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Friday, October 31
Friends from the Government and They're Here to Help!
Anthrax. Bird Flu. MRSA. SARS. These infectious diseases and others have the potential to cause a serious threat to America. In fact, a report released this week by the Trust for America's Health stated that the United States is not ready to protect its own citizens against emerging infectious diseases. A very scary thought indeed. My own future may be jeopardy.
Now why am I, at 14 months of age, discussing such an issue? It's because fortunately we have public health professionals, working hard at different levels of government to help prevent, or at least mitigate, an infectious disease epidemic. And I was lucky to meet some of them this past weekend in Washington, where Daddy attended an infectious disease conference. These are his former colleagues when Daddy worked at the CDC. They may be smart and working hard to protect us, but they're pretty nice and friendly too!
Top: I'm enjoying dinner with Dr. Sarah Park, state epidemiologist for Hawaii and Dr. Tim Uyeki, avian influenza expert at CDC. He's travelled around the world following this virus so that we can avoid it! Read a New York Times article about Tim. 2nd: With Tim and Dr. Scott Harper, medical epidemiologist based in New York City. 3rd: I'm right beside Dr. Susan Lukacs, who is an expert in health statistics for CDC. Bottom: With Dr. Michelle Chin, an old friend of Daddy's who is a legislative analyst with U.S. Senator John Cornyn of Texas. Her doctorate is in political science, not medicine, but she is influential on issues such as health policy and education, which is just as important as the research!
Thursday, October 30
Politics 101: Washington Field Trip
Given that Election Day is just a few days away, it was perfect timing to accompany my folks for a 4-day trip to our nation's capital, Washington, D.C., where Nai-nai and Yeh-yeh and all my cousins live. But before I discuss the activities we did with family and friends, I thought that this blog would focus on becoming acquainted with some of the landmarks of our Federal government. We didn't have much time, but I managed to handle the cold weather and take in the sights.
Top: On the north side of Lafayette Square, overlooking the White House and Washington Monument. Middle: In front of a lesser known Washington institution, the U.S. Treasury Department, home of Henry Paulson and the $700 billion bailout! Bottom: Sharing a smile with Senator Barack Obama, who in a few days could quite possibly be elected the next President of the United States. OK, it's a cutout, but who cares?
Friday, October 24
Updating My Blog, Retroactively
We have no more photos of me since last weekend. However, I am working on filling in the details from September and earlier this month. As a result, my "new" entries can be found below, dated September 2 and 3. For you adults, it wasn't so long ago. For me, it seems like ages ago - when I was still a baby!
Saturday, October 18
Pampered in Naples, Ritz-Carlton Style
My parents adore me, but they don't spoil me like a princess. However, my folks and I all had the opportunity to be spoiled at the Ritz-Carlton Resort in Naples, where Daddy was invited to give a talk. None of us had ever stayed at a Ritz-Carlton, and let me tell you, they delivered! From the views of the ocean from our room to the activities for children (with nanny service), from the spa treatment for Mommy to the thoughtful anticipation of the staff for our every need, I was just blown away (or more my parents were). Two nights as a pampered princess was truly an unforgettable experience.
Top: The Ritz-Carlton Naples just after sunrise. 2nd: On the phone trying to order room service. "Hello? Can I order a pepperoni pizza?" 3rd: Mommy takes a picture of me in the kiddie pool through the safety gates. 4th: Just a little stroll in the play fountain. Bottom: An example of the Ritz' children program - by making "waves" we can create huge bubbles everywhere!
Friday, October 17
Lovin' My New Backyard
Where has all the time gone? Part of that time has been spent hiring a landscape designer to remake our small backyard into a Japanese-style garden, complete with water feature, bamboo, and decorative rocks. It took about two months to complete with a few delays, but it's done now. With a fence now up, I'm free to roam around without Mommy or Daddy worrying about me running into the middle of a road. I'm walking well now, but still having difficulty traversing our newly laid patio steps without assistance. It all makes for good fun as I discover new things. I love playing with bamboo sticks, picking up Mexican Beach Pebbles and touching the water on our overflowing fountain. Another great reason to be outdoors? It's October, and the weather in Orlando is much more pleasant. Expect me to be outside more often this winter!
Top: I'm proud of my new backyard! Middle: Pointing at an airplane; our home is on the flight path for aircraft ready to land at Orlando International Airport. Bottom: Playing with Mexican Beach Pebbles in my new rock garden.
**NEWS UPDATE 28 Sept 2008**
Sorry for the delay, but I'm OK!
Unfortunately at my age, there are many things that are out of my direct control. I apologize on behalf of my papa, who is responsible for keeping this blog current. Excuses such as a new job and other extra-curricular activities is not a valid reason in my mind. But rest assured I'm fine, and as I keep you up-to-date on my activities, I'll also post some of the events from earlier this month. I'm doing great!
Wednesday, September 3
Merdeka Gathering
Yes, a lot of activities to talk about, and I'm still blogging from the events of last weekend. First birthday, then church dedication, and now - Merdeka. What is that? If you are Malaysian, you will know that Merdeka means independence, as it celebrates Malaya's freedom from British colonial rule, which occurred on August 31, 1957. Here in Central Florida, on the opposite side of the world from Malaysia, I was fortunate enough to be able to celebrate Merdeka with about 75 or so Malaysians and Singaporeans with none other than a potluck gathering of great Southeast Asian cuisine. Daddy was introduced to this group through a Malaysian nurse who works at the hospital, and he and Mommy were rather pleasantly surprised to know that such a group existed. They even have a web page at http://beta.rakyatmalaysia.net. Next up, Hari Raya Makan! (And you thought I only could speak Chinese...)
Top: A portion of the Merdeka gathering after lunch in an Orlando city park, complete with Malaysian flag. Can you see me? Bottom: Enjoying myself in the arms of a young Malay woman, I can foresee myself hanging out with this group. I had better learn some Malay words - first one, Makan (eat)!
Tuesday, September 2
Dedicated to God
To commemorate my one year birthday, especially since nai-nai, yeh-yeh, and por-por all were down visiting, my folks requested Pastor Jeff Cinquamani of the Hospital SDA Church to dedicate me to the Lord. Pastor Jeff's brother-in-law, also a minister, was pastor of the Stone Mtn SDA Church where my parents attended while living in Atlanta. During the service, a few slides of me were shown on the screen while Pastor Jeff introduced me and my family. Then we all had a prayer of dedication together. Although I've always been a child of God, it's nice to now be officially dedicated!
Top: With all attention focused on me, Pastor Jeff shares a light moment with the church congregation at the beginning of my dedication. Bottom: As I'm being held by Pastor Jeff, I stretch out my arms to the to ask the congregation, “do you accept me as a dedicated child of God into your church?”
Monday, September 1
I am One Year Old. Daddy is “Four - Oh”!
In case you didn't remember, my birthday just happens to be the day before Daddy's. This was an important week for me, as my nai-nai and yeh-yeh had flown down from Maryland to celebrate my birthday. My folks had arranged for about 25 guests to come to my party with a personalized invitation. Daddy had thought that this party was all about me, but unbeknownst to him, Mommy had also arranged to have some of his friends to welcome him into his 5th decade of life. We had party hats, balloons, great food and I got lots of clothes and toys. What did daddy get? Laxatives, denture adhesive, and a pair of reading glasses (he really did get them from a friend, ha ha)! This was a birthday that I was able to share with Daddy - and there will be lots more birthdays to be shared with him.
Friends from the Government and They're Here to Help!
Anthrax. Bird Flu. MRSA. SARS. These infectious diseases and others have the potential to cause a serious threat to America. In fact, a report released this week by the Trust for America's Health stated that the United States is not ready to protect its own citizens against emerging infectious diseases. A very scary thought indeed. My own future may be jeopardy.
Now why am I, at 14 months of age, discussing such an issue? It's because fortunately we have public health professionals, working hard at different levels of government to help prevent, or at least mitigate, an infectious disease epidemic. And I was lucky to meet some of them this past weekend in Washington, where Daddy attended an infectious disease conference. These are his former colleagues when Daddy worked at the CDC. They may be smart and working hard to protect us, but they're pretty nice and friendly too!
Top: I'm enjoying dinner with Dr. Sarah Park, state epidemiologist for Hawaii and Dr. Tim Uyeki, avian influenza expert at CDC. He's travelled around the world following this virus so that we can avoid it! Read a New York Times article about Tim. 2nd: With Tim and Dr. Scott Harper, medical epidemiologist based in New York City. 3rd: I'm right beside Dr. Susan Lukacs, who is an expert in health statistics for CDC. Bottom: With Dr. Michelle Chin, an old friend of Daddy's who is a legislative analyst with U.S. Senator John Cornyn of Texas. Her doctorate is in political science, not medicine, but she is influential on issues such as health policy and education, which is just as important as the research!
Thursday, October 30
Politics 101: Washington Field Trip
Given that Election Day is just a few days away, it was perfect timing to accompany my folks for a 4-day trip to our nation's capital, Washington, D.C., where Nai-nai and Yeh-yeh and all my cousins live. But before I discuss the activities we did with family and friends, I thought that this blog would focus on becoming acquainted with some of the landmarks of our Federal government. We didn't have much time, but I managed to handle the cold weather and take in the sights.
Top: On the north side of Lafayette Square, overlooking the White House and Washington Monument. Middle: In front of a lesser known Washington institution, the U.S. Treasury Department, home of Henry Paulson and the $700 billion bailout! Bottom: Sharing a smile with Senator Barack Obama, who in a few days could quite possibly be elected the next President of the United States. OK, it's a cutout, but who cares?
Friday, October 24
Updating My Blog, Retroactively
We have no more photos of me since last weekend. However, I am working on filling in the details from September and earlier this month. As a result, my "new" entries can be found below, dated September 2 and 3. For you adults, it wasn't so long ago. For me, it seems like ages ago - when I was still a baby!
Saturday, October 18
Pampered in Naples, Ritz-Carlton Style
My parents adore me, but they don't spoil me like a princess. However, my folks and I all had the opportunity to be spoiled at the Ritz-Carlton Resort in Naples, where Daddy was invited to give a talk. None of us had ever stayed at a Ritz-Carlton, and let me tell you, they delivered! From the views of the ocean from our room to the activities for children (with nanny service), from the spa treatment for Mommy to the thoughtful anticipation of the staff for our every need, I was just blown away (or more my parents were). Two nights as a pampered princess was truly an unforgettable experience.
Top: The Ritz-Carlton Naples just after sunrise. 2nd: On the phone trying to order room service. "Hello? Can I order a pepperoni pizza?" 3rd: Mommy takes a picture of me in the kiddie pool through the safety gates. 4th: Just a little stroll in the play fountain. Bottom: An example of the Ritz' children program - by making "waves" we can create huge bubbles everywhere!
Friday, October 17
Lovin' My New Backyard
Where has all the time gone? Part of that time has been spent hiring a landscape designer to remake our small backyard into a Japanese-style garden, complete with water feature, bamboo, and decorative rocks. It took about two months to complete with a few delays, but it's done now. With a fence now up, I'm free to roam around without Mommy or Daddy worrying about me running into the middle of a road. I'm walking well now, but still having difficulty traversing our newly laid patio steps without assistance. It all makes for good fun as I discover new things. I love playing with bamboo sticks, picking up Mexican Beach Pebbles and touching the water on our overflowing fountain. Another great reason to be outdoors? It's October, and the weather in Orlando is much more pleasant. Expect me to be outside more often this winter!
Top: I'm proud of my new backyard! Middle: Pointing at an airplane; our home is on the flight path for aircraft ready to land at Orlando International Airport. Bottom: Playing with Mexican Beach Pebbles in my new rock garden.
**NEWS UPDATE 28 Sept 2008**
Sorry for the delay, but I'm OK!
Unfortunately at my age, there are many things that are out of my direct control. I apologize on behalf of my papa, who is responsible for keeping this blog current. Excuses such as a new job and other extra-curricular activities is not a valid reason in my mind. But rest assured I'm fine, and as I keep you up-to-date on my activities, I'll also post some of the events from earlier this month. I'm doing great!
Wednesday, September 3
Merdeka Gathering
Yes, a lot of activities to talk about, and I'm still blogging from the events of last weekend. First birthday, then church dedication, and now - Merdeka. What is that? If you are Malaysian, you will know that Merdeka means independence, as it celebrates Malaya's freedom from British colonial rule, which occurred on August 31, 1957. Here in Central Florida, on the opposite side of the world from Malaysia, I was fortunate enough to be able to celebrate Merdeka with about 75 or so Malaysians and Singaporeans with none other than a potluck gathering of great Southeast Asian cuisine. Daddy was introduced to this group through a Malaysian nurse who works at the hospital, and he and Mommy were rather pleasantly surprised to know that such a group existed. They even have a web page at http://beta.rakyatmalaysia.net. Next up, Hari Raya Makan! (And you thought I only could speak Chinese...)
Top: A portion of the Merdeka gathering after lunch in an Orlando city park, complete with Malaysian flag. Can you see me? Bottom: Enjoying myself in the arms of a young Malay woman, I can foresee myself hanging out with this group. I had better learn some Malay words - first one, Makan (eat)!
Tuesday, September 2
Dedicated to God
To commemorate my one year birthday, especially since nai-nai, yeh-yeh, and por-por all were down visiting, my folks requested Pastor Jeff Cinquamani of the Hospital SDA Church to dedicate me to the Lord. Pastor Jeff's brother-in-law, also a minister, was pastor of the Stone Mtn SDA Church where my parents attended while living in Atlanta. During the service, a few slides of me were shown on the screen while Pastor Jeff introduced me and my family. Then we all had a prayer of dedication together. Although I've always been a child of God, it's nice to now be officially dedicated!
Top: With all attention focused on me, Pastor Jeff shares a light moment with the church congregation at the beginning of my dedication. Bottom: As I'm being held by Pastor Jeff, I stretch out my arms to the to ask the congregation, “do you accept me as a dedicated child of God into your church?”
Monday, September 1
I am One Year Old. Daddy is “Four - Oh”!
In case you didn't remember, my birthday just happens to be the day before Daddy's. This was an important week for me, as my nai-nai and yeh-yeh had flown down from Maryland to celebrate my birthday. My folks had arranged for about 25 guests to come to my party with a personalized invitation. Daddy had thought that this party was all about me, but unbeknownst to him, Mommy had also arranged to have some of his friends to welcome him into his 5th decade of life. We had party hats, balloons, great food and I got lots of clothes and toys. What did daddy get? Laxatives, denture adhesive, and a pair of reading glasses (he really did get them from a friend, ha ha)! This was a birthday that I was able to share with Daddy - and there will be lots more birthdays to be shared with him.
(c) 2007-2008 Vincent Hsu
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