Social Skills …

As I was driving down the road to the familiar surrounding on nearby middle school, I was met by a police who was blocking the incoming traffic toward that road. I rolled down my window and asked, “Hi officer. Is everything okay.” And He said, “Yes.” I said thank you with my puzzling mind. Still suspecting. It was quite unusual to find a policeman at that road. And I drove further, and I saw more policemen. All of sudden, a phone interrupted my thoughts and it was from the mass phone call made by the school.  Apparently there was a police investigation on our high school. I dropped my younger daughter to her school. Like any mother would do, I said, “Please stay safe. Don’t take bathroom break during class time. Make sure to go during brunch or lunch time.” She nodded and walked away.

I went home that very day with anxious feeling. Normally I hardly ever turn on the TV and that day, I tuned in to local news and woala. Apparently a bomb threat was being investigated at our high school. Later my girl told me that it was a bomb threat addressed to a specific teacher. Interesting.  And the graffiti was found on a different high school and my younger daughter’s school indicating the name of the high school and the teacher name. Sad.

As if bad news are trying to battle in this holiday season, another thundering news had hit us from Connecticut. Leaving the rest of feeling sad and confused.

This morning I read an article in the New York Times’ health section and I found this title In Gun Debate, a Misguided Focus on Mental Illness. What drew me in was this very sentence, “Most of these killers are young men who are not floridly psychotic. They tend to be paranoid loners who hold a grudge and are full of rage.”

This led me to write this blog. Social skill is such an important skill to own. As we all know. We need to mingle and communicate. Only then we can find a medium to let out our frustrations and perhaps inside rages. As a parent, it is our jobs to guide our children on how to  find the right balance. I know it is a difficult job but I believe thru loving and unconditionally supports, we can help our children to be happy ones. Only then, the rest of us can have peace in mind. 

Until next stop,
Journey of Life 

Sandy and My Phoenix ...

When the world is mourning over Sandy the storm that devastated many individuals. I too was hit by a storm. A storm that took over my heart and I felt like I have aged a decade older over night. The other day when I said this to a blogger friend, "Good news is, Sandy is long gone," And her answer was, "Unfortunately sandy is not gone… so many people in hard hit areas are still suffering from her wrath… it is very sad…"

My little phoenix was sick for months. It was all started with little flu that turned into a big storm. One after another and finally like the Sandy that came and gone but left so many debris around. That storm that hit us did come and go but left so much pain behind.

Not only we have to deal with the fact she was sick but all of the logistics from the school. Just like people who was hit was Sandy. NOT only they have to deal  the storm but all of the aftermath. Same here, we have to deal with aftermath of being sick.

As of the storm was NOT big enough, she was infected by yet more viral infections couple more times. Just like those victims of Sandy who have to cope with the rising cost of Gasoline and loss of electricity.

Regardless, whether Sandy or the storm that hit us hard here have long gone or not. All I know is the sun is always there and I can feel its warmth and hopefully it is strong enough to move us forward.

Until next stop,
Journey of Life 

Tidbits about Taiwan

On our last stop to Taiwan. I would like to talk more about its weather, food, people and whatever that comes to my mind.

Do you know that the Taipei airport  offers free half day tour for tourist? Here is the link: http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/tour/index.htm

And if you are staying over nights, I would suggest to stay at the W-Taipei hotel. Its location is next to the MTR, which is very convenient for train rides and their service is outrageous!

Welcome gift is awaiting in your room ...

Summer is always hot and humid and depending on the timing, you maybe meet by typhoons. If you are not on the center of the typhoon, consider yourself lucky but still you can't escape the rains. I heard December is the best time to travel there.

Despite the hot and humid weather, Taiwan has a lot to offer especially if you are up for an adventurous. And their foods! They have quite a number of night markets and you would find a lot of snacks. All kinds, from mushrooms, seafood, soup, mango shave iced and more.

Places that I would recommend:
- Visiting the Night Markets (http://journeyofmylifendestiny.blogspot.com/2012/11/night-market-in-taiwan.html)
- Taroko National Park (http://journeyofmylifendestiny.blogspot.com/2012/11/journey-to-taroko-national-park-taiwan.html)
- Sun Moon Lake (http://journeyofmylifendestiny.blogspot.com/2012/11/journey-to-sun-moon-lake.html)
- Watching Sun Rise at Mount Ali (http://journeyofmylifendestiny.blogspot.com/2012/10/journey-to-mount-ali-taiwan.html)
- Ximending shopping area, clothing here are really inexpensive and you can try them on as well. Eventhough this place is not the wholesale markets but their prices are not that far off. I also went to wufenpu, garment wholesale market, which literally 1000 shops selling all kind of garments. But the problem with that place is you can't try on which I found it a bit cumbersome.
- Taipei 101, high rise luxury shopping area. We didn't get to go to the top since it was cloudy on the day when were scheduled to go. Oh ... well :-)

- If you love dumplings, you must visit this place and they are de-li-ci-ous! http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g293913-d1013319-Reviews-Din_Tai_Fung_Chung_Hsiao_Road-Taipei.html

Just like when I was in Italy, I found Italians are very very heart-warning, same here in Taiwan. Taiwanese would go out of their ways to help you whenever you ask for it and they are very friendly. Our experiences throughout was nothing but fun. And we can't wait to go back for more delicious delicacies.

Until next stop,
Journey of Life

But ...

A: "I know how you felt about that. At the same time, you need to take some responsibilities and perhaps you can change the way you ..."
B: "Yes. But ..."
A:"Maybe you can start by admitting the mistake you made then you can see what you can ..."
B:"Well ... but ..."
and ...
B: "But ... "


Can you visualize the above conversation even without knowing the whole conversation? Person A is trying hard to give a new perspective to B. All B did was nothing but counter argued. Sometimes in life, we need to tug away the word, "but," and attempt to see what's beyond. Perhaps then we can see what lies ahead.

There are times when we need to utter the word 'but,' and then there are times when we should just sit and listen. Perhaps then, we would be inspired. Perhaps then, we would be able to see what have hindered us from moving forward.

Having said that, have you ever found yourself giving many excuses despite repeatedly making the same mistakes. After awhile, they all became old news. I have seen this many times in my life. When I see someone that I care, sometimes can't help it but trying to enlighten them. Only after so many tries, I have come to realize that when the word 'but' got in the way, and despite our efforts, we were going nowhere with the conversations.

It is tough. It is even tougher if we block our minds with excuses. Often, I have told my girls, if they hide behind excuses, it would be hard for them to excel, to walk out from the situation they are in. In fact, the problem will always be there awaiting for them--for them to come out with another excuse.

Hope you enjoy this little visit on the word But ...

Until next stop,
Journey of Life  

Filial Piety

''When I was small, you carry me; When you grow old, I carry you'' ........one newspaper commended as saying. These words touched many hearts.

filial piety

noun

(in Confucianism) the important virtue and primary duty of respect, obedience, and care for one's parents and elderly family members.

This man in the photo whose name is Ting Tsu-chi, retired from the Bureau of Investigation in the southern city of Tainan five years ago. His mother became depressed after her husband passed away. In order to care for his mother, he has given up his promotion and chose to retire early.

And his motto in life nowadays ...

''When I was small, you carry me; When you grow old, I carry you'' 

I hope you enjoy this little stop visiting the Filial Piety ...

Until next stop,
Journey of Life   

Reaching out ...

 The ability to reach out to seek for help is admirable, pushing aside pride for the betterment of self, and the ability to lend our hands to those in need is truly a pleasure

In our lives, we have met many people. Some that would ask for help in a split second and some that would even take advantage of us. Others would hesitate, and we need to extend our hands for those who do so to accept our support.

And then there are those who refuse to ask for help no matter what. Somehow those people manage to get themselves out of the trouble and self sufficient. Also, there are some who won't reach out their hands even if they are on the verge of collapsing. And this post is dedicated for them.

Imagine this, someone has fallen into a hole and we happened to notice that. We have tried our best to reach out to them but that person refused to extend their hand to us. We kept on trying and the more we tried, the more they refused and in the process, we have hurt them instead.

Have you ever been in that situation? If so, what would you do ... leave them alone knowing that they will perish or insisting on helping them.It is tough decision. Personally, I would never give up and I would keep on trying until I find a way ... I just can't walk away. I simply can't.



Until next stop,
Journey of Life  

Where Do I Begin?

Where do I begin
To tell the story of ...
The sweet or bitter stories that are older than the sea
The simple truth about what is happening to me
Where do I start …

Like it? I borrowed those lines from the "Love Story" songs by Andy Williams and modified them to my need :-)

OK. Perhaps let me start by saying that I have disappeared for a while in case you haven’t noticed yet. Too many things happened at once and I have to let go of something …

Funny thing is even though I was not sitting at my desk writing away,  I’ve never stopped writing in my mind and thinking about you all. In fact, I have been writing but those words are buried deep in my mind. Can someone lend me a magic wand so I can retrieve those words out? Should I call Harry Porter?

Nevertheless, I am fine and back to blogging this week. The time when I was gone, I've acquired some new habits. I have been reading some financial news. Normally I am only interested in reading medical, psychology type of articles but now I am building a new habit in reading financial related articles as well as attending some online classes. Just don't want you to be shocked if you find some of my blogs smelling like dollar. :-)

As far as work is concerned, it has been busy and life in general have been hectic. Wish holiday is here as I am so ready for it. In fact, I am ready for next year-the brand new beginning.

That is it for now and I will resume my regular posting tomorrow.

Until next stop,
Journey of Life

Mysterious Giver ...

(This writing was originally posted last year during Thanksgiving time)

There is this story about “The Mitten Tree,” by Candace Christensen, where this lonely older lady felt compassionate to a lone, young boy who was watching other children playing in the snow with his bare hands in his pockets. So, she decided to knit a pair of mittens for that boy. She enjoyed seeing the happiness in his face and being the mysterious giver. The lady decided to knit one new pair each day and hung them in a different branch of the tree for each child that has no mittens. Children enjoyed this gift giving game where they would search thru every branch of the tree to find the mittens of the day. The day before the winter holiday, this lady hung different color of mittens on every branch of the spruce tree.

This lady has found her happiness thru the gift that she has been giving to the children. She never expected anything in return but the happiness and contentment found in the children face. She felt as if her life was fuller from the laughter and expressions that the children had. One day, in return, she found a mysterious basket lying on her front porch filled with different color of yarns.

 

We are very lucky to live in this part of the world where people are quite generous when come to sharing their wealth. People have been involved in reaching out to the less fortunate, to the victims of many different disasters from different parts of the world.

Let’s pause during this thanksgiving time to express our gratitude for those who have been playing a crucial role in assisting the needy. Because of them, there are less people who would die from cold, hunger and lack of shelters. Because of them, there are a lot of children that would go to sleep with a full tummy. Because of them, there are a lot of children that would have some place to turn in before the darkness beckoned.

I would like to take this opportunity in my journey to wish everyone, “Happy Thanksgiving!” May this thanksgiving bring you all happiness that is beyond what you have given to others. And perhaps inspire the rest us to be the "Mysterious Giver!"

Until next stop,
Journey of Life

Sleeping Beauty

Recently some of you must have heard the Sleeping Beauty from Pennsylvania, a seventeen year old Nicole Delien, who allegedly have been sleeping straights 64 days. She did wake up for couple hours each day to eat which she couldn’t recall at all—in a sleep walking state. She was diagnosed with the disease called Kleine-Levein Syndrome (KLS.) This syndrome is categorized by repeated and unusually long occurrences of excessive sleepiness that affects behavioral and cognitive abilities and hunger, according to the Center for Narcolepsy at the Stanford University School of Medicine. The condition normally affects adolescent

Apparently if the syndrome is present, it could last for days even months, causing the victim to be dysfunctional from normal routines/activities. It is also noted that individuals who suffer from this disease are mostly bedridden and unable to communicate—they are either sleeping or in sleeping walking states.

According to www.cbsnews.com, “No diagnostic medical test can confirm the disease, with patients showing normal results on brain scans, EEGS, and cerebrospinal fluid tests. Stanford University School of Medicine said the rarity of KLS, compared to the high-frequency of flu-like illnesses suggests some patients may be genetically predisposed to the disease.” –cited from http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57552053/17-year-old-pa-woman-battles-sleeping-beauty-syndrome/

Nicole and her parents are trying to spread the awareness about this Sleeping Beauty Syndrome and so is this stop.

Until next stop,
Journey of Life