My 5 year-old had to get his kindergarten immunizations today, in anticipation for that glorious day in August when he starts school. I dosed him with tylenol, told him it would be fast and hurt, but only for a bit, and took him in. It was a horrible experience and I won’t go into the details, but four shots to the thighs and several sad screams and heartbreaking cries later, I offered to buy him a new game for his Wii.
The sweet old man assisting us at Wal-mart laughed when I mentioned this was a bribe for school shots. He said, “You know, my son did the same thing for his kids.” Then I sighed and said, “You know, when I was young (and remember, I’m only 32,) I remember you got your shots and that’s that. Maybe you got a lollipop. But that was it. No big deal.” He laughed and said, “That’s right! Things certainly have changed. (He looked to be in his 70s.)
So, fifty bucks later, I walk out thinking, I have contributed to the demise of this generation by spoiling my child. Hopefully the times I say “no” and the times I teach principles will stick with him and he won’t grow up feeling “entitled.” Today was a loss on that scorecard. But only time will tell.
sweaty, shaking, heart palpitations, dizziness… I feel like I could pass out. I just saw THIS in my backyard. It looked like the size of a baby rodent. Ok, that’s a slight exaggeration. It was probably 2 inches in length, fat, furry and UGLY.
By the time I grabbed my camera, he was gone. Hidden somewhere in my garden, awaiting to pounce on me and give me a heart attack. It’s poor quailty, but I found this photo on a web site which categorized him as Phidippus audax, a harmless jumping spider. (I can’t believe I’m posting this picture to remember this. I’ll have nightmares!) I’ve seen this spider many times during my childhood, as tiny harmless spiders, crawling on ceilings or the pavement. This one must have been on steroids. Serious ‘roids. He was the size of a baby tarantula. I swear!
Did I mention I hate spiders? Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!
No, this is not in reference to the Michael Jackson song.
According the WSJ China Journal blog, a high court in South Africa ruled yesterday that Chinese-South Africans will be classified as “black,” thereby giving them benefits previously denied them. Wait, it gets better. Apparently in the 1940s Chinese people were classified as “colored” and forced to live in segregation. Then in the 1970s, Taiwanese were given “honorary white” status, allowing them privileges to vote, drink from the same drinking fountains as everyone else (I assume), etc. But with the end of apartheid, “white” became a negative class and Chinese people were lumped in as “white” and denied benefits and privileges. With “black” status, they receive denied rights, and educational and business opportunities are now restored to them.
Is it just me or is this just sad? Why do we have to see the world in terms of color?!!! Why do I have to be black or white? Why can’t I just be a girl who happens to be Chinese? (And if we really have to discuss color, I’m technically yellow.)
In the words of MJ’s Black or White:
I’m not going to spend my life being a color.
For the last few weeks I’ve embarked on the fun task of trying to find a Nintendo Wii console. Of course they’re nowhere to be found. I’ve tried store after store, online trackers, etc. But while on vacation, I walked into a shop, asked for a Wii and was handed one from the back room. I paid for it and walked out. Completely and utterly painless. Only in L.A.
Matt and I hand carried this puppy home on the airplane. Now to find a Wii fit…
While in L.A. we frequented all the places we love and miss:
A few of our favorite eating establishments:
- Shane’s in Westside Pavilion (I’ve missed you, Persian kebab!)
- Fritto Misto (I’ve missed you, pumpkin ravioli with garlic cream and wild mushroom sauce!)
- Paninis, and fun foods galore from Bristol Farms and Whole Foods Market
- Hurry Curry, only the best Japanese-style curry
The shopping
The beach
The 405 -ok, just kidding about that one.
The kids loved Disneyland and the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. My favorite day was Sunday when we attended church at the Santa Monica II Ward and spent time with our beloved friends. We moved away three years ago with one child and we returned with three. Time flies!
Now we’re home with lots to unpack. I think I need a vacation from our vacation. Calgon, take me back to L.A.!
I’m off to the funeral in L.A. I’ll be followed by the kiddies and Matt next week to enjoy a few days of our former residence, soaking up the California sun and frolicking at Disneyland.
Farewell! thou art too dear for my possessing,
And like enough thou know’st thy estimate:
The charter of thy worth gives thee releasing;
My bonds in thee are all determinate.
For how do I hold thee but by thy granting?
And for that riches where is my deserving?
The cause of this fair gift in me is wanting,
And so my patent back again is swerving.
Thyself thou gavest, thy own worth then not knowing,
Or me, to whom thou gavest it, else mistaking;
So thy great gift, upon misprision growing,
Comes home again, on better judgment making.
Thus have I had thee, as a dream doth flatter,
In sleep a king, but waking no such matter.
-William Shakespeare, Sonnet 87
My Nai Nai (grandma) passed away last week and my family asked me to speak at her funeral this coming Saturday. I’ve been struggling to translate my thoughts from English into Chinese. (Most of my relatives from my father’s family barely speak English.) But as I pondered over my memories, I realized that she was an incredibly sweet lady. She was extraordinarily patient and gentle. I don’t recall her ever raising her voice or becoming angry. And I think she had a jovial sense of humor. She loved to retell stories from our childhood and have a good laugh with us. All in Chinese, of course. She was suffering and so I am grateful she’s been released from pain and gone on to her next great adventure. Confucius would have considered her a virtuous lady, indeed.
During the last month, Matt and I have secretly agonized over a possible job offer which would relocate us to Dallas, Texas. I know…big hair, big boobs, Confederate flags and ugly accents come to mind. Sorry “ya’ll,” but I’m no fan of southern drawl. (Yes, we all have preferences and prejudices. Even me.)
Meanwhile, I concocted this recipe to represent the flavors I may miss out on. And it’s Body For Life approved for the health and diet conscientious. As always, the measurements are approximate, because I never really measure when I cook.
***Not Moving to Texas Chicken***
- 6 chicken tenders (if using breasts, pound thin)
- 3 tsp salsa (I used Pace medium)
- 1 tomatillo, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 T chopped cilantro
- olive oil
- salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drizzle olive oil over chicken. Sprinkle with minced garlic and salt and pepper. Spread about 1/2 tsp of salsa on each tender. Sprinkle chopped tomatillo and cilantro on top. Cover with foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Serve over rice or alongside black beans and corn.
You could probably throw everything in a crock pot and cook on low for a few hours and shred the meat and serve in tortillas. In terms of Scoville heat, this is relatively mild enough for my two year-old. But I suppose if you wanted to kick it up a notch, you could add minced serrano or jalapeno peppers to it. Or try it with salsa verde instead. Yeehaw!
Update: I added asterisks because the title of the recipe seemed to be overlooked. I’ve had three people ask me. Sorry to be confusing! I happily introduce “Not Moving to Texas” Chicken.
