Category Archives: Reflections

Gung Hay Fat Choy

Posted in Family, Life, Photos, Reflections by

Image found here

For those who don’t know, I’m half Chinese. I get a lot of looks from people trying to figure out “what I’m made of” and when I tell them, the usually reply “Oh, I can see it now.” My younger cousins, who are younger than me, look way more Asian than I do. Anyway, this is all beside the point.

Yesterday marked the beginning of the Chinese New Year, more specifically, the year of the Tiger, a.k.a. MY year! (Or anyone else who was born in 1986. I guess I’ll share.) I’m quite proud of my Chinese heritage. My great-grandfather came over to Canada with his family (my grandfather) and they settled in my hometown, starting up a general store and making an impact. (There’s a photo of my great-grandpa, grandpa and great-uncle in the local museum). My dad is a first-generation Canadian and tries to keep our Chinese heritage alive.

When I was born, my grandparents (who had since moved from my hometown to Vancouver) wanted to help raise me. My mom didn’t like the idea of me being away I suppose, so I never got to. I really wish I could speak Chinese, like really really wish. I know I could take language courses at the university, but sometimes, I wish I knew it naturally.

One day, when the Vancouver Olympics aren’t going on at the same time as Chinese New Year’s, I’d like to go down to Vancouver and take in the sights. The last time I was there was in 2007, but we had to leave the day of the parade so we never watched it. I did get some photos in Chinatown, like this Fu Dog outside a store:


Anyway, I hope every appreciates their family’s history and where they came from. It makes us who we are and will always be a part of us. Gung Hay Fat Choy! (Happy New Year!)

Now tell me, do you add “In bed” to the end of YOUR fortune cookie fortune?

Slow down, there’s more life to live

Posted in Appearances, Growing Up, Life, Reflections by

I was in the changing room at the gym, getting frustrated as usual because the floor was soaking wet because the little girls in there were running around soaking wet after getting out of the pool. (I have a thing with wet socks, okay?) I nearly slipped and broke my neck because of my non-slip friendly footwear when I heard these little girls singing Justin Timberlake’s “Sexy Back”. Err, wha?

It made me wonder, do these girls even know what sexy means? They couldn’t have been any older than 9 and here they’re singing a song that came out when they were 5. When I was their age I was still watching Sailor Moon and music hadn’t even struck my interest yet. (That would be grade 5, when I fell in love with the Backstreet Boys)

I have seen kids younger than 9 with coloured streaks in their hair. I’ve seen 11-year-olds with mascara on. I’d probably pass out if I saw a 12-year old with a septum piercing. Christ, I’ve heard kids who look that age talk about sex. Whaa? I’m pretty sure I didn’t even know what a (pardon my rudeness but -) blow job was until well into Grade 7. Okay, I was the same age as those kids, but I wasn’t freaking trading techniques during recess.

My question is – are kids these days growing up too fast? Every movie appealing to a younger audience revolves around sex, drugs and well, rock and roll. (Okay, maybe not rock and roll, but you know) My 16 year old cousin (well, kinda cousin) claims she loves a guy after they were dating for a week. Young girls are wearing make-up and revealing clothing … it’s sad really. Whatever happened to being young and innocent? Is society putting too much pressure on kids to grow up and act like adults?

I may sound like an old fuddy-duddy, but when I was 12, I didn’t have a cell phone, Facebook, or even high speed Internet. I never felt pressured to be more grown up. Sometimes I just want to ask these kids, “What the hell? Can’t you see that there’s more to life than appearances and being popular?”

Maybe it’s just me. Maybe it’s not.

Weekend Recap

Posted in Life, Reflections by

I must say, I didn’t have a super busy and adventure-filled weekend, but it was decent!

I nearly died at my Rep Reebok class at the gym Friday after work. Maybe it’s because I haven’t been feeling well lately, so that may be why. I hope I start feeling better soon.

I’ve recently discovered the joy of theatre, specifically the local theatre company, Western Canada Theatre. As one of my work “perks” (at the newspaper, not the grocery store!) I get theatre tickets from my boss. Since we’re sponsors, we get two tickets for every production. The first show I went to was My Fair Lady, and it was fabulous! Singing, dancing – it was lovely :)

On Saturday I took my mom to the opening night of The Foursome. It was hilarious! We went out for dinner before the show and then headed to the theatre. (By the way Bruchetta pizza at Boston Pizza is delicious!) We got out just after 10pm so it made for a fairly early night.

Sunday I worked from noon to 6pm and therefore the day was pretty much a write-off. I got up, ate and went to work. My sinuses have been kicking my ass, so I need to figure out how to make ’em stop. I’m thinking a chiropractor appointment might help, so we’ll see.

Oh yeah! I also picked up the ingredients to make yam fries (as posted on Kyla Roma’s lovely blog) as well as a yummy-looking roasted garlic soup I found here. I’ll probably give them both a try Wednesday, barring I don’t have to work, so expect a “results” post in the future!

How was your weekend?