyra Endicott, had to approve everything before they did the zapping. It's really important because I don't want them to fry my throat, stomach, lungs, or heart!!! The zapping itself was like an x-ray, only the machine spun around me. Thank God, there was no little tube involved. I still get a bit claustrophobic. As my treatments progress, my pain and discomfort will increase. I'll check in with everyone in a few weeks. No news is good news, right? God bless you, and have a wonderful week. Holy hugs and kisses!!! xoxoxo Berda

I'm a Tattoo Queen!!!

Meet the new additions to our family. After the Little King and Queen contest, we walked the streets of Chinatown. These little turtles called out to us, "Take us home, take us home!" So, we did! Now, our guppies have new meaning... TURTLE CHOW! We are now a two turtles family again. For some strange reasons, my kids named them, BIG BIRD (light green) and GROVER (dark green). I think my teenagers are regressing!!!






Poor little guppies... CHOMP CHOMP CHOMP!!!


Today, February 3, 2009, between my morning and afternoon doctor appointments, Linda and I went to lunch at Mimi's Cafe. After a nice relaxing lunch, I went to meet my radiology oncologist, Dr. Thyra Endicott. Officially, I am now a TATTOO QUEEN!!! Well, at least in my book!!! I now have four small pin-head sized dots tattooed on me for radiation. All I have to say about this tattoo process is, "Ouch, ouch, ouch, OUCH!!!" I don't see how anyone would do this, willingly! I've had a taste of it, and I've had enough of that... Well, at least for now!Prior to the pokes, they drew all over me with a black pen. The ink marks looks like a "sad face" to me! What do you think?!?!?



I'm now officially ready for my radiation treatments, both physically and mentally. My first one is scheduled for next Wednesday, February 11, 2009. These will last for about six weeks, ending around mid March. Hopefully, I won't be too drained to go out to play and shop!!! God forbid, eh?!?!? I wouldn't have gotten through what I have, without the endless support of God, my family, my friends. Thanks again for your prayers! I'll keep you posted as soon as I am able, or as soon as I have something to report, whichever one is sooner. ;-)



Do you see what I see?!?!?
It's a PEACE tree!!! ;-)

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Gung Hay Fat Choy!!! San Nien Fai Lok!!! Happy Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese New Year!!! It's the Year of the Ox! This year, the lunar new year landed on Monday, January 26, 2009. It's another year of high hopes and dreams for many. Here in the U.S.A., we started off our new year with a new president. We are all looking forward to some positive changes for our lives and for our country.












Our kids get the best of worlds. They get two new years, every year, and reaping all of the benefits! For Chinese New Year, our family celebrates with special dinners, before and after the new year. The kids receive the red envelopes, called "Lay-See", from relatives. These lay-see envelopes are red (in Chinese means good luck), and given with the wish of prosperity, love, and hope. The red envelopes can be filled with trinkets, small toys, candy, or money (which is the most popular, and our personal favorite). Some are so fancy, decorated with popular characters, three dimensional, and pops up! Of course, our kids don't favor one over the other, they welcome all of them!!! hee hee hee


Here I am, visiting my friend Sally. We're enjoying the nice weather outside of the AT&T building. One day, I'll actually go in and visit. ;-)


I went to visit Annie at her salon, La Belle in Torrance. She's the same beautician that gave me the cute blunt-cut before my chemo. I have to wait a wee bit little longer before I can get another stylish cut. As the Terminator would say, "I'll be back!!!"




Celebrating the end of finals week. Of course those were virgin strawberry daiquiris! Yummy! Then the party continued in Sammi's room.


He speaks, "Aflac, Aflac, AFLACCCCC!!!!!"

In Chinatown of Los Angeles, the Golden Dragon Parade is held this Saturday, January 31, 2009. Unfortunately, we didn't make it there this year. However, the Little King and Queen contest was held on Sunday, February 1, 2009. We usually try to make it to events like these, so our kids grow up learning about our heritage. We have so many cherished memories from the years past. In 1997, Steven was our Little King, and in 2000, Sammi was our Little Princess. Many of our friends kids have also received these titles. I truly believe that all of the participants are winners. They walk away with some great memories, some experience in public speaking, and a big bag full of toys and prizes. Our kids are our future, and it's our duty to guide them and support them. At the same time, we would all come out ahead, if we can enjoy the adventures that life has to offer. May God bless our future, our nation, our world, and of course, our kids! Gung Hay Fat Choy to everyone!! San Nien Fai Lok!! ;-)




2009 Miss LA Chinatown and LA Chinese Chamber of Commerce President are posing with the new Little King, Little Queen, Little Prince, and Little Princess.