Almost there

Well it's almost time for the days to come to hours to minutes. We will get to start the beginning of the Quach family story and see how far it takes us. There are so many preparations and things to do before the time and hour but it will all be done and then well I think we can just smile and laugh about it. OK soon you will want to read the other blog ....

Birthday Dinner

We went to Lucadia pizza to have dinner for my birthday and well even though I received an free entree, it was not exactly a great meal. I ordered an Italian sampler was so so but first we tried to order their seafood pizza on thick crust. Turns out that the Carmel Mtn Ranch restaurant does not have them for whatever reason. Then my dad tried to order a Samuel Adams and they were out. Then to top it off, they did not have hot sauce, not even tobasco .... what a drag. Luckily one of the cooks had the good old asian hot sauce and the family platter was really good. We ended up with enough leftovers for 2 meals .... so damn need to stop eating and more exercising to loose some of the weight I have gained in the last week.

Our Wedding Announcement.

AC control

Well today Daniel and I figured out how to control the ac perfectly ... We have the perfect paperclip to control the thermostat. I will include some pics and other instructions but finally we are comfortable in our offices.

Just moving parts of my China Blog over

Wednesday, October 05, 2005

Wedding Invites

Well on Monday night, well Tuesday morning technically, I finally ordered our wedding invites for the reception here in San Diego. It took a little work but its finally done. Its amazing how expensive those suckers were but sometimes you just do what you have to do. I am also setting up this to be my main blog or something not sure what yet since there is not RSS setup for blogspot yet. Anyways you can see that I have a link to my daily blog which serves a different purpose than this one. I think later on this blog will become my more family oriented blog with stories about our travels and other fun things that our family will embark upon in the coming year.

Anyways here is a preview of our wedding invite

Monday, September 19, 2005

Another Wedding Banquet

Friday night my dad tells me after dinner, his friend George and him had talked to the manager of the Emerald Restaurant and that he wanted Lulu and I to have a wedding banquet there. What’s so funny is that the guest list was supposed to be around a 100 people but has now shot upwards of that number. The final number is still not reached yet but expect a pretty good showout for this little shindig. Also have been chatting with Lulu about all the events so we are quite busy preparing for two events. Ok well time later for more details.

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

Finally ... the time has come

Well we finally got the good news last night at 7 pm. Lulu has her visa and now we just have to wait until November to celebrate our good fortune. She said the interview took about 1 minute and that the Visa Officer was not really paying attention to the pictures that she was showing him. There were several questions but nothing really in depth.

Lulu arrived in Guangzhou on September 12, in order to pay the vis fee on September 13. Then she and her mother went to the Consulate on the 14th. She was there at 7:30 am and there were only about 40 people. She waited with her mother until they got inside. She says in the end it was rather anticlimatic and that she is happy to hear those words, "congratulations you have been approved".

Now we count down until we get to November again. November 19, 2005 - The Shanghai Ritz Carlton - the wedding of Luan Quach and Lu Lu, 5 pm local time. Invites are being ordered and soon we shall all meet in Shanghai.

Tuesday, August 02, 2005

Still waiting

Well I was waiting when lo and behold ... the email finally came. YES YES YES. Anyways will be busy I guess prepping my honey for the interview. Anyways looking forward to the good news on 9/15 ... you know what I mean. Ok thats it for now ... to much work to complete ...

Friday, July 29, 2005

Still No News

Well there was a flood of interview dates this week on the www.candleforlove.com web site but so far no interview for Lulu. I am hopeful that by next week she will be scheduled for an interview the week of September 12th.

This week some sad news for Lulu and her family. Her grandfather passed away and today they cremated him. He led quite an interesting life from the stories I have heard from Lulu. It will be interesting to hear more about her family history in the future. Well hoping again to hear positive news next week.

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Sneak Peek of our Album

This is a sneek peek of our Wedding Album. You will have to wait until December to see the real deal just like everyone else.


Monday, July 18, 2005

Shanghai Trip July 2005

Well I just returned from my Shanghai trip and it was exhausting. I went to work today so I did not get a chance to write much in my blog.

Many things happened on this trip. We finalized many of our wedding plans such as the place we are having the banquet at (The Ritz Carlton), the 14 hours of picture taking we did, and the 2 Wedding Planners to assist us on that day. We also got to see some of the outfits we will be using for that day.

On the first day I arrived, the weather in Shanghai was 109 degrees. It was fricking hot I tell you but luckily it was night time. I was able to breeze through customs and got to see my honey within 30 minutes of arrival. We took the bus back to her home and then started the unpacking process of all the stuff my mom had me bring over for Lulu. I do not really remember what happened but I am sure we had something to eat and probably a massage.

The next couple of days we spent shopping, getting massages nightly, and eating out. We got to catch Batman Begins and Mr and Mrs Smith on the big screen. We ended up eating out quite a bit since we had to meet with Lulu's friends almost nightly. It was really fun and all eating at all the yummy restaurants.

One of the other things we had to do was receive some guests for Lulu's company. Man some people are so cheap even when they don't have to be. Oh well I just went along for the ride and enjoyed the experience.

On the other hand, we had quite an experience taking pics at Paris Photo Studios. It took about 14 hours total with 10 hours on the first day and about 4 hours the next day for the outdoors pics. We had to do makeup for several hours and also change into 7 different outfits. We ended up spending more money then we had planned but the pics look good so oh well right.

We also had to hurry up and find a new place for the wedding banquet when our original hotel screwed us up by upping the cost for having the banquet. Luckily we were able to book the Ritz Carlton for the banquet. In fact, it should turn out rather nice since they seem to know how to make their customers happy. After we called them , within the hour, they had messenged us their wedding package information. That sealed the deal for me with such good customer service.

Apparently this year, everyone is getting married on November 19. We called the Grand Hyatt and several other places before we got lucky (well except for the wallet). All together this trip was quite fun and exciting. I hope that we get to see our pics although I will have to wait until November to see the albums. Here is a link to our pics from the trip - view pics.

Grandma's Birthday

Well it's another party here at the house. Grandma turns another year older and we all celebrate here. It will be a drama free night where we can enjoy the passing of time. Lots of good food and drinks to bring people here. Anyways some pics later on ....

Well the party was a blast .... we had lots of food and plenty of red wine. Genesis Merlot at Trader Joes is awesome. We had to bottles of the stuff and it was quite good. Also plenty of pics to show so maybe later this week I will post them here. Anyways the wedding planning is moving along and we shall soon know what will happen.

For those who are wondering, yes November 19, I will get getting married at the Ritz Carlton ... so if your not doing anything come on by.

Katrina

Well this has been quite a week in the news ... it's all about Katrina. The hurricane pretty much decimated whole towns in the gulf area. The pictures look almost worst than the tsunami that hit Asia really hard last year. The death toll is still counting ... pretty scary the awesome force of mother nature.

On the other hand, 4 dollars a gallon for gas is coming ... damn another reason to move to China I guess. Well things are moving along in all phases of life, so come on September 14. Let there be good news and let the next phase be passed. Anyways today Lulu had her medical and she picks it up next week.

Well today I heard Noelle is not going to the wedding. That's too bad cuz she was such a driving force in getting everyone to go the wedding. Ok more later. Oh also bought the plane tickets ... $634 including tax which is an amazing price. OK 70 days before we leave ....

Amber's going away party

Wow I had a slamming good time last night at Amber's going away party. One thing that was really cool was I acquired my red wine taste buds last night. I mean I like the stuff like nothing else now. Anyways though it cannot be the cheesy stuff like 2 buck chuck but stuff like Selby and Tom Robbins. Well anyways I had quite the buzz on from the wine but it was good to be free for one night. Pics to follow.

Party at Beth House

Well there was a little get together tonight at Beth's new place. Daniel, Monica, Alvin, Kim, Kevin, Adam and Beth were there. I arrived at 7:30ish thinking that I would not be too early but I was the first one there. Hehe then Daniel showed up about 10 minutes later. I guess we figured that we would have good timing but ... haha anyways had a good time. Enjoyed it and look forward to having my own party in the near future. Maybe it will be more summerish ...

Pics from the company picnic.

Pics from the company picnic.

These are some of the pics we took at the company picnic of Mealani.

Pics from the company picnic.

Pics from the company picnic.

These are some of the pics we took at the company picnic of Mealani.

Pics from the company picnic.

Pics from the company picnic.

These are some of the pics we took at the company picnic of Mealani.

Pics from the company picnic.

Pics from the company picnic.

These are some of the pics we took at the company picnic of Mealani.

Pics from the company picnic.

Pics from the company picnic.

These are some of the pics we took at the company picnic of Mealani.

Pics from the company picnic.

Pics from the company picnic.

These are some of the pics we took at the company picnic of Mealani.

Pics from the company picnic.

Pics from the company picnic.

These are some of the pics we took at the company picnic of Mealani.

Pics from the company picnic.

Pics from the company picnic.

These are some of the pics we took at the company picnic of Mealani.

Pics from the company picnic.

Pics from the company picnic.

These are some of the pics we took at the company picnic of Mealani.

Company Picnic

Today I took Mealani to my company picnic. We arrived at 11:30 ish and enjoyed some bbq hamburgers and hotdogs. We had fun from the face painting clown to the rucksack races that some people participated in. We stayed until 4ish and then headed home. Completely wiped out from being in the sun all day. Took a nap and now trying to clear my head. Well I guess my diet will be starting on Monday ... seriously need to loose at least 10 pounds before we head back to Shanghai again. I will post some pics from the picnic later on.

Who's that ... inside your tube

Mealani at the picnic park

Mealani with a pony attached to her face.

Mealani at the company picnic.

Vanessa and Jen

The family gathering for some pics.

Vanessa and Noelle at the Cheesecake Factory

Time to update

Well its been awhile since I have written in the blog so I figured I better update ... ya know. Anyways just got back from Shanghai with the future wifey. We had shared a wonderful 15 days together doing many things like eating (good restaurants and bad), playing tennis, swimming, squash, taking pics, and handling the details for the wedding.

November 19, 2005 will be the day ... something about the date means are marriage will last a long time, and for the lunar calendar, October 18 - which means our marriage will be blessed with lots of riches. Can't argue with mother-in-law since it sounds good to have that sort of blessing on our wedding day. Anways the wedding will be at the Ritz Carlton - yes Ritz Carlton, with the usual fanfare expected of a wedding. My family will be heading over on November 11 with me to help out for the small details so ... here's to an awesome wedding experience on that day.

A pic of the family

A pic of the family

We are having dinner at the bosses house. Soon there will be more additions to this family. November 19, 2005.

Updating the ROM on my MPX220

Ok here I go ... I will be updating the ROM on my MPX. I think it should get better performance or something like that. Anyways I hope that the sucker will be better after I reflash the ROM. We will see I guess. Anyways here we go you know. Cross my fingers and we will find out in 20 minutes I guess.

Trying to Pack

I was trying to figure out how to pack all the crap I am supposed to bring over to Shanghai and discovered the suitcases were too small. Well luckily I think I will have a bigger suitecase and all will be well hopefully. Anyways 3 more days before I take off and well need to finish packing soon.

Here's daddy little princess.

Later on we have a real breakfast at Original Pancake House in Poway.

Here she is miss Mealani.

Daddy and Mealani together for a school pics.

A little class picture together.

Munching away on a chocolate donut.

Mealani presenting my Father's Day gift to me. It turns out to be a notepad hold and pencil.

Father's Day Weekend

Well Mealani graduated on Saturday from Pre-K school. However she has been sick for almost 5 days now. I am super tired after taking care of her .... the fever just would not break. Here's to hoping that she has it licked today.

On Father's Day, we had 8 fathers at the house. We had a big old party and it was quite fun ... for the most part. Looking forward to the next father's day and the excitement it will bring. The countdown is beginning for another little vacation.

Anyways I will post some pics and stuff later on.

Mealani's Graduation Today

Well finally Mealani is graduating pre-Kindergarten ... I know I know what's that right. Well she is very proud to be able to be promoted to the next level. She thinks she will be going to first grade which she should be but because of laws ... and other things she needs to stay one more year behind. Anyways pics and things to come later.

Here's a video of Mealani performing a dance at her graduation.

video #1 | video #2

Mealani singing a song for daddy on Father's Day
video #1

video #2

What a difference adding some cabinets and a counter can do ... makes the garage look more organized.

Here is the kitchen area that we are adding to the garage.

Redoing the house

We have been quite busy ... Well the workers anyways on making the house
look much nicer for when my honey comes to live with us.
Some pics just to show what is going on with the garage. Later on the
rest of the house.

Just a Little Update

Well some things are the same and some are not. Life has been busy with work and everything. We had Yan come down with her boy and friends last weekend to watch a Padres game. Quite a thing when the Pads are in first place for the division. I have not had a chance to get down to Petco Park to watch a game this year but who knows it would be fun to get down there this year. Another birthday party for Mealani to attend this weekend so ... time to do the dad duty.

Mealani will not be taking dance lessons until after summer is over as she will be gone at her moms during the last 2 weeks of August. I will be traveling in about 3 weeks which should be quite fun. I am sure I will have lots more pics to show when I get back however ... well only special people get an invite to see those pics. Anyways time to finish up and work on starting the weekend.

Mealani and Grandpa learning how to snap their fingers together.

Playing with Grandpa and looking cute at the same time.

Look at that smile you know she is trouble.

Our cousin Connie ... hard at work at Cingular. Thanks for the hook ups girl.

The family rollling together to Home Depot in Mira Mesa.

Here she is looking cute for us again.

Mealani reading a book. It's her favorite activity to do.

Horton Plaza on a nice day.

Looking down Broadyway towards the bay. What a nice day in San Diego.

The new House of Blues. It's right down the street from my work.

Bought It Finally ... Canon SD400

Well after looking at the camera for several weeks I finally bought the Canon SD400. What a sweet camera ... 5MP size of a credit card and can record video also ... Its an awesome camera especially since it only cost me 100 bucks or so. Anyways loading up on the accessories SD card, case and extra battery of course. Well that cost more than the camera but what can you do right. Took some shots and I will be posting them online for everyone to check out.

The World--A New Perspective

Check it out ... today I sent my cousin Johnny an email ... of course it was a joke or something but anyways ... who I have not seen or spoken to since his sisters wedding. Damn its been a long time ... heck even Anson is almost 2 years old. Pretty crazy but there are not too many Quachs in our family so its good to be in touch with my own family.

Here's our email ... read on and be fascinated by the Quachs'.
>
> --- Johnny Quach ; wrote:
> > From: "Johnny Quach" ;
> > To: "'Alan Quach'";
> > Subject: RE: The World--A New Perspective
> > Date: Tue, 24 May 2005 13:21:06 -0700
> >
> >
> > O man that's so rad
> > I wish I could see Anson and my sister more
> > but I'm busy like all these
> > weekdays and I'm in crunch time right now.
> > Blahs! And plus they live like
> > too far. Shanghai ! man I LOVE Shanghai I
> had
> > like the best time of my
> > life over there. You definilty appreciate
> > Chinese people a lot more when
> > visit there. So your marrying a girl over
> > there? How you guys meet? That's
> > rad man you life is like non-stop crazy,
> busy
> > man. As for me I'm trying to
> > start a t-shirt company and I'm trying to
> find
> > a way where I'll never have
> > to work for someone. I can't stand this
> > working for a higher boss crap.
> > Teaching is fun cause It gives me a lot of
> > freedom but I'm getting tired of
> > this whole wake up work sleep work sleep
> thing.
> > I know I'm made for more
> > than this. So anyways good luck on the trip
> > keep me updated we need to hang
> > out. I live in garden grove but I'm moving
> to
> > Irvine in like August. I
> > live about 15 mins away from Irvine.
> >
> >
> > Take care/
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Alan Quach
> > Sent: Tuesday, May 24, 2005 1:07 PM
> > To: Johnny Quach
> > Subject: RE: The World--A New Perspective
> >
> > Dude whatsup ... shit I have seen your sister
> > and
> > Anson a bit lately but have not seen you
> since
> > your sisters wedding. Damn what a life ...
> > sounds
> > like you have some really sweet things going
> on
> > in life ... I myself am heading back to
> > Shanghai
> > next month. Gotta visit my fiancee ... check
> > out
> > my other blog htt://mychinablog.blogspot.com
> > ...
> > anyways some how I have discovered the beauty
> > of
> > all things Chinese and now I will be marrying
> > one
> > ... what a crazy life ... I guess life keeps
> > moving on //// your cousin Alan

Buying a gift for MIL

Last night mom and I rushed up to the San Marcos Costco to pickup the Panasonic Camcorder for Lulu's mom. Its a nice little thing and we even got a better deal because it had an additional $20 off. I really like the thing ... haha funny thing was Lulu said we should keep it and give her mom the old one. Anyways I myself will pbe purchasing a Canon SD400 camera pretty soon as i have been looking pretty hard and have finally decided its the one I want. Its a sweet little thing and should get lots of usage out of it.

Happy Mothers Day

Well today was Mothers Day and it went well lets just say ok. I picked up Mealani from Irvine at 3:30 and got back home around 4:45. My dad and I just drove up there and we hit a lot of traffic after we got back to San Diego. Then we went to this restaurant called Tajima for dinner. It served Japanese food but let me tell ... yuck how disgusting. Now I know that we will never go back to that restaurant again. At first we thought they had sushi there but apparently its more of a meal type restaurant with meatloaf (well their version) and other weird food. Everything was soft and mushy and did not taste that great.

Anyways another week back at work and my dad gave me this idea of setting up a web appointment system that we could sell to places like massage and hair stylists. It might actually work pretty well so we will see. I will try to code that out after I get my data reader working. Alright time to crash and start my week again in the morning.

More Pics of Mealani

Andre's Birthday Party

Just some pics from Andre's Birthday at Chuck E Cheese in Mira Mesa.
Hard to believe he is already one. Then again Mealani is already 5 ...
where does the time go?

Just Spending the Afternoon at the Local Neighborhood Park

Spending some quality father/daughter time at the park. Mealani makes
friends so easily its scary since then I meet the parents also.