An Email to Evan and Johnny (March 28)

Just want to let you both know that I can't sleep tonight because I am terribly upset with you both!  

Evan, how come you keep failing in your social study class and not telling us?  Why is that you think you are able to enjoy your privileges when you are getting a C in your class?  I told you to study and you said that you have read the chapter many times and did the tests at the back of the chapter, and I felt betrayal when the outcome didn't seem to match what you've told me!  What happen to your "zone"?  I hope you see the problem and learn a good lesson here.... When you are being prideful, starting to relax and being lazy.... This is what will get you!   I seriously not looking forward to a letter from your school!!!!!  

Dad, please stop blaming on me and asked me to sit with him.  He is in high school and he knows exactly what has worked in the past.  He is the one to be responsible for his own action.  It's not my fault if he knows how to study but choose not to.  He needs to learn self discipline and self motivation, not me!  He is compelled to be good if I sit by him.  I do not like forcing, stalking people and I don't want to turn to be a tiger mom or a helicopter parent!!!!  Do you read me or not????  I hope you also remember what you said at the beginning of the school year after I went to the guidance counselor who suggested of signing him off from the honor class.  You refused to take her advice!   .... "I don't think he should drop the honor class, if he gets a bad grade, it's okay with me... It's better for him to struggle!"  Then, stop getting upset on me when this is your choice!  Say what you mean!!!

Enough saying to the two of you!  

Evan, with your grade in 70...  In order to pull up your grade back to 80, you will at least have 90s in all your future exams and quizzes.  You should also be asking for extra credit work and check with your teacher for all the mistakes you made.  You obviously didn't spend enough time reading your text book.  You got side track with your laptop, emails, basketball and band.  Since you are not self motivated to study.... You will now need to do the following.

1 You will have to have an overall grade of 80 in order to go back to band practice. I will explain to sister Howard on this.  Getting a C is not acceptable and non negotiable in the house.  

2 Do not turn on your laptop until you are done with all your homework and study.   You will only get 30 min each day until your overall grade go back up to 80.

3 No basketball playing until you read 2 times of the whole chapter of what you are learning that day and will be learning the next day.  I mean the whole chapter of every single subject!  No question ask..... You know how much I hate to ask you everyday of the thing that you supposed to be doing!  Do not rush through your reading... This is probably why your grade is going down.  You can earn your time for basketball practice when your grade starts to show improvement.  

I am trying to be reasonable with you both!  So be responsible and do your part!  Evan, I need your stoga ID and password to your pinicle.

Opportunity or What

3/28/2014

The Lord always hint me for something.... About a week or two ago, Johnny told me about him getting bored with his current job.  I thought.... oh no.... we were not ready for retirement yet, there's simply no reserve for us at this point.

Then, I got this overwhelming feeling of gratitude and my submission to the Lord's will.  Now... it's becoming more interesting!  Johnny got an email from a recruiter at the church headquarter on Friday about a job opportunity.  The church is looking for someone to analyst the statistical work for the financial portfolio.  Johnny doesn't have the business background so he might not be the best candidate for the job, but he would like to talk to the guy and see what exactly this is about.

Needless to say.... I have been searching information on homes and schools in the Utah.  Why am I getting myself into this??  I don't know... Just have way too many thoughts.  We don't even know if he will get the job, but I know our hearts are prepared even if it means his pay will be so much less that he is making right now.  The school is decent but not as good as here and I know the adjustment is going to be difficult because the kids grow up here and it's more diverse.  I struggled a little after the past few days of searching.  But, it's always nice to be reminded of the incident I had yesterday.  After all, I asked for it!

Well, no more searching today until Johnny had the interview!  May be our time is not up yet!  Who knows?  Speaking of that... I also felt kind of weird the other day telling someone that we've been in PA for 8 years!  Don't know what tomorrow will bring...  But, if we truly are covenant people, we shall not fear!  :)

Feeling of Gratitude

March 27, 2014

I had a really interesting experience this afternoon as Johnny and I came home from car shopping. It's been just a week since he had the car accident.  He has been in good health and the insurance claim came through without much trouble.  We shopped at four different places and he eventually made up his mind for the one he really likes.

I was really tired to be out since I drove the seminary kids three times this week and the walk with Judy made me tired also.  So, it's a relief for me.  Besides, I have also been staying up late checking out recipe book software and researching ways to publish my cookbook.  I really want to publish a family one so when I come back from HK (with the cooking lesson and certificate), I'll have a better chance to teach at MainLine school.  I really enjoyed working in that type of setting.  Teach a day or two and be done with it.  :)  It's a super fun job!

Anyway somehow on Thur night as we came home from the dealer.  I couldn't help but to think how blessed we were to be financially independent!  We don't need to borrow money for the car and we don't need to worry about the monthly payment.  How cool is that to listen to the prophet's advice... to live frugal and save for emergency.

I looked into the sky outside the window, I had this overwhelming feeling of blessing pouring over me.  I couldn't denied how great I felt.  The only statement came to my head was, "What can I do for you?"  Music is the first thing that came to my thought.  I know I need to get back on track!

Sat (Time to work on his Eagle Scout!)  Another Court of Honor Evening...

   

Conference Address

Sat 3/22

Elder Robbins's talk was wonderful!  He message was on missionary opportunity!

He encourages us to use our eyes to see and ears to hear to open up conversation with others and be connected with people --  to bring them to Christ.  He shared with us a few successful stories about how a missionary was able to make a connection on a tattoo on someone's arm with writings about God.  He was able to carry a conversation on the Lord and eventually baptized her.  Another missionary asked the home owner to commit for a lesson when they bet on a game on the pool table.  Apparently the missionary was really good at pool and of course, he won and was able to teach one lesson after the other.... As he shared the many stories from the missionaries all over the world, I kept thinking about Jeannie.  She must have lots of interesting encounter with people as well!  Can't wait to hear from her when she comes home.

Sun 3/23

Another great talk from Elder Robbins.  Even though we were sitting behind the benches, I can literally feel the spirit in the congregation.  The members were attentive and quiet as he talk on Jesus being the best example of going about his Father's business.  The name "Father" was mentioned by Jesus in 3 Nephi (don't remember from which chapter to the end) for 163 times. Elder Robbins tied in his talk of a personal teaching moment from Elder Packer when he was asked a questions, "Which side are you facing?"  The Lord's work is real and he was advised to never lower his standard to please others as he go about doing His work.  He is representing the prophet to see the people not the other way around.  How true is that for such a simple sermon!!!



 

Super Busy Week!

Mon (3/17):
Took Tammy out to breakfast and reassure her that she did a great job introducing the compassionate service program.  I've came to a realization that no matter how well you prepare, and how thoughtful the plan is; there will always be someone disagree with you.  We simply can't please everyone!  There were a few sisters don't quite understand the reasons and changes behind it.  We prayed and hoped for these sisters will one day understand the way we structured the program.  It will only give more opportunity for people to serve, out of our comfort zone and be united in service and heart.

Wed (3/19):
Johnny was involved in a multiple car accident.  Presidency meeting at night.

Thur (3/20):
10:00-11:15 Scripture study
11:30-12:30 Lunch
1:00-3:30    Grocery shopping for the stake conf. with Mary -- didn't even know that she sprained her ankle.

Fri (3/21):

9:30            Help cutting and chopping (stake conf. dinner)
11:00          Leaving to cooking lesson
1:45            Went home and picked up Jady's violin and camera
2:00            Took Johnny to Jady's school for the "Celebration of Weather"
3:00            Took Jady home... took Evan out for a Shamrocx shake
3:30            Jady's violin lesson
4:15            Came home and cook food for Sammy's farewell party
5:30-8:30     Sammy's farewell party

Sat (3/22):
10:00-11:30     Dropped off Evan at Howards for band practice; went car shopping
12:00-1:00       Lunch
1:00-1:20         Gave Evan hair cut
1:30                Dropped off Johnny at the Stake center
2:15                Came home and fix dinner for Jady and the Smalx
3:30                Dropped off Jady at the Smalx and off to the stake center
4:15-8:00         Help prepared, serve dinner and clean up at the stake center
8:00                Sit down and listen to the talk

Multiple Car Crash

3/19/14 (Wed)

Thirty minutes after Johnny left to NJ, I got a phone call from him off the street.  He was involved in multiple car crash off the freeway.  My heart sank, but it was a relief to hear him that he and the other drivers were okay.  No one was injured....  The young driver two cars behind Johnny lost control and hit the person in front, and that person behind Johnny hit him at the back, and needless to say Johnny hit the car in front him.  As a result, Johnny's baby was totaled!

I often wondered what will happen if he was driving my car that day.  It was a little rainy, and I somehow want to visit with Michele (which is kind of strange since I don't like driving in the rain that much); so I asked Johnny to drive his own car to see his client.  The adjuster from the insurance came back and said the car was beyond repaired which is understandable.

As I looked back at the pictures now I would only call it a blessing.  The car was famous for its steel and when it's in such a bad condition after the accident, I could not imagine how my Japanese car looked like after crash.  He might have been in serious injury!

Johnny was a little sad to depart with his baby, but we both understand it's only a thing after all! We are so grateful for the Lord for preserving his life.  He was okay and went to play badminton the day after.

Italian Cooking Lesson: Week 1

Forgot about this from last Friday!

Went to Mainline school night to learn Italian cooking.   I never thought of how easy it is to cook Italian food and even better... fixing a big portion in no time that can feed a whole village.   It's so fun!!!  The teacher is really nice and has a cute Italian accent.

Sunday RS lesson

This quote reminds me of an incident between my friend and I.  I don't think we would ever be friends again and I don't expect her to talk to me like she used to.  We have both move on in our own path and I hope someday as we got older and more mature, we will handle our issue better.

"Remember everyone has weaknesses, and there are at least two sides to every story.  If you err in judgement, be sure you err on the side of love and mercy."   Joseph Fielding Smith

Lifelong Goal: The Golden Rule

After I was called to be the secretary, people would share with me their issues and problems.  Not that I don't want to help, but sometimes it's just impossible to help everyone and meet all their needs. I don't mind listening to complains but I do have problems filtering the stories among the sisters.  It bugs my spirit when so and so talk about another person because it will change my impression on others.  And that interfere with my lifelong goal; that is to only see the good in people, no judging or being negative!  Believe me, it's super difficult!

As we treat others kindly with respect and patient, others around you will do the same.  It's like a domino effect.

There was no need for the restaurant owner to give us free BBQ buns to take home.  The server at Wawa wouldn't have to give us additional smoothie.   They were not obligated to be nice to us but they did.  I pondered on the blessings for awhile and got the reasons why they did that.  It's because we showed an interest in their life and be patient with them.  I am not bragging about us being saints because we are not always that way.  But people in general are very giving when they see us being sincere!

So, always be nice and try to understand, be sincere and treat others with respect!  

Mis.

Don't ever take your blessings for granted!  Offering Sylvia to come to do the laundry is the least that I can do.  There has been some issue with the laundry arrangement at her apartment and her chronic pain is not getting her in any better situation.  I wonder what will I do if I were in her situation when both my health and financial situation are compromised.  Always count my blessings!

Another question I have in mind is how hard it is to have unity in the family.  I turned on whatsapp this morning and found two relatives actually left the group besides one who was removed a few week ago.  I kept thinking about uncle 7 and now uncle 8 for trying to pull the family together.   Why is it so hard to love and forgive your own family members?  Why?  Holding grudge is terrible especially with the loved ones.  I pray and hope that someday the family issue will be resolved.

Feb 24-28

It's been a great week.  Being visited by my visiting teachers, and went visit the sisters in my route.  Jady had a few half days.  I felt the need to visit Miriam on Friday and it's definitely inspired coz she just rented out her shop to another person and she also needs to move out from her apartment by the end of March.  I seriously don't know how much this friend has to struggle, but for sure that I am ready to help!

This is one of the incident that why we need to adhere to the promptings and act on it.  If I have not response to the promptings to visit her that afternoon I would have lost all her contact! One of my favorite talk from the President Hinckley was on "Forget Yourself and Serve"!  He said, "By and large, I have come to see that if we complain about life, it is because we are thinking only of ourselves.  For many years there was a sign on the wall of a shoe repair shop I patronized.  It read, "I complained because I had no shoes until I saw a man who had no feet."  The most effective medicine for the sickness of self-pity is to lose ourselves in the service of others."  

I am just grateful for his insightful message because serving others do bring us joy, gratitude, and an understanding heart.  It brings us comfort and peace to fix our own problematic lives.  I am a total believer of his words and teachings!!!  

Jady had half days from Wed to Friday, and we went to badminton as a family on Friday.  Had a date with her eating corndog and shamrock shake!  It was a great evening! 

Dad called this morning and was concerned about mom's medical report.  He got the reports from the Dr. but haven't had a chance to talk to the Dr yet.  The Dr. supposed to meet with them last Friday but had an emergency surgery.  So, dad has been waiting for him to call back.  The medical terms were really difficult to understand and I have a difficult time understanding the interpretation of their findings.  So, I sent it to Yo for help; but based on what I read... mom's lung looks find and the problem seemed to be in her right kidney and suggestions was made for more testing.  Since dad will have surgery on his eyelid, he worried that mom might left without help in case she has an emergency surgery.  I doubt it will happen on those dates since public hospital is not that efficient. I am fasting today and tomorrow for mom's health and dad's surgery.  It makes me sad that I am not there to help but I am glad that I get to go home and see her this summer. I am starting to think that we should prepare to go home and take care of our elderly parents.  

Today, we took the kids to the Philly temple site.... the experience took me to another confirmation that the Lord is mindful about his children.  As we got there, we saw two members from NJ, the elders missionary and an investigator standing outside the trailer waiting.  Johnny and I had no idea that we supposed to schedule the appointment ahead of time if we need to go inside the trailer for information about the temple.  Luckily since the elders already had the appointment, we just went and joined them.  

Sister Carr is the missionary there with her husband (Brother Carr is the project manager there so he is not currently serving as a missionary but act almost like one there)!  They talked to us about the temple site and shared with us a video made by the church on temple.  The video is about the purpose of the temple, why it is important to us, and what we do in there.  As I was watching it, I felt very strong that I needed to share this with my dad.  I thought to myself that it will be great if they have it in Chinese and I even thought if they don't have it in Chinese, I would be more than thrill to translate it for them.  

https://www.lds.org/church/temples/why-mormons-build-temples?lang=eng

So after the movie, I asked Brother Carr if there is a Chinese version. And his lights just went on..... because a few months ago, there was a Chinese investigator who got baptized and her missionaries wanted to show this temple video to her; so Brother Carr asked a few friends who know Chinese to do the translation and caption!  Brother and Sister Carr even gave me the scripts of the video.  I came home and I noticed that the Chinese church website doesn't have this video in caption yet and I am so ready to share it this great video with all my fellow Chinese members in who can read and speak Chinese!!