On Friday, Danielle's school had a carnival. In fact, most of the folks I talked to who have kids also have carnivals in their kids's school. I naively signed up to volunteer because I got the 3rd notice in her weekly folder that no parents from her class sign up to volunteer for the carnival. My assignment was in the price booth where kids turn in their tickets for little prizes such as spiders, tattoos etc. At first I was in the 20-50 tickets section so it was pretty peaceful since a few kids had that many tickets. When I got my first 50 tickets customer, she wanted a brown tiger with black stripes. Facing the customers, the prizes are neatly organized in a wooden box with glass cover and each stuff animals has it's on ID numbers. Behind the scene however, stuff animals were disorganized. I was told to look in a bin mixed with all the other toys and tools. After searching for the brown tiger with black stripe for 5 minutes, I told her we didn't have that one and brought her to the bin so she can pick one.
later on I move to the 2 ticket portion and it was hectic and crazy. There was no lines so everyone just frantically waiving their tickets in my face and wanted their prizes. Boy was I glad when my shift was over. Now I know why the other parents didn't want to volunteer.
I decided to participate in our yearly garage sale last weekend and sold some of the baby stuff clothes, toys and adult shoes that we never wore. I encaurage Danielle to sell her old toys but she only picked out one stuff animal to sell and no one bought it. Now we have a little more room in the garage. Mom and Dad stopped by and went shopping. They were really happy to score some bargains printer, luggages and lamp.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Tortas
Yesterday, I loured my coworkers to eat tortas (Mexican Sandwich) at El Gallo Giro with Aqua fresca. I was told by my Mexican coworker and friend that being at that restaurant is no different than being in Mexico City. The order taker is also the one making the sandwiches so it took a while (25 min) to get our sandwiches. Once we paid the lady, then we go to the Aqua fresca bar to get our drinks which is a seperate line. Needless to say, there's some efficiency issue with their production process.
I ordered ham sandwich and it was OK. Next time, I'll order either carnitas or asada. The sandwich was heavy so all of us was sleepy after lunch and needed a siesta badly. I only ate half the bread and cheese because it was so.. filling.
I signed Danielle up for chess last week and forgot to tell her about it so yesterday was the 1st day that she went to chess club. She told me that she's the only girl in the club and she played chess with the assistant teacher with the same name. She said the hour went by quickly so it sounded like something she likes to do.
We got our hamster, DJ a larger home shaped like a strawberry and a hamster litter box hoping that she'll poop and pee in there.
I ordered ham sandwich and it was OK. Next time, I'll order either carnitas or asada. The sandwich was heavy so all of us was sleepy after lunch and needed a siesta badly. I only ate half the bread and cheese because it was so.. filling.
I signed Danielle up for chess last week and forgot to tell her about it so yesterday was the 1st day that she went to chess club. She told me that she's the only girl in the club and she played chess with the assistant teacher with the same name. She said the hour went by quickly so it sounded like something she likes to do.
We got our hamster, DJ a larger home shaped like a strawberry and a hamster litter box hoping that she'll poop and pee in there.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
DJ is missing
This morning as I blowdrying my hair before getting ready for work, hubby came to me and said
H: "Did you feed the hamster last night?"
Me: " NO, I forgot.. Is DJ ok?"
H: "She's no longer in the cage, the cage door was open"
Me: sigh of relief... "I thought it died of hunger because I didn't feed it last night"
The cage is in the upstairs laundry room so we searched between the washer and the dryer, in the washer, in the laundry basket with clothes and no DJ.
Danielle checked under the beds and DJ wasn't there either.
D: "Is DJ going to die?"
Me: "No. We'll leave some food on the laundry room floor so she can eat when she gets hungry."
D: "If we don't find DJ can we get a new hamster?"
Me: "Don't worry, we'll find her sooner or later"
Hubby had to leave for work and tasked Danielle and I to look for the hamster. When he got to the main floor, he said "I FOUND her! She's in the office!" We all under estimated DJ's ability to escape.
He quickly put her back in her cage and left for work as Danielle scolded DJ in a nice way and told her not leave her cage anymore. DJ was really hungry so she stuffed both her cheeks with food and went into her igloo. I'm so glad we found her before I left for work this morning.
Our camera broke so the new one is on it's way. I'll post pictures of DJ soon.
H: "Did you feed the hamster last night?"
Me: " NO, I forgot.. Is DJ ok?"
H: "She's no longer in the cage, the cage door was open"
Me: sigh of relief... "I thought it died of hunger because I didn't feed it last night"
The cage is in the upstairs laundry room so we searched between the washer and the dryer, in the washer, in the laundry basket with clothes and no DJ.
Danielle checked under the beds and DJ wasn't there either.
D: "Is DJ going to die?"
Me: "No. We'll leave some food on the laundry room floor so she can eat when she gets hungry."
D: "If we don't find DJ can we get a new hamster?"
Me: "Don't worry, we'll find her sooner or later"
Hubby had to leave for work and tasked Danielle and I to look for the hamster. When he got to the main floor, he said "I FOUND her! She's in the office!" We all under estimated DJ's ability to escape.
He quickly put her back in her cage and left for work as Danielle scolded DJ in a nice way and told her not leave her cage anymore. DJ was really hungry so she stuffed both her cheeks with food and went into her igloo. I'm so glad we found her before I left for work this morning.
Our camera broke so the new one is on it's way. I'll post pictures of DJ soon.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
1st grader Science project
Danielle has been asked to do a science project. It's due in the middle of May and parents are encaurage to help them. She wants to do a volcano and I want to do something simple and educational. Any recommendation from my dear readers?
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Time after time
I recently heard an updated version of Cyndi Lauper's Time after time on the Sirius radio while driving to work and I much prefer the original version.
The song took me back to the eighties, I was a high school Senior on the dance floor slow dancing to "Time after time" with a young man name Michael who was interested in me. Thinking back to those days, what I thought was logical now sounds utterly rediculous. He was a nice guy but I, a Senior could NEVER go out with a Sophomore. I, like everyone else who cared about peer pressure had a reputation to live up to.
Michael, if you happened to read this blog entry (likelyhood is slim to 0), I'm sorry for not giving you a chance because you are younger than me. I hope you didn't take it personally because I was the one with issue.
The song took me back to the eighties, I was a high school Senior on the dance floor slow dancing to "Time after time" with a young man name Michael who was interested in me. Thinking back to those days, what I thought was logical now sounds utterly rediculous. He was a nice guy but I, a Senior could NEVER go out with a Sophomore. I, like everyone else who cared about peer pressure had a reputation to live up to.
Michael, if you happened to read this blog entry (likelyhood is slim to 0), I'm sorry for not giving you a chance because you are younger than me. I hope you didn't take it personally because I was the one with issue.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Stuff
Hubby was working again this pass Saturday and luckily mother in law was available to watch Secondo for me so I did some yoga before getting my hair done. Before my hair appointment, I dropped Danielle off to her cousin's house so they could play together. Their spring break was one week apart so they weren't able to hang outas much as we had originally planned.
As far as my hair, I had a cut and also red highlights which took a total of 3 hours. I was starving by the time my hair was done so I got some boba milk tea and Chinese sweet bread (puo luo pao) for lunch.
I watered dad's plants and got 2 bags of loquats from his trees. He covered some with newspapers so the birds won't get to them before we do. I was so excited to picked out some big and juicy ones. Danielle and his cousin H love loquat so much that we only have a few left to take home. May be We'll visit my parents again this coming weekend so we can get some more.
On Sunday, it was cold and overcasted so we stayed home and relaxed. I made Tom yum kung and soy sauce chicken for dinner. Before bed, I hid some plastic eggs inside the house for Danielle and Secondo to hunt. Hubby and I watched part of the movie Sideways and I can't wait to finish it.
As far as my hair, I had a cut and also red highlights which took a total of 3 hours. I was starving by the time my hair was done so I got some boba milk tea and Chinese sweet bread (puo luo pao) for lunch.
I watered dad's plants and got 2 bags of loquats from his trees. He covered some with newspapers so the birds won't get to them before we do. I was so excited to picked out some big and juicy ones. Danielle and his cousin H love loquat so much that we only have a few left to take home. May be We'll visit my parents again this coming weekend so we can get some more.
On Sunday, it was cold and overcasted so we stayed home and relaxed. I made Tom yum kung and soy sauce chicken for dinner. Before bed, I hid some plastic eggs inside the house for Danielle and Secondo to hunt. Hubby and I watched part of the movie Sideways and I can't wait to finish it.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Spring is here
I've been really busy and stress at work lately that I have not had time to document my life.
I have to admit that I have not been eating healthy for the pass month and I see the result on my gut. Main motivation is my boot camp instructor got back from maternity leave last Saturday and her waist is smaller than mine and she had a baby only 2 months ago. This week, I'm back to bringing home lunch instead of eating out and eating less rice and noodles. Mom and Dad are in Taiwan so I won't have any of her home made food for a while.
Hubby and I had parent teacher conference with Danielle's substitute teacher and Danielle is doing really well in school. Her class got really lucky that the substitute teacher is equal or better than her home teacher. To me, the sub is more personable and had more to say about Danielle's day to day behavior in class. I expressed my concern that she's shy and I hope her teacher could help Danielle to be less shy. The sub told me that she would pick Danielle when ever she raised her hand up to share or answer questions.
I have to admit that I have not been eating healthy for the pass month and I see the result on my gut. Main motivation is my boot camp instructor got back from maternity leave last Saturday and her waist is smaller than mine and she had a baby only 2 months ago. This week, I'm back to bringing home lunch instead of eating out and eating less rice and noodles. Mom and Dad are in Taiwan so I won't have any of her home made food for a while.
Hubby and I had parent teacher conference with Danielle's substitute teacher and Danielle is doing really well in school. Her class got really lucky that the substitute teacher is equal or better than her home teacher. To me, the sub is more personable and had more to say about Danielle's day to day behavior in class. I expressed my concern that she's shy and I hope her teacher could help Danielle to be less shy. The sub told me that she would pick Danielle when ever she raised her hand up to share or answer questions.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Secondo is driving me crazy
I'm not sure if it's terrible two arriving earlier or her personality. Secondo has been driving me crazy lately. She's really loud and demanding. When she's drawing, she demands "Mommy sit here.. Mommy Draw"
Me: "Mommy has to cook dinner. Secondo draws"
S: " NO. Mommy sit here"
If I don't sit next to her she starts crying
She woke up by a cough last night and started coughing and threw up all over the bed.
After I cleaned her up and hubby cleaned the beddings, she wasn't able to go back to sleep. She wanted to drink milk but I told her that may caused her to throw up some more.
Me: "Mommy has to cook dinner. Secondo draws"
S: " NO. Mommy sit here"
If I don't sit next to her she starts crying
She woke up by a cough last night and started coughing and threw up all over the bed.
After I cleaned her up and hubby cleaned the beddings, she wasn't able to go back to sleep. She wanted to drink milk but I told her that may caused her to throw up some more.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Home Cooking
Here are some of the dishes we enjoy eating and it takes me 30-45 min to prepare both. I put down the recipe now incase Juliet is interested in making them. Chilli pepper can be replaced with bell pepper if you plan to share the dish with kids.
Spicy Salmon Steak
Instruction
1. Dry salmon steaks with paper towel and dust both side with cornstarch
2. Heat the oil in skillet and add the fish steaks
3. Cook for 2 minutes each side and take fish out of skillet
4. Add chilli peppers, garlic and seasonings along with the water in the surplus oil left in the skillet
5. Bring to a boil
6. Put the salmon back in the chilli sauce and cook for 5 min under low heat.
Stir-fry Gailan (Chinese Brocolli)
Spicy Salmon SteakI doubled the recipe here so that we have left over for lunch the next day. It actually taste better when the sauce seeped into the fish overnight.
I tried this recipe with habanero chili once and it was extremely spicy even for hubby who loves to eat thai chilli with every meal.
I tried this recipe with habanero chili once and it was extremely spicy even for hubby who loves to eat thai chilli with every meal.
Ingredients
1) 2 Salmon steaks
2) 1 table spoons cornstarch
3) 1/4 cup of corn oil
4) 2 red chili pepers or Jalapenos depends on how hot you prefer
Seasoning
1) 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
2) 2 table spoons dark soy sauce
3) 1 table spoon of rice wine or dry sherry
4) 1/2 tablespoon of sugar
5) 1 teaspoon white pepper
6) 3 table spoon of water
1) 2 Salmon steaks
2) 1 table spoons cornstarch
3) 1/4 cup of corn oil
4) 2 red chili pepers or Jalapenos depends on how hot you prefer
Seasoning
1) 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
2) 2 table spoons dark soy sauce
3) 1 table spoon of rice wine or dry sherry
4) 1/2 tablespoon of sugar
5) 1 teaspoon white pepper
6) 3 table spoon of water
Instruction
1. Dry salmon steaks with paper towel and dust both side with cornstarch
2. Heat the oil in skillet and add the fish steaks
3. Cook for 2 minutes each side and take fish out of skillet
4. Add chilli peppers, garlic and seasonings along with the water in the surplus oil left in the skillet
5. Bring to a boil
6. Put the salmon back in the chilli sauce and cook for 5 min under low heat.
Stir-fry Gailan (Chinese Brocolli)Ingredient
1. Chinese Brocolli, 1 bag
2. 2 table sppon of Olive oil
Seasoning
1. 2 cloves of galic crushed
2. 3 thai chilli, thinly sliced
3. Salt or fish sauce to taste
Instruction
1. Heat up the oil and add garlic and thai chilli
2. Add Brocolli in to the wok
3. Add salt or fish sauce for taste
4. Stir fry until the stems are soft enough for your liking
1. Chinese Brocolli, 1 bag
2. 2 table sppon of Olive oil
Seasoning
1. 2 cloves of galic crushed
2. 3 thai chilli, thinly sliced
3. Salt or fish sauce to taste
Instruction
1. Heat up the oil and add garlic and thai chilli
2. Add Brocolli in to the wok
3. Add salt or fish sauce for taste
4. Stir fry until the stems are soft enough for your liking
Thursday, March 22, 2007
7 years vs. 22 months milestones
Here is my littleSecondo at the South Coast Winery . She's 22 months old now and is quite a drama queen just like her older sister. I attempted to distract her with the flowers while others were wine tasting at the table. She seemed so... grown up & sad in this shot. The sun was setting and it was difficult to get nice shots.Here favorite phrase is "Where did daddy go?"
Me: "Daddy sang pan (Dad is at work) "
S: "Sang pan?"
Me: "Yes, Daddy sang pan"
S: " Where did Secondo go?"
Me: "Secondo is here.."
S: "he.. he.."
This is a cute age where she repeats everything anyone says. She says good morning and good by to people that I greet at the stores or school.
Both my girls are growing up fast. When the are not fighting, older one chased the younger one and tickled Secondo like crazy and ran away. Most of their fights are about toys since they don't share yet. Secondo tends to take things apart and doesn't put it back together or loose the accessories for her sister's littlest petshops.
Danielle is at the age where she wants to be a big kid not little kid like her sister. She'll make comment such as " I want to watch Hannah Montana or Phil of the Future. Sesame Streets are for babies" She wants her hair parted her way, grows out her bangs and pick her own clothes.
She's observant enought to read my facial expression.
D: "Mom, are you mad at me?"
Me:" Why do you think I'm mad at you?"
D: " You gave me the look"
Me:" What look?"
D: "You know, the big eye angry look when you're mad at me"
Me: " You are right. I'm mad because I've told you many times to practice piano and you ignore me"
I'm officially a mom now that I've mastered the universal "look" all moms are able to say " You are in big trouble my child if you don't do ______ "
My attempt to pay her a dollar a day to play piano on her own is not working.
With my new found support from some of other multilingual families I meet from blogging, I have been speak more Mandarin at home. One day, I replied in Mandarin to Hubby when he asked me a question and he understood it. May be he knows more Mandarin than I gave him credit for. My favorite word that hubby says is Sue-jiao ku (pajama pants).
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Chinese Footbinding
On my drive in to work on Monday, I was listening to NPR and they had a story titled "Painful Memories for China's Footbinding Survivors" It was heart wrenching to learned that back in 1912, some mothers were binding their daughter's feet, crushing their tiny bones in secret so their daughters have the possibility to marry into a wealthy family. The reason for such torture sounded illogical and idiotic. As I researched more into the topic, I found this article which goes into more scary details on the actual process and pains those poor Chinese girls had to endure.
A friend of my dad's mom had binded foot and I met her in the late seventies. Back then I just thought it was strange that this grandma had the same size feet as my brother bulleye who was 6 years old at the time. I recalled that it was difficult for her to get around.
I must show share this story with my daughters when they are older so they know how lucky they are.
A friend of my dad's mom had binded foot and I met her in the late seventies. Back then I just thought it was strange that this grandma had the same size feet as my brother bulleye who was 6 years old at the time. I recalled that it was difficult for her to get around.
I must show share this story with my daughters when they are older so they know how lucky they are.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Retelling stories
It's weird how my friends and I tell the same stories over and over to the same people thinking it's the 1st time we've told it.
Is it because of my age that I can't remember that I've told story A to person B already yesterday?
Is it because I like the story so much that my brain erased the memory that I've told the story before in order to get the satisfaction of retelling the same story over and over again?
Is it because I need closure on that story so I retell it and solicit input from friends and family until I'm satisfied and able to accept the ending?
Danielle was so excited yesterday when she saw Junie B Jones latest book, Dumb Bunny. We got it for her and she finished it in 30 min. " When is the next JBJ book going to be available mom? I can't wait to read it..."
Is it because of my age that I can't remember that I've told story A to person B already yesterday?
Is it because I like the story so much that my brain erased the memory that I've told the story before in order to get the satisfaction of retelling the same story over and over again?
Is it because I need closure on that story so I retell it and solicit input from friends and family until I'm satisfied and able to accept the ending?
Danielle was so excited yesterday when she saw Junie B Jones latest book, Dumb Bunny. We got it for her and she finished it in 30 min. " When is the next JBJ book going to be available mom? I can't wait to read it..."
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Observations
Me:
With this bloody cold, any tiny disturbance in the throat area induced uncontrollably coughing fit. To stay alive, I resorted to shallow breathing and tons of cough drops. Today, I feel better because most of the phlegm are no longer in my lungs but it still hurts when I swallow or burp.
The pass few nights, my cough had waken me many times but luckily, it didn't awaken Secondo who slept next to me.
Hamster:
The hamster cage has gotten really stinky after DJ had been in it for 1 week. Dear hubby cleaned it in the kitchen downstairs on Sunday while Danielle played with DJ in the bath tub upstairs. Next thing we heard "Daddy.. help.... she peed in the tub..." so hubby ran up stairs to clean up after DJ.
Implants:
I recall during one business trip, on a plane, I sat next to a man in his mid thirties who was living in Chicago and asked me where I was going. When I told him that I'm flying back to Orange County, his 1st questions to me was "Do most women living in the OC have a boob jobs?" My immediate reaction was "Of course not" speaking for my self. "Where I live is nothing like the reality show OC house wife where most of the women are rich with have fake boobs and get botox on regular basis".
Since then, I thought about what he said and started to observe the female head of household on my street. Some of are athletic, some a bit over weight, and some are really thin but have unnaturally large breasts. As I investigate further, let's just say that 20% of the ladies on my streets had some enhancement done.
With this bloody cold, any tiny disturbance in the throat area induced uncontrollably coughing fit. To stay alive, I resorted to shallow breathing and tons of cough drops. Today, I feel better because most of the phlegm are no longer in my lungs but it still hurts when I swallow or burp.
The pass few nights, my cough had waken me many times but luckily, it didn't awaken Secondo who slept next to me.
Hamster:
The hamster cage has gotten really stinky after DJ had been in it for 1 week. Dear hubby cleaned it in the kitchen downstairs on Sunday while Danielle played with DJ in the bath tub upstairs. Next thing we heard "Daddy.. help.... she peed in the tub..." so hubby ran up stairs to clean up after DJ.
Implants:
I recall during one business trip, on a plane, I sat next to a man in his mid thirties who was living in Chicago and asked me where I was going. When I told him that I'm flying back to Orange County, his 1st questions to me was "Do most women living in the OC have a boob jobs?" My immediate reaction was "Of course not" speaking for my self. "Where I live is nothing like the reality show OC house wife where most of the women are rich with have fake boobs and get botox on regular basis".
Since then, I thought about what he said and started to observe the female head of household on my street. Some of are athletic, some a bit over weight, and some are really thin but have unnaturally large breasts. As I investigate further, let's just say that 20% of the ladies on my streets had some enhancement done.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
I hate being sick
I've been sick like a dog for the pass few days. I have Secondo's cold so I've been coughing nonstop day and night, accompanied by blurry vision due to mucus coming out of my eyes. The sad part is I took time off to be home with the kids when they were sick so I couldn't really take more time off for my self. Hubby has the same cold but had to report work today so he looked really tired this afternoon. I sure hope this is the end of the cold season.
We got another hamster name DJ for Danielle a week ago today and it is still alive and kicking (knock on wood). This one is female and much more active compared to Stripey. We fed her carrots to keep her hydrated and left her alone while she adjust to her new environment. We'll continue to the same routine for 1 more week before letting Danielle handle DJ.
We got another hamster name DJ for Danielle a week ago today and it is still alive and kicking (knock on wood). This one is female and much more active compared to Stripey. We fed her carrots to keep her hydrated and left her alone while she adjust to her new environment. We'll continue to the same routine for 1 more week before letting Danielle handle DJ.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Nignt Fever.. Night Fever
On Saturday, Danielle complained about sore throat and feeling cold. I measured her temperature when her red eyes were complemented with rosy cheeks and it was 103.7F. Secondo also had a cold but her version is accented with mucus discharge out of her eyes. Secondo's fever ranges from 101 to 102.5F. Both were lethargic little people with runny noses which resulted in tissue papers scattered in every room. Sounds familiar Michelle? Hubby was working so Mom & Dad dropped by to lend a helping hand.
I took them both to their pediatrician Monday hoping for some antibiotics to cure any infections they may have and found no infections. "The cold has to run its course".. I suppose. Last night at 11:30 PM, Secondo's fever was 102.7F and we had to force some acetaminophen in her mouth now that she's capable of spiting it out. At 3 am this morning, Secondo was restless while crying out for daddy. She also complained about her right cheek and said "Owey.. owey.." I sure hope that Dr did not misdiagnose my child. sigh...
Both girls are home today with my parents and I hope the fever will subside soon..
I have a sore throat with some muscle aches and pain but no fever yet.
I took them both to their pediatrician Monday hoping for some antibiotics to cure any infections they may have and found no infections. "The cold has to run its course".. I suppose. Last night at 11:30 PM, Secondo's fever was 102.7F and we had to force some acetaminophen in her mouth now that she's capable of spiting it out. At 3 am this morning, Secondo was restless while crying out for daddy. She also complained about her right cheek and said "Owey.. owey.." I sure hope that Dr did not misdiagnose my child. sigh...
Both girls are home today with my parents and I hope the fever will subside soon..
I have a sore throat with some muscle aches and pain but no fever yet.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Stripey's Story
We bought Danielle a hamster last Sunday and she named him Stripey. Danielle was SO... excited and happy when she got the pet she "wished" for. She went in to the pet store with hubby while Secondo napped in the car with me. 30 minutes went by and I saw a happy smiley face popped up the driver's seat window. "MOM, I got a HAMSTER!"
This picture was taken with Stripey playing in the transparent plastic ball several days ago. He slept with Danielle in her room for the pass few nights and we would hear him running on the hamster wheel. This morning, Stripey wasn't running on the wheel and when hubby cheched on Stripey, it didn't move. We broke the bad news to Danielle when she woke up and she was in shocked and didn't say much. After we removed Stripey from the cage and transfer it into a sandwich bag, she started to cry. " I want stripey back...."
It's unfortunate but death is part of life lesson that we've chosen to learn when we aquire a pet. Hubby promised to get her another hamster this afternoon. After she got dressed for school, she stared at the empty cage for who knows how long.
This picture was taken with Stripey playing in the transparent plastic ball several days ago. He slept with Danielle in her room for the pass few nights and we would hear him running on the hamster wheel. This morning, Stripey wasn't running on the wheel and when hubby cheched on Stripey, it didn't move. We broke the bad news to Danielle when she woke up and she was in shocked and didn't say much. After we removed Stripey from the cage and transfer it into a sandwich bag, she started to cry. " I want stripey back...."It's unfortunate but death is part of life lesson that we've chosen to learn when we aquire a pet. Hubby promised to get her another hamster this afternoon. After she got dressed for school, she stared at the empty cage for who knows how long.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Wine tasting & New babe in the family
One of the memorable activites this pass weekend was picnic & wine tasting at the Wine Country with friends. It was our first time to a winery so our friends were our guide. I learned that I like sweeter type of wines. From Orange County, the shortest path was going east on Ortega Highway and south on Hwy 15.
Brother and Sister inlaw had their 2nd boy Harrison on 2/22/07 and he weighed 8 lb and 11 oz. He had jaundice just like my two girls when the were 3 days old and had UV light treatment when we visited them on Sunday. Hopefully, he's a good eater and able to flush the billyrubin out on his own.
Brother and Sister inlaw had their 2nd boy Harrison on 2/22/07 and he weighed 8 lb and 11 oz. He had jaundice just like my two girls when the were 3 days old and had UV light treatment when we visited them on Sunday. Hopefully, he's a good eater and able to flush the billyrubin out on his own.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Movies
I wonder if Journey from The Fall will be worth seeing at the theater. From the poster, I'm sure hubby would not want to see it. I still have not seen this movie yet and it's not playing at theaters anymore. Has any one seen letter from Iwo Jima? I'm so behind with the movies.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Kids
I volunteered several hours in Danielle's class yesterday and I was able to observe one of the teaching technique the school uses called "Hear it, break it, write it" What they are suppose to do is to write the word as it sounds so for example, the teacher will say Music and some kids would spell it muzik or mewsik. They are not graded by how many they are able to spell correctly. It's more of an exercise so kids learn phonics. Most of the words were not new to Danielle so she spelled them correctly but the exercise showed me that the English language isn't phonetically friendly.
Here are some of the variations the kids came up with
After that exercise, I quized half of the class on their spelling and most of the kids got stumped by the word "Enough" They tried to sound it out and spelled "Enogh" or "Enugh". When it was Danielle's turn, I didn't know what to expect because we did not review the new list since president's day break and I've been working late the night before. She got stuck after the 2nd word and she was quite upset. I promised her that we'll study at least 15 words this week and I will quiz her again next week.
She also has to learn that making mistakes is part of learning.
Here are some of the variations the kids came up with
- Human: Hoomen
- Fuel: veul
- Cute: qute
After that exercise, I quized half of the class on their spelling and most of the kids got stumped by the word "Enough" They tried to sound it out and spelled "Enogh" or "Enugh". When it was Danielle's turn, I didn't know what to expect because we did not review the new list since president's day break and I've been working late the night before. She got stuck after the 2nd word and she was quite upset. I promised her that we'll study at least 15 words this week and I will quiz her again next week.
She also has to learn that making mistakes is part of learning.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Bleak outlook
I've been checking the internet to see what good fortunes the year of the pig will bring to us but all I found were negative predictions of epidemics and disasters for 2007. Never the less, we must stay positive while carrying on with our daily lives and pay attention to the good things.
During our morning ride to school today,
Danielle:"Mom, what is a budget?"
Me: "It's a plan on how to spend money wisely."
D: "I don't get it."
Me: " If I have $100, I'll spend it on food, shelter, bills, and other things that we need as a family"
D: " I still don't get it"
I got to find a better example for "budget" considering that it's an important word for her financial future.
Before school, we stopped at the market to get flowers for her teacher and saw lots of other parents with kids doing the same thing.
During our morning ride to school today,
Danielle:"Mom, what is a budget?"
Me: "It's a plan on how to spend money wisely."
D: "I don't get it."
Me: " If I have $100, I'll spend it on food, shelter, bills, and other things that we need as a family"
D: " I still don't get it"
I got to find a better example for "budget" considering that it's an important word for her financial future.
Before school, we stopped at the market to get flowers for her teacher and saw lots of other parents with kids doing the same thing.