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Saturday, February 28

For Valentine's Day, Something that Lasts Much Longer than Roses or Chocolates

Why is it that on Valentine's Day, sweethearts who pledge everlasting love traditionally give each other gifts that lasts for less than a week, like chocolates or roses? Daddy got both of us something that is pretty, glittery, and lasts longer than flowers. I got the bigger one, but Mommy's is nice too. (Hint: it's not a diamond.)




Daddy got both of us mylar balloons...sorry we didn't take any good photos of Mommy's balloon but as you can see I got a Winnie-the-Pooh one. The Emi heart pillow was made several months back by Aunty Vannee, a very fitting item for Valentine's Day as well.

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Friday, February 27

Last Month's Chinese “Niu” (牛) Year Eve Celebration

“GONG XI FA CAI, HONG BAO NA LAI” (恭喜發財, 紅包拿來) is a very popular phrase that we children chant to our elders when Chinese New Year arrives. Translated, it means, “Wishing you prosperity, and please hand me a red packet [with money inside].” Though it may sound completely rude to say “Merry Christmas, now where's my gift?” this Chinese New Year greeting is completely expected, and yes, we get our little token. Another word I should learn, specific to this year is the Chinese character pronounced “NIU,” which is the Chinese word for ox or cow but sounds like the English "new" (hence the pun in the title). Thus began the Year of the Ox on January 26 with Mommy trying to teach me some Chinese phrases. (By the way, I DO understand a few Chinese words).

While the Chinese language is foreign to some of my readers, the spirit of celebration is universal. And what would a celebration eve be without friends and family and FOOD?










Sunday, January 25. Top: Uncle Ed teases me by placing a lion over my head. The lion dance is a traditional celebratory custom for the New Year. 2nd and 3rd: I sign "thank you" to Great-aunt Paz for giving me my hong bao (red packet) and give oranges, a symbol of goodness and wealth, to my elders, including grand-aunt Aileen. 4th: Another picture of us at the dinner table. Yes, I know, another meal photo. That's what we do. Bottom: in my bright red costume and red slippers to match, I celebrate the Chinese New Year with a big hearty smile. Just like Christmas, red is a very celebratory color for the CNY.

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Thursday, February 26

Saturday Night Reunion in the Napa Valley

Now, there's just no excuse for the actions of the now infamous “Octomom,” but I will say there's something to be said for suddenly hanging out with eight other kids - it's totally fun! (as long as there is enough supervision to keep order). For those adults, this evening was a reunion of old friends including Daddy, who have kept in touch with each other since the 1980's, having gone through the pains of college and the sufferings of medical school. And with that ends my fun blog of last month's trip to the West Coast.






Top: The kids (L to R) Bea Pang, Miyu and Henry Hongo, Sophie Ha, "King" Ken and Alex Hongo,  Soren Pang, me, and Elena Pang. Middle: The adults (L to R): Rick & Takako Hongo, Jimmy and Sonia Ha, Norman and Ann Pang. Bottom: (L to R) PUC grads, class of 1991 and Loma Linda School of Medicine grads, class of 1995: The anesthesiologist,  electrophysiologist, and epidemiologist.

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Wednesday, February 25

Excuse Me, But the Golden Gate Bridge isn't Golden

Despite the misrepresentation of its color, this bridge is quite grand, I think. Besides, it sounds better than the “Crimson Gate Bridge.”

Photos taken on Friday, Jan 30. On a very fortunate afternoon with clear skies, we stopped by the Golden Gate on the way to stay with friends in Napa. Top photo taken by Dr. Norman Pang. Bottom: Just another routine walk on the bridge!

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Tuesday, February 24

Great-Aunts Hock-Chin and Sin-Chin: The Phang Matriarchs

Ninety-eight years is the spread between my oldest surviving relative and me. And during my visit to the West Coast late January, I finally got to meet her - Great-aunt Hock-Chin, or Helen, as those in the younger generation know her. She really knows where to retire: the beautiful community of St. Helena California, just a few miles from Daddy's alma mater Pacific Union College. Great-aunt Helen Fong will be 100 years old this April. Of course, time has taken its toll on her; she has advanced dementia, and I doubt that she will even remember me, but just to be able to meet the matriarch of the Phang clan is an honor.

Great-Aunt Helen isn't the only other relative I met this trip. I also got to greet Great-aunt Sin-chin, Great-aunt Helen's youngest sister,  the "baby" of that generation, at a crisp 89 years old, along with three of her children and family members. They all live in the SF area, which makes it a real draw when I return. And you'd better believe it, I'll be back...

Top 2 photos, taken on Saturday, Jan 31, 2009: Daddy's friends drove us up to St. Helena, CA to a retirement home called Rose Haven to see Great-aunt Helen Fong. Some of her long term memory remained intact, though she didn't seem to remember Daddy all that well from his college days. Nonetheless, she was happy  to see us. 3rd: On Jan 29, with Great-aunt Sin-chin Poong at the Kirin Chinese restaurant on Geary Ave. 4th: (L to R) Daughter-in law Shauna and son Francis Poong, grandchildren Jennifer & Doug Chin. Bottom: Daughters Liz Mark and Pauline Chin.

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Monday, February 23, 2009

Where is Emi?

Sorry for the three week delay, everyone. I'm fine. I could give lots of excuses, but I'm not. To catch up, I have to finish some blogs from my SF trip as well as give you some highlights of Valentine's Day, so let's get back to blogging. Daddy can take a few minutes off from studying for board exam to update you on my activities.