Stay Healthy...

I was told that a sweet sister from the ward was diagnosed with breast cancer. How could that happen? I was just chatting with her at Cost. the other day, and I did not know what she was about to go through. She is such a loving sister, and dedicated mother. I ran into her a few times when I shopped, and she is always accompanied by her kids. I know the Lord makes miracles. She will blessed and comforted at this time. I know she is in good hands with all the top notch medical professionals in the area. She will win this battle beautifully!!!!

1/15

It was a busy Sat. after all.

Sat:

Left home at 7:30am...

1st stop:

Dropped off my parents at the Chinatown in Manhattan, NY. Jady and Evan went with them for Dim Sum and grocery shopping.

2nd stop:

Drove to the temple in downtown NY. Something I learned from this session... as I looked at the ceiling inside the temple, I just couldn't stop imagine how beautiful the scene would be on the other side of this world. It will be the most peaceful, warm, welcoming place that everyone wants to be.

3rd stop:

Picked up my parents at the same location. Dad got us a really good lunch box. Johnny and I gobbled up the whole thing in less that 10 mins.

(came home around 3:40pm, had some snacks and took a shower before we left for a dinner appointment)

4th stop:

Went Liz J. and her mom Mary P.'s home for some yummy Italian food. I fell in love with the homemade wedding soup. It's was really good and so as the ravioli, and the homemade marina sauce. YUM!!!!!

(its was 9:40pm when we got home. thank goodness we had a shower before we went out.)

Tantrum

A short conversation between me and Jady before I put her to bed.

Me: Jady, you need to stop throwing a tantrum because mommy doesn't like it!

Instead of feeling sorry about throwing a tantrum earlier in the evening; she goes, "OK, I will play drum next time!"

Got to have a sense of humor when dealing with kids. :D

It's All Good

1) Had a good lunch with my parents and hubby at an Indian restaurant.

2) Chat with two great sisters at Cos. while shopping with my parents.

3) Mom and dad prepared a very nice dinner. We had salmon, broccoli and rotisserie chicken.

4) Johnny was able to go play badminton since we finished dinner early.

5) Had a nice chat with Cammi on the phone.

6) Working on Jeannie's SOAR application; and Jen D. is so nice to help with her essay!

7) Kids went to bed before 10:00pm! Hooray!!!

8) Looking forward to the Chinese New Year gathering on Feb 5.

Be of Good Cheer

It was a great RS enrichment meeting tonight. Lou and her sister presented a topic on techniques for overcoming negativity. I never am an optimistic person, but I would love to be one. So, this year, I am going to in cooperate a few of these techniques in my daily life.

A few quotes that serves as a good reminder:

"By focusing only on that which is wrong, we rob ourselves of the quality of life that we are capable of having."

"If it's not fatal, it's not a big deal!"

Just keep smiling and everything will be alright!!! :D

"Learning to Love Learning"

About a week ago, I came across an interesting article in the Ensign by Elder Bednar, "Learning to Love Learning", and why learning is essential to our gospel and eternal salvation. I am impressed with the thought and idea behind his address. Knowledge is power, we are here to learn as much as we can. We are also instructed to share and teach one another what we learn while here on earth. Afterall, there is nothing we can take with us as we pass onto the next life except the experiences that we have, memories which we built, and the knowledge that we learned and shared with our family, children and friends.

It's been quite a relaxing transition from the YW to the Primary; and I indeed was able to spend more time by myself and with the family. Last Sat, Johnny and I had finally finished all the insulating projects in the attic, yeah!!! It's been quite job, but we are very proud of ourselves for getting it done. My next project is to get the house organized. I am not in a rush, but I also want to give myself a deadline and be done before the Spring break is over!

I have been trying to incorporate exercise, playtime, homework, scripture story time, and TV time in Jady's daily routine. Somedays we are able to do all, and other days we could only do a few depending on the day's schedule and how much errands I need to run. This kid is a free spirit, and she has been a little wild without much of my supervision. :)

Mis:

1) went to the dentist for a cleaning, but need to go back in a few weeks for a filling because the old one is coming off.

2) currently reading a book, "Boost Your Serotonin Levels by Michael Murray". it has some very interesting insights on overcoming depression, obesity, and insomnia with 5-HTP.

3) searching for a good soy burger recipe and will try to make some for the family this Sunday. the kids are not too thrill about it... sorry, i never ask them to choose me as their mom! haha... :P
4) still have not heard back from the publishers... will call and email them when the month is over.

5) am a little surprised to find out that one music theory i learned for many years were different (i wouldn't say it's wrong because the Royal School of Music still use it), but i have to relearn many things for songwriting purpose. so far so good. it would be nice if i had the fifth circle and the chord progression chart memorized! :)

6) will take a trip to walxxxt today and before this Sat.,... Sarah S and I are hosting a babyshower for Sarah M., at my house.

7) help out tonight at Evan's Cub Scout in preparation of the Blue and Gold Banquet.

8) Johnny is having a company dinner Thursday night.

9) mom and dad should be home from Korea by Sat (3/20).

Problem Solved

It's been a year since the last time I talked to my friend. There was a huge misunderstanding between her family and ours, and we had not talked since 2007. I got a few of her emails last week and I was reluctant to reply at first, but then, I decided to open up and told her what I had in mind. We had some sincere cocnversations and it truly helped mend our relationship. Being a stubborn minded person, I am so gald that she started the process. Without the courage that she had to present her side of the story, I would have still have unease feelings about her. Thanks for a loving Father who teach us to learn and forgive each other. It was a great reunion afterall!