Go Wings!

Hockey is my life and I still love the game so much...
Igor Larionov

What an amazing weekend it was for hockey town. Not only did our very own Red Wings make it to the Stanley Cup Final but they dominated in the first two games!

I'm not a big sports fan. I'm the kind of gal that would prefer a night out in the theatre over a sports game. Well, except for hockey. I don't know if it's because of having been exposed to this sport here close to the NHL's beginnings or the influence of my hubby and friend Matthew who has taught me to appreciate the sport. Nonetheless, I do enjoy all the excitement this game brings.

Looking back, there were two defining moments in hockey that proves my liking to this sport and makes me say, "Did I really do that?". My first hockey game at the Joe Louis Arena. I was super excited, not just because of the endless consumption of junk food, but to see in action all the well-known players in our team (Yzerman, Larionov, Federov, Lidstrom, Shanahan, Chelios, McCarty and so many more...). I have always found the fights between the players objectionable. So it was a surprise to me, well to my husband really, to see who was standing up cheering McCarty on when he was defending (yes, fighting) a team mate? I'm embarrassed to say, yours truly. The other occasion was my determination to stay up until the wee hours of the morning to watch the 2002 Red Wings vs. Hurricanes Stanley Cup Final made famous by my favorite hockey legend, the Professor for his triple overtime score. Yes, I was wide-eyed and alert while my poor hubby was falling asleep. This is true.

Perhaps there is a third defining moment to add. As you can see from the picture posted, I met the Professor himself, Igor Larionov. I couldn't pass on an opportunity for us (Matthew & Patrick) to meet a hockey legend. It was a memorable moment. Following his retirement from hockey, he now devotes his time in the wine industry and formed his own company. Passionate about hockey and wine? More reason to be a fan. Cheers to the Red Wings!

This is dedicated to Billy, our fellow hockey fan. We know you are cheering for the Wings from 2000 miles away too!

Designers and their Muse

It's really hard to walk in a single woman's shoes- that's why you sometimes need really special shoes.

Carrie Bradshaw

Tonight I discovered these fabulous photos taken by Annie Leibovitz for American Vogue magazine. In anticipation of next week's movie release of Sex and the City and my girls night out, I've decided to share them here.

Sarah Jessica Parker has become quite the fashion icon since the popularity of the HBO series. She's the perfect muse! I think that in some way designers are flocking to her similar to the days when Audrey Hepburn entered the movie scene and great fashion designers such as Hubert de Givenchy claimed her as their muse. In the same way, it's almost as if Carrie Bradshaw took over Holly Golightly's residence in the swanky Manhattan brownstone apartment too.

I'm not always a fan of the show's context but I'm definitely a fashion aficionado. Hence my excitement to see the collection of gorgeous clothes that will take center stage in the big screen. Welcome the Vogue Collection...

Carrie On

Versace gold chiffon evening dress.  Stephen Russell diamond and platinum earrings.  Cartier emerald-cut diamond ring.  Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere crystal and pearl bracelet.  Manolo Blahnik d'Orsay heels.

Cloud Nine

Lanvin banded washed-silk evening dress and gloves.  Christian Louboutin pumps.  Tom Ford coat.  Hugo Boss shirt.  Valentino pants. Photographed on the observation deck at Rockefeller Center.

Emotional Baggage

Chanel boucle suit.  Lanvin hat.  Philip Crangi for Vera Wang cuff bracelet.  Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere pumps.  Valentino suit and shirt.  Louis Vuitton luggage.

Love in the afternoon

Nina Ricci silk-satin dress and shoes.  Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere necklace.  Tom Ford vest.  Valentino shirt and trouser. Photographed at the Plaza Hotel.

Breaking the Mold

Alexander McQueen peacock lace and tulle dress.  De Vera antique necklace.  Cartier ring.  Chanel shoes.  Photographed at the Greek and Roman galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The Art of Seduction

Narcisco Rodriguez wool dress, with a banded back and an exposed zipper.  Photographed in the nineteenth and early twentienth-century European galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

No Shrinking Violet

Marchesa satin-organza dress and Christian Louboutin pumps.

Carrie-d Away

Versace chiffon dress.  Manolo Blahnik heels.  Tom Ford tuxedo.  Brooks Brothers shirt.  Photographed at the Metropolitan Opera.

Stairway to Heaven

Dolce & Gabbana chiffon evening dress.

If thou must love me...

If thou must love me, let it be for naught

Except for love's sake only. Do not say,

'I love her for her smile- her look- her way-

Of speaking gently, - for a trick of thought

That falls in well with mine, and certes brought

A sense of pleasant ease on such a day'-

For these things in themselves, Beloved, may

Be changed, or change for thee- and love, so wrought,

May be unwrought so. Neither love me for

Thine own dear pity's wiping my cheeks dry:

A creature might forget to weep, who bore

Thy comfort long, and lose thy love thereby!

But love me for love's sake, that evermore

Thou mayst love on, through love's eternity.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning 1806-1861

Will You Marry Me?

Today I passed on my collection of Martha Stewart Weddings magazines to Wendy, a dear girlfriend who recently became engaged. This collection spanning from 1997 to 2002 originated from a lovely physician, Eleanor whom I previously worked with. Her girlfriends have handed them to each other and she was the last recipient to get married. By the time my engagement came around, she graciously passed them on to me.

These magazines have served as an inspiration to numerous brides before me and a few more since they came to my possession; Wendy is the fourth one. Thankfully, after serving their purpose they have all come back to me. There's a great sense of bliss to this inheritance because I know that they became a part of the wedding planning for each happily married couple. I'm almost tempted to start a series of posts based on this...

Can you picture it now? Photos and stories from the bride and groom, their wedding planning and celebration, and their marriage that followed. What an inspiration that would be. I think that may require the creation of new blog site. I'll think about it.

I Do

I have not browsed through these magazines since 2001. For some reason, I recall packing them away after each return with the rest of my wedding memorabilia and tying a ribbon upon its next delivery. So before I placed the ribbon this time, I took a quick glance at the pages and something beautiful happened. Much to my surprise, my memory flooded with pictures of my girlfriends weddings dating from 1999 - 2002 and I began to reminisce. These photos have their own detail that transformed me back to all those wonderful weddings. I wish I had the time to write more about them.

Jean wore a similar wedding gown, simply elegant! The bateau neckline, A-line silhouette and the natural waistline satin accent made her look absolutely stunning. Trust me, the groom teared up seeing her beauty, we all did. Beauty!

Marilen wed in a breathtaking setting, the V. Sattui Winery. The place which already provided a romantic backdrop was completely transformed into an even more romantic venue. Just imagine being served by a maitre d' disguised in a black venetian mask and flowers and candles floating in the water fountain. The sweetest couple I know looked dazzling! It was a wedding not to be missed. Magical.

Megan adores calla lilies and on the eve of her wedding, she turned to me for help. I had the privilege of arranging her bridesmaid bouquets using the freshly delivered calla lilies. The white bouquet looked graceful as they were held by her bridesmaids who all looked gorgeous in their black stylish dresses. The beautiful bride was relieved, pleased, and happy! What an honor for me.

Jessica's husband whose scottish heritage provided the lads an inspiration to wear kilts. The bride looked exquisite in her wedding gown with her magnificent train previously worn by her mother and older sister. She definitely stole the show walking down the aisle as the bagpipe played. As for the lads- well they too stole the show especially when we all realized after the ceremony that they had all gone 'commando'.

The One

I paused for a few seconds wondering why I did not come across any pages that would've reminded me of my own wedding. My memory caught up with me as I realized that those pages were torn many years ago and they rest attached in the pages of my wedding planner. So this is the only image that remains in one of the magazine, my wedding gown.   

I was very fortunate to have all my wedding wishes come true, this was one of them.

It's quite extraordinary now that I think of it... Wendy was with me on the day of my wedding gown fitting.  How suitable that these series of posts on weddings was inspired by her.  This is for Wendy, wishing her all the best, beauty, and blessings in life and love.  

Strategic Planning

Strategic Principles:

1. Integration, Collaboration, Teamwork.

2. Innovation, Adaptation and Prioritization.

3. Growth and Investment.

4. Taking Care of Our Own.

5. Cultural Competency.

6. High Value and Fiscal Soundness.

7. Integrity and Trust.

The University of Michigan Health System

This post is both late and on time. What I mean by that is, I'm a week late in posting this picture taken last week when I hosted my colleagues at home for a "strategic planning" meeting. (This was first for me.) On the other hand, I'm right on time in introducing you to my line of work because today marks my 10th year anniversary at U of M. (Imagine that!)

First order of business... I'm not going to lie; it was a bit nerve-racking when I heard my management volunteer my home for our meeting retreat. My initial apprehension was not because I did not want to be hospitable, quite the contrary as I always enjoy receiving company. It was because I've spent most of my career life and home life separating the two. It did not take long for me to come to terms with the feelings of anxiety, merely because I knew that I would be in good company and that my home life is a testimony of God's blessings. Who am I to deny that? There was no validity to my reasoning. To simply put, I was happy to have my colleagues whom I have great respect for at my home. They are all thoughtful, caring, intelligent, and hard working people whom I've grown very fond of over the years. So we proceeded with our meeting, starting the day with a delicious brunch. We were all amazed by the work we were able to accomplish in a home setting. (Can you tell by the LCD projector set-up? It was pretty impressive.) Not to mention the camaraderie we all had. By the end of the day, I was overwhelmed by the shower of appreciation for opening my home... I must say, I would be the first to raise my hand if another need came to host a work meeting.

This strategic planning was a result of the development of our new department. Consequently, I am now a consultant for UMHS Contracting Office. (I was a previous consultant for Managed Care Operations.) I've held three different positions in three different departments at the University since my arrival in 1998. My advancement in the institution has truly been a blessing in that opportunities have always knocked at my door. I am very proud to work for an institution whose mission, vision and values represent that of "excellence in medical education, patient care and research". I will celebrate my decade of employment with a grateful heart and pray that my career will continue to be a blessing in my life, to others, my home and most importantly my service to Him who supplies all our needs. Meeting adjourned.

Vous êtes invité!

Mais, si tu m'apprivoises,

nous aurons besoin l'un de l'autre. Tu seras pour moi unique au monde. Je serai pour toi unique au monde...

Le Petit Prince

But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world...

The Little Prince

I just had to share this with you before I drop it in the mail today. It's the invitation to the baby shower we're throwing for our friends Christina and Nicolas this summer. Being that their families and friends from France will also receive an invitation, I thought it would be clever to combine both French and English languages on it. I hope you will find it as cute as I do. Alors, consider yourself invited if you find yourself on Linwood this summer!

Country Living

Spring is when life's alive in everything.

Christina Rossetti

It's half past eight in the evening and I couldn't resist not stepping outside in the cold. There's still daylight left and the sweet scent of lilacs was beckoning me to our yard. It's been over a week since they began to bloom, and they probably have another week of life left in them. In a strange way, I think they were reminding me of their brief life. So I gathered a small bouquet and surrounded them with lilies of the valley which are growing like weeds in one corner of our yard. I realized that since we've woken up from our winter hibernation, this was my first act of welcoming springtime.

Shortly after, I drove to our nearby bookstore to pick up a new copy of my favorite magazine Country Living (British Edition). It was fate. The cover featured a bucket filled with lilacs! I'm so excited to dive into the contents of the May edition. Although it's devoted to gardening, I think I'll start with the article on "A sense of simplicity", rustic charm in a French farmhouse and vintage style in a victorian cottage. Doesn't that sound lovely? This simple act of welcoming spring is a little reminder of how beautiful country living can be.

Lilacs & Lilies of the Valley

A Private Moment

Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.

"Pooh!" he whispered.

"Yes Piglet?"

"Nothing" said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw.

"I just wanted to be sure of you."

Winnie the Pooh

Let me preface this entry by saying that my husband's health is in excellent condition. We had quite the scare this weekend when he was taken to the Emergency Department. He experienced severe chest pain while at work. Thankfully, he was surrounded by medical professionals during the incident and received immediate medical attention. After running some tests to rule out potential cardio and pulmonary problems, as well as a long observation stay, he was discharged with the diagnosis of possible muscle strain.

I stayed by my husband's side for eight hours and during this ordeal, I held his hand, kissed his brow, gave him water to drink, watched him sleep, laid my head on his chest, and watched the waves of his heart muscle go by on the EKG machine. We both knew that he would be fine, even the physicians who took care of him thought so; the tests and observation were merely standard medical protocols for his symptom. So it was not really his medical state that we both pondered about during this time. There was a moment where he opened his eyes and asked me, "Will you stay with me like this when we grow old?" To which I replied, "What a silly question! Of course!" Now that I think of it, it really wasn't such a silly question after all. When we are at our most vulnerable state, being reassured that our other half will always be there makes a world of difference. So as I watched the waves go by, I thought to myself that's my heart on the monitor. At that moment, I too felt reassured because I knew we were halves of a whole person, my husband and I; and the world will be just fine. Thank God for marriage.

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Genesis 2:24

I would like to acknowledge Patrick's colleague and friend, Leo who truly went above and beyond for us that night. As a charge nurse during that shift, he managed to go back and forth from the two units to look after Patrick while taking care of the rest of the crew. He stayed late with us knowing that he would only have but a few hours of sleep before taking on another busy shift the following early morning. This verse reminded me of Leo... James 2:18 But someone will say, " 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.