Mr. & Mrs. Duong greet you from Sunny Aruba!!

Hi Everyone!!!

We've arrived and settled in Aruba! It's our second day and so far we've:

1. Eaten ourselves morbidly obese;
   
2. Broken in the IN-ROOM liquor dispense;
   
3. Lost 50 bucks. Won 80 bucks;
4. Shopped downtown;
5. Considered never leaving.

It's just so damned beautiful! Pics below for your enjoyment (envy?)

Also, just wanted to shoot a quick but enormous "THANK YOU" to everyone! We were so happy to see a wonderful turnout at the wedding. It was such a blur I don't think we spent more than 47 seconds with each guest. Again, it was amazing to see everyone and I think the whole thing went off perfectly - could have maybe used another hour or so to chat it up with everyone!

Church and Reception Hall Addresses

Last minute info here:

Kendall United Methodist Church
(http://kendallchurch.org)

7600 Sw 104th St
Miami, FL 33156-3144, US

Signature Gardens (Reception Hall)

12725 Sw 122nd Ave
Miami, FL 33186-5164, US

Don Pierson - Long's college buddy (King's College)

Don Pierson - Long's college buddy (King's College)

1. Where are you from? Vernon, NJ

2. Where do you live now? Highland Lakes, NJ

3. What do you do? Director of Training Products for a Telecommunications company

4. Hobbies? Passions? Basketball; Discgolf; Darts; Computer Technology

5. How long have you known Long? Long who?

6. What is your fondest memory of Long? (if any) Playing Basketball in my hallway.

7. Describe one funny story at Long's expense. (if any) Long was forced to go to a massage parlor when he threw his back out coughing

8. If you could use one word or phrase to describe Long, what would it be? Dedicated... or Sleepy.

9. How long have you known Isabel? A month

10. What is your fondest memory of Isabel? (if any) Eating Subway in her living room, and getting the dog fired up.

11. Describe one funny story at Isabel's expense. (if any) Everything is at Long's expense

12. If you could use one word or phrase to describe Isabel, what would it be? Very nice, or bad vision

13. If you could give one piece of advice to Long before he marries Isabel, what would it be? show up on time stupid

14. If you could give one piece of advice to Isabel before she marries Long, what would it be? Get him to ditch the tighty whities.

15. Any last words, wishes or comments? Good luck Isabel and hide as much as you can until she's locked in Long.

Suly Espinoza - Isabel's friend since childhood (and maid of honor)

Suly Espinoza - Isabel's friend since childhood (and maid of honor)

1. Where are you from? Miami, FL

2. Where do you live now? Pompano Beach, FL

3. What do you do? Attorney

4. Hobbies? Passions? What are those?

5. How long have you known Long? About 5 years

6. What is your fondest memory of Long? (if any) Studying for law school finals at Val's place. The first time, I sat on the couch and you at the table with Tara. I just had to comment on your fantastic legs. You were proud to admit you had your mother's legs.

7. Describe one funny story at Long's expense. (if any) It's not particularly funny but I do recall his initial expression of interest for Isabel and the follow-up phone calls I would get after their first dates to inquire about whether she said or thought anything about him. It was then I realized men are not that much different from women.

8. If you could use one word or phrase to describe Long, what would it be? Kind.

9. How long have you known Isabel? 21 years this week...Happy Anniversary!


10. What is your fondest memory of Isabel? (if any) WOW...I have so many! I always enjoyed and enjoy remembering the trips to TY Park when we were kids, playing in the fake beach, riding the rental bikes along the trail, eating her dad's delicious ham and cheese on Cuban bread sandwiches. Those were the days. Then came high school and our fun times as candy stripers at Miami Children's Hospital. Who can forget Maria & Marshall, right? And of course, there will always be FSU and Tallahasee! Go NOLES!

11. Describe one funny story at Isabel's expense. (if any) I'll spare her.


12. If you could use one word or phrase to describe Isabel, what would it be? Fantabolous!


13. If you could give one piece of advice to Long before he marries Isabel, what would it be? I know people who know people so just do as you're told and we'll be a happy family. ; )


14. If you could give one piece of advice to Isabel before she marries Long, what would it be? Be patient, he's a man!


15. Any last words, wishes or comments? I love you both very much! And remember, Sulita makes a pretty girl's name and Mario a cute boy's name. Wink!

Jacqui Williams - Long's friend since childhood

Jacqui Williams - Long's friend since childhood

1. Where are you from? Gainesville

2. Where do you live now? Orlando

3. What do you do? Marriage and Family Therapist

4. Hobbies? Passions? Football, anything Gators, spending time with family

5. How long have you known Long? Since the 2nd grade

6. What is your fondest memory of Long? (if any) Looking into the stands at my last UF gymnastics meet and seeing my number one fan holding a poster for me.

7. Describe one funny story at Long's expense. (if any) There are so many. Having his picture on my refrigerator for months with blonde hair. That made me laugh every time I looked at it, it was such a bizarre picture. Long on a moped is always a classic. Seeing how long we could go without showering, Long won.

8. If you could use one word or phrase to describe Long, what would it be? Priceless

9. How long have you known Isabel? For as long as she has been dating Long

10. What is your fondest memory of Isabel? (if any) Going downtown with her and Long in Miami

12. If you could use one word or phrase to describe Isabel, what would it be? Unforgettable

13. If you could give one piece of advice to Long before he marries Isabel, what would it be? It is ok to trash talk one day a year and let Isabel know what school is better, especially in football.

14. If you could give one piece of advice to Isabel before she marries Long, what would it be? Be nice to Long when he has trouble finding a hat to fit his enormous head.

15. Any last words, wishes or comments? Remember the Five Love Languages ,date night, and that she is always right. I love you both and I am honored to be a part of your special day.

Jason Guerrasio - Long's college buddy (King's)

Jason Guerrasio - Long's college buddy (King's)

1. Where are you from? Stamford, CT


2. Where do you live now? Glen Ridge, NJ


3. What do you do? Entertainment Journalist

4. Hobbies? Passions? watching movies, watching the New York Yankees, now that it's the off season... watching more movies.


5. How long have you known Long?
Too long... since college

6. What is your fondest memory of Long? (if any) If I had to only pick one it would be when he tried to break into our old apartment because he thought he still lived there. Oh, did I mention he was dressed as one of the bank robbers from the film DEAD PRESIDENTS?


7. Describe one funny story at Long's expense. (if any) see above


8. If you could use one word or phrase to describe Long, what would it be? THE INSPECTOR

12. If you could use one word or phrase to describe Isabel, what would it be? Don't know her but I'd have to say patience if she's marrying Long.

13. If you could give one piece of advice to Long before he marries Isabel, what would it be? Make it clear that watching the Gator's is "your time."

14. If you could give one piece of advice to Isabel before she marries Long, what would it be? Make sure to plan "your time" WITH Long during Gator games. Especially bowl games or March Madness.

15. Any last words, wishes or comments? Just that I wish Long and Isabel all the happiness in the world and congratulations.

Mai Dean - Long's cousin

Mai Dean - Long's cousin

1. Where are you from? g'ville, fl

2. Where do you live now? g'ville, fl (but i got out and went to lots of exciting places before coming back, i swear!)

3. What do you do? family medicine resident

4. Hobbies? Passions? preparing for my first baby coming 2/18/08! (or thereabouts), walking my 2 sweet doggies, spending quality time with my wonderful husband cooper, sleeping in and
eating out as much as i can until 2/18/08

5. How long have you known Long? my whole life, all 21 years of it

6. What is your fondest memory of Long? (if any) when i was 12 my family sold our house and bought a sailboat, planning to sail to haiti to do charity work. in between working on the boat and sailing in short trips down the coast of florida, we would return to gainesville and stay with long's family. every time we left their house to go back to the boat, long would cry, even if we
knew we'd see him again in a couple of weeks. he's always been like a brother to me.

7. Describe one funny story at Long's expense. (if any) when we were little, he told me that boys have a penis and girls have a pagina.

8. If you could use one word or phrase to describe Long, what would it be? genuine

9. How long have you known Isabel? i think i met her a few times when she and long started dating, but didn't really get to know her until she moved to gainesville.

10. What is your fondest memory of Isabel? (if any) her delicious salsa ; )

11. Describe one funny story at Isabel's expense. (if any) i'll let you know if i think of any, but honestly she just doesn't ever embarrass herself.

12. If you could use one word or phrase to describe Isabel, what would it be? sweet

13. If you could give one piece of advice to Long before he marries Isabel, what would it be? never leave each other angry

14. If you could give one piece of advice to Isabel before she marries Long, what would it be? disguise long's vegetables and he'll eat them

15. Any last words, wishes or comments? congratulations and good luck! i'm SO happy for you!!!

Mari Fajardo - Isabel's cousin

1. Where are you from?
Miami, FL

2. Where do you live now?
Miami, FL

3. What do you do?
Psychosocial Counselor

5. How long have you known Long?
about 3 years

6. What is your fondest memory of Long? (if any)
New Year's Eve 2006 when Long nervously attempted to get Isabel' s and her family's attention as they were engrossed in watching Univision's countdown to the new year. The family had no idea why Long was turning off the TV or what the heck he was saying or why he was down on one knee (though I think they got it when they saw the ring)! I think it was a very sweet moment and we all appreciated being a part of it.

7. Describe one funny story at Long's expense. (if any)
I recently discovered to my dissapointment Long's passion for Britney Spears music

9. How long have you known Isabel?
26 years

10. What is your fondest memory of Isabel? (if any)
Isabel was maybe 11 or 12 when she "performed" "Everybody Dance Now" by C&C Music Factory for our family. She was the lead singer (of course) and her brother and I were stuck as the backup dancers!
11. Describe one funny story at Isabel's expense. (if any)
Im not allowed to share any

13. If you could give one piece of advice to Long before he marries Isabel, what would it be? When she is in one of those moods steer clear until she says its safe

14. If you could give one piece of advice to Isabel before she marries Long, what would it be? Dont assume he got what you meant the first time. Repeat at least 3 times if you want to get a point accross.


15. Any last words, wishes or comments?
Ive seen your relationship evolve into something truly beautiful. The mutual love and respect that exists between the 2 of you is rare these days. I wish you an unforgetable wedding day but an even more memorable life together.

Michael Ackerman - Long's law school buddy

1. Where are you from?
St. Louis, MO

2. Where do you live now?
STL

3. What do you do?
lawyer
4. Hobbies? Passions?
travel, read, and cook

5. How long have you known Long?
7 years

6. What is your fondest memory of Long? (if any)
See #7

7. Describe one funny story at Long's expense. (if any)
The first time our torts professor read his name out loud to the class, he paused because he thought someone had pulled a prank on him.

8. If you could use one word or phrase to describe Long, what would it be?
intelligent and generous

9. How long have you known Isabel?
1 year

12. If you could use one word or phrase to describe Isabel, what would it be?
caliente

13. If you could give one piece of advice to Long before he marries Isabel, what would it be?
You shouldn't have waited so long.


14. If you could give one piece of advice to Isabel before she marries Long, what would it be?
Are you sure?

15. Any last words, wishes or comments?
Of course I wish them all the best!

Jon Williams - Long's friend since childhood

1. Where are you from?
Gainesville, FL (Home of the fightin Gators, Sonny's Bar-b-q, and Tom Petty)


2. Where do you live now?
Charlotte, NC


3. What do you do?
During work days, I'm a Reimbursement Manager for Elan Pharmaceuticals. Other times, I'm a Dad to Ella (3), Jack (2), and Gator (puppy). And in between all that, I'm a husband to Tricia.

4. Hobbies? Passions?
Hobbies - Lifting weights, (mandatory) home improvement, and very recently drinking wine with my wife
Passions - Taking my kids swimming


5. How long have you known Long?
Since 2nd grade!


6. What is your fondest memory of Long? (if any)
My fondest memory of Long was sitting out on his parent's porch getting our hair braided as part of a Halloween costume (We were Kris Kross).


7. Describe one funny story at Long's expense. (if any)
Did anyone ever see his teal Geo Storm?


8. If you could use one word or phrase to describe Long, what would it be?
Funny.


9. How long have you known Isabel?
Not long...maybe two years? Hoping to know her better over the years.

12. If you could use one word or phrase to describe Isabel, what would it be?
Without a doubt...sweet.


13. If you could give one piece of advice to Long before he marries Isabel, what would it be?
I'm going to have to steal the same advice my parent-in-laws gave to me before my wedding. They reminded me that love is a verb. Dance, hug, kiss...physically do something for each other to show them that you care.


14. If you could give one piece of advice to Isabel before she marries Long, what would it be?
Run for the hills.


15. Any last words, wishes or comments?
You two are so special to us. We wish you the best, always, and know that this is the real deal. Plus, I'm really looking foward to a few little Duong's running around!

Thanh Carroll - Long's cousin

1. Where are you from?
the swamp. i'm what's known as an acr (alachua county resident)

2. Where do you live now?
our nation's lovely capital

3. What do you do?
i keep it real as the backbone of a public charter school.

4. Hobbies? Passions?
wedding planning, doggies, crossword puzzles... just waiting to add
"my nephew dylan" to that list.

5. How long have you known Long?
my whole life. a solid 27 years, 8 months exactly as of today (1/10). :)

6. What is your fondest memory of Long? (if any)
all of em where he wasn't terrorizing me as a small child... like when
we took a road trip up to new york and tried to get into an mtv dance
show but instead ended up being under-dressed and just sat in a bar in
times square at like, 11am and watched the line of people who actually
got to be on the show while ordering shots of cheap vodka and drinking
it with bottle of juice we had with us. classy.

7. Describe one funny story at Long's expense. (if any)
how about that time long dressed up as the incredible hulk for
halloween and i ended the night by washing everything he ate or drank
that night as well as smeared green face paint off the side of my
car... or when i was away at school and we used to talk on the
computer all the time because we had the same nocturnal sleep habits
and he sent me a video of himself banging on a keyboard and giving lil
wayne a run for his money... "bling bling!".... if youtube had been
around i swear it would have been an internet phenomenon.

8. If you could use one word or phrase to describe Long, what would it be?
my fave.

9. How long have you known Isabel?
around the time long stopped being "grumpy long".

10. What is your fondest memory of Isabel? (if any)
i'm hoping it will be when she gets buckwild at the wedding.

11. Describe one funny story at Isabel's expense. (if any)
isabel walking sophie (isabel's yorkie) while swinging the shower rod around like a
crazy lady is something i'm dying to see with my own eyes.

12. If you could use one word or phrase to describe Isabel, what would it
be?
sweet as pie.

13. If you could give one piece of advice to Long before he marries Isabel,
what would it be?
try not to swing sophie around.

14. If you could give one piece of advice to Isabel before she marries
Long, what would it be?
learn to cook chicken curry

15. Any last words, wishes or comments?
good luck! love you guys!

Brenda Malave - Isabel's college buddy

1. Where are you from? Miami, FL

2. Where do you live now? Orlando, FL

3. What do you do? Mortgage Underwriter

4. Hobbies? Passions? I love to travel, watch Dr. Phil, spend time with friends and family.

5. How long have you known Long? about 2 years

9. How long have you known Isabel? 6 years

10. What is your fondest memory of Isabel? (if any) Isabel took me into her apartment when I was homeless. (well kind of any way)

11. Describe one funny story at Isabel's expense. (if any)

12. If you could use one word or phrase to describe Isabel, what would it be? warm-hearted

13. If you could give one piece of advice to Long before he marries Isabel, what would it be?
Dont forget the dates (anniversaries, birthdays, 1st date, etc). It means a lot when you remember.

14. If you could give one piece of advice to Isabel before she marries Long, what would it be?

Save the Date! Don't stop dating each other. Just because you get to be with each other every day doesn't give you license to become couch potatoes. Dress up like you did when you were dating. Wear his favorite perfume or hairstyle or dress. Go to the movies, a concert, a basketball game, or even just for a walk or a picnic on the living-room floor. Quality time together doesn't have to cost a lot, but the payoff is huge.

Matt Desciak - Long's college buddy (King's)

1. Where are you from?

Wilkes-Barre, PA- home of the Monarchs!

2. Where do you live now?

Harrisburg, PA

3. What do you do?

Anesthesia resident

4. Hobbies? Passions?

Passionate about Pitt basketball and the Steelers. Free time is a little tight now, so my main hobby is spending time with my wife, Laura, and my daughter, Julia. Used to play basketball before I got all old and stuff.

5. How long have you known Long?

About 11 years, going back to college at King's.

6. What is your fondest memory of Long? (if any)

Lots of fond memories- probably the best involved the 24 hour drive from Wilkes-Barre to Gainesville for spring break. Lots of late night fast food runs. And of course, the phrase "how much are you willing to spend?" which was his response to every question I ever asked him regarding advice for something electronic.

7. Describe one funny story at Long's expense. (if any)

I remember a time when Long planned this great elaborate steak dinner for himself- he marinated it all day, cooked it perfectly with all the fixins. He sets it down on the coffee table in the living room of our apartment and walks into the kitchen to get a drink. As he walks down the hall back into the living room, our dog (Killian) is passing him in the opposite direction holding his steak in his mouth. I don't think Long ever forgave Killian for that!

8. If you could use one word or phrase to describe Long, what would it be? honorable

9. How long have you known Isabel?

have not had the pleasure to meet her yet.

13. If you could give one piece of advice to Long before he marries Isabel, what would it be?
never miss an opportunity to compliment her- and tell her that you love her everyday.

14. If you could give one piece of advice to Isabel before she marries Long, what would it be?


15. Any last words, wishes or comments?
Laura and I wish you both the best and I'm honored to be a part of your wedding.

Sobe! (South Beach)

I've had many requests for information about Sobe. Let me first say that I'm no expert. But I've been there enough to shed myself of the tourist tag.

South Beach is most famous for it's white sandy beaches, shopping and night life!

Sunbathing

If you plan to take a day trip there and you want a quieter patch of sand - stay north of 10th street, but not much further north than 17th street. (Remember, streets in Miami run east-west). Also note that it is lauded as a nude beach, but if the nudes outnumber the clothed, I never noticed it. Point is, I've seen maybe 3 nude beachgoers in 6 years there. You shouldn't feel compelled to drop trou.

Here's a map.

Shopping, if you can afford it, in Sobe starts with the Lincoln Mall (Lincoln Road - right around 17th street). There you'll find all the Banana Republic you can handle. It's an outdoor mall with great window shopping and very good food. There is no indoor portion of Lincoln mall except for each shop, so dress for the weather.

Nightlife is a much longer blog post so if you have a question, shoot me an email directly.

Holiday Inn Express Review

Just a bit of a review for those who need it:

The "main" hotel is:

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
13475 SW 131ST Street
Kendall, FL 33186

Hotel Front Desk: 1-786-837-2100

(hotel website)

Any further questions?

I, (Long), have a few more items to blog about including SoBe restaurants, things to do in Miami and a few more maps to help you all navigate round town. I've also got one neat and final feature that will be posted shortly.

Any other suggestions or questions? If so, click on the "comments" link at the end of this post and add your comment! Don't worry, NO SPAM! ;)

Thanks!

Places to Eat in the Kendall Area of Miami

Okay, so this isn't a comprehensive list, and quite frankly, most of you don't have much time browse, but if you find yourself with hunger pangs . . . you've got plenty of options.

Places to eat in and around Kendall (Southwest Miami)

If you're afraid of roaming too far from the hotel, Kendall Drive (aka SW 88th Street) is essentially "main street" in the Kendall area. Most franchise restaurants can be found there. Now, we aren't food critics and most of these places are no brainers, but there are a few gems to be found here.

Note: If you happen to roam to New York City, check out Andrea Strong's blog - thestrongbuzz.com - Andrea is engaged to groomsman Craig Weiner and will be joining us at the wedding!

Kendall Area Eats

Fast Food

• Chicken Kitchen (map), highly recommended!
• Pollo Tropical (map) or (second location map)
  

Burgers and Brew:

• Kendall Ale House (map) or
• Gatsby's (map)

"Upscale" American Bistro:

• The Cheesecake Factory (map)
• Flanigan's (map), a South Florida favorite.
  

Authentic Cuban!:

• La Carreta (map) - highly recommended (ask for the imperial rice) - they also have an AMAZING breakfast buffet!

Italiano:

• Macaroni Grill (map)

Sit tight for a quick roundup of places to eat in SoBe (south beach) - coming very shortly.

The Duong Family: This ain't the Huxtables.

It's been quite a while since we profiled Isabel's family and it's bout cotton pickin' time Long's family got its 15 minutes!

The nuclear Duong family (last name pronounced "Young"!) is made up of Anh, Lien, Long and Helen Duong. However, round these parts, you can't say family without bringing in the entire Tong family as well (a bit more on that later). Time is a bit precious these days, so I'll have to keep this short.

Anh and Lien are Long's bright and shiny parents. Anh is a retired physician and Lien is a jack of all trades, but her business card says something akin to "Senior Computer Programming Analyst." She is currently employed at the University of Florida's Infirmary.

Lien was also an on again off again restaurateur bringing Gainesville it's first taste of Vietnamese cuisine back in the late 70's with the help of her 5 sisters ... and again in the early 90's. Some of you may remember it as the restaurant that might also be a hotel, ambiguously named, "Inn of the White Lotus." One taste of the food and it was clear - this was definitely a restaurant - and a fine one at that!

Anh's "retirement" is filled with a rather hectic, "blackberry worthy" schedule which includes zen buddhist meditation and "small acreage farming" - the growing of vegetables that are native to Vietnam (and are probably suspect in the 48 contiguous).

Anh and Lien taught Long as much as his barely permeable brain could muster and are proud to call Long their son - most of the time. (jk)

Helen, Long's stepsister lives out in California with her husband Vince and their fireball Andre! Vince is active duty serving our country and has been bouncing back and forth on missions. It's been a few years since we saw them down in Florida, but then again, we probably owe them a trip out to Cali. Unfortunately, they won't be able to join us for the wedding, but we hope to see them soon (and meet Andre!)

Not pictured (but soon) is Long's father, Quyen, out in California. He's a retired landscape architect who is enjoying retirement and being a grandfather! He won't be able to attend the festivities either and will certainly be missed.

We were going to blog about the Tong family (which is held closely together by Long's mother and her five sisters - Thuy, Lan, Duyen, Am and Oanh) but there is simply no time (sorry!) You will all have the pleasure of meeting them at the wedding (except for Oanh who can't get away for the festivities).

Here's a glimpse of extended family:

Again, a good majority of Long's family including many cousins and people who say they are cousins just to be cool (it's not a problem, we think they're cool too) will be in attendance.

Man, we just can't wait until the big day.

See you all very soon!