I am beside myself with delirium. After months of agonizing if I should spend money we don't have (my husband differs but he's the generous one), we finally forked over a huge chunk of change for a round-trip ticket home.
Some of you know that I've been lamenting in recent years the long distance from my family. Each phone call home, I am updated with tales of how my 10-years-and-younger cousins and niece are growing up so quickly. These stories always bring a lump to my throat, which I never share with my mom. Not only do I miss out on their formative years, I am sure I am also almost a nonexistent entity to these young relations. Sure, the older ones know who I am. But I'm simply a distant relative, not one who is there to be a viable part of their lives.
Furthermore, my only surviving and most favorite grandparent is now 93. I want to be sure to be able to spend as much time I possibly can with him. And of course, my long-suffering mother, who's been patient with me from day one, and whose relationship with me in recent years has been more solidified than ever. Her health is declining, which makes her visits to me more strenous and infrequent. She always jokes about being a surrogate grandparent to my cousin's daughter, and her brother's children. But behind those jokes, she is secretly wishing my brother and I would soon produce some offspring for her. (We're working on it, ma. Pray for us. hahaha)
This visit will be extra special, too, as it will coincide with the celebration of Chinese New Year. It's been more than a decade since I've had a reunion dinner, which is much like Thanksgiving in this country.
Isn't it funny how most of us cannot wait to be away from our family when we were younger? As we mature, we crave for their advice, company, and admit our love for them?
It will also be special since I've reunited with a couple of old buddies from high school. I cannot wait to see their children, catch up, and reminisc about our youth.
While this trip will have me watching my pursestring tightly, it will definitely be one that will be worth every penny. The only downside is I'll be spending a month away from M (boy, do I sound like a newlywed or what? LOL), who will be on a tuna fish diet and possibly dining alone during his lunch hours.
Thankfully, he has the unconditional love of Bentley and Bubba to return to every night.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
When authority fails to be role model
The lonely hours of unemployment, short of the commitment to work out, housework, dinner preparation and spurts of self-improvement on various hobbies, can lead one to rely on daytime television on occasions.
No, I don't indulge in Dr. Phil, soaps, Lifetime movies. I haven't sunk that low.
Rather, my sense of adventure led me to Bravo's "Party Party." I think it is their version of Sweet Sixteen, the little glimpse of which left me to deduce that it's an exploration of spoilt, rich brats squandering their parents' money on their graduation party? Like I said, it was a glimpse.
I watched only one episode of it the other day. It showcased two families whose daughters were graduating from high school, and how they planned to throw the most fabulous party, like, ever.
What prompted me to write this blog is my ever increasing amazement at the parents, as observed in this show, and various youth-oriented networks.
This one mother encouraged her underage child to drink secretly, and protected her and her friends when the police showed up. In her drunkeness, she slapped her young son across his face because he didn't resign to his room as told, and later carried on an argument with her husband before the children. All the while whining that he wasn't "on her side."
I'm not a parent yet. But I like to think that I'm putting serious thought in child-rearing before I have my own. I don't believe in making your child your friend. I believe strongly in not sparing the rod. I believe in spanking, but not in anger. I believe in being able to dictate what my child wears to school and in picking out the clothes. I don't think the child should hold on to gift money, when it should be deposited in a savings account.
I fear the day when I flip on the television and see my offsprings prostituting themselves in some R-rated Cancun expose. I hate to think that they would resort to reality TV as the means to a livelihood, like those oversexed, constantly drunk twentysomethings Real Worlders and Road Rulers.
I understand that these perceptions are shaped by what the entertainment industry provided. But something has gone wrong somewhere in their upbringing. And I wonder what.
No, I don't indulge in Dr. Phil, soaps, Lifetime movies. I haven't sunk that low.
Rather, my sense of adventure led me to Bravo's "Party Party." I think it is their version of Sweet Sixteen, the little glimpse of which left me to deduce that it's an exploration of spoilt, rich brats squandering their parents' money on their graduation party? Like I said, it was a glimpse.
I watched only one episode of it the other day. It showcased two families whose daughters were graduating from high school, and how they planned to throw the most fabulous party, like, ever.
What prompted me to write this blog is my ever increasing amazement at the parents, as observed in this show, and various youth-oriented networks.
This one mother encouraged her underage child to drink secretly, and protected her and her friends when the police showed up. In her drunkeness, she slapped her young son across his face because he didn't resign to his room as told, and later carried on an argument with her husband before the children. All the while whining that he wasn't "on her side."
I'm not a parent yet. But I like to think that I'm putting serious thought in child-rearing before I have my own. I don't believe in making your child your friend. I believe strongly in not sparing the rod. I believe in spanking, but not in anger. I believe in being able to dictate what my child wears to school and in picking out the clothes. I don't think the child should hold on to gift money, when it should be deposited in a savings account.
I fear the day when I flip on the television and see my offsprings prostituting themselves in some R-rated Cancun expose. I hate to think that they would resort to reality TV as the means to a livelihood, like those oversexed, constantly drunk twentysomethings Real Worlders and Road Rulers.
I understand that these perceptions are shaped by what the entertainment industry provided. But something has gone wrong somewhere in their upbringing. And I wonder what.
Friday, January 6, 2006
From the Dust bowl to the Cotton Bowl
On New Year's Day, we left the horrific Dust Bowl of Lubbock (see blog below) and headed for the Cotton Bowl 2006, which pitted Texas Tech against the University of Alabama.
The five-hour drive to Dallas took us along the backroads where we were a few distance away from the grass fire. It was a surreal sight to see the glow of the fire and smoke in the horizon. What wondrous colors in the midst of a horrible situation.
We awoke early the next morning at 6 a.m. to make it to our parking spots at the Texas Fair Grounds. Yes, we had parking permits. Not only that, we also had tickets to the 3rd row on the 40 yard line. It's good to have connections, baby. Now I know why management hate to give up their jobs. Along with that, they'd have to give up with perks.
Some of you may not know this. M's from Alabama, near Mobile. His parents went to the University of Alabama (and Auburn subsequently). We got tickets via the AJ's connections. Guess who we are rooting for
We had earlier planned to root for both teams, generally a good game. So, there we were, seated among the Tech fans (with the exception of another Alabama supporter, see 2nd picture), cheering for both teams.
I felt rather schizophrenic after a while. I gave up around the 2nd quarter. Make up your mind, Ling. Stick to one and stand by the decision.
So, after Alabama made a touch down in the first 4 minutes of the 1st quarter (a play that was disputed AFTER the game), an approximate 80-yard run, I switched allegiance.
To be fair, I was going to root for Bama. I figured blood is thicker than water and since M's mom couldn't be with us, somebody gotta be the unpopular one among the Tech fans. I'm not afraid.
And did my allegiance pay off. Bama broke the tie at 5 seconds to the end of the game by kicking a field goal, making it just inches from the bottom left of the post. Now, that's a game. 13-10.
Photo below: A few of us thought he was a chicken. M immediately figured he was a cotton ball. How brilliant. He even had the physique for it! Oops, that was rude.
The five-hour drive to Dallas took us along the backroads where we were a few distance away from the grass fire. It was a surreal sight to see the glow of the fire and smoke in the horizon. What wondrous colors in the midst of a horrible situation.
We awoke early the next morning at 6 a.m. to make it to our parking spots at the Texas Fair Grounds. Yes, we had parking permits. Not only that, we also had tickets to the 3rd row on the 40 yard line. It's good to have connections, baby. Now I know why management hate to give up their jobs. Along with that, they'd have to give up with perks.
Some of you may not know this. M's from Alabama, near Mobile. His parents went to the University of Alabama (and Auburn subsequently). We got tickets via the AJ's connections. Guess who we are rooting for
We had earlier planned to root for both teams, generally a good game. So, there we were, seated among the Tech fans (with the exception of another Alabama supporter, see 2nd picture), cheering for both teams.
I felt rather schizophrenic after a while. I gave up around the 2nd quarter. Make up your mind, Ling. Stick to one and stand by the decision.
So, after Alabama made a touch down in the first 4 minutes of the 1st quarter (a play that was disputed AFTER the game), an approximate 80-yard run, I switched allegiance.
To be fair, I was going to root for Bama. I figured blood is thicker than water and since M's mom couldn't be with us, somebody gotta be the unpopular one among the Tech fans. I'm not afraid.
And did my allegiance pay off. Bama broke the tie at 5 seconds to the end of the game by kicking a field goal, making it just inches from the bottom left of the post. Now, that's a game. 13-10.
Photo below: A few of us thought he was a chicken. M immediately figured he was a cotton ball. How brilliant. He even had the physique for it! Oops, that was rude.
Thursday, January 5, 2006
Job SHITuation
Does this happen in your corner of the country where every job, be it professional degreed or blue-collar, commands the same level of commitment yet pays the same? Something just doesn't sit right here.
I have interviewed at small publications, advertising agencies, even as a non-interior design required decorator at a furniture store, and have been offered the same pathetic low pay. I'm the queen of 2nd interviews or callbacks. I told the same earnest truth of the level of expertise and dedication that I will bring to the job. They all seem impressed. But all they could "afford for the position" is an insulting $xx,xxx.
I'm too ashamed to list the figures. I would hate for word to get around to my old colleagues and be either sympathized or worse, mocked. (I love you all but I know about 'em loose lips around the beer garden.)
It appears there is no consideration for "commensurate with experience" nor a college degree nor the knowledge of various computer programs. They want the talent but they won't pay for it. Which may explain the generally appalling work ethics and quality I've witnessed around here.
I truly am giving up. I felt I'll be better off with a relatively stress-free, 9-5 vocation than pursue my passion for the same pay. Afterall, the quality of life will be better. I won't be bringing work home with me, and how to schedule my vacations around it.
Seriously, Chronicle folks, the pay there is NOT shabby at all.
News folks, don't let the daily grind get to you. You know it's just going to repeat its cycle.
Just roll with the punches and let the stress go like water off a duck's back. I've been there and I'm here. I know what I'm talking about.
I have interviewed at small publications, advertising agencies, even as a non-interior design required decorator at a furniture store, and have been offered the same pathetic low pay. I'm the queen of 2nd interviews or callbacks. I told the same earnest truth of the level of expertise and dedication that I will bring to the job. They all seem impressed. But all they could "afford for the position" is an insulting $xx,xxx.
I'm too ashamed to list the figures. I would hate for word to get around to my old colleagues and be either sympathized or worse, mocked. (I love you all but I know about 'em loose lips around the beer garden.)
It appears there is no consideration for "commensurate with experience" nor a college degree nor the knowledge of various computer programs. They want the talent but they won't pay for it. Which may explain the generally appalling work ethics and quality I've witnessed around here.
I truly am giving up. I felt I'll be better off with a relatively stress-free, 9-5 vocation than pursue my passion for the same pay. Afterall, the quality of life will be better. I won't be bringing work home with me, and how to schedule my vacations around it.
Seriously, Chronicle folks, the pay there is NOT shabby at all.
News folks, don't let the daily grind get to you. You know it's just going to repeat its cycle.
Just roll with the punches and let the stress go like water off a duck's back. I've been there and I'm here. I know what I'm talking about.
Sunday, January 1, 2006
An ominous start to 2006?
Ah, the infamous sandstorm of Lubbock, TX.
I finally got to witness it early New Year's Day.
I had been warned over Christmas by a former resident of Lubbock that when the dust kick up, not even the tighest window could keep out the silt. I hope I never have to experience that. I did, however, bit on some dust. I had to wash out my contacts soon. I could feel the microscopic particle(s).
What I did witness is the spectacular strength of the wind, reported at 53 mph at the National Weather Service Web site. Temperature in the highs of 75 degrees. The wooden fences that line the back yard are rocking, and if I look hard, wisps of dust are kicked around in the air. Even the rare bird or two that dared to venture was struggling against the wind.
Let's hope that the condition does not escalate through the evening. With the low humidity and gusty winds, I fear that some moronic resident would attempt to light up some fireworks. Furthermore, I wonder if this condition is similar in Dallas. Maybe the skyscrapers will tone it down some. Let's hope so, or the Cotton Bowl tomorrow will be insufferable for the players and spectators, M and I among the latter.
Note the dark blue of the shed in the neighbor's yard against the sky. Also note that picture is about one shade darker that current conditions.
I finally got to witness it early New Year's Day.
I had been warned over Christmas by a former resident of Lubbock that when the dust kick up, not even the tighest window could keep out the silt. I hope I never have to experience that. I did, however, bit on some dust. I had to wash out my contacts soon. I could feel the microscopic particle(s).
What I did witness is the spectacular strength of the wind, reported at 53 mph at the National Weather Service Web site. Temperature in the highs of 75 degrees. The wooden fences that line the back yard are rocking, and if I look hard, wisps of dust are kicked around in the air. Even the rare bird or two that dared to venture was struggling against the wind.
Let's hope that the condition does not escalate through the evening. With the low humidity and gusty winds, I fear that some moronic resident would attempt to light up some fireworks. Furthermore, I wonder if this condition is similar in Dallas. Maybe the skyscrapers will tone it down some. Let's hope so, or the Cotton Bowl tomorrow will be insufferable for the players and spectators, M and I among the latter.
Note the dark blue of the shed in the neighbor's yard against the sky. Also note that picture is about one shade darker that current conditions.
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