chuey.

thick skin

2009-05-18T20:17:00.003-07:00

You need thick skin to be in our family.

It's always been that way.

I commented on my brother's nose the other day... saying, he's got the "Sam nose." If you look at any of the Sam's you'll know what I mean =p

Dad agreed and confirmed that I had the "Chu nose." The "better nose." He said, "in fact, you have the better features of everything, except when you put it all together, it doesn't look too great."

Thanks dad. Again, thanks dad.

how'd they know?

2009-05-18T20:13:00.002-07:00

We had a community nurse come by as part of their palliative care unit at Richmond Hospital...

First, meet and greet.

After awhile, he got to know us and said to dad, "You're a bit of a smart-ass aren't you?"

Dad said, "I take after my daughter."

Thanks dad.

one day two nights

2009-05-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

Came back from a "one-day, two-nights" trip to Vegas. Yes, that's right. One day.

Where 6 hrs were spent at the airport. That is, YVR.

dad wanted to eat his duck...

2009-04-17T09:51:00.004-07:00

He was at the corner store the other day and needed to buy this particular one.

This is as close to "duck" as he'll get.

playoff fever

2009-04-14T19:00:00.005-07:00

The Canucks are in the playoffs and it's a great time to be a Vancouverite!

So many great things about this time of year:
There's a buzz in the air.... check.
People are friendlier.... check.
Canuck t-shirts are hard to come by.... check.
The sun is shining.... check.

You couldn't ask for more!

Oh, Round One tickets................... check ;)

Yep. Got 'em via ticketmaster.

Couldn't get 'em when they first came out on Saturday at 10am... but I heard a few weeks back that they'd release more 48hrs before the game. So I figured, Monday at 10. I was right.

I bought 4 tickets.

One for dad and two for cousins.

One of the cousins found 4 more tickets right beside us... but timed out on Ticketmaster.

So another cousin found (and successfuly purchased) two other tickets in the row below us.

Dad, me and his nieces and nephews... Over 600 bucks later.

God, we better win...

And Lord, another request. I need money to fall from trees. Thanks.

If we head into OT, dad said he's coming home - he's already wondering how he can sit there comfortably for 3 hours in a cold arena. Looks like I'll be sneaking in his snacks too.

We attended a game the day after the first time he was discharged from the hospital.

He was in the hospital January 5-9, a newly diagnosed pancreatic patient and we watched the Canucks on the 10th.

He won those tickets from his work's annual Christmas dinner.

His name was drawn for the second straight year.

Did his luck run out then? You can look at it like that...

Or perhaps you can say that his string of luck only continues.

He's past his third month after diagnosis and is still relatively well. He is blessed to have a very large and close family that loves and supports him.

And he's damn well lucky to have me. Hah!

boggled down by stats

2009-04-09T13:34:00.002-07:00

It's sooooo easy to be discouraged by the statistics for pancreatic cancer.

Dad was diagnosed on January 5th, 2009 with PC.

That same week, Patrick Swayze went public with his cancer and promotions began for his interview with Barbara Walters.

4th leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women in Canada and the US
99% mortality rate
3,400 new cases will be diagnosed in Canada in 2007 (37,170 in the US) and 3,300 will die that year (33,370 in the US).
Approximately 85 out of 100 pancreatic cancer patients will die within one year of diagnosis. Only 4% will survive through 5 years.
In BC, 240 men will be diagnosed in 2007 (I guess the article I'm reading from was written prior to 2007), and 240 men will die from pancreatic cancer that year. The figure includes people previously diagnosed with PC.

Dad's cancer was between a stage III and stage IV. Now, three months later, it's clearly a stage IV cancer. It has spread outside the pancreas.

The almost 100% mortality rate is probably due to a number of factors. One, lack of early detection. Two, lack of funding. Did you know that in 2006 PC reseach got 66.7 million per year (in the US from National Cancer Institute). A lot? This is about 1% of the 4.8 billion cancer research budget. BILLION.

And it's the 4th leading cause of cancer deaths.

So if I was a researcher... I'd probably go research another cancer. Go where the funding is. Where there's even a chance to find a cure... unfortunately.

Apparently PC is where Breast Cancer was in the 1930s...

Here's to hoping dad is one of the 4% who survive past 5 years!

is it hereditary?

2009-04-07T10:13:00.003-07:00

One oncologist explained to us that if only one person in the family has that type of cancer, you cannot exactly say it "runs in the family."

I think we scared the oncologist when we told him:

Grandpa had lung cancer (battled it in the 60s to 70s)
Dad's half-brother had nose/throat cancer (died in 2007)
Dad's sister, who had an appointment with that same oncologist, is one year removed from breast cancer (diagnosed in 2008)
And well, dad has pancreatic cancer (diagnosed in 2009)

So in fact we don't have one that is "runs in the family." But we do have many different cancers.

Lucky us.

Sarcasm intended.

kids say the darnest things

2009-04-07T09:41:00.004-07:00

I was told this story recently about my cousin's three year old kid.

During dinner, he was being fussy and well, a bit of a brat. So one of my cousins (not his mother) grabbed him tightly and tried to feed him. He screamed and wanted to be let go.

He called out to his aunt (another cousin) to help him. His aunt pretended not to hear.

He called out to his other aunt (another cousin.. yes I have many). This aunt also pretended not to hear.

He called out to his mother, "Mom mom!!" She ignored him.

He called out to his grandfather, "Grandfather help me!" He wouldn't help.

Lastly he yelled, "Jesus Jesus!!"

dreaming of

2009-04-07T09:38:00.004-07:00

Lobster.

I dreamt of lobster last night.

The one my dad makes. The one with a cream sauce.

I was slurping the juice and I chewed on a bit of the shell and had to spit it out.

So I did.

In real life.

It woke me up and I ended up wiping the spit that rolled down the side of my face.

Glorious.

Bertha

2009-04-04T18:00:00.004-07:00

An older Chinese lady with ESL English looked at me strangely, pointing at my face and asked, what is that?

I answered, "A zit."

---

Yes, meet Bertha.

Fed by my natural oils.

Cultivated by my aunt's delish food.

Yes, meet my bindi, Bertha.

fun with dad

2009-03-06T10:54:00.004-08:00

Dad is to my right. He'd prefer not to be on the internet...

We brought out the "yu-ha-hai" (Fish, Shrimp, Crab - literal translation) game. It's fun. Really.
Kyle won this turn... but I won it alllllll!

Sheldon's turn at dealin'. If only I had video... You have to say this little rhyme/chant to encourage people to bet... us Canadian born make up our own versions due to our very limited Chinese.

what the?

2009-03-06T10:41:00.003-08:00

Follow your nose...
What is that?
Sardines.
Ew.
I found this the day AFTER my aunts bought 2 boxes of fresh sardines. When they were dividing them up, I guess one jumped out and landed on the floor.
Double ew.

cancer-diet

2009-03-06T10:34:00.005-08:00

Dad diet. Green. Green. And more Green.

7 Cups of this everyday. Can you say, yummy?

Try me!
Stimulating every tastebud. Bitter melon, Tumeric, Kiwi, Tomato Cinnamon...

Attempts at making lunch different...

so this is life...

2009-03-05T17:01:00.010-08:00

Dad strutting his stuff.
He can still play after all these years. Me? I know where middle C is.

Please excuse my aunt.
She's trying to catch dinner...
She's not from around here.

Dad and auntie going for a morning stroll... while I wait in the car ;)

twenty-five day countdown

2008-12-01T21:54:00.003-08:00

Do you remember these?

I wish I had a chocolate calendar!

helluva week

2008-12-01T21:33:00.002-08:00

It's been quite the week. A birthday week busy with just stuff.

Two Fridays ago, I went to a battle of the bands fundraiser. The "Wally Project" raised money so that the group could pay down the mortgage/rent for some families so that they could have a decent Christmas.

Two Saturdays ago, I attended my church's 4th, (yes, it's only four years old) birthday. International Global banquet, they call it. Everyone brings a dish from their culture. We got some Dutch foods, a Cheese curry, some Indian... and even KFC - from Canadian culture, I suppose.

Two Sundays ago, I had my own birthday bash! We volunteered for the Richmond Christmas Fund, painting a Christmas scene on one of the dealers (Audi) in the Richmond Automall. They in turn donated $$ to the Richmond Christmas Fund which buys toys for underprivileged kids. My friends had so much fun, it was a great way to spend the afternoon. I always marvel at the generosity of my buddies. Some of them even made Christmas shoeboxes because I had requested it - and others just made them because they do it every year!

Monday and Tuesday were dinners dad and mum.

Wednesday was my friends goodbye "party." Not sure how celebratory the event was, but it was a send-off of sorts. The only person in our group to actually leave the city for an indeterminable amount of time. We were/are good friends and probably became even better friends the last couple of months. So for me it's really sad to see her leave -- to Toronto of all places! Every person has their journey of discovery and perhaps this will be one for her too.

Thursday's evening was thankfully free.

Friday evening some friends and I headed across the border to join in the Thanksgiving shopping madness. We didn't find much in terms of sales, but it was great for conversation and well shopping. Thankfully no one around us died as that would have sucked. Who carries a real gun into Toys-R-Us?

Came home yesterday. Exhausted and wanting my bed.

Phew.

Boring post, I know. I'm feeling rather listless.

thanks

2008-11-27T10:31:00.000-08:00

To the people who wished me happy birthday, thanks.

-facebook friends, near (across the street) and far (australia, montreal, los angeles, hong kong...)
-friends for life and friends recently met
-cousins who call and text
-brother and SIL who send a card for London
-the drivers license renewal lady
-my mom's credit union teller
-salespeople and the administration at the Richmond Automall
-my life insurance guy
-DQ friends and family

first words new immigrants learn?

2008-11-17T12:49:00.006-08:00

Yesterday at the Deeq, mom was helping a customer. As her cheerful self, she asks,

Mom: so that's a 10" cake, would you like anything else?
Customer: (struggling with English) uh...... condoms?
M: um...
C: (reaches into backpocket and pulls out...)
M: oh, CANDLES!

Mom was visibly relieved.. Ha!

tales from a fast food joint

2008-11-05T16:28:00.000-08:00

I love talking to strangers.

That being said, it's limited to small talk about nothing and strangers that will remain strangers.

Not the ones who find out your name and add you to fb.

Or the ones that are twice or thrice your age, give you the sly smile and ask what time you're off.

Nor the teens who comment on your change in appearance and ask questions assuming you're the same age.

Lincoln, Roosevelt, Kennedy, Obama...and Sheman?

2008-11-05T15:46:00.003-08:00

As America fixates its hopes upon every word of President-elect Barack Obama, the world watches with great anticipation as well. Obama has created a stir, an interest, an excitement in politics that has not existed for decades. This fervor crossed ethnic and economic divides and even international waters.

West Kenya was celebrating the election of one of their own; Obama, Japan is just happy to have the same name; Canada...? We were more interested in this election than our own. Who's our Presid er...Prime Minister again?

Every generation has had a President (PM?) that captured the hearts and imagination of the people. A man with charisma, a great orator, someone who effectively raised the hopes of the young and the old. Trudeau, was my father's hero. Mom remembers school being canceled and everyone in tears when JFK was assinated. Our generation had lacked a political "hero," until now. Yesterday, I think we (they) elected one.

And I'm pretty sure my kids will look to this kid (man).

are your parents home?

2008-10-25T23:10:00.001-07:00

Hah! I love that!

When door-to-door salesmen/political representatives/informational people swing by asking to speak with my parents especially when it appears that I'm probably older than them...

unphat me

2008-09-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

Seriously, Richmond. Please stop feeding me such delectable morsels of food.

7lbs since moving here.

12 lbs if you count the ones I lost cos I was sick in the beginning of the year.

Twelve.

That's 1.5 lbs per month.

Perhaps it's cos my brother moved away and there's no one else to eat the delish food. Sam (Mom's) family apple pie AND blueberry pie.

To be consumed by me.

Yums.

China Series 1.2 08.08.08 at 8:08pm

2008-08-08T02:12:00.004-07:00

The Olympics begin in 1h45 minutes, PST.

Excited?

Maybe if I was in China.

I find it "neat" how the Chinese government can get everyone, seriously, everyone, on the same page. Perhaps that's one of the "positives" of Communism?

On arrival at Beijing International Airport, the Indian team were greeted by volunteers, "with a proper folded-hand 'namaskar' and introduced themselves as Charu, Shanti, Vishnu and Raj Kumar."

I guess names like "Cherry," "Cinderella," and "Sue" (for a boy) are out.

Beijing also has nearly 100,000 volunteers...that's in venues alone. 400,000 volunteers around the veunes, and about 1 million in the communities. Meanwhile 67,000 taxi drivers are donning new yellow (of course) shirts and blue trousers.

Oh and for the non-Chinese, you'll be happy to learn that Beijing has "standardized" their menus. No longer can you order "bean curd made by a pock-marked woman," but need to request "mapao tofu."

PS. "Racist Park" no longer exists. Ask to visit, "Park of Ethnic Minorities."

Cheers,

China Series 1.1 - Civilizing the Chinese

2008-08-08T02:06:00.006-07:00

The Chinese Government recently issued the "Eight Don't Ask Questions" list, distributed to their people.

Don't ask about income or expenses.
Don't ask about age.
Don't ask about love, life, or marriage.
Don't ask about health.
Don't ask about someone's home or address.
Don't ask about personal experience.
Don't ask about religious beliefs or political views.
Don't ask what someone does.

So what are you allowed to talk about?

The weather.

believing in China?

2008-07-26T20:41:00.003-07:00

Has China claimed the title of "god?"

Someone once said, if you have faith, you can move mountains.
Moving mountains proves to be an easy task, look at the Sea to Sky.

Yahweh once rebuked the seas, and they dried up.
China diverted the Yangtze.

The gods have always been associated with dictating the weather.
And the Middle Kingdom's latest claim to "fame"? It will be controlling the weather for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Yes that's right. The Chinese have triumphed over nature. Prior to the games, they'll clean the polluted city by with rain, shooting "silver iodide over the city's skies" to provoke a chemical reaction.

Speaking about chemicals... does this trigger global warming?

These are my people.

Never have I been more proud. Sarcasm intended.

ran out of creative complaints.

2008-07-21T21:24:00.002-07:00

I'm at a lost for words.
And I'm tired of talking.

To avoid sounding like an old hag and a broken record, I've stopped complaining and I'm starting to find humour in my life circumstances.

What do I do, you ask?

I've filed for early retirement. I sleep. I eat. I nap. I watch tv. I eat. I sleep.

shelaine is...

2008-05-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

sick again.

My new theory?

I think it's Richmond.

heartaches and pains...

2008-05-22T23:42:00.008-07:00

Can't help but grieve with this family whose music touched me in profound ways... Music is an emotional experience and often reaches the inner recesses of the heart. Often I've felt, it's like I know the lyricist...

Beautiful family.

I read this book in my local bookstore and fell in love with the Chapman family once again. Their work with adoption in China both amazes and convicts me. Ever since I was a kid I wanted to adopt. Seriously! I thought it would be cool to have a UN home. Then I found out it cost >10K per kid.

Ouch.

a letter

2008-05-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

Dear God,
I need a real job.

Thanks.

ouch!

2008-04-30T16:53:00.001-07:00

My back/neck hurts.

I think my head is too heavy for my heck.

dress fitting

2008-04-23T22:05:00.002-07:00

The bridal store needed three measurements from us bridesmaids and my friend's equation can aptly describe my size:

Bust + Waist + Hip = Fat

compliment?

2008-04-23T22:00:00.003-07:00

After my dad dropped by for a quick visit, my new immigrant colleague (that's PC for fob), where I flip burgers to pass time, commented, "I know why you are a beautiful girl--you have a very HANDSOME father!"

Was he trying to compliment my father? Or me? Ew.

rice shortage?

2008-04-07T22:32:00.002-07:00

I guess when 3/4 of the world's population live on rice, and that is the only demographic that is growing, it makes sense that it, along with other "natural" resources, would be in line for shortages.

It's time for North Americans to introduce the potato to the world.

Hello Potato.

j'ai fini

2008-03-29T02:09:00.003-07:00

A collective sigh of relief when I walked into that institute's office and laid my 5lb essay to rest.

I am done.

sick again.

2008-03-14T10:06:00.003-07:00

My hypothesis is that due to my over-extended neck, my collar/neck is frequently exposed.

pretty please?

2008-03-12T14:21:00.002-07:00

Would you like to edit my 62 page "mini-thesis?"

How about a portion of it?

Please?

Don't make me beg...

Send me an uh-oh, a buzz, or an You've got Mail!

Thanks a bundle, make that two.

please no...

2008-03-12T13:59:00.003-07:00

Am I sick again?

My previous bout with bacteria it lasted about 4 weeks and had a timely beginning on Dec. 30th 2007, leaving me in bed with sweats and chills--not a great feeling as fear of the inability to hold urine permeated my thoughts; voiceless--anytime Shelaine's unable to voice her opinions is a sad day for humanity; and like a space cadet--which reminds me of my childhood days playing with imaginary friends...

My current symptoms?

Bugged-out/dry eyes (a typical sign for me), slow movements (which could also correlate to the extra lbs I'm carrying), and inability to concentrate (perhaps it's related to the 62 page paper waiting for me to edit).

Diagnosis?

chunky monkey

2008-03-11T22:40:00.001-07:00

On Thursday, I went into "work" donning my uniform when I bent over.

Pop.

What's that sound?

My button came flying off. Note to self. No bending over.

On Friday, I went into "work" donning my uniform when I bent over.

Pop.

What's that sound!?

My button -- second button -- came flying off.

Crap.

I walk quickly to the washroom checking the "situation."

My zipper was still up... and I noticed. The pants actually fit well and snug!

A testament to Richmond-living.

buy to buy

2008-02-26T23:41:00.004-08:00

I find it peculiar that our accumulation of materialistic wealth forces us to purchase more (other things) to protect our assets?

So that in essence, the more we buy, the more we need to buy?

Seven to Eight servings of Fruit and Veggies?

2008-02-20T21:56:00.000-08:00

The Canadian Food Guide recommendations are pretty steep, if you ask me.

I tried to meet the "standard" today.

I made a fruit juice out pureeing a pear, apple, orange, handful of frozen strawberries, and a small kiwi. That should be enough, right?

Nope.

Each fruit is one serving. It made about 1.25 L of a thick, "Jugo juice-like" drink. I drank about 800ml of it. That was maybe 3.5 servings?

Plus I ate cheese with toast.

For lunch I had leftovers--beef noodle soup, with my favourite, cow's stomach. Yum! I added about a cup and a half of "sui choy" making for a delish lunch.

Count that, five (5) servings thus far.

And I've already eaten my quota of meats.

Then rolls in dinner. Rice, tofu mixed with fish, and my ultimate fav, "gai lan."

I ate 1.5 cups of greens here.

Count that, 6.5 servings of veggies. I was done for the day. Incredibly full.

Final count:
6.5/7 servings of Veggies, and this was with a conscious effort
5/6 servings of "Grains"
2/2 servings of "Milks"
4/2 servings of Meats

And this not including snacks. Evidence as to why I'm steadily packing in the pounds.

The "C" word

2008-02-19T00:08:00.004-08:00

Why do you come unsuspectingly?
Do you not know that you are an unwelcomed guest?
You come, stay, ravish one's body and soul...
Stripping a person of their joy,
Leaving but a shadow of the former self.

We pray for a miracle.
We ask for a sign.
We are polite.
But you are a stubborn one.

So now the digging will begin,
To excavate your roots,
Please don't stay,
Take all your little friends with you.

You might have taken my buddies,
But she...
She's a fighter, that li'l one.
With the fam together, the force is unstoppable.

With prayers lifted high,
Covered with love,
Bonded by one Spirit,
Our faith is in You.

Help?!

2008-02-17T19:00:00.000-08:00

Was a-wondering. Do you have an hour or so to edit a portion1 of my grad-paper? A "thesis-mini" of sorts. Don't worry, it's in Mickey-mouse English, which pays tributes to my ESL days.

My topic?

How do traditional Asian cultural values of family, hierarchy, harmony, and education factor into and influence the beliefs and practices of subsequent generations of North American-Born Chinese Christ-followers?

Doesn't it make you just want to get out of your seat and shout Hallelujah?

1 The blogspot version of footnotes... A portion = a mere dozen or so pages of my 70+ page "thesis-mini." Thanks in advance!

MSN with a baby boomer

2008-02-16T17:18:00.002-08:00

A riveting conversation with my technologically savvy auntie on MSN

Shale: Oh yeah, Happy Valentine's Day. K is working, if S is not home for dinner than you and Uncle can have a romantic dinner together :D
CCC: S has to go to school he will come home late. but we still have a dinner at home.
Shale: then you and Uncle can have a romantic dinner together. bring out the candles and wear a sexy dress. Haha :D
CCC: I can't because my father in law eat with us.
Shale: oh...yeah.. nevermind

lent-ing

2008-02-10T23:04:00.001-08:00

Last Wednesday was the beginning of Lent. I've never participated in it (by "sacrificing" something)... but this year, I thought I'd give it a go.

I "gave up" snacks and extraneous meals.

I fumbled on the first day... but it was well justified.

Three days later... I'm down again.

I think I might as well call it quits.

3/3

2008-02-10T22:56:00.000-08:00

Gastropod!

My final dine-out.

Desserts--top notch.
Appies--presentation rocks.
The Mains?--dry.

Is it me, or the common theme with my white restaurants (of my choosing) are overcooked protein?

That's why I eat raw. Yum. Gooey, fleshy, rawness. I think that's what I'll eat in heaven.

Anyhow...

$50 bucks later...

I think I'm fasting for the rest of the year.

phew!

2008-02-10T22:53:00.001-08:00

Today I conquered a domestic demon.

Three (3) loads of laundry.

Life can only get better.

2/3

2008-02-01T20:35:00.000-08:00

Restaurant numero dos -- Blue Water Cafe. Upscale pretentious Yaletown dinery Please bring your professionalism and great looks.

Decent food, delightful conversation with Mum.

A snippet of our verbal exchange went something like this.

M: How was your day?
S: I went to the tattoo parlour.
M:
S:
M:
S: So...
M:
S: Wanna see?

1/3

2008-01-28T01:06:00.000-08:00

I'm living life extravagantly, enjoying these two weeks of dine-out Vancouver. Unfortunately, many of the great restaurants are now on the $35 list which furthers the hole in my purse. My reasoning goes like this: it's be a rarity to see my pretty face indulging in Vancouver's fine-dining restaurant scene.

Here's my attempt at a Restaurant Review.

No worries, I won't make a habit of it.

This is a fabulous promotion from the recesses of Tourism Vancouver. When everyone intends to "cut back" and save money after Christmas, many of us end up dining out multiple times for $35/$25/$15 for a 3-course meals. Great food. But after drinks and tax, we're looking at 50 bucks a pop. Ouch.

Rare is the winner of "silver" in the "new fine dining" category of Vancouver Magazine. Seriously, Vancouver is quickly becoming a one-stop cuisine destination, rivaling the best in the US.

I failed by forgetting to bring my camera. But you can just imagine. A delectable 3 course meal. Not counting the two "from the chef" plates that came out to greet us... for free!

Only problem is that for someone who enjoys raw fish, thought the edges of my fish were a bit dry. And my dad's beef tasted like something from the Taiwanese beef noodle house. The flavours in the dishes however nicely complemented each other.

And the service was impeccable.

I'd go there again.... If I had $50 bucks to spare.

After all this, trust me. I'll be dining in.

i'm thinking... (which is always good)

2008-01-28T01:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a new label for you.

Are Sunday church services suppose to include preaching? Is that "mandatory?" Does it say somewhere in the Bible that some guy (or gal) has to stand up and deliver a "sermon?" Or is it tradition? If it's tradition then is it a custom that needs to stay? Or can some churches adopt other methods of teaching and it be "ok"?

I've always been fascinated with "how people grow?" It's the title of a book that perhaps one day I will read. But how does an outsider come to the understanding of all the cliches and jargon bridges the gap between this outsider becoming an "insider?"

1pm PST

2008-01-24T22:00:00.000-08:00

Were you up?

I sent out an email at 1pm PST and back flies three emails, from LA (ok, same timezone), from London (almost bedtime) and another from Australia (ready for work!). They "just received" my email.

Crazy.

Hong Kong, were you up?

Er... n/m it was 5am.

678

2008-01-21T15:31:00.001-08:00

My brother and his high school prom date are getting married on June 7, 08.

...but not to each other.

Reality struck today.

2008-01-19T22:49:00.000-08:00

No "S" sizes at the mall. A sharp reminder that I'm now living amongst skinny people. And get this: they're small but fierce. Watch 'em sharp elbows. Buyer beware.

Moving Notice.

2008-01-19T22:47:00.000-08:00

We've downsized.

My current bedroom = Mom's old closet

Was mom's closet ginormous or is my room now teeny weeny?

Miss me?

2008-01-19T22:46:00.000-08:00

'cause I missed you.

I hope the feelings mutual.

for the two of you who read...

2007-05-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

Family trip to Hong Kong, Beijing, and Dad's Hometown...

Please note, I do have more than one shirt...

:)

Beijing Tour...
You can come over and see the pictures... here's just a few.

Stayed at some hotel with hotsprings... and fish who eat the dead skin off your feet. Yeah, that's right. Yum.

Not complete without the Great Wall...

Hometown in "BoGut" and "SakBa"

I started counting... the Chu family, starting from my dad's generation down (four generations currently exist), have about 150 members. About 100 in China. Here are a few...

My "nephew" cutting and peeling sugar cane for his auntie (me) and uncle (Brad).

Lunch after sugarcane...
The centerpiece of meat is "dessert"
Please don't ask what it is... animal activist will be after me.
As Brad said... "And God declared that all was clean..."

Hong Kong...
My dad takes the cousins out to a bar ;)

The tough men. Hmmph!

Me and the HK girl cousins

Dad and I with new shades--totally Honger.

And the highlight? This little guy. My cousin's son. The guy never cries.

This guy is playing in my suitcase... with my femine products.

Mom's too happy... she's itching to be a grandmother. Hah!

book facing.

2007-05-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

I'm home now. Home. Is this home?

I think I'm past jetlag now... now it's just pure laziness. Yep. Shelaine is lazy. Get that.

Anyhow, I've discover the world of facebooking. Man, it's worse than MSN or any other IM I've been on before. Does that mean blogspot is a thing of the past?

YES!

2007-04-12T00:32:00.000-07:00

Canucks won Game One!!
Yay!
I wanted to scream... but my house is asleep.

I half expected car horns bleeping outside...

but I forgot...

I'm in LA -- they don't watch hockey here :(

still here...

2007-03-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

Finally! Pictures!
First week in LA... and I'm reminded that I'm really in Hollywood!
Who's this? Hint... look at chin!

Donald gets his Star...

My car... this was always meant to be driven by me... don't you think?

District Youth Camp... it's "winter-camp"...sunny and warm!

I spoke too soon. Snow the last day... but dude.. the 8 inches on the roads were melted and cleared in four hours! Many of the youths first time seeing snow fall.

Dream Center... an old converted hospital.

Venice Beach Outreach to homeless youth

Mobile Food Truck ministry... bagging cans and cans and cans...

Dream Center interns/volunteers.
A Swede, An Aussie, and an Canadian!

Adopt a Block, pre-meeting. Resembles a rally!

The "Thai Elvis..."

Praying for the city of El Monte

My new calling?

Mrs. Wong... I love this lady! My dancing granny...

The height of domestication... Apple Crumble.

One reason for weight gain. I love "nian gao" so I bought one. It comes out every Chinese New Year. The lady I live with tasted a bit and said, she's had better. So she bought another one. Then a few days later, she saw another company's "nian gao" and bought that one too... So we had three for two people. But she bought them for me because she doesn't even like the stuff! Nian gao is basically, brown sugar and flour. Yep. Sugar flour. 'nuff said.

Happy Chinese New Year... The year of the pig. I went down to Chinatown with some Dream Center folks--we're promoting Chinese culture there..! I don't think I've ever been to the one in Vancity, but here I am in LA, embracing my Chinese-ness!

Getting outta my Chinese-shell... visit to a primarily black church. It was interesting. I told someone the previous night the city I would be going to and he responded, is it a gospel church? I was like.. how does he know? Anyhow, prior to church, I went to Vons (American Safeway) and then I noticed something strange... Everyone was black!? I was in a black neighborhood! So off I go to church and really... I kinda stuck out. But it's all cool. Groovin with my fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

bloody gifts

2006-12-20T15:55:00.000-08:00

"It's in you to give"

"Give the gift of life"

For years I have heard these catchy slogans of the copywriters of Canadian Blood Services and other donor services. However, I have not been motivated enough to dial the 1-888 number. Great intentions, but sometimes, intentions are powerless, no matter how noble they may be.

This year we're doing it. Jewls and I have made the appointment for next week because we've been meaning to hang out for weeks. This was our idea of getting together to chill.

And they give you juice and cookies! :p

I figured, my parents fed me well growing up (you need to be over 110 lbs, no problemo!), I'm healthy, and not squeemish with blood so why not?

A great Christmas gift for three people. The lady on the other end of the phone ended the conversation with "You'll be saving three lives this Christmas."

Wow.

Three.

My gift giving and gift buying skills may suck, but perhaps this Christmas I can save a few lives.

And maybe you can too.

A simple phone call and one hour of your time can extend and save the life of three. The multiplication factors are astronomical! Imagine that a young child on their death bed receives your blood... granting him/her 70 years more life!? It's amazing really.

1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283)

be a citizen.

2006-11-07T14:35:00.000-08:00

A little bit of social action.

It won't change the world, but it might bring a smile to a child's face.

Take part in the Samaritan's Purse--Operation Christmas Child. You've got about 10 more days to engage in a bit of humanitarianism. All it takes is a trip to the dollar store + 7 bucks shipping and you're set to go.

Several years ago, I told a high school friend about this and she thought it was one of the neatest ideas around. Despite being a religious organization, my friends aren't Christians yet every year this one frirend organizes our high school group to fill two shoeboxes, while she herself fills about five. Our goal is to make our "kids" the envy of all the other kids(!)... or they might be the one that is beaten up for all the spankin' good toys... oops. Anyhow, we ensure that their box is brimming with goodies... the least we can do.

While in India last year, something caught my eye. The pastors li'l girl was playing with some toys contained in a little box...

Two things struck me.

It really does get to the people who need it. For this li'l girl, it was the only these were the only "kid-toys" in the house... unless of course you count rope, bottles and other knicknacks that become "toys" in the two-thirds world.
I was in the part of the world where these boxes are delivered! Amongst the poor of the poor.

I was told that the Samaritan Purse vehicle came by the grass hut church and delivered the alotted Christmas boxes to that village--two. Two boxes to a village church with more than ten times that amount of children...

So I encourage you this day... to take a trip to your dollar store and to Safeway (that's the drop off center and also the place to grab shoeboxes if you need).

Participate in simple social action and become a contributing citizen of our great nation of Canada.

The children of the world thank you.

new addiction

2006-11-05T19:32:00.000-08:00

I got sucked in. Conned to join. Lured to...

I signed up for a fantasy hockey league.

Ugh!

Never did before, but in my current disillusionment with the 'nucks I'm revolting and starting my own team!

I scored the draft in that I'm drafting first. Did all my "prep work" and ordered my picks, so hopefully we'll stay healthy through the season.

The draft starts in 2.5 hours. I'll be glued to the computer.

Signing off for now.

christians are like...

2006-09-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

a pile of manure.

Yep. That's what my prof with a doctorate said on the first day of class.

Like manure, Christians bunched together in a mound isn't maximizing its purpose, but if you spread it around, it fertilizes the ground!

I recalled this as I drove through cow-dung-smelling Langley today...

before i croak...

2006-09-23T23:55:00.000-07:00

A 25 year old girl's incomplete list of ten things she wants to do before that day...

1. skydive $234+$95 for video...
2. jeep it thru the safari's in Africa, visit the villages in Peru, ride a sheep in NZ, photograph the cathedrals in Europe, sleep in an igloo in the North and roadtrip from NFL to BC taking travel applicants now--who wants to come with me?
3. take a university course for free after 65 yay free learning!
4. preach in Chinese yup. learn all those big words...
5. write a book definitely a shelaine-esque book
6. own a home to decorate anybody care to buy me one? or else i'll be taking over my brother's home... right?
7. be the creative geniuses behind a documentary no aspirations for hollywood here!
8. start a company/business/or organization nothing corporate, no worries
9. have famous friends... that means YOU need to become famous, k?
10. all that "life stage" stuff blah blah... get married, have kids, watch the grand-kids, have wheelchair races down the hallway of Villa Cathay Care Home... i can take you all down!

Anyone wanna help me?

Uh... as for número diez, don't help. Hah!

heady theories

2006-09-23T01:17:00.000-07:00

I've got a headache.

No, it's not from wrestling the ins and outs of theology.

But I've been getting some massive headaches the last little while. I've got a long history with 'em though. In grade 12 I use to get 'em everyday and be "forced" to sleep after school. Or I'd go into the car during church and lay there clutching this head of mine.

Back then it was stress or something like that.

What is it now?

Here are some of my theories:

Hair. Too much of it. I think I need a haircut to reduce the weight on my head! Darn, it didn't help.

Caffeine. Tea and not enough water? I don't drink water thus, I can't eliminate the tea from my body. Ugh.

Dropped. I was dropped on the head a few too many times as a child.

Mouthy-ness. As a kid, I was often decked by my elders for saying the "wrong" thing at the inappropriate times. Ok ok, that wasn't just when I was a kid...

not so wild

2006-09-10T16:46:00.000-07:00

I was suppose to be sleeping under the stars tonight...

but Jenn and I got rejected. We made through three rounds of interviews, but not the final cut.

For what? To be on a reality tv-show called Wild At Heart, filmed by the Knowledge Network. It's showcasing people doing adventures in BC Parks. Roughing it for five days...like real no washroom, no outhouses, type camping, and then going for an outdoor adventure. Our episode would have been rock-climbing!

Well, it was a neat experience anyhow. Filling out an application, being called by the screening lady, sending in a photo, thinking we didn't make it through... but being called five months later by the producer lady, going for a face-to-face interview--drinking some nice tea, then getting a rejection email.

Well, maybe next time.

So which television show wants my lovely face?

summer is ova...

2006-09-02T07:45:00.000-07:00

Summer is winding down... The big question is did I complete my "summer to-do list?" [See June's archives]

Here's a run-down...

10 summer things to do...

1. skim-boarding
I like to say I did. Well, I tried once. Didn't do very well, but at least I tried it. Jane? I need some help... preferably before my knees can't bend ;)
2. have a real non Chinese-style picnic
I DID! Hung out with some Gladstoners and chilled and ate at the park...
3. get one shade darker...
I'd like to think I got two shades darker... I kinda miss my pastey skin... I think I've got a perma-tan from Sri Lanka last year. Cos it's still there! I musta roasted eh?
4. travel somewhere to stay overnight at least once
Yep. Portland, Whistler, Manning Park, chez Lo's
5. camping [yes i'll brave the elements and rough it; be a real hick]
YEEES. Got rained out, but tried one night!
6. afternoon tea-ing
Yep! Went to Secret Garden... where I threw up on the side of the road...
7. make a friend [like meet a new friend, not create a friend...haha?]
I'd like to think I made a few friends actually. Yah me!
8. read one non-course book [hey, that's quite the task for me k? I'm not an academic.. =)]
I've started some Coupland books... started.
9. strum strum
Started, gained some momentum... then dropped it like a hot potatoe! Gotta pick that up again...
10. put on contacts
Yay! After 3 years and bottles of expired solution, I got 'em in just in time for the wedding!

Well there it is. I think I did pretty well. It's been a different kind of summer. Lots of chillaxing; nothing very productive but I still feel good about it.

But that season's come to an end and it's time to refocus. I'm stoked for fall and what may land.

I'm back.

Not the same, however, more ME than ever.

Thank God for seasons.

Is this where the MTV generation is going?

2006-08-17T04:18:00.000-07:00

Social change meets gaming.

So I read an article recently that spoke of this kid... a 49 year old, who just created a videogame about being homeless, supposedly teaching kids to about social issues.

I went to the website and played the game. I'm not sure...

Another example of the commodification of a real need?

Are we too "scared" to get the real experience of walking the streets of East Hastings, handing out food and actually, get this, interact with the homeless?

There was actually a conference designed to help tackle/discuss the issue too: Games for Change Conference.

It's a nice attempt but...

Ai... Don't get me started...

comfort foods (Chinese-style)

2006-08-17T03:10:00.000-07:00

What's your comfort foods?

Everytime I come home from a trip, mum makes me "gai lan" or what it is sometimes called "chinese broccoli." I'm not sure how it's called that, because it doesn't have flower heads like the "english broccoli!"

Anyhow... that's my fav veggie. Yum.

And then, there's congee (rice porridge--no really, it really is good)... I usually get that soon after too.

Why do I get these "specific" foods?

Because when I come home from being out-of-town... usually...
1) I didn't eat enough veggies and,
2) I'm nearing sick! Yep, my "hot and cold" gets out of whack...

Everytime I return, I have a sore throat of a sort! Blech!

blank slate

2006-08-04T04:59:00.000-07:00

Watching the sky change colour is one of the neatest things to do...

A friendly reminder that a fresh start is just over the horizon.

Something irking you?

Just watch the sunrise...

How she breaks through the black and blue...

Offering a fresh perspective, indeed.

Did you rise the sun for me? Or paint a million stars that I might know your majesty.

It gets me every time I think that someone would use the universe as a canopy to create a masterpiece so that I may know him...

I think it's time to go for a drive!

In a few days I can watch the sunrise everyday, amidst the trees and nature...

Now who said me and mother nature can't be one? There's that outdoorsy side somewhere in me, nevertheless, it's very deep, but it's there!

august =

2006-07-30T19:16:00.000-07:00

: heart2heart-ing with 'em girls
: candle-sticking
: reading
: coffeeing
: making legends
: sleepovers!
: reconnecting
: camping under the stars
: homeworking
: high tea-ing
: "clubbing"
: house-sitting
: watching my friend wedding-ing
: shopping with the fam
: celebrating birthday galores!
: physical activity-ing
: making plenty of friends. just friends!
: personal time out-ing
: enjoying the Sun
: watching the puzzle continue to piece together... yay

unleashing advocacy again

2006-07-30T18:35:00.000-07:00

Time to get back to my communications roots and make my SFU alma mater proud.

Reading the likes of Douglas Copeland, pop culture and social action works of art.

Taking part in advocacy for social issues and other public "stuff".

Housing the homeless, loving the unlovable, and defending the helpless...

I've allowed my brain to rust long enough... getting that advocate cap back on!

God, how do you want my August to look?

August: closing a chapter of purposeful fun and gearing up...

Game on!

'bout time!

weeding out of gardening

2006-07-24T01:55:00.000-07:00

Gardening.

I'm definately a green one at it.
Some people have it planted within them, but for this gal, the seed just won't grow!

Was that corny? Didya get it? Tsk tsk. ;p

Haha...

Really now, a few months back, I weeded a few sections of the garden. Crouched low and squated for hours with the sun scorching my sunscreenless face... Before this, the only weed I picked up was...uh... nevermind;p

I intended to plant my own garden this summer. People say, gardening can teach you a lot about life, right?

Ambitious, I bought a few seeds. We got tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.

Then, the inevitable happened.

I lost interest.

It grew. Mum watered them. But the weeds grew too.

I look at them and have no desire nor ambition to weed them again.

Man... it's a drag.

Here I have my little plants... but I don't know which one's the weed and which one's the plant?

Dang weeds...

Did I learn anything about life?

No... I refuse to allow the weedy garden to teach me anything about daily maintenance... ok ok, sense the childish sarcasm...? Does this reflect my daily living... letting things slide till...

Anyhow, I did learn one thing though:

No more gardening for this chica.

I'm onto other forms of domestication.

Say, cross-dres.. I mean, cross-stitching?

Who will put me over the top?

2006-07-18T16:09:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting on 999.

I have 999 unread emails in my hotmail inbox.

I'm sitting here awaiting that 1000th's email.

1796 in the inbox.

My hotmail account is for msn and for my subscription. Well, most of them. It's for my useless ones...

My gmail has my "useful" ones.

"Useful" or "useless" they receive the same treatment. They're all unread. Just that my "useful" ones have the "potential" to be read at a later date--then again the first unread "useful" email started back in June 2. We're talking 2005. It all started then...

Now my gmail has 414 unread emails.

1237 waiting to be sorted. I think I've sorted once since I opened the account.

My most used, home email account is the one I sort the most often.

Let's say we have our annual "sort" day in early January.

Meaning, I've got 2005 out of the way. Only 2006 sits in my inbox.

We have 2487 emails in my inbox... but I'm happy to report that they're all read!

Ok, that's a lie. They've all been opened.

My Arrow-work account, is quite "organized" because well, it's work! Let me check... I'd like to report that every email is read. And if it's junk mail, it gets immediately trashed.

There are... it doesn't report how many emails are in my inbox. But there are 51 pages of emails in my web outlook. Counting, it seems like there's 25 emails per pages... meaning... Hmm..

Don't roll your eyes.

All this to say I do read your email thoroughly though... ^_^

-----------------------

edit: oh, Danny-boy just put me over the top at 1000 unread... I wonder what it says...?

ah!

2006-07-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

This morning I wake up sore. Yep. Sore. My right shoulder, my neck...

Probably because I tried to fit into a one foot box.

Went to Science World yesterday with a friend. I've got my Passport Challenge, so I get to go to all these tourist destinations for free with a guest!

But boy oh boy, once we got in, it seemed like we were caught in a sidewalk sale at Metro--but for kids! They were running back and forth, all around. No wonder kids have short attention spans! This totally caters to the ADHD kid! So many things to try that you don't stay at one place for more than 3 minutes! Can you really learn something--'cause I don't see kids reading the sciencey blurbs...

Things I learned:

I'm over educated. Don't have the simplicity of mind to make these things work! As we were trying to figure out this one rifle game, a line-up growing by the minute developed behind us. We couldn't understand the game!
I can't wheel a wheelchair.
I'm apparently very stressed.
my attention span is perhaps only a little better than most kids..ai!
and lastly... that I can't fit into a one foot box.

Either kids thought we weren't in line/were parents... 'cause they'd just budge in front of us! I think perhaps they thought we were part of the wall. As we did tower over them...

I did get a bit of satisfaction for beating this one budging, bratty, think-I'm-so-cool type kid in a challenge. Hah!

Tried to complete the day with astronaut ice cream... sold out.

What a day!

It was definitely worth the price of our admission... hehe...

i love my name...

2006-07-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

Vietnamese boy finally bids farewell to his name of two decades of ridicule

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) - A 19-year-old boy bids farewell to his weird name after nearly two decades of ridicule.

His father has agreed to change the son's name from "Fined Six Thousand and Five Hundred" - the amount he was forced to pay in local currency for ignoring Vietnam's two-child policy.

The son, now 19, is now Mai Hoang Long, which means "Golden Dragon."

Angry he was being fined for having a fifth child, Mai Xuan Can in 1987 named his son Mai Phat Sau Nghin Ruoi after the amount he was forced to pay the equivalent of 60 cents Cdn, said Dai Cuong village chief Nguyen Huy Thuong.

In 1999, local government officials tried to persuade Can to change the name because classmates constantly teased the boy at school in central Quang Nam province.

But Can, a former People's Committee official, refused to back down, Thuong said.

They appealled to him again recently, and this time it worked.

"I told him that as his son is growing up, he should have another name - not that weird name - and he finally agreed," Thuong said.

Vietnam, with a population of 83 million, applied tight family planning measures until recently to keep couples from having more than two children. Breaking the rules could have resulted in punishment. Today's policy is less stringent, though the government continues to encourage small families.

[found on www.yahoo.com]

experimente el número uno

2006-07-09T22:42:00.000-07:00

This week I'm trying a self-experiment...

It was birthed today while I was having a quiet little sit on my couch. Everything around me was silent. It was actually quite nice. I think I like these times of stillness--where it appears that my heart is moving faster than the world around me. In these times, I wait for truth to set,my heart to settle and the peace of God to anchor my soul. It's actually really nice.

Maybe I'll tell you how this first experiment went; just maybe you'll find yourself privileged enough to know =)

Bless you,

it's time to move

2006-07-09T17:35:00.000-07:00

I think I need to move.

The last few days have been great. I loved waking up to sunshine. I'd wake up at ungodly hours of 6 or 7 am to begin my day and feel well-rested even if it was just one-hand worth of sleep. The sun would greet me with smiles as she shines so brightly in my room, which faces east.

So I think I need to move.

To where the sun always shines.

Maybe to Florida, where I can see 'tuzzi, or to Phoenix where Jovo is =)

Or maybe... [TBA...] =)

thankin' ten

2006-06-28T03:58:00.000-07:00

So I'm on this thankful kick.

S'more things I am thankful for:

1. Mail that ain't no bills... thanks again Kerche.
2. Prayer that can happen anytime of day or night.
3. Calloused fingertips... thanks Cars.
4. The sun... I love it... even if I don't go out in it... it still is good.
"Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry..." Who can be angry with the sun shining so bright?
5. Twenty-four hours in a day and no less.
6. Canada, she turns 139 on Saturday. yes, bradley, thank you...
7. The magic number 7... my jeans which make me appear "in style" and all bling-ed.
8. Inspiring friends who remind me that life on earth is miniscule to eternity.
9. Edible art... love eating beautiful looking food. Makes eating so much more entertaining and always gives something to look forward to.
10. Sports. Yea, that's right, Real Sports.

weirdness

2006-06-28T00:59:00.000-07:00

So I sit in front of the computer after dinner, and my brother comes into the room and asks if I could go and wash the dishes. I know he's busy with schoolwork and I don't want my mom washing, so I said "ok, sure."

I walk out, to find the oddest thing: my mum and my brother, both nicely relaxed, eating dessert while watching Chinese soaps!

Something didn't seem right here.

Me "slaving" away, washing dishes...

While my brother and mum watch Chinese soaps?

That's suppose to be me.........!

seasons change

2006-06-23T03:26:00.000-07:00

Spring is for planting, summer is for growing, autumn is for the harvest, and winter is the time to let the soil rest.

How much I love it when seasons change.

Hello Summer.

Good bye Spring.

You came, stayed for a bit... but now, really.. it was time for you to go. You just weren't as advertised.

Summer... bring it on!

Love it already. Got a sunburn from biking downtown. Stood at a corner and people-watched for a bit. Everyone's got a place to go. You ever people-watch and wonder what's their story? Where are they heading? What do they do? Maybe I'm just nosy. Maybe this is just what the unemployed do because we have too much time on their hands...

Looking forward to a great season. I'd like to think I deserve one =)

Rid the cyncism, lower the sarcasm, lose some edginess, stop the skepticism and take Summer at face value...

Motivated to enjoy.

when i feel blue...

2006-06-19T16:19:00.000-07:00

Start Time: 4:01:44 PM; End Time: 4:13:43 PM
[shale] 功課ing says: (4:01:48 PM)
kyle entertain me

kyle. says: (4:02:10 PM)
hrm..

kyle. says: (4:02:26 PM)
how would you like to be entertained?

[shale] 功課ing says: (4:02:39 PM)
make me laugh

kyle. says: (4:03:01 PM)
i dont know how to make you laguh

[shale] 功課ing says: (4:03:20 PM)
i need to laugh...... kyle!

kyle. says: (4:03:53 PM)
um..

kyle. says: (4:04:01 PM)
ok

kyle. says: (4:04:28 PM)
i love you shelaine!

[shale] 功課ing says: (4:05:50 PM)
aw.....

----------------
Kyle is my li'l cousin, who always knows how to cheer this cousin up

summer lists

2006-06-18T15:21:00.000-07:00

10 summer things to do...

1. skim-boarding
2. have a real non Chinese-style picnic
3. get one shade darker...
4. travel somewhere to stay overnight at least once
5. camping [yes i'll brave the elements and rough it; be a real hick]
6. afternoon tea-ing
7. make a friend [like meet a new friend, not create a friend...haha?]
8. read one non-course book [hey, that's quite the task for me k? I'm not an academic.. =)]
9. strum strum
10. [blank... tba]

i wish i was...

2006-06-15T00:19:00.000-07:00

young-er.

Age is really creeping up to me... 25 and no turning back.

Was thinking. Around this time last year, I was

... having quite the adventures in India. And the year before that, I was

... sitting in an office designing little logos. And the year before that, I was

... finishing up my last classes to graduate and having quite the encounter with Christ, leading to my desire to be in ministry--wow, gotta hold onto that. And the year before that, I was

... sitting in classes, trying to bulldoze my way through the remaining years of uni. And the year before that, I was

... in Thailand and China, eating and eating! And the year before that, I was

... typing in Amex cards for Costco, getting reading to go to HK. And the year before that, I was

... watching the front at Sportshall, bored but happy to have a job. And the year before that, I was

... just finished provincials and a newly minted graduate of high school. And the year before that, I was

... about to kill my summer in Socials 11 summer school where we all (typical Chinese) registered the first day of open registration so that we would be in the same class. There ended up being 25/28 students from Killarney and all of us were chinese girls and we were friends. The pros: being in class with all your buddies. The cons: being in class with the smartest kids in school [appropriately named the "four point oh group."] which means I was at the bottom of the grading scale. That was also the year I was introduced to internet for the first time and I discovered online "Christian" chat rooms... And the year before that, I was

... 15 and wishing I was older--an adult. What was I on?!

Three posts in three days. Not bad eh?

stolen posts

2006-06-14T00:55:00.000-07:00

Taking a page from a supermom coworker of mine...

Three things I'm thankful for:
1. "Sanity" friends [Nattie, Bren, Jo] that allow me to release some form of verbal diarrhea and always know how to "wipe it up" =) [this is a chu-style image]
2. People [Andrew, Liz, Julie] who said to me today, I was just thinking about you the other day...
3. My life, which is thankfully, more exciting than watching paint dry =)

and here's one more as a bonus for reading:

4. E-coli-free food. No one died from tonight's dinner that I cooked: Garlic lamb steaks, brocolli and rice souflé, and strawberry apple pecan salad. Yum. Props to the Leongs, the cousins and a thoughtful "chuchingching" who brought cakes and good conversations.

And there you have it.

The first edition of "three things I'm thankful for" © Jane O.

bloggin' 'bout bloggin'

2006-06-13T00:38:00.000-07:00

To my readership of three. This one's for you!

What do people blog about? Yes, this entire post is dedicated to what people blog about. I actually know someone who has dedicated their entire Honours project to blogging. Yep, communications honours project. Boy I love my degree!

Why do people blog? I s'pose it's used as an outlet to air out your grievances to the world.

I wish I had the brainlessness to tell everyone what I'm thinking about. But there probably are too many repercussion... what do you think?

Let's try.

Right now, what's in my head are ringing cell phones. Nowadays, I always hear my cell phone ring, but it's not ringing. Yeah I know, pathetic. It's like I have this ringing in my head... crap. I'm hearing things.

Try again.

Thinking about my head. I've got a major headache. Had one most of the day. Life's a fickle one!

Really, I have nothing to say. After a month, I couldn't come up with anything better than that... but if you could see my "drafts"... I've started a lot..! Really!

Sorry audience, no juice.

happy one year

2006-05-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's my blogspot's one year birthday since it's inauguration.

We've grown up quite a bit on this online journal. Ups, downs, different countries, different cities, moody days and upbeat days.

You, cyberspace, has seen it all

...but nothing beats the liveshow. It's more entertaining in person.

Still an advocate for real-time face-to-face communication.

Go and meet up with a friend,

the son will rise

2006-04-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

"the sun will still rise tomorrow"

I was sitting.. no, that's a lie... I was sleeping in a cubicle in the school library about two weeks ago. The sun was shining through the window... the perfect atmosphere for a nice afternoon nap.

I fell asleep reading the Bible--now who hasn't done that?

Anyway, I had a dream and in that dream, I remember I was walking and talking to someone when they assured me that, "Everything can change in a day." After he said that I remember standing there, stunned, thinking, "Everything can change in a day."

At that moment [in my dream], I remembered that before I fell asleep, I was reading the Bible... and I was reading the end of Mark which talked about Jesus' death and resurrection... "Everything can change in a day" echoed in my head again.

Everything did change in a day.

On the day Christ rose from the dead, everything changed; history changed forever.

Perhaps this weekend, on your statuary holiday, it'd be a good time to consider why on earth you get a day off of work/school?

If you feel you've been dealt a bad hand, or things are crapola, know that the sun will still rise tomorrow, and everything can change in day...

May it be hope to your soul, life to your being and joy to your spirit,

And with that, I embark on a disappearance act. Later gators,

vision

2006-04-07T11:21:00.000-07:00

I continue to walk a rocky journey but know very well, that God is characterized by trustability. People and things have an affinity to disappointment, but God...God is the firm foundation. My unshakeable Source of Life.

Lord, help me to understand the seasons and the times--especially when it doesn't make sense to me. Help me to let go in order to take hold... Help me to forgive in order to love. Grant me understanding when I don't agree. Let the words of this song still resonnate in my heart. Let me not grow cold nor hard. I want to be free again. Layin' all down, paying the cost and being led by You... no matter how high the waves are. Let me be captivated by Your vision and Your heart again. Grant me eyes to see...

A song I learned 7 yrs ago, yet everytime I feel I need to surrender, the chorus comes to mind... and more the last little while... So I'm resurrecting this song! May it be a prayer to you as well. Bless you abundantly,

by a. waters/j. day

i see a vision of a generation coming back to you
i see a vision of a generation getting lost in you
hands raised high, with one voice they cry to a holy god
i once was blind, but now i see your love for me

i see a vision of a generation crying out to you
i see a vision of a generation bowed down before you
on our knees, Lord have mercy for we have sinned
come wash us clean, we long to see your glory, your glory

so take my life, i'm giving it all to you
whatever you want me to do, i'm gonna follow you
my mind's made up, i'm gonna pay the cost
just to see salvation of the lost

jesus is coming again, he's coming again
jesus is coming again, he's coming again

i see a vision of a generation sold out for you
i see a vision of a generation that would die for you
refiner's fire is our heart's desire to be like you
as we decrease, Lord you will increase, hallelujah, hallelujah

inheritance from the 'rents

2006-04-05T15:36:00.000-07:00

Yep.

I'm already thinking about my inheritance!

My inheritance from my parents!

No, not that kind...

As a child, I use to think it was the drawer of life-time guarantee Tupperware that we have. It probably still is... but aside from that, what else is my inheritance?

From my granny, I remember writing her Tribute at her funeral and saying persistence and persevering prayer is from my granny... and grandpa for that matter... they were truly intercessors!

As a child, I'd come into the house running up the stairs loudly, yelling "mama" [granny in Chinese] only to find granny kneeling at her bedside in fervent prayer.

Many times we thought granny had fallen asleep or died while praying for her meal.

We'd have to look to see if she was still breathing... granny was just praying! She'd soon look up, flash us her teethless smile and then eat! [aw, I love my granny! Miss her tons, but she's got her teeth back and she's dancin' up a storm in heaven with gramps]

From my mum, gotta say hospitality. Even though it's not one of my "gifts," I know how the ins and outs of feeding the hundreds and "small" parties. Growing up, it was great. Dad invited lots of people over, as he was very social. And mum cooked, served, and loved being hospitible to people! I use to say that watching her makes me tired... but now I'm learning that it's something that she loves and it gives her energy and makes her happy.

It works out great, because good food makes me happy too! That's why we're a family! Mum feeds, I eat!

From dad, gotta say I got his wit and quick words. Hehe... We're fast thinkers and can make almost anyone laugh. We can twist things and contort words to please a crowd.

Perhaps we're bad at arguments [we don't have much of a point nor are we clear], but we are good conversationally. We can "play-argue" for hours without a point. It's rather humorous from others point of view. Then he has to give me a hug because he can't help but laugh too.

And oh, my unsurmountable beauty comes from neither side.. it was divine.

Ha =)

What's your inheritance?

i think i'm pretty funny :)

2006-03-30T23:58:00.000-08:00

"Can I eat some?" I ask while grabbing a cheese cube that Mom is cutting up for a work function.
"Yes.. but eat the ugly ones!!" Mom exclaims with a sense of fear...
"Yes, I know mom...! I've been in this business as long as you have."

Mom's been catering for a very long time.. and as long as I've been alive, I've been picking at the good food she makes! :)

[pat on back] Good job Shelaine! Love making mum laugh!

[today you are honoured for "two for the price of one"... Two posts for the price of one admission... well I hope you don't think it "cost" you that much time to visit me! hehe]

the simpson's rant...

2006-03-30T23:51:00.000-08:00

For years we, faithful Communications students, would analyze The Simpsons as an example of a remarkable parody and a superior display of satirical genius... until...

------------------

Dr. Hibbert: I'm afraid your playing days are over my friend, but don't worry, you can fall back on your degree in--Communications? Oh dear Lord!

Luchenko: Da I know I know it phony major. Luchenko lean nothing, nothing!

------------------

Add to that "phony major," being totally jaded... We

...can't enjoy a cup of Starbucks, or shop at Walmart.

...don't dare buy anything with tags of "Made in _____" anywhere outside of the western world.

...endorse Buy Nothing Day.

...spend our freetime culturejamming.

...side with Michael Moore, our hero.

...believe 2010 is baaaaad news. No Expo 86 deja vu pleez.

Adbusters. Enough said.

...rant on the commodification of culture.

...protest as a hobby... or lifestyle?

We are cynical, sarcastic and completely jaded.

rediscovering the new

2006-03-26T23:09:00.000-08:00

So I'm all in for trying new things. Always have... but sometimes when you're stuck in a hole you want to stick with that which is familiar and safe. Know what I mean?

Anyhow... I'm back to rediscovering newness--which I can say is a core part of me. Y'know, when you're not operating in what is so much a part of you, you feel like something's missing.

Perhaps that's why I love traveling so much. The new adventures. The newness of everyday that is so different from the drab of the normal routines.

I love to try things once...at least. Perhaps it was drilled into me as a child. Dad always said to give it a try. If you don't like it, then at least you tried. Which led to a series of hobbies and interest that I ended up quitting... In context, dad was talking about food. But I decided to use his words of wisdom for all of my life... ;)

Anyways...

Last week my uni-friends "opened me up" to the world that was always there. They like to take this sheltered "kid" out for experience "life." They wanted to witness the first time I tried it. They wanted to be a part of that childlikeness in me when I experience "life."

They took me to this tapas restaurant that I've heard so much about yet never tried!

[what did you expect me to say?]
[yes I know, it's only a restaurant...]

But it was sooooo goooood. Yum. Our last dish was so pretty, we didn't want to dig in. How could you wreck art? It was colourful... and it tasted great too! And you know what the best part was? It was cheap! Like I paid... twelve bucks and I was stuffed and satisfied!

I was super excited so I talked to Bren about it later on and of course, she's like "oh yeah... you should try..." Suggested a bunch of other places to go to.

I'm all in for the hole-in-the-wall mom and pop type restaurants, but this was mainstream trendy.. and I actually like it!

Now I've got this growing list of places to go for tea, for tapas, for good eats, for ethnic foods... yep yep. [note to self: exercise!]

Of course I'm broke too... so I need to tone it down on this restaurant trying... But sometimes, you just need to treat yourself out for a night of good eats, y'know?

Sometimes, just sometimes, you need to say to yourself that you deserve it.

A beautiful meal can brighten up a dreary day.

Mine was a testament to that! [In any case maybe I should be going out every night...! a bit of healthy cynicism =) ]

Or maybe it was good company... anyhow, I'll stick to my beliefs that

a beautiful meal can brighten up a dreary day.

creston reflections

2006-03-23T01:05:00.000-08:00

I'm home.

Yep.

Feeling a little bit different..

Looking about 5 lbs heavier..

:)

It was a great trip though. Exactly what I needed. Coming home is always hard for me. Back to a reality that is well... real.

There's lots that happened in Creston... you'll just have to book a personal appointment time and take me out for lunch to hear it all though. God did some crazee amazing stuff. Witnessed some amazing testimonies of physical healing, heard crazee stories of what God is doing in a Guatemala, and preached the Sunday I was there too! God gave me a picture of the "spiritual fabric" of the town and I was able to pray into that as well!

As for the "healing" that took place... God continued that work of inner healing in my life by allowing me to talk to "older women" who gave insight in into my life.

My Chinese-ness was reaffirmed in this small town of 5000 people because...
1) no one understood my Chinese jokes... told some joke about why the Chinese can't play hockey... and my friends didn't know whether or not to laugh because it was poking fun at Chinese culture...
2) I only had one language to express myself
3) community kids came up to me and said "in Canada we do this..."
4) I had "yeet hay" (sore throat) from the day I arrived until...well... I left!
5) small town Chinese food just doesn't cut it. The deep fried chicken balls, deep fried shrimp, spring rolls (fried...)...

I learned that...
1) God can still use me despite my... mmm... my lacking and not feeling "in the zone." I guess that's when you know it's really Him.
2) I'm called to the Chinese. After spending time with the community kids, you all will believe you are too =) hehe...
3) I need to embrace His favour on me...
4) I have a family there that loves me and tells me that everytime I see them. Thanks... I needed some pastey lovin' =)
5) I've changed. From 5 years ago... from 1 year ago... from last month... heck, even from last week!

One of the most blessed things was watching Natalie (my roomie) lead worship. She led worship that Sunday and I preached. It was the oddest thing for both of us. It's also a testament to what God is and has done in our lives.

We were the quieter ones in our group of "hell-raisers" at Bible College. We were the ones that were never written up for disobeying the rules... until the last week of college where we were almost kicked out of school...

Let the weak say, "I am strong"
Let the poor say, "I am rich"
Let the blind say, "I can see"
It's what the Lord has done in me

We're both in difficult places in life, but in our weaknesses, God was magnified! I am humbled. I could have fallen off the wagon a few times the last little while... but He was merciful on my life... Heck, even I would have given up on me!

Thank you Lord for you sustaining grace. I pray that I will always be a reflection of your goodness, your faithfulness, your love and your life.

creston... 1hr ahead of vancity

2006-03-16T23:11:00.000-08:00

Hello EVERYONE..... So I am in hick ville in Creston yup thats where I am where all they do is hunt and milk cows haha!! Anyways this is not Shelaine this is her friend and long time roomate Natalie Romano.... So I sit here as shelaine watches every word that I type hoping that I do not let her Deep dark secrets out haha. So since she has been here she has had to wait to be picked up for apparently 1 hour (but I do not think it was that long) at the Cranbrook airport, then she journeyed to Creston... awww yes can't forget the jetleg and the nap in the afternoon we all know our SHelaine and thats why we love her thats why we hit it off at Bible college it was the nap time bonding:)

And she really has a desire to see the Bountiful but it just hasn't happened yet( maybe because they would shoot us for stepping on their property)haha. Because then we took her over the Salmo Creston Summit to Trail and that was a treat and a half and then she got to visit the Trail Hospital the excitement... The Smelter is really what did it for her. Also the Snow it was huge mounds of Snow banks it was shocking for me to! Then today was a day of Healing and thats all I will say Shelaine has certainly hung out with a lot of older people since being here.... But just ask her about her healing... She would love to tell you. So ya then we took her to real Chinese food ya do you believe it in a small town real chinese food..

And so i continue to name all the people that she has met here Dee the hairstylist, Lizzie the older woman and Carey and Carey and of course Wes, ask her about Wes thats all I gotta say haha....

All this to say I love her she is Great! Keep on encouraging my friend okay love ya...

OK WAIT A SECOND PEOPLE....

this is Dee.. the above mentioned hairstylist.... (i was the one who got to straighten miss shelaines hair... yes i know her hair is already straight... well.. i decided after that to curl it! UMMMM ask to see the picture...) So anyways... shelaine and i became fast friends.. maybe it was because we bonded over 'both' being left waiting at the airport by natalie.. who knows really! its been quite the slice hanging out with her and i'm glad we've met...

the new shelaine

2006-03-11T01:33:00.000-08:00

So I was in the car going to hip hop class (yes, hip hop) with some friends the other day and we were talkin' 'bout another friend who we never see anymore because of her new boyfriend...

"We have a new nickname for her, actually..." says one of my friends.

"What is it?" I ask curiously...

"Sorry, but please don't get offended or anything..."

"Uh... ok..." I say, wondering what could it be? An attack on my faith? Slander to the name of God?

"We call her 'the new-Shelaine...'"

"What??"

"Well, we see you more than her now!"

Haha.. man... this is attributed to the fact that 90% of the time they asked me to go out the last few years, I'd say no because I'd be busy...which I really was!

The last few months, I've been chillin' with this uni-crew and just laughin' so much! Boy is it good to laugh :)

My stomach muscles thank you.

Looking forward to road trippin', campin',

and Malaysia :)

timing

2006-03-10T02:01:00.000-08:00

Sometimes this word is one's worse enemy. Sometimes it just works out perfectly. I've reflected a bit and I have seen how God's perfect timing has just blown me away. Yet again, I see how some things occur that leave me crying, why? Why now? Why ever? Why Lord?

I'm writing a paper right now about Buddhism. In two days, I have spent about seven hours at the temple. Chatting it up with Buddhist, hearing their stories and their beliefs. I've found many similarities in both our beliefs and problems in our faiths--I never thought that I could find so many connecting points. Some things can actually make sense.

I can see how enticing it could be for one to believe in this "way of life." I am already wrestling with a many issues that would allow for the temple community and people to appeal greatly. If I was in a place of complete disillusionment with my own faith, needed to make sense of some things, or looking for purpose, I could see myself being swayed... I have a greater understanding of the attraction to Buddhism.

You see, a lot of it is about timing. You can look at your own life and see how, perhaps, God revealed himself to you at the perfect time. Or you stepped into church at that divine time. Or you heard that speaker at that most opportune time. For the Buddhist that I met, they were going through a difficult time or where wrestling through questions, when they stepped into a temple or someone brought them to the temple--and they experienced something...peace, a indescribable feeling... something that suited them at that time.

Timing.

Being available.

And at the right place at the right time.

I pray that we, bearers of Good News, be agents of perfect timing. That we could be like Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel(or whatever place/people) should do. That we would tap into what God was doing today and know when to speak and what to say to people. Who knows what could happen!

Lord, what are you doing today and how can I serve your purposes?

ok, so not entirely...

2006-03-06T19:35:00.000-08:00

One prayer rides my heart at night.

Lord prepare me for what tomorrow will bring.

One prayer springs to mind in the morning.

Lord protect my heart.

I thank God for both.

And I love the time in between... sleep :)

speechless

2006-03-06T19:26:00.000-08:00

i should really be doing my homework...

2006-03-01T12:20:00.000-08:00

Is this true of me?

What are you? (It takes less than 5 minutes to do! Click on link!)

ps. thanks Jane for finding the time (from where?) to find all these (from where!?)... don't know how you do it. you are another "supermom" eh?

You Are a Prophet Soul

You are a gentle soul, with good intentions toward everyone.
Selfless and kind, you have great faith in people.
Sometimes this faith can lead to disappoinment in the long run.
No matter what, you deal with everything in a calm and balanced way.

You are a good interpreter, very sensitive, intuitive, caring, and gentle.
Concerned about the world, you are good at predicting people's feelings.
A seeker of wisdom, you are a life long learner looking for purpose and meaning.
You are a great thinker and communicator, but not necessarily a doer.

Souls you are most compatible with: Bright Star Soul and Dreaming Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

what's cookin' good lookin'?

2006-03-01T00:14:00.000-08:00

Getting back into a "cooking mood"--is there such?

Maybe it's coming with age... hah!

Well it's time I pay my dues and pony up for living at home :)

Take a night or two per week to cook a good meal so mum doesn't have to walk pass my lazy behind (parked in front of the television watching Chinese soaps, which she wants to watch too) after work and go straight to the kitchen.

What's on tap? Mmm.. Greek Roast Lamb? Some Thai dishes..? Man, I don't know how my mum does it. She really is "supermom!" I mean, she's got "adopted daughters" everywhere... I can think of three that just drop over, b-line it to the kitchen and look for food... or politely stay until dinner time to eat... Some of them even come in and say "Hi mom!"

Mmm... maybe I'll start tonight. No wait, I've got to leave earlier... Starting tomorrow... no wait, I can't either... mmm.. Friday! No actually... Saturday? Oh I'm going... SUNDAY! Mmm... no there's this... Monday? But I don't get home till after 6... Tuesday. I think that's doable! Tuesday it is!

:)