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!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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...

Especially to my dearest sis, Jyy Huey

I have a closed friend who i knew since primary school...

She is a pretty girl, a pretty sister of mine, an adorable sister.
Her beauty is hard to explain through words, you can only feel it and realize it when you are close to her.
She loves shopping, hang out with family, dearly boyfriend, friends, and her *38empire* sisters, and enjoy every moment with everyone she treasures.

She is an ambitious person who never say never to pursue her dream to be an outstanding lawyer in future.
She has the determination to be a successful lawyer since young.
She has the quality to be a good lawyer.

In order to realize her dream, she pursue her A-level, went through college time, and fly to UK for further study in law. She is so ready to take on the challenge to realize her dream.
After a year of higher level education, it's time for an assessment for what she has done for the past year. Despite of her hard work, she did not get what she expected. She is sad and down. I wish I could be there with her, when she is hopeless and need someone to take care of her. I might not be able to give her what she wants, but I can be her listener at least. Sit down and listen to her patiently - comfort her.



To Jyy Huey:

My dear, I am not hoping you to fully recover in just a few hours or days...I understand it is hard to pick up yourself after the disappointment. I might not totally experience the same disappointment like yours, but seeing a smile on your is the only thing your *38 sis hope to hear from you. We care and love you.

Dear, I totally agree with the angel that "things u learn from all your hardwork will never be taken away". The materials that you have learned are all your assets in fact. Paper (result) is just a physical assessment to test your performance on the spot, it will not last if a person does not practice it always.
However, the only thing that last forever and belongs to you - is your knowledge. - no one can take away your knowledge from you.

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out" - Robert Collier

"A failure establishes only this, that our determination to succeed was not strong enough." - John Christian Boree

Dear, you have the determination to continue with the game. In fact, I admire your determination since high school. I believe everyone has a dream, but not everyone ready to admit it and decided not to go for it. However, you did amazingly! You are halfway through, my dear. Be disciplined and keep going...You are the master of your mind, don't let it take control on you. You have the ability to success, trust yourself and don't let down by the result.

Treat the result as a feedback for your hard work. If you do not succeed this time, the feedback gives you a hint to try out another way. IF there is a will, there is always a way just in front of you. Depends on you whether to go for it or not. High achievers always go for it, they always take more routes than others to reach their goals. They are not success at once, but they have been through difficulties more than once.

Be patient and keep continue with your positive attitude (put in more efforts), the payoff might be greater than what you think of. Ask yourself if you have committed enough to your work, be consistent, commit to constant and never-ending improvement. Give yourself a peaceful mind, decide on what you are going to do next, what you would like to improve on. Then focus your energy on those goals. Always remember it is not always going to be easy, be ready for the next challenge. But you face the challenge with RIGHT thinking this time, knowing how to pick up yourself and continue to take on the path again and again. The longer you persist the more likely your success. (You might disagree with this last point at the moment since you have doubt on persistent hard work - "who say hard work and perseverance will lead you to success???" )
But I hope you will get through it soon. I can't change your mind, but I do hope for the best thing for you.

Take care, my sweetheart. Give you a big hug to show my concern to you.


WE WILL ALWAYS BE THERE TO WALK DOWN THE ROAD WITH YOU.

NEVER LEAVE YOU ALONE ALONG THE PATH.

You will be fine, my dear. You are a tough, big girl now.

Love you always, siok yin.

~ Just for you ~

You Deserve Not only A suRprise

but a great surprise from a special person ~~~

Thank you my dear. Baby sotong will be here waiting for your homecoming this August!

All the best for your Badminton Match tomorrow!
Your team will be the record winner of the year!
~ Gambate ~


A failure establishes only this, that our determination to succeed was not strong enough.

- By John Christian Boree -

I am so excited and ready to be 21st??!

A big number --- No
A legal drinking age --- No
Finally can rent a car under my own name --- No

HmmMm...

is because...

It gives me a hint that I should be ready to stand on my own feet, take full responsibility of my own matter, and enjoy the never ending improvement...

I bet everyone would like to grow wiser mentally ... so do I.
I am so excited to learn to be a better person, ready to make a change in my life!

Pray hard for Forever Princess!

Someone important in my life

That's just like a dream to be here in the U.S. pursuing my bachelor degree in actuarial science/finance.

If you were to ask me have I ever thought of studying in the America...
NO --- why? --- never think of it before.
There are many people that I know, want to come to the U.S. to pursue their dream since young.
Maybe I am a daddy girl...I prefer to stay side by side with my parents. Wish to see them, greet them and chat with them everyday. I love them very much.

They are the one who created the marvellous life for me!
They are my painting brushes:
=> When I am sad, both of them will draw me a sunny day - tell me not to let go the sunshine and be happy always;
=> When I need support, they will always give me strength by drawing me a pair of hands and a rainbow - telling me not to give up and try your best;
=> When I need someone to share my stories, they will draw me a pair of ears - tell me that they will be my audience forever;
=> When I am happy, they draw me serious look and comes with a smiling face - telling me to be humble always and they share my happiness with me always;
=> When I need guidance for future, they draw me a bright sunshine - tell me go ahead to pursue my dream! -- That's why I am here! To make my dream comes true!



Thank you, daddy and mommy!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!
Thanks for being my lovely painting brushes for 21 years, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101, ... forever.


Along the path to my dream, I have met a person who I fall in love with him everyday.
He always being understanding...
He always take good care of this little sotong...
He always be there to support me...
He always cheer me up when i am sad...
He always cheer for me when i am happy...
He never leave me alone...
Never stop to being a good company of mine. He stands for an important role in my life, I learnt a lot from him, and still learning...

Thanks for thinking of me always.






I LOVE YOU, my dear Randy Beh.
- Always be your princess -
&
-- You are my prince always --








Who are there to support me in the middle of the path to my dream???!
They are my *38 Empire* sisters!!!
They always be there to lend their hands to me - - Always Ready
They are the one who trying hard to put on a smile on my face, give me a hug, and be my audience.
Thanks for being my good companies for so long...I MISS YOU ALL VERY MUCH!!!

My sisters:

1st sis - Cheng Yee

3rd sis - Yee Peng

4th sis - Mei Yee

5th sis - Jyy Huey

It's time for me to give you all a BIG HUG and THANK YOU.
I appreciate your efforts, time, and companionship.

You will ALWAYS ON MY MIND.