Adventureland, Altoona, IA

July 8, 2007

Hot summer!!

Adventureland – an outdoor theme park – 20 minutes drive from Drake University

Feel surprised to have such a theme park at somewhere near to Drake. Although it might not as nice or as big as other theme parks, it consists of almost everything. From marry-go-round to space shot or inverter, it is enough to entertain you for more than 3 hours.

Furthermore, fun fair game is available too. I won my care bear at one of the stalls there. Each trial costs me 50 cents, not a big deal huh! I wanted to give up after my first trial, but I didn’t. I continued the second and third trials till I hit all “cats” on board. I was so happy (just like a small kid) that I finally got the care bear. Hmm…it might be a present to my sis. J (evil’s smile)

Well, there is a circus (magic show) for those who do not like the rides as well as other visitors. All circus performers are well-trained, they are well done. Put on a thumb for all their hard work! I was amazed by the changing clothes magic show. That’s interesting. I wonder how fast their movement going to be or if there is a trick inside??!

Back to the wet wet world ~

We enjoyed it very much. Hmm…the fun part was during the time where the water splashed on John. That was so funny; Danielle and I can’t help but just simply can’t stop laughing at the poor John. Hahaha…finally

Something to add on…I actually took almost all rides that I dare not to take on since young. Opps…don’t ever tell my mum ya. She will faint (I guess). She will say it is too dangerous to play such things.

My day was not end after the adventureland. There are two more to go. First, we went for dinner at Adong, a Vietnamese Restaurant. They serve good food and their vegetable is all organic vegetables! Isn’t it sounds great and healthy? Put a star for Adong!

Try out their vegetable spring rolls and the lemon grass chicken with white rice! They are my favorite!

One last activity of the day – movie time…

We went for a movie called – live free or die hard, lead by Bruce Willis and other casts (Maggie Q is one of the casts). It was a nice show; get a ticket for you at the nearest theatre! You will not want to miss it!

A Wedding

Western Wedding

My 1^st western wedding experience!
Well, I wasn’t a guest, but one of the waitresses of the night.

It was part of my job at catering, basically to cater people’s needs.

I was so excited to see how a western wedding party looks like…

First, let’s talk about the room layout. As far as I know, there will be a special table specially arranged for the couple and their family members at the center of the first row of tables in the hall (nearest to the stage) – Chinese Wedding Dinner

However, it’s totally different from the one I seen here in the U.S.

They named it as the “Head Table”. It is a long table with chairs prepared for bride and bridegroom, bridesmaids, and groomsmen. While couple’s parents will be seated randomly with their relatives and friends.

Princess’s Opinion: Hmm…Isn’t it better to have parents sitting together with the bride and bridegroom? It is showing respect to the parents and as recognition by both parents. Well, there is an explanation where western parents have given their child the freedom to handle their own matter, thus, it might be one of the reasons why their tradition is different from the Chinese. Also, their culture and people are toward socializing, including a special occasion like wedding. Therefore, seats for their parents are arranged in such a way to enable them to entertain and socialize with their invited guests. It sounds logical overall. Do you agree?

Dang dang dang dang ~ ~

Western newlyweds usually have a bunch of closed friends as their bridesmaid and groomsmen. Their gowns and suits go with the color of the night (theme color of the wedding) and all in the same/different designs.

Wedding marching will begin with the bridesmaids and groomsmen. According to the wedding that I have seen, they have a very simple but good opening. The bridesmaid and groomsmen acted like having a show at the runway, posting at the door and proceed to their seats. Climax – when the bride and groom marched into the hall and proceed to their seats.

Princess’s Opinion: I like the idea of having a wedding theme color! Wonderful idea! It makes the wedding looks neat and simple. In fact, I have my bridesmaids ready for my wedding!! They are my *38 sis: Cheng Yee, Yee Peng, Mei Yee, Jyy Huey, Wen Jye and my cute ex-housemate, Kay Ying. Girls, ready to attend my wedding o!

Special dinner~

They have a buffet style dinner. Also, dessert – the wedding cake is considered as self-service too…besides cutting the cake (which is the job of the waiter)

The fun part is during dinner time. While everyone is eating, the bride and groom will be the host to entertain their guest. Guests will use their silverwares to knock their glasses, which to notify the newlywed that they want them to show guests “something”. For instance, the newlywed may choose to kiss each other in a funny way, have some cute posting, or some random actions to entertain their guests.

Show time ~

Dollar dance

I was wondering why guests start taking out their money and queuing up for a dance?

Angel Danielle came in (stand beside me): This is called a dollar dance where female guest will pay a dollar to the groom and dance with him, whereas, the male guest will pay a dollar to the bride and dance with her. The money will be a source of money for the newlywed’s honey moon trip.

Princess’s Opinion: Oh…what special and unique western wedding tradition. Not a bad idea thou…both guests and newlywed get to enjoy and have fun!

Dance floor opens...

The bride and groom will lead the group and be the first pair entering onto the dance floor. It is then followed by a dance for the bride and her father. It was lovely and warm-hearted. MY tears nearly drop out.

Then, the dance floor will be open to all- love songs, pop songs, as well as group dance.

~ To End The Wedding Night ~

070707

July 07, 2007

Nice number...
Bridal will be the busiest place among the other business stores...
People just like to have a special date to commemorate their special moment, so do I.
I wish to have my own Bridal Gallery on August 16, 2016!
Work hard yo, Rachel Tan!!!

*Hope couples that are getting married on this day love each other forever and happy always!*

Love my curly hair...

Was curling my hair last night >>

Phone ringing...ring ring...ring ring...

A: Hey Rachel, wanna watch Transformer?? Will pick you up in 10 minutes time...
R: Okay! (Halfway curling my hair...)

Went for movie with a "not ready" curly hair in the end.
Well...that's not a big problem though. Too dark to have people notice my hair in the cinema. Hehe...

Highly recommend my friends to go watch "Transformer"!!! It is a really nice movie, worth it!

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Continue with my art work!

~~ The oLd time till the pReseNt ~~

My Superbly Cute Ex-housemate ===> Kay Ying Shong

Ha...this is especially for you, my dear...

I got your message in the CBOX...
Here you go >>>

Kay Ying Shong, ha...she might not like me to call her full name, but I have already used to it. Bear with me, girl.

She is the cutest girl I have seen in Drake. She is helpful, talkative, can't be alone (too much to share with others), "ren jia ren ai, che jian che zai"...haha

On the other hand, she is a tough girl. She has the determination to realize her goals. She is working so hard everyday, just to get through it. I really admire her spirit, Gambate, girl!

I am so lucky to have this SKY Princess as my best friend!
Love you and will see ya soon!

Thanks for the beautiful Graduation Present from you!!!
I like it so much! It is so adorable...