Merry Xmas from this Geeky Family

Enjoy the holidays with those you love!

Xoxo - Lani

A geeky family surrounded by geekery! Nightmare Before Christmas characters I drew (WHEE), video games, LOTR movies (& other action geeky movies), board games, Skylanders, and of course SUPERHEROES! Awesome.

Infographic: A Brief History of Weddings

I Cost HOW MUCH?

Infographics are amazing, and this one certainly taught me a lot about "wedding history"!

What bit of information will shock you? :D

Here's the link to the infographic web page:  http://bit.ly/TPkoio

Thankful for All the Smiles

Giving Thanks to Family, Friends, and My Geeky Life

"I just have to share a 'Being Grateful' moment.

After looking through the pics of the Engagement Party, (which was EPIC) & glimpsing at other photo albums here on facebook, I can't help but to smile from ear to ear (& even well up a little). I am grateful for each and every person in my life and for the moments I've shared with each and every one of you!

My life is rich with SMILES and that to me makes me RICH IN LIFE. Money & things come and go - but the laughter, the memories, and the smiles...bring true happiness to me. I Love you all. Thank you for making 2012 an amazing year and for joining me on this adventure called life. XOXO"

This was last week's facebook post in honor of the thankful season. And after seeing so many "Grateful Day" posts and having some time to think about it I figured I'd blog and share what I'm most grateful about.

My Crazy A$$ Family

Family at my 26th Bday party - they had surprised me by driving up from  So Cal!

Valentina and I

I may not have an endless bank account, but I do have an endless amount of fantabulous memories. :) Some people only have "childhood" memories of their family, but my memories continue to grow with me. I <3 spending any amount of time with my parents, (who are some of the most amazing people - and which many of you can attest to), and when we do it is spent in continuous laughter and smiles!

Now throw in my spitfire little sister (who will always be my partner in crime) and you've got, the Wong Tribe of the West!

I will never be able to thank my family for all they've done and continue to do for me. Our love for one another knows no bounds. As nutso as my family has driven me (and will in the future) I know too many people who don't have relationships AT ALL with their family. I am blessed to come from such a loving family.

*If you ever want to hear tales of intrigue, adventure, evil bees, dangerous toboggan stunts, hilarious pranks & more just go ahead and ask me - I have TONS*
  

  

Just 1 of our many themed xmas/holiday cards

My Fab Friends

I've been lucky enough to meet some of the most incredible people from all around the world - and all just as crazy (or crazier) as I am!

Collage created via facebook app

I recognize that each person I have met and interacted with in my life has helped to shape and form me into the person I am today - a person I am proud to share with the rest of the world. So thank you to ALL of YOU for being a part of my life.


(Just to add I am also thankful for the people who weren't always the "nicest" to me, for those moments were some of the most important molding experiences to make me the beautiful person - I believe - I am)

Gungnam Style friends at our Engagement Party

*If you find these hilarious then we have a bond ;) *

So did you laugh? :D

A SUPER Wedding Party

Top to bottom/left to right/B for Bridal/G for Grooms: Rico/B, Kerilyn/B, Dustan/G, Matt/G, Valentina/B(Maid of Honor), Dave/G, Jay-J/G, Gordon/B, Melissa/G(Best Woman), Scott/B, Stephanie/B (Not shown: Christina/B, Ryan/G, DeMarco/G)   

Sean and I mulled over who we wanted to have join our Wedding League of America - do we need 2 heroes each? 3? 25? After perusing resumes via facebook profiles - JUST KIDDING - I believe our epic team of FOURTEEN will do our wedding justice!

I thank all of you for joining us in this insane adventure to defeat the all mighty Wedding Monster and all it's minions!

This is what I envision LOL

My Career/Job

A week before Thanksgiving my boss told me that the paper work to convert me from a temp position to a permanent position was being processed! WOO! 

I have had an interesting path when it comes to jobs/careers. Retail, children's theater instructor, children's public speaking instructor, curriculum developer, office manager, actress, theater marketing manager, Stanford public speaking instructor for engineers, and my current position as Social Media Marketing Specialist in the world of Semiconductor IP. 


I also have to pat myself on the back as I've stayed pretty close to my degrees! I graduated with a B.S. in Advertising and a Minor in Theater. :D

Never thought I'd end up in Social Media, but it totally makes sense now after the fact. I love all things COMMUNICATION, and social media marketing is about learning and adapting to new forms of communication. Super thankful that after a year as a full-time temp my boss saw something special about me. Very grateful to have such a great boss and team. 

My team at a convention called DAC 

My Future Husband/Geeky Other Half

I can't believe I'm getting married. Especially to a man who I not only love, but look up to and aspire to be more like at times. Sean has overcome so many things in his life that I find it hard to believe that he is still standing, let alone capable of loving me as much as he does. It is remarkable.

Putting aside all our geeky things in common and the fact that we're attracted to one another, Sean did something that not many people are willing to do - he fought for me.


After an insane "Sex and the City" type break up (no joke, Carrie Bradshaw had NOTHING on me) I joined TEAM SINGLE. My one catch was that no matter how amazing (or hot) a person seemed/was, they'd have to take the time to win me over. In other words, I was putting up a fight! 


And Sean (who was Amazing & Hot) went a whole 10 ROUNDS with me! Lol! Question is who knocked out who? Hm...

Riddick visited this Wondercon booth babe

From showing up to Wondercon dressed as Riddick, bragging about me to his friends, playing video games that I BEAT him at, accepting my "take it slow" attitude, and more, he proved that he was at least worth my efforts and time. ;)

But it wasn't all fun and games for I literally attempted to find reasons to stop dating poor Sean. And there he was just giving me more reasons to stay and fall head over heels for him.

Now with Sean's mini me (who was 2 yrs old at the time) entering the picture towards the beginning of our relationship I thought for sure I was going to split like a banana. Instead I put down my judgements and opened my heart and mind to a child who only wanted to be loved and deserved love.

A Geeky Family at the SJ Ren Faire

Even my family fell in love with Sean before I was ready to admit I was completely bonkers for him. My sister literally adopted him the second she met him! LOL

One thing that made me fall for Sean more than any box of chocolates can of pringles and flowers new video game could, was the day he saved THE mouse. 

Outside of Sean's old job I saw a little mouse lying out in the open breathing heavily. I was so worried for the mouse's well being that after I told Sean he just calmly went outside, scooped up the stunned mouse, gave it a once over for injuries, told it that it'd be OK, pet it's head, and placed the mouse back into a grassier area hidden from predators and shoes. 

My heart melted right then and there. He doesn't know this, but I nearly cried that day - well I guess he will now. :)

And the rest is history. We're happy, in love, and getting married in a flurry of colors and geekery!

I love you Sean Bassett. And I'm more than proud to have you, the one who fought for me, as my future husband. You are nothing short of amazing. XOXO

How it looks to all of you

How it feels to us

Stereotypical Holiday TIP:

Be thankful for what you do have & make sure to let those around you know you are thankful! Seriously! 

Thankfully,

Lani

Happy Geeky Thanksgiving

Get Your Gobble Giggle On!

Here are a few cartoons & geeky images that make me laugh at this holiday! 

(As for a blog post full of those things called words, that's coming soon)

Happy Thanksgiving

A perfect JLA Thanksgiving!

So when's Big Bird getting here?

DING!

Stuffed. 

MOOOOOO!

Now...let's EAT! 



Enjoy stuffing your faces!

- Lani

Let's ALL Equally Plan Some Weddings!

You Too Have the Right to Get Married & Deal with Planning this $***

As a young multi-ethnic professional woman, who has a multi-ethnic fiance (who owns a small business), with MANY MANY MANY LGBTQ friends/family I obviously voted for - Romney/Ryan 2012! JUST KIDDING! 

We did it!

Of course I supported the GOBAMA campaign, but boy was this past election day a nail biter! Thankfully our nation's new and well informed generations were there at the polls! Not only did Obama get re-elected, but FOUR states have won the fight on marriage equality! 

Marriage equality was 1 of many good things to come out of this election!

It has always baffled me why some people feel that other people's love could affect their own lives. Now that this country has taken some serious steps forward in marriage equality I am happy to greet my LGBTQ friends with open arms to... WEDDING PLANNING HELL! MWAHAHAHAHA!

I mean COME ON! How could wedding planners, businesses, registries everywhere not rally together sooner to support gay marriage? They're going to make a killing! If my geeky wedding is going to be an amazing and beautiful thing, just imagine all your gay friends' weddings!

Lol this is pretty much going to be my wedding - except with video game tie ins... :D

Good luck to all of you - I'm so glad you will soon get to battle "The Wedding" monster alongside of me and go just as crazy while doing it! Here, have an extra 1up!

Points to you if you hear the sound bite while looking at this image!

My Thoughts on Marriage Equality: DO IT! Let's make this a national phenomenon, that way I can attend some of the most FABULOUS weddings EVER!

To my friends/family who DESERVE Marriage Equality: Your time will come where we can all laugh & cry as you recite your beautiful vows in front of us. And then we'll eat & drink the night away until the wedding planners/venue have to kick us out. Mwa. :) 

XOXO 
- Lani

Thank Goodness for Family

Crazy is as Crazy Does - And Thankful for it! 

Left to right - Sean, Lani, Norma (Lani's Mom), Valentina (Lani's lil Sis), Dan (Lani's Dad)

"Awesome party last night, so happy to be a part of it all!! Congrats!!! Your parents are LEGIT."

That post from a friend pretty much sums up how we felt about our engagement party. :) It turned out phenomenal!

It never could have happened without the love & support of my family. With my parents' party expertise (they've been throwing INFAMOUS shindigs since before I could walk) and my sister's flair for the creative while still keeping things (and me) in order - helped Sean and I put on a fantastic event. 

We could never thank them enough for all that they did, have done, and will continue to do. I was blessed to be born into an insanely wack-a-do family who loves one another unconditionally. And I know that Sean is stoked to join the Wong Tribe too. 


* Thank you to my (and Sean's now too) Mom, Dad, & Sister (who live in So Cal while we live in Nor Cal) for everything you did and everything you will do. We LOVE you more than a fat kid loves candy! *

My Epiphany: Weddings aren't just events, they are occasions of LOVE (yes sappy I know) that bring people TOGETHER - whether that be friends or family. I think that this experience is going to be nutso, but I'll treasure all of the moments that I get to spend with Sean, my friends, the Wedding Party, and ultimately my FAMILY.

"In truth, a family is what you make it." - Not sure who said this, but I am happy to live by this rule. :)


<3 Lani

HILARIOUS Story Book Sums Up Parenting

Parenting Summed up by Samuel L. Jackson

As many of you are aware, my family is definitely not what you'd call "normal." My life growing up made me who I am: confident, eccentric, fabulous, geeky, & the list goes on! ;) 

Now that I'm engaged I've realized that I must come into my own as a true PARENT - not just an "adult figure." Since I've actually taught children I am aware of many different styles of parenting (which I may blog about at a later time), but once I saw this video I cracked up!

This video of a book titled, "Go the Fuck to Sleep" read by the infamous Samuel L. Jackson really sums things up. 

:D Enjoy. LOL.

Please, mind you, I am being sarcastic & humourous with this post. I am poking fun at myself & parenting in general. In reality - I am told - that I am doing a great job with Sean's 4 1/2 yr old son (soon to be my son).

Save the Date Cards, Magnets, Emails, WHAT?!

Is this Really Necessary?!

Let me vent a bit on WHY oh FREAKIN WHY do Save the Date cards, magnets, etc exist?! Is this a step created by the wedding market masters to get more of our $$$? WTH! Why do I need to send out Save the Date cards at the beginning of my "wedding planning time line" & then send out OFFICIAL wedding invites closer to the wedding? WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? Why not send out your invites early to get a jump on the guest list, and then send out REMINDERS via email or what not closer to the wedding? SO STUPID!!!

*Breathing in....breathing out...* 

OK...so after I vented a bit on facebook and Google+ I got some decent answers. Here are a few that helped to calm me down, as well as help me understand this strange and foreign concept to me. 


"We skipped save the dates entirely, but we also made everyone aware of the wedding well in advance and that it was a distance away. Basically a word-of-mouth save the date."

"Save the dates are for months or even a year or more before the wedding, as soon as you confirm a date, so that people whose attendance is really important to you don't plan vacations or other stuff for your wedding day. Then the invitation is for 6-8 weeks out when you have exact times, locations, details, etc. and need to get a head count."

"Save the date... before all the details are worked out...it's kind of like, we know the date, we know we are doing this, but what the details are "we have Freaking no clue!"  What's the look, feel and taste of the  wedding going to be like... not sure yet!  JUST PLEASE save that date and don't go to Europe, make work plans or get jailed during that time/date! LOL!"

"If your wedding is not till 6months or more away or it's a destination wedding, it's important to have the save the date cards before the actual invitation so your guests can plan ahead."

"It is the "Do you want fries with that" of the printing business"

"I tend to think of Save The Date cards as more of an announcement than a wedding invitation. And there are a lot more than just cards, there are magnets, key chains, coasters... all sorts of gimmicky stuff to announce to your family and friends that there will be a wedding. Think of a way to make it geeky! ;) These are definitely not something you have to do, especially not for everyone. But for the people who are traveling from far away and who may need to make arrangements well in advance, this is helpful for them rather than relying on family to spread the word (or having to call all these people yourself). Invitations usually take a long time to pick out/create/order and are sent no more than 2 months before the wedding. Save the dates can be simple and sent as soon as a location and date are booked so that people know to save some vacation time and start thinking about travel arrangements!"

And one that I liked very much....

"You don't have to do save the dates. Totally unnecessary, especially for a social media diva such as yourself."  

Tee hee! <3

Anyway, thank you to everyone who partook in this and basically helped me to understand this stupid practice. And yes, it now makes - a little - sense to me.

I like that I don't need to send this out to EVERYONE on my possible guest list. Sending these too people who are far far away and/or will need to take off work for the wedding makes much more sense. :) Plus I do like the magnet idea (which I've seen before and thought was clever), it's just figuring out what should/can be a part of our budget and what shouldn't/can't. 

Cute magnet ideas (VIA)

Love the QR code (VIA)

So here's my take & ADVICE on the whole Save the Date invites /cards/whatever: Find a "tool" that will best work with your budget & wedding. Whether they are DIY cards, mass printed out cards from Kinkos, magnets with your smiling mugs on them, an eblast, a post on facebook, etc. just be sure that it reaches the people YOU FOR SURE WANT at your wedding - especially those who will be traveling from far away lands. Your Save the Date "tool" should be sent out in a timely fashion for those who will need time to plan to attend your fab event. The "official" invitations can be sent out closer to the event with more fleshed out details. TIP: If you want to BE GREEN & save trees RSVPs can be done via a wedding website or online tracking tool. (which is what we're doing)

Now enjoy some tips & ideas on this topic from the female MacGyver: 

marthastewartweddings.com

Thank you again to everyone who shared their knowledge, thoughts, and comments with me! HUGS!

<3 Lani

P.S. You can always add more comments to this topic below. :) TY!

Happy Columbus Day! 10/8/2012

Happy Columbus Day to those of us who drove 

into work today! And to everyone else - XP

Whatever your thoughts are on Columbus this is still a chuckler!

Planning a Modern Geeky Engagement Party

Tradition? HA! I Think We'll Start Our Own!

Sean & I at Fanime 2012 (A HUGE Anime Convention) wearing "traditional" convention attire ;)

The planning has begun for our engagement party, and after getting asked numerous questions we almost decided to just say, "Hey we'll be at ____ on ___ day. If you want to congratulate us, hang with us, or even party with us we'll be there from ___ time to ___ time. See you there!" 

We were asked questions such as: how we were going to do it, in what style, the color scheme, where we were booking it, if we planned to have it on a "special date", dress attire (corresponding to the color scheme question), how much we planned to spend, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera... (Classic The King and I quote - WATCH IT)

And here we are thinking, "WTH. I thought all that planning was for our actual wedding?!" Yeah... so luckily for us, we're not all about "traditional" anything (save for a few goodies) and last I checked traditions were made to be amorphous - able to flow and ebb with the current times and people. Emphasis on PEOPLE. :)

Before I get into what we've decided to be a well rounded, light hearted, & very us (non-expensive) geeky engagement party here's a little bit of HISTORY on how traditional engagement parties used to roll.

Now that is how an announcement is done!

Historically, engagement parties were normal parties at which a surprise announcement of the engagement was made by the father of the bride to his guests. The engagement party was to share the engagement news with family members and friends. Therefore, it was not a traditional gift-giving occasion, as none of the guests were supposed to be aware of the engagement until after their arrival.

In ancient Greece, an engagement party was a commercial transaction. It was essentially an oral contract, made between the man who gave the woman in marriage, usually her father, and the groom. The bride was not present.

In modern times, engagement parties often celebrate a previously publicized engagement. Gifts are often given and toasts or speeches are often made. Some couples choose not to have an engagement party.

While it varies, an engagement party sometimes is thrown at the beginning of the wedding planning process. It is often thrown at the couple's home or the home of a close friend or relative of the couple. This kind of engagement party usually includes engagement party gifts for the couple which are similar to wedding gifts in that they are household goods which will help the couple start their life together, but are usually less expensive and less formal than the gifts a couple will receive at their wedding.

- Wikipedia

Thanks Wikipedia! What would we all do without you!?  

After hearing about how engagement parties "should be" we obviously are not doing it any of those ways. (Especially the transaction part - lol) Aside from our party being a celebration of our announcement and being at the beginning of our wedding planning process the party itself will simply ring the words of "Yep, that's Lani & Sean." 

We knew everyone was expecting us to do a masquerade/costumed event (since our party is close to Halloween & we <3 dressing up). And because of that we decided against it! Instead we've chosen to go in a much simpler direction - for our own sanity. 

SURPRISE! No Costumes or masks...this time...

The location of our event is actually where we met & couldn't get each other out of our heads, but assumed that the other was "too hot" to be straight - a local LGBT nightclub called Brix. :D 

Side Note!

Three of our titles in the LGBT community of SJ (which we <3 & support!) are:

1: The Straight Couple the Gays Made 

2: The Obamas of San Jose

3: The "Gayest" Straight Couple

All of which we are proud & honoured to bear!

Us repping at San Jose Pride 2012, you know, just hanging with some friends...& Kat De Luna...

TIP: Your location could be some place meaningful to you (park, home, restaurant, cave, etc). You can also lessen your stress by choosing a place that needs minimal decoration.

We'll be using the amazing back patio (which needs little to no decorating) to host our event before the club officially opens (thanks to our adopted family there - THANK YOU ROD). And currently we're setting up foodies, drinks (alcohol is MAJOR if you want people to attend - lol), and some fun things to commemorate the evening.

TIP: Attend your local business/professional mixers! You never know who you'll meet! 

Thankfully since we've attended our fair share of Rainbow Chamber of Commerce mixers, Silicon Valley Capital Club mixers, and other business/professional mixers we've met some amazing people who can now help us survive this event. We're talking to a local caterer for hors d'oeuvres and a possible local winery to do a tasting (both we've met at mixers & have gotten to know). 

Wine tastings aren't just for the classy!
It's just another way to enjoy time with friends, & maybe make some new ones! 

As for sprinkling our personal magic fairy dust to make the event a little more us and special here are a few ideas we're using (you are all more than welcome to borrow/steal these)!

TIP: Your local Dollar Store is your friend!  Don't be afraid to shop there, your wallet will thank you later.

Easy, cheap (dollar store), and FUN! Props are great additions too! 

Who doesn't like taking pictures with friends? This fab idea is just so perfect, especially for our event. This easy and cheap idea will really add to any party since so many people love taking pics and posting them onto their many social sites.

One thing we might do is place a commemorative saying like "Lani & Sean <3 & Thank You!" and/or "Engaged Sep 07, 2012" at the top of the backdrop. Eh, I'm still thinking and working on the wording.

Instead of asking for presents, collect donations for a charity you believe in!

TIP: The gift part doesn't always have to be about you and your partner. Asking people to "gift" you donations to a local charity is an amazing alternative!

In lieu of presents (as we think it's rather selfish to ask people to give us presents now & at the wedding - we felt a bit like Cookie Monster if he was into eating presents - lol) we'll be hosting a donation box for Andy's Pet Shop; a local San Jose pet store that helps numerous rescue animals find foster homes & permanent homes!  

Now this isn't a new thing to do. Many people have made this a "tradition" for wedding type events, and it's one we really liked.

I love how Sean proposed to me! So I'm going to share that night via pictures!

TIP: Photos, photos, photos! Share as many photos, pieces of memorobilia, etc of that life event so you're not stuck repeating the proposal story the entire party!

Sharing the night of the proposal via pictures may or may not be a new tradtion, but I think it will add that little touch of, "Awwwwwww!" to the event. :D I still cannot believe how creative, honest, and really "us" Sean's proposal was... I love you, babe. 

Now the last & final possible idea...

To do or not to do...an engagement photo(s)...

Being that our party is only weeks away, do we really have the time to take engagement photos? Are they really that necessary? And what's the deal with all of the feet in/on the sand engagement pics? 

A simple way out of this would be to pick one of our fav pics of us, blow it up, place it in a frame, and have people sign the border around the pic. Done.

But...if you knew/know us we will always try to push the limits of what we think we can do. What's awesome is that engagement pics are entering the world of the GEEK!

(Photo credit: Heather Kincaid)

We do have a GREAT idea if we decide to take engagement photos, one that Sean is a bit in love with...but we'll keep the idea a secret for now... :D

(Side Tip: If you can't afford a Pro Photographer look into hiring students or amateurs. Craigslist is a great place to start!)

Now what makes our party Geeky? US! There may not be any real "geeky" things at this particular event, but just by being ourselves & adding a few of the touches that I talked about are enough to qualify this (I think) as a "Modern Geeky Engagement Party." :D

My advice on throwing a Modern Geeky Engagement Party: Don't let money or minute details get you down! Make this event about celebrating the 2 of you & your engagement. Remember, the Dollar Store's your friend & of course don't forget your ACTUAL FRIENDS/FAMILY! They only want to see you happy so the event could literally be a pot luck, just as long as you're surrounded by those that love the 2 of you. So sprinkle your own personal magic fairy dust onto your party, start your own traditions & it will be perfect.

I know ours will be. <3

- Lani

P.S. If you wanted to help rescued animals, help by donating & giving back to our charity of choice, Andy's Pet Shop. 

Thank you & virtual air hug to you!

P.P.S. New ideas, thoughts, and comments are always welcome! If you have a great idea, please share it!

_______

ADDED IDEA!!! 10/4/2012

We'll be creating & printing out questionnaires for the guests to fill out. We want to get people's thoughts, ideas, opinions, comments, etc on our wedding. So I think we'll ask things like, "What theme, color(s), etc do you think would be best for Lani & Sean's wedding?" About 3 questions total on the questionnaires & then we'll have a box that people can place them in so we can keep them for nostalgic reasons as well as ideas!  

If you have any other ideas for me please share them!