The Sustaining Power of Friendship

It's Tuesday...
I like to talk about Relationship on Tuesday.
(if you haven't figure it out by now)

One of the most rewarding relationships in life is "Friendship!"
To the many couples I work with, I often ask if they "like" each other and if they are still "friends?"

We can at many occasions love the people in our lives.  We love for many different reasons, under very different conditions.  But I have come to realize that in order for any relationship to be long lasting, the persons must like one another and enjoy each other's company.  They must be friends.

Children may often demonstrate the best kind of friendship.  They play together, they do things together, they argue, may even fight.  But then the next day, they are all better.  Kids can easily forgive their friends.  Do-overs are almost weekly, if not daily.  Children know that they are not good at being friends yet.  That's why they make mistakes.  But they are also quick to forgive and give second chances.

Grown up friendship needs to be similar.  They have to like each other; they must enjoy spending time together. It's important to have common interests. They also have to like doing things together.  They often are physically and emotionally supportive; they enjoy the exchanges of ideas and thoughts.

True friendship often validates, affirms, and create positives in the persons involved.
I love watching and secretly observe my kiddies and their BFF.  I don't really know if they will be BFF forever.  But I do know that "in the moment," they believe it...So seize those "moments" with your friends and make them count!

Good Eats - The Healing Power of Ginger

Ginger - A Winter Wonder Herb

Reason for the recent absences have to do with an "hacking" cough along with a nasty fever. Did I mention they would pretty uncontrollable! Unfortunately, I wasn't the only one who has this horrible virus at our house.

Yes...the doc said it was a virus.  So nothing much he can give us...Nice...fluid and plenty of rest!  Sure!  (mutter stuff underneath my breath)

This cough is  the worst.  It's like the mother of all cough...barking, hacking, minute long expulsion of the cough demon would spell no relief.

Finally, one night, Nerdy Hubby came up with an "ancient Chinese secret," ginger tea to stop us from waking up the neighbors' real barking dogs.

Recipe:
Ginger - a chunk the size of the thumb, finely graded.
Water - 3-4 cup boiling water
Honey - to taste
Lemon - to taste

Bring water to boil.
Add graded ginger to boiling water.
Cover and Turn off the flame.
Let it seep for 10-15 minutes.
Strain tea and discard ginger.
Add Honey and Fresh Lemon juice to taste.

Ginger has showed to alleviate symptoms for cough, cold/flu, nausea, and intestinal ailments. Other conditions that ginger may aid in are circulatory, pain management, asthma, cholesterol and blood pressures related problems.  

VIP Day

Annual VIP Day at School...

The older child was very excited to be bring his very best friend (since 1 1/2 years old).
The younger one was extremely proud to have her piano teacher as her VIP.

It's a great opportunity to show the VIPs how important they are in their lives.  It's also very fun for the VIPs to see the kiddies at school doing what they do best.

We are often reminded how blessed we are to be surrounded by people who love and care for our children. In a world at times full of chaos, it's good to remember the simple things!

No Fun...Sick Family

Got Up

Took Temperature

Took Medicine

Back to Bed We Go

Movie Night - Mr. Popper's Penguins

Mr. Popper's Penguins (2011)

Sick child's request!
Love the book better than the movie.
Book's about Mr. Popper (the dad).
Movie's about the son who didn't get much time with the adventurous dad.

Nonetheless, the penguins were the instruments of transformation.
Life's focus, Life's changes...what's really important are families.
Still a fun movie with a good message.

Official Trailer (2011)

.

Cough Cough...Poor Child

1st Major Cold of the Year for the Big Boy at my house...Poor Thing!

No one got any sleep!

Good Eats - Chinese Hot Pot

Fondue - Chinese Style

For many Chinese families, Chinese Style Hot Pot is an easy family celebration meal.  We have come to the tradition of having it at Chinese New Year's Eve.

Basically, it is a boiling pot of broth. Then prepare a spread of  fresh raw thinly sliced meat, seafood and vegetable ready for cooking at the table.

When we were starving students, we used an electric frying pan we picked up at Goodwill for $5.

Now, there are specialty propane gas stove and pot you can buy at many Asian market.  

Ingredients for our Dinner...

Our Spread...

Kiddies' request...Always end with udon noodles...

Introduction to Hot Pot in Beijing, China

Sunday Celebration - Take My Hand

A Song/Life of Trust...

20 years ago, into the hand of God and the hand of Nerdy Hubby, I committed to a life-long learning of Trust.

"Doing" comes way more easier to me than "Trusting."  I often can pretend that I can face the many difficulties in life. I just keep doing and stay busy. But when it comes to just trusting that the one next to me and the One unseen will be there for me and caring for me. Doubt often seeps in.

Recently discovered a young artist, Lindsay McCaul, beautiful voice and thoughtful lyrics.  Her songs and her heart are way more mature than her 26 years of age. At this stage of my life, love songs don't often move me. Yet her "Take My Hand," a love song toward the One unseen and the one next to me gave meaning to some of my thoughts and doubts.

Take My Hand -Lindsay McCaul & Jason Ingram

I heard You say it, I know You did

You called me out into the waves and wind

And for a moment I was brave and strong

But now everything is going wrong

Didn’t You know that I’d be scared 

Couldn’t You see I was unprepared

I’m not asking for reasons You hold or the safety of land

I just need You to take my hand

I could have stayed back where I was before

And never met You in this raging storm

You’re telling me that faith is all I need

But fear is all that I can find in me

Didn’t You know that I’d be scared 

Couldn’t You see I was unprepared

I’m not asking for reasons You hold or the safety of land

I just need You to take my hand

Cuz I would be ok if You’d take my hand

I wouldn’t be afraid if You’d take my hand

All would fade away if You’d take my hand

If You’d take my hand….

Didn’t You know that I’d be scared 

Couldn’t You see I was unprepared

I’m not asking for reasons You hold or the safety of land

I just need You to take...

Won’t You please come and take…

I just need You to take my hand

Chinese New Year 2012 - The Year of the Dragon

Happy Chinese New Year

It's the year of the Dragon. 

Went Chinese grocery shopping today.  Bad idea...
Everyone Asian (and interested non-Asian) were at the Chinese market.

All the specialty food items were on displayed.  Dry fruits and candies from childhood, special sweets and sticky "new year cake" were all lined up and calling on people's memory.

When we were children, Chinese New Year celebration lasted 16 days.  Each of those days has specification on the food to eat and things to do. I recalled having to do "Spring cleaning" before the 1st day of Chinese New Year.  Eating a crazy feast of a dozen dishes on New Year's Eve and then having to eat only vegetarian dishes on the day of New Year.

Then there were specific date on visiting friends and families. The 3rd day was call "Blazing Wrath" day, so we were never supposed to visit people. People also exchanged small gifts, mainly sweets and food items which were deemed lucky for the New Year.

Nowadays, for my kiddies, the only thing they are concerned about during Chinese New Year is the "Red Envelope." This is when older and married people give red envelope filled with money to children and unmarried younger generation. As kids, that literally was like winning the lottery.  The closer the relationship, the more money you usually get.

The Chinese New Year parade is also another thing that my kiddies love to do.  The lion and dragon dance are always the highlight for them. When they were younger, they would get dressed up in their traditional Chinese costumes. It's really the only time the Chinese in the Chinese-American heritage kicks in for them.

A Brief History of Chinese New Year

Just For Fun - Ice Rink and Roller Rink for Curling and Roller Derby...Yes Really!

Remember Curling (at the Winter Olympics)...

When I saw Curling, as a sport, for the first time on the TV screen, I was mesmerized. I am sure it takes a lot of concentration, aim, practice, etc.

But how can it be an Olympic event?!
But it is.

So if you have ever been curious, you should check out your local ice-rink. They might just offer a class, or maybe a league.

Our local ice-staking rink offers it...yes in hot and dry Santa Clarita.  Hollywood also has another league.

http://www.hollywoodcurling.org/Home.html

Learn to Curl at Hollywood Curling's Open House

http://www.goldstar.com/events/panorama-city-ca/learn-to-curl

Now for the Other Kind of Rink...Roller Rink!

For Roller Derby...L.A. Derby Dolls

http://derbydolls.com/la/

Sun, January 22, 2012

http://www.goldstar.com/events/los-angeles-ca/la-derby-dolls-baby-doll-brawl-2

Fun Thursday - Travel the World (w/o leaving town)

The World At Your Fingertips...

14th Annual L.A. Times Travel Show

January 28 & 29, 2012

At the L.A. Convention Center

Discount Tickets at Goldstar.com

Ukulele Master Jake Shimabukuro at The Canyon

February 16, 2012

Discount Tickets at Goldstar.com

Jake Shimabukuro, whose staggering skills have redefined the ukulele and led critics to compare him to Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix, plays The Canyon. His music ranges from traditional Hawaiian tunes to covers like the Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." He's received millions of YouTube views, played with musicians ranging from Yo-Yo Ma to Bette Midler, performed for the Queen of England, and appeared in the Adam Sandler movie Just Go With It, set in his native Hawaii. Nicole Lexi Davis opens the show.

World City at the Music Center 

Free Concerts and Performances on World Music

http://www.musiccenter.org/events/worldcity.html

A Sample of Events

Japan's TAO: The Art of the Drum in Santa Clarita

February 12, 2011

Discount Tickets at Goldstar.com

TAO: The Art of the Drum comes to College of the Canyons. Hailing from the mountains of Japan, this massive international hit has sold out hundreds of shows around the globe, combining thousands of years of Japanese drumming tradition with high-energy choreography and beautiful costumes and visuals.

Movie Night - One Week

One Week (2008)
...An Unlikely Love Story

It's Nerdy Hubby and I's 20th Wedding Anniversary.  We were going to drive up the coast and do some wine tasting.  Then, we change it to an overnighter without the kiddies.  Then, we were going to just go out, dinner/movie.  And...somehow, each of those ideas got postponed, altered.

It was a little sad and maybe even pathetic, but, life with children just take a lot more planning.

So we were left with Thai food and a movie on amazon.
There were wine, and desserts and gifts.  It wasn't really that bad.

We are still going to do the stuff we were planning on.  Now, we just have to do them throughout this year.  And have better planning.

Wanted to watch a love story to commemorate the occasion.  But we are not into the popular romantic comedies.  I didn't want to see blood and NH didn't want to have to watch something with sub-titles.

Read the synopsis from amazon, "A young man decided to embrace life and embark on a cross country  road try full of adventure and romance."

Sounds great!  

2 seconds into the film, "The young man is diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and instead of starting treatment immediately, decide to go west on a 2nd hand motorcycle to see the Pacific ocean."

Not exactly what I was picturing.

Nonetheless, as the movie unfolds, it is a genuine love story.
It was a tribute to the country he loves, Canada.
It was a love quest for life itself.
It was a love journey toward accepting one's self and life.
It was a love adventure for capturing the moments that create life.

The movie was much more heartwarming, thought provoking than the theme or premise of the film.
By the end of the movie, I definitely felt the "warm and fussy."
I felt like I took a trip to Canada.
I was reminded of what love can feel like, look like in the reality of day to day life.

Most Importantly,
I was grateful for the life NH and I have created together.
20 years (plus 4 if you count the dating years) of life together definitely has its ups and downs.

But we are still standing and standing together.

One Week (2008) - Trailer

Cultivating a Positive Attitude

A Positive Attitude...
...links to higher personal growth and success
...can increase life coping skills and strategies

Many of us in the field of psychology are still debating whether personality traits and tendencies are innately genetic or learned behaviors.

Reality is that it's both (hence the ongoing debate). For me, the key is not the academic evidences but rather how do we help people, especially children to gain such winning attitude.

We all have natural instincts in the way we react to people and situations.  Parents will tell you that they often treat all their kids very similarly, yet each child will response differently.  The perfect example is "Family Gathering." If you ask a roomful of people their experiences of a family dinner, most likely you will get a variety of answers.  Some will instinctively look at the positives, or the big picture.  Others will emphasize on the lacking and the missing details.  There are no good or bad in personalities.  Yet there are traits we can learn to help create better life experiences and quality of life.

Enthusiasm: Enthusiasm and passion often go hand in hand.  They fuel creativity, performance and effectiveness in all aspect of life. Helping children find their passions/interests will help them experience life with enthusiasm.

Optimism: Another way to understand optimism is to know that there are always options. We all can learn to see the brighter side in every situation. There is always another step, another way, another approach if we can be open to the positives.  The sun will come out, eventually (even if it is not exactly tomorrow).

Adaptability: Being adaptable to change is a very important. To be able to deal with change is necessary, because life doesn't necessarily let us remain in our comfort zone. If a person can adapt quickly and easily, your success will be effortless.

Self-Esteem: Learn to appreciate yourself, your emotions, and your physical being in high esteem. Learn to trust yourself and feel secure about your values and capabilities as person that you are.

Patience: Patience is important because life doesn’t happen when we want it. Having patience is a strength that creates endurance. This will help a person to not lose sight of the goal set.

Humility: It's okay to enjoy the praises of people regarding your achievements. It’s equally important to stay grounded and realize that there are support factors and supportive people who helped.

Confidence: Confidence is not arrogance. Being self-confident simply means that you have faith in your abilities, and are completely sure about being able to perform well under any circumstance. Portraying self-confidence also assures people that you are trust-worthy to follow-through.

Self-Control: Having the ability to stay calm during stressful or negative circumstances. Learn to differentiate the difference between a true crisis and trivial issue is essential to having self-control. Demonstrating negative emotions, behaviors and attitudes without a genuine cause will emphasize the lack of character.

Consistency: Be consistent in your behavior, and in your attitude towards your beliefs and values. Be conscientious to stay true to your words with your deeds.

Teamwork: It is important to realize that we a part of the sum. Everyone has his/her strength. Utilizing a person’s strength and combining that with the strengths of others will create a more effective and efficient dynamic in all situation. Having a positive attitude toward teamwork is important to healthy relationships in life.

Good Eats - Chocolate Truffle Brownies

Chocolate...Truffle...Brownies!!!

The box mix might be easy, but an extra 10 minutes can make all the difference.

Someday...in the far far away future (when we have less obligations), Nerdy Hubby and I would like to own a coffee shop (cafe).

 It's like Starbucks, but better.  He will own his dream espresso maker (a10K Italian made Belle Epoque), and I will make my little dessert pieces.

At times, I try out recipes with that in mind.
These Chocolate Truffle Brownies will definitely be on the list.
The trick to perfectly moist brownies is not to over-bake.  As soon as the tester comes out with moist crumbs, remove the pan from oven.

Ingredients

• Nonstick vegetable oil spray
• 12 ounces bittersweet chocolate (do not exceed 61% cacao), chopped, divided
• 11 tablespoons (1 stick plus 3 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unbleached all purpose flour
• 1 cup walnuts, toasted, coarsely chopped (I omitted the nuts, not a fan of nut in my brownies)
• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

9x9x2-inch metal baking pan

Preparation

• Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Line 9x9x2-inch metal baking pan with foil, leaving overhang. Spray foil with nonstick vegetable oil spray. Combine 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate and butter in medium metal bowl. Set bowl over saucepan of simmering water and stir until chocolate and butter are melted and smooth. Remove bowl from over water and cool chocolate mixture until lukewarm, 5 to 10 minutes.
• Whisk sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt in large bowl to blend. Whisk in chocolate mixture. Stir in flour, then chopped toasted walnuts. Transfer batter to prepared baking pan. Bake brownies until tester inserted into center comes out with moist crumbs attached, 26 to 28 minutes. Transfer pan to cooling rack and let brownies cool completely.
• Bring cream to simmer in small saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat. Add remaining 6 ounces chocolate to hot cream and let stand 5 minutes to soften, then whisk until melted and smooth. Pour chocolate ganache over brownie sheet in pan and spread to cover completely. Let stand at cool room temperature until topping is set, about 4 hours. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and store at room temperature.
• Using foil as aid, lift brownie sheet from pan. Fold down foil edges. Using large sharp knife, cut brownie sheet into 25 squares, wiping knife with hot moist cloth after each cut. Arrange brownies on platter and serve.

Sunday Remembrance - Faithful God

Sometimes, 
it's just good to Remember!

I love the voice and the uplifting messages of Laura Story.  She is often my go-to person when I am in need of a bit of reassurance.

Life, at time point, is full of responsibilities and possible worries.  I can let them overcome me or I can trust that with a little faith, I can overcome them.

Faithful God by Laura Story

The Story Behind Faithful God

The Young Americans - A Performance Workshop

The Young Americans 
- A college of performing arts
http://www.youngamericans.org/

A  nonprofit musical group founded in 1962 to reflect a positive and honest image of our nation's youths through music and dance.

Using Music to stimulate growth in self-confidence, teamwork   and understanding in students and audiences around the world.

This weekend my 5th grader got a chance to be part of The Young Americans outreach workshop.

It's amazing what 45 young people can do in 12 hours with 100 elementary school kids. They put on a great show and then we got to watch the children perform.  Again, amazing what we saw!

It wasn't just the performance, but the quick friendships, the mentoring, the positive attitude and encouragement among all the Young Americans and the kids truly inspirational!

A Brief Introduction of The Young Americans

The Mother of Mod - Eva Zeisel

Classic Century Dinnerware
at Crate & Barrel 

Passed by Crate & Barrel the other day and front and center in the display window was Eva Zeisel's signature line Classic Century. (I do wish that it was in white and not the off white.)

The curves and the waves are just beautiful!
Here is the description from C&B's website:

Sensuous, multifunctional shapes with a pedigreed past are reborn for a new century. Originally designed in 1952 by world-renowned designer Eva Zeisel, this timeless tabletop art makes a comeback in a creamy neutral. Zeisel, considered one of the foremost designers of the 20th century, created sculptural pieces with rounded curves, arches, teardrops and wave motifs. Even the plates are a soft oval, just this side of round. Out of production for many years, during which time it became a collectors' item, this pattern has been resurrected just for us. Each organic, elegant piece is a masterpiece of form and function.

Eva Zeisel (1906-2011) http://www.evazeiseloriginals.com/index.shtml

was an Hungarian-born Industrial Designer. Her primary work was in ceramic, glass and dinnerware.  Many of her original designs are displayed at world renown museums. Many of her pieces are now collectors' item. 

It wasn't just her work that was fascinating, her life story was equally stunting.

She grew up wealthy and educated.  But was falsely accused in participating in the assassination plot to kill Joseph Stalin in 1936. Arrested and imprisoned for 16 months, she spent 12 of the 16 months in solitary confinement. 

  

Fun Thursday - Cirque du Soleil OVO

OVO - The World of Insects
http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/ovo/default.aspx

As I was just talking about Philippe Petit, the high wire walker, this comes into my inbox.

Cirque du Soleil is back at the Santa Monica Pier...
With OVO - The colorful ecosystem of insects.
Fun for the entire family!

WHAT THE MEDIA SAY ABOUT THE SHOW:

"Cirque du Soleil turns bug’s world upside-down in spectacular OVO.”

Chicago Sun-Times

"Cirque du Soleil OVO: Bugging out extravagantly under the big top.” "OVO is the latest in a long and very distinguished line that have been coming to Chicago for two decate.”

Chicago Tribune

"An exotic insect world aims to delight imaginations  "
"Cirque achieves a fanciful illusion "

Metromix

"Cirque du Soleil ‘OVO’ delivers the unbelievable "
" For two hours, the audience member slowly becomes part of Cirque’s world and will start to think that those are real giant ants spinning real giantsfruits in the air "

Cincinnati Enquirer

“OVO Presents lavish look at world of insects”
“Cirque hatches visual stunner”

Houston Chronicle

“OVO is an astonishing showcase of superhuman feats of strength, balance and contortion”

Houston Press

“Cirque du Soleil OVO: an experience like no other”

Houston Style Magazine

Discount Tickets at Goldstar.com

http://www.goldstar.com/events/santa-monica-ca/cirque-du-soleil-ovo-1

Movie Night - Man on Wire

Philippe Petit 
Once in a life time act of courage and mythic sense of control

The French high wire artist performer walked a tight wire between New York's Twin Towers on August 7,1974.
Some called it "The artistic crime of the century."

Growing up I was never one for the circus. First I wasn't too keen on the clowns. Then, I was always peeking through my fingers when they perform the high wire and the trappee acts. I never wanted to see them fall.

It has always been too intense for me. I am serious.
I have yet to see any of the Cirque Du Soleil.

Therefore, not sure why I decided to watch this documentary. Maybe I was just trying to avoid either the overly emotionally intense dramatic movies or the utter nonsensical comedies. And like I said before, I would watch anything set in New York City.

Philippe was thoroughly in love with the Twin Towers.  His preparation and execution of this dream of his were truly fascinating.
I am not sure if I was more in awe of his ability to walk on the wire atop 110 story or the fact that he was able to carry out his plan to do so.

Man On Wire (2008) - Trailer

Philippe is a dreamer...a person not bound by time.  He has no use for time, he said in one interview.  His goal is to live life, and live life on the edge.

I was a bit sadden by the end of the film.  Success overwhelmed him. The relationships that got him off the ground could no longer ground him.

I am still that girl peeking at people who live life on the edge.  I admire them; I am in awe of them...and sometimes, I am there to catch them when they fall.

By the way, Man On Wire won an Oscar in 2009. I can definitely see why.
Watch it, it will surprise you the range and wealth of emotions the film will bring on.

Man On Wire - Oscar Win

New Year Resolution - For Your Relationships

Your Relationships - 2012
...What's your resolution?

Many people make New Year resolution for themselves.
Seldom do we think about Resolution for our Relationships.

We are often preoccupied with relationships. 
May the relationship be love, parenting, friendships, in-laws, work/office, etc. etc., we are constantly engrossed with it in one form or another.

Yet, we pay little attention to thoughtful changes, minor or dramatic. 

Sometimes, it is just helpful to see who is taking up our time, the expenses of our emotional energy and the resulting quality of the relationship.

One of the many simple exercises we can do to do such evaluation is to Chart Your Relationships.
1. List the people we are in contact with in any given week/month.
2. List the amount of time we spend with them.
3. List the level of intimacy in the relationship:  Inner circle(best friends, spouses, parent/child), Influential (work, friends, hobby, interest group) & Acquaintance (no real relationship)  
4. Rate the resulting connection in each relationship (1 being no/low sense of connection - 5 being highly connected and a rewarding/satisfaction derived from the relationship)

You can even add a visual by doing a pie chart of the above.

Looking at the result. Here are some simple questions to think about.
- Is this a good representation of your goals for your relationships?
- Are your relationships in good shape?
- Is your effort paying off?
- Would you like to make some changes with your time, efforts and allocation?

We are all on the path of life, who do you want to share life with?  

Good Eats - Carnitas Taco Night

Carnitas 
...Mexican Spiced Roasted/Browned Pork

Saw a beautiful cut of pork roast at the market.
Remembered I had avocados and marinated green chilies at home.
Thought what a great idea to put a hunk of meat in the oven and have food for 3 days!

Carnitas - Genius...

You can cook this in the oven (method shown), or you can put it in the crockpot. Either way, your kitchen will be filled with the aroma of cumin and orange peel. Yummy!

Carnitas Recipe

2 to 3 lbs of boneless pork shoulder

1 to 2 Tbsp of Cumin (I love cumin so I often put in another dash or 2)

2 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

2-3 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

4-6 cloves of crushed garlic

1 onion thinly sliced

1 medium orange sliced

3 oz of orange juice

1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar

Put all ingredients into a large container 

Marinade overnight in refrigerator.

Cooking Methods:

Oven

-  Put meat on roasting rack. 425 degree 15 minutes then reduce to 325 degree and cover with foil for another 1 ½ hour.

Crockpot

- Sear the meat, add 12 oz of beer or 12 oz of chicken stock. Cook on Low for 8-10 hours

I put the orange slices in the oven to enhance the orange flavor.  It's subtle, but definitely noticeable.

 

Add Tortillas & Rice to Complete the Spread
Dinner is Served

Sunday Refresher - I Choose Hope

Brandon Heath - Leaving Eden

Good Days or Bad...
We all need to choose...
Will you choose Hope or Hopelessness...

Reality does not look good all the time.
But it is real and we can move forward.
Will you choose to stay stuck or move onward even with some unknowns...

I love Brandon Heath.
He speaks to the heart and sings to the soul.
He is never preachy but the message is known and clear.
Enjoy...

Three Questions - Leaving Eden

Official Video - Leaving Eden

The Fear of Car Shopping

There Should Be A Name...
...for Car Shopping Phobia

Recently our little clan went with my sister to shop(buy) a new car.
My kiddies' auntie is extremely (highlight again...extremely) prepared and nervous.  We think she only slept a couple of hours the night before.

Armed with her stacks of research paperwork, she walked into the dealership boldly and prepared for some high intensity negotiations.
It was fun while it wasn't us who needed to face the eager sales people.

Actually her experience was not bad at all.  She knew the car she wanted, the color, the model, was at that particular dealership.

The sale person didn't make it too difficult and a deal was made fairly quickly. I do dare say that she did sweat a little.

Now fast forward a bit, we are now in a similar state of phobia.  We may be in the market for a more fuel efficient car. What's worst is that this time, we will have to negotiate a trade-in!  Ahhhhhhh...

Edmunds.com and Truecar.com have been most helpful.
But ultimately, we will still have to deal with the "sales force!"
Ahhhhhh...some more

So, who will give a name this phobia...I am open to suggestions.

Thoughts on Education

California - Maybe Not a Place for Education

I need to stop listening to NPR or any news for that matter.

This is not a political response. I am not even a political person.  I try to be informed and am definitely concerned.

Questions flood my mind and thoughts rush through. I am not even sure if I have the right to say much (we do have our kiddies in private school). Nonetheless, the values and principles of education are being diminish with every cut and every change within the system.

Questions:
What is up with more potential cuts to California educational system?!
Why is education no longer about the children and their learning?
Why are teachers not valued like many other countries and cultures?
Why are we teaching kids according to standardized tests rather than to think and to be creative?
What are we doing to prepare the future generations when education is no longer a priority?

(I think my last dose of cough medicine was a bit stronger than normal...)

So here is my reading list (to find some hope, somewhere).

Still Sick - Needed Some Laugh

Love Actually (2003)

I know I know...the Christmas tree is down, the ornaments put away.
New Year's Time Square Ball had come and gone.
But it's always fun to peek at Love and Relationships.

It's British accent through and through (even if some actors aren't British).
It's fun, funny yet still smart and romantic.
Many reviews used the word "heartwarming."

I like heartwarming!
Especially when I am in bed, coughing and sneezing (sorry for the visual).

It's a film filled to the brim with characters. One blogger made a graph of the film's relatedness...see for yourself.

A pretty good "cast of characters"

Out Sick - Sorry...

Sick_Doggie

Thought I was able to get away with not getting sick this holiday season...Oh Well...
Nighty Night...

Not Tiger Mom Again! - True Signs of Narcissistic Parenting

Narcissistic Parenting...

So here we go again...the book the Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother...
...now in paperback.
So the author and "the Tiger Mother," Amy Chua in doing the media round again.

Being Chinese, having children and a practicing therapist put me in a position of being asked, "What is your take on this parenting style?"


My honest answer continues to be...
- It will cost you your relationship with your child (short or long run).
- It will cost your child his/her self-identity and self-worth.
- It will cost up to a decade of psychotherapy.

In truth, the book is as stated, a memoir of the author's experience as a parent.
A narcissist at best and an abusive parent at her worst.
Here, her children must act as the direct extension of herself. The control and the forcefulness are the manifestation of her own insecurity and anxiety (IMHO).
The obsessiveness is Not "for the good of the children" but a necessary step to sooth her own internal conflicts.

I believe she is genuinely shocked by the millions of negative reactions.
Another sign of a truth narcissist - "Why would the world have a different outlook than mine?"
A narcissist does not take into account of the "other." It is all about them, their wants, needs, desires, outlooks, goals, etc.

Her latest comment on TV was that now she is a hands off mother.  Her job is done. She was "happy" to report that she loves texting her daughter and "forgot" to go to her daughter's college family weekend.  She didn't stop talking before the Freudian slip of "...it's too far to drive a few hours..."

Ultimately, she is an ingenious opportunist, controversy will sell books...her book!

So here is my response to her book...