Bluebonnets and wedding bells

This weekend was absolutely beautiful! The bluebonnets (Texas state flower) are in full bloom outside our apartment. I see at least three cars stopped everyday with kids in easter outfits and parents with the camera and tripod in tow stopping to pose for pictures in front of them. Some kids are happy (mostly the little girls in their floofy dresses), and some are not. But - cute all the same. O the memories of the TORTURE of family photos.

This weekend was also the wedding of Chris Sobey and Jenna Helmer. The ceremony and reception were held at the Southwest School of the Arts downtown. It's a beautiful historic chapel in the downtown area with a gorgeous garden in the back. it was particularly amusing with the liberachi band went by right as Jenna was saying her vows. "Welcome to SA" she said!

I went to college with Chris (aka...Sobey). He and Jenna met in medical school here in SA and have both moved to Nashville to start their residencies in Anesthesiology. Jenna is the sweetest girl you'll ever meet and she was simply breathtaking on her wedding day.

The best part- was being together again with friends from forever ago! As I was walking in- the shuttle from the hotel unloaded and I several people call out "Yocum?!?!" all at once. I haven't been called that in so long! Everyone in college referred to each other by our last names for whatever reason.

The only time we ever really hang out is at weddings. So much has changed since we wasted time doing nothing 5 years ago. Life was a breeze then. Now we all have real jobs and most of us have gone back to school for some reason or another. But- when you get us all together again...it's back to the same old same old. I can't believe it's been 5 years! Yikes!

The dancing was so much fun- and it honestly felt like we were in the basement of Brookwood all over again. I love me some dancing. Byron's not much of a dancer and I'm definitely a white girl out there-but I love it! Please note Sobeys' air guitar move. Classic Sobey. Everyone looks great, and it made my heart happy to hear about the successes everyone has enjoyed in the last five years. Unfortunately- my camera phone doesn't take great pictures in the dark- but you can sort of see the Sig Ep tradition of singing to the bride.

I wish Byron could have come. He was on call- yet again. All my college friends tease me that I'm hiding him away bc a. I'm ashamed of them or b. I am afraid of the stories they might reveal. Only two of my college friends have met him. He's always at the hospital whenever anyone comes to town, or stuck on a plane somewhere. Some day people- someday! He's great- and you're love him!







Monday- I took off work to get on the phone with various lenders and educate myself about this whole home-buying process. I learned a lot. Armed with new information-I dragged Byron out of bed that evening to meet with the realtor and look at a few new houses. We looked at one I liked (From the weekend before). I was SURE BYron would like this one. I was wrong. He has an eye for repairs- and apparently- this one would need a lot. I just noticed the "Bones" of the place and liked the layout. But- with his job demands- we just can't delve into a true fixer upper. And we all know I'm not doing any heavy construction. Pshh.

ONto a house- we knew was out of our price range- but the realtor wanted to show us- to demonstrate what could be done with a house. Last- we went to a house- Byron Vetoed at first- but who are we kidding- I book the appointments. just kidding. One of our friends encouraged us to just take a look as it was a reasonable price in a FANTASTIC neighborhood. He was right. We both LOVED it. It's great. It's still a little on the higher end of our price range- and it's currently under contract pending the sale of the buyers other house. But- as our realtor says "If it's meant to be...It's meant to be". The house had only one owner and it was so well cared for. It's a great size and has excellent features- like a fireplace, big backyard, greenhouse (Not that I'm planning on doing all that much gardening), and it's in a safe neighborhood (a major point of interest for me).

We both we excited after leaving this house and had to calm ourselves down in order to prevent a rash decision. But- it gave me that much more energy to find a good lender quickly. I don't like doing this kind of research, but if I have a goal in mind - it makes the job easier.

I can't believe a whole month has gone by with nothing really to report. I'm actually ok with that. It's nice to have a routine again. It's spring here- finally- and we're getting some great weather. I keep telling myself to enjoy it while it lasts, and encouraging all our friends to come visit now. While they still can. Before misery becomes the status quo. I'm hoping we paid our dues last summer with the heat and all- but I'm not holding my breath.

Byron has been working a lot. He's gotten to be skin and bones! I try to feed him extra brownies and desserts when I can. Gotta make sure he gets his nutrients:) We've seen a few movies together- and hit the arcade with Dan and Kate. We're trying to decide where to go and what to do for vacation in a month. Suggestions and free lodging is welcome. Do we stay in TX and explore a new area or do we fly east for some family time?

We have started the process of hunting for a house- since our lease runs out in June. We found a realtor we like- but this house hunting stuff makes my head spin. There are so many decisions to make and ducks to align in a row. Sigh. It makes me want to just lie down and take a nap. I do get excited at times- but then I realize how much "stuff" needs to be done. I'm sure it's much worse for Byron. The last thing he wants to do when he gets home at night is drive around looking at houses. But so far- he's been a good sport. My strategy is to give him a brownie and a cup of coffee on the way out the door. That usually buys me at least an hour.

I also adopted a stray kitty. Well- sort of. I feed him every day. He's waiting for me every morning before work and he's sleeping on our doormat when I get home. he's sweet. he's sort of scruffy and always has stuff stuck in his fur or eye booggers on his face- but I like that he likes me. This is extra motivation to move into a house with a yard. I got to play with some piglets the other day and it made my desire for a little piggy of my own undeniable. So- one of my only "specs" for the house- is a fenced in backyard.

Other things that have just started up:

1. Softball with our sunday school class. We play downtown (YIKES) every tuesday night. Last nigh we had 25 people show up to play- which was a little difficult trying to get everyone in. Subs are necessary, but - hopefully- we won't all show up at once!

2. I was a judge at the local science fair with some co-workers. I judged the middle school girls botany. The kids were really cute. I really enjoy doing stuff like that- getting out in the community- and doing science stuff.

3. Volleyball with the Medical school: So- at the science fair- I met a few people who also work at the Health Science Center and they asked me to play on their team. We play every Thursday night on the sandcourts right outside my office! I'm excited for this. I see these teams playing all the time while I'm running on the track and I'm always tempted to ask if they need an extra.

4. Financial Peace University: Byron and I started taking a class offered at church called FPU. I'm mildly obsessed with Dave Ramsey and his talk radio show. I'm inspired to get out and stay out of debt. Hearing stories from regular people- climbing out of a mountain of debt, makes me believe we can do it too! FPU gives great advice, strategy, and TANGIBLE goals that keep the ball rolling. Gazelle forward as Dave would say. It's tough- and there are parts of the class I do NOT enjoy - but they are good training principles. After beginning the class- we have determined that I am indeed the "free spirit" in our family, while Byron is the "nerd". Yes- I know how to make a budget. I do not however, care to keep all my paper receipts on file for 7 years. I'm soooo not that into detail. I do not put my budget into excel each month,or color code my line items. Byron on the other hand is VERY organized and has everything played out to a T. But alas, I must learn to be more organized and pay better attention to detail. I do it everyday at work- why not in my budget?

Worlds apart....

Just to give you a visual of the events back "home" in MD ( I pulled these from the Frederick Post).

































And...this week in Texas.....





















We have an extra room...come visit anytime!

Short cuts

A few weeks ago I cut off 12 inches of hair. Yikes! I should have remembered to take a before and after picture... but all I got was one of the pony tail itself. While I like the ease of shorter hair- I'm not used to being unable to pull it up in a pony tail. But- I know it'll grow back, and the order to the universe will again be restored.

In other news...Byron had the weekend off! Yes- you read that correctly! The WHOLE weekend. So...we decided to celebrate with a ranch weekend with friends. Johnny and Genevieve came up on Friday night, followed by Gentry and Robert on Saturday. We slept in late, cooked big meals, and grilled out. The boys each brought their arsenal of weapons and we spent a good few hours in the cold trying each on out. It was fun. Each girl hit at least one target! Horray! We also took a "walk" through the fields in search of arrowheads. Well- Byron was the only one really looking. Genevieve and I were busy trying to pry ourselves out of the mud while Johnny was focused on playing fetch with Tucker and trying to keep him away from the cows.

It was a much needed getaway for both of us. PLUS I had the day off today which really came in handy. I cleaned, cooked a little, organized, payed bills, put up curtains etc.....all those things I've been meaning to do- but haven't gotten around to. I feel so much better!

When it rains....

It pours or so they say. As you all know my Grandpa Lee passed away about two weeks ago now. I returned on Saturday after the funeral and have a day or two to get things taken care of around the house. I must say....I was in a funk. I was soooo homesick all of a sudden. More "people home sick" I would say. I don't necessarily miss my physical house back east- I just miss being with my familiy. It was SOOOO hard to leave the room full of people at my Grandmothers and jump in the car for the airport. It is so rare that we are all together and it was nice to sit and visit.

I went back to work on Monday- which was a welcome distraction. I had just been feeling down for the previous week. Then Monday night...I got a text from my mom around 11PM saying "Call home". I knew something was wrong. My heart was racing as the phone connected and a wave of relief hit me when my Dad answered. I was just so afraid something had happened to him. But his voice wasn't all that comforting in the end. I could tell something was wrong. Turns out my Grandmother had a massive stroke that evening. I burst into tears and had to wake Byron up to listen to the details. My heart was just broken and I wanted to be back home with my family.

Her condition declined each day, and she passed away February 2nd. She was aware for a day a most after the stroke. Enough time for my Dad to get down there and squeeze her hand before she drifted away into a land of no return. On one hand- I'm glad she won't have to suffer. Anyone who knew her - KNOWS she wouldn't want to be trapped in a body. But on the other hand- I'm really going to miss her.


I traveled to Wilmington for the services and once again- the only good part about the whole experience is being reunited with family. My cousin Elisa flew in from New Zealand! We don't get to see her very often and all the cousins really love being together. Although...its virtually impossible to get a good picture of all of us. See some of the out takes below.







Dad had another birthday so since we were all together on Saturday- we decided to bake a cake. Afterwards, we took dad out to dinner and a movie. Actually -Dad took us out. We bought the snacks. What I guy...I tell ya! Taking everyone else out on his birthday. We saw Avatar in 3D- hence the silly glasses.







While we were celebrating down south....a MONSTER storm was blanketing the Mid atlantic. Mom, Dad, Justus, and Alisha missed a total of 33 inches, only to have to return to an absolute MESS. As if that wasn't enough...another storm came in two days later and dropped another 2 feet on them! So- my poor parents have had a rough month. Its strange to say...but they are EAGER to get back to work and a normal routine.

Thank you all for the outpouring of cards, prayers and well wishes for my family and me. We really appreciate it and feel so blessed to have so many people in our lives that love us. Thank you.

Farewell to Papa Lee

Grandpa Lee passed away last Friday just before 4 am. I know this is a part of life, but it's just a sad thing. My Mom and all of her siblings (6 in total) were able to go down for a week a piece over the last two months to help out and share some precious time with Grandpa. He also had visitors from around the globe during his final two months here.

I traveled to South Florida for the funeral this week, and I'm so thankful that I did. Relatives, friends, and neighbors poured in from all over to pay their respects, and share a memory or two of Grandpa Lee. It was wonderful to finally meet some of these people I'd always heard about! My Aunts and Uncles held up better than I expected and they all did their part in taking care of all the arrangements, errands, and needs of the family for this event. During the funeral, relatives and friends were invited to share their thoughts about grandpa. Growing up in the Lee family, I didn't really appreciate the gift of my Grandfather like I should have. Seeing all the people and hearing the stories of his quiet service for others brought tears to everyone's eyes.

Here is an excerpt from the program:

Jin Wah Lee was borni n China November 5th, 1927, the eldest of four children. He came to the U.S. in 1938 at age 11/ While completing his basic schooling, he also worked in the family laundry in Waltham, MA. (Completing basic schooling is an amazing feat since he didn't speak the language. Can you imagine the perseverance, dedication, and tough skin it would take to do that?!?!) He served in the U.S. Army from 1945-1947. Following honorable discharge from the Army, he entered Worcester Polytechnic Institute, completing his degree in electrical engineering in 1951.

Jin returned to China in 1948 to marry Kim May Tom. Caroly, the first of 6 children was born in 1949 She was followed by Helen, Esther, Nancy, Donald, (The long awaited son and Diane. His wife's 11 year old brother, Benjamin was brought from China and adopted by the family in 1959. (At the funeral I learned he 'adpoted' about 6 other kids and helped them get a start here in the states!) The family resided in MA until 1969. During this period of time, Jin was instrumental in bringing the remaining family members in China to the United States. The opportunity to be involved in building a new company (Medcor) led the family to relocated to Miami, FL in 1969 leaving the 3 eldest in Boston to pursue higher education.

Jin's career is notable for achievements including working on the Apollo Lunar Excursion model (LEM) while working with RCA and cutting edge design for cardiac pacemakers with Medcor. ( Grandpa was REALLY REALLY smart ....try reading and understanding his memoir of these projects!!!) This later project earned him high respect from the cardiac community including Miami Heart Institute where he was often mistaken for a doctor.

He lived his life with a focus around family...needs, obligations, expectations and rewards and acted as family leader/negotiator/ mediator/ counselor to extended family. Although a quiet and humble man he was a man of strong principles. "Doing was was right" was a close second after the importance of family. This held true in work and social interactions as well as within family. Teaching and guiding by example was his trademark.

Married 62 years, his 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries were celebrated with family reunions in Miami and Boston. When his health declined in October of the past year the family gathered again in November. Many relatives came LONG distances to share time with him as well. After a period of improvement and hope, Jin's health again declined. He passed on January 15th, 2010.
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A few things he taught me:
1. watch out for the vultures (referring to venture capitalists when giving me advice about starting a company)
2. When you get married...its your turn to GIVE red envelopes rather than receive.
3. Be good to others...even when no one is watching.
4. Be true to your word
5. Be generous. Very generous.
6. Take care of/be there for your family, no matter what.
7. Education is the key that opens many doors...get a good one


While this part of life- isn't exactly a pleasant one... I'm glad he was able to spend the last few weeks with his family. I suppose there is a positive side to knowing the end is near. It afforded him the quality time with family and friends and also allowed time to organize finances and funeral arrangements. His main concern was taking care of my grandmother after he's gone.


My favorite part was going over to Grandma's the day after the ceremony and hanging out with family. I didn't want to leave. It was a lot of fun to visit, tell stories and catch up on life. One of my new years resolutions is to call my grandparents more. They just love hearing from the grandkids and hearing about life. I haven't been very good at that in the past- life always seems to get in the way. But I need to be better. So I'm going to be.

Road Trip Part II

On Wednesday, Byron and I headed up to Maryland to spend the rest of the week with my folks. Dad picked us up from the airport and we stopped at a little diner with homemade Maryland crab soup. (Wow- is it obvious how much I like to eat in these blog posts?!?)

We went to church that night with everyone and got to catch up with family and friends. We were pretty tired from traveling all day so we just watched a movie and chilled out on the couch.

Thursday we headed up the mountain to my parents favorite breakfast joint and had a long leisurely breakfast. Dad and Byron went to a hunting supply store while Mom and I ran into some other shoppes. It was one of those wonderful lazy, leisurely days where no the "schedules" go out the window and you can move at a much slower rate.

Justus and Alisha came down for dinner and games that night. I wish I had some pictures of this, but Byron and I taught my family how to play 42 with dominos. The first time is always a little frustrating, but by the end of the week- the competitive nature came out in everyone! Mom was thrilled to have her whole family sitting around the table eating, playing games, and reminiscing.

Mom, Dad, Byron and I braved the cold on Friday after a fresh few inches of snow and hit the mountain for some snow tubing. THe lanes were extra fast this year, and the goal was to 1. Catch some mad air 2. smash into the giant air bounce thing at the end of the ramp (think jump house for kids). It was freezing- but we were able to forget that minor detail when having so much fun.

We also took a trip up to Justus' new log cabin. They just finished it a few weeks ago and are waiting on inspections. I can't believe how talented he is! I really can't believe he knows how to build a house. It is simply AWESOME. Sometimes I wonder if we came from the same family. A few months back (when they first began building) Byron and I went up to help. Justus and I had a previous conversation about the things I could work on (I mentioned I'd like to do something that couldn't be too damaging).

He said "you can chisel receptacles."
Me thinking "trash cans?"
Me talking "Why don't you just buy them?"
Justus: "What?"
Me talking: "why dont you just buy trash cans and save yourself the time and labor of chiseling them".
Justus: "Are you serious?" LAUGHTER

I soon found out that receptacles are Electrical sockets in the wall. Nice Sarah. See what I mean about my knowledge of house building?!?!


Anyway- Their house is really cool. The kitchen is very unique and specially designed by Alisha herself. She's an amazing artist with a great eye for design. She also does wedding invitations if anyone is interested:) (I had to put the plug in there. She did mine and was very reasonable and professional).

All in all it was a GREAT trip home. I love being back east. I was slightly depressed having to board the plane for home. I like our life here, really. I just miss home sometimes. And I didn't want to go back to work. Byron and I were simply dreading it after 10 days off. But it was fine. We're back in the grove now.