We're gaining weight like it's our jobs.

Jim's sleeping, and I'm bored (Hawaii-time is five hours earlier than central.) We rushed back from dinner, where Jim ate a one-pound burrito. Now he's snoring, and I have nothing to do but update my blog. Our little TV only gets one station on a good day... and I'm tired of watching the highlights of the debate online.

Anyway, we had a very interesting day. It didn't start out well. Jim accidentally deleted all of the videos we made during our trip... he was a little perturbed because he said he lost all of the videos we were going to show our kids. How sweet...but oh well.

Then, in a bold and scary move, we decided to go our separate ways...

At least, across Maui.

Jim wanted to go to the beach to body surf... I wanted to get out of the sun to go shopping. Hello, anyone ever heard of The Shops at Wailea? Tiffany...St John...BCBG... I like to call it heaven, though I didn't buy anything (translation: couldn't afford anything.) Even though I really liked a diamond ring that was half off (only $1800!) Jim about soiled his pants when I told him I bought it. Kidding, honey~

Anyway, we keep eating our way through Hawaii. And it shows. I'm too tired to re-blog about it, so you can read about my thigh misfortune on the buff brides blog.

Tomorrow I'm going to go deep sea fishing for the first time. This company was recommended by a local guy... we go bottom fishing for smaller fish (like grouper) and we troll for big game fish (like mahi mahi, tuna, and marlin.) Cross your fingers for me. I hope I catch a big one... because truth be told--if I catch a big one and can stuff it, it's coming home for the wall. I'd trade that for a diamond ring any day. My dad would be so proud.

On the road to Hana: we even bought a self-guided CD. Highly recommended.

Eating sweet, sweet corn on the road to Hana. Also highly recommended. Try with lime.

Swapping secrets with the locals.

Food coma. Who cares about some stinking road to some place.

Another wedding pic!

courtesy Dave Catanese!

Jim is not a big fan of this picture, but I really like it because of the flowers. We weren't expecting it when we walked out, so it was kind of fun. This is right after the ceremony. The priest and the wedding coordinator made us go back inside and sign our marriage certificate.

More pics: People who helped us get married

Judith is the one who put our marriage license together.

Beverly Kaneshige and I after she did my hair and makeup.

Jim and I got married

Aloha!

Jim and I are now married, and we just finished eating dinner with our new family! We are currently on the East side of the island of Oahu. We rented a house in Kailua, and it's awesome! Earlier this week, we were in Waikiki. We got married in Honolulu on Tuesday at the oldest cathedral in the United States (in continuous use.)

Here are a couple of quick stories:

1. Our flight was overbooked in Denver. After having our flight changed on us a couple of times, we finally ended up going directly from Denver to HNL. And we got two free flight vouchers for the change.

2. We stole a car on Monday. On accident. The valet gave us the wrong car, and a few hours later the Hertz people called and said they thought we had a car of theirs. Then, the Honolulu Police called. We felt so sorry for the valet who made the mistake!

Anyway, it's pretty calm at the new house. We are all just hanging out and a couple of us have our laptops. So, while half of my new family is outside...a few of us are in the backroom with our computers.

The weather is incredible. Sunny most days. A little rain (like 5 minute showers) every now and then. Also, there's only partial air conditioning in the house because the tradewinds really cool things down.

Wish all of our friends and family could be here. We miss so many people! Otherwise, see you in October at the Springfield reception! Hopefully many of you got our invitations!

United Airlines Went From Ok to Bad to Sorta Bad

What the heck is going on with the airline industry?

Wait.

I mean, what the heck isn't going on with the airline industry?

I get it. The economy's crap. And the airlines can't seem to earn a profit. Let's move on.

I understand that some companies need to change your flight itinerary. But what's wrong with giving some folks a heads up? UA changed our flights to Hawaii. I found this out two days ago (thankfully, I called just to check in.) Apparently, UA added a stop AND delayed our arrival by two hours.

TWO HOURS? Uh, I don't think so.

After a lengthy conversation, we got it changed again. We still have the extra stop (SGF to Denver to San Francisco to Honolulu...) but at least we'll arrive at 2:50 p.m. instead of the 5 p.m. arrival time UA had given us.

Today, though, my travel agent called. She said UA canceled our flights.

Wh-wh-what?

We got it all figured out with UA, and they even ended up giving us $200 worth of vouchers, but GEEZ. I said to one of many operators, "Look, man, you do not want to mess with a bride three days before her wedding. Okay?"

If all goes well, then I'll be happy...

AAAAHHH!! Money, Weight, and the Wedding

1. We had nearly $200 in that piggy bank!
2. I gained two pounds this week (annoying) but overall, had a "successful weight loss".
3. We leave for Honolulu on Sunday (be at the airport at 4:30 a.m. if anyone wants to meet us!)
4. Getting married on Tuesday.
5. AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!

Lots of stuff to do before then-- get pills for the plane (yes, sleep), get some cash out of the safe deposit box (best way to save money in the Sherwood household), finish the handmade wedding reception invitiatinos (200 of those suckers), write up the itinerary for all of our guests, make laminated, wallet-sized phone lists for all of our guests, pick up wedding dress at Ella Weiss...

Money Money Money

Jim and I have been waiting for this day for about two years. We started a piggy bank one Christmas, and we've been filling it up with mostly quarters. There were a few dimes and nickels...a couple of other coins-- 1 Susan B. Anthony and 1 Sacagawea... a few dollars.


Today, we cracked it open. We thought it was going to be big bucks. Any idea of how much money was in the piggy bank? We're taking it all to Hawaii!

Oh Twit! Let's Tweet!

I'm on twitter now. I thought it might be a fun way to keep our family and friends updated when we're in Hawaii. I need to get back to work now.

https://twitter.com/michellesherwoo

1 Week Left

I have one week left before I take off to Hawaii. God, it seems like it's been forever. At the same time, I feel like I could use more time. I understand now why brides get so psycho.

I had a wonderful bridal shower/bachelorette shower last night, thrown by two of my friends...Laurie and Christine. It was a small group of us, and we had plans to go dancing... but instead, we just hung out and talked! It was perfect. Feeling lucky to have such great people around me.

Anyway, I think I'm acting pretty normal, but then again, I had a mini-breakdown today. I think it's because it is such a weird time. I am stressed because I want to make sure that everyone is going to have fun in Hawaii, that everything will get done, that we won't forget anything... but I know I can't control those things. I need to chill out. I think that I am pretty chilled out, but then again, my mind won't stop racing. What a cluster.

How do I stop to enjoy it?

More pics of Mr. Sunbeam

My Korean mother and Mr. Sunbeam

See more on my sister, Hyun Jeong's blog. And, look at another proud aunt. Isn't it sickening? I was playing around with html last night, and so this is what happened.

Pissed at Palin or Pissed at Me?

I don't know if anyone needs to be mad at either of us, but those were some of the reactions I got from some viewers Sunday night when I aired a story relating to Troopergate. You can read the copy (with more information) and see the story here.

But, it will be forever posted on YouTube:



Some people love them some Palin. Regardless of if you're one of them... I thought the story was interesting, timely, relevant... and focused on a local father's view of the situation. The focus was (as NPPA guys would say): "Dad is mad at situation." (A little insider trading, that's how we find and write a clear and concise focus to our stories-- we write up a small thesis statement. The story itself is not about whether Palin is bad/good--especially since that's relative and not my call since the investigation is ongoing. The story is about how this dad feels.)

Park Family Gets Bigger, Two Times Over!

He is definitely a gift, wrapped up in a little bow and everything!

How cool. Today I learned that my sister, Yeon Jeong, had her baby on September 3rd... after 10 hours of labor, she had to have a C-section. The baby's name is Huang Won Hoo, but they call him Hae Ssal (it means sunbeams!)
I am now officially an American auntie! How cool is that?! Being an only child, yet finding three sisters... it's all pretty overwhelming. And, more big news... my sister Hyun Jeong is engaged!

She is going to marry her American boyfriend, Glenn. This makes me really happy because, as I told Jim, this changes everything. Being selfish of course, this means I will have the chance to really know more about my birth family. If she's going to marry an American guy, she will be speaking more English with her husband and me! (my Korean is not that good... ) I will be able to talk to Glenn and understand more things about my Korean family. They can even come to the States to live if they wanted to! My family here could meet them! The future is so bright, and I am so happy.

Jim's debut on the Daily Show!

Check it out! Jim and Dave on The Daily Show... on a side note, there are no other obscenities in this piece, other than the title. He's about 3:25 in...

New Blogger: Christine Daues!

Christine has a new blog about her second pregnancy... and the challenges she and Joe are facing this time around. Check it out because it's definitely heartwarming and more honest than you might expect. Her first blog post is up!

Click here!

The DNC, Jim & The Daily Show??

Jim is currently covering the Democratic National Convention. It's been kind of a crazy few days for him... I just got off the phone with him and he was ordering dinner at 11:30 p.m.

Jim is there covering the convention for KY3. In case you didn't know, Jim is the chief photographer at KY3, and that's how we met. He's there with political reporter (and friend) Dave Catanese...

Anyway, though the work is hard, hectic, and extremely exhausting... they're enjoying themselves. And get this-- the dashing duo has a pretty good chance of being on The Daily Show this week!

Jim said that he was walking along and noticed Rob Riggle... when a producer from the show asked him if he wanted to be in a skit. Dave and Jim said, "Duh!"

Turns out, they shot a skit and played a local news team... I think maybe someone tried to choke them?? I couldn't really understand what Jim was saying during our phone conversation. Anyway, tune in on FRIDAY. SET YOUR DVRs!

Hopefully, it will make air. We'll see!

By the way, interesting tidbit--Rob Riggle is from Overland Park, KS... and he went to KU. I had no idea! And Jim said Rob recognized KY3 because apparently he has a lake house in the Ozarks. Imagine running into him at Party Cove!

Antsy, antsy, antsy

I'm antsy today. I had a small crisis with my wedding dress... thankfully I don't have too much of a self-loathing problem, otherwise, I might spin into a downward spiral and stop eating completely. I blogged about it on ozarksbuffbrides, but frankly, I'm a little tired of wedding anything. I want to get it done. It's way too consuming, and as soon as we get there, it will be over! Ha!

And by the way, I have a huge zit under my nose. It's really painful, and it's starting to show a bit. What the hell?

Totally Korean Pregnancy

This cracks me up. Totally Korean, that's all I'm saying.

This is my youngest sister Yeon Jeong at 34 weeks. My second older sister, Hyun Jeong, explains the MANSAK in her blog post.

I think it's beautiful, but you couldn't pay me enough to do this! I just love the half shirts!!

On a side note, this makes me very scared thinking about child birth. Seriously, watermelons vs. quarters....maybe nickels. I don't know what it is, but it isn't proportionate. This is why it stinks to be adopted. When my mom tells me that everything will be okay, I don't believe her. What experience does she have?! :)

Per Amy's request... here are pics from Yeon Jeong's Totally Korean Wedding! They sure do take a lot of pictures! I love them...they look like a lot of fun, though I don't think you could get most American men to do this. Click here and here.

Ballroom dancing?

Jim and I are taking ballroom dancing. At one point, we looked at each other and started laughing. It is one of the most goofy things we've ever done.

My sister Hyun Jeong!!

This is so cool. I guess the internet has made the world a much smaller place to live, but for some reason, I'm still amazed.

My sister Hyun Jeong has a blog. She lives in China and is teaching there... with her boyfriend, Glenn! SWEET!

http://pookieandglenn.blogspot.com/

Also, this is a pic of my nephew... this is Yeon Jeong's baby! (This is my youngest sister.) She is due in September, the same month I'm getting married! Ahh!


I sent her a few baby clothes from me, the MIGUK IMO (American auntie), and she posted them on her website!! Cool!

Paris Hilton Responds!

See more Paris Hilton videos at Funny or Die

Holy Mole-y!

I got another Asian-y story for you. Sorry, but I guess when it rains it pours.

So, I was at a public place the other day... and some guy randomly comes up to me and says, "Hey, let me guess... you're Korean, right?"

"Yes," I said.

Guy: "Do you want to know how I know?"

MS: thinking, uh, no...but instead I blurt, "Sure!" (WHY NOT?)

Guy: "It's because you have a mole."

(MS thinking, WTF?!)

MS: "What?"

Then suddenly, out from behind me, another guy says, "Dude, that is the stupidest thing I've ever heard! A mole?"

(MS thinking, "Thank you!")

Then Guy #1 says, "No, seriously. I lived in China for six years. I know. The only people who have moles are Korean and Japanese. I swear."

Guy #2 says, "I don't care. That is stupid."

(MS again, thinking, "Thank you!")

Guy #2 continues, "A mole doesn't mean anything. You can tell she is Korean because she has a flatter face."

(MS thinking, WTF!? Guy #2 was doing so well!)

END SCENE.

Guy #1 apologized and said he didn't want to offend me. Really, it was pretty damn funny. Molie! Molie! Molie!

Asian Women = Hot Babes

ABC's Martin Bashir has Asian fever.

First of all, who the heck is Martin Bashir? You may recognize him on ABC's Nightline... his claim to fame before that was interviewing Michael Jackson in a 2003 documentary. Bashir caught Jackson looking especially creepy if I remember correctly. I couldn't watch the whole thing because, well, I was creeped out.

Anyway, Bashir made a statement last week at the UNITY conference in Chicago (for "journalists of color".) What he said made me puke in my mouth a little bit.

Bashir made a tasteless remark when he spoke in front of a group of Asian American Journalists. According to the Star Tribune, shortly after he began, Bashir remarked how exciting it was for him to be in a room full of great looking "Asian babes." Then he said he was glad to be standing behind a podium so no one could see how excited he really was.

EK, DISGUSTING!

The senior VP of ABC News, Jeffrey Schneider, says, "This kind of remark has no place in any setting and Martin knows that and is truly sorry for his serious error in judgment."

ABC's Juju Chang described it as a "ridiculous joke." "I thought 'oh, man, what an inappropriate thing to say.' But I've known Martin for a long time. He's a good man who said a dumb thing. He has since apologized to me for his boorishness and I know he deeply regrets it," Chang said in a statement.

Here's Bashir's letter of apology:

Dear Madam,

I wanted to write and apologize for an inappropriate comment that I made at the AAJA dinner last Friday and for the offence that it caused to those present. Upon reflection, it was a tasteless remark that I now bitterly regret. I am grateful to you for the opportunity to address those present and hope that the continuing work of the organization will not by harmed or undermined by my moment of stupidity.

Yours truly,

M Bashir

------------------------------

YIKES. SUCKS FOR HIM. HE'S TOTALLY EMBARRASSED. I FEEL KIND OF SORRY FOR HIM.

However, you know I can't let this rant go by. Why, for the love of Pete, can't people stop talking? I understand it wasn't a malicious joke, but it still annoys me. Let's be real. Why would he say that? This joke teeters the line of objectifying Asian women.

Why would he address an entire crowd of Asian people that way? That is why I say he objectified Asian women... you can't address an entire race/culture/skin tone/group in a way that is sexual and frankly, dirty. If you do, then 1) you come across as a perv and 2) you come across as a perv who objectifies people.

Would he have addressed the other groups at UNITY in the same manner? (The National Association of Black Journalists, National Association of Hispanic Journalists and Native American Journalists Association were all present for the convention.) "Thanks for having me. I'm so glad to speaking in front of all these hot, black babes," I imagine Bashir saying. "Wow! These Native American women are giving me a stiffy!," if only Bashir would've said.

Saying "Asian babes" certainly does not reach the obscenity levels of those XXX-rated companies that portray Asian women as submissive, exotic, and loose... but I do think it's too close for comfort. I certainly would not want to spend ANY time with a man who asked me out on a date simply because I am Asian-looking. Gross! I suppose it can be an added bonus since it does have something to do with my identity, but I've met plenty of guys who are only interested in Asian women. I have a friend who calls them "VANILLA RICERS"! Icks-nay on the anilla ricers-vay.

KSPR Giveaway...

I just wanted to let ya'll know that we're going to give away a Coheso Calorie Counter. I'm so excited about this, so I wanted to share it on both blogs!

It's a great tool. I heart mine.

It would be a really good way to get on track or even help out someone you heart. MORE DETAILS ON MONDAY!!!

Dude... the fair's here...

Holy crap. It's time for the Ozark Empire Fair. Click here (then scroll down) to see the last time I went. It was also the year I got a back tattoo.

Also, it was the last time I saw a really good girl fight. This little 100 pound girl went after this guy and started hitting him in the back of the head. Everyone scattered, the cops had to break it up, and it was nuts.

It was also the last time I really got to hang out with my friend Kimberly before she got married...and it was just after Jim and I got back from Hawaii, Trip #1.

Ahh, the fair. Good times.

Hope this year I can meet Weird Al! If anyone wants to go with me, let me know! Jim is out of town for his second bachelor party this weekend, and I can always use a good fried oreo.

My First 5K!!!

I did it. Here's a pic of Kate and me running this Saturday. I am so proud of us! To see more (sweaty) pics, click here.

The Shoe

I think this is going to be my wedding shoe.

I wanted something blue. And you can't tell in the picture, but they're silver dots.

What do you think? You won't be able to see them under my dress, either, so I say screw it.

I work at a really hot place

...and I'm not talking about KSPR, though I think it's a pretty cool place, too...

The PRK Library was nominated for GO Magazine's Hot List in the Free Entertainment category. Each year, the editors come up with 56 Things We Love Right Now... Why 56? I dunno...

Anyway, this year, there's a twist. The nominees get voted off!! Push-ha! Voting starts July 16th and ends August 12th. You can vote by clicking here.

DON'T LET PRK'S HOTTNESS BURN OUT, YO!

New Blog to Check Out!!

My friend Alan just started a new blog-- it's a little something Springfield but all things music, politics, arts, rants... and still yet, even more music.

Check it out! He just finished his first post-ever. Show him some blogger love!

http://queencityroller.blogspot.com/

Big Ups on Downstream

...So... we took a little journey to the Downstream Casino tonight!

Have you heard of this place? It's right where Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas meet--just off I-44. Take exit 1...(it will take you about an hour and 10 minutes from SGF.) The guys at the casino told us that we were parked in Kansas and gambling in Oklahoma. Then a guy made some joke about the bathrooms being in Arkansas or something. I forgot how it went... but it seemed funny at the time.

Anyway, here's a little secret about me... I am a HUGE fan of blackjack. I love the game itself, but it was so frustrating playing tonight with the dudes who've never played before... or at least the ones who screwed up the rotation.

RULES OF BLACKJACK:

• Do not stay on a 14 when the dealer is showing an 8.
• Do not stay on a soft 17. Seriously.
• Do not stay on a 15 when the dealer is showing a face card.
• Do not double down on a 10 when the dealer is showing a 9.

SERIOUSLY? ARGH!!! I moved three times after watching people totally screw the table. One time I even said to someone, "Why didn't you hit?! Oh my God, you're killing me..."

I'm not trying to be rude, but I don't think I can go back there to play cards until it's been there long enough for people to figure out how to play by the rules. It was brutal.

Aside from that, we were pretty lucky on the slots>>>>>>>>>>>>

As Dave Chapelle would say, "I'm rich, beeatch!" Count it up... Jim and I walked away with more than $500. SWEET!!

Dave Chappelle

Too bad my car broke down earlier this week (again)...

One more note: They don't have very many table games. I was missing craps, roulette, and caribbean stud (unless I missed that).

Blind Korean Girl is a Genius at Piano

This melts my heart. Plus, the song she sings at the end is a very familiar one to Dillon (adoptive) families. The social workers used to sing this song to us the night before we left Korea! I could watch this over and over again!

A New Restaurant Hawaii Style!!

Holy crap! There is a new restaurant in downtown Springfield operating under Merle's during the evening... it's called Hawaiian Food by KAILANI.

I cannot tell you how excited I am to try it, since I am going to get married in the Aloha state. And YES, THEY HAVE SPAM!! SPAM!!! SPAM!!!!


When I was a kid, my grandpa and I used Spam for fish bait... but since then, I've tried eating it... and it's not bad! And when Jim and I were in Hawaii, we saw spam sushi in the 7-Eleven. It's awesome stuff.

Anyway, here's a quick look at some of the things on the menu:


ONO PUPUS (SOUPS AND APPETIZERS)
KAMABOKO DIP WITH CRACKERS
SPAM SUSHI ROLL
SAIMEN (NOODLE SOUP WITH KAMABOKO AND EGG)
MISO SOUP


ONO MEALS - $7.50 (ALL ENTREE ITEMS SERVED WITH STEAMED RICE, MACARONI SALD AND HAWAIIAN SWEET BREAD)
CHICKEN KATSU (Panko Breaded Chicken with Spicy Katsu Sauce)
KOREAN CHICKEN (Korean Style Chicken Drummettes)
LOCO MOCO (Gravy smothered Beff Patties with Eggs)
CORN BEEF AND CABBAGE
HUKILAU SWEET SPAM AND EGGS
SPAM AND EGGS


DESSERT- $2.99 WITH CHOICE OF PINEAPPLE OR BANANA
HAUPIA (Classic Coconut Pudding)
BANANA HAUPIA (Banana Coconut Pudding)
PINEAPPLE HAUPIA (Pineapple Coconut Pudding)
VANILLA ICE CREAM
MALASADAS (Sweet Biscuits with Vanilla Ice Cream)

The number is 862-3902. The hours are 7pm to 10 pm. Someone try it and let me know!

I (Stupidly) Broke up a Drug Deal

Well, I blew the lede. BUT, I broke up a drug deal the other day, and it was kind of kewl.

I can't give you full disclosure... and some of the locations and names have been withheld to protect the innocent.

But anyway...
I was somewhere in Springfield earlier this week, when I saw two men standing at a corner of two buildings with their backs to me. It was in the middle of the day, and I saw them exchanging pills. So, I stood there, a bit shocked. One guy was probably in his 50s... the other in his late 20s. I've actually seen one of the guys before walking around town.

Anyway, the young guy saw me, freaked out and started leaving. I think he was high on something already because he called out to his friend and said, "psss... hey, watch out for that girl" or something like that. (And duh, I could see and hear him when he said that.)

And then my conversation with the older gentlement sort of went like this:

MS: So, what'cha got there?

guy: Nothing, just my pills.

MS: Really, what kind of pills?

guy: Just my pills.

MS: Because it kind of looks like something weird was going on. Were you buying or selling?

guy: Neither.

MS: Okay, well, I don't think you're telling the truth, and I think you should probably get out of here.

guy: Sure. (guy walks away)

Then my friend, who was just feet away, called the police. We made a report, but I guess it didn't assigned a report number because by the time the PD came, the guys were gone.

**Jim says that wasn't very smart of me. I could get shot or something... but I say people shouldn't be dealing drugs in the street in front of me or anybody else!

Anyway, they could've been exchanging tic tacs for all I know, but it seemed really weird and wrong. I should've yelled, "Citizens Arrest!" like they do in the movies. Damn.

On that note, I feel like my "breaking the ice" deserves a Britney mention. I hate to admit that I really like her new song. Click here to listen to it-- it's on my buff brides community page, just go to the bottom left and click on "Break the Ice".