When the day gets hot enough to cook ramen noodles in the sun, its a day to go tubing!
So thats what the folks of CASA and the Kun-Fu Club decided to do. We headed out to Ichetucknee Springs State Park for a nice relaxing day to go tubing.

Getting ready for some fun! Note how everyone stays in the shade. It was hot.

Out to the springs we go and go we did.

Tube-O-Wrestling!!!

Phillip: Tube-O-Wrestling!
Ray: Yea!! …Not!

Ray: So… why are we still standing in the middle of the parking lot still?
Phillip: Tube-O-Wrestling!

Phillip: Tube-O-Wrestling!!
Everyone:…

CASA!

Pushing Sam into the wall. ^^;

Phillip: AHHHHH! Dragonfly!!!

Some good R&R

Not to forget the fun of flipping over friends.

From that point, my camera decided shut itself off… I got it a bit too wet… :3
Not biggie, its not the first time I got my camera wet to where it wouldn’t work for the rest of the day. It now works as good as new so no need to worry.

So after a good two hours of tubing, it was time to go home and eat. CASA decided to have a good early dinner or late lunch at Moe’s which was good. We talked, made fun of each other, and fed the bottomless pit called Chi-Fai with cookies. Things turned out great. I look forward to going to future CASA events.

More Photos:

Thaison Nguyen: 1

VSO Historian 08-09

~Thaison Nguyen

Lisa:  Alan!  Come over here!  Chi-fai’s asleep!

Bowie:  I  feel like beating up Mike! 

Julia:  Let’s all beat up Mike! 

Everyone:  Yay! 

O’ the beach.  Sun, sand, sea and fresh air.  On Saturday,  March 29th, CASA came to St. Augustine in pursuit of such things…And that’s what they got! ^^

CASA traveled to St. Augustine that day with the intent of having a damn fantastic time at the beach,  and that they did.  I find the greatest thing about the beach is the amount of stuff you can do there.  You can read, play sports, do Tai-Chi, take stupid looking pictures, have someone holding a large light diffuser over people while you take pictures of them…but it’s so much more awesome at the beach. 

Mike:  Long, are you thinking what I’m thinking?

Long:  Protect yourself from Bowie?  No, I was thinking of running and leaving you here to die.  XD

I find the people having the most fun at the beach is probably all the people playing outdoor sports like football and frisbee.

Enrique:  WHY?!?!?

Seeing as how a large majority of the Members that came were part of out Intramural Sports teams, there really was no shortage of football players.

Bruce:  Awesome, this isn’t intramural.  We can tackle!  WOO!

Just as popular as football is skimboarding!    Christopher Liu brought his skimboard that day for himself and anyone who wanted to give it a try.  As people soon found out, it’s a little bit more difficult than they thought, but fun nonetheless! 

Tuan:  Alright Jason, the purpose of skimboard is to crash into people walking on the be-  OMG!  there’s 3 people walking together!  GO GO GO! 50 points!

Tuan:  HA HA!  Stupid water!  You can’t catch m-… I don’t think I thought this out well enough…

There was even people dancing and doing Tai-Chi!  

Samantha:  My boyfriend is so cool!^^

Bowie:  So, we can totally part the sea if we practice this enough right?

But you don’t have to come to the beach to play sports, dance, or perform martial arts.  If you’re like me and a few others, you came to relax and take a break…or take pictures of people taking pictures or taking pictures of people while your good friend chases them with a large light diffuser!  XD

Chris:  DRAW! >:D

Chris:  Smile! 

Andrew:  Heh heh.  I just ate a can of beans.

And of course, above all, it’s about spending time with your best friends, your fellow members, and loved-ones.^^  <3

*like a Korean drama*

Raymond:  Enrique, you’re REALLY close to me.  Like, UNCOMFORTABLY close to me.

As awesome as the beach was, we couldn’t stay forever.  But that doesn’t mean the trip was over!  A few of us headed to the historic district for a a little bit of sight-seeing and a quick meal before we all headed home.

After the quick fix of gelato and paninis from a small restaurant at the historic district, the remaining members still with us were too tired unfortunately.  Who wouldn’t be after a long day of having fun at the beach?  Afterwards, we began to head home.

Given the success of the trip, the amazing turn-out, and how fun it was, I’m sure it won’t be the last.  If you missed it, we hope to see you next time.  It was a blast. 

Previously Posted pictures by Alan Ho.

For more pictures, click the following links.

Alan Ho: 1, 2, 3

CASA Historian,

Alan Ho.

Me: Hey Bruce, will I ever see you again?

Bruce: No…

Me: Awesome, Hey Maggie, let’s go an-

Bruce: I will kill you! #$@!#@!

UF Chinese American Student Association once again joins forces with Kappa Phi Lambda to bring you the most delicious, the most satisfying, and the best ever dumplings!

On March 23rd, CASA and KPL hosted another dumpling fundraiser at the University Commons’ clubhouse. This semester’s servings included dumplings(obviously), Napa Cabbage, and Fried Rice! All for the low, low price of $6! YUM!! >8D

Customers were greeted at the door and ordered their ticket to delicious there.

Upon receiving their ticket, they would then take it to one of the lovely ladies of Kappa Phi Lambda or officers of CASA and be promptly be served a plate of previously mentioned awesome.

Of course the event wasn’t all about tasty and appetizing, but also about socializing and enjoying mouthwatering food with your friends.^^

Nothing brings people together like food, social atmosphere, and people who are overprotective of their family members to the point of well-developed inside humor.

If you couldn’t come this time around, you’ve missed out on a lot, but fear not! This definitely won’t be the last Dumpling Fundraiser, and the event is constantly improving.^^

CASA Historian,

Alan Ho

Previously posted pictures by Alan Ho.

More pictures here:

Alan Ho: 1

Pamela: Hurray for Superior Navigation!

Norman: Tony! I thought the special guest was going to be a girl!

Everyone in Alan’s car: ARE WE THERE YET? ARE WE THERE YET? ARE WE THERE YET? ARE WE THERE YET? ARE WE THERE YET?

On the 1st of March, CASA members and officers rose early that morning and gathered at the commuter lot parking lot by the Physics building to organize cars, drivers, passengers and finish any last minute preparations for their Orlando trip.

Long: Hey guys, STFU and find a car. XD

CASA’s Orlando had a rather large attendance that day as it did in the times we’ve done it in the past.^^ What draws people to this trip? Dim Sum! Who could resist getting Dim Sum with your friends especially when it’s so difficult to find any in Gainesville? CASA’s first stop in Orlando was at Ming’s Bistro for some tasty Dim Sum.

Lisa: mmfHeymfffLookmmfAlan’sffmtakingmfffpicture

Amy: Mffmfmfftastynoodlesmffmffmfmf

*this is just a really funny picture of tony*

Dim Sum was only made more awesome by the appearance of UCF’s CASA. In the past Orlando trips and in this one as well, UCF’s CASA has always made time to come out and socialize with UF CASA.

One special guest made an appearance during our meal that day. Newer members may not know him, but Older members will most definitely recognize him. It was George Liu! The 2006 – 2007 UF CASA President.

George: How many? 5? Yes, let’s get 5 orders of shrimp dumplings.

Does Orlando stop at Dim Sum? The hell it does. From Dim Sum, groups would return to their respective cars and converge at some shopping center. It has previously been the Mall at Millenia, but this time, and as it has been once before, it was at the Premium Outlet. Fortunately, since there isn’t really a set schedule before dinner, groups can usually do whatever they please. In this case, my group went to lollicup. :>

Victor: You know why this tastes awesome? because I didn’t pay for it. :3

Lollicup was only one stop made outside of the premium outlet. Some people went out for haircuts. Actually, I probably would’ve gotten one if I made an appointment and had time. X3

Everyone eventually met at the Premium outlet. Besides, who doesn’t like shopping at places that sells brand-name clothing and consumer products at near-wholesale prices?

Vanessa: Hey everyone, do this! Everyone: o_O??

After an ample amount of the time at the outlet, it was dinner time. There was more food to be had. So what was everyone in the mood for? Vietnamese food! Or more specifically, pho! The group returned to their respective cars to drive out for food, but this time at Pho 88. I don’t think anyone really gets sick of delicious food and socializing.

By the end of dinner, a large majority of the group was tired from all the food, fun, and shopping that day. So most of the group had left by the end of the meal.

Tony: This is such a nice place to take a cra-

Tiffany: Mind if I have a seat next to you?

The few that stayed behind had saved some energy. What’d they save it for? Downtown Disney!

Paul: Awesome, I look tall, >:3

Downtown Disney was a first for CASA in Orlando, but well worth the short drive in Orlando to get to it. It was large boardwalk of stores, restaurants and fun attractions.

The first stop here was the lego store. If you’ve never played with legos, you might want to stop and re-evaluate your life at this point. Or come with CASA to the next Orlando trip and make sure we stop at Downtown Disney again.

Johnny: I wanna feed the T-rex!

Johnny: We can make him better…faster…stronger…

If you couldn’t already figure it out, there were a more than enough legos for everyone and their mother to play with(which is a very good thing, seeing as how several children dragged their mothers along or vice-versa and thus had them sucked into the playfulness of the legos). There was ever building and racing your own lego car!

Chi-fai : I need NOS!

As if the lego store hadn’t kept us distracted for long enough, the Ghirardelli store and its infinite free samples of chocolate was next in our sights. The group made its orders of mountains of ice cream and chocolate, and very frequently visited the store employees passing out free samples.

At this point, the women of the group had all decided to head to what seemed like the world’s largest Disney store, while the men stayed behind and beat the crap out of each other to flaunt their manliness. Nah, not really, we just played some slapping game that required attention, reflexes, and speed. It was pretty fun.

And when the women returned, it was about time to leave. Everyone was finally tired after a full day of enjoyable driving, eating, walking, and shopping. It was sad that such a good day of fond memories an delicious food had to end, so there about 45984385903489 group pictures taken on the way out.

Is that everything we did in Orlando? Most of it. Of course, there’s always the smaller lesser known details like the 2 hours in the car to and from Orlando, but this is should give you a good idea of why as one of CASA’s now regular events, it is also one of the most popular. Hope to see you on this trip next time.

Previous Photos by:

Alan Ho

More Photos:

Alan Ho: 1, 2, 3

-CASA Historian

Alan Ho

Tracey Nguyen: It’s so nice outside today.

Raymond Manalo: Long hid the pop tarts and I’m hungry!

Phillip: I got bit on my ass!

So there really is no place like the great outdoors. That’s what the members who went camping most likely thought before they went off into the wilderness for a weekend. On Saturday, February 23rd, CASA brought a number of members into the woods of Payne’s Prairie for a night where members and officers enjoyed fresh air, fine weather, fun games, and fond togetherness. What’s there to do on a camping trip you may ask? The list never really ends, but here are a few examples.

Most obviously, you can enjoy the lovely wilderness.

You gotta eat = You gotta cook = You gotta start a Fire. XD

You can take walks, which somehow leads to picking up the strangest things.

Taboo is 4890385903 times better outside.

You didn’t expect to eat just ONCE that day, did you?

It’s not just taboo. Most games are more fun outside, especially ones that have names that I can’t pronounce, and especially at midnight in the middle of the parking lot!

You can’t say you don’t enjoy time with your friends.

So if you ever thought to yourself “I’m not the camping type” or “I don’t like going outside” or “Go to hell, I’m a shut-in that sleeps in my mom’s basement,” it may be because you’ve never tried out camping. So try it out sometime. There’s always something for everyone, and it definitely won’t be CASA’s last camping trip.

Previously Posted Pictures by Alan Ho.

More Pictures:

Alan:  Album 1, Album 2, Album 3

Recap Video coming soon!^^

CASA Historian,

Alan Ho

Quotes from Game Night:

Chu Tsai: I’m ready to rock out!

Lisa Law: It’s too hard! I suck at it!

-In reference to Guitar Hero

Laureen Chan: What did you just call me?!

On February 20th, UF’s Chinese American Student Association had a general meeting to discuss their upcoming Orlando trip on March 1st, and the camping trip planned for February 23rd. If you’re interested in either, please contact the events coordinators as soon as possible at:

casa.events@gmail.com

We already have a number of people interested in camping and spots are limited. I mean, look at Taran! XD

Upcoming events aside, the meeting also recapped past events such as the Lake Wauberg BBQ(Links to albums for the BBQ can be found at the end of this post.) CASA also premiered a video to demonstrate how the officer board makes decisions.

The meeting wouldn’t end without congratulating one of CASA’s lovely External Vice Presidents a Happy Birthday! The whole room gathered to the front to sing for her 21st. Happy Birthday Amy Chow~!^^

Following the meeting, members and officers gather at the University Commons’ clubhouse for their Game Night. Games played included poker, Guitar Hero, Mahjong, Pool, Ping Pong, and whatever else people brought along with what the clubhouse had available.

Everyone gathered around for poker.

Wonder who brought the Mahjong table. :3

Guitar Hero is fun!

Also on the same night as game night was the Lunar Eclipse. Some of us went outside to take a look.

And here are the links for the BBQ Albums and the Meeting and Game Night. Enjoi.^^

Alan Ho: BBQ Album 1, BBQ Album 2, Meeting and Game Night Album 1

CASA Historian,

Alan Ho

Previously posted Photos and Video by Alan Ho

When asked about Chinese New Year, the following people said…

David Wong: Yeah! I’m excited about Chinese New Year!

Victoria Huynh: I am very excited about Chinese New Year.

Ai Kozuma: ~.^ *thumbs up*

Jason Dai: I have no emotions. I kill for a living.

Phillip Cheng: Alan? Can you do me a favor and make me some bitter melon tea?

Trailer:

UF’s Chinese American Student Association held its annual Chinese New Year Celebration show this evening at the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom with a grand display of performances from a variety of people and organizations. ^o^

For all those who couldn’t make it and those that want to look back on this evening of awesome, here are some pictures and a recap video.

Your Emcee’s Samantha Lai and Justin Chang

Lion Dance by The Meihua Student Association of Martial Arts

A New Years Dance by the Gainesville Chinese School

Fan Dance by the CASA Traditional Dance Troupe

Erhu Performance by Jin Hua Feng from the FACSS

Dance by CASA Modern Dance Troupe

Musical Medley and Summer of Love by the CASA Band

Tikki Tikki Tembo skit by Pi Delta Psi Fraternity Inc.

Kung Fu Performance by the Meihua Student Association of Martial Arts

Singing Performance by Phillip Cheng, Sheena Fong, Victoria Huynh, and Kevin Lee

Thriler and My Love Dance Medley performed by Tung Tran, Pamela Michalski and Cladia Chong

Hat Dance Performance by The CASA Traditional Dance Troupe

Recap video

Previous Photos and Videos by : Alan Ho

More pictures can be found here:

Alan Ho: Album 1, Album 2, Album 3, Album 4

Christopher Chin-Sang: Album 1, Album 2

CASA Historian,

Alan Ho