Parental guidance

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Children, family, fitness, health, healthy-living, kids, parenting, physical activities, running, sport

Like any loving parent, I want to make sure my children live a happy and healthy life.

Kids are easily impressed, but keep them healthy is, of course, easier said than done.

Since Kindergarten, Tyler was enrolled in the running club at school. Its 45 minutes (including warm-up and cool down), twice a week throughout the school year (expect winter break), for a course of 2.5 Kilometers.

My baby does not like to give up half an hour of sleep, and he most definitely does not enjoy running.

Regardless, he has improved immeasurably. Now in his second year, Tyler’s endurance, speed, and overall performance have given me plenty of hope. Let’s just say I didn’t think we could make it this far.

My son dreads it still, but he now has more confidence. Meanwhile, I find Pokemon cards and extra game time an excellent form of motivation.

Our job as parents is to make the right decisions, to guide and play a role in deciding our children’s future. Unfortunately, they don’t always agree with our judgement.

One day they will appreciate it…

Transition

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blogging, Children, family, husband, kids, life, love, partner, teamwork, transition, Work

After being a full-time parent for half a decade, it was time to re-enter the job market.

It would be a difficult task; the challenge is not only to be employed but adjusting to the changes in our family’s normal daily routine.

Once accustomed to a certain lifestyle, a slight shift in schedule may seem dramatic even if it is a casual three days a week.

I have not missed a single important moment or milestone in my children’s life, whether it was the first step or the moment my child discovered his first wiggly tooth. I was there. It has been that way their entire life.

But, to my surprise the boys are hardly disturbed by my absence. Sure, they miss me, but no more than if they had just return from a day at school. I should be happy with the smooth transition but I can’t help feel a little sad that my children no longer need me.

It wasn’t as easy with my husband who needed a lot of convincing. He is westernized yet with traditional family values, in that a woman should stay home with the children while the man went to work.

He was not thrilled that our roles would reverse, yet as reluctant as he was, he is very supportive. I am very fortunate to have found such an amazing life partner.

We make an awesome team.

And with great teamwork, there is no limit to what can be accomplished.

Awkward encounter

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Awkward, blog, blogging, life, loneliness, love, old folks, thoughts, Work

I arrived early to work yesterday, thinking there was a staff meeting.

The wait seemed long so I asked an elderly gentlemen for the time; he was on his way to the Men’s Washroom.

There must have been a miscommunication as I was told it was already ten pass nine, and no one else had shown up.

The old man continued talking, explaining his day’s plan as I politely listened and nodded.

He was garrulous like many senior folks, but there’s something about them that I can’t help but engage. Perhaps, they are old and helpless and so often reminded me of Grandfather.

In my two years at a residential care facility, I discovered the importance of human connection. In old age, people often feel isolated due to the lack of social contact. For this reason old people seek companionship,and someone to listen.

I was happy to be that someone today. I had time after all.

I learned about his immediate family members, especially his mother whom he was meeting for tea and hot cross buns. In exchange, I spoke of my precious boys.

He repeatedly commented on my appearance and how he enjoys talking to me. I thought it was sweet at first, but he kept asking about my marital relationship, and then said he wanted to marry me! WHAT?! I didn’t know what to think. It got more awkward when he insisted on having my phone number. There was a desperate look on his face, a different kind of loneliness.

Dear Lord!

All I could think of was what my husband would say. “I told you to stop talking to strangers.”

I got out of there real fast, and called my husband of course.

Part-time mom

Tags

blogging, career, changes, family, life, motherhood, Returning to work

It’s been five years since I last worked, eight years since my last full-time job.

I had no idea that motherhood would result in such a huge lifestyle change.

I had not planned on staying away for that long.

The first year was hardest: adjusting to new demands while mourning my old life.

I missed human interaction and having a social life. Heck, having a life. Period.

It got better. Then, I find myself embracing the imbalance. Somewhere along the way, I evolved.

It happened without warning, as motherhood has.

But the day has come for my return.

The boys are self-sufficient. I feel very comfortable leaving them for three days a week. It felt right.

I literally just decided this last month.

Since Vegas, I’ve been on a series of interviews.

After years of being away, I fell rusty. There are both doubts and fears, not to mention the five years gap in my resume.

A change in career path has crossed my mind, but having the position I’ve always wanted required full time school. I would have to invest in the time and resources, both of which I cannot afford.

I’m certain I will revisit the idea, perhaps when the boys are much older. I’ll feel it when the time is right.

For now, I’m lucky to find a perfect location to rebuild my clientele.

The first day of work went surprisingly well and fast. I was worried initially, but things quickly become familiar. As the day went on, I re-gained confidence and was soon comfortable.

I’m feeling good about this next chapter.

Quick Escape

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Bootleg Canyon, desert, fitness, flightlinez, health, healthy-living, lake mead nevada, lifestyle, nature's beauty, outdoors, red mountain, scenery, travels, trip, Vegas, ziplines

A couple weeks ago, my husband and I took off to Las Vegas for a quick winter escape.

We met up with some friends, spent some quality down time and had a great adventure.

My second time would be different. I wanted an experience outside the Strip, away from the glittering lights and busy traffic.

On my search for Things to do in Vegas, I stumbled on Bootleg Canyon Flightlines, run by Greenheart Conservation Co. Ltd, which also built zip lines at the San Diego Wild Animal Park in Haiti and at Whistler, British Columbia in Canada.

The decision was easy; it’s the type of adrenaline-filled, endorphin-drenched excitement I’d enjoy. Plus, the reviews are very convincing.

The company bus picked us up at Excalibur Hotel, on a 30 minutes ride, where we got to explore the beauty of Las Vegas desert.

When arrived at the office in Boulder City, we signed waiver forms, which by the way really make you rethink the decision. The guides  performed a quick orientation and demonstration of the safety procedures.

We hopped back on the bus for another 15 minutes scenic ride up Red Mountain. The staffs kept us entertained the entire time with jokes and historic facts. They were amazing.

We took a moderate hike to the first platform. The scenery is intense, with views of Boulder City, Eldorado Valley, Lake Mead, Nevada city and even a part of the Hoover Dam!

airplane shadow

There are four runs in total, each with 4 parallel lines. The First Run has the biggest drop of 450 ft. Yet impressively, I did not experience the “stomach in throat” feeling associated with roller coasters.

The second run is 1864 feet across the beautiful Mojave Desert valley.

 We made it to the top…

Luckily, without having to fight off any rattle snakes.

The Third Run is the longest, measuring almost half a mile in length.

Although the fourth is shortest of the four, it’s also the most exciting, picking up speeds of up to 75-80 mph.

The was truly an amazing experience! If you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply want to get away from the lights and noises of the Strip, this is a MUST!!!

Thanks Tu Le for these gorgeous photos.

Time is a valuable asset

Tags

cardio, fitness, gym, health, healthy-living, life, lifestyle, physical exertion, time

The last ten minutes of cardio class was exhausting. I often don’t put much effort toward the end. In fact, I can hardly wait for it to be over by then.

But, today my instructor Sheila said something that got me thinking differently.

I was ready to give in to the cries from the tortured muscles in my body, when I heard “work as hard as you can, because time will run out.”

And then . . . something just clicked. I had a moment of revelation.

Life is busy, and time isn’t always available. So, being at the gym is a luxury.

Why not take advantage of every second of this valuable, limited timespan. After all, the physical exertion can only go on for so long, before the hour comes to an end.

Somedays it just makes sense.

-”Don’t stop when you’re tired; Stop when you’re done!”

Barely able to walk after, but I did it!

Hola!

Tags

beach, cancun, Children, family, gran melia hotel, kids, mexico, oceanview, paradisus resort, trip, vacation

Hello friends, it’s been a while!

We took off and headed south this winter to Cancun Mexico for eight days.

Our first annual family vacation was a success: the boys wanted to stay another week; I, on the other hand, could stay there forever.

I was extremly pleased with my husband’s choice of the new Paradisus resort. (Formally Gran Melia Hotel.) The hotel is enormous and beautifully designed with lavish architecture of the five majestic pyramids. Hanging vines as high as 70 feet surrounds the interior. Tropical plants, Koi fish-filled ponds and scented candles decorate this 5-star, 4-diamond luxurious resort paradise.

But, it was the ocean view that sent me straight to Heaven. I’m glad we spent the extra bucks, it was worth every penny!

The beach was also incredible with warm, crystal clear water and soft white sand, as advertised.

I highly recommend family concierge service if you’re traveling with children. Professional butlers and concierges will take care of your every need (on a provided mobile phone): dinner reservations, Bali/cabana beds, excursions, transportation, meals, you name it!

There are nightly entertainments for family and daily Kids zone/activities for children. Parents can also enjoy the night alone with a babysitter available at any time.

The food options are huge, with seven different restaurants to choose from. Tempo is by far the highest quality dining experience we’ve ever had, with a menu by Martine Berasategui from Spain. (one of the world’s finest restaurants!)

It was nice to return to a relatively mild winter.

Preserving our Heritage

Tags

bilingual, Children, culture, family, heritage, language, life, parenting, Vietnamese

At a family gathering the other night, I was complimented on my Vietnamese speaking skills. I was flatted, as it came from a Vietnamese citizen who is recently studying in Canada on a student visa.

Thuy noticed that in North America, many Asian youth of my generation speak Vietnamese with an accent.

While it pleases me to know that I’m fluent in my native language, I fear the same could not be said of my children.

It’s our fault the boys don’t feel comfortable communicating in the mother tongue: My husband and I use more English when speaking to our friends and even to each other. We speak mostly in English to our children. It’s so much easier because they’re already well adapted to this culture and its language, as are we.

But much like everything we learn, without practice we will eventually forget. And I don’t want them to lose their identity, or the connection to our culture.

It’s our responsibility as parents to pass on the things we’ve learnt, to teach our children the family history and help them maintain their heritage.

For my resolution this year, I vow to teach the boys on becoming bilingual speakers, at the same time deepening my own roots.

This isn’t an easy task, as it is never easy to break a habit.

We’ll have to challenge ourselves, push out of our comfort zone, resist the urge, and make a conscious effort to choose the difficult choice.

It is a long-term commitment with a slow progress. But as long as there is progress, there is hope.

So, here’s to making progress in 2013!

My experience with racism

Tags

blogging, discrimination, family, ignorance, journal, life, prejudice, racism, stories

I was at Shoppers the other day getting whipping cream for a dessert recipe I had planned on making that afternoon.  It was my third attempt that morning. Sold out. Who knew whipping cream was in such high demand?

As I head toward the exit doors, I walked pass the 50% after-Christmas clearance aisle.  Very tempting displays. Well, I have found some good deals in the pass. The retailers’ tactic at keeping me in their store worked.

The selections were small. As I browsed through the rolls of decorative papers, a woman in her mid-40’s mumbled something under her breath, as if talking to herself. She was two feet away and must have been looking at the gift wraps as well. My brain was slow to process, it wasn`t till a full two seconds later that it hit me. Hold on. Wait a minute. Did she just– No.  Could I’ve heard “I wish you people would go back to your country”? I can’t be sure, but I definitely heard the last four words of that sentence.

Disturbed by the possibility of a racist attack I immediately looked over at her, but unable to meet her eyes. Instead, I spotted an Asian lady within the same distance from that woman, who apparently have not heard a thing.

The woman then turned abruptly and walked away, all the while I was still trying to process what had just happened: retracting the steps leading up to that moment.

I was more confused than upset; wanting to understand what possessed her to say such an ignorant thing. And could I have possibly provoked it?

Sandwiched between two Asians must have made her very uncomfortable.

I quickly decided that she was no more than a miserable soul, who is more harmful to herself than others. I refuse to be poisoned by her. Plus, I was having way too good of a day (despite my failed grocery attempt) to let this unhappy person dragged me down. I will not give her that satisfaction.

There will always be prejudice in the world. We just have to remember and remind ourselves and our children that it’s just an irrational way of thinking, that often times have no reflection on us.

Walking away is the right choice; it doesn’t mean we are weak or powerless. We’re simply more intelligent.

P.S. I did find a full stock of whipping cream at Safeway after that.

Rushing through the holidays

Tags

busy, christmas, christmas celebration, family, family gatherings, holidays, life, pressure, stress

Christmas season is exciting, yet also one of the most exhausting time of the year.

We stress over the pressure and expectations which is created by none other than ourselves.

We hustle through the holidays with a million things on our mind.

As the days draw close we experience anxiety of the last minute shopping, still trying to find the right gifts, selecting that perfect cocktail dress, completing the grocery list while preparing our home for family gatherings.

The extensive busyness and fast pace of this annual Christmas celebration leaves not a moment to ourselves, to think, to recuperate.

With all the distraction, we forget what Christmas is about, and what we are really celebrating.

So, take a moment to pause this holiday season to reflect on YOU, your life, your family and the world around you.

Identify your vision – prepare to apply the necessary changes in the New Year!

Happy Holidays everyone. Enjoy time with your family and stay safe.

Cheers!