Present is the Best Gift

Present. A word that makes me go crazy for an evening in a mall. Rarely, I was invited to a Birthday party especially for a 8-years old. Since she is a sweetheart and my cousin's daughter, I decided to attend it and tagging along 2 kiddos with me was nothing easy. Hats off to the mothers who can managed a troop without going nuts!

Buying a gift for a child is not cheap anymore. What happened to the games that we played when we were growing up that does not need much money? We cannot afford a mobile phone, furthermore a computer. Yet, we all live in a happy days with fighting over a toy with our siblings or cousins (I don't have any siblings to fight over with). There wasn't any PS3 or Wii for us to play with. Children expect their parents can afford iPhone, iPad to play Angry Bird games. Children need to be taught that money does not fall from the sky and not everyone can afford to do so.

I am sure when you were growing up, you have a best friend in school. (I'm sure you have one!) Recalling the memories during my teenage years, I was really upset with my so-called of best friend. She has forgotten about my Birthday! And again screwed up in getting a present for me which I have mentioned to her what I wanted. Yes, I was really pissed with her that I did not talk to her until she made it right! Called me any names you want to, but aren't Best Friend should know all this? By then, everyone knew that I was mad at her for this. Looking back at the time, I was so silly. Yet, how can a best friend forgot about your day? I know I won't. (at least try not to) The same thing happened when my ex forgot about my Birthday. I was really mad. Even a good dinner won't make it up. I just want to be spoilt and pampered on that day! Wild my imagination here- a day at the beach along with a romantic dinner would be awesome!

Now that I am getting older, I see that I was being so silly for having such a reaction. To me, Birthday is supposed to be special. But then again, as long as we are happy and live another day- that would be the best gift ever! I realize that Present is the best gift that we can get everyday.

My Memories of Ghost Festival

It is the time of the year- Ghost Festival which marks the 14th day of seventh lunar month (based on Chinese Calendar). Taiwanese, Japanese, and Vietnamese also celebrate a similiar event in their own way. This is the East version of Halloween celebration. This celebration is a unique way for Chinese communities to pay respect to all decesead, young and old from all walks of life. Candle, incense, papier-mache form of materials such as clothes, gold, (now they even have a iPad version) hell money (offerings to the dead) and food will be prepared to serve the hungry ghosts.

During the seventh month, Buddhist believe that the gate of hell are open up and ghosts are seeking their freedom to visit their family and friends and nonetheless seek entertainment and food. They even have a special table for food. They would be seated in the front-row for entertainment so that they get to enjoy the loud live performance. Chinese belief that they need to treat ghosts properly so that they will get good fortune and luck in their lives. Thus, they would be happy to contribute for the Ghost Festival needs. 

Above picture was taken from http://lifeisreallybeautiful.com/

Besides that, there is a belief that this month is not good for business, moving, health and late night activities. Till this day, older generations will still advise their children not to go out late. There are a lot of ghost around that will mess with you. Some would perform prayers in front of the house so that the ghost will be happy and would not disturb them.

Growing up in a small town which used to be developed and have a pretty good size of Chinese communities, this was a memorable celebration for me. We used to have Cantonese operas for few nights in a row. On some nights, there was the puppet shows and nonetheless, the live singing performance. My grandmother, mother and other women in the town were busy volunteering themselves. They used to serve meals on the table for free and of course there were the ice-cream men, and a lot more which you got to pay. They would have the roast pig and plenty of food on the 14th day to remark that this is the end of celebration. Since I lived pretty close to the place where they used to pray for the Ghost Festival, it was the time for me to sneak out late. And I wasn't alone. My family would be out and about till late for the entire 2 weeks for this. The same goes for the others who live in this town. Unfotunately, Chinese populations in my town has dropped and the local government does not seem to accomodating this tradition. Thus, Ghost Festival celebration has been since moved to a temple which is quite a distance.

The questions are- Do you believe that Ghost exist in this world? Is there such a thing call hell gate and punishment still exist even though they have passed away? Do they really wash their feet before they enter the celebration place, sit in the front-row for entertainment and enjoy the food? Nonetheless, messing up your life in this 7th month.

Hate Me, I'm a Keeper

Every friendship that I've built has its own memories. I've heard many of the stories after became closer. Some described me as a snobbish, some said that friendly is my middle name and nonetheless rude and disrespectful in my life. It seems to me that everyone has its own first impression on someone. I think I'm lucky to have wonderful friends that lives thousand miles away, yet we still manage to be in touch thru Facebook and emails. Ain't we lucky to have all this access to communicate? I am a big fan and really thankful for all this technology. Still, I am slowly opening doors for new ones.

For the past week, I have been having wonderful conversations with some "new" friends that I just met. By the way, new friend in my definition is I am able to talk about everything and I've only meet them less than 1 year. What so interesting to me about these new friends of mine- they make me realize that we have something in common. When I'm down, they listen. When they are down, I listen. These are basic communication skills that a lot of people missed out in life. We are supposed to be there for each other and to encourage that tomorrow will be a betterday! It's that simple. That's what I called friend. A true friend who will be there to support in your decision-making. A soul who will support you mentally.

I'm not bragging, but I am a Keeper! I go out my way to be there for my friend when they need me. Yea, just like what Mariah Carey's, I'll Be There.  

Nonetheless, I have been betrayed in a friendship before. It was so deep that it still hunt me until this moment when I meet someone new. How can I believe that a person like her will do that to me? Could it be that she has dual-personalities? Perhaps tri-personalities? I was wrong. She is selfish that she sold me out, all just because of money and fame. I'm not rich, I'm not famous. I got nothing to spare but me!

I might not be carrying a designer bag, driving a brand-new car, living in a luxury high-rise or having plenty of cash in my wallet. Instead, I can offer a wonderful friendship. Yes, I do admit that I have my snobbish and impolite moment. Is there a perfect friend who will accept all my flaws? I hope that you'll be there for me when I need a shoulder to cry on. That's all. It is that simple.

P/S: Believe me or not, I think I am a good friend. I'm not trying to boost my ego, but I speak the truth and only the truth. If you are not my friend, perhaps it's about time to hang close to me by now. :) I'm not bragging myself here. Number of friends does not count how many quality friends that I have.  

Pricetag

Lately, I have been reflective by Jessie J's No.1 hit song, Pricetag. If you take time to analyze the lyrics behind this song, it has a good meaning for all. (At least it's for me!)

Seems like everybody’s got a price,
I wonder how they sleep at night.
When the sale comes first,
And the truth comes second,
Just stop, for a minute and
Smile

Why is everybody so serious
Acting so damn mysterious
Got your shades on your eyes
And your heels so high
That you can’t even have a good time

Everybody look to their left (yeah)
Everybody look to their right (ha)
Can you feel that (yeah)
We’re paying with love tonight
It’s not about the money, money, money
We don’t need your money, money, money
We just wanna make the world dance,

By the way, check out an upcoming teen, Maddi Jane who is getting all this hits from various cover songs. She was discovered thru Youtube (Yeah, something like Justin Bieber) thus, got herself an invitation to Ellen De Generes show. Did I mention that Maddi is 13 years old?  I'm thinking ka ching is hitting her way just like how Charice is after she was called for Oprah's show. I'm hoping that she won't be doing a botox or anything under the blade anytime soon.

Putting aside, we price everyone that around us. This is real and happening without our knowledge! While I was waiting in a car last week, I was looking at this janitor who was sweeping the road and it hit me right there. We price people by their appearance, character and nonetheless their job. He was smiling all the way without pressuring me that I was out of his way. Instead, he smiles all the way. In my mind, all I could think of is why do we bother so much on all this or like me- think too much. The higher heels that you wear, the more we are pricing people who is "beneath" us. But, can't we all take a break and be happy so that we don't look at the money and price someone.

It's the ugly truth that we are facing everyday, from your parents (I'm sure they have their favorite and keep it a secret) to getting a new job. Frequently, we put a price on the person and somehow forgot that the basic thing is to love and be happy. I'm going to lie to you if I say I did not price someone, but let's not for a day. Can we? Until that can happen, everyone will still has its own Pricetag when we wake up in the morning.  

Life Moves On!

"When things need to happen, let it happen naturally. I was excited before, now i am like if it happened, great! If not, life moves on."

Today, I was inspired by this wisdom after chatting to a close friend. It makes me think that how we as a human being perceive things to be good and ready to roll to a new chapter in life. Yet, we forgot that there are things that are beyond our control. Of course, we are happy that something exciting is coming our way. But until there's a black and white, there's no guarantee that it will happen. It is a simple wisdom that we should bear in mind. Either we like it or not, our life journey continues on.

I'm not going to lie to you that it's easy to move on. But, we need to be strong and wise to face the obstacles that are coming by. All we can do is pray that tomorrow will be a happy day so that we can face it with a smile.

A decade ago

Do you remember where are you, what did you do a decade ago?

I still remember a decade ago where I was and what did I do. I was boarding the flight to a land that is so foreign to me, yet a new chapter of life. America is a fantasy land for anyone. Even to this day, people tell me the greatest of a American dream. I just know that from growing that America is thousand miles away from home who offers a hell lot of opportunities and it's where people admire this land so much. Watching all the Hollywood movies and dramas, makes me think that the places are so beautiful, people are nice and friendly and you would easily get a scholarship, job and eventually have a wonderful family and happy ending.

Stepping my very first step and landing in Dallas, Texas and transitting to a smaller plane in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma was a lil scary. The plane was much smaller than what I've taken before in my life. Landed safely in a new environment was no big deals when you have your family around you. I was fortunate to have them with me.

Having my very Vietnamese pho was my most memorable moment! While less than 36 hours ago, I recalled the roast pork was nice and yummy, this one that I am having was pinkish! How can it be? Does it taste good with all the soup and green yet fresh vegetables? I was hesistant to dig in more and try it further. Perhaps it was the jetlag effect too.

I was very anxious to find out more about America. The land was so flat and empty (duh, that's Oklahoma!). Everything was big from the car, highway, house and even a bottle of shampoo! Grocery stores like Walmart and Albertson's that opens 24/7 was like a shopping heaven.

This past decade has developed to a better me and I can't wait for the next decade to come. I might have my good days and bad days. We all do. I pray that the next decade will be better and wiser.