Happy Birthday, Ms. Dina!

There are three events that would always remind me of Ms. Dina. She was my former co-teacher at El Shaddai International School where I worked before at Jakarta, Indonesia and probably one of the two Indonesians who touched my life the most (The other was my former school director).

The first event was during the most painful time of my life. After seven years, my first relationship ended and of course I was heartbroken. Even without telling her what really happened, she was the person who was there for me the most. She comforted and prayed for me without judgment. She opened her house for several days so I could be out of the city and take a breath. During the days that I was just going through the motions of life, she paved way so I could still function and try to ease the burden. Without her, it would’ve been doubly hard to just simply surpass that moment of my life.

The second was during my most memorable birthday in Jakarta. I’ve been hinting to her how I would love a particular recipe of fish and during a surprise birthday party for me, she went through so much just to bring me that giant fish exactly as I wanted it!

The third was of course the happiest day of my life in Jakarta. When I chose to get married so quickly, some people were not so happy about it. She on the other hand chose not to judge and simply showed nothing but love and happiness for me and David. During my wedding, her family was there as well.

Needless to say, she will always occupy a very special place in our hearts.

My Dear Ms. Dina, 

Thank you so much for everything that you have done for me. I would never forget during the time that I was in dire need of a friend to lean on, you were there for me. How could I ever forget how you simply invited me in your house and allowed me to be part of your wonderful family? We had so many memorable memories together and even during the time that I made the biggest decision of my life, you supported me without questions.

Thank you for everything and wherever I go, David and I will always remember the kind heart you have shown us. Indonesia will always be a very special place in my heart because of you and your family.

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Trip to Chicago (Part 3- Sunday)

One thing I noticed whenever I go on a trip with my husband- time flies so fast. This would be the last day of our trip before driving back to Michigan so we wanted to make the most of it. Driving around the city was a lot easier and less stressful since we have figured out a more efficient way of looking for the place and parking.

Field Museum at Chicago. 

First stop was the Field Museum. It’s strategically located near Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. City Pass also offers a VIP entry and an all access to the different exhibits. We had a lot of fun and so fascinated with everything. The place was huge and definitely contains millions of gems of knowledge. After watching 4D movie about Sue the Dinosaur, we could not contain our excitement to see her! It was amazing how she was discovered, the process of excavating her, and putting her back in one piece. However, much to our disappointment- Sue was no longer in her place! Only a part of her could be viewed in a window glass and the other parts of her were inside the wooden containers. Apparently, another dinosaur bigger than her was discovered and would be the next attraction in the museum. We felt sad but it was still worth the visit.

Our last stop before heading home was the Navy Pier. It was the first and the only place we visited when my husband picked me up at the airport November 2016. We spent the time basking on the beauty of the lake and skyscraper buildings around it. We also had lunch at one of the famous pizza place- Giordano’s. The food was scrumptious and worth the price- close to a hundred dollars for two meals!

The trip was short but our hearts are grateful for the time that we have spent just simply having fun and far from the usual hustle and bustle of life. I am definitely blessed to have a husband who makes me feel loved every single day.

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Top Three Places to Visit in Chicago Using City Pass

My husband and I almost had a zero argument. We rarely contradict each other and most of the times, we settle everything without arguing. It was funny to find out that there was one thing we bickered a lot when we were in Chicago- finding the parking area! 

It was stressful enough driving in a city with some crazy drivers and looking for parking area was another thing! After a while, we agreed that I’ll handle Google map so he could concentrate driving. We knew our itinerary beforehand since the night before, we purchased the City Pass as recommended by friends. Here are the top places that you need to visit in Chicago using the city pass!

1. Shedd Aquarium 

It was not my first time to be in a water marine park. However, this place makes it on top of my list as one of the best. It was huge and offered not just a glimpse but complete experience in educational way with various marine animals. Having the City Pass gave us unlimited access with all the features of the place.

2. Adler Planetarium
The place was a walking distance from Shedd Aquarium but it was freezing because of the strong wind. It was not worth the walk and the place was a huge disappointment. After being spellbound with everything at Shedd Aquarium, we had high expectations. We got VIP entry courtesy of the City Pass but we did not really enjoy much our visit. I fell asleep at the middle of the 3D movie (The voice over was so boring) and the exhibits were not extraordinary at all.

3. Millennium Park-Cloud Gate

Not having enough time to go to the Field Museum, we decided to just check the Cloud Gate at Millennium Park. It was probably the most stressful part of looking for a parking area. Thankfully, we found one just at the side of the park. Yes, the parking fee was ridiculously expensive! The Cloud Gate was definitely a beautiful art work of an Indian-born British artist Anish Kapoor.

The last place does not need a city pass but if you are a Filipino, you definitely need to visit!

Jollibee/ SeafoodCity Market

There wasn’t really much to do at the Cloud Gate except taking pictures so we didn’t stay for long. Realizing we still have time to visit another place, we decided to go to Jollibee. It’s one of the famous fast food outlets in the Philippines known for its sweet spaghetti with hotdogs and crispy chicken. I was so surprised that there’s actually a city market in the same building selling Filipino foods. There’s another kiosk for street foods as well. I ended up doing grocery shopping!

It was another day of fun-filled memories spent with my husband. Despite of the stress in finding parking areas, we just ended up laughing about it. At the end of the day, we remain a couple who would rather show how much we love each other than spend time arguing. 

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Wedding Anniversary Celebration in Chicago

It’s one of the spur of the moment decision of my husband. We’ve been planning a trip for our wedding anniversary and considered Chicago as our destination but we didn’t really make any final choice yet since we were both busy at work. Thankfully, my husband and his surprises never failed me yet. 

After working the whole day, we hopped in the car and off we started our travel. We decided to have a pizza take-out for him and a Red Wok take-out for me. That’s when we realized that we forgot our swimsuits. So, we needed to make another stop over at Walmart to buy them.

The view during the travel was breathtaking. Lakes in the dusk were undeniably beautiful. While my husband was driving, I read aloud Daily Bread. The ride took three hours and thankfully, it was a smooth ride. 

Chicago at night is absolutely beautiful. It’s like a magic city filled with laughter and lights. The check-in was a bit stressful because parking area was in another building and my husband was not really used with city driving. We stayed at Hyatt Hotel right in the heart of the city.

The check-in was uneventful but entering our room was. We swiped the card so many times, checked the numbers written on the card, and nothing happened. The door would not open. My husband went back to the reception area to ask for help while I was left with our luggage. Back to the 15th floor after asking for help, still the card would not work. Finally, he called again for help and only to find out there was a mistake and we were supposed to be in the 16th floor. 

At night, Chicago was bustling with people. While at the elevator after grabbing something at another floor, my husband was even invited to a party! 

It was pretty amazing falling asleep gazing at the night sky illuminated with the lights from skyscrapers buildings! What’s more, it’s an indescribable feeling falling asleep with my husband’s arms around me.

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I'm the Naughty Cat in the Hat

Growing up in Asia, we’re not really big on the books of Dr. Seuss. Since coming here to the United States though, I’ve heard more about him and I am truly fascinated with his books. This week, we’re celebrating his birthday and I was so excited to be The Cat in the Hat for the day!

Here are some of my favorite lines from the book:

“Look at me!
Look at me!
Look at me NOW!
It is fun to have fun
But you have to know how.”

“I know it is wet and the sun is not sunny, but we can have lots of good fun that is funny.”

“And this mess is so big
And so deep and so tall,
We cannot pick it up.
There is no way at all!”

“He should not be here," said the fish in the pot. "He should not be here when your mother is not.”

“You find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax. All you need is a book”

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