Caroline Chen (ihatepink)'s recent photos

I don't know why my mom was so insistent on taking this picture of me helping out with washing the dishes. It's not like I've never helped out with the dishes before ...

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
I don't know why my mom was so insistent on taking this picture of me helping out with washing the dishes. It's not like I've never helped out with the dishes before ...

Back at home. Throwing leftovers and vegetables from Auntie Li-Lin's garden together made for another grand meal. Oh, and papaya from our garden. Yum!

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Back at home. Throwing leftovers and vegetables from Auntie Li-Lin's garden together made for another grand meal. Oh, and papaya from our garden. Yum!

My mom, Sam, and Jonathan in the shark viewing archway.

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
My mom, Sam, and Jonathan in the shark viewing archway.

It was hard to get a clear shot of these always moving jellyfish.

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
It was hard to get a clear shot of these always moving jellyfish.

Little pink fishies!

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Little pink fishies!

These were seahorses whose bodies were covered with plant-like leaves, which made for really good camoflage.

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
These were seahorses whose bodies were covered with plant-like leaves, which made for really good camoflage.

The three-toed sloth finally came out from being a sleeping hairball to a very slowly moving hairball. Nothing really cute about these guys, except for them moving painfully s l o w l y. :)

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
The three-toed sloth finally came out from being a sleeping hairball to a very slowly moving hairball. Nothing really cute about these guys, except for them moving painfully s l o w l y. :)

I believe these are poison dart frogs. They were really tiny.

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
I believe these are poison dart frogs. They were really tiny.

Birds standing perfectly In unison.

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Birds standing perfectly In unison.

Then Sam and Jon took us to the Dallas World Aquarium. They had aquatic life all right, but we ended up calling them a "zooquarium" with all the assorted wildlife they also housed. Here, the ...

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Then Sam and Jon took us to the Dallas World Aquarium. They had aquatic life all right, but we ended up calling them a "zooquarium" with all the assorted wildlife they also housed. Here, the ...

The fruity drink is Sam's "Swamp Thing".

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
The fruity drink is Sam's "Swamp Thing".

Cheers!

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Cheers!

Group shot.

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Group shot.

AAAAAAAAAAFTER! :)

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
AAAAAAAAAAFTER! :)

Before.

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Before.

I believe these big plates of raw oyster were $5 each!!

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
I believe these big plates of raw oyster were $5 each!!

Picture left is my dad's frozen "Patron Perfect Margarita", which I felt was the strongest of all the margaritas ordered; Aunt and Uncle 3 ordered a "Top Shelf Margarita". At far right is Jo ...

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Picture left is my dad's frozen "Patron Perfect Margarita", which I felt was the strongest of all the margaritas ordered; Aunt and Uncle 3 ordered a "Top Shelf Margarita". At far right is Jo ...

Lunch at Pappadeaux! I don't know why but everyone got drinks, even my parents who usually don't drink! Picture here is my Pomegranite Margarita. Ya know, gotta get my antioxidants and all. ...

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Lunch at Pappadeaux! I don't know why but everyone got drinks, even my parents who usually don't drink! Picture here is my Pomegranite Margarita. Ya know, gotta get my antioxidants and all. ...

One of the swans drinking fresh water from the tap. :)

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
One of the swans drinking fresh water from the tap. :)

The two swans show up as if on cue.

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
The two swans show up as if on cue.

Auntie Li-Lin had said that two swans would always show up whenever she came ... and what is this we see in the distance?

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Auntie Li-Lin had said that two swans would always show up whenever she came ... and what is this we see in the distance?

This is a wall full of spaces for cremations. Apparently they've all been reserved.

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
This is a wall full of spaces for cremations. Apparently they've all been reserved.

Aunt 3 and Auntie Li-Lin take a moment to speak with those who have passed.

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Aunt 3 and Auntie Li-Lin take a moment to speak with those who have passed.

Here are the Shens and Chens at Restland.

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Here are the Shens and Chens at Restland.

Recounting stories about the Shens.

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Recounting stories about the Shens.

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)'s photo

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)

We headed over to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery to visit Mr. Shen (Aunt 3's dad) as well as Mr. Shen (Aunt 3's brother). What a peaceful place.

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
We headed over to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery to visit Mr. Shen (Aunt 3's dad) as well as Mr. Shen (Aunt 3's brother). What a peaceful place.

We all went for a nice little stroll around the neighborhood; we even walked by the neighboring golf course (much to the interest of Aunt and Uncle 3).

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
We all went for a nice little stroll around the neighborhood; we even walked by the neighboring golf course (much to the interest of Aunt and Uncle 3).

We're all grateful for such a wonderful breakfast.

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
We're all grateful for such a wonderful breakfast.

I guess Uncle 3 wasn't fully awake yet. He tore open his sugar packet and dumped it all straight into the congee rather than the coffee!! Hahahah!!

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
I guess Uncle 3 wasn't fully awake yet. He tore open his sugar packet and dumped it all straight into the congee rather than the coffee!! Hahahah!!

Yummy yam and fresh fruit were part of this nutritious breakfast.

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Yummy yam and fresh fruit were part of this nutritious breakfast.

11/14/09 bright 'n early (for me, anyway): Auntie Li-Lin brews up some coffee for us to go with breakfast.

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
11/14/09 bright 'n early (for me, anyway): Auntie Li-Lin brews up some coffee for us to go with breakfast.

Sam happened to be in the area and have a couple hours so he took me out for bubble tea and a nice chat. Then he took me back to the house where we continued to sing karaoke until midnight - ...

2009-11-23T10:32:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Sam happened to be in the area and have a couple hours so he took me out for bubble tea and a nice chat. Then he took me back to the house where we continued to sing karaoke until midnight - ...

Uncle 3 sings; is Jonathan doing a little dance there in the background? :)

2009-11-23T07:56:02Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Uncle 3 sings; is Jonathan doing a little dance there in the background? :)

Special sparkly tea cups!

2009-11-23T07:55:30Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Special sparkly tea cups!

Auntie Li-Lin finally gets Jonathan to sing a few songs. It's always funner when everyone participates. :)

2009-11-23T07:54:30Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Auntie Li-Lin finally gets Jonathan to sing a few songs. It's always funner when everyone participates. :)

Auntie Li-Lin steps up to the mic. She really has such a nice voice!

2009-11-23T07:55:02Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Auntie Li-Lin steps up to the mic. She really has such a nice voice!

My parents singing together. Karaoke photos while people are singing are always funny.

2009-11-23T07:55:02Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
My parents singing together. Karaoke photos while people are singing are always funny.

Our lovely karaoke setup. Comfortable couches, tea, snacks, and a smoke-free environment. The only thing missing was alcohol, but I think I might have been the only one missing it. :)

2009-11-23T07:55:02Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Our lovely karaoke setup. Comfortable couches, tea, snacks, and a smoke-free environment. The only thing missing was alcohol, but I think I might have been the only one missing it. :)

Singing together.

2009-11-23T07:55:02Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Singing together.

Here's a second note card with lyrics to another song. The Chen brothers have always been known to be hyper-prepared, and I suppose this is just one of the many examples. :)

2009-11-23T07:45:51Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Here's a second note card with lyrics to another song. The Chen brothers have always been known to be hyper-prepared, and I suppose this is just one of the many examples. :)

Karaoke action at the house! Aunt Sandra sings while my parents flip through the songbooks.

2009-11-23T07:45:43Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Karaoke action at the house! Aunt Sandra sings while my parents flip through the songbooks.

After Auntie Li-Lin told us we would be doing karaoke at her house after dinner, Uncle 3 whips out a note card with song lyrics written on it. You just never know when you might have to kara ...

2009-11-23T07:45:43Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
After Auntie Li-Lin told us we would be doing karaoke at her house after dinner, Uncle 3 whips out a note card with song lyrics written on it. You just never know when you might have to kara ...

Hahah, I don't know what Uncle 3 was trying to explain here.

2009-11-23T07:39:31Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Hahah, I don't know what Uncle 3 was trying to explain here.

Auntie Li-Lin brought us here for Peking duck; unfortunately they were all sold out! The meal was delicious nonetheless, and in true Chinese fashion we ordered way too much and felt obligate ...

2009-11-23T07:40:41Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Auntie Li-Lin brought us here for Peking duck; unfortunately they were all sold out! The meal was delicious nonetheless, and in true Chinese fashion we ordered way too much and felt obligate ...

Lovely sunset as we roll into Dallas.

2009-11-23T07:40:41Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Lovely sunset as we roll into Dallas.

Cruising down the highway in the rental car, window fixed, GPS replaced. :)

2009-11-23T07:40:41Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Cruising down the highway in the rental car, window fixed, GPS replaced. :)

11/13/09: McDonald's coffee break en route to Dallas. My dad asked for 2 coffees, and the cashier piped up, "Oh, I'll give you 2 senior coffees." This is hilarious because my dad is usually ...

2009-11-23T07:40:41Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
11/13/09: McDonald's coffee break en route to Dallas. My dad asked for 2 coffees, and the cashier piped up, "Oh, I'll give you 2 senior coffees." This is hilarious because my dad is usually ...

Sharp flatscreen 32" TV = $400 OBO TV Stand/coffee table = $15

2009-11-21T16:24:36Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Sharp flatscreen 32" TV = $400 OBO TV Stand/coffee table = $15

Metal folding chair, black $5

2009-11-22T03:47:25Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Metal folding chair, black $5

TV Stand/coffee table = $15 edit

2009-11-21T16:53:23Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
TV Stand/coffee table = $15 edit

Sharp flatscreen 32" TV = $400 OBO

2009-11-21T16:24:52Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Sharp flatscreen 32" TV = $400 OBO

Sharp flatscreen 32" TV = $400 OBO

2009-11-22T12:40:01Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Sharp flatscreen 32" TV = $400 OBO

Sharp flatscreen 32" TV = $400 OBO

2009-11-21T16:24:46Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Sharp flatscreen 32" TV = $400 OBO

Black wood foldable table stand = $10. Approx 18"W x 14"D x 26"H.

2009-11-21T16:23:33Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Black wood foldable table stand = $10. Approx 18"W x 14"D x 26"H.

Bissell Powerforce bagless Vacuum Cleaner = $20. Full-length mirror with black wooden frame = $8. Black metal folding chair (reflection in mirror): $5

2009-11-22T03:48:07Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Bissell Powerforce bagless Vacuum Cleaner = $20. Full-length mirror with black wooden frame = $8. Black metal folding chair (reflection in mirror): $5

Black wood foldable table stand = $10. Approx 18"W x 14"D x 26"H.

2009-11-21T16:23:46Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Black wood foldable table stand = $10. Approx 18"W x 14"D x 26"H.

Front view. 1994 Honda Civic EX $1500 OBO.

2009-11-21T16:21:21Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Front view. 1994 Honda Civic EX $1500 OBO.

This picture tries to show some of the cosmetic blemishes on the car, as well as minor dent and larger scratch in driver's side door; this was not from an accident, but from someone not bein ...

2009-11-21T16:59:19Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
This picture tries to show some of the cosmetic blemishes on the car, as well as minor dent and larger scratch in driver's side door; this was not from an accident, but from someone not bein ...

Sunroof. 1994 Honda Civic EX $1500 OBO.

2009-11-21T16:21:21Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Sunroof. 1994 Honda Civic EX $1500 OBO.

Rear view. 1994 Honda Civic EX $1500 OBO.

2009-11-21T16:21:21Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Rear view. 1994 Honda Civic EX $1500 OBO.

Can throw in seat cushions for free if you like. 1994 Honda Civic EX $1500 OBO.

2009-11-21T16:21:21Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Can throw in seat cushions for free if you like. 1994 Honda Civic EX $1500 OBO.

150k miles. This car has definitely served me well while I've had it. 1994 Honda Civic EX $1500 OBO.

2009-11-21T16:21:23Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
150k miles. This car has definitely served me well while I've had it. 1994 Honda Civic EX $1500 OBO.

Upgrade: CD player that also plays MP3 discs. You need the remote to access all the functionality of it (included). A/C's heating portion works; cooling needs repair. 1994 Honda Civic EX $1 ...

2009-11-21T16:58:48Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Upgrade: CD player that also plays MP3 discs. You need the remote to access all the functionality of it (included). A/C's heating portion works; cooling needs repair. 1994 Honda Civic EX $1 ...

Ah, much better without flash. Couch = $200 (bought it for $400; it is a futon that bends two ways). Here it is in upright position.

2009-11-21T16:20:49Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Ah, much better without flash. Couch = $200 (bought it for $400; it is a futon that bends two ways). Here it is in upright position.

Futon folded again. Asking for $200 (bought it for $400; it is a futon that bends two ways)

2009-11-21T16:20:49Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Futon folded again. Asking for $200 (bought it for $400; it is a futon that bends two ways)

Futon folded flat. Asking for $200 (bought it for $400; it is a futon that bends two ways)

2009-11-21T16:20:49Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Futon folded flat. Asking for $200 (bought it for $400; it is a futon that bends two ways)

Online photo. Bissell Powerforce bagless Vacuum Cleaner = $20

2009-11-21T16:22:07Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Online photo. Bissell Powerforce bagless Vacuum Cleaner = $20

Couch = $200 (bought it for $400; it is a futon that bends two ways): the flash seems to have made many potential buyers think the couch is dirty. It's not; it's just the plush coating photo ...

2009-11-21T16:20:49Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Couch = $200 (bought it for $400; it is a futon that bends two ways): the flash seems to have made many potential buyers think the couch is dirty. It's not; it's just the plush coating photo ...

Sharp flatscreen 32" TV = $400 OBO TV Stand/coffee table = $15

2009-11-21T16:21:07Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Sharp flatscreen 32" TV = $400 OBO TV Stand/coffee table = $15

Table and chairs (4) set = $60 OBO ::SOLD::

2009-11-21T16:21:23Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Table and chairs (4) set = $60 OBO ::SOLD::

1994 Honda Civic EX, sporty red 2-door coupe, 150k miles, in good condition! = $1500 OBO

2009-11-21T16:21:21Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
1994 Honda Civic EX, sporty red 2-door coupe, 150k miles, in good condition! = $1500 OBO

And can you believe ... the very next day (11/10/09) we got a phone call from Cleme Manor Apartments in NE Houston that Aunt 3's backpack had been found in the dumpster by the maintenance ma ...

2009-11-23T07:29:26Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
And can you believe ... the very next day (11/10/09) we got a phone call from Cleme Manor Apartments in NE Houston that Aunt 3's backpack had been found in the dumpster by the maintenance ma ...

Hahaha, what kind of follow through is that, Uncle 3?!?!

2009-11-23T07:29:30Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Hahaha, what kind of follow through is that, Uncle 3?!?!

My friend Alana came over and got to play with my legendary Uncle 3 also. :)

2009-11-23T07:29:27Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
My friend Alana came over and got to play with my legendary Uncle 3 also. :)

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)'s photo

2009-11-23T07:29:27Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)

Ping pong battle!! The rivalry continues!! I know that Uncle 3 busted out the ice wine for a REASON!!!

2009-11-23T07:29:27Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Ping pong battle!! The rivalry continues!! I know that Uncle 3 busted out the ice wine for a REASON!!!

We make our houseguests work for their stay. Just kidding! :) Aunt 3 got to the dishes before I did.

2009-11-23T07:29:32Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
We make our houseguests work for their stay. Just kidding! :) Aunt 3 got to the dishes before I did.

The cool inscription on the teacups; Uncle 3 explains the blood, sweat, and tears that went into the ice wine. (OK fine, more like the procedure and cost.) :D

2009-11-23T07:29:20Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
The cool inscription on the teacups; Uncle 3 explains the blood, sweat, and tears that went into the ice wine. (OK fine, more like the procedure and cost.) :D

Cheers!

2009-11-23T07:29:36Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Cheers!

Pouring the good stuff into some really cute teacups my mom found. :)

2009-11-23T07:29:33Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Pouring the good stuff into some really cute teacups my mom found. :)

So, how many Chen men does it take to open a bottle of wine? :)

2009-11-23T07:29:28Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
So, how many Chen men does it take to open a bottle of wine? :)

Detail on the shrink wrap cover.

2009-11-23T07:29:30Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Detail on the shrink wrap cover.

These are the two homebrewed wines he brought down; we have yet to enjoy the Orange Chocolate Port (drool!).

2009-11-23T07:39:56Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
These are the two homebrewed wines he brought down; we have yet to enjoy the Orange Chocolate Port (drool!).

And now ... what we've all been waiting for ... the ICE WINE that was HOME BREWED by Uncle 3!!

2009-11-23T07:29:20Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
And now ... what we've all been waiting for ... the ICE WINE that was HOME BREWED by Uncle 3!!

Featuring: gobo with white sesame, "wo ju xin" vegetables, and a mix of tofu and leftover eggplant dragon (see 11/01/09 pics) in brown sauce. :)

2009-11-23T07:29:22Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Featuring: gobo with white sesame, "wo ju xin" vegetables, and a mix of tofu and leftover eggplant dragon (see 11/01/09 pics) in brown sauce. :)

11/06/09: Another stellar dinner whipped up by Chef Mom. :)

2009-11-23T07:29:28Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
11/06/09: Another stellar dinner whipped up by Chef Mom. :)

All done. At least they're smiling now. :)

2009-11-23T07:29:26Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
All done. At least they're smiling now. :)

At the glass repair place. They had just enough cash on hand to pay for the repair, even digging out change, and Uncle 3 had only a single penny left on his body after that!

2009-11-23T07:29:24Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
At the glass repair place. They had *just* enough cash on hand to pay for the repair, even digging out change, and Uncle 3 had only a single penny left on his body after that!

Another view of the broken driver's side window.

2009-11-23T07:29:21Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Another view of the broken driver's side window.

11/09/09 ~2p: I arrive on the scene to see the aftermath of a break-in of their rental car. Aunt 3's backpack was stolen. Luckily nothing sentimental was stolen and no one was hurt. Uncle an ...

2009-11-23T07:29:32Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
11/09/09 ~2p: I arrive on the scene to see the aftermath of a break-in of their rental car. Aunt 3's backpack was stolen. Luckily nothing sentimental was stolen and no one was hurt. Uncle an ...

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)'s photo

2009-11-23T07:29:29Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)

I was told a legendary story of how the Chens put their money-saving brains together and managed to get $20 off their meal here. Uncle 3 will probably have to re-tell it in all its glory, bu ...

2009-11-23T07:29:31Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
I was told a legendary story of how the Chens put their money-saving brains together and managed to get $20 off their meal here. Uncle 3 will probably have to re-tell it in all its glory, bu ...

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)'s photo

2009-11-23T07:29:26Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)

At Joe's Crab Shack in Galveston, enjoying several varieties of really delicious crab.

2009-11-23T07:29:30Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
At Joe's Crab Shack in Galveston, enjoying several varieties of really delicious crab.

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)'s photo

2009-11-23T07:29:29Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)

11/08/09: The grownups decide to go for a short trip out to Galveston.

2009-11-23T07:29:26Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
11/08/09: The grownups decide to go for a short trip out to Galveston.

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)'s photo

2009-11-23T07:29:25Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)

11/02/09 dinner: After their first day of golf, Uncle and Aunt 3 arrived home to find that Chef Mom had made an ingenious remix of leftovers and new food; tofu in rice stick noodles was the ...

2009-11-23T07:29:29Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
11/02/09 dinner: After their first day of golf, Uncle and Aunt 3 arrived home to find that Chef Mom had made an ingenious remix of leftovers and new food; tofu in rice stick noodles was the ...

11/02/09 lunchtime: I took this picture too late, after all the food was gone! Homemade pumpkin soup (SO good), and portabello mushroom pizzas (using the mushroom caps as the "crust" - all b ...

2009-11-23T07:29:31Z

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
11/02/09 lunchtime: I took this picture too late, after all the food was gone! Homemade pumpkin soup (SO good), and portabello mushroom pizzas (using the mushroom caps as the "crust" - all b ...