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Post Turkey Day

11/29/2015

Well, it's over. Another Thanksgiving come and gone. I'm exhausted by all the activities - cooked for my Dad and Norm on Thanksgiving Eve, had takeout with the Chin family on Thanksgiving at the nursing home, met up with a friend whom I've known for 35+ years but haven't seen in awhile, went to NYC and ate like there was no tomorrow. And now have to starve myself in preparation for all of my upcoming bday dinners :) and Christmas parties.

I have alot to be thankful for...my family, decent health, dear friends, and the two best little furry babies ever! Plus I have so many awesome memories of my Mom.

Many thanks to all who visits this site and reads my blog posts. It's been a roller coaster throughout this journey for sure. My goal is to continue to blog as long as there is still interest.

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Humbled by "My Life in China"

11/24/2015

Just saw this documentary "My Life in China" (www.mylifeinchina.org) and I cannot express how moved I was. I emailed a bunch of people after seeing a post on FB about it. But only my partner in crime Helen was able to go. I even got a ticket for my Dad but he bailed at the last minute. Luckily tickets for seniors were free....

If you're reading this, please please please make a point to see this film! Reasons you should watch it - your family originated from Toisan and are immigrants, you were bullied growing up and tried really hard to fit in and be "American", you didn't want to identify with your own heritage, you grew up in Castle Square and am interested in hearing stories of what our elders went through in order to give their family what they perceived as a better life.

I'm not sure I can do justice in trying to summarize the film because there are so many stories intertwined in this film but here goes....and tell me if you can relate to any of these snippets from the film.

The director Kenneth Eng grew up in Castle Square (I also grew up here), went to Boston Latin and then to NY to study film making.
While growing up, his father would tell him stories about how he made his way from China to Macau and then Hong Kong in 1966 and eventually made his way to Boston. My Dad said it was really bad in China at that time - many people died trying to leave China. I was born in 1964 so my family was already here.
His father attended 3 years of University in China yet had to work as a cook in a Chinese restaurant after coming here. As many other men who came from China despite being educated or was skilled in other professions.
Mother suffered from mental illness so father had to take care of her.
In 2008, Kenneth went back China with his father to film and backtrack the journey his father made in 1966 to escape starvation in China. Their interactions with family Kenneth never met reminded me of how welcoming and friendly my HK family is.
Ironically, the family his father left behind in China are now thriving and are very successful. While Kenneth's family restaurant went bankrupt so his father felt like he failed at the American dream.
One of the reasons for the trip back to China was see if there was a possibility of moving back with his wife and seeking treatment for her. But he quickly realized the family house in Toisan was inhabitable and he would prefer to go back to America.
Heartbreaking, hard to watch and tear-worthy:
- Father's recollection of his own mother and how she kept her family from starving.
- Father breaking down and talking about how he could've divorced and left his wife but wanted his sons to have a mother and father.
- When his father realized it was fruitless to think about moving back to China.

So many parts of their story hits close to home - a totally amazing film.

Crap - it's mid November!

11/12/2015

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Missed a face-time call with Dad....hmmmm, is he calling cos he is running out of $ in HK? Or just giving me an update about how much fun he is having? In any case, I hope he is still coming home as scheduled and did not decide to extend his trip. I know it sounds selfish but I want him home for Thanksgiving.

Planning trips with friends and hoping to go somewhere warm soon. Also meeting up with old friends and keeping busy. Work is eh...work. Never ending.

But life is good, can't complain. Gearing up for my birthday and people already planning dinners. So blessed!

Lastly, going to a wedding in a couple of weeks. Former employee whom I hired right after she graduated from college about 10 years ago? Damn, I feel old but very proud of her. She is one of the sweetest girls I know and I'm happy to be one of the select few from ATASK to be invited.

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Is it really November?

11/4/2015

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I can't believe how fast time is going by. And strangely enough, the weather is really warm for this time of the year. Dad is still in China having a grand ole time. Only called once since he left. I'm sure he'll call again when he runs out of money :)

I've been visiting my grandma and all she talks about is Thanksgiving dinner. She's been in a good mood the last couple of weeks I've seen her. Always a good thing.

My heart is heavy as I see a couple of my friends struggling. I can't imagine being in their shoes. Because that could so easily be me. But if they can't or won't help themselves, I can't do much better for them. Maybe one day, I'll hit the lottery and I'll be able to share my wealth? Umm Mom, can you help? Or maybe hit the jackpot in Vegas?

Work is still busy, heavy on the drama with some of the staff. Man, it's getting messy. And I don't do messy so will try and stay out of it. Don't need that in my life......

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Post Turkey Day

Humbled by "My Life in China"

Crap - it's mid November!

Is it really November?

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