My 2014 Update (also known as my Xmas newsletter)

LIVE FROM FALLS CHURCH IT’S YEAR END UPDATE

Brought to you by the most trusted source of information, your most favorite four-legged friend

Me and my daddies at home

You read it right, I am still here.  In my advance year of 14 years and 5 months, you really shouldn’t expect this update to be very coherent.  I have to break up this writing task into many sessions, in between allegedly very long naps.  My weight is a little down, my waking hours is a little short, I am not climbing that long flight of stairs to go up to the main floor, and my daddies have to carry me up, but let me tell you … life is still good and I am still doing my very best to be happy and to make my daddies happy.

Speaking of HAPPY, you all know 2014 is one big happy year in the gayest way!  That’s right.  Marriage equality swept across this land.   Three weeks after my daddies exchanged their vows in DC, same sex marriage became available in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Who would have thought!  On September 7 this year, my two daddies tied the knot in a beautiful Chinese tea house.  Being the non-traditionalists that they are, their wedding festivities did not start nor end that day.  To recap this year-long celebration, one must go way back to February.  And you guessed it …. It has something to do with running and traveling.

Daddy Duane is so happy!  A set up?????



Daddies with my Chinese grannies, Carman, Wah, and Zita

My two daddies travelled to Hong Kong and celebrated their then-impending nuptial with Daddy Ivan’s family and friends.  Reuter reported that the event was understated but very warm.  There were mahjong games, lots of laughter, cakes, tons of pictures taken, lots of traditional Chinese banquet food, and not to forget, Karaoke.  Daddy Duane was so moved by how welcome he felt being accepted into the family, especially with the “cash gifts” and hugs.  All the aunties, uncles, and cousins were there and everyone had a fantastic time.  Daddy Ivan’s high school and college friends were there to meet Daddy Duane.  Needless to say, my Chinese grandma and grandpa were very happy.  Oh on a side note, Daddy Ivan and three guests (including the usual suspect, Auntie Bonnie) ran the Hong Kong marathon the morning of the banquet!

Captain America made an appearance at the HK marathon

While they were in Asia, they figured they might just as well go someplace new.  They thought how about a place where almost everyone will go – Angkor Wat.  That’s right; they went to Cambodia with Auntie Zoe!  The three of them saw ruin after ruin, climbed step after step, and even learned to cook Khmer food in a local culinary school.  My daddies said that all the carvings were mind-blowingly beautiful and intricate.  Obviously at their advance ages, they went with private tour guide and a private car.  And they got to stay in a lovely hotel for free, thanks to the generosity of their friends’ Cambodian family.

One of the many ruins



Traveling with Zoe is always fun

The months of March through August were a blur.  I overheard discussions about invitations, flowers, food, etc., etc.  I thought those talks would never end.  But before you knew it, September came around.  Days before the BIG DAY, there were happy hours for friends that could not be squeezed into the tea house of the wedding and BBQ dinner for out of town guests the night before.  According to TMZ, the wedding itself was an intimate event with about 40 guests; many came from overseas and across the country.  My source said that they made arrangement to have perfect weather.  The ceremony was officiated by Judge Mary and witnessed by Auntie Zoe and Uncle Yih-Peng.  The venue was perfect, the food was perfect, and the toasts were, you guessed it, just perfect.  Daddy Ivan was a hot mess and, judging from pictures, he was not the only one.  Grandma was very happy and moved, and by the way, she looked lovely.  Daddies shocked the whole world with a choreographed first dance.  Not known as a dancer, Daddy Duane tore up the dance floor.  I am just so happy for my daddies.  They picked me up 14 years ago from the shelter when they first moved in together and to be able to see that they got hitched legally is just absolutely beyond my wildest dreams.

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

2014 certainly moved along quickly and there were the usual activities: bike-rides, marathons, and travels.  Your most adorable friend is optimistic that 2015 will be filled with just as much joy, love, and laughter.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!

 

Love you all, Murphy, Ivan and Duane