Friday, February 23, 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Chinese New Year's Eve - the Way We Were....
Chinese New Year is like the holiday season in the West. The whole country is shut down for at least one week and people wine and dine and some even like to gamble!
When I was little, Chinese New Year was a big deal to me. The red envelopes I received made up most of my income for the fiscal year. My whole clan is huge. My dad has 13 siblings and my mom has 9. Just imagine all the uncles and aunts who are related to me by blood, let alone my dad's business associates and my mom's friends. All the grown ups knew to pay up when they saw me.
When my grandpa was still alive, we would need to set up at least two big tables on Chinese New Year's Eve in order to seat everyone. After dinner, Grandpa would call out the youngest child to hand out the first red envelope of the evening. One by one, all of us would get a nice hefty red envelope. Different age bracket determined the amount received. The last one I got from Grandpa was when I belonged to the 12-15 age bracket. And that was the biggest one I've ever received.
Years past, I'm all grown up. Grandpa is no longer around. My mom lost her parents due to illness. My parents both have lost a brother in recent years. None of my siblings is married and therefore I don't have any little ones to give red envelopes to. I can't remember the last time I saw my cousins even though they all have children of their own. It's hard for anyone to imagine how come I have cousins in their 50s and I'm only 33 this year.
Sadly to say, a family feud has separated our clan and everyone goes on their own way. Every year less and less relatives join us for Chinese New Year's Eve dinner. Chinese New Year is never the same again!
Last night over Chinese New Year dinner, there were seven people plus our dog. Grandma, my recently divorced uncle, my mom & dad, my brother, me and the maid. We sat very comfortably because the table was designed to seat 10. I remember when we're kids, we didn't even get to sit at the table and would end up sitting in front of the TV with all the other cousins. Too many people and too little seats. My aunt who's a Buddhist nun came home after we finished dinner and surprisingly, she gave me and my brother each a red envelope! This is the first envelope from her in years! I don't think she's even given us one ever since she shaved her head to become a nun.
The whole night my grandma was mumbling something about not having enough food on the table. In the past everything would be prepared by the tradition - a fish is a must, rice noodles, chicken, pork, veggie called longevity, and lots more. This year we had hot pot! I can only imagine what's going through my grandma's mind. Thinking about our old holiday tradition makes me feel quite nostalgic!
The highlight of the evening has gotta be my grandma questioning, "Why aren't you married?" My mom told me later on that last week my grandma called to ask her for my husband's name. This is hilarious! I guess my grandma has gone to so many weddings that she can't remember who is whom.
Part of the tradition was to stay up past midnight to welcome the new year. The adults would gather around the table and it turned into a casino. The kids would take their red envelopes and buy fireworks. Those were the happy days!
When I was little, Chinese New Year was a big deal to me. The red envelopes I received made up most of my income for the fiscal year. My whole clan is huge. My dad has 13 siblings and my mom has 9. Just imagine all the uncles and aunts who are related to me by blood, let alone my dad's business associates and my mom's friends. All the grown ups knew to pay up when they saw me.
When my grandpa was still alive, we would need to set up at least two big tables on Chinese New Year's Eve in order to seat everyone. After dinner, Grandpa would call out the youngest child to hand out the first red envelope of the evening. One by one, all of us would get a nice hefty red envelope. Different age bracket determined the amount received. The last one I got from Grandpa was when I belonged to the 12-15 age bracket. And that was the biggest one I've ever received.
Years past, I'm all grown up. Grandpa is no longer around. My mom lost her parents due to illness. My parents both have lost a brother in recent years. None of my siblings is married and therefore I don't have any little ones to give red envelopes to. I can't remember the last time I saw my cousins even though they all have children of their own. It's hard for anyone to imagine how come I have cousins in their 50s and I'm only 33 this year.
Sadly to say, a family feud has separated our clan and everyone goes on their own way. Every year less and less relatives join us for Chinese New Year's Eve dinner. Chinese New Year is never the same again!
Last night over Chinese New Year dinner, there were seven people plus our dog. Grandma, my recently divorced uncle, my mom & dad, my brother, me and the maid. We sat very comfortably because the table was designed to seat 10. I remember when we're kids, we didn't even get to sit at the table and would end up sitting in front of the TV with all the other cousins. Too many people and too little seats. My aunt who's a Buddhist nun came home after we finished dinner and surprisingly, she gave me and my brother each a red envelope! This is the first envelope from her in years! I don't think she's even given us one ever since she shaved her head to become a nun.
The whole night my grandma was mumbling something about not having enough food on the table. In the past everything would be prepared by the tradition - a fish is a must, rice noodles, chicken, pork, veggie called longevity, and lots more. This year we had hot pot! I can only imagine what's going through my grandma's mind. Thinking about our old holiday tradition makes me feel quite nostalgic!
The highlight of the evening has gotta be my grandma questioning, "Why aren't you married?" My mom told me later on that last week my grandma called to ask her for my husband's name. This is hilarious! I guess my grandma has gone to so many weddings that she can't remember who is whom.
Part of the tradition was to stay up past midnight to welcome the new year. The adults would gather around the table and it turned into a casino. The kids would take their red envelopes and buy fireworks. Those were the happy days!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
It's the Year of the PIG and I think I'm Ready to Move On
In my life, planning can never seem to catch up to changes. When I was little, I dreamed of moving to America but my parents couldn't bear the idea of their daughter going abroad alone. Then just when I thought maybe my dream wasn't going to see the light of the day, they sat me down and told me that I could pack up and go. I was ecstatic! I left on a Northwest Airlines jet plane within a week. Most of my extended family and friends didn't even know that I was gone.
When I got my first radio job, I didn't think I 'd become an on air personality because the job I applied to was within the news department. Obviously someone saw my potential and decided to put me on air. On and off I've been in the business for almost 10 years now. Even though I was absent for three years, it's nice to know that people still remember me and my laughter. Up to this day, I often meet people who tell me that they used to listen to my very first radio show - that was in the middle of the night. It's comforting to know that I'm not forgotten. And I'm most proud of the fact that those who come forward and claim to be my listeners are intellectuals.
Two days ago I was having lunch with my friend Vanessa at the newly open department store BR4. She asked me about my recent hosting gig at the National Palace Museum for its outdoors festival. All of sudden, this young woman who was sitting at the next table dropped her book and interrupted our conversation, "Excuse me! Are you the MC for the outdoors festival? I just have to tell you that your English is very good!" I roared with laughter, "Thank you!".
Last month I met a woman who runs a brokerage that brings students from Taiwan to go study in Singapore. She's been living in Singapore for 20 years and says her brother works in the TV / Radio business there. She liked the way I host my radio show and asked if I'd be interested in working in Singapore. WOW! I used to make fun of it, calling it Sing-A-Whore (just a joke!) I don't know why but it perked up my interest. I guess I just need a new environment to live & work. Taipei is getting old on me. Don't get me wrong. Taipei is so much more improved comparing to 1998 when I first set foot in here and I'd recommend Taipei to anyone who's interested in moving to Asia. The first time around, I didn't like it so much and honestly, I tried hard not to fit in and went on my life as if I was still in the States. The second time around, I started having local friends and I began to enjoy Taipei! Now I'd like to move somewhere else and start all over again before I feel too old to do so. It's like when you live in one place too long, you sink into that comfort zone and you become lazy. You only live once and before you know it, you'll be waiting for retirement. I got the traveling bug again!
When I got my first radio job, I didn't think I 'd become an on air personality because the job I applied to was within the news department. Obviously someone saw my potential and decided to put me on air. On and off I've been in the business for almost 10 years now. Even though I was absent for three years, it's nice to know that people still remember me and my laughter. Up to this day, I often meet people who tell me that they used to listen to my very first radio show - that was in the middle of the night. It's comforting to know that I'm not forgotten. And I'm most proud of the fact that those who come forward and claim to be my listeners are intellectuals.
Two days ago I was having lunch with my friend Vanessa at the newly open department store BR4. She asked me about my recent hosting gig at the National Palace Museum for its outdoors festival. All of sudden, this young woman who was sitting at the next table dropped her book and interrupted our conversation, "Excuse me! Are you the MC for the outdoors festival? I just have to tell you that your English is very good!" I roared with laughter, "Thank you!".
Last month I met a woman who runs a brokerage that brings students from Taiwan to go study in Singapore. She's been living in Singapore for 20 years and says her brother works in the TV / Radio business there. She liked the way I host my radio show and asked if I'd be interested in working in Singapore. WOW! I used to make fun of it, calling it Sing-A-Whore (just a joke!) I don't know why but it perked up my interest. I guess I just need a new environment to live & work. Taipei is getting old on me. Don't get me wrong. Taipei is so much more improved comparing to 1998 when I first set foot in here and I'd recommend Taipei to anyone who's interested in moving to Asia. The first time around, I didn't like it so much and honestly, I tried hard not to fit in and went on my life as if I was still in the States. The second time around, I started having local friends and I began to enjoy Taipei! Now I'd like to move somewhere else and start all over again before I feel too old to do so. It's like when you live in one place too long, you sink into that comfort zone and you become lazy. You only live once and before you know it, you'll be waiting for retirement. I got the traveling bug again!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
39 Pounds of Love
Recently I had the pleasure of watching a documentary film called “39 Pounds of Love” before the general release. I was so moved by it that I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
Ami Ankilewitz is that 39 pounds of love and he’s full of love and passion for life. He was diagnosed with a rare disease called spinal muscular dystrophy. 39 pounds is about 18 kilos. Can you imagine not being able to move your body? Can you imagine being confined to a wheelchair all your life? This sickness left Ami with one finger to move on his left hand but that didn’t stop him from doing what he loves. With just one finger, he’s now a talented 3D animator.
On Ami’s 34th birthday he made a wish to do a cross country trip in the States. Despite his mother’s plea, Ami was determined to make his dream come true. His best friend told him that it’d be a dangerous journey. Ami’s reply was brilliant, “Crossing the street is dangerous!” Ain’t that the truth?! More people lost their lives on the road than any fatal disease that’s known in this world.
When asked about the mission of the cross country trip, he said, “Going cross country for me is like climbing Mt. Everest for you! And I want to show the world that anything is possible!”
I never thought about climbing the Himalayas; but I do know that the last time we experienced a blackout I almost passed out from walking up 15 flights of stairs just to go home. Obviously most of us don’t challenge ourselves like Ami does even though we have total control over our arms and legs.
During the cross country trip Ami came to terms with his brother whom he had a falling out a few years back. It just goes to show that there’s nothing thicker than blood. On top of that Ami decided to find the doctor who told his mother that he wouldn’t live over the age of six. Facing your own demon is easily said than done.
Ami fell in love with his caretaker Christina and eventually confided in her. The result was disappointing. Surprisingly, Ami quickly put an end to it and asked Christina to leave. She seemed shocked by his reaction but had no choice. Ami may be fragile physically but deep down he’s more confident and a lot stronger than most of us.
This documentary film is not looking for your sympathy. Ami’s story is inspiring because no one should ever give up hopes for life although his doctor’s prediction of life expectancy was six years. And everyone should embrace chances for love even if he only weighs 39 pounds.
For more information: www.39poundsoflove.com;
Ami Ankilewitz is that 39 pounds of love and he’s full of love and passion for life. He was diagnosed with a rare disease called spinal muscular dystrophy. 39 pounds is about 18 kilos. Can you imagine not being able to move your body? Can you imagine being confined to a wheelchair all your life? This sickness left Ami with one finger to move on his left hand but that didn’t stop him from doing what he loves. With just one finger, he’s now a talented 3D animator.
On Ami’s 34th birthday he made a wish to do a cross country trip in the States. Despite his mother’s plea, Ami was determined to make his dream come true. His best friend told him that it’d be a dangerous journey. Ami’s reply was brilliant, “Crossing the street is dangerous!” Ain’t that the truth?! More people lost their lives on the road than any fatal disease that’s known in this world.
When asked about the mission of the cross country trip, he said, “Going cross country for me is like climbing Mt. Everest for you! And I want to show the world that anything is possible!”
I never thought about climbing the Himalayas; but I do know that the last time we experienced a blackout I almost passed out from walking up 15 flights of stairs just to go home. Obviously most of us don’t challenge ourselves like Ami does even though we have total control over our arms and legs.
During the cross country trip Ami came to terms with his brother whom he had a falling out a few years back. It just goes to show that there’s nothing thicker than blood. On top of that Ami decided to find the doctor who told his mother that he wouldn’t live over the age of six. Facing your own demon is easily said than done.
Ami fell in love with his caretaker Christina and eventually confided in her. The result was disappointing. Surprisingly, Ami quickly put an end to it and asked Christina to leave. She seemed shocked by his reaction but had no choice. Ami may be fragile physically but deep down he’s more confident and a lot stronger than most of us.
This documentary film is not looking for your sympathy. Ami’s story is inspiring because no one should ever give up hopes for life although his doctor’s prediction of life expectancy was six years. And everyone should embrace chances for love even if he only weighs 39 pounds.
For more information: www.39poundsoflove.com;
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