It was 10 years ago today when my life changed FOREVER!

Part 1

It was 10 years ago today at approximately June 27, 2002 5:50PM.  I was working as a banker at Wells Fargo and we had only 10 minutes before the branch closed.  I had scolded my other co-workers and told them that if anyone else were to walk through that door, they had to help them because once the clock strikes 6, I was running out that door!

As I turn to my computer I can see at the corner of my eye someone walks through the door.  I pick up the handset of my telephone to pretend I was on a phone call in case the customer that walks in decides to come to my desk.  As I feel the footsteps of the customer walk closer and closer, I kept thinking to myself “Why are the other bankers not stopping to help the customer as I already told them I will not stay late tonight…”

Within seconds someone sits at the chair across my desk and says, “What’s up girl?!”

I look up to see a familiar and very handsome face but I could not quickly figure out who it could be.  My jaw dropped when I realized it was an old friend I had cut off in any form of communication approximately one year ago.

I jump out of my seat and shrieked with delight!  He then says, “Well are you going to give me a hug or just stand there?”

I get ready to lunge over to hug my friend and then made a split second comment “Umm are you suppose to be here or is FBI going to run into the doors after you….I work at a bank you know and I need to keep my job!”

With a confused look on his face and then a laugh he said, “Girl, you better quit playing I am home!  Give me a hug NOW!”

I hug him without hesitation, as I could not believe my good friend Colin Yip was officially home!  He had been incarcerated for nearly 8 years at the age of 15 years old and is now 24 years old. I was stunned, excited and nervous all at the same time.  I cared about my friend in ways I could never figure out or understand, but I cut all ties with him when I realized he was in love with me and I wasn’t sure what I felt for him.  After all, in all honestly it wasn’t my dream to marry a convict or even ex-convict, so I had to use my head and allow my heart to bleed for nearly a year.

I then ask, “So how long have you been out?” 

Colin replies “Oh I got out this morning!”

My stomach did a back flip and my heart did a thump and I respond, “And WOW you came here to my job?” 

Colin answers, “Well no I went to Arden Mall first…”

The laughs and giggles kicked in and from that moment, I knew my life was going to change forever!

To Be Continued…And the Next Chapter Begins (Click Here!)

And the next Chapter Begins...

Part 2  (Read Part 1, Click Here)

As Colin left the branch so I can close up, I promised I would stop by his parents house and visit him later in the evening.  I was so shaken and confused, yet excited and thrilled all at the same time.  I had this feeling of adrenaline, kind of like how you feel right before you get on a roller coaster ride at a theme park.

            I remember calling my mom and saying, “Hey Mom, you will never guess who came home?”

            My mom then responds, “Who?”

            I then reply, “Colin is home…just got out this morning and just showed up at my job just now.”

            My mom then says “Oh no Joy, please don’t fall in love…”

            “Oh mom, don’t worry I won’t!  He is just a friend…”

As weeks then months went by spending time together as friends, hanging out, and just talking to Colin, I begin to see a whole side of him that just amazed me.  In 2001 one I made some visits to him while he was in prison and I remember him telling me all of his goals, dreams and plans for the future.  I remember clearly laughing at Colin and telling him that he wasn’t really going to do all that and that he is probably just going to party and run around wild with girls since he has been locked up since he was 15 years old.  He missed out on so much of his youth and that clearly he was going to catch up for lost time.  I remember him looking at me so serious and saying, “No, I have big things in life that I want to do and I am determined to do it.”

Not only did Colin say those words, but he also acted out those words.  He accomplished every goal he had set out for the first 30 days of being released which included a car he purchased on his own ($150 from the neighbor), attain a driver’s license and find a job.  YES a JOB!  And guess what for being in prison for 8 years, he was hired for a JOB!

Colin continued to show his true character and how much he stood firm on his word.  Every promise of his word matched every action.  I was astounded by the discipline and valor this man carried in himself.  I could not believe a man that I dreamed up in my subconscious mind was literally standing before me, even though he had ex-felon on his record.  Colin would always tell me that, he may not have much and all he has is his word of honor.  If that at all means something, it's that I can always trust and count the words that come out of his mouth will always hold true.  As I continued to see more and more of how this man lived his daily life, I knew deep in my heart this is the man that God sent for me to be my husband. 

After only 6 months of being home he asked me to be his girlfriend and 4 months later we made permanent our vows to one another in front of over 400 of our family, friends and loved ones on April 6, 2003.  Since then the journey has been an amazing one for me.  I truly believe you can dream up your prince charming and have that trophy husband right beside you…Dreams Do Come TRUE!!!

     Thank you Colin Yip for changing my life for the better, for making my dreams come true.  Thank you for being an amazing Husband and father to our two children.  Without you to push me and support me in every passion I want to pursue, I truly could not have accomplished those goals without you!  I love you with all of my heart and all of my soul.   

I am forever yours, 
Baby Girl!

Read About my Husband Colin Yip's journey here....

Awesome Birthday Gifts!

Today is my husband Colin's birthday!  It's always tough to get him gifts for his birthday or other special occasions, being that he is such a simple man and material things really don't matter to him.  Colin is truly more money savvy (or frugal is probably a better word Ha ha ha!) and would prefer if I don't spend any money.

Because Colin does so much for the kids and I, I really wanted to get him something special without over spending or getting in trouble!  So I came across this awesome website on another blog that was offering a coupon code for $10 off a purchase of a single stock certificate!  I thought this is PERFECT!

Please be sure to check out www.oneshare.com for nearly every stock certificate you can think of!  They also offer framing and engraving to make it simple and easy!  You can also use the promo code  MOUSESAVERS for $10 off your order!

I do hope my husband Colin enjoys his special birthday gift! :)

 

New Parks in Elk Grove!

This is a New Park in Elk Grove.  Jordan wanted to check it out!  It is super cool and so he did a video to show all of you.  This new park in Elk Grove is located across the street from the Colton Park on 9410 Laguna Springs Way, next to the Elk Grove Police station.  Be sure to check out, it's a great place to relax and read a book!  Walking distance for many offices near by for a great place to hang out for lunch!

Be sure to follow us on updates for more information on New Parks in Elk Grove!  

Joy Yip, Your Real Estate Agent for Life! :)