this week has gone quickly, especially the time we’ve had to spend with our families. joe’s brother derek and his family were also in vancouver over christmas from california. here is uncle joseph teaching priscilla and jadon how to make alligator hands before they had to leave to catch their flight home.

we took advantage of the huge snowfall this week and had my mom try on cross-country skis for the very first time. she practiced outside the house along the sidewalk, and since the snow was so thick, there was no fear of falling or hurting herself! later on, we were in need for some groceries, so helen opted to ski to safeway…less chance of getting stuck.

my first christmas party in vancouver was at jane and rich’s place. it was so great seeing old friends…some i haven’t seen for over a year. we filled our bellies with potlucky food, then laughed until our bellies hurt over games. finally we exchanged white elephant gifts (i got sushi magnets!) before playing with laser-shooting robots. good times.

new toques by mommy lam… and she wanted to point out that joe’s toque is called “tree of life”. have a wonderful christmas everyone!

i finally made it to vancouver yesterday, although it wasn’t without mishap. my first attempt at flying was two days ago: i checked in and things initially looked promising. then there were five gate changes and an hour delay. then right as i was getting ready to board at 9pm, the flight was cancelled. luckily i was able to avoid the enormous line at the customer service desk, and figured out i could check-in to the next available flight at a kiosk, and luckily i had joe to come pick me up.

next morning we schlepped back to ohare and happily i got onto the plane, so i didn’t mind too much that we had to wait an extra hour waiting for some pipes to defrost. then while i was waiting for baggage at yvr, i got a sinking feeling as there was no sign of my luggage. after a little bit of running around, a line up and customer service, i finally got my luggage, which had accidentally been put on the following plane leaving from chicago.

and oh, while i was waiting in line at customs, who should happen to be standing directly behind me? sandra oh from “grey’s anatomy” in a hat and sunglasses. no i did not have the guts to say hi or take a picture like a paparazzi, so you’ll just have to take my word for it.

it’s that time of year again. i’m already getting tired of scraping off ice and snow from the car. on the bright side, the immense potholes which lined the highway i take to work were fixed, just in time for winter. some of the monster ones could cause a string of flat tires on unsuspecting drivers. and yes, i know that i look like a ten year old michelin man but at least i’m warm!