Blog time!

Today is September 11th, 2012. No one in this world could ever forget the events of that dreadful day in New York. My heart goes out to all those families who lost their loved ones. I could never imagine how that moment must have felt. To all those reading my blog, please never take anyone for granted.

Summer is almost over and I can honestly say that it has been a very memorable year for me. My biggest adventure was placing my footprints in the country of France and Germany. Both countries were so breathtaking in their own ways. Je t'aime Paris. Merci beaucoup for allowing me to see what beauty really is. Danke Germany for reminding me how simplicity is more than enough to be happy.

A few highlights of Paris:
- Eiffel tower, Louvre, Mona Lisa, Musee d'Orsay, the Seine River, surrounding architectures, the metro, the journey to Versailles (we took the wrong train and didn't realize it until 1.5 hours later), Cafe Constant (the yummy foie gras, seafood tartar and cheap beer!), butter croissants and fresh baguettes, LOUIS VUITTON (waiting in line with many asians folks), Laduree, Sacre Coeur, creme brulee inside the Musee D'Orsay, the cheap fried rice from the chinese restaurant beside the apartment we were staying, the miniature sink in our tiny bathroom, free WIFI (pronouced weefee), cheap beer and wine, smokers, our sore legs and feet, my best buds Shuh and Loong putting up with me, and our extremely exhausted nights. 

A few highlights of Germany:
- the train ride from Paris to Wittlich (rushing to make sure we didn't miss our connecting train), seeing Simon and Marta at the train station (seeing familiar faces in Germany), castles, the hike to the castles, spaetzle (German pasta), quaint buildings, wineries, riesling, our spacious apartment despite not having wifi, Edeka, sausages, Marta's mom home cooking, watching Italy vs Germany in the World Cup Soccer, Jade Chinese restaurant (the best Chinese food in Kues), city of Trier, and the most unforgettable wedding in the wine museum.

Other memorable moments this year for me are the weddings I attended. I have a total of 5 weddings this year and I have taken part in 4 already. I had so much fun at the weddings and I will confess that I was indeed drunk. Being drunk and having fun is great but being drunk and feeling sick is not. I shall have more self control. Maybe. :)

In August, I ventured to Portland again. It was another fun trip that involved a lot of eating and drinking. Happy hour in Portland is the best! For those who have yet to visit Portland or for those who plan to visit soon, make sure try as many restaurants offering happy hour. They have the cheapest drinks and appies!! I'm in love with OYSTERS! Delicious!

I'm been quite active this year. I have been consistently going to the gym at least 3-4 times a week. I think my cardiovascular health is superb but my fat skinfolds are still not where I want it to be. I am devoted to the gym but also devoted to eating my carbs! Aiya!!

So what are my plans for the rest of 2012? Well, my birthday is coming up in November and I would like to travel one more time. No plans yet as to where I'm going but I have discovered last year that venturing away from the gloomy Vancouver weather is undoubtedly the best way to celebrate my birthday. Any suggestions for a quick and cheap getaway? (No Las Vegas please. Been there, done that.)

My friends: live, laugh and just have fun! Life is too short.