An article about Bianca in The Whig - “Vibrant woman loved to help people”
A very close cousin of mine just passed away a few days ago.  It was and still is a shock and tragedy because she was killed in a car accident half way around the world in Australia.  The thing is that you normally read about stuff like this in the paper or on the news and it’s with people whom you don’t know, but this is hitting home (minus the close to). 
I remember when we will were …

Here’s my interpretation of Chinese New Year’s - it’s probably a skewed version of various truths because honestly, depending on who you ask, some answers vary.
So I’m Canadian, why am I giving red pockets?
I sometimes use the double standard that I’m a Canadian who just happens to look Chinese, but I think it did get to a point where me living in HK and having kids have changed how people view me as a Canadian.  Most colleagues are locals and so they don’t really buy that bullshit.  Plus, my husband’s …

Please read Part I: “Pain Worse Than Child Birth“
Thanks to all for their support during these past 2 weeks.  The condition of my hand has improved, but still not at 100% functionality.  I have removed the stitches last Wednesday (with a berating doctor who told me I should have been using it more - so FINE!  I am now slowly using it more).  Thought I would be brave today and removed the water-proof bandage in preparation for bandage removal on Tuesday and now much to my chagrin (and unexpected shock), it’s …

*Update on Dec 11, 2009*  Thanks to all for your email, SMS & comment wishes.  I am faring well and mildly using my right-hand (for typing and stuff), but am still sore & in minimal pain.  Stitches come out in 6 days! WOOHOOO - totally not looking forward to that, but a necessary evil.  Just glad nothing more serious happened and can only look forward to when I can write again!  Cheers.
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My sudden gap in posting is sorely justified - literally.  I was in Bangkok, Thailand for 4 days - in …

My sister came up with this topic idea and I think it’s fabulous!  I tend to focus on the operational side of things rather than the emotional side, so this bodes well for learning and reinforcing from my end as a parent to my children.
How do you explain the presence of a new person in the house?
How do you explain who this person is?
How do you explain what they do and why they do it?
I see the challenge of “explaining the role of your domestic helper to your children” in …

Because my readership has grown - especially amongst colleagues (since I’ve accidentally let the cat out of the bag), people ask me two key question: 

How do you have time to maintain a blog?
How do you come up with the content? 

Here’s a quickie post to your fathlomless and perpetual questions.
How do you have time to maintain a blog?
Simple.  Wordpress and about 10 minutes per post (on average).   By using a simple blogging platform - you can basically login from any web connection and blab away and effectively post immediately or schedule …

All last week and into this week, I was going out to eat.  It’s nice to go out to eat once in awhile, but not everyday I’ve discovered.  It’s OK for my husband, but I’ve come to realize that I do need that take-out down time every once in awhile. 
Here’s why you should pack a lunch:

Aren’t you tired of thinking of what to eat EVERY DAY?  I already have this problem with once in awhile lunches with friends, much less think of what to eat everyday
You can utilize great leftovers
Waste not, …

The Power of Voice.  I lost my voice two days ago because of a cold.  Somehow, magically, it disappeared on Friday night within the span of about 30 minutes.   I still have not regained it back and it’s been frustrating.  To not have a voice, or a rather broken one (extremely raspy and at some points negligible) is an extreme disadvantage.  Here’s why:
Limited Vocal Range
You can’t sing, you can’t tell stories with life, you have limited vocal range and therefore are limited to your intonations and inflections.  Last night, I …

Today we went to Disney with just the girls - basically the moms and the kids and one helper.  It was a great event and a leisurely day.  The weather was perfect, the crowds minimalistic and not many incidents with line jumpers (you know what I mean).  The one thing that skewed our day (and plans)? - the car battery had died.  It is because my sister left the lights on and it simply drained the batteries.
PANIC.
1.  Quick - grab the security guy on the bike and ask him how he …

You’re probably wondering about the title above and so I was.  In fact, I wasn’t wondering, I was pondering who on earth would ask such an obscure question.  Truth be told, I’m in a fiery mood right now, so I’m sure my opinion and response is rather fiery as well.  The first thing that popped into my head when I saw the question were swear words. 

So of course, I’m opinionated and for a question like this, it was IRRESISTABLE to hold back. 
For starters - did the inquirer not wonder how …