Icy treats

Back in November, we visited Snopo in the New World Mall Food Court in Flushing, NY. What you see above is the "Snow White" found under the header "Romantic Snowy". Looking at the rest of the menu, we quickly encounter the "Engrish" you would usually find at an Asian stationary store. Really, all that was missing from our dessert was a Hello Kitty drawn with syrup to complete this insane dessert. My wife said the look of the dish was like letting Buddy the Elf loose in the kitchen with the task of creating a cold dessert. While kettle corn and multi-colored cereal with shaved ice might be your thing, I just couldn't get over the resulting texture, which I can call "sticky" at best. Although this was not really what I was expecting, it was fun to try, but I would definitely order something else should we return on our next trip to NY.

Tuesday's Tunes: I Lift My Hands

This one's been on repeat a lot as of late, enjoy!

I Lift My Hands
By: Matt Maher , Louie Giglio , Chris Tomlin

Verse 1
Be still, there is a Healer
His love is deeper than the sea
His mercy is unfailing
His arms, a fortress for the weak

Pre-Chorus
Let faith arise, let faith arise

Chorus
I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember
You are faithful, God, forever

Verse 2
Be still, there is a river
That flows from Calvary's Tree
A fountain for the thirsty
Your grace that washes over me

Pre-Chorus
Let faith arise, let faith arise

Bridge
Let faith arise, let faith arise
Open my eyes, open my eyes
Let faith arise, let faith arise
Open my eyes

Bye Buddy...

*Sigh* Another Christmas has come and gone...keep it real Mr. Narwhal.

The original clip from Elf for those out of the loop:

Photos: Christmas vacation to Hawaii

We had the lovely opportunity to spend a week in Hawaii visiting my wife's family for the last week of December and through New Year's Day! A few quick highlights:

• A lot of quality time with immediate and extended family (we had parties both New Year's Eve AND Day)
• Although the winter is the rainy season for the islands, we had a beautiful weather the whole week we were visiting.
• Got better with the family dog, Mia. I never grew up with pets, but I definitely learned what great companions they are and what fun a simple walk into town could be with her. Needless to say, Mia doesn't get out much and she really enjoyed the new scenery and people, but was pretty tired afterwards.
• Explored a new beach we never went to before, that was a super-popular spot for local surfers. We went in the late afternoon which made for some beautiful photos you'll see below. Reminded me that God sure is a talented artist.
• Checked "experience omakase at a nice Japanese restaurant" off my bucket list. Best nigiri sushi I've had, ever, and such a great culinary adventure to share with my wife.. Note to self: formalize the rest of my mental bucket list.
• I love izakaya restaurants...kinda gleamed this from our trip to Hawaii two years ago. But when we were catching up with an old college roommate this trip, I had ama-ebi nigiri for the first time, and to my delight, when you order this, you also get the head of the prawns deep fried so that you can just eat the whole thing like a big 'ol shrimp chip. DELICIOUS.

And now, here are a few snapshots:

Panda pastries

Katsu curry

Horse lamp at the restaurant Stage

The Mrs. with the family dog Mia

Pancakes with a delicious macadamia nut sauce at Boots and Kimo's

Dessert @ Snow Factory

Last night in Hawaii, down by the tourists in Waikiki

Last activity before flying? Why a hike up Diamond Head National Park w/ family friend Jeremy.

So sad to say "Goodbye" :( See you again soon Hawaii!

Tuesday's Tunes: Unending Love

Unending Love - Hillsong Live



Happy 2012 everyone! I've been playing this track from the "God is Able" album a lot recently, I hope you enjoy!